Day 1, Tuesday - After meeting and greeting your flight leader and the other students joining the Wonders of China, we’re off to Hong Kong! This is an easy, non-stop ride across the Pacific – and most students find that after dinner and a movie or so, they’re able to manage dozing off to sleep for a while. So sit back, have a chat with your new friends, and enjoy the flight!
Day 2, Wednesday - This day is ‘lost’ as you cross the International Date Line. But worry not – you’ll get it back when returning home!
Day 3, Thursday - Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, where you’ll meet your program leaders and have time for a long awaited stretch. We’ll sit down for a relaxed chat and a refreshing drink while giving you our detailed plans for the rest of the day. Next, we’ll grab our bags (preferably small and manageable!) and check-in for our connecting flight to Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport. Changing over to Chinese style airlines is an experience in itself, and you will quickly realize that you’ve entered a whole new world. The flight takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival, we’ll be picked up by a private bus and taken downtown to our hotel. Check- in, grab a quick shower, drop your bags off, and then we’ll get together again, have a chat and hit the streets of Shanghai for a short walk through this amazing city at night, giving you a taste of what’s in store on our adventure – Rustic Pathways welcomes you to China!
Day 4, Friday - After a good night’s rest, we’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and begin our adventure as we walk to Shanghai’s legendary Old City. Your senses will be overwhelmed as you pass through the traditional buildings and wander the cobbled streets lined with shops and food stalls of the Old Town Bazaar. Check out the feng shui at Yuyuan Garden, and enjoy lunch on bustling Yunnan Street, savoring your first tastes of traditional Chinese food. Next, we’ll walk to the shores of the Huangpu River and walk up ‘The Bund’, perhaps the most famous mile in mainland China. ‘The Bund’ is Shanghai's historic colonial district, where the city's history of European presence stands, proudly represented by the classic European architecture. Next, we’ll cross under the river via the West Bund Sightseeing Tunnel over to Pudong – Shanghai’s largest high-rise district – and the fastest developing area in the world. To give you an idea of how fast Shanghai has developed into the high rise futuristic city that it is today – in the mid 90’s Shanghai held over half of the world’s construction cranes. As the afternoon light begins to fade, we’ll make our way up the ‘Pearl of the Orient Tower’, to take in the best view of this amazing city. After taking countless panoramic photographs of the stunning skyline, you’ll get right back into the thick of things as we cap the night off with a stroll down Nanjing Street, home to the early evening heartbeat of dynamic Shanghai.
Day 5, Saturday - On Saturday, we’ll start early with a buffet breakfast, and then we’ll head over to Renmin Square, the largest park in Shanghai. Gain a fascinating glimpse into Chinese history and art at the Shanghai Museum, and witness a true-to-life scaled down model of this impressive city, as well as development plans for the near future at the Urban Planning Hall. These exhibits are truly world class, and provide great insight about what the Chinese civilization has accomplished, as well as their aspirations for development in the future. After some time to relax, rejuvenate, and hang out with your new friends at the hotel, we’ll catch a subway to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the home of the amazing Chinese Acrobat Performance. A day packed full of the best cultural attractions that Shanghai has to offer will surely make for some lasting impressions.
Day 6, Sunday - After a hearty breakfast, we’ll pack our bags, load up the bus, and head off to the airport. Today we transfer north to Beijing, China's timeless capital city and the host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Just a short 90 minute flight north will bring us to Beijing International Airport around lunch time. We’ll be greeted by a private bus waiting at the airport, and quickly transfer to Fangyuan Hotel in the heart of old Beijing. After settling in to your new room, its time to explore this ancient capital! Just a short walk and you’ll be at the huge Tiananmen square, the sight of the infamous repression of the democracy protests in 1989. Just across the road stands a huge portrait of Mao overlooking the square, and behind him, Beijing’s prized Forbidden City. The immense Forbidden City is a place which was off-limits and unseen by any member of the Chinese public for several hundred years, and really opened up to foreigners in the early 1980’s. Capture stunning images as you wander these ancient grounds dotted by various temples and gardens constructed by Chinese royalty centuries before. Take a pedicab tour through the city's winding alleys of Hutong, leading past the houses of former generals and back-alley streets which reveal images and glimpses into the simple life in Beijing. You’ll return home with some tired feet and amazing pictures, and have some time to relax at the hotel. Later, we’ll pop over to a local restaurant and have a chance to savor a dinner of legendary Peking Duck, before heading back to the hotel and calling it a night.
