13 Days China Educational Family Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

   So happy to see you on our 13-day China Educational Tour for families! This trip departs from Beijing, the capital of China, ends in Shanghai. After arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport, a local driver will meet you and then transfer you to the hotel in city center. He will assist you in moving your luggage and help you with check-in if you need.

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing Culture Tour
   Understand the Education System in China Thousands of Years Ago

   After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up and then transfer you to visit the Temple of Confucius, a place where Confucius was worshipped during the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1616-1912) in ancient China. Your guide will take your family on an insightful tour of education in ancient China.

   

   Next, delve into the education system of China at the Imperial Academy or Imperial College. It is the highest educational institution established by the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, consisting of three large courtyards and covering an area of over 20,000 square meters. After that, you will enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch. During that, encourage your children to interact with the waitress or waiter in Mandarin.

   In the afternoon, your family will be guided to visit Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. It is a rare Tibetan Buddhist royal temple in Beijing. In history, this was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng and the birthplace of Emperor Qianlong. Your private guide will lead you to visit many precious ancient buildings and cultural relics preserved in the temple.

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour
   Experience the Joy of Sliding Down the Great Wall

   This is a full day for the Great Wall fun. After breakfast, we will meet you at the hotel lobby and drive for 2 hours to the world-famous Great Wall of Mutianyu. Listed as a "World Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO in 1987, this section is not only the longest Great Wall in China, but also the most beautiful scenery in the Great Wall. Mutianyu has dense enemy towers, which are not found in other Great Wall sections.

   You will ascend the Great Wall by cable car, and the tour guide will tell you the rich historical stories of the Great Wall. Take some family photos on the best shooting locations. Your kids can experience the exhilarating toboggan slide down the Great Wall.

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing Highlights Tour
   Have a Cultural Exploration of Royal Family and Learn to Write Calligraphy

   In the morning, your family tour in Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world where your kids can practice reading Chinese signs. From there, walk for about 5-10 minutes to the Forbidden City, which is located in the middle of the central axis of Beijing.

   Also known as the "Palace Museum", it used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and is the essence of ancient Chinese palace architecture. There are various routes to visit the Forbidden City. Your tour guide will select the best visiting route for you based on the day's itinerary, and you will learn some basic facts, including when it was built, why it was built, and how many rooms it has.

   

   For lunch, you will enjoy the delicious Beijing roasted duck. In the afternoon, we head to visit a local family in a traditional hutong (narrow alley). Here, your children can join a Chinese calligraphy class. Learn the brush strokes and characters, and your whole families will be immersed in the rich Chinese culture.

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

5. Day 5: Beijing to Xian Tour
   Follow a Professional Master to Learn and Practice Tai Chi

   After breakfast, you will be taken to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven. This magnificent royal structure served as a complex of sacrificial buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest. In the nearby park, you can watch local people practicing water calligraphy and flying kites.

   

   Then, we will arrange a Tai Chi class for your family. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises. After the experience, your driver will escort you to the railway station for a a high-speed train to Xi'an.

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

6. Day 6: Xian Cultural Experience
   Make a Replica Small Terracotta Soldier

   After breakfast, an expert local English-speaking tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. After an hour's drive from the city center, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an archaeological miracle with thousands of life-size clay soldiers, horses and chariots. Over 2000 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, built this world heritage site. You will be surprised that each soldier displays a unique expression. After that, your kids will enjoy making a replica small terracotta soldier. And you can take your “work” home.

   

   After that, be guided to discover local cave dwellings, and gain an insight into historical living habits. Then, go back to Xian downtown area to stroll around Muslim Quarter, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you will find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

7. Day 7: Xian City Tour
   Visit a Local Family and Learn How to Make Dumplings

   During today’s China tour for family in Xian, we drive you to the Ancient City Wall. A military defensive system in old times, it is one of the largest and most well-preserved city walls in China. You can take a leisure walk and ride a bike (included) on the top of the wall and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Then, visit a landmark of Xi'an - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. At around 65 meters tall, the pagoda was built in 652 (in the Tang Dynasty) to store Buddhist scriptures brought back by Xuanzang from India. Have a relaxing time there.

