Road Scholar : Home
Extension: Shanghai and Xian

Program Number: 19633RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/29/2013 - 7/5/2013; 9/9/2013 - 9/15/2013; 7/5/2014 - 7/11/2014; 8/23/2014 - 8/29/2014;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: China
Price starting at: $1,499.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Delve deep into Chinese history and contemporary life in cosmopolitan Shanghai and Xi’an, a hub of the Silk Road and home to the stunning terra cotta warriors. Enjoy tai ji instruction, a private music performance and the witty skills of Shanghai Acrobats. Understand the Chinese "character" through an introduction to its religions and learn about China’s new generation in informal talks with university students. In Beijing, delight in an afternoon at the ethereal Summer Palace.




Highlights

• At a private performance at Xi’an Music Institute enjoy an introduction to traditional Chinese music and its instruments.
• Learn about China’s new generation in informal talks with English-speaking students at Xi’an International Studies University.
• Marvel at more than 8,000 graceful and individualized terra cotta warriors. Surviving unknown for more than 2,000 years, the warriors represent one of the greatest archeological discoveries of the 20th century.



Activity Particulars

Some walking on uneven terrain and cobblestone streets.



This extension can only be taken in conjunction with Program #19580 Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to Moscow.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Shanghai, 2 nights; flight to Xi’an, 3 nights; flight to Beijing, departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Shanghai
2 nights

Enjoy a morning at the Shanghai Arts Museum, home to China’s finest collection of paintings, bronzes, ceramics and sculpture. Explore the fashionable, car-free Xintiandi ("New Heaven and Earth") district. Re-live Shanghai’s past in its beautifully preserved Art Deco and neoclassical architecture lining Shanghai’s busy Huangpu River. At Longhua Temple, monks prepare a fanciful vegetarian lunch for you and in the evening, the famed Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe perform with wit and prowess.



Flight to Xi’an
3 nights
Flight to Beijing

Gain an expert introduction to classical Chinese music and its instruments at Xi’an Music Institute, then enjoy a private performance. In informal talks, learn about education in China and its one-child-one family policy. Explore the city’s Muslim Quarter and dine on dishes with local flavors. At Xi'an International Studies University, understand the Chinese character and world view through an introduction to Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. After, chat informally with English-speaking students as they show you their campus. Continue to Beijing and discover the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design centered around Kunming Lake.




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
Four-star hotels.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
China's Cultural History Yang Hongying
Professor Yang Hongying is an expert in the study of foreign language and linguistics at Xi'an International Studies University, where she leads courses in Chinese culture and international studies. She has received numerous teaching awards, and also has received advanced degrees in cultural heritage studies from the Institute of European Studies in Macau, and in education from the University of New South Wales in Australia. Yang has published numerous papers on museum text translations and international culture studies, and has given lectures on Chinese culture and heritage in China, Macau, and Singapore. She has worked with and taught Road Scholar groups for more than 10 years.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
  Shanghai, China 2 nights
   Grand Noble Hotel
  Xian, China 3 nights
   Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
  Beijing, China 1 night
 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;

 Grand Noble Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: This hotel is conveniently located in the commercial center, shopping and entertainment area of Xian’s downtown, neighboring a lot of popular tourist attractions.
  Contact info: No. 334 Dong Da Jie (East Street)
Xian City, Shaanxi Province,   China
phone: +86 29 876 90000
web: www.gnhotel.com/
  Room amenities: iPod & MP3 connector, internet access, phone.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, bar, cafe, fitness room,Wi-Fi is available in the hotel lobby with free cost.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: With its unique style of architecture, the hotel was listed in the Conservation List of Excellent Modern Architectures in Beijing in 2007. Enjoy the combination of centuries old Chinese culture and European style architecture. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk to Tiananmen Square.
  Contact info: 175, Yong an Road Xuan Wu District
Beijing,   China
phone: +86 10 630 166 88
web: www.qianmenhotel.com/en/index.html
  Room amenities: Phone, WiFi, TV, refrigerator, safe, A/C, 220 volt power socket
  Facility amenities: Business center, restaurants, bar, sauna, massage,Wi-Fi is available in the hotel lobby with free cost.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: TBD Contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and bookings.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Meet your Group Leader in the hotel lobby at 6:00 pm on the arrival day and join a welcome meeting. Check-in time for your hotel is 2:00 pm on Day 2. You will be staying at Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends in the afternoon at the program hotel in Beijing. You will be staying at Qianmen Jianguo Hotel 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)
  Train or bus availability: Taxis, buses, and the metro are available at the airport.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Shanghai
  Transportation to site: If independent flights do not coincide with the designated group transfer or if arrivals are 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 first 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 between Shanghai airport and your hotel is about $45 US (280 Chinese yuan) per car. Taxi cost from Shanghai airport to your hotel is about $40 US (280 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 airport:  Capital Airport
  Transportation from site: The flights from Shanghai to Xian and Xian to Beijing and the airport transfers are included for everyone.
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: Overnight flight to Shanghai
(Saturday, June 29)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight to Shanghai.

