Road Scholar : Intergenerational China: Pandas, Palaces and The Great Wall - China

Intergenerational China: Pandas, Palaces and The Great Wall

Program Number:

20756RJ

Start and End Dates:


	7/13/2013 - 7/25/2013; 6/28/2014 - 7/10/2014; 7/12/2014 - 7/24/2014;

Duration:

12 nights

Location:

China

Price starting at:

$3,854.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Intergenerational
Intergenerational

Meals:

31; 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian; Gluten Free

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 11 years of age.

China � a land where ancient emperors once built grand and lavish palaces, where a Great Wall spans nearly 5,500 miles across rugged mountains, and where the exotic Giant Panda is protected and revered by the country�s people. Introduce your grandchild to the wonders of this fascinating nation as you travel from Shanghai to Beijing, stopping to explore rural villages and beautiful countryside, and meet curious and welcoming locals along the way.

Highlights

� See adult and baby pandas at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base.
� Encounter an army of Terra Cotta Warriors at the 2,000 year old Emperor�s tomb.
� Enter the Forbidden City and walk along an unrestored section of the Great Wall.

Activity Particulars

Walking along uneven terrain; some stairs.

Families of three will be accommodated in a double room with a cot for the child. Alternatively, a family of three can enroll in one double room and one single room.

Date Specific Information

6-28-2014, 7-12-2014

This date operates as a family program for grandparents, their children and grandchildren ages 9-11

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Shanghai, 2 nights; flight to Guilin, 2 nights,flight to X�ian, 2 nights; flight to Chengdu, 1 night; flight to Beijing, 4 nights; departure.

Days 1-3:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A / cross International Date Line	1 night
Arrival Shanghai (China)	2 nights

Walk along the Bund, a promenade along the Shanghai River in the city�s historic district. Experience the masterpieces of the Shanghai Fine Arts Museum while your grandchild embarks on a tram ride under the Huangpu River to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Enjoy a lively evening at the Shanghai Acrobatics Theater.
Lodging: Four-star hotel.

Days 4-5:
Flight to Guilin	2 nights

Journey by electric carriages or bicycle to explore local villages, and take in magnificent views of the countryside from Moon Hill. Enjoy a study cruise along the Li River before attending a private performance at the Guilin Music Institute.
Lodging: Five-star hotel.

Days 6-8:
Coach to X�ian	2 nights
Flight to Chengdu	1 night

Explore the 2,000 year old Emperor�s Tomb and its army of life-size Terra Cotta Warriors. At Xi'an's International Studies University, learn about Chinese religion and philosophies while your grandchild enjoys a Chinese mask making workshop. Learn about efforts to save endangered pandas at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding base.
Lodging: Four-star hotels.

Days 9-13:
Flight to Beijing	4 nights
Departure

Enter the Forbidden City, a palace once occupied by the Emperor and forbidden to all others. Fly kites at the Temple of Heaven and take in a kung-fu demonstration at the Red Theater. At the Summer Palace, boat along it�s jewel-like lake before spending an afternoon at the Panjiayuan Flea Market. Walk along the Great Wall at Jin Shan Ling and return to Beijing to view Tian'anmen Square and sample Peking duck at a local restaurant.
Lodging: Five-star hotel.

China

From the opening of the Silk Road in the 1st Century BC, marking the beginning of trade between Central Asia and the burgeoning empires in the West, China has inspired global evolution. Six millennia of calligraphy, music, and dance emerged from the behemoth land during a dozen dynasties marked by conflicts of religion, power, and territory. Ruling emperors gave way to Communism and to Modern China, home to a fifth of the world�s population.

Accommodations
Shanghai: Gracious hotel near important sites. Guilin: Riverside hotel in quiet residential neighborhood. Xi'an: Hotel in heart of downtown. Chengdu: Quality hotel with swimming pools. Beijing: Four-star hotel steps from historic sites.

