China Discovery
Location
China: Beijing, Luoyang, Qu Fu and 2 other cities
Description
Nimen Hao! Welcome to China! From the hustle and bustle of Shanghai to the Pandas of Chengdu and the Forbidden City of Beijing, this trip gives you an incredible taste of the history, culture and feel of China. Looking for a cultural adventure to stimulate your senses and your mind? This trip is for you!
Your cultural immersion begins in Shanghai, a cutting edge vibrant city that retains its old-world character. Next we visit the Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Kung Fu, for hands on demonstrations and lessons. Enjoy breathe-taking views from Song Mountain before a quick visit to see the 100,000 Buddha images at the Longmen Grottoes. Catch the bullet train to Xi’an, the imperial centre of China
for 2,000 years and the beginning of the Silk Road. Bike around the city walls, bargain in the markets and visit China’s most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors!
A quick flight brings us to Chengdu where we will begin our community service project. Two days of volunteering at a local panda breeding centre will get you up close with these magical animals. We will also visit the countryside to sip green tea and take in the slower pace of life.
Finally, Beijing offers great insight into the nation’s ancient past as well as contemporary culture. Explore the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the bustling markets. To finish your trip, trek along a breathtaking section of the Great Wall of China before our sumptuous feast of Peking duck and other specialities as we bid this fascinating country farewell.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in cosmopolitan Shanghai and learn about its colonial past.
- Get up close and personal with the uber cute Panda Bear at the Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu.
- Trek to the Shaolin monastery where monks practice the ancient art of Kung Fu, we'll also give it a try.
- Learn about life in rural China in the stunning Sichuan countryside.
- Walk on the two thousand year old Great Wall and ponder China's long history.
- Experience Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing.
- Eat all manner of delicious local delicacies from steamed dumplings to piping hot noodles!