Compare China by Train and Yangtze Riverboat by Road Scholar

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Beijing, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Beijing

Arrive at Beijing International Airport where your Group Leader (National Guide) will be waiting for you. After check-in and a short rest, get together for a Welcome Meeting at your hotel. Note: CAEE Group Leaders are qualified National Guides who are full-time permanent members of our offices. All are university graduates, fluent in English, well-educated in safety and protocol and are supported by offices nation-wide.

at your leisure

Dinner will be at your hotel.

Day 3 Old Beijing Hutongs, Forbidden City, Peking Duck Dinner Beijing

Led by our Group Leader, tai ji sessions last approximately 30 minutes. No special clothes or shoes are required. Walking approximately 2 miles in and around the Forbidden City on flat, paved terrain with many chairs and benches to rest; up to 80 steps with railings. Walking up to 1/2 mile in Hutong area.

Coach to Old Beijing hutongs (small residential alleys and courtyards) near Beihai Park and explore the neighborhood via pedicab. Visit families in their homes and the former residence of Song Qing Ling, political activist and wife of Dr. Sun Yat Sen.

Explore the Forbidden City, a vast complex once the seat of Qing Emperors and forbidden to all others. Completed in 1420, the Forbidden City was not only the personal residence of emperors and their royal families, but China’s political center for more than five centuries.

After dinner, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

After morning tai ji, enjoy your hotel's buffet breakfast. Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am.

In an “Old Beijing” hutong, we’ll gather for a family-hosted lunch including jaozi (Chinese style dumplings). Hutongs are old residential neighborhoods with courtyard homes situated in small lanes and alleys that are rapidly disappearing due to urban development.

This evening at a Welcome Dinner, celebrate with a Beijing specialty: Peking Duck Dinner. Peking Duck was first created in Beijing for emperors six hundred years ago during the Ming Dynasty. Thinly sliced, with crisp skin, the duck is wrapped in light pancakes with julienned cucumbers and a variety of sauces. It is often said that if you go to Beijing there are two things you must do: walk the Great Wall and enjoy Peking Duck.

Day 4 China's Land and Peoples, Summer Palace, Tian'anmen Square Beijing

Walking 1 mile in the Summer Palace on flat, paved terrain. Walking up to 1/2 mile from the coach to Tian’anmen Square.

A Talk at your hotel introduces China's Land and Peoples.

This afternoon, enjoy the beauty of the Qing Emperors’ Summer Palace where lily ponds and arched bridges border its serene lake and painted pavilions depict stories that reflect the rich history of Chinese life and art. Stop at the 'heart of Beijing' -- Tian'anmen Square before returning to the hotel. Meaning "Gate of Heavenly Peace," Tian'anmen serves as the location for formal celebrations and ceremonies. More commonly, this huge piazza is where families come to stroll and chat and where kites and balloons abound. In it are located the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the China National Museum, Great Hall of the People, Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Tiananmen Tower.

Get together with your group leader to learn some useful Chinese phrases.

After morning tai ji, enjoy your hotel's buffet breakfast. Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Walk the Great Wall Beijing

The motorcoach trip to the Great Wall is about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking up to about 1.5 miles. We will take a cable car to a higher point on the wall (weather and wind permitting). Some parts of the wall are steep as it is in a mountainous area; walking sticks or trekking poles are helpful.

This morning, travel outside of Beijing city to a green mountain range where you can walk the Great Wall and experience spectacular views as it winds up and down the distant mountains.

Return to your hotel

At leisure.

Hotel buffet is offered between 6:30 am and 9:30 am.

A simple box lunch is provided to eat at a spot of your choosing on the wall.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 6 Temple of Heaven, Bullet Train to Luoyang, Chinese Music Luoyang

Walk approximately 1.6 miles from the entrance to the exit of the Temple of Heaven park on flat, paved terrain. Climbing the Temple requires 27 steps. Bullet train to Luoyang is approximately 4 hrs. Toilets and storage spaces for luggage are available at each end of the bullet train cars. In addition to the dining car, there is trolley service throughout the train with water, soft drinks, beer and snacks for purchase. Hot water for tea and coffee is also available in each car.

