Day 1 – Tuesday
Location: San Francisco
After meeting and greeting your flight leader and the other students joining the Ultimate China Adventure, 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, 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 don’t worry– you’ll get it back when returning home!

Day 3 – Thursday
Location:  Hong Kong, Xi’An

Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, where you’ll meet your program leaders and have time for a long awaited stretch. You will have a few hours in the airport before connecting onwards. Next, we’ll grab our bags (preferably small and manageable!) and check-in for our connecting flight to 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 the 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 4 – Friday
Location: Xi’An, Mt. Glory (Hua Shan)

After a nice breakfast at our hotel, we’ll catch a bus to Hua Shan.  After yesterday’s glimpse into China’s glorious past, today you’ll climb up one of China’s holiest mountains, Mt. Glory (Hua Shan.)  As you climb you will pass ancient Taoist sites that were once a sanctuary for martial artists perfecting their craft.  After a few hours, you will reach the summit; you will feel honored to place your own red ribbon amongst a sea of ribbons from hikers who have already paid respect to the glory of China’s past and future.  After your hike, you’ll take the cable car back down and head back to Xi’An to grab some savory Chinese food and settle in for a relaxing night.

Day 5 – Saturday
Location: Xi’An, Chengdu (Base of Mt. Emei)

Waking up you’ll grab some breakfast and head on over to the Xi’An International Airport where you’ll take an hour and a half plane ride to Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda and Mt. Emei.  Before you head onto Mt. Emei, we’ll grab lunch in Chengdu and stroll the streets looking for Mao watches, plush pandas and other Chinese kitsch.  Soon, you’ll be anxious to get on to Mt. Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  You’ll have dinner at the guesthouse and hit the sack early, preparing to climb for the next two days.
 
Day 6 – Sunday
Location: Mt. Emei

After grabbing some breakfast and taking only basic necessities, you will pick up some snacks for the trek and go on to Mt. Emei.  Mt Emei, which literally translates to Towering Eyebrow (a sign of pure beauty in China) Mountain, is host to martial art temples of old and mischievous monkeys.  Feel free to throw a piece of bread to these toll guards and make your way past Long Life Monastery and Elephant Bathing Pool.  A few kilometers away from the summit we will stop for the day.  You had a nice hike but it’s the sunrise you came to Mt. Emei for.  Grabbing dinner, some more water and a bed to sleep on, you’ll go to sleep in anticipation.

Day 7 – Monday
Location: Mt. Emei, Chengdu

It’s an early rise and breakfast but it’ll be worth it.  After packing another bagged lunch, you will set off for the top we’ll take a rest at the Golden Summit Temple (over 3000 meters up) and then move onto the final stretch to reach the Ten Thousand Buddha Summit.  Once you reach the top, take a deep breath in and chow down on the lunch you brought from the guesthouse.  After a solid meal and time to soak in the view, you’ll hike back down and travel past Crouching Tiger Monastery and eventually back onto a bus that will take you to Chengdu.  Just before heading to bed, we’ll go for an after-dinner stroll in People’s Park, the center of local activity in Chengdu.

Day 8 – Tuesday
Location: Chengdu, Lijiang

After your last breakfast in Sichuan Province (home to what many people proclaim is the greatest food in the world), you will board a plane and fly for an hour to Kunming and then connect to Ljiang via an even shorter flight.  Lijiang is a city of winding streets and interesting people.  Lijiang, which is located in the undiscovered but most beautiful Province in China, is home to twenty-five ethnic groups.  As you grab lunch in Lijiang, you will meet the local Naxi people, a group known for their big smiles and distinctive blue clothing.  There will be ample time before and after dinner to go shopping for hand woven clothing item and calligraphy, penned in the Naxi people’s ancient writing language, Dongba.  You will spend the night at the Teahorse Inn, a quaint little place right next to the town’s big square.
 
Day 9 – Wednesday
Location: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Almost every person leaves Yunnan thrilled and in awe, all because of one place, Tiger Leaping Gorge.  Full of history and myth, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a two-day hike alongside rapids that have come all the way from Tibet and down the Himalayans.  After some breakfast and morning tea, you will hop in a car and head on over to the start of this trek.  Your first day will be the harder of the two days’ hikes as you navigate your way up the legendary 28 bends.  Many people use donkeys to carry their bags up this winding path but we think you can handle it (because you left all heavy items at The Teahorse in Lijiang) and all your hard work is paid off once you emerge at the top of this valley.  After a rest and some lunch at one of the hill tribe people’s houses, you’ll keep on going along the top until you hit the halfway point and your guesthouse for the night.  Eating dinner here, you will watch the colors of the sun set behind the mountains and realize that you truly are in a special and pure place.
 
