Giant Panda Project

Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday
Location: San Francisco

After meeting and greeting your flight leader and the other students joining the Giant Panda Conservation Project, 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: Chengdu

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 Chengdu.  The flight takes about 2 ½ hours, and then you will be setting down in mainland China!  Arriving into Chengdu Shangliu Airport, you will meet up with the rest of the staff awaiting your arrival, and then go to our favorite place to stay in Chengdu, Sam’s Guesthouse.  The friendly staff here makes the ambience even warmer (there’s a beautiful open-air courtyard and every room has an air conditioner.)  After dropping off your bags, head into town for dinner and shopping.  Also, be sure to stock up on any snacks, Ya’an is a gorgeous sanctuary for pandas with loads of bamboo for the locals but not many snacks for Westerners.  Don’t worry about bringing food from America, Chengdu is a big city and will be able to offer you the basics things you will need for an awesome trip.  After a great night of getting to know your leaders, get a good night’s rest and be ready to start the next on some heart-warming and effective community service work.
Day 4 – Thursday … through…  
Day 8 – Tuesday
Location: Ya’An Conservation Center

On Day 4, you will grab a breakfast at the guesthouse and get on a private bus, bound for Ya’An Conservation Center (about 2 hours.)

The daily itinerary will be mainly the same for your time at the Ya’An Conservation Center and will run as follows:

Morning – Waking early, you will have your breakfast at the guesthouse.  Most meals will be Chinese style (Fruit, oatmeal, steamed bread, vegetarian and meat options available.)  If you would prefer a more Western mean (cereal), we encourage you to buy it in Chengdu.  After breakfast each day, there will be a short orientation to go through the day’s activities of service work in the area.  Students will break up into groups of 3 or 4, and be paired up with specific pandas and researchers with whom they will be working on this morning service project. 
Students will be working alongside the researchers as they perform their daily projects. These usually include: 

1. Maintaining Conservation Center and Panda Enclosures;
2. Learning about Endangered Species and the Value of Preservation;
3. Watching and Recording Pandas Diets to Ensure a Healthy Lifestyle;
4. Selecting and Preparing Food for Baby and Adult Pandas.

This morning service project will run for approximately 2 hours each day.

Mid Day – Taking a break from the morning service projects and head back to the Conservation Center’s main building (via electric golf cart) and rest up for a bit and eat a traditional Chinese lunch (very vegetarian friendly, usually lots of vegetables and spiciness can be added or left out at request) and have time to use the Internet.

Afternoon – The afternoon service projects vary a little bit differently because they are often more incorporated with other activities.  Usually, the service portion of the afternoon runs an hour and a half and you are accomplishing whatever task you had not done in the morning.  Following a successful service, you will often find out more about the environment surrounding you, beautiful Bi Feng National Park.  In result, there are some fantastic opportunities to allow you to work with the Giant Pandas and learn about China’s history:

1. Touring Bi Feng Xia National Zoo (Including three animal performances);
2. Hiking in Bi Feng Xia National Park;
3. Visit Bi Feng Temple, a mountain sanctuary
4. Visit a 1,000 year old town, Shangli, and walk its storied streets

Evening/Night - After finishing up the afternoon service projects and activities, you will take a bus back to your hotel (approx. 10 minutes), located just outside the Conservation Center’s Main Gate.  Your facilities for the week are top notch.  Every room has an air conditioner, two double beds (sheets and pillows included) and a Western toilet.  Also, there will be an area for night time recreation (mahjong, cards, watching a movie, reading a book) and lights out are usually at 10:30 pm.

Day 9 – Wednesday
Location: Ya’An, Chengdu
In the morning you will continue with your community service and then have the experience of a lifetime when we specially arrange a time for you to sit and hold a giant panda! No other program in the world offers this and is sure to create a memory that you will hold with you forever.

In the afternoon, you will take a private bus back to Chengdu and Sam’s Guesthouse.  Time flies fast and so we will make sure to give you extra time to shop on Jinli Street, full of beautiful dresses and unique birthday and holiday gifts.

Day 10 – Thursday
Location: Chengdu, Hong Kong

Waking up early on this final day, you will pack your things, say your final goodbye’s to the new friends you have made in the village, and hop on your private bus for the ride down to Kunming.  Arriving into the city of Kunming, you will catch a 1 ½ hour flight down to Hong Kong.  Once arriving into the city of Hong Kong, you will either be taking the Group Flight back to the USA, or connecting to another Rustic Pathways program.  Say goodbye to the friends you have made, the adventures you have had, and the country you have come to know – China!

Panda’s Packing Lists

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.

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.

Most Important Item:
• Running Shoes - 1 pair (This is a must have and they should be well-worn in before you come here to avoid blisters.)  Also be aware to not bring shoes that you aren’t prepared to get very dirty and wet.

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

• Passport or ID Card - you can't get on the plane without this
• Photo Copy of Passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)
• Sunglasses
• Good Book (trade with buddies)
• Medications (Must alert staff)
• 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!)

Checked Luggage: We reccomend a hiker’s-style backpack.