Meals and Lodgings
	Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
		Shanghai, China	2 nights
	Green Lotus International Hotel
		Guilin (Yangshuo), China	2 nights
	New World Hotel
		Xi'an, China	2 nights
	Chengdu Panda Garden Hotel
		Chengdu, China	1 night
	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang
		Beijing, China	4 nights

Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
	Type:	Five-Star Hotel
	Description:	This five star hotel is in the city center, close to many of Shanghai's highlights and within walking distance of one of Shanghai�s most popular parks where locals gather for traditional exercises and exchange of local news.
	Contact info:	No.1928 Gonghexin Road, Zhabei District Shanghai, 200070 China phone: +86 21 2602 2222
	Room amenities:	Air-conditioning, television, mini-bar, hair dryer, room service, rooms will be no smoking but hotel has smoking areas.
	Facility amenities:	AC, daily laundry, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, cafe, bar, restaurants, business center, currency exchange, free wi-fi in hotel lobby
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Contact your Program Provider. contact your Program Provider;

Green Lotus International Hotel
	Type:	Five-Star Hotel
	Description:	Situated beside the beautiful Li River, the Green Lotus International Hotel is located in the center of this small town and is ideal as a base for walks and exploration on foot.
	Contact info:	No.1 Guanlian Road, Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, 541000 China phone: +86 773 888 6677
	Room amenities:	air conditioning, TV, hair dryer, mini bar, internet
	Facility amenities:	swimming pool,internet access, business center, laundry service, bar, restaurant, fitness center, room service; sauna;Wi-Fi is available at the hotel lobby with free cost.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

New World Hotel
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	Located in central Xian, the New World Hotel is near the old city's West Gate. It is a ten minute walk to Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, the Great Mosque, and the local people's market.
	Contact info:	No. 172 Lisnhu Road, Lianhu District Xi'an, 710002 China phone: +86 29 8721 6868
	Room amenities:	radio, color TV, IDD, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe-deposit box, air-conditioning, private bathroom with shower
	Facility amenities:	indoor swimming pool, open tennis court, gym, sauna, Internet access, bar, currency exchange, laundry, business center,Wi-Fi is available at the hotel lobby with free cost.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Chengdu Panda Garden Hotel
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	This new hotel has ample grounds, swimming pools and is very close to the Chengdu Panda Research Base.
	Contact info:	POLY PARK 198 NO. 1980 S. SHU LONG BLVD, XINDU Chengdu, 610503, Sichuan China phone: +86 28 61798888 web: www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/chengdu/ctupg/hoteldetail
	Room amenities:	air conditioning, flatscreen TV, hair dryer, mini bar, internet, iron
	Facility amenities:	Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, restaurants with Asian and Western cuisine, high-speed, broadband Internet access, currency exchange, laundry service, gift shops, beauty salon, fitness center.Wi-Fi is available at the hotel lobby with free cost.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes

Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang
	Type:	Five-Star Hotel
	Description:	Located in central Beijing, the 5 star Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang is a new hotel with all amenities and close to shopping and local restaurants.
	Contact info:	3 Sanfeng Beili, Chaoyang District, Beijing Beijing, 100020 China phone: +86 -10-5909-6688
	Room amenities:	air conditioning, flat-screen TV, hair dryer, mini bar, internet, iron, multi-type electrical outlet, 110V electrical outlet, electric kettle
	Facility amenities:	indoor swimming pool; restaurants; bar; concierge; fitness center; room service; sauna; Wi-Fi is available at the hotel lobby with free cost.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	Check with Program Provider contact Program Provider

Travel Details
	Start of Program: 5:30 pm meet your National Guides in the hotel lobby. Check-in time is 2 pm. You will be staying at Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai that night.
	End of Program: 11 am Beijing, China; hotel checkout time is 12 noon You will be staying at Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. APPLYING FOR YOUR CHINA VISA: U.S. RESIDENTS: Due to the complexities of obtaining a China visa we strongly urge you to use Road Scholar's designated visa service. Whether or not you use GenVisa, you must submit the following for your application: 1. Your completed visa application form with official photo as described. Tip: if you choose Journalist or Religious Worker as your occupation, your visa could be denied. 2. An official Abbreviated Itinerary with Accommodations information on Road Scholar letterhead and which has your name included. That document will be mailed or emailed to you separately. 3. If you have NOT purchased your international air tickets from Road Scholar and/or if you are NOT using GenVisa, you must also submit a copy of your confirmed international flight information. (If you have purchased your international air from Road Scholar and are using GenVisa, your flight information will be submitted to GenVisa for you.) NON US RESIDENTS: If you are not using GenVisa, some of the requirements may differ. You should check with your Chinese Consulate or with a visa agency you have chosen. If an official letter of invitation from China is required, the Chinese American Educational Exchange (CAEE) can email or mail you one. To request such a letter contact CAEE: email: toc@ix.netcom.com phone: 212 334 1971.
	Parking availability: n/a

