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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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Small GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City Discoveries
Length
10 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,949
Flights start at
1,450

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10 days
9 nights
20 meals
8B 6L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Beijing, Check-In, Orientation
Beijing
3
Summer Palace, Old Beijing Family Lunch, Forbidden City
Beijing
4
Great Wall of China, Tian’anmen Square
Beijing
5
Temple of Heaven, High-Speed Bullet Train to Xi'an
Xi'an
6
Xian University, Chinese Life Views, Hui Muslim Section
Xi'an
7
Qin Emperor Tomb, Terra Cotta Warriors, Traditional Music
Xi'an
8
Fly to Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai Acrobatics
Shanghai
9
Shanghai Museum, Bund Riverfront Promenade, Farewell Dinner
Shanghai
10
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Shanghai
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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
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

  • 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 where you encounter an astounding terra cotta army near a Qin Emperor’s tomb.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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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 Bin Zhao
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.
Profile Image of Hao Liu
Hao Liu View biography
Liu grew up in a northern Chinese city near Beijing and studied American literature and English at Hebei University. He has been leading Road Scholar programs for more than 10 years and has traveled extensively in China, Tibet, Mongolia and Vietnam. Liu enjoys reading Chinese history and listening to traditional Chinese music. He adds, “I love my job with all my heart. I sincerely want to show my beautiful country to our Road Scholar learners. I look forward to every program I lead.”
Profile Image of Jingyuan (Jerry) Su
Jingyuan (Jerry) Su View biography
Jingyuan "Jerry" Su grew up and lives in the ancient city of Xi'an. A graduate of Xi'an International Studies University where he majored in English, he has been a group leader for many programs in China. Growing up with parents who are university professors, Jingyuan has enjoyed learning about other cultures and countries from his family and through travel in southeast Asia, the US, and Australia. In his spare time, Jingyuan enjoys reading, being with his family and playing basketball and soccer.
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MEALS
20 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
6 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.
Showing Lodging For:
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
  • Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
  • Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • 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)
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Noble Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: Xian
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, the Grand Noble (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Shanghai
The Courtyard Marriott, recently built in 2008, is a comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai close to many of the city’s highlights. Its surrounding neighborhood offers the convenience of various shops and restaurants.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Noble Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: Xian
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, the Grand Noble (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Shanghai
The Courtyard Marriott, recently built in 2008, is a comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai close to many of the city’s highlights. Its surrounding neighborhood offers the convenience of various shops and restaurants.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Noble Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: Xian
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, the Grand Noble (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Shanghai
The Courtyard Marriott, recently built in 2008, is a comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai close to many of the city’s highlights. Its surrounding neighborhood offers the convenience of various shops and restaurants.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Noble Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: Xian
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, the Grand Noble (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Shanghai
The Courtyard Marriott, recently built in 2008, is a comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai close to many of the city’s highlights. Its surrounding neighborhood offers the convenience of various shops and restaurants.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Noble Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: Xian
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, the Grand Noble (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Shanghai
The Courtyard Marriott, recently built in 2008, is a comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai close to many of the city’s highlights. Its surrounding neighborhood offers the convenience of various shops and restaurants.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Noble Hotel
Visit Site
3 nights
Location: Xian
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, the Grand Noble (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Shanghai
The Courtyard Marriott, recently built in 2008, is a comfortable, centrally located hotel in downtown Shanghai close to many of the city’s highlights. Its surrounding neighborhood offers the convenience of various shops and restaurants.
TripAdvisor Reviews





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