Day 10 – Thursday
Location: Tiger Leaping Gorge

After yesterday’s hike, we let you have a casual breakfast and set off on a leisurely hike down to the river below.  Along the way hear the story of the tiger for which this valley is named and gab some lunch at Sean’s Guesthouse, a very chill guy with an interesting story of his own.  Also your home for the night, take the afternoon to explore more cool treks on the ground floor or catch up on a book and rest up for the next day.  Dinner at Sean’s is always full of good conversation and full bellies and the rooms have super-comfortable beds.  

Day 11 – Friday
Location: Jiang jia Jie

Day 12 – Saturday
Location: Jiang jia Jie

Day 13 – Sunday
Location: Jiang jia jie

Day 14 – Monday
Location: Yangshuo

After flying into Guilin and taking a private bus to Yangshuo you will grab some lunch and get comfortable in this backpacker’s paradise.  Over the next three days you will have the opportunity to further advance your adventure skills or try out new ones.  For today’s afternoon, you will try out mountain biking or get your bearings straight on an optional hot air balloon ride.  As the sun starts to set and the soft lights of the town come on, you can sit back, grab some dinner and breathe in the fresh air and trade stories with other people over a cup of coffee in any of the café’s that line Yangshuo’s simple streets.

Day 15 – Tuesday
Location: Yangshuo

A hearty backpacker’s breakfast is in order for today’s journey, the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces.  On your hike through these steep, rice paddies you will wonder over lunch how The Great Wall got so famous and this place has yet to gain such notoriety.  A feat of human ingenuity and engineering, these rice terraces are stunning but if you get hot during your journey, don’t worry there is a great water fall to get cooled off in or stop by at a local shop and get a foot massage.  When we get back to Yangshuo, make sure you tell the cook for dinner, hao chi! (Delicious!) 

Day 16 – Wednesday
Location: Yangshuo

Another backpacker’s breakfast but this time you try to figure out how time went so quickly.  However, you still have a few more adventures left in you.  Today you can choose whether you want to go river kayaking, rock climbing or caving.  Whether you rush down the river, carefully plan your route to the top of a steady rock or delve deep into the earth, you are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.  After an afternoon lunch, you will head back to the guest house and make sure you are packed for the next day and get your last chance to go shopping for knick-knacks and unique birthday gifts.  Your last meal will be one you won’t soon forget as you get to take a try at going with locals to buy fresh vegetables at the market and then having a skilled Chinese cook teach you how to make and prepare the dishes you have fallen in love with for the past two weeks.  Smiles are abundant as you sink your teeth into the food and trade e-mail addresses with your friends on the trip.

Day 17 – Thursday

THE ULTIMATE CHINA ADVENTURE

The Most Important thing you can bring is an open mind and big heart.  The Chinese people are incredible hosts; with the right attitude you will have the chance to experience this firsthand, sharing endless stories and cups of tea.

Since this trip requires a lot of hiking and participation in adventure sports, we recommend that you bring at least a sturdy pair of running sneakers.  Versatile Hiking Boots are preferable but make sure that they are worn in before you arrive; otherwise, you will most likely develop blisters along the trails.
 
IMPORTANT: PACK LIGHT! Domestic airlines in China have a check-in baggage weight limit of 20 kilos (about 44 lbs). If your bags weigh more than this, the airline may charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit. In past years, we have had students incur SIGNIFICANT charges for excess baggage.

Carry-On Luggage: A small backpack is the best carry-on bag:

• Passport - you can't get on the plane without this
• Wallet - with a bit of US money for the trip over. Your allowance account will be available to you as soon as you arrive in China. Most students bring something like $100 on the actual flight in case they need it along the way. and Wallet
• Photo Copy of Passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)
• Sunglasses
• Good Book (trade with buddies)
• Keep yourself hydrated to avoid jet lag
• Medications (Must alert staff)
• Journal and Pens - start the habit of writing in your journal before you leave
• Digital Camera, 35mm camera and/or disposable camera - Be aware that cameras can easily get broken, lost, or stolen in China so only bring a camera which you are prepared to part with.  Also, don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory cards.  You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here)

(TIP: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)

Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on complies with the new carry on regulations of the TSA:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Checked Luggage: A medium sized duffel bag or large backpack work best. Wheeled bags are OK as long as they are medium sized and can easily be carried like a duffle over rough terrain.