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Shanghai
	Nearest city or town:	n/a
	Nearest highway:	n/a
	Nearest airport:	n/a
	Transportation to site:	If independent flights do not coincide with the designated group transfer or if your arrival is a day or more earlier than the program start date, it is the responsibility of participant(s) to make arrangements to get to the program site. Taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel is very easy. Your Information Packet includes a sheet with taxi information and your hotel location in English and in Chinese characters. Just show it to a taxi driver and he will know exactly where to go. Many participants have used this sheet and no one has ever had a problem. Taxi cost from Shanghai airport to your hotel is about $40 US (240 yuan). Tip is not expected. (You will need to buy Chinese currency at the airport upon arrival. ATM's and Foreign Currency Exchange desks are easy to locate. All signs include English.) Take taxis at designated taxi stands and make sure the driver turns on the meter. Time to the hotel by car takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour (depending on traffic).

	From End of Program
	Location:	Beijing
	Nearest city or town:	na
	Nearest highway:	na
	Nearest airport:	na
	Transportation from site:	For those who have purchased International air from Road Scholar Travel Services and departing on the same day as the group, depart for Beijing International Airport with your Group Leader. For those who are Program Only Participants (POP), your Group Leader can help you arrange a taxi. Cost is about $30 US (190 Chinese yuan) per car. TIP NOT EXPECTED.

Equipment Requirements: Bathing caps are required at many Chinese swimming pools. Swim goggles recommended. Anyone planning to bicycle must have a bicycle helmet.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Flight to Shanghai/ Cross International Dateline
(Saturday, July 13)

In Transit Overnight:

Overnight flight.

Day 2:

Welcome to Shanghai
(Sunday, July 14)

Afternoon:	Welcome to your Road Scholar program in China. Join your National Guides in the hotel lobby at 5:30 pm before dinner. Get acquainted with each other and your National Guides who will accompany you throughout your program in China.
Dinner:	Dinner is at a nearby restaurant.
Evening:	Use this evening to adapt to the time change. Take a stroll in the surrounding neighborhood, swim in the hotel pool, or just relax at your hotel. Your two National Guides will invite those who wish for a walk around your hotel neighborhood. On your walk, your guides will help you start to learn some useful phrases in Chinese. Don't be surprised if local children call out 'Hello' to you in English or in Chinese (Ni hao!)

Accommodations:	Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 3:

The Bund/ Fine Arts Museum/ Oriental Pearl Tower/Acrobatics
(Monday, July 15)

Breakfast:	This morning join your National Guides for your hotel's buffet breakfast.
Morning:	This morning, we take a walk on the Bund, Shanghai�s River promenade beside art deco and neo-classic buildings stemming from the city�s colonial history. The river is an artery of the world�s busiest port and bustles with activity. Across the river, view �new Shanghai� � until recently undeveloped farmland and now a forest of glittering skyscrapers.
Lunch:	Lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon:	After lunch, adults explore Shanghai Fine Arts Museum, home to China's best collection of painting, sculpture, ceramics, and bronzes. Children join their guide for a 5-minute passenger tram ride under the Huangpu River to the Oriental Pearl Tower. After exploring its history museum with walk-in dioramas of old Shanghai, children ride to the top of the tower for a bird's eye view of the city with the winding bustling Huangpu River below. Then return to your hotel.
Dinner:	Dinner at a restaurant en route to Shanghai Acrobatics Theater
Evening:	Acrobatics is considered one of China's performing arts 'treasures'. It has a history of thousands of years and figures in other genres such as Chinese opera. This evening, enjoy a witty and skillful performance by the famed Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe.

