China: Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai

Explore Beijing with a local guide, beginning in Tiananmen Square, the vast public plaza and political heart of modern China, large enough to hold 300,000 people. Step into the Forbidden City, the 9,000-room palace complex once home to emperors, eunuchs, and concubines. Admire its red walls, vermilion roofs, and the famous Nine Dragon Screen. Then visit the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing rulers performed rituals to secure good harvests and imperial prosperity.

Discover the history of Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art. Learn key movements from an experienced instructor, then practice the techniques you’ve been taught.

Enjoy a feast of Peking duck, the signature dish of northern China. During this special meal, learn about its traditional preparation and the savory side dishes that make this regional specialty so famous.

The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, stretches about 13,170 miles across deserts, mountains, and grasslands. Built more than 2,700 years ago, parts have crumbled, yet it remains one of the world’s most iconic landmarks for its scale, engineering, and historic significance.

Uncover the legacy of the Qin Dynasty at the Terracotta Army. First discovered in 1974, this vast army of more than 6,000 life-size warriors was buried with China’s first emperor in 210–209 BCE to protect him in the afterlife. It remains one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries ever made.

The modern capital of Shaanxi, Xi’an served as the capital of 11 dynasties over 4,000 years, including the Tang Dynasty at the height of its power. Framed by the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, Xi’an is one of China’s most popular destinations. Walk along the Ancient City Wall for panoramic views and visit the Greater Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of the city’s Buddhist heritage.

During this performance, performers wear brightly colored masks portraying different emotions and switch them in the blink of an eye.

Built during the Tang Dynasty between the 7th and 9th centuries, this 233 foot Buddha was carved directly into the rocks facing Mount Emei. In 1996, the statue was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this vast research complex, which includes a veterinary lab, a park, a panda habitat, and a zoo, you will have one of the best opportunities to see Giant Pandas.

Shanghai blends European elegance with Asian flair, transforming its colonial past into a modern metropolis. With your local guide, stroll the Bund for views of the city’s skyline and visit Yu Yuan Garden, a 16th-century retreat with fountains, bridges, and tile dragons. Find peace at the Jade Buddha Temple, home to statues carved from single pieces of jade. Then see artisans at work in a silk factory and wander Tian Zi Fang, a lively district of boutiques, cafés, and studios.

For over 50 years, Shanghai’s Acrobatic Troupe has captivated audiences with a masterful blend of acrobatics, juggling, and magic, showcasing the precision and artistry that define this celebrated ensemble.