Day 1: Fly overnight to China
Board your overnight flight to Beijing!

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Day 2: Beijing
Arrive in Beijing
Touch down in Beijing. It was in this city that Chairman Mao
proclaimed the People's Republic of China in 1949. Meet your
bilingual Tour Director, who will remain with you throughout your stay,
then transfer to your hotel.

Chinese Capital



Day 3: Beijing
Guided sightseeing of Beijing
An expert local guide introduces you to the Chinese capital, a treasure
chest of imperial monuments. This ancient city first received its
modern name when it became the capital for the second time in
Chinese history in 1402 (“Beijing” means “Northern Capital”).
See Tiananmen Square (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), the largest public
square in the world.

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Visit the Forbidden City (Gugong), once
accessible only to the Emperor. Get a close-up look at the
golden-roofed Imperial Palace, one of the world's greatest
architectural achievements. Hundreds of thousands of workers
labored on the construction of this palatial complex during the Ming
Dynasty. It was later removed during the 18th century (Qing Dynasty).
Although situated in the very heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is
surrounded by both a moat and a protective wall. The emperors who
once resided here often spent their entire lives within the complex - it
was not until 1949 that a “commoner” set foot inside the area.

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Visit Jingshan Park
Separated from the Forbidden City by the palace moat, Jingshan Park
is a former private imperial garden. Opened to the public in 1928,
today you will get the chance to enjoy it!

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Visit Niujie Mosque and the Muslim Quarter
Your Tour Director will introduce you to the oldest mosque in Beijing
before exploring the largest Muslim neighborhood in the city.

Day 4: Beijing

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Visit the Summer Palace
Formerly a summer palace for feudal Emperors, the Summer Palace
is a magnificent example of China's classical garden architecture. The
Palace grounds were originally divided into three sections, one for
court activities, one for imperial residence and one for sight-seeing.
The Long Corridor, the Paiyun (Cloud-Dispelling) Hall, the Temple of
Buddhist Virtue, the Marble Boat, the Xiequ (Harmonious -Interest)
Garden, the Zhichun (Spring-Heralding) Pavilion, and the
Seventeen-Arch Bridge are the palace's main attractions. You can
also spend time admiring along with Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist
Incense, Wenchang Hall, Suzhou Street, and Danning Hall.

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Visit the Yonghe Lamasery Temple
Featuring a combination of Han and Tibetan architectural styles, the
Yonghe Lama Temple originally served as an imperial palace
beginning in the Qing Dynasty. The temple and monastery of Tibetan
Buddhism is currently home to about 70 Mongolian lamas, a Tibetan
title for venerated spiritual masters and similar to the Sanskrit title
“guru”. The temple is considered the largest and most perfectly
preserved lamasery in China.

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Kite making workshop
Participate in an hour long kite making demonstration and workshop,
then have the opportunity to venture outside to fly the kites.

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Peking duck dinner
Tonight you will be treated to the sumptuous dish that northern China
is famous for: Peking duck! During this special feast, learn about the
ritual preparation and savory side dishes that accompany this regional
specialty.

Day 5: Beijing

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Morning Tai Chi exercise
Start your day as the locals do: with a gentle series of stretching
exercises in a local park led by an experienced practitioner.

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Visit the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan)
Built between 1406 and 1420, the complex of Taoist buildings that
make up the Temple of Heaven cover 273 hectares and represent the
pinnacle of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. In early morning
when the air is filled with the fragrance of old cypresses, the temple
grounds are full of people practicing a dozen or more forms of
exercise, from qigong to martial arts, opera singing to disco. This is
one of the best places in Beijing for people-watching.

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Visit a tea house
You'll better understand the importance of tea in Chinese culture
when you visit a tea house. Not only for refreshment, Chinese tea
holds a place in medicine, art and even literature. Inhale the earthy
aromas and experience the culture and custom surrounding this
ancient pastime as you are served a traditional tea.

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Exploration time in the Wangfujing district
Spend some time exploring one of Beijing's most famous shopping
streets. Stroll past hundreds of storefronts displaying famous Beijing
brands, or venture down the Wangfujing snack street and dare to try
some of the exotic street food. Also see the Beijing East Church, a
catholic church also known as Saint Joseph's Church.

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Visit the Panjayuan Market
Explore the Panjayuan Antique Market where you can find many
unique and vintage items. Huawei Nanlu and Silk Alley are also
nearby.