Depart the hotel for the 15th century architectural masterpiece, the Temple of Heaven which symbolizes the relationship between heaven and earth. With our Group Leader, we walk the extensive grounds to the Temple while observing the activities of local people practicing calligraphy, tai ji, musical instruments, dancing, or flying kites on the park-like grounds. Coach to Beijing West Station to board a bullet train to the small city of Luoyang in Henan Province, located about 500 miles southwest of Beijing. The comfortable four-hour high-speed train takes us through two provinces in north China (Hebei and Henan) and crosses the Yellow River. Luoyang was one of the four great ancient capitals of China and is home to the extraordinary Longmen Buddhist cliff carvings.

arrive at Luoyang Longmen station and check in to hotel in late afternoon.

Enjoy an introduction to traditional Chinese musical instruments with demonstration (at your hotel).

Early breakfast at your hotel.

We'll bring a box lunch for the train.

Dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 7 Longmen Cliff Carvings and Life in an Agricultural Village Luoyang

Walking approximately 1.5 miles at Longmen Grotto. For closer views of the stone carvings, climb about 100 steps with railings; you may choose to remain at the bottom of the stairs and walk along a flat, paved path.

After breakfast, depart for the 1,500 year old Longmen Grottoes. Learn about these stone carvings that overlook the Yi River and which celebrate the introduction of Buddhism into China.

This afternoon, visit Hua Yuan Cun agricultural village and its Primary School. Hua Yuan Cun is a typical north Chinese country village and its primary school accommodates children from the area. Visit the school and observe classes when possible.

at your leisure

Enjoy early morning tai ji movements on the People's Square, filled with local people practicing martial arts, ballroom dancing or airing pet birds. And then enjoy your hotel's buffet breakfast. Hotel buffet is offered between 6:00 am and 10:00 am.

In the agricultural village of Hua Yuan Cun, we will divide into smaller groups and visit local families for a home-cooked meal, while accompanied by a local English speaker.

Dinner in restaurant on way to hotel

Day 8 Train to Xian, Muslim Area on Foot Xi'an

Train ride is approximately 1.5 hours.Large luggage will be transferred directly from the train to the hotel; carry-on luggage can be brought and left on the motorcoach until we reach the hotel. Walking in Muslim section is about .6 mile

Take a morning train to the City of Xi'an. Enjoy views of rural life from the train as you ascend China's Yellow Soil Plateau. The land is covered with a thick layer of wind-blown loess soil, which masks the original landforms. Deeply eroded, the landscape has steep ravines and almost vertical cliff faces pocked with holes and caves known as 'yaodong,' which are used for dwelling and resting.

Explore Xi'an's Hui Muslim section on foot. Among the highlights are its beautiful Great Mosque, one of China's best preserved. Xi'an was a hub of the Silk Road in ancient times. Merchants, traders, and students from Islamic lands were drawn there and settled down. Over generations, they became known as the Hui people, officially recognized as one of China’s ethnic minorities. There were thousands of mosques in China at one time, but most are now gone After, check in to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Join your Group Leader to practice some Chinese conversation.

After morning tai ji, enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel.

Train arrives at Xi'an Station about noon. We'll have lunch at a Muslim Restaurant.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Xi'an University, Chinese Life Views, Shaanxi History Museum Xi'an

Walk approximately 1 mile on flat, paved terrain mostly indoors in approximately 2 hours at Museum.

We will take a motorcoach to Xi'an International Studies University, one of China's key institutions of higher learning, and meet with a faculty expert who will teach us about Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism as a way of understanding Chinese character and customs.

Our next stop brings us to the state-of-the-art Shaanxi History Museum, where we will gain an understanding of China’s dynastic history as well as its rich and enduring culture. The museum was built in the 1990s in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty and named after Shaanxi Province of which Xi’an is the capital city.

at your leisure

After morning tai ji, enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel.

In the university dining room. After lunch, walk the campus and speak with university students to learn about China's new generation.

At a local restaurant.

Day 10 A Qin Emperor's Terra Cotta Warriors Xi'an

Drive is approximately 1 hour each way. Walking approximately 2 miles at the Terra Cotta Warriors on flat, paved terrain.

The huge tomb site of the Qin Emperor, containing an army of life size terra cotta figures, was one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. We will explore sections of this vast site where three huge pits are filled with the terra-cotta soldiers, cavalry, archers, their weapons, horses and chariots. It has been estimated that there are as many as 8,000 individual figures, but the total number is still unknown. Traces of paint suggest they were once brilliantly colored. Experimental digs in nearby areas have revealed other kinds of figures such as acrobats, dancers, and musicians, but further excavations are “on hold” due to the complex conditions at the site.

Return to town about mid-afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Get together with your group leader to practice spoken Chinese.

