China

China by Train and Yangtze Riverboat

Program No. 3588RJ
Explore the rivers, mountains, villages and cities of China by riverboat and train, and learn from local experts as you discuss local culture, practice tai ji and walk the Great Wall.

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At a Glance

The Great Wall stretches more than 5,500 miles across rugged land and mountains — reflecting the vastness, history, and traditions of China. Take a walk on this man-made wonder and then get closer to daily Chinese life in a journey by train and Yangtze riverboat that transports you from Beijing to Shanghai and across the Yellow Soil Plateau to China’s Silk Road capital —Xi’an. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of countryside villagers along the way as you explore their marketplaces, talk openly with English-speaking students, and learn about traditions that have been at the heart of Chinese culture for thousands of years.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles daily; uneven terrain; steep steps at docks, sometimes 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

  • Share lunch with a Beijing courtyard family, and then enter the Forbidden City, seat of Emperors and once forbidden to all others.
  • From your train carriage and from new high-speed "bullet" trains, enjoy close glimpses of China’s colorful country life.
  • Discover hidden hillside villages and lush landscapes of Guizhou Province.

General Notes

No overnight trains; all train travel during daylight hours. Optional tai ji and Chinese conversation. Some sites have uneven terrain, unpaved paths, cobblestones, uneven or steep steps with no railings. Group leaders are full-time staff, university graduates fluent in English.
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 'Mei' Xuemei Zhang
'Mei' Xuemei Zhang View biography
Xuemei (Mei) Zhang has been sharing her knowledge of China with Road Scholar participants for over ten years. She grew up in northern China, close to Beijing, and is a graduate of Hebei Normal University in Shijiazhuang where she majored in English and machine-aided translation. Mei has been to the U.S.A. several times and traveled extensively in China. She describes herself as an extrovert who loves problem-solving and adds that she loves the process of learning while traveling with different people.
Profile Image of Li Jiang
Li Jiang is an instructor of traditional Chinese musical instruments. He started learning the violin at the age of 6 and has remained devoted to this instrument ever since. He extended his study to other musical instruments including the erhu, bawu, guitar and piano. He is a self-taught fluent speaker of English, having studied the language for over thirty years. He has traveled to Japan and Europe for art exchanges, making him a valued contributor to China's national culture and arts development.
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
56 Meals
21 Breakfasts
18 Lunches
17 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
Oct 10, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • Oct 10, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 10, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 24, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Apr 24, 2025 - May 16, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • May 08, 2025 - May 30, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
3 nights
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
3 nights
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
3 nights
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
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.
See All Lodging Options
4 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.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
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.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
Poly Hotel Wuhan
2 nights
Wuhan
No description
2 nights
Kaili
This recently-built five star hotel is located in the center of a peaceful and quiet area.
Poly Hotspring Guiyang Hotel
2 nights
Guiyang
No description
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.
See All Lodging Options





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