Day 6: Beijing

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Visit a local school
Learn what school life is like while you spend time with a group of
Chinese students. Of course, they'll be curious about American
schools, too, so be prepared to answer a lot of questions! (Subject to
school calendars.)

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Visit the Beijing Zoo
See the exotic animals that are native to China as you visit the
impressive Beijing Zoo. In addition to housing some of the most
unique animals in the world, the zoo is also a center of zoological
research. Be sure to check out the incredibly popular Giant Panda
exhibit. Other attractions include the Sichuan golden snob-nosed
monkey, Manchurian tigers, Australian kangaroos and so much more.
Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds, which combine cultivated
flower gardens with dense groves of trees, grassland, a stream, lotus
pools and hills dotted with pavilions and halls.

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Chinese calligraphy lesson
Participate in a traditional Chinese calligraphy lesson with your Tour
Director. The word calligraphy comes from the Greek for “written
beauty,” but the Chinese name for calligraphy (shufa, 書法) translates
to “the way of writing.” In China, calligraphy is full of fluidity and
dynamic life, and is an important and appreciated aspect of Chinese
cultural arts.

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Visit a silk factory
Visit a local factory and store and observe a demonstration of how silk
is made and then woven to form garments.

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Attend the Peking Opera
This evening, attend a performance at the Peking Opera, a form of
traditional Chinese theatre that combines music, vocals, dance,
mime, and acrobatics.

7: Beijing

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Visit a local seafood market
Spend some time exploring a local seafood market amongst the
locals purchasing their daily goods.

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Visit the Drum and Bell Towers
Today, go inside the Drum and Bell Towers of Beijing, two structures
that served as the official timekeeping method from the Yuan Dynasty
until 1924. Enjoy a performance in the towers along with breathtaking
views of the Hutongs once you reach the top! (subject to performance
schedule)

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Tour a remodeled Hutong
Today you will have the opportunity to step inside a remodeled
Hutong. Far from the original interior, get a glimpse into a modern
Hutong.

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Hutong tour in a rickshaw
Explore the city with a rickshaw ride through the lanes of Old Beijing.
Follow the Hutong, which were built around the Forbidden City during
the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as you see where both the
aristocrats and others lived during these ancient times. You will stop
at the Drum Tower, which was built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty
and Prince Gong's Mansion. Built in 1777-1787, it was home to one
of Emperor Qianlong's favorite ministers.
Dinner with a local Chinese family
Students will be split into small groups to join local families in the
Hutong area for dinner and get a glimpse into the daily life of these
families.

Day 8: Beijing

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Excursion to 798 Art Zone and Caochangdi Art District
Take an excursion to the Dashanzi Art District, also known as the 798
Art Zone, a unique complex of decommissioned military factory
buildings which is now home to some of Beijing's leading avant-garde
artists. Explore the myriad of galleries, studios, shops, shows and
exhibits. Afterwards, explore the nearby Caochangdi Art area with
your Tour Director.

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Dumpling cooking class
Today you will learn the traditional Chinese method of making
dumplings. Practice alongside an expert chef on how to properly stuff
and wrap this traditional cuisine. Then enjoy your work with a tasting
of the dumplings you created.


Day 9: Beijing

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Visit the Bona Jade factory and store
Visit one of Beijing's largest and most famous jade factories. The
Bona Jade Store is a manufacturer and retailer of beautiful jade items,
such as jewelry, ornaments and pendants. Upon entering the store,
you will get a brief introduction to the history of jade and its role in
Chinese culture. You will then have time to peruse through the many
aisles of jade souvenirs.

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Excursion to the Great Wall of China
Travel north to Badaling to view one of the wonders of the world: the
Great Wall of China. Its construction began in the 5th century B.C. as
a defense against the Mongols: 300,000 people labored on it over
several centuries. Today the wall extends across mountains and
valleys for more than 3,000 miles, but many argue that it is currently
only one-tenth of its original length! In fact, if one were to take all of
the stone used in the Great Wall's construction, one could build
another wall - 8 feet high - around the entire globe.

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Exploration time at the silk market
Relax a little this afternoon, as you shop. Explore the Silk Alley and
Friendship Store, where you can get all types of handicrafts, clothes
and knock-off designer products at Chinese prices. Be prepared to
haggle, as none of the prices are fixed and all vendors are prepared to
compete for your business.


Day 10: Depart for home

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Transfer to the airport for your return flight
Your Tour Director assists with your transfer to the airport, where
you'll check in for your return flight home.