After morning tai ji, enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel

at a nearby restaurant

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 11 Fly to Chongqing, Giant Pandas, Yangtze River Sailing Yangtze River Vessel

Drive to the airport is approximately 1 hour; Flight to Chongqing is about 1.5 hrs. Drive 1 hour to Chongqing Zoological Gardens. Walking up to 1.5 miles at the Zoological Gardens. About 35 steps down to the Yangtze River Dock with railings for embarkation. Luggage must be claimed at the Chongqing airport and will be transported directly to the vessel. Carry-on luggage can be left on the coach during the day.

A discussion of Chinese calligraphy introduces this ancient and elegant art form. If time permits, try your hand at producing Chinese characters.

Take an early afternoon flight to Chongqing, an independent municipality situated inside Szechuan Province and at the head of the navigable Yangtze. Prior to boarding we will visit Chongqing Zoological Gardens to observe pandas which are indigenous primarily to Szechuan .

Board your Yangtze vessel and, as you set sail, view the hill city of Chongqing at night.

After morning tai ji, enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel.

lunch en route to Airport.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12 Shore Visit to Relocated Families in a New Yangtze Village Yangtze River Vessel

Discuss traditional Chinese medicine and consider the Yangtze's influence on China.

We will visit a new village for relocated families, exploring their agricultural market and visit a local family with a local staff member. Our host or hostess will introduce us to their village and family, followed by an opportunity to ask some questions translated by our Group Leader. Before dinner, join the captain for a welcome reception aboard the ship.

Evening entertainment includes performances of Chinese music and dance.

ship's buffet.

Ship's buffet

on board

Day 13 Sail through the Yangtze Gorges, Mini Gorges Yangtze River Vessel

Today, pass through the renowned Yangze Gorges. Later, disembark at Wushan Danning River for an excursion to the Three Little Gorges, a quiet tributary of the Yangtze where we ferry upstream beneath a fantastic natural backdrop. Look up in the cliffs for 'hanging coffins,' suspended there thousands of years ago by the Ba people. And further down the cliffs, watch for golden-haired monkeys and goats.

Free Time. Enjoy the views as we sail the Yangtze, attend one of the ship’s presentations, or continue to learn conversational Chinese with our Group Leader.

Enjoy an on-board performance of Chinese music and dance.

Ship's buffet.

Ship's buffet.

Captain's farewell banquet

Day 14 Three Gorges Dam Site, Disembark for Train to Wuhan Wuhan

Visiting the Three Gorges Dam for approximately 2.5 hours. About 40 steps at the dam, about 30 steps disembarking the ship in the afternoon.

This morning, take a short coach ride to the Three Gorges Dam site. From an observation deck, you will have a bird's-eye view of the dam, five-step ship lock, diversion canal, and power station. A nearby exhibition displays a dam model; a briefing will explain this project, one of the largest construction ventures ever.

Disembark at Yichang and then depart by train for Wuhan (about 2 1/2 hours).

Meet with your national guide and practice some Chinese phrases and learn Chinese finger counting.

Ship's buffet.

Boxed lunch aboard ship.

at hotel or local restaurant

Day 15 Senior University, Relics at Wuhan Museum Wuhan

This morning, coach to Jianghan Senior University and meet with Chinese seniors enjoying the continuing education offered them after retirement.

Enjoy Wuhan Museum's beautiful collection of lacquer ware and other artifacts - including a large set of musical bells discovered in a tomb dating from 500 B.C.

Join your Group Leader to practice some useful Chinese phrases.

If you like, join your group leader for before-breakfast tai ji. Breakfast buffet is offered from 6:30 am to 8:00 am.

at a local restaurant

dinner at restaurant

Day 16 Train Journey to the Miao Town of Kaili Kaili

Depart for Wuhan Railway Station for high speed train to Kaili. Travel through Hunan Province to the Province of Guizhou, one of China's most beautiful and sparsely populated regions.

Cross the border to Guizhou Province, where you begin to notice the difference in architecture, especially the elegant wooden, balconied houses of Miao families. Arrive in Kaili this afternoon.

Get together with your Group Leader for Chinese conversation practice.

buffet breakfast is served at the hotel. Feel free to join your group leader for optional tai ji before breakfast.

On board train.

at a local restaurant.

Day 17 Ethnic Museum, Paper Making, Miao Music in Country Villages Kaili

Drive to Shiqiao Paper Village about 1 hour. Drive to Jidao Village about 1 hour. Performance is about 1 hour. Drive back to Kaili City about 1 hour. Western style toilets are available at villages.

