Expedition Details
Introduce your family to the fascinating legends and culture of China on a unique adventure. Experience China's most remarkable sites, from the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square in Beijing to the impressive terra-cotta army of Xi'an, through activities geared for travelers of all ages. Then discover cosmopolitan Shanghai during the 2010 World Expo.Trip Highlights
- Fly traditional kites on Tiananmen Square.
- Glide down the Great Wall of China on an alpine slide.
- Meet an army of terra-cotta warriors in the tomb where they have been buried for more than 2,000 years.
- Discover ancient underground homes near Xi'an.
- Get to know local children and join a village family for lunch in their home.
Itinerary - 11 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Beijing, China
Fly to Beijing, crossing the international date line, and arrive the next evening. Transfer to our lovely hotel, located near the Forbidden City, and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
The Peninsula Beijing
Day 3 — Beijing
After a relaxing morning, visit Tiananmen Square, a historic square large enough to hold a million people. The square served as the stage for many turning points in modern Chinese history—from the start of the Cultural Revolution to the demonstrations of 1989. Try your hand at flying handmade paper kites, a favorite pastime of Chinese children and adults alike.
The Peninsula Beijing (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Beijing
Spend the day exploring the palaces, gardens, and hidden courtyards of the Forbidden City, home of Ming and Qing dynasty emperors and some of the finest imperial architecture in China. After dinner, head to the theater for a performance of a classic Chinese fairy tale.
The Peninsula Beijing (B,L,D)
Day 5 — The Great Wall
Set off to the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Stroll along the top of the wall before riding down an alpine slide to the bottom. Stop for lunch in a former schoolhouse before returning to the city. Take advantage of a free evening to explore local restaurants or browse the fascinating night market, where barbecued scorpions and silkworms are for sale!
The Peninsula Beijing (B,L)
Day 6 — Beijing/Xi'an
Rise early to practice tai chi, A Chinese martial art, in a local park. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Xi'an, China's capital for more than 1,000 years and the terminus of the Silk Road. Examine a working dig as archaeologists uncover ancient artifacts. In Xi’an’s Moslem Quarter, visit the Great Mosque and walk through a lively bazaar before enjoying a dumpling feast tonight.
Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi'an (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Xi'an
Today, visit one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century: the spectacular life-size terra-cotta army that stands guard at the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. In the afternoon, play Chinese games with local children at the Wild Goose Pagoda.
Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi'an (B,L)
Day 8 — Xi'an
Drive outside the city to a nearby farming village. Visit a village school and meet local children; and explore underground homes, dug into the area’s dense soil, where people have lived for thousands of years. Experience Chinese hospitality and sit down to a home-cooked meal prepared by a local family. Return to Xi'an for an evening at leisure.
Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi'an (B,L)
Day 9 — Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai this morning. Take a stroll through Yu Garden, a beautifully designed classical garden that zigzags through the heart of Old Shanghai. In the evening, watch an amazing performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.
Hilton Shanghai (B,L)
Day 10 — Shanghai
Spend the morning at the Shanghai Museum, peering at jade sculptures, ancient bronzes, and beautiful scroll paintings. The afternoon is free to explore Shanghai on your own and take in the exhibitions of the 2010 World Expo if you choose. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.
Hilton Shanghai (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Shanghia/U.S.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the next day.
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Elvira Hammond
Elvira Hammond, a professor of Chinese cultural history at New Mexico State University, has been working, traveling, and studying in China since 1983. She studied Chinese language and modern theater in Beijing and worked for many years developing and leading academic and cultural programs for students of all ages visiting China. She loves introducing families to the sights, sounds, and especially the flavors of China.
Elvira will join the following departure:
Jul 06 - 16, 2010Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
Adult prices are per person, double occupancy. Child prices apply to children under age 12. We recommend this expedition for children ages 7 and older. For a single room add $1,865. Round-trip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Beijing, and return from Shanghai, is $1,350 (subject to change).
