China
China’s Capital Cities: Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
Program No. 22555RJ
Encounter the best of China as you enjoy a week exploring its capital cities. Take in the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and talk with students and families.
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At a Glance
As the world’s most populous country and one of the oldest civilizations known to man, it’s no wonder that China’s most influential cities each tell a unique and important part of its history. Explore Beijing with its past and present Imperial history, learn about the importance of the Silk Road in the former capital of Xi’an and consider the global influence of the modern, cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Trace China’s history through dynasties and regions, while meeting local residents and students who share their stories of modern city life.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles a day; stairs; optional tai ji sessions.
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…
- Walk the Great Wall, enter the Forbidden City and lunch with a courtyard family in “Old Beijing.”
- Meet faculty members and students at the International Studies University to discuss student life, philosophy and Chinese customs.
- Ride a bullet train and travel through the north China countryside to Xi’an, and encounter an astounding terra cotta army near a Qin emperor’s tomb.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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.
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.
Bin Zhao
View biography
Bin Zhao grew up near Beijing where he became interested in global travel. Bin studied English at Hebei University and received his M.B.A. in the U.S. He has lived and worked in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong and Australia, and currently resides in his hometown with his family. Bin is also a computer expert who enjoys being a global citizen and experiencing the diversity of various cultures. He has led Road Scholar programs throughout China for over five years.
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.
China’s Capital Cities: Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
Program Number: 22555
China Reading and Film List
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 email request to Chinese American Educational Exchange: toc@ix.netcom.com
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
20 meals (
8B, 6L, 6D
)
2 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
2 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Beijing, Check-In, Orientation
Location:
Beijing
Meals:
D
Stay:
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Activity Note
After arrival at the airport, pass through quarantine inspection and immigration, then go to the International Baggage Claim Hall. Collect luggage and proceed to the International Arrivals Hall where a Road Scholar representative will be waiting and will accompany the group for transfer to the hotel. Hotel check in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After getting your room assignment, take some time to freshen up and relax. We will then gather in a designated space for our welcome meeting and Orientation. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. Group Leaders for the Road Scholar program are qualified national guides who are staff members of the Chinese American Educational Exchange (CAEE). All are university graduates, fluent in English, well-educated in safety and protocol, and supported by offices nationwide. Most lunches and dinners will be “family style” with various dishes placed on a “Lazy Susan” turntable in the center of the table where everyone helps themselves. Chopsticks and forks will be available as well as Chinese spoons used for serving and for soup at the end of a meal. Tea and water are served with all meals; other beverages available for purchase. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Summer Palace, Old Beijing Family Lunch, Forbidden City
Location:
Beijing
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 31 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; generally flat, paved terrain with places to rest; up to 80 steps with railings at Forbidden City.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach with our expert Group Leader for a field trip to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Qing Emperors’ Summer Palace. Lily ponds and arched bridges border its serene lake and painted pavilions depict stories that reflect the rich history of Chinese life and art.
Lunch:
In an “Old Beijing” hutong, we’ll gather for a family-hosted lunch including jaozi (Chinese style dumplings). Hutongs are old residential neighborhoods with courtyard homes situated in small lanes and alleys that are rapidly disappearing due to urban development.
Afternoon:
Next, we will ride to explore parts of the 250-acre Forbidden City imperial compound. It was called the Forbidden City because it was “forbidden” to enter without the Emperor’s permission. The world’s largest palace complex, it is surrounded by a moat 170 feet wide, a wall more than 32 feet high, and contains 8,700 rooms! Construction began in 1407, and, thanks to the labor of a million workers including 100,000 artisans, it was completed in 1420. The Forbidden City was not only the personal residence of emperors and their royal families, but China’s political center for more than five centuries.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have our official welcome dinner and savor the famous culinary delight, Beijing Roast Duck, a.k.a. Peking Duck. The dish was first created for Ming Dynasty emperors six hundred years ago. The ducks are specially raised and the elaborate preparation involves a series of steps to produce the crispy skin and savory meat with traditional accompaniments such as scallion and sweet bean sauce, all rolled inside a thin pancake.
Evening:
At leisure. After returning to the hotel, feel free to take a neighborhood walk, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.