Day 7, Monday - Rising early, we'll hop on a chartered bus and head out of town for the entire day. Though we’ll be up very early, there is no reason to stress, as you’ll have time to sleep on the comfortable bus. Today you’ll have a chance to witness and explore The Great Wall - one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. A visit here truly puts history in perspective, and makes one of the greatest endeavors of humankind a part of your memories. After lunch and some refreshments, we’ll jump in the bus again and head west to Chuandixia, a quiant, traditional town nestled into the mountainside, which offers a window into slower-paced rural life. Returning late and well rested, we’ll cruise the streets of modern Beijing at night and feel the exciting vibe which permeates the city.
Day 8, Tuesday - After breakfast, we’ll grab our bags and get in the bus to the airport, and connect to our next stop: Xi’an. Upon arrival in Xi'an International Airport, we'll be picked up by a chartered bus and whisked out to the 2000 year-old Army of Terracotta Warriors. The Terracotta Warriors, discovered first in just 1974, are part of one of the biggest archeological discoveries in recent times, and are remarkably well preserved. On our way back into town, the tour goes on as we stop at a few of Xian’s famous sights which lie outside the town center. In the evening, we’ll return to town and check-in to the centrally located Hotel. After a well deserved shower and a spell of down time, its time to see to lively and diverse city center. We’ll check out the Great Mosque, and explore the streets of the culturally rich Muslim quarter nearby, which showcases a fascinating fusion of cultures. You’ll soon see that the staple food for these people is not rice but rather wheat, and all sorts of tasty middle-eastern inspired foods fill the roadside food stalls.
Day 9, Wednesday - After a nice buffet breakfast at our hotel, we'll catch a bus out to Hua Shan, home to one of China's most legendary mountain ranges. Travel time is again comfortable and social, and if you’re still a bit sleepy feel free to doze off for a while. When we arrive, we’ll take a cable car voyage to the top of the sharp peaks for a fantastic view. We’ll explore the area a bit, then head back down and grab some lunch before returning to Xi’an. We’ll take it easy in the early evening, having a look around the dramatic city center. After a relaxing dinner, we’ll ascend the city's legendary Bell towers, for some nice views from the heart of the city.
Day 10, Thursday - After another delicious buffet breakfast, we’re off to the airport again, transferring first directly south a couple of hours to Kunming International Airport in Yunnan province. From Kunming, we’ll connect to a short, 30 minute flight over the mountains to Dali Airport, outside of Dali City. On a clear day, this is a beautiful flight which will give you a unique birds-eye perspective of the stunning landscape of western Yunnan province. Once we arrive and check in to the Tibet Lodge where we’ll be staying, we’ll take the afternoon to explore the lively city streets and acclimate to the easy pace of life here in the mountains of southern China. You’ll quickly find here that the air is a fresher, the people are quick to share a smile, and that Dali is a unique and comfortable place to unwind.
Day 11, Friday - After an easy morning and a tasty breakfast, we’ll journey up the mountains overlooking the city by cable car, and savor the views from atop the mountains. Before returning to town, we’ll swing by Dali University, the home of Rustic Pathways’ Chinese Language Programs, and wander this beautiful campus that perched on the foothills beyond the city. In the afternoon, you’ll have plenty to time to wander the streets of Old Town, meeting the friendly vendors and enjoying a street performance or kung-fu movie playing on an outdoor screen at the city center. View the wonderful boutiques filled with everything from traditional Bai quilts, clothing, and jewelry to beautiful original art and quality outdoor gear. Scout for great souvenirs and gifts to bring home for your family and friends.
