Trip Description

A country like no other, China is its own world. Vast and diverse, this extraordinary nation is home to over 55 ethnic groups that date back thousands of years. It is a place steeped in history and rapid change, creating a complex land rich in art, cuisine, religion, landscapes and timeless traditions. This remarkable language and cultural immersion adventure takes us from ancient villages nestled at the base of the Himalayas to modern metropolises where we discover a vibrant and distinctive cultural tapestry. Trek through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, hiking from guesthouse to guesthouse. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and language while doing service work and studying in a Tibetan orphanage. Explore Beijing, China’s capital city and imperial jewel while living with a local family. Hike and camp along the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Along the way, learn basic conversational Chinese, a language spoken by over 1/5 of the world’s people. Prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

• Itinerary & Country Map

• Day 1–4
  After a quick overnight in Beijing, we begin our adventure in the picturesque Yunnan Province. Explore the Old Town of Lijiang and Suhe, ancient mountain cities of ethnic minorities that boast captivating cultures, enduring folk customs, mazes of swift canals and a unique architectural styles. Check out the Mu Mansion and surrounding shops. Wander through streets paved with massive bluestones and listen to traditional Naxi music, known as the “living fossil of Chinese music”.

• 

• 
  Day 5–7
  We embark on a trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge, believed to be the deepest and most dramatic gorge in the world. Hike along the Twenty Eight Bend Path as you listen to fierce river rapids and waterfalls tumble through the gorge below. We start our language classes and quickly learn speaking Chinese is challenging. Rest each evening in a different guesthouse looking out at breathtaking views of the Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains.

• 
  Day 8–14
  Travel to Shangri-La, the gateway to Tibet, to continue our language instruction and participate in community service at a Tibetan orphanage. Working with the children at Tendol Gyalzur, we truly learn the meaning of cultural exchange. The children introduce us to many facets of Chinese culture and help us improve our Chinese language skills. We share our own culture by teaching them English words and American games and songs. Prepare to have a lot of fun (and get worn out!) as you play and learn together with your lively and eager new friends. When not at the orphanage, spend your afternoons learning about other aspects of Chinese culture through lectures, workshops and discussions. Participate in a traditional cooking class and discuss China’s increasing role in the global economy.

• 
  Day 15–21
  We make our way to Beijing to meet our home stay families and investigate the treasures of this capital city that is both ancient and modern. Here we continue our formal language studies in the mornings, and spend the afternoons exploring. Enter the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best preserved imperial palace, and feel the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties as your footsteps trace the same paths emperors walked. Take in the daily sunset flag ceremony in Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Explore the imposing Temple of Heaven and nearby Pearl Market. A rickshaw ride through neighborhoods and lunch with a local family give you an inside look at everyday life in Beijing. Meander through the pedestrian streets and bustling markets, inhaling the delightful smells of local cuisine and sights of an ever evolving China. Prepare to work on your tai chi, calligraphy, and learn about Beijing’s history and its role in China’s modernization, giving you perspective on your surroundings. In the evenings, practice your developing language skills with your home stay families. Visit the famous Beijing Opera and marvel at the acrobatics, elaborate costumes and complex arias of this uniquely Chinese art.

• 
  Day 22–24
  Our adventure would not be complete without traveling to the immense Great Wall. Hike a section of this historic architectural marvel, surrounded by phenomenal landscapes. Imagine walking the same steps former imperial guards walked as the dragon spreads its body out over mountains and valleys. It’s a fitting location to reflect upon on your unforgettable journey, all you’ve learned, new lifelong friends and the amazing memories you share.

•