12 Day Cultural Heritage Trip
Beijing - Xi'an - Suzhou - Shanghai
Our All-inclusive Package:
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Visa and insurance fees at no additional cost
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Round-trip airfare and all transportation expenses within China, including airfare, bus, and train tickets, as well as sightseeing boat tickets
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Accommodation throughout the duration of the tour
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All breakfasts & 2 lunches & 2 dinners
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Tickets to all shows and cultural experiences featured in the tour itinerary
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Tickets to all sightseeing attractions featured in the tour itinerary
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Five Chinese intangible heritage workshops, all included in your package at no extra charge
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An English-speaking guide accompanying the group for the duration of the trip, ensuring a smooth program and offering assistance with any issues encountered in China
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Local guides in each area, offering expertise and familiarity with the region
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Chinese SIM card with unlimited data usage
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Professional photographer on board. At the end of the journey, each participant will receive 10-20 high-quality photos at no extra charge as a keepsake of their experience
Five Workshops
to Experience
Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage
Workshop 1: Sugar Painting (糖画)
It is a form of traditional Chinese folk art using hot, liquid sugar to create two dimensional objects on a marble or metal surface.
Workshop 2: Kite Making (风筝)
A kite is a flying object typically made of a lightweight frame covered with paper, cloth, or plastic. It is tethered to the ground with a string or cord and flies in the wind
Workshop 3: Steamed Jujube Flower Bun(花馍)
It is a traditional Chinese delicacy made from a soft, fluffy bun dough filled with sweet red bean paste made from jujube fruit (also known as Chinese dates).
Workshop 4: Resist Dyeing(扎染)
It is a traditional method of dyeing textiles with patterns. Methods are used to "resist" or prevent the dye from reaching all the cloth, thereby creating a pattern and ground.
Workshop 5:Velvet Flower Hairpin(绒花)
These hairpins are commonly worn by women in Asian countries like China as a traditional accessory, especially during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and traditional ceremonies.
12-day Immersion Trip
to Explore
Chinese Language and Culture
DAY 01
PM: Check in & set up SIM card and payment methods & Welcome dinner
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Upon arrival in Beijing, your local guide will meet students at the arrival gate.
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Transfer to the hotel and complete check-in procedures.
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The local guide will assist in setting up a Chinese SIM card (if you don't have data in China) and help you establish Alipay or WeChat payment methods. *These are essential for making payments in China, as most places prefer mobile payments over other methods like Apple Pay or credit cards.
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Dinner: The welcome dinner will feature the renowned Peking duck while watching a traditional Peking opera (京剧). Students can also take a try with peking opera under the guidance of the masters.
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After dinner, we will conduct icebreakers and hold an opening ceremony. During this time, we will review the rules that students must follow throughout the 12-day trip, as well as provide an overview of the daily schedule.
DAY 02
AM: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
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Explore Tiananmen Square to appreciate its historical and cultural significance.
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Visit the Forbidden City delving into its rich history where emperors held court, concubines adorned themselves, and eunuchs plotted for five centuries.
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Lunch: Experience famous beijing local cuisine — BeiJing Hot Pot
PM: Summer Palace & Beijing's Hutongs
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Enjoy a tranquil boating experience amidst the serene beauty of lotus-filled lakes at the Summer Palace.
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Embark on a pedi-cab tour through Beijing's Hutong, stopping at a traditional Siheyuan (courtyard home). You will be introduced to participate in traditional Chinese activities, with options such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, dumpling making, learning about stories of old objects in hutongs, cricket fighting, sugar figurine making
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Dinner: Explore the local flavors at Nanluoguxiang Night Market. *Recommended treats to try: 炸酱面 (Zhajiangmian), 糖葫芦 (Tanghulu), 卤煮 (Lu Zhou), 奶卷 (Nai Juan), 爆肚 (Bao Du)
DAY 03
AM: Temple of Heaven & Workshop 01
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Engage in morning activities at the Temple of Heaven, joining locals in leisure activities. Participate in activities such as learning Tai chi from a Master or trying your hand at yo-yo or kicking shuttlecocks.
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Workshop 1:Sugar Painting (糖画)
PM: The Great Wall
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Head to the Great Wall of China for an afternoon of exploration. Choose between hiking or taking the cable car for stunning views.