Day 12, Saturday - Today, we’ll get out of town and explore the far shores of Erhai Lake. Take your bathing suit along, as we skip from village to village, checking out these sleepy little communities that receive few visitors. Just imagine – only a week ago, you were lost between the huge metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing – how things can change in just a week! Take a deep breath and behold the Jade Mountains as they’re reflected by the clear lake waters – not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon in China.
Day 13, Sunday - First thing in the morning, it’s back to the airport for a morning flight to Kunming, where we’ll connect on to Macau. This flight takes about 2.5 hours, and we’ll arrive in Macau by mid-afternoon. After checking in to the East Asia Hotel, we’ll step outside and wander the cobbled streets, pondering the many signs posted in both Chinese and Portuguese. View the beautiful architecture of the colonial period buildings, and feel the distinct vibe of this popular destination. As the sun sets, the city’s alter-ego emerges, as the bright casino lights come to life and suggest that Macau is the ‘Las Vegas of Asia’. Just another memorable and interesting stop on our Wonders of China tour!
Day 14, Monday - After a breakfast sampling some tasty local cuisine, we’ll have a bit more time to have a look around the old city, before heading up the Macau Sky Tower for a sensational view and an adrenaline-pumping bungee jump (optional). Test your guts and go for style points in front of your new friends, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the island and cheer on your crazy comrades. Next, it’s off to the pier to catch the ferry across to Hong Kong, the final stop of our ‘Wonders’ tour. As we turn the corner and the bright lights of the city come into view, prepare for a special sight - Hong Kong is an amazing city to see from a distance. As this might be a little overwhelming coming from Dali just 2 days before, we’ll be sure to allow you some time to re-adjust to the exciting city atmosphere. Pulling into Kowloon, we’ll check in to our hotel, and spend the rest of the evening tasting some local cuisine and searching for bargains on Nathan Road before heading off to bed.
Day 15, Tuesday - After a nice breakfast at the hotel, we’ll pack up day packs and walk to the pier to join a morning tai-chi session. Next, we’ll grab a brown-bag sandwich lunch and take the subway out to Lantau Island. From here, we’ll take the cable car up the rural mountains to the Big Buddha. Here, we’ll have the whole day to hike around and explore this beautiful area, and find some nice beaches to stop at for a swim. After seeing the impressive size of Hong Kong, you won’t believe that just pristine forests, trails, and beaches exist so close to such a hue metropolis. We’ll have some time to relax and shower when we return to the hotel, grab a bite to eat, and then we’ll be out for the evening again - this time to the Temple Street Market for some more great bargain hunting and walk around the culturally diverse and intriguing streets of Hong Kong.
Day 16, Wednesday - First thing, we’ll again pack up gear for the day - first stop at the exotic bird and flower markets of Kowloon which make for great, colorful pictures. Next, you’ll take the subway over to the high-rise world of Hong Kong Island. There are many sights to view here, from the dominating modern sky-scrapers, to the traditional streets of seafood and long-established medicine shops. As the sun sets, we'll take the tram to Victoria's Peak for the most stunning views of the city and some amazing photo opportunities for you and your friends. This is the perfect place to spend our last night together, as it offers a spectacular view to soak in while putting the whole experience in perspective.
Day 17, Thursday - After a final breakfast, we’ll take the subway to the airport, where its time for an emotional goodbye with your friends – can you believe it’s only been 17 days? – who you’ll feel like you’ve known for life. From here, you’ll either fly home or continue on to your next adventure with Rustic Pathways!
An Important Note about Schedule Changes :
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur. |
Home to well over a billion people, China holds a myriad of
ancient traditions and hidden secrets tucked away in its
varied landscapes, pulsing cities, and magnificent scenery.
Throughout the journey, students will dive into the diverse
cultures, taste the many spices, and absorb the multitude
of colors that this great land has to offer.
The Misty Mountains of Dali
