12 Days Chinese Culture Educational Tour (EDCC12)

Fly to China from your hometown

Upon arriving at Beijing, we are met by our tour guide to be transferred to our hotel.

Today visit Great Wall of China Mutianyu (Cable Up & Guest choice of either Chairlift or Toboggan Down)
Then visit The Jade museum and exterior view of Birds Nest and Water Cube.

We will be visiting a local school in Beijing. In school, students have a chance to interact with the local Chinese students and teachers. A tour of the school will be guided by the students and teachers and we will also arrange a Chinese traditional Paper Cutting and Calligraphy lesson for you to participate in. (depends on the local school schedule, it might need to be changed to visit the Beijing zoo)

Today we visit Tiananmen square. We will learn how to play Tai Chi in the park. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons. We will have a Tai Chi master teaching you in the morning to gain some yin and yang energy!
We will also visit a pearl factory after we have lunch.

Optional: The Golden Mask Dynasty Show (Family-friendly with spectacular costumes and ballet dancing with acrobats thrown in) ($49/person)

Today after breakfast, we visit the historic Hutong of Beijing Old Town. Take in the many different sights and sounds of historic Beijing. We will learn how to make Dumplings (Jiao Zi) and have lunch with a local Hutong family.

Today you take a fast train to Suzhou. You can see the view all the way. After arrival, transfer to the hotel have some rest and get ready for tomorrow’s trip.

Today we arrange kite-flying activities for children. (depends on weather). Then we will visit the Shan Tang Street, which has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. It has a long history of about 1100 years, its layout and architecture are the best to represent the characteristics of Suzhou’s old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes.

Optional: Boat ride on the Grand Canal with a walk around the local Neighborhood ($29/person)

Today you will visit the Lingering Garden (#2 of 353 things to do in Suzhou), and Silk Spinning Factory. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is known for its silk, so for sure, we will take you to the Silk Spinning Factory. Travel by coach to Hangzhou. Take a small boat ride on the West Lake which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow draped islands. You will admire the Su Causeway. It was built in the fifth year of Yuanyou Period in the Northern Song Dynasty (1090) and has evolved since then. At that time, Su Shi (Dongpo), a poet known as the perfect in Hangzhou Prefecture, had the West Lake dredged and built the Su Causeway by dredged silt. Hangzhou hosts The G20 summit in September 2016.

After a stop at the Green Tea Village, we will then drive you to Shanghai to visit the Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses.

Optional: Shanghai Lujiazui FTDZ & Huang Pu River Cruise ($45/person)

Today you have a day to your self to explore the great city of Shanghai.

After breakfast, the guide will take you to the airport where you will say goodbye to China and go back home on your international flight.