China

Classic Icons of China and Yangtze River Cruise

Program No. 15122RJ

Sail the Yangtze River alongside experts as you learn about and explore the icons of China, enjoying lectures, gaining insider knowledge and walking on the Great Wall.

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Start

Small Group

Length

16 days

Rating (5)

Activity Level

Starts at

4,499

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To make your experience as safe as possible, we require all participants to be fully vaccinated. See our Safety Roadmap

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

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Sep 2 - Sep 17, 2023

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Mar 30 - Apr 14, 2024

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DATES & starting prices

PRICES

Sep 2 - Sep 17, 2023

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Oct 7 - Oct 22, 2023

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Mar 30 - Apr 14, 2024

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May 4 - May 19, 2024

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Aug 31 - Sep 15, 2024

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Sep 14 - Sep 29, 2024

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Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Program Terms & Conditions

Classic Icons of China and Yangtze River Cruise

Program No. 15122RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 250 Final payment due: 77 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

If you transfer or cancel:

less than 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 100 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

66 to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 50 % of order total

up to 67 Days Prior to Program Start Date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

Cancel Fee: $250.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
less than 30 days prior to program start date	100 % of order total	100 % of order total
66 to 30 days prior to program start date	50 % of order total	50 % of order total
up to 67 days prior to program start date	$0.00	$250.00

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

For the greatest peace of mind and protection, we require all Road Scholar participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having received all recommended boosters if eligible.

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid contracting and spreading an illness.

Only travel if you are healthy. Stay home if you are sick, displaying any symptoms of potential sickness.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

2022 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Optional Trip Protection Plan

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

16 days

15 nights

37 meals

14B 12L 11D

In Transit to Program

In Flight

Arrive China’s Capital Beijing/Welcome Meeting

Beijing

Summer Palace, Tian'anmen Square, China: Land & Peoples

Beijing

Temple of Heaven, Old Beijing, Family Lunch, Forbidden City

Beijing

China's Great Wall, Fly to Xian

Xi'an

Chinese Life Views, Dynastic Treasures in Museum of History

Xi'an

A Qin Emperor's Terra Cotta Warriors, Muslim Area Walkabout

Xi'an

Fly to Guilin, Coach to Yangshuo, Music on the Li River

Yangshuo

Village Country Life and Li River Cruise

Yangshuo

Fly to Chongqing, Giant Pandas, Yangtze River Sailing

Yangtze River Vessel

New Yangtze Village Relocated Families, Afternoon at leisure

Yangtze River Vessel

Sail through the Yangtze Gorges and Mini-Gorges

Yangtze River Vessel

Three Gorges Dam Site, Disembark, Flight to Shanghai

Shanghai

Arts Museum, Riverside Bund, Shanghai Acrobatics

Shanghai

Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, Longhua Temple, Xin Tian Di District

Shanghai

Program Concludes

Shanghai

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Gain a vivid overview of ancient and present-day China as you encounter its most significant icons. On the Yangtze, discover how the world’s third-longest river influenced China’s development for thousands of years. Uncover the differences between the South and North as you explore imperial Beijing, ancient Xi’an, cosmopolitan Shanghai, and sail beneath the mystical mountains of the Li River.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to three miles daily; uneven terrain, uneven stone stairs; steps without railings.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

Voyage down the Yangtze River, visiting river towns along the way, and sail through its legendary gorges.
Walk the Great Wall, enter the Forbidden City, and lunch with a courtyard family in "Old Beijing."
Sail on the beautiful Li River as it winds through a sublime mountain landscape that has inspired centuries of Chinese painting and poetry.

General Notes

Optional tai ji and Chinese conversation classes.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Chinese Religions, Philosophy, and Character; Hongying Yang

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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Chinese Religions, Philosophy, and Character; Hongying Yang View biography

Qing Zhao View biography

Zhao Qing (‘Cindy’) grew up close to Mandarin-speaking Beijing and received her B.S. degree in biology and environmental protection from Hebei University. Cindy has studied, lived and worked in the U.S. and Canada and is fluent in English and Mandarin. A regular practitioner of tai ji and an avid cook, Cindy also enjoys being a global citizen -- currently dividing her time between Canada and China.

