Day 1 – Kunming
• Arrive in the afternoon 
• Meet with guide at the airport
• Transfer to Dali via public bus (4.5 hours)
• Check into hotel in Old Town, a place with over 1,000 years of history. 
• First traditional Chinese dinner 
• Return to hotel 
• Sleep

Day 2- 19 – Dali University, 2-week language instruction
Daily Routine:
• Breakfast in Old Town
• Morning Language Instruction (4 hours)
• Lunch in Old Town
• Afternoon Activity, which may include but are not limited to:

• Horse Riding
• Natural Springs
• Bike Riding
• Swim in Lake Erhai
• Mountain Trek and Waterfall Swim
• Studying in Café
• Shopping in New Town
• Making Dumplings

• Dinner in Old city
• Return to Tea House
• Sleep

On Day 6, you will not attend class and instead go on a full day hike through the Cang Mountain Ranges.

Day 7 will be a free day and be decided by the entire group.

On Day 13-14, you will transfer away from Dali and head to Shaxi, where you will spend time practicing your calligraphy and taking all meals and accomadation at a 200+ year old monastery.

Day 20 – 25 Mountain Monastery, Tai Chi and Gong Fu Lessons
Daily Routine
• Breakfast at Monastery
• Morning Tai Chi Lesson
• Lesson at Monastery
• Afternoon Gong Fu Lesson
• Dinner at Monastery
• Sleep

Day 26 – 30
• Morning Transport to Shuangalng, a 1,000 year-old fishing village
• All meals and accomadation will be taken at the Sea and Sky Lodge, a great little abode located lakeside.

• Each day students will be lead by a certified rock climbing instructor who confidently teachers rock climbing the beginner basics or empowers more advanced students to hone their skills even further.  There are over 30 routes set up between two locations, varying in all degrees of difficulty.

Day 31 – Shuanglang, Kunming
• Breakfast in Shuanglang 
• Transfer to Kunming Airport via public bus (4.5 hours)
• Depart China on connecting flights onward

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.

China 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.

Specific to Gap Modules:
SKILLS: It is customary in Chinese culture to bring a gift for your teachers.  A small postcard of America, keychain or anything that is unique to your home town/state will be greatly appreciated and you can expect something in return at the end of your studies.  Bring athletic shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

GIVE: To really connect with the local community, we recommend you bring something small for the children who attend the school you will be repairing.  This can be as simple as stickers, a couple of pencils or a pencilbox.  Starting off on a good foot is imperative to having a great time in China; this is just one neat way to start feeling as if you are a part of the community, not just working in it.
SEE: Bring athletic shoes that have already been broken in, there will be a good deal of walking on this trip!
General:
 
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 rural, traditional 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
• 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:

          - 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.)
• Picture of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, pet fish, etc.
• Frisbee, Hacky-sack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball 

FAQ
1 - How long is the flight to this country? 
Most flights from the US to Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong will take anywhere between 12 and 14 hours.  Most domestic flights will take less than 2 hours.
 
2 - 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.

3 –What Chinese province(s) does this program pass through? 
SEE: Beijing (Beijing Municipality, surrounded by Hebei Province), Shanghai (Shanghai Municipality surrounded by Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces), Xi’An (Sha’anxi Province), Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Kunming/Shangrila/Shaxi/Dali (Yunnan Province), Lhasa (Tibetan Autonomous Region) Macau and Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)

GIVE: Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Dali and Shaxi (Yunnan Province)

SKILLS: Dali, Shuanglang and Shaxi (Yunnan Province)
 
4 - 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.  Please check the Center for Disease control website for more information.    

5. What kind of food will we be eating? 
Chinese food offers some of the best options in the world and each province offers 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. 

6 - 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.  You can use the tap water to brush your teeth.

7. Where will we be eating most of our meals?
As this is a travel program for the most part the group will be eating in restaurants for the most part but in some cases meals will be served by local community kitchens and members of small communities.

