China - May 2008 10 day tour - 3 credits For more information, please contact:
Sally Velzen, 218-327-4210 or svelzen@itascacc.edu
Brenda Fairchild, 218-327-4321 or bfairchild@itascacc.edu
Beijing and Shanghai 3 Approximate departure date:
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
(Dates below are subject to change. Required date flexibility of 4 days on either side of requested departure date)
Day 1
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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Board your overnight flight to Beijing.
Day 2
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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Arrival in Beijing
Touch down in Beijing! Recall that it was in this city that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China in 1949. Meet your bilingual tour director who will remain with you throughout your stay. Overnight in Beijing
Day 3
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Thursday, May 22, 2008
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Guided Sightseeing of Beijing
An expert local guide introduces you to the Chinese capital, a treasure chest of imperial monuments. This ancient city first received its modern name when it became the capital for the second time in Chinese history in 1402 ("Beijing" means "Northern Capital"). See Tiananmen Square (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), the largest public square in the world. Visit the Forbidden City (Gugong), once accessible only to the emperor. Get a close-up look at the golden-roofed Imperial Palace, one of the world's greatest architectural achievements. Hundreds of thousands of workers labored on the construction of this palatial complex during the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424). It was later removed during the 18th century (Qing Dynasty). Although situated in the very heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is surrounded by both a moat and a protective wall. The emperors who once resided here often spent their entire lives within the complex - it was not until 1949 that a "commoner" set foot inside the area.
Hutong Tour
Explore the city with a rickshaw ride through the lanes of Old Beijing. Follow the Hutong, which were built around the Forbidden City during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as you see where both the aristocrats and others lived during these ancient times. You will stop at the Drum Tower, which was built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty and Prince Gong's Mansion, built in 1777-1787, home to one of Emperor Qianlong's favorite ministers. Overnight in Beijing
Day 4
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Friday, May 23, 2008
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Visit the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan)
Built between 1420 and 1606, the complex of buildings that make up the Temple of Heaven covers 273 hectares and represents the pinnacle of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. In early morning when the air is filled with the fragrance of old cypresses, the temple grounds are full of people practicing a dozen or more forms of exercise, from qigong of martial arts, opera singing to disco. This is one of the best places in Beijing for people-watching.
Morning Tai Chi Exercises
Start your day as the locals do: with a gentle series of stretching exercises in a local park led by an experienced practitioner.
Lunch with Local Students (seasonal)
Learn what school life is like in China while you eat lunch with a group of Chinese students. Of course, they will be curious about American schools too, so be prepared to answer a lot of questions!
Free Time in Beijing
This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. You may choose to visit some of the popular shopping areas or revisit some of your favorite sights. Overnight in Beijing
Day 5
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Saturday, May 24, 2008
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Excursion to the Great Wall of China
Travel north to Badaling to view one of the wonders of the world: the Great Wall of China. Its construction began in the 5th century B.C. as a defense against the Mongols. Three hundred-thousand people (many of whom are buried in the wall) labored on it over several centuries. Extending across mountains and valleys for more than 3,000 miles perhaps only a tenth of its former length the wall is visible from outer space! In fact, if one were to take all of the stone used in the Great Wall's construction, one could build another wall 8 feet high around the entire globe.
The Ming Tombs
Before returning to Beijing, you will also drive by the Sacred Way and the Avenue of the Animals to see the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 Chinese emperors. The Ming rulers, worried that evil spirits might frequent their tombs, chose their own burial sites while they were still alive.
Peking Duck Dinner
Tonight you will be treated to the sumptuous dish that northern China is famous for: Peking Duck! During this special feast, learn about the ritual preparation and savory side dishes that accompany this regional specialty. Overnight in Beijing
Day 6
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Sunday, May 25, 2008
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Flight to Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, China's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Shanghai (meaning "up from the sea") has been an important port since the Opium Wars. Recall that it was in Shanghai that China's Communist Party and later, the Cultural Revolution, first originated.
The Bund
Head to the heart of the city to visit the Bund (once considered the "Wall Street of the East"), a beautifully landscaped promenade overlooking the waterfront.
Acrobatics Show
Witness a thrilling display by talented performers during today's show of traditional Chinese acrobatics. Overnight in Shanghai
Day 7
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Monday, May 26, 2008
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Guided Sightseeing of Shanghai
During your guided sightseeing, you will view the Jade Buddha Temple. The extraordinary Buddhas you see here (each sculpted from a piece of white jade) were brought from Burma by a Chinese monk in the last century. One portrays Buddha experiencing Enlightenment, the other his transcendence into Nirvana. Continue on to the glorious Yu Garden, a showplace of classical Chinese landscaping dating back to 1537. As you stroll along its winding paths, past goldfish ponds, shrubs and pavilions, note that the Chinese consider gardening a complex art form in which the challenge is to construct an entire world in miniature using minerals, plants, and animals in a limited space.
Jin Mao Tower
Enjoy spectacular views from the Jin Mao Tower, China's tallest building and the fifth tallest building in the world.
Experiential Learning at a Local Hospital
Visit a local hospital to learn about Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Overnight in Shanghai
Day 8
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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Excursion to Suzhou
Today, you will leave Shanghai for an excursion to Suzhou. Begin the day at Tiger Hill. All that remains of a volcanic eruption, Tiger Hill is "wrapped in the monastery while the pagoda rises from the hill forest." It has always been a favorite subject for musicians and writers. Continue on to the Lingering Garden. Created 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, it offers exquisite buildings and gardens. End your day at the Suzhou Embroidery Institute. Overnight in Shanghai
Day 9
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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Excursion to the Shanghai Museum
The museum design provides an architectural insight into modern China while the marvelous collection of ancient artifacts offers a glimpse into China's rich history. Built in the shape of a Ding vessel, the museum has over 10,000 square meters devoted to the preservation of countless treasures. Overnight in Shanghai
Day 10
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Thursday, May 29, 2008
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Return flight
Your Tour Director will assist with your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
All Program Details and Costs Printed in this Brochure are Subject to Change.
Tour Highlights and Details
Overnight stays:
Comprehensive sightseeing tours led by an expert local guide of Beijing and Shanghai.
Included in the Program Fee:
Round trip airfare Transfers to and from the airport and hotel and between destination cities (as per program itinerary) Overnight stays in first-class, superior tourist class or tourist class hotels (all with private bathrooms) Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily Full-time services of an EF Tour Director
Not included in the Program Fee:
Customary gratuities for your tour director, local guide and driver Baggage carrying tips Personal insurance Beverages Public transportation to free time activities
Tour Fee Details for Beijing and Shanghai
Program Fees
Basic tour price (before 9/31/07) $1980
Air departure fees* $ 283
EF lifetime membership fee $ 95
Total $2358
Additional Fees
Adult supplement** $315
Passport $100
Visa & processing $115
Non-ICC Student fee $100
Tour Guide gratuities $50
Your free time expenses ??
* Departure fees are subject to change
** Applicable to all participants aged 23 and over when on tour.
For complete financial and registration details, please refer to the Booking Conditions at: www.eftours.com/bc
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