   

   After that, pay a visit to a local family to immerse yourself in the life of Xi'an people. You will experience making dumplings here. Dumplings are one of the most popular staple foods in China, often used as a symbol of reunion. The local host will demonstrate you and your kids how to make dumplings.

   In the afternoon, transfer you to Shaanxi History Museum, one of the top museums in China. The collection of artifacts ranges from simple stone tools used by ancient mankind to various types of artifacts used in social life before 1840, spanning over a million years. All kinds of exhibits will amaze you.

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

8. Day 8: Xian to Chengdu Tour
   Write Postcards at the Panda Post Office

   After breakfast, you will be escorted to board a high-speed train to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas. After arrival, the local tour guide will pick you up and directly start your China family tour in Chengdu.

   Firstly, we will take you to see the world's largest panda statue on the bustling Chunxi Road. Afterwards, go to Panda Post Office to experience some interactive activities. Your children can write postcards in Chinese and mail them to their friends or relatives. This is a very special experience.

   After the tour, transfer you to the hotel for rest.

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

   

9. Day 9: Chengdu Panda Tour
   Watch Cute Pandas Up Close and Visit a Lively Local Farmers Market

   Today is a highlight of panda tour! After breakfast, we will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It is well known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas that are unique to China. There are adorable pandas everywhere. You kids can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and of course sleeping closely. The guide will lead you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help your family take amazing photos.

   

   At noon, we will enjoy a palatable hot pot lunch, which is a signature Sichuan dish. In the afternoon, visit a lively local farmers market. There your children can try to buy fresh ingredients in Chinese from vendors. It's a great opportunity to delve into the lives of locals.

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

10. Day 10: Leshan Highlight Tour to Shanghai
    Wonder at the Tallest Stone Buddha in the World

    After breakfast, drive to Leshan to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. The Giant Buddha is 71 meters high and is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty cliff sculpture art. It is also the world's largest stone carved Maitreya Buddha sitting statue. You will climb up the stairs to get a close-up view of this majestic Buddha statue, or pay an extra fee to choose to cruise along the river and see the Buddha statue from a distance.

    After the family tour in Chengdu, you will take a flight to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai.

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

11. Day 11: Shanghai City Tour
    Appreciate the Skyline from the Bund and Shanghai Tower

    This is the last city on your 13-day China family tour. The first attraction in Shanghai is the must see - the Bund. You can admire 52 buildings with different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, etc, and the magnificent modern skyline. Then, stroll around the old narrow streets, where you will see Shikumen-style buildings everywhere. Many Shanghai local People still live here. So your family can approach the authentic culture of old Shanghai.

    After tasting some Shanghai's famous snacks, head to Lujiazui, Shanghai's financial district, to ascend Shanghai Tower. This is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, where you can enjoy the breathtaking skyline as well as panoramic views of the city.

    

    In the afternoon, you can enjoy a half day customized experience. Your travel consultant will tailor a Shanghai half day trip based on your family's interests, such as visiting art galleries, museums, or exploring some kid-friendly neighborhoods.

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

12. Day 12: Shanghai Disneyland Tour
    Completely Immerse Yourself in the Fun of Disneyland Park

    During a Shanghai tour, families with kids should not miss the Shanghai Disneyland, the happiest place in the world. Open in 2016, it is the first Disneyland theme park in Chinese mainland. Numerous adults and children come here to pursue their beautiful dreams.

    You and your children can take photos with the classic Disney characters, feast on fantastic food, and shop around for nice gifts. There are so many interesting experiences waiting for you, such as a warm welcome on Mickey Avenue and some thrilling rides. As night falls, witness the wonderful fireworks display. Prepare for an enjoyable time!

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

13. Day 13: Departure from Shanghai

    Enjoy the last leisurely morning with your families at the hotel. Your driver will then escort you to the airport or train station. This is the end of your 13-day educational China family tour. Hope you and your kids spent a great time with us!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A