Day
4
Great Wall of China, Tian’anmen Square
Location:
Beijing
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours riding time. Getting on/off a cable car to a higher point on the wall (weather and wind permitting). Walking up to 1.5 miles; steep sections, walking sticks or trekking poles helpful.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride outside Beijing to a green mountain range where we will explore the exceptional and unique Great Wall of China with expert commentary. We will experience spectacular views as it winds up and down the distant mountains. There are numerous sections of wall that were constructed over a period of 2,000 years, stretching from northern China to Mongolia.
Lunch:
At the Great Wall, we will have box lunches.
Afternoon:
Returning to the city, we will stop at “the heart of Beijing” — Tian’anmen Square. Meaning “Gate of Heavenly Peace,” Tian’anmen serves as the location for formal celebrations and ceremonies. More commonly, this huge piazza is where families come to stroll and chat and where kites and balloons abound. In it are located the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the China National Museum, Great Hall of the People, Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Tiananmen Tower. The square was the site of pro-democracy protests seen around the world in 1989. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will provider commentary. We will ride back to the hotel after our field trips.
Dinner:
Following a very full day, supper is of your own choosing. Your Group Leader can make suggestions and provide you with a simple map of the surrounding area with some restaurants indicated. If you prefer something light and/or "Western," there is a nearby bakery and convenience stores as well as some international franchises that have pizza and takeaway options.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Temple of Heaven, High-Speed Bullet Train to Xi'an
Location:
Xi'an
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grand Noble Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; city driving. Getting on/off bullet train, riding about 755 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking about 1/2 mile; 27 (elective) steps at Temple of Heaven. Toilets and storage spaces for luggage are available at each end of the bullet train cars. In addition to the dining car, there is trolley service throughout the train with water, soft drinks, beer, and snacks for purchase. Hot water for tea and coffee is also available in each car.
Breakfast:
Early at the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out early and ride to the 15th century architectural masterpiece, the Temple of Heaven, which symbolizes the relationship between heaven and earth. With our Group Leader, we walk the park-like grounds where local people gather every day to practice their calligraphy and tai ji, play musical instruments, learn various dance forms or simply fly fanciful kites.It is a pleasant place to meet local people in an informal and beautiful setting. We’ll then ride to the Beijing train station and board the high speed “bullet” train to Xi’an.
Lunch:
In the train's dining car.
Afternoon:
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities and was the capital during the golden age of the Tang Dynasty (618 to 906 CE). Our train journey will take us through northeast urban areas and surrounding countryside on China’s Yellow Soil Plateau as we ride through the provinces of Hebei, Henan, and into Shaanxi. These high-speed trains reach speeds of 155-185 miles per hour yet it’s a smooth and comfortable ride. Upon arrival at the train station, we will be met by our local expert and escorted to the hotel via motorcoach. After checking in and getting our rooms, we will have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a nearby restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our Group Leader and practice informal Chinese conversation.
Day
6
Xian University, Chinese Life Views, Hui Muslim Section
Location:
Xi'an
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Grand Noble Hotel
Activity Note
Elective taiji session before breakfast with Group Leader, approximately 1/2 hour; no special clothes or shoes required. Getting on/off a motorcoach; city driving. Walking up to 0.6 mile, or 1.5 miles total if choosing to walk back to hotel from Muslim section.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to Xi’an International Studies University — one of China’s key institutions of higher learning — and meet with a faculty expert who will teach us about Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism as a way of understanding Chinese character and customs. Before lunch we'll take a brief look at the university campus.
Lunch:
In the university dining room, we’ll have a family-style meal with typical Chinese dishes.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we coach to Xian’s Hui Muslim section for a walking field trip. Among the highlights are its beautiful Great Mosque, one of China’s best preserved. Xi’an was a hub of the Silk Road in ancient times. Merchants, traders, and students from Islamic lands were drawn there and settled down. Over generations, they became known as the Hui people, officially recognized as one of China’s ethnic minorities. There were thousands of mosques in China at one time, but most are now gone. Those who would like to stay longer in the Hui Muslim area to explore independently are welcome to do so and walk or take a taxi back to the hotel. The motorcoach will return to the hotel with those who would like to return sooner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Stay in the Hui Muslim area and enjoy the local fare of your choice or return to the hotel aboard the motorcoach as noted above to dine out independently at a nearby restaurant or at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Spend time with fellow Road Scholars or just relax.