8. What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
Once again this trip involves a lot of moving around therefore accommodation will change almost on a daily basis from very comfortable top scale hotels to very basic and rather rustic tribal homes. Hygiene is a top priority for us so this is something that students can always expect, however everyone needs to be ready to live in simple conditions.  Below is a quick overview:

SEE: With the exception of camping out lakeside in Tibet, 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.

GIVE:  In Shaxi, you will be staying at a 200-year old, newly renovated monastery.  Each room has at least 2 beds, a bathroom with Western toilet and shower head (i.e. no tub.)  Eating will be in the room right next to the bedrooms and meals will be prepared by Mr. Wu’s wife, who at this point may be the best known cook in Rustic Pathways program… get ready to eat good food ‘til your heart’s content.  IN Chengdu and Ya’An you will stay at a hotel, located just outside the Conservation Center’s Main Gate.  Your facilities 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.

SKILLS: While in Dali’s Old Town or Shuanglang, about 22 days of the trip you will be staying in Western style accomadations (air conditioner, Western toilets); however, life at the monastery is a bit more rustic.  They are currently making renovations to the monastery so it is more ‘Western-oriented”.  If you think this presents a large problem please e-mail rick@rusticpathways.com and I can provide you with an update on their renovations.
 
9. How often will we be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?

Laundry service will be available in most of the places we visit and can be brought to local laundry shops, each load costs about $5-$10 (depending on the amount of clothes).

10 - 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 cannot eat.  This will not mean you go a day without food; rather the simple ingredient is asked to be left off.

11 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?

GIVE: Due to Shaxi’s proximity to the mountains, there is a nice cool breeze throughout the days and nights can be cold at times.  A hoodie or long-sleeve t-shirt should do the trick.  Also, be prepared for rainstorms, we will often try to find community service initiatives to do inside (i.e. painting, basket weaving, etc) but when there is not rain it is refrshing, clean mountain air.  In Chengdu and Ya’An, 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.  Athletic sneakers are a must.

SEE: This trip goes through every type of Chinese climate except the desert.  Thus, although we stress that you pack light, do be prepared to face cold (but not frigid) nights and hot days.  Athletic sneakers are a must.

SKILLS: Due to Dali’s proximity to the mountains and a lake, there is a nice cool breeze throughout the days and nights can be cold at times.  A hoodie or long-sleeve t-shirt should do the trick.  Also, be prepared for rainstorms, which are easily avoided with a simple umbrella.  Throughout all of our programs, Dali by far has the most enjoyable weather. 

12. Will mosquitoes be a problem on this trip?
Mosquitoes are present all around Asia and therefore bringing repellent is definitely something important to keep in mind when packing.

13 – How physically strenuous is this program?

GIVE: Since this is a service-oriented trip, be prepared to physically work for at least three to five hours a day.  Often this work will be in the rice fields so be sure to listen to the locals 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.

SEE: This trip is physically exerting only in the fact that there are so many places to see.  We have arranged this program so that you have ample rest time and we are confident you will go through this trip without significant physical exertion, the hardest days require you to hike up a well-trodden mountain or bike riding excursion.  We strongly encourage drinking a lot of water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

SKILLS:  For the first part of the trip, it is not physically exerting; however, there are a host of optional activities (swimming across the lake, hiking up the mountain or bike riding) that we encourage you to take part in but if you are not physically able to it will not detract from your trip.  Towards the end of the trip you will learn Tai Chi and Kong Fu, both of which can be a physical and mental workout.  Most students find that this is an enjoyable form of exercise because you progress at your own speed and pace.  We strongly encourage drink water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

14 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Chinese?
SKILLS: Yes!  Students will receive four hours of formal instruction per day from Chinese University Professors.  They will also be staying on the University’s campus which will help them practice their conversational Chinese skills as well as give them an insight into Chinese student life.   Not to mention, students will be expected to use the language that they learnt in the first two weeks of language instruction in the subsequent weeks of Gong Fu, Tai Ji and Rock Climbing.

GIVE 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. 

SEE: This module 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.

15. How often will I have access to email and phones?
There will be a good chance to be around public phones on a daily basis and access to E-mails on a day-to-day basis if needed but generally we try to steer students away from Facebook and more to casual contact with friends and family.  No news is usually good news!