• T-Shirts with sleeves (6 t-shirts), remember that you will be working hard so don’t bring any shirts that you aren’t prepared to get dirty.
• Long Pants (2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight i.e. linen or a quick drying material)
• Underwear (7 pairs)
• Socks (5 pairs)
• 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 - 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) or basic flip flops for walking around in.
• 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 Ya’An.
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush
• Contact lenses and accompanying supplies - if you use contacts, bring all of your contact solution with you
• Sunscreen
• 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.
• 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.
• iPod or other MP3 player.  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
• 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.
• 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:

          - Band aids
          - Triple Antibiotic Ointment
          - Medical Tape
          - Moleskin or preferred blister care
          - Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
          - Antihistamine (Benedryl or preferred type)
          - 2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
          - 2 Gauze dressing
          - 5-8 After Cuts and Scrapes Wipes

• Other toiletries - shampoo, soap, etc.  (Note: You can find basic soap and shampoo all throughout China, so bring only if you have any allergies or prefer one brand over another.)
• Frisbee, Hacky-sack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball

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.  Unless you are traveling on the Wonders of China each of your Mainland Asian flights will be unescorted -- these short, usually less than an hour and a half flights will always have Airport Coordinators to help them check in and receive them once they exit baggage claim.
 
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?
The Ya’An Conservation Center is a 1 ½ hour drive from Chengdu.  Both are located in Sichuan Province (Heart of China.)

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. 

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?
The first day will be a 2 ½ hour flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu, where the students will spend the night.  The next morning, students will hop on a private bus and make the 1 ½ hour journey to Ya’An Conservation Center.

8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
Pandas really like cool and wet climates so be prepared to cater to their preferences.  We aren’t talking about torrential downpours but do be prepared for rain showers throughout the day but also really beautiful days and clean, fresh forest air.

9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Chinese?
This program 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.  If a student is looking to study Chinese when they come to China, we encourage them to check out the following programs:
Intensive Chinese Language: (Private Study):
https://www.rusticpathways.com/china/intensivechineselanguage.php
Chinese Language Immersion (Group Study):
https://www.rusticpathways.com/china/chineselanguageimmersion.php
Definitive Dali Experience (Senior Study):
https://www.rusticpathways.com/china/dali.php

10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
Morning – Waking early, you will have your breakfast at the guesthouse.  Most meals will be Chinese style (Fruit, oatmeal, steamed bread, vegetarian and meat options available.)  If you would prefer a more Western mean (cereal), we encourage you to buy it in Chengdu.  After breakfast each day, there will be a short orientation to go through the day’s activities of service work in the area.  Students will break up into groups of 3 or 4, and be paired up with specific pandas and researchers with whom they will be working on this morning service project.  
Students will be working alongside the researchers as they perform their daily projects. These usually include: 

1. Maintaining Conservation Center and Panda Enclosures;
2. Learning about Endangered Species and the Value of Preservation;
3. Watching and Recording Pandas Diets to Ensure a Healthy Lifestyle;
4. Selecting and Preparing Food for Baby and Adult Pandas.

This morning service project will run for approximately 2 hours each day.

Mid Day – Taking a break from the morning service projects and head back to the Conservation Center’s main building (via electric golf cart) and rest up for a bit and eat a traditional Chinese lunch (very vegetarian friendly, usually lots of vegetables and spiciness can be added or left out at request) and have time to use the Internet. 

Afternoon – The afternoon service projects vary a little bit differently because they are often more incorporated with other activities.  Usually, the service portion of the afternoon runs an hour and a half and you are accomplishing whatever task you had not done in the morning.

11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
Since this is a service-oriented trip, be prepared to physically work for at least three hours a day.  Often this work will be in the pandas cages so be sure to listen to the local researchers who will help you learn he best way to work efficiently and stay fresh.  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.

We arrange a special opportunity for you to sit with a Giant Panda; however, there are further activties you can participate in for an extra cost.  These activities often include sitting with a baby panda or spending time in the panda kindergarten.  For pricing information on this, please contact china@rusticpathways.com.

3 – What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
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 and students can use tap water for brushing their teeth; 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?
After finishing up the afternoon service projects and activities, you will take a bus back to your hotel (approx. 10 minutes), located just outside the Conservation Center’s Main Gate.  Your facilities for the week are top notch.  Every room has an air conditioner, two double beds (sheets and pillows included) and a Western toilet.  Also, there will be an area for night time recreation (mahjong, cards, watching a movie, reading a book) and lights out are usually at 10:30 pm.

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 2 guides on this program, one will be a Mainland Chiense bi-lingual staff and one Western staff with CPR/First Aid Training supervising (Between these two staff members, there will be one male and female leader.)  Lastly, 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?
Ya’An is in a fairly remote area so it is not likely the students will have more than one opportunity to check in with their families and even at that the Internet connection may be slow; however, there are phones everywhere in China (most small, road-side shops have an International-ready line) to call home.

Also, parents please remember that we will always send you safe arrival e-mails and should you have any further questions or ask that your child sends an update, please let us know and we’ll be happy to pass on a friendly reminder.