Accommodations:	Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Tai ji/ Flight to Guilin-Yangshuo/ Discussion: Social Problems in China/ Children's Batik Workshop
(Tuesday, July 16)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel. Optional tai ji is offered before breakfast.
Morning:	Flight to Guilin.
Lunch:	Lunch served in flight
Afternoon:	Arrive in Guilin city and coach to the small town of Yangshuo set amongst green karst mountains on the beautiful Li River. During your coach ride, you can enjoy the karst mountain scenery or practice Chinese finger counting with your National Guides.
Dinner:	Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:	Adults join their National Guide for some informal Chinese conversation and a discussion of current social issues in China including the one child/one family policy. Children join a batik workshop.

Accommodations:	Green Lotus International Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Tai ji/ Biking or Electric Cars to Countryside/ Li River Cruise/ Outdoor Folk Musical
(Wednesday, July 17)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel. Optional tai ji is offered before breakfast.
Morning:	Local electric carriages transport you to the nearby countryside where you can explore local villages enveloped by magnificent karst mountains. Or you can choose to bike. In the countryside, you have the option of climbing the 800 steps of Moon Hill for magnificent views or continue on to local villages to learn about life there. (Anyone biking must have and wear a bike helmet.)
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	Depart for the banks of the Li River, a source of much Chinese landscape painting and poetry. Embark on an afternoon's cruise amid this serene and unique landscape.
Dinner:	Dinner at a restaurant
Evening:	This evening, enjoy the open-air musical, 'Third Sister Liu,' directed by the renowned Zhang Yi Mou (the director of Beijing 2008 Olympics magnificent Opening and Closing Ceremonies). Set amidst the natural scenery of the Li River and surrounding mountains, Zhang's musical Folk Opera uses actors and singers from local fishing families wearing ethnic costume and singing traditional folk songs in an extraordinary setting.

Accommodations:	Green Lotus International Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Tai ji/ Chinese Music/ Flight to Xi'an/ Dumpling Dinner
(Thursday, July 18)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel. Optional tai ji is offered before breakfast.
Morning:	Depart by coach for the city of Guilin. At the Guilin Music Institute, learn about the names and sounds of traditional Chinese instruments and enjoy a private performance.
Lunch:	Lunch at Guilin airport restaurant or en route
Afternoon:	Flight to Xi'an city.
Dinner:	On the way to your hotel, stop for a dinner of special dumplings for which Xi'an is famous. Some come in shapes of tiny animals, fruits and vegetables and with a myriad of fillings from meat to wild greens.

Accommodations:	New World Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Terra Cotta Warriors/ Bike or Pedicab on Old City Wall/Calligraphy Workshop
(Friday, July 19)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel.
Morning:	Explore the amazing excavation site of a 2,000-year-old Emperor's tomb containing thousands of life-size terra cotta warriors, cavalrymen and graceful archers -- each believed to represent an actual member of the Emperor's retinue.
Lunch:	Lunch at a restaurant.
Afternoon:	Return to Xi'an city. Choose to return to your hotel to relax or swim or join your National Guides for a walk atop Xi'an's complete city wall. You may decide to rent a bike, a tandem or pedicab to go further.
Dinner:	Walk to a nearby restaurant.
Evening:	At a calligraphy workshop, learn to write your name in Chinese characters with brush and ink on rice paper.

Accommodations:	New World Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Tai ji/ Talk: Chinese Cultural History/ Mask Painting Workshop/ Flight to Chengdu/ Face-Changing Masks Magic
(Saturday, July 20)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast in your hotel. Optional Tai ji is offered before breakfast.
Morning:	At Xi'an's International Studies University, a presentation for the adults discusses Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism as a way of illuminating the Chinese 'character' and life views. Meanwhile, children will enjoy a Chinese mask painting workshop where they can also learn to say the colors in Chinese.
Lunch:	Lunch in the university dining room.
Afternoon:	Flight to Chengdu city in Sichuan Province.
Dinner:	Dinner a at restaurant.
Evening:	This evening discover one of the most mysterious and enthralling of traditional Chinese performing arts: 'Bian Lian' or face-changing, an art form that originated in Sichuan Province. Marvel as masters change the bright masks on their face within a fraction of a second.