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Dinner:Beijing Local food
DAY 04
AM: Workshop 02 - Kite Making (风筝)
PM: University Tour
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Visit to Tsinghua/Peking University Campus
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Hearing students from Peking University and Tsinghua University talk about their upbringing and school life experiences in China.
DAY 05
AM: Transfer from Beijing to Xi'an
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Take an early bullet train at 7 am for an approximate arrival in Xi'an at 12 pm.
PM: “Twelve Hours of Chang'an” Cultural District
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Explore Twelve Hours of Chang'an, China's first immersive Tang-style city life district, covering 24,000 square meters of three-dimensional commercial space. It features Chang'an snacks, themed cultural creations, special performances, immersive games, and scenic experiences in diverse "original Tang" business forms. Many visitors dress up in Chinese Tang Dynasty costumes, offering an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty culture, take photos, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
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Evening: Experience "The Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City"walking street, where the modern city of Xi'an is transformed into the Tang Dynasty's heyday.
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Dinner: Try Xi’an Street food in this cultural setting.
DAY 06
AM: Anrenfang Ruins Exhibition Center &Shaanxi History Museum
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Embark on a museum tour to delve into the rich culture of the Tang Dynasty at three of Xi'an's most renowned museums: Anrenfang Ruins Exhibition Center, Xi'an Museum, and Shaanxi History Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing poetry, residences, costumes, musical instruments, and more.
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Lunch: Xi'an Local Food
PM: Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor & Workshop 03
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Visit the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor to marvel at the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
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Workshop 3: Steamed Jujube Flower Bun(花馍)
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Dinner:Xi'an local food
DAY 07
AM: Transfer from Xi'an - Suzhou
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Lunch: Suzhou Local Food
PM: Pingjiang Road & Humble Administrator's Garden & Suzhou Museum
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Along Pingjiang Road, one of the most historical and cultural roads in Suzhou, we will arrive at Humble Administrator's Garden and Suzhou Museum.
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The Humble Administrator's Garden has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as a quintessential example of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Within its serene confines, visitors can immerse themselves in the poetic ambiance of Jiangnan water towns and experience the tranquil beauty of a traditional Chinese garden.
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Suzhou Museum stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment, drawing millions of visitors annually to explore its vast collections. With over 2 million visitors in 2018, it ranks among the world's most frequented museums. Here, patrons can delve into the realms of ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy, and exquisite handmade crafts, gaining profound insights into Suzhou's rich cultural heritage.
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Dinner: Suzhou's famous Crab Meat Noodle followed by a delectable dessert
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Evening: Enjoy a boat ride along Seven Mile Shantang Street and explore the lively night market
DAY 08
AM: Suzhou's Morning Tea tradition & Workshop 04
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Brunch: Experience Suzhou's Morning Tea tradition ( Tea & brunch)
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Workshop 04: Resist Dyeing(扎染)
PM: Suzhou Pingtan
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Experience the enchanting Suzhou Pingtan, a beloved musical and oral performance art originating from the Jiangnan region of China.
DAY 09
AM: Suzhou - Shanghai
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Lunch: Shanghai Local Cuisine
PM: Shanghai City Walk & Huangpu River ferry
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Yuyuan Road - Xingdu Road - Huashan Road - Xujiahui.
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Along the way, immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of China's most beautiful bookstore, an eclectic art district bustling with creativity, embracing the lively spirit and cultural richness of Shanghai's urban landscape.
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Dinner: Shanghai Local Cuisine
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Evening:Head to the Bund and catch the Huangpu River ferry to enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower illuminated against the night sky.
DAY 10
AM: Gonqing National Forest Park
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Visit Gonqing National Forest Park, Shanghai's unique park featuring lush forest landscapes. Explore the park's diverse recreational offerings, including roller coasters, electric slides, karting, bumper cars, rock climbing, paintball, tandem bicycles, jungle trains, and flying chairs.
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Lunch: Shanghai Local Cuisine
PM: Xintiandi
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Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through Xintiandi, a vibrant district known for its blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern lifestyle amenities. Explore the area's upscale boutiques, trendy shops, and diverse dining options.
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Dinner: Shanghai Local Cuisine
DAY 11
AM:Workshop5 -Velvet Flower Hairpin(绒花)
PM: Closing Ceremony & Workshop Results Presentation
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Awarding of Certificates of Completion
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Presentation of Workshop Results
DAY 12
AM: Return Flight
Sample Itinerary
(Subject to Adjustment Based on Specific Conditions)