Globetrotting
SOC 1142 (01)
MUL 1142 (01)
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of China as you explore this country of more than a billion people. Through visits with local students and families, you will gain an intimate understanding of everyday life here. Embark on adventures in its largest cities, including Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. Discover centuries of history—and recognize China’s growing importance in the modern world.
Index
Itinerary:
Day 1 Flight: Your adventure begins as you fly through the night to China.
Day 2 Beijing: Touch down in Beijing. It was in this city that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Meet your bilingual tour director, who will remain with you throughout your stay; then transfer to your hotel.
Day 3 Beijing: An expert local guide introduces you to the Chinese capital, a treasure chest of imperial monuments. This ancient city first received its modern name when it became the capital for the second time in Chinese history in 1402 (“Beijing” means “Northern Capital”). See Tiananmen Square (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), the largest public square in the world. Visit the Forbidden City (Gugong), accessible only to members of the imperial court until as late as 1949. Get a close up look at the golden-roofed Imperial Palace, one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. Hundreds of thousands of workers labored on the construction of this palatial complex during the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424). It was renovated during the 18th century (Qing Dynasty). Although situated in the very heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is surrounded by both a moat and a protective wall. The emperors who once resided here often spent their entire lives within the complex. Visit to a local school (except during Chinese holidays and exam time). Learn what school is like in China when you meet with Chinese students. Of course, they’ll be curious about American schools too, so be prepared to answer a lot of questions!
Tonight, you’ll be treated to northern China’s most famous dish: Peking Duck! During this special feast, learn about the ritual preparation and savory side dishes that accompany this regional specialty.
Day 4 Beijing: Excursion to Badaling and the Great Wall of China. Travel north to Badaling to view one of the wonders of the world: the Great Wall of China. Its construction began in the 5th century B.C. as a defense against the Mongols: 300,000 people (many of whom are buried in the wall) labored on it over several centuries. The Great Wall extends across mountains and valleys for more than 3,000 miles perhaps only a tenth of its former length!
Rickshaw tour of hutongs: A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing. Today, although the city is becoming an international metropolis, its small lanes and alleyways still provide access to dwellings for half the total urban population. Experiential learning: Cultural immersion (except during Chinese holidays). Peek into the daily life of a typical Chinese family. Learn and enjoy the art of Chinese cooking during a visit to a local household!
Optional kung fu show: Prepare to be amazed as you take in this dance spectacular. A mixture of kung fu, dance and acrobatics, this show combines ornate costumes, vibrant set design and gravity-defying kung fu moves sure to impress you.
Day 5 Beijing and Xi’an: Temple of Heaven Park: See Tiantan, or Temple of Heaven Park, a huge outdoor complex adorned with Ming and Qing relics.
See the Ancient City Wall: Walk along Xi’an’s ancient City Wall tonight.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an (pronounced Shi-ahn), one of China’s most extraordinary cities. Xi’an was once the largest city in the world and the capital of 11 dynasties.
Day 6 Xi’an: Guided sightseeing of Xi’an: Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo during guided sightseeing. Xi’an was located at the eastern end of the Silk Road, the route the famous traveler followed. See the 7th-century Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built upon the orders of Xuan Zang, the monk who introduced Buddhism to China; the city walls; the 118-foot-high Bell Tower; and the Great Mosque (one of China’s oldest Muslim temples).
Visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum: See artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which was built on the site of a former Confucian temple.
Visit the intriguing Museum of the Terra-Cotta Army, which exhibits the amazing collection of figures discovered by peasants digging for water in 1974. The army’s 8,099 painstakingly modeled, life-size warriors and horses—of which no two are alike—were sculpted to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, founder of the Qin Dynasty (221–206 B.C.) and the #rst ruler to unify China.
IMAX Theatre: View a fascinating film depicting the excavation process of the Terra-Cotta Army.
Optional Tang Dynasty Show and Dinner: Opt to experience the splendor of the Tang Dynasty at this world-class theater restaurant featuring famous Cantonese cuisine. Since its opening in 1988, the complex has accommodated more than 2.5 million guests from around the world.
Day 7 Xi’an and Shanghai: Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Shanghai (meaning “up from the sea”) has been an important port for centuries. China’s Communist Party—and later the Cultural Revolution— originated in Shanghai. Enjoy spectacular views from the Jin Mao Tower, China’s tallest building and the fifth-tallest building in the world.
Walk along the Bund, once considered the “Wall Street of the East.” Enjoy beautiful views of the city as you walk along the landscaped promenade overlooking the water.
Witness a thrilling display by talented performers during today’s show of traditional Chinese acrobatics.
Day 8 Shanghai: Guided sightseeing begins in the heart of the city with a visit to the Bund (once considered the “Wall Street of the East”), a beautifully landscaped promenade overlooking the waterfront. You’ll also view the Jade Buddha Temple; the extraordinary Buddhas you see here (each sculpted from a single piece of white jade) were brought from Burma by a Chinese monk in the last century. One portrays Buddha experiencing Enlightenment, the other his transcendence into Nirvana. Continue on to the glorious Yu Yuan Garden, a showplace of classical Chinese landscaping dating back to 1537. The Chinese consider gardening a complex art form in which the challenge is to construct an entire world in miniature, using minerals, plants and animals in a limited space.
Spend time admiring the crafts and delicacies in the interesting shops that line colorful Nanjing Road.
Day 9 Home: Transfer to the airport, where you’ll check in for your return flight home.
Costs:
Program fee includes:
- Round-trip airfare
- 7 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (plus 3 nights with extension)
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- 1 lunch (with extension)
- Full-time bilingual EF tour director
- 1 education visit
- Select guides and entrances to special attractions as per itinerary
Optional:
- Huangpu River Cruise (extra $15)
- Tang Dynasty Show and Dinner (extra $75)
The price is set at $3392 per students with 10 enrolled and $3224 per student with 30 enrolled. As economic conditions change, these prices may vary. A deposit of $545 must be paid at time of registration and the final payment is due NO LATER THAN Oct. 23. Failure to pay by that day will result in student being dropped from the tour and replaced.
** Fees not covered: Tipping of guides and bus drivers in China and all fees associated with visas and passports.
Print-Friendly Page
Email a Friend