Accommodations:	Chengdu Panda Garden Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Panda Research and Breeding Base/ Flight to Beijing
(Sunday, July 21)

Breakfast:	Early buffet breakfast in your hotel and check-out.
Morning:	We make an early start this morning so that you can observe baby and adult pandas at their most active time in a naturalized habitat. At the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding base, learn about the lives of pandas and what is being done to save this endearing and endangered species.
Lunch:	Lunch at the Giant Panda Research Base.
Afternoon:	Flight to China's capital, Beijing.
Dinner:	Dinner is in a restaurant on the way to your hotel.
Evening:	This evening is at your leisure.

Accommodations:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Tai ji/ Forbidden City/ Hutong Lunch/ Fly Kites at the Temple of Heaven/ The Legend of Kung Fu
(Monday, July 22)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast in your hotel. Tai ji is offered before breakfast.
Morning:	Enter the Forbidden City. We will explore the most interesting parts of the world's largest palace compound which has 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms, once occupied by the Emperor, his wives, concubines, and attendants -- and forbidden to all others.
Lunch:	Walk or pedicab in an old Beijing neighborhood of 'hutongs'- traditional residential lanes and alleys - to visit with local families in their courtyard homes. Join a local family for lunch and try your hand at making 'jiaozi' -- meat and vegetable filled dumplings that are a North Chinese favorite.
Afternoon:	Return to your hotel for a rest or a swim. Later in the afternoon, we take kites to the park of the Temple of Heaven where children can learn to fly traditional Chinese kites. Adults can join the children or stroll on to the Temple itself, a 15th century architectural masterpiece.
Dinner:	Dinner at a restaurant
Evening:	In addition to strength of mind and body, kung fu, includes grace of movement. Marvel at the power and elegance of masters in a performance at Beijing's Red Theater.

Accommodations:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Tai ji/ Summer Palace/free afternoon or Panjiayuan Flea Market
(Tuesday, July 23)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel. Optional tai ji is offered before breakfast.
Morning:	Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, the resort of Qing Emperors. Boat on its jewel-like lake bordered by lily ponds and crossed with stone arched bridges.
Lunch:	Lunch at a restaurant
Afternoon:	Return to your hotel for some rest or swimming. Later, take the rest of the afternoon for free time or join your National Guide for a trip to Panjiayuan Flea Market which features small stalls offering just about everything - collectibles, curios, antiques. reproductions, furniture, fresh water pearls, amber, jade and a chance to learn to bargain Chinese-style -- a good chance to practice the Chinese you have learned, as well as using Chinese finger counting.
Dinner:	This evening is free for you to explore local fare on your own. Your National Guide can give suggestions for destinations that you can walk to near your hotel.

Accommodations:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12:

Great Wall at Jinshanling/ Tian'anmen Square/ Peking Duck
(Wednesday, July 24)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel.
Morning:	Drive out to the Great Wall at Jin Shan Ling -- sometimes referred to as 'the Wild Great Wall' as it is not overly restored. Take a gondola lift to the upper part of the wall, then walk along its battlements and through watchtowers to experience magnificent views of the wall as it climbs and descends over the distant mountains.
Lunch:	A picnic lunch is provided to enjoy in a spot of your choosing on the Wall.
Afternoon:	Return to Beijing and view Tian'anmen Square, often referred to as 'the heart of Beijing'. If time permits, we'll take a short stroll in the square. Then return to your hotel nearby.
Dinner:	Experience a Beijing specialty at a farewell dinner in a Peking Duck restaurant.

