Description

Home to well over a billion people, China holds a myriad of ancient traditions and secrets tucked away in its varied landscapes, pulsing cities, and charming rural hamlets. Join us for an exciting and illuminating journey through the highlights of this vast and intriguing country.

Welcome to the Future
The first stop on your tour will be the blossoming city of Shanghai, home to the heartbeat of modern-day China. Currently one of the fastest developing cities on the planet, Shanghai has long been an important commerce hub and was frequented by European traders, explorers, and diplomats for centuries. Savor the classic architecture of the Bund, and then gaze across the vast Huangpu River at the city's futuristic skyline. Shop for antique handicrafts and souvenirs in the Old City and feel the buzz of modern-day China on Nanjing Street.

Beyond the Great Wall
After visiting futuristic Shanghai, you will head to Beijing, the heart of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Great Wall, stroll through the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and sample world-famous Peking duck. Then hop in a pedicab to explore the city streets and visit the 2008 Olympic stadiums.

Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors
Xi'an, located hundreds of miles inland and a vital ancient trading post, is your next stop. Departure point for the Silk Road and home of the Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is a fascinating fusion of cultures and has some of the oldest city walls in China.

The Misty Mountains of Dali
Next, you'll escape from the country's big cities for the picturesque town of Dali in the heart of Yunnan Province. Blossoming trees line the cobbled streets of this 1,000-year-old city, a place that is sure to provide a welcome breath of fresh mountain air. Hike up to a Buddhist monastery nestled in the lush mountains surrounding the city, explore the exotic markets of the Bai and Yi people, mountain bike around the crystal-clear waters of Erhai Lake, and learn to fish the Dali way with cormorant birds. The funky boutiques and breathtaking scenery of Dali are sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.

Bright Lights, Big City
The next leg of your journey will begin near Hong Kong in Macau, where signs posted in Portuguese and Chinese are a testament to the island's fascinating history. Here you will have the chance to test your courage with an optional bungee jump from over 700 feet at the Macau Sky Tower.

Your final stop will be Hong Kong, a city unlike any other in the world. Hong Kong is one of the brightest cities in all of Asia and is called the melting pot of the Orient. Try your hand at bargaining on Nathan Road and, as the sun sets, immerse yourself in the buzz of the Temple Street Bazaar. You will spend your last night overlooking the breathtaking landscapes and dazzling city lights that stretch out below world-famous Victoria's Peak. We invite you to join us on this two-week adventure exploring the wonders of China.

This trip easily connects with our other China programs, as well as with our programs in Southeast Asia, India and Mongolia.

Highlights

EXPERIENCE the electric buzz of the great metropolises of Shanghai and Hong Kong, two of the world's most modern cities.

EMBRACE a quiet and peaceful way of life in Yunnan Province as you travel up into the mountains and discover the hidden beauties of Dali, a mystical 1,000-year-old town.

EXPLORE the Forbidden City, China's Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo, the Three Pagodas, Victoria's Peak, the Summer Palace, and a dozen other fantastic wonders!

RELAX in style with four-star hotel accommodations that give you a bird's-eye view of each city throughout the journey.

CRUISE along the Bund in Shanghai, bike through rural corn fields, and take a sled ride down the Great Wall.

BUNGEE JUMP (optional) in Macau and feel the rush of this 764-foot vertical drop or sky walk along the edge of the tower

Travel Types

• Student Tours
• Tours

Type of Programs

• Cultural Exploration
• Student Tours

Languages

• Cantonese
• English

Cost in US$:

USD 4,695 + 1,775 Internal Airfare

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation within China, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, entrances to all sites and excursions including visit to see the Great Wall of China, Terra Cotta warriors, the TV tower in Shanghai, Macau Tower, and many other sites included on the full itinerary upon request.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-16 stdents

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983