Day
7
Qin Emperor Tomb, Terra Cotta Warriors, Traditional Music
Location:
Xi'an
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grand Noble Hotel
Activity Note
Elective taiji before breakfast. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours round-trip riding time. Walking up to approximately 2 miles; generally flat, paved terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach for a field trip to the huge tomb site of the Qin Emperor, containing an army of life size terra cotta figures that was one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. With our Group Leader and experienced local staff — all Xi’an college graduates who have much experience with the terra cotta warriors site — we will explore sections of this vast site where three huge pits are filled with the terra-cotta soldiers, cavalry, archers, their weapons, horses and chariots. It has been estimated that there are as many as 8,000 individual figures, but the total number is still unknown. Traces of paint suggest they were once brilliantly colored. Experimental digs in nearby areas have revealed other kinds of figures such as acrobats, dancers, and musicians, but further excavations are “on hold” due to the complex conditions at the site.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel, we’ll be joined by artists from the Xian Music Institute who will introduce their traditional Chinese instruments and perform a private concert for our Road Scholar group.
Dinner:
At a favorite local restaurant a short walk from the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll get together again with our Group Leader to practice Chinese conversation. Prepare for hotel check out and flight transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Fly to Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai Acrobatics
Location:
Shanghai
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Activity Note
Elective taiji before breakfast. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 27 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting on/off aircraft; flight approximately 2.5 hours. Walking about1.5 miles; generally even paved terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and ride to the Xi’an airport for our flight to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city and the world’s busiest port.
Lunch:
In flight
Afternoon:
From the Shanghai airport, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Shanghai’s historic old section. With our Group Leader, we’ll explore the nearby Yu Garden whose classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping. Depending on time, we will either check in to the hotel after Yu Garden or go directly to dinner in order to be on time for the acrobatics performance this evening.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near the Shanghai Acrobatics theater, we’ll have dishes belonging to Huaiyang cuisine, one of the “Four Great Cuisines” of China.
Evening:
We’ll walk to the Shanghai Acrobatics theater to attend an evening of amazing skill and prowess in a performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. Acrobatics has been an important component of Chinese performing arts for more than 2,000 years. Many of the feats performed originated with skills perfected by artisans and craftspeople. Acrobatics also figures in other performance genres such as Chinese opera.
Day
9
Shanghai Museum, Bund Riverfront Promenade, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Shanghai
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; city driving. Walking up to 2.5 miles throughout the day, indoors and out; generally flat paved terrain. Elevators and escalators in Shanghai Museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We coach to the magnificent state-of-the-art Shanghai Museum which is home to China’s finest collection of paintings, ceramics, bronzes, and sculptures — an impressive testimony to China’s long and rich culture. Individual audio guides will be provided so that we can explore according to our own interests. The museum is located in People's Square, situated on the south side of the former colonial Shanghai horse racing course. Feel free to leave the museum earlier and wander about the surrounding park. Your Group Leader will designate a meeting spot and time for our afternoon departure.
Lunch:
Lunch is of your own choosing so that you can explore the museum or its grounds at your own pace. The museum has a small café and your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions for restaurants nearby.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we ride to the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront characterized by Art Deco and Neoclassical architecture dating from the time of foreign concessions. We’ll view the busy river activity and the maze of glittering skyscrapers newly built across the river on what was, until recently, undeveloped farmland. The motorcoach will return to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner:
At a nearby restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Day
10
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
Shanghai
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel depending on departure times. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
20 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
- Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
- May 09, 2025 - May 18, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
- Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
- Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
Participant Reviews
Based on 14 Reviews
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Excellent guide. Great first trip except for the typhoon
— Review left December 9, 2024
Visiting China was a lifelong dream that was 100% fulfilled by taking the Road Scholar Tour. Not only was it educational, but it was fun and exciting! Our Tour Guide was extremely informative and kept us up to date in all activities. This was my first Tour and was impressed every step of the way.
— Review left October 3, 2024
China guide Mr Liu demonstrated deep knowledge of the subject, lots of smarts and most helpfully, a good sense of humor.