• T-Shirts with sleeves (5-7 t-shirts)
• Long Pants (1 or 2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight i.e. linen or a quick drying material)
• Underwear (between 7 - 10 pair- you will be able to pay for laundry service at some hotels)
• Socks (4 pairs)
• Swimsuit
• Tank Tops (1-2)- Remember that you want to be culturally sensitive with your dress, so don't bring anything too tight or revealing
• Long Sleeve T-shirt - one or two - they help keep off the sun and keep in a little warmth in the evenings
• Rainproof, Lightweight Jacket - a small travel one is best
• Shorts (3 or 4 pairs) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in Chinese culture.
• Sandals that are strapped (Chaco's or Teva's are recommended) and/or flip-flops
• Hat or cap for sun
• Towel (1 towel - NOT white) - white towels get rather gnarly looking after a while
• Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.

Toiletries (Please pack all items that could leak in a PLASTIC or ZIPLOCK bag and remember only a limited amount of them can come on the plan with you, so unless you really need them, throw them into your checked luggage.)

• Deodorant: You will have a very hard time finding deodorant in China, let alone a recognizable brand
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush
• Contact lenses and accompanying supplies - if you use contacts, bring all of your contact solution with you
• Sunscreen - we suggest that you bring two completely different types. Alternate between them to avoid having any allergic reactions
• Chapstick- make sure that it has sunscreen in it. Lip balm without sun protection actually attracts the sun. Burt's Bees has some nice products.
• Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn

relief cream just in case you get too much sun.
• Insect Repellant - bring one that is heavy in DEET (40% or more) and one that is natural Citronella - 2 cans or bottles minimum. Be sure to switch off between insect repellants since DEET-based repellants can cause allergic reactions.
• Hand Sanitizer- one bottle. Always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling!

Optional:

• Snacks – comfort food that won't melt - granola, dried fruit, etc. You don't need much, but just in case you don't like the airplane food.
(Note: Singapore Air serves some tasty meals)
• iPod or other MP3 player.  Note: On your Singapore Airlines flight, each seat has its own personalized TV screen with a host of TV Shows, Movies and Music to choose from.  MP3 players are not necessary for the flight but may be nice to have when traveling on a bus or during your free time.  Also please remember that any nice electronic device can easily get broken, lost, or stolen in China so only bring a camera which you are prepared to part with.
• Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends in China too
• Silk or Cotton Sleeping Sheet- for hostel beds
• Running Shoes - 1 pair (optional)
• Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia, but be rest assured that if you run out or do not bring them then you can buy them on most streets for a very cheap price.
• Small day bag – for side trips or hikes.
• Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - all staff will have basic first aid recourses but if you prefer a specific brand or have allergies, we strongly encourage you to bring your own basic first aid supplies, such as:

1 - How long is the flight to this country?
The direct flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong takes approximately 14 hours.  The return flight to San Francisco is a bit quicker, taking 12 hours.

2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
Yes. All flights between Hong Kong and the USA will have a flight leader starting when the fight leader meets the students at the airport in San Francisco.  If you are traveling on the Wonders of China, Visions of China or The Ultimate China Adventure, then each of your Mainland Asian flights will be escorted.  Otherwise, these short, usually less than an hour and a half flights are not escorted.
 
3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
China requires a visa for US citizens which students must obtain themselves before departure. Information about obtaining your visa is provided with your acceptance letter. If your stay in China is longer than 30 days, please contact our office for information regarding additional visa requirements. Students who are not traveling on a US passport should check online for their visa requirements.

4 – What Chinese province(s) does this program pass through?
This trip also covers a fair bit of China as it passes through Sha’anxi Province, Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, Yunnan Province and Guangxi Province.

5 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations.  We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (as listed above).  You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information.  Yellow fever vaccinations may be required to enter Costa Rica if you have traveled to some international destinations including Peru prior to your trip to Costa Rica.  Please check the Center for Disease control website for more information.   

6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
Throughout Mainland Asia, Thursdays are our travel days.  This allows you to connect to other programs in China or other countries in mainland Asia easily, quickly and safely.  While their flights to the starting destinations of connecting programs are often unescorted, they will be dropped off at the airport by their previous program leader and met at the arrival airport by their new program leader.  For more information about connecting to other programs, please contact our Ohio office or e-mail us at china@rusticpathways.com.