Suggested Reading List (1 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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China Reading and Film List

by Availability

An annotated reading and film list is an attachment near the end of the First Information Packet sent to participants three months before departure. To receive it earlier in a separate email, send your email request to Chinese American Educational Exchange: toc@ix.netcom.com. Be sure to include the program number in which you are enrolled and the departure date.

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16 days

15 nights

37 meals

14 B 12 L 11 D

DAY

In Transit to Program

In Flight

DAY

Arrive China’s Capital Beijing/Welcome Meeting

Beijing

Qianmen Jianguo Hotel

Afternoon: Arrive at Beijing International Airport where your Group Leader (National Guide) will be waiting for you. After check-in and a short rest, get together for a Welcome Meeting at your hotel. Note: CAEE Group Leaders are qualified National Guides who are full-time permanent members of our offices. All are university graduates, fluent in English, well-educated in safety and protocol and are supported by offices nation-wide.

Dinner: Dinner will be at your hotel.

Evening: at your leisure

DAY

Summer Palace, Tian'anmen Square, China: Land & Peoples

Beijing

B,L,D

Qianmen Jianguo Hotel

Activity note: Driving up to 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking up to 1 mile in the Summer Palace on flat, paved terrain. Walking up to 1/2 mile from the coach to Tian’anmen Square and back to the coach (round trip).

Breakfast: Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am.

Morning: This morning, enjoy the beauty of the Qing Emperor’s Summer Palace where lily ponds and arched bridges border its serene lake and painted pavillions depict stories that reflect the rich history of Chinese life and art.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: On the way back to your hotel stop at Tian'anmen Square, known as the 'Heart of Beijing'. Then, return to your hotel for a Talk: China’s Land and Peoples.

Dinner: At your Welcome Banquet, experience Beijing’s famous culinary delight: an authentic Peking Duck dinner.

Evening: After dinner, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

DAY

Temple of Heaven, Old Beijing, Family Lunch, Forbidden City

Beijing

B,L,D

Qianmen Jianguo Hotel

Activity note: Walk approximately 1.6 miles from the entrance to the exit of the Temple of Heaven Park on flat, paved terrain. Climbing the Temple requires 27 steps. Walking up to 1/2 mile in Hutong area. Walking approximately 2 miles in and around the Forbidden City on flat, paved terrain with many chairs and benches to rest; up to 80 steps with railings.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Depart the hotel for the 15th century architectural masterpiece, the Temple of Heaven which symbolizes the relationship between heaven and earth. Walk the extensive grounds to the Temple itself or stay in its environs and enjoy the activities of local people practicing calligraphy, tai ji, musical instruments, dancing, or flying kites.

Lunch: Enjoy a typical north Chinese lunch of dumplings ('jiaozi') with a local family in 'Old Beijing' hutong homes. (Hutongs are small residential alleys and courtyards that are rapidly disappearing.)

Afternoon: This afternoon, explore the Forbidden City – the 250- acre imperial compound that was once the residence and seat of the Qing Emperors and ‘forbidden’ to all others.

Dinner: Dinner is at a nearby restaurant.

Evening: Get together with your group leader to practice Chinese.

DAY

China's Great Wall, Fly to Xian

Xi'an

B,L

Grand Noble Hotel

Activity note: The motor coach trip to the Great Wall is about 45 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 1 mile. We will take a cable car to a higher point on the wall (weather and wind permitting). Some parts of the wall are very steep as it is in a mountainous area; walking sticks or trekking poles are helpful. The drive from the Great Wall to the airport is approximately 1.5-2 hours. The flight to Xi’an is approximately 2 hours. The motor coach trip from Xi’an airport to the hotel is about 1 hour.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am. Plan for an early breakfast as we depart early for the Great Wall.

Morning: This morning, travel outside of Beijing city to a green mountain range where you can walk the Great Wall and experience spectacular views as it winds up and down the distant mountains.

Lunch: A simple box lunch is provided to eat at a spot of your choosing on the wall.

Afternoon: This afternoon, fly to Xi'an, the capital of China during the golden age of the Tang Dynasty.

Dinner: A light supper served in-flight.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

Chinese Life Views, Dynastic Treasures in Museum of History

Xi'an

B,L,D

Grand Noble Hotel

Activity note: At the museum, walk approximately 1 mile mostly indoors. Approximately 2 hours spent at the museum.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am. If you like, join your Group Leader for a pre-breakfast tai ji session.