This morning we stop in town at Kaili's Ethnic Minorities Museum which highlights the architecture, customs, and costumes of Miao and Dong peoples of southeastern Guizhou Province. Then, we drive to a small mountain village in which, for centuries, households have made fine calligraphy paper from the bark of the mulberry tree.

This afternoon, we stop at Jidao Miao Village for a performance of traditional music and dance.

Get together with your Group Leader for conversation practice.

After morning tai ji practice, enjoy breakfast at hotel buffet.

at a local restaurant.

at a local restaurant.

Day 18 Miao Sunday Market, TCM Clinic, Coach to Guiyang Guiyang

Drive to Guiyang city: 2.5 hrs

This morning coach to a local Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic to learn about traditional treatments. Then depart for the nearby Kaili Sunday Market where Miao people come to exchange, sell and buy goods - from baskets and cookware to necklaces and hand embroidery. Pass itinerant dentists and barbers plying their skills.

After lunch, travel westward by coach to Guiyang, the provincial capital.

Join your Group Leader to practice some Chinese conversation.

Following morning tai ji, enjoy breakfast at hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant.

Dinner is at your hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 19 Village Folk Opera Performance, Tea Farm or Batik Workshop Guiyang

Drive to Jichang village: about 1 hr. Drive to Tea Farm OR Batik workshop: about 1 hr. Drive to hotel: about 1.5 hrs.

This morning, visit Ji Chang village whose residents are descendants of Han military units sent to Guizhou in the 15th century. Among the customs they brought with them was 'dixi' ('earth opera'), a folk form that dates from the early Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 AD) and is still performed in 'old Han' locales. Villagers will perform a sampling of dixi, using traditional hand-made wooden masks.

In Spring programs we visit a tea farm to observe plants in the fields and the selection process for picking fresh leaves. We learn about the process of creating green tea from the harvested leaves. In Fall programs we visit a batik exhibition hall and workshop to learn about this centuries old wax and dye technique and have a chance to try our hands at it.

At your leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Your chance to choose local fare.

Day 20 Fly to Shanghai, Xin Tian Di District, Acrobatics Shanghai

Flight from Guiyang to Shanghai: about 2.5 hrs. Acrobatics performance:1 hr 40 mins.

Fly to Shanghai on early morning flight.

We coach to our hotel and check in. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

Performance by Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. For more than 2,000 years, acrobatics has been an important component of Chinese performing arts and many of the feats performed originated with skills perfected by artisans and craftspeople. Acrobatics figures in other performance genres such as Chinese opera.

Hotel buffet.

Coach to Shanghai’s Xin Tian Di district – a restoration project that has set a benchmark for Asia. Take lunch on your own in one of its many cafes or international cuisine restaurants.

Walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 21 Longhua Temple & Bund Riverfront Shanghai

Walking up to 1.5 miles outdoors at Bund Riverfront Promenade.

We coach to the active and lively Longhua Si, Shanghai’s largest Buddhist temple.

Depart for the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront of art deco and neo-classic buildings dating from the time of foreign concessions. View the busy river activity and the maze of glittering skyscrapers newly built across the river on what was, until recently, undeveloped farmland.

at your leisure

Hotel buffet.

Enjoy imaginative vegetarian cuisine near Longhua Temple.

This evening is a chance for a dinner of your own choosing. You can stay in the Bund area to enjoy the night lights or return with the coach to your hotel.

Day 22 Arts of China: Shanghai Museum and the Yu Garden Shanghai

Spend about 2 hours at the museum; elevators and escalators available.Approximately 30 minute coach ride to the old section; walk through a winding alley at the old section with souvenir stores on both sides for approximately 1/2 mile to the Yu Garden.

Visit the Shanghai Museum. This 'state-of-the-art' museum is home to China's finest collection of paintings, ceramics, bronzes and sculptures and is an impressive testimony to China's long and rich culture. Audio guides are provided so that you can explore the museum according to your own interests.

This afternoon, explore Shanghai's historic old section and the nearby Yu Garden, whose classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping.

Hotel buffet.

The museum contains a small café where you can take lunch on your own at a time that is convenient for you as you explore the museum. Your group leader can also give you suggestions for restaurants nearby.

Farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 23 Program Concludes Shanghai

Hotel check out by 12:00 Noon. See the “Travel Information” section regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.” The Group Leader will advise as to departure times from the hotel.

Depart for Shanghai Airport for international departures or post-program travel.

hotel buffet