7 – How long is the flight from Hong Kong to this program?
Starting in Xi’An, which can be reached via a 2 ½ hour flight from Hong Kong.  The rest of the flights in this program are usually short, quick flights lasting less than an hour.

8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
For the first part of the trip, the weather will be noticeably hot and t-shirts will be the only thing you want to wear.  After that or Ultimate Visions will run through provinces that are often cool and breezy.  Not enough for a fleece but it might be smart to bring a hoodie or something warmer for the nighttime.

9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Spanish?
does not include formal Chinese language instruction; however students will have multiple opportunities to practice Chinese with the locals and are often encouraged to learn on-the-go by a Rustic Pathways staff member who speaks the language.

10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
There are no formal service projects on this program.

11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
This is by far our most physically exhausting trip.  We highly recommend that the student who wanst to go on this trip comes in with prior hiking experience and good physical shape.  Also, please do not come into this program with no hiking or running shoes.  Take the time to break them in before you come or you may suffer from blisters during the first few days.  We strongly encourage drinking a lot of water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

12- What costs are not included on this trip?
The majority of costs associated with the program are included on this trip. Students should have extra allowance money if they wish: to buy souvenirs, artwork and handicrafts from local artisans or additional snacks or sodas from the local grocery stores. Students should bring extra money if they choose to participate in optional activities that are not included in the trip costs.
There is an optional Hot Air Balloon Ride.


13 – What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
Hot Air Balloon Ride: TBA.
Please note that these optional activities are subject to change.  Occasionally Rustic Pathways staff identify new opportunities throughout the summer that we feel will enhance the students overall experience.  Optional activities may also be canceled. 
For more information about the costs of optional activities, please e-mail china@rusticpathways.com.

14 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
Since Rustic Pathways program costs include all meals, we prefer to stay with a strictly Chinese food diet.  This is often not a hard compromise since it offers some of the best food in the world and each province offer amazing diversity for flavors and cooking methods.  In addition, by sticking with the local diet, your body becomes adapted to traveling in a  foreign country much easier; however, should a student really crave McDonald’s or some sweets, we allow ample time for students to use their own allowance to quench this hunger.
 
15 - Can we cater to specific diets?
Contrary to belief, China is not just about rice.  In fact, often Chinese people will ask you “Do you prefer noodles or rice?”  Better yet, the Chinese cuisine is one of the most suitable for vegetarians.  China’s vegetable dishes are plentiful and savory and spiciness can be increased or left out all together at a simple request.  One thing we do ask is that students are forthright about their food allergies, often China will use a lot of cooking oil and home spices, thus it’s important for us to know what you can and can not eat.  This will not mean you go a day without food; rather the simple ingredient is aksed to be left off.

16 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
With all your meals and activities in China, Rustic Pathways buys bottled water and soda for the students.  Drinking tea made with boiled water presents no problems; however, all other times it is imperative to buy bottled water or soda, which are easily purchased at side stalls and supermarkets.
 
17 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
You will be staying in Western style accommodations throughout the duration of this trip.  That means that each room will have (2) comfortable twin beds, air conditioning and western style toilets.  Sometimes the showers will have no basin but always have a drain and not hard to operate.

18.  What are the bathroom facilities?
We will tell you straight up, public toilets in China can be frightening.  If you can avoid going to bathrooms at gas stations or in heavily trafficked locations, there are often no problems.  At your guesthouses all toilets will be Western-style and when eating in restaurants, the “squatters” are often clean and well-maintained.  The bathroom issue is a sensitive one in China since most Chinese people prefer the squatters, believing less contact offers cleaner situations; however, we understand your concerns and often can recommend the best place to go when you really have to go.

19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
We expect a good mix between genders, however the exact numbers vary from week to week and usually lean to the side of more girls than boys.

20- What is the ratio of guides to students?
Rustic Pathways generally strives to maintain a ratio of approximately 1 guide for every 6 students. There will be 6 guides on this program. Our guides go through a rigorous selection process including interviews with our program managers and a full background check.

21-Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
Because safety is our number one priority, all of our programs have staff that is certified with First Aid and CPR training. Many of our guides are also qualified Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.

22 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
Students should pack reasonably for this program and as long as you are wearing one outfit a day then laundry is available at all hostels (less than 24 hour turnaround) and usually costs less than $10 for a full load.

23 - How often will they have access to phone and internet?
Since most of the programs travel through cities, students will have access to internet during most of their visits; however, sometimes the Internet may be slow.  In addition, there are phones everywhere in China (most small, road-side shops have an International-ready line) to call home.