China: Beijing, Xi'an, 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.

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.

An emperor with a palace as elaborate as the Forbidden City required an equally grand resting place, and the Ming Tombs fit the bill. Commissioned by Emperor Yongle, they form a vast complex of pavilions, gardens, and tombs meant to provide for rulers in the afterlife. Walk the Avenue of Stone Animals, where carved creatures, officials, and soldiers from the 1400s stand guard to escort their leaders to heaven.

Beijing's Acrobatic Troupe offers an unparalleled educational experience, showcasing over 50 years of tradition in acrobatics, juggling, and magic. This immersive performance not only entertains but also serves as a vivid case study for students studying physical arts, cultural history, and performance dynamics. Educators can draw connections to curriculum standards in the arts, physical education, and even mathematics through the precision of each act. Witnessing this extraordinary ensemble inspires creativity and a passion for the performing arts.

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.

Explore the Summer Palace, a vast Qing-era retreat of pavilions, bridges, and gardens along Kunming Lake. Covering more than 700 acres, the park stretches from the lake in the south to Longevity Hill in the north, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and imperial design.

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.

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.

Elaborate costumes, haunting rhythms, spectacular dexterity. The Tang Dynasty had a wide reputation for its dance performances, used by the Emperor Taizong not only for entertainment but also to educate citizens about civic duty and military readiness. At the art form's peak popularity, there were thousands of trained dancers kept in the emperor's court.

A walk through Shanghai’s Former French Concession reveals tree-lined streets, colonial-era architecture, and lively enclaves like Tianzifang and Xintiandi. Once a prestigious foreign settlement, it now blends history, art, and café culture in one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.

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.