Day 2: Welcome to Shanghai
(Sunday, June 30)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival in the late afternoon. Meet your Group Leader in the hotel lobby at 6:00 pm.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Shanghai Fine Arts Museum / Bund / Acrobatics
(Monday, July 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Visit the Shanghai Fine Arts Museum, housing the country's finest collection of paintings, bronzes, and sculpture. Explore the nearby Xin Tian Di district - a restoration project that has set a benchmark for Asia. Wander at leisure through this new and fashionable area with its many cafes and international cuisine restaurants.
 Lunch: Your choice to choose local fare in Xin Tian Di.
 Afternoon: Discover the many faces of Shanghai with a walk on the Bund, past iconic art deco and neo-classic buildings stemming from Shanghai's history as a foreign 'concession'.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Be amazed at the skills of the famous Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. Acrobatics remain a very important aspect of Chinese performing arts and are a component of other genres such as Chinese opera.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Daning Hotel Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Tai Chi / Yu Garden / Longhua Temple / Flight to Xian
(Tuesday, July 2)
   
 Breakfast: Before hotel buffet breakfast, join your Program Leader to learn some simple tai chi exercise movements.
 Morning: Explore the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden in Shanghai’s historic district. The garden’s classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping.
 Lunch: At Longhua Temple, enjoy imaginative vegetarian cuisine prepared by monks.
 Afternoon: Take a flight to Xian, one of the four great ancient capitals of China and an important hub on the Silk Road.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Join your Program Leader for an informal discussion of China’s ‘One Family, One Child’ population policy.
   
Accommodations: Grand Noble Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Tai Chi / Terra Cotta Warriors / Chinese Music
(Wednesday, July 3)
   
 Breakfast: Before breakfast, tai chi instruction will be provided for those interested. Breakfast is in the hotel.
 Morning: This morning experience one of the most astounding archeological discoveries of the 20th century -- the huge tomb site of the Qin Emperor, containing an army of life size terra cotta infantrymen, cavalry, horses, and graceful archers.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: At Xian Music Institute enjoy an introduction to traditional Chinese music and its instruments, followed by a private performance.
 Dinner: Dinner is at a restaurant in Xian’s colorful Hui Muslim section.
 Evening: Join your Program Leader to learn some useful Chinese phrases.
   
Accommodations: Grand Noble Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Tai Chi / Chinese Cultural History / Student Meetings/ History Museum
(Thursday, July 4)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy tai chi exercise before buffet breakfast at your hotel.
 Morning: At Xian International Studies University, a presentation illuminates the Chinese ‘character’ and world view through an understanding of Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Afterward chat informally with English-speaking students as they show you their campus.
 Lunch: Lunch at the University Guests’ Dining Room.
 Afternoon: Explore Shaanxi History Museum whose unparalleled collection sheds light on the development of dynastic China.
 Dinner: This evening, savor a Xian specialty: a dinner composed of exquisite dumplings in fanciful shapes and containing various fillings from wild greens to flavorful meats.
 Evening: Join your Program Leader for an informal discussion of education in China.
   
Accommodations: Grand Noble Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Flight to Beijing/ Summer Palace
(Friday, July 5)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at your hotel.
 Morning: This morning fly to China’s capital, Beijing.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Explore the Summer Palace, retreat of the Qing Emperors and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape architecture and design. Enter the palace chambers. On the exquisite Kunming Lake see elegant arched bridges, island pavilions, and water lily gardens. Return to your hotel and this evening, join your Main Program where you meet the rest of your group at a Peking Duck Welcome Dinner. (See Program 19580 for further details.)
   
Accommodations: Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.


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