China Highlights Performance Tour

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.

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.

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.

Explore the history and techniques of traditional Chinese calligraphy (Hanzi), then practice forming characters with an ink brush using the methods you’ve learned.

Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.

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.

A hutong is a traditional Beijing neighborhood made up of narrow lanes running between courtyard homes. Thousands still exist today, many dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, offering a glimpse into centuries of local life and culture.

Learn about the daily lives of Beijing citizens and have lunch with a local family.

It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called "the Palace of Count Yong." After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures.

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.

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.

Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.