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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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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Hongying Yang
Hongying Yang View biography
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.
Profile Image of Qing Zhao
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.
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.
Meals
38 Meals
14 Breakfasts
12 Lunches
12 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
  • Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
  • Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • May 10, 2025 - May 25, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
3 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
2 nights
Yangshuo
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.





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