Accommodations:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:

Departures
(Thursday, July 25)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at your hotel.
Morning:	Depart for Beijing International Airport for international departures.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
Shanghai	French Concession The former French concession contains mansions from colonial past, many now turned into chic restaurants and pubs, often with garden seating. The area also includes Huaihai Road with upscale shops and the former residence of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, now a small and pleasant museum open to the public.
	Hall of Urban Planning Center The Shanghai Exhibition Hall of Urban Planning (not far from the Shanghai Museum) includes archival photos and a vast scale model of Shanghai as projected in 2020.
	Huangpu River Cruise There are many cruise offerings both night and day and differing in length of time. Ask your local guide in Shanghai how to arrange for tickets. Evening cruises can sometimes be very crowded.
	Oriental Pearl TV Tower Built in 1994, situated on the Pudong side of the river, the TV tower offers 365 degree views of Shanghai. Lines can sometimes be quite long.
	Peace Hotel This art deco hotel built by the Sassoon family has recently been restored. Enjoy the lobby or walk up to the roof and garden bar for spectacular views of the Bund and the Huangpu River and the newly developed Pudong area on the opposite bank.
Guilin (Yangshuo)	Bicycle rental Rent a bicycle in the hotel courtyard and ride out to the nearby countryside on level, lightly trafficked roads.
	Sightseeing Walk around town or to the banks of the Li River, or shop for folk items and local goods on the street. Visit the local agricultural market, or take a pedicab ride to some of Yangshuo's famous karst formations.
Xi'an	City Walls Take stairs up to the restored city wall for a walk or bike rental. The wall is a wide road that provides views of the city.
	Forest of Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum) This small, pleasant museum, once a temple and with peaceful gardens, houses ancient stone tablets with exemplary Chinese calligraphy. It also has a small collection of sculpture and ceramics.
	Night Market Xi'an's night market bustles with activity. Locals and visitors stroll, chat and look for bargains.
	People's Park A typical meeting place where various generations gather for tai chi, airing pet birds, playing traditional musical instruments or practicing local opera.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

11 nights accommodations
31 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 4
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 14
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 11
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Performances: 4
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.
Flights during the program: 4
Flights during the program

Flights during the program that are included in the program price for all participants.

Plus these special experiences...

Meet adult and baby pandas in a naturalized habitat and learn what researchers are doing to protect and help this endearing and endangered species.
Confront a massive army of thousands of larger-than-life terra cotta warriors buried with an Emperor 2000 years ago.
Sail the peaceful waters of the Li River amidst mist enshrouded karst mountains and understand the sublime source of Chinese landscape painting.
Enter the Forbidden City, palace of China's last Emperors and walk an unrestored section of the Great Wall known as 'ththe Wild Great Wall'.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

� See adult and baby pandas at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base.� Encounter an army of Terra Cotta Warriors at the 2,000 year old Emperor�s tomb.� Enter the Forbidden City and walk along an unrestored section of the Great Wall.

Activity Particulars

Walking along uneven terrain; some stairs.

Families of three will be accommodated in a double room with a cot for the child. Alternatively, a family of three can enroll in one double room and one single room.

Date Specific Information

This date operates as a family program for grandparents, their children and grandchildren ages 9-11

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Shanghai, 2 nights; flight to Guilin, 2 nights,flight to X�ian, 2 nights; flight to Chengdu, 1 night; flight to Beijing, 4 nights; departure.

Days 1-3:

Overnight flight from the U.S.A / cross International Date Line

1 night

Arrival Shanghai (China)

2 nights

Days 4-5:

Flight to Guilin

2 nights

Journey by electric carriages or bicycle to explore local villages, and take in magnificent views of the countryside from Moon Hill. Enjoy a study cruise along the Li River before attending a private performance at the Guilin Music Institute.Lodging: Five-star hotel.

Days 6-8:

Coach to X�ian

2 nights

Flight to Chengdu

1 night

Days 9-13:

Flight to Beijing

4 nights

Departure

China

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Free Time Opportunities

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

� See adult and baby pandas at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base.
� Encounter an army of Terra Cotta Warriors at the 2,000 year old Emperor�s tomb.
� Enter the Forbidden City and walk along an unrestored section of the Great Wall.

Journey by electric carriages or bicycle to explore local villages, and take in magnificent views of the countryside from Moon Hill. Enjoy a study cruise along the Li River before attending a private performance at the Guilin Music Institute.
Lodging: Five-star hotel.