Morning: At Xi'an International Studies University, one of China's key universities, you learn about Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism as a way of understanding Chinese character and customs. After, visit the campus with students from the university's renowned English Department and learn about student life in China.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the university dining room.

Afternoon: Explore Xi’an History Museum, one of China’s finest and which provides an enlightening window into China’s dynastic history.

Dinner: at restaurant

Evening: Get together with your group leader to learn number counting and useful phrases.

DAY

A Qin Emperor's Terra Cotta Warriors, Muslim Area Walkabout

Xi'an

B,L

Grand Noble Hotel

Activity note: Drive is about 1 hour each way. Walking approximately 2 miles at the Terra Cotta Warriors on flat, paved terrain with many benches to rest. In the Muslim area, walking up to 0.6 mile, or 1.5 miles total if choosing to walk back to the hotel from the Muslim section.

Breakfast: Join your Group Leader to continue tai ji movement and then enjoy your hotel's buffet breakfast.

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: At restaurant nearby.

Afternoon: This afternoon return to your hotel or join your group leader for an informal walk in Xi'an's Hui Muslim section.

Dinner: A chance for you to choose your own local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

Fly to Guilin, Coach to Yangshuo, Music on the Li River

Yangshuo

B,L,D

Guilin Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel

Activity note: The motor coach trip to the airport is about 1 hour. The flight to Guilin is approximately 2 hours. The motor coach trip from Guilin airport to the hotel in Yangshuo is about 1 hour. The evening outdoor performance will last for approximately 70 minutes.

Breakfast: Enjoy optional tai ji class followed by hotel buffet breakfast before checking out of the hotel.

Morning: This morning fly to Guilin/Yangshuo.

Lunch: A light lunch served in flight.

Afternoon: Arrive at Guilin Airport and coach to Yangshuo (about two hours).

Dinner: Dinner at nearby restaurant.

Evening: This evening, enjoy the open-air musical, 'Third Sister Liu,' directed by the renowned Zhang Yi Mou (the director of Beijing 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.

DAY

Village Country Life and Li River Cruise

Yangshuo

B,L

Guilin Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel

Activity note: The motor coach trip to the village is approximately 40 minutes. Walk up to 1/4 mile through the village on flat, paved terrain to the dock for Li River Cruise. The cruise is about 2 hours round trip. Walk around the village after the cruise and coach back to the hotel, 40 minutes drive.

Breakfast: Tai ji exercise followed by hotel buffet breakfast. (Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am.)

Morning: Drive to the nearby countryside where you can explore local villages enveloped by magnificent karst mountains.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a riverside 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: Your chance to explore local fare.

Evening: Learn about Chinese landscape painting in a demonstration by a Master at your hotel.

DAY

Fly to Chongqing, Giant Pandas, Yangtze River Sailing

Yangtze River Vessel

B,L,D

Victoria Cruise Lines

Activity note: Drive is about 1 hour to the airport; flight to Chongqing is approximately 1.5 hours, drive 1 hour to Chongqing Zoological Gardens. Walking up to 1.5 miles at the Zoological Gardens. About 35 steps down to the Yangtze River Dock with railings for embarkation. Luggage must be claimed at the Chongqing airport and will be transported directly to the vessel. Carry-on luggage can be left on the coach during the day.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet breakfast. Check out of hotel after breakfast.

Morning: Depart early for the airport and fly to the port city of Chongqing on the Yangtze River.

Lunch: light lunch in flight

Afternoon: From Chongqing airport coach to a monorail station for a ride to Chongqing's Zoological Gardens to observe giant pandas, which are indigenous to this province (Szechuan) only.

Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant near the Yangtze Piers.

Evening: Board your Yangtze vessel and, as you set sail, view the hill city of Chongqing at night.

DAY

New Yangtze Village Relocated Families, Afternoon at leisure

Yangtze River Vessel

B,L,D

Victoria Cruise Lines

Activity note: After disembarkation, a gentle slope will lead to the village. Walk up to 1/2 mile at the relocated village on flat, paved terrain then back to the ship.

Breakfast: Ship's buffet

Morning: Today, learn about the changes in the lives of families who have moved from an ‘old city’ to new housing above the Yangtze waters.

