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China (North and East)

Program Overview

Huanying ni dao Zhongguo lai.
Magical, mysterious China—the sleeping giant closed to US visitors for years—has flung open its doors to reveal a society in the midst of incredible change. From the explosive growth of modern cities such as Shanghai and Beijing to rural ways of life seemingly unchanged for centuries, China is a fascinating study in contrasts. Practice your Mandarin language skills with local teachers and your Chinese group leader as you explore markets and enjoy banquet-style meals. You share your adventures with a group of Chinese students who travel with you to ancient cities and remote villages, helping you gain a more intimate understanding of China.

Orientation
During orientation, spend a few nights in Beijing, China’s dynamic capital. Then travel to Chengde, a small city in the beautiful Yangshan Mountains, where you continue your orientation and meet your host family.

Sample activities: Journey to ancient temples; stroll through the Forbidden City; stand in the center of Tiananmen Square and ponder China's tumultuous recent history; climb and explore the Great Wall of China.

Urban Homestay in Chengde
Become part of your host family's daily life in Chengde, a small imperial resort city nestled between towering mountain ranges. Opportunities abound for using your Mandarin conversational skills as you visit local shops and an agricultural mountain village. Teach English to Chinese students in the local primary school, then jump on a bicycle for unforgettable rides to ancient temples.

Inner Mongolian Adventure
After your first homestay, travel to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, where you learn about the history and traditions of the Mongolian people and enjoy cool desert nights.

Sample activities: Ride horses and camels deep into the grasslands with Mongolian horsemen; voyage to the edge of the Gobi Desert and try some sand-skiing; sleep in traditional yurts after a night of "Mongolian Disco."

Rural Homestay in Buyangzhuang Village
Discover country life in China as you live with a host family in a Shandong village. You gain a firsthand insight into rural Chinese life as you work in the fields, sing and dance with village children, share meals with your new family, and explore the countryside with your fellow travelers.

Travel and Discovery
After your rural homestay, voyage through eastern China to visit Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, and the modern city of Jinan, before catching an overnight sleeper train to exciting Shanghai.
Sample activities: Climb the ancient stone steps of sacred Mount Tai; bike through the Confucian Forest; take a pedi-cab through the streets of Qufu; see the world-famous Shanghai acrobatic troupe.