— Review left September 30, 2024
What an absolutely wonderful trip. We had a small group of seven and a superb tour leader, Jerry who was well informed, friendly, and funny. I do have a few suggestions. 1) the Xi'an hotel beds are horrible, I wasn't the only one who complained. I slept on the lounge chair and when I could call room service, they hung up on me twice. We also went to the same restaurant two nights is a row, in a city that size a variety would be nice. 2) the Shanghai acrobatics were great, the peking opera so so. We all paid to go to the Tang show in Xi'an an enjoyed it, and I'd suggest adding that and deleting the Peking. Overall a great bucket list trip, really enjoyed it!
— Review left May 20, 2024
The trip to China opened my eyes to life in a faraway place. News stories jump out at me now.
— Review left April 30, 2024
This was a great program very busy and fun. The trip leader was great and the people great!
— Review left April 22, 2024
I would love to share how wonderful my trip to China was. I received so much more of China history from our tour guide that would of taken me months to read. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in Chinese history and the Great Wall of China is so spectacular to see. Not to mention the Terra Cotta warriors. Loved the trip wish they had added two more days in Xi'an. Understanding their way of life is so interesting. Met great scholar and felt very welcomed in their country
— Review left November 25, 2019
This was a fantastic trip; an eye opening experience. My group loved seeing highlights like the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors, but also loved meeting musicians and professors. We all envied the adult "playgrounds"! Our guide was the perfect combination of warmth, hospitality, and knowledge.
— Review left November 8, 2019
This is an extremely interesting tour.
You do not waste a moment. It is full of vast sights, great food, and new cultural experiences.
The tour schedule is very finely tuned and well organized.
— Review left May 20, 2019
A superb tour of three wonderful cities!
— Review left May 12, 2019
This was another excellent Road Scholar trip. As always, the tour leader, accommodations and experiences were great. I especially enjoyed the lecture on Chinese history, the bullet train trip between Beijing and Xian, and the chance to talk with students from Xian University. In addition to the chance to learn about China’s history and culture, visit many of its iconic sites, and check off a bucket list trip, as often happens during travel, I came home with a little better ability to see the world from a perspective other than my own. One experience in particular stands out. As an African-American woman living in a culturally diverse country and state, I was surprised early during the tour that my ethnicity attracted the attention it did. Many times people wanted to take photos of me and my husband. Initially a few tried to do so without indicating to us what they were about to do. We either found a camera pointed at us or someone (or several people) standing next to us and smiling at the person taking the photo. At first I was annoyed. Thankfully, our wonderfully insightful and patient tour leader, Wentao, explained that the country was experiencing economic growth and more people who live outside the big cities were able to travel. As a result, they were encountering people they had never seen before. Anyone who was different from what they were accustomed to -- people with dark skin, blonde hair, or who were very tall, for example -- presented an opportunity for a photo to share with their friends at home. As we moved about the country there were many more photos taken. Some people still caught us by surprise, but some also smiled and gestured to indicate that they wanted a photo, or they asked for one in English. We now see these encounters as part of the experience of traveling in China. We are so grateful we could take this trip. It expanded our sense of the world. Anyone who can visit China should do so, and go with Road Scholar.
— Review left May 5, 2019
Wonderful trip!!!!!
This was my first Road Scholar trip and I was very impressed!!!
Wen Tau and our group formed a great bond and I'm sure others enjoyed it as much as I did.
I especially appreciated the learning opportunities (by Wen Tau and the lecturers and performers) as well as the "Sites": Terra Cotta Soldiers and Great Wall.
Most importantly was our interaction with Chinese Nationals and I was very impressed by their enterprising success as a nation. They have come so far, so fast. What an inspiration.
Looking forward to another trip soon.
Glenn Nelson
— Review left April 28, 2019
My trip to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai was enriching and delightful. We had an excellent Road Scholar leader-guide for the whole trip. Road Scholar did a great job of preparing me for the trip, providing information about schedule, helping with my visa and giving me ways to learn about my destinations through reading and movies. I strongly recommend Road Scholar as a relatively inexpensive way to see the world in the company of others with similar backgrounds and interests.
— Review left April 24, 2019
This was a superior Road Scholar program, and a great introduction to a fascinating and complicated country. If you have any reservation about going to China, don't. The people are VERY friendly and happy to meet you. The places visited go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. You will feel at home in China. The best part of the trip was our guide, Wentao. This man is a superior guide. He's friendly, humorous, knowledgeable and a delight to be with. He's a marvelous ambassador for the People's Republic of China. Just meeting Wentao is worth the trip!
— Review left April 23, 2019