Lunch: Ship's buffet

Afternoon: You will be notified of times for shore visits, cultural programs and talks on a daily basis. Where possible, your national guide will also continue instruction in Tai Ji and Chinese conversation. This evening, the Captain invites you to a welcome reception.

Dinner: On board

Evening: Evening entertainment includes performances of Chinese music and dance.

DAY

Sail through the Yangtze Gorges and Mini-Gorges

Yangtze River Vessel

B,L,D

Victoria Cruise Lines

Activity note: Walk approximately 200 yards from the cruise ship to a smaller ferryboat for a 2-hour cruise on the beautiful tributary of Yangtze River.

Breakfast: Ship's buffet

Morning: Today, pass through the magnificent Yangtze Gorges and ferry up a mini-gorge on a pristine tributary of the Yangtze where you can catch glimpses of red monkeys amongst the trees, goats clinging to the craggy cliffs, and 'hanging coffins' secured in the cliff face by the Ba people centuries ago.

Lunch: Ship's buffet

Afternoon: Free afternoon to enjoy the ship, the river and river towns.

Dinner: On board

Evening: Enjoy an on-board performance of Chinese music and dance.

DAY

Three Gorges Dam Site, Disembark, Flight to Shanghai

Shanghai

B,L,D

Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai Daning

Activity note: Visiting Three Gorges Dam for about 2.5 hours. About 40 steps at the dam and 30 steps disembarking the ship in the afternoon. Flight to Shanghai is about 1 hr 45 mins.

Breakfast: ship's buffet.

Morning: This morning, take a short coach ride to the Three Gorges Dam site. From an observation deck, you will have a birds-eye view of the dam, the five-step ship lock, the diversion canal, and the power station. A nearby exhibition room displays a model of the dam, and a briefing will explain this project which is one of the largest construction ventures ever undertaken.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Disembark and transfer to Yichang Airport for flight to Shanghai.

Dinner: At a restaurant en route to our hotel in Shanghai.

Evening: Arrive Shanghai and transfer to your hotel for check in.

DAY

Arts Museum, Riverside Bund, Shanghai Acrobatics

Shanghai

B,D

Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai Daning

Activity note: The coach trip to Shanghai Museum is approximately 1/2 hour. Spend about 2 hours at the museum; elevators and escalators available. Acrobatic performance will last for 1hr 40 minutes.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet is offered between 6:00 am and10:30 am.

Morning: Explore the state-of-the-art Shanghai Museum, home to China's finest collection of paintings, ceramics, bronzes and sculptures and a dynamic testimony to China's long and rich culture.

Lunch: The museum contains a small café where you can take lunch on your own at a time that is convenient for you as you explore the museum. Your group leader can also give you suggestions for restaurants nearby.

Afternoon: Depart the museum for a stroll on the Bund, Shanghai's Huangpu River promenade, to view the busy river activity and the iconic art deco and neo-classic buildings dating from the time of 'foreign concessions' in Shanghai.

Dinner: at restaurant.

Evening: Enjoy an evening of amazing skill and prowess at a performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. Acrobatics have, for thousands of years, been considered as one of the 'treasures' of Chinese performing arts and figure in other genres such as Beijing Opera.

DAY

Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, Longhua Temple, Xin Tian Di District

Shanghai

B,L,D

Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai Daning

Activity note: Approximately 30 minute coach ride to the old section; walk through the winding alley at the old section with souvenir stores on both sides for approximately 1/2 mile to the Yu Garden to enjoy its classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges. Drive approximately 45 minutes to a vegetarian restaurant near the Longhua Temple to enjoy this unique cuisine.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet is offered between 6:00 am and 10:30 am.

Morning: This morning, we depart the hotel to explore Shanghai's historic old section and the nearby Yu Garden, whose classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping.

Lunch: Enjoy imaginative vegetarian cuisine near Longhua Temple, Shanghai's largest and most active temple.

Afternoon: Coach to Shanghai’s Xin Tian Di district – a cultural street and restoration project that has set a benchmark for Asia.

Dinner: Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a nearby restaurant.

DAY

Program Concludes

Shanghai

Breakfast: hotel buffet,Hotel buffet is offered between 6:00 am and 10:30 am.

Morning: This morning depart for Shanghai Airport for international departures or post-program travel. Your Group Leader will advise you as to departure time.