Beijing
Xi'an
Chengdu
Chongqing

[Beijing] Start your adventure at the heart of the China’s academic excellence

• ​Morning: Arrive in Beijing, the vibrant heart of China’s rich history and academic excellence. Join an engaging opening session to meet fellow travellers and trip leaders, receive an introduction to your itinerary, and prepare for an inspiring journey through China’s imperial heritage, remarkable history, distinctive wildlife, and diverse cultures..​

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• Afternoon: Visit Peking University on a guided campus tour to explore China’s most prestigious and influential university, its rich history, and key departments connected to national reforms and development.

[Beijing] Walking through imperial Qing dynasty times

• Morning: Explore the Forbidden City to discover Qing dynasty history, learn about past emperors and Empress Dowager Cixi, admire imperial treasures, and marvel at its impressive architecture.

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• Afternoon: Stroll through Qianmen Street and Beijing Hutongs to experience traditional culture, visit historic shops, and understand the significance of Beijing’s central axis.

[Beijing] From the majesty of the Great Wall to the elegance of the opera stage

• Morning: Climb the Great Wall of China and explore its history, ingenious construction, defence system, strategic watchtowers, and lasting cultural significance.

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• Afternoon: Experience the charm of Peking Opera, traditional makeup, and train with a master to sing and move like a true performer.

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• Evening: Flight from Beijing to Xi’an.

[Xi’an] Travel back to the Tang dynasty

• Morning: Admire the architecture of one of China’s oldest and best-preserved city walls on a scenic bike ride with panoramic views of the ancient capital.

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• Afternoon: Dress in traditional Tang costumes and explore the Dayan Pagoda’s role in spreading Buddhism along the Silk Road.

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• Evening: Step into the past at Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City for an unforgettable night of history and culture.

[Xi’an] Meet the warriors of the Qin dynasty and experience traditional crafts

• Morning: Explore the Emperor QinShiHuang's Terracotta Army Museum - ‘8th Wonder of the World’, and get hands-on crafting your own clay warrior through molding, assembling, and firing.

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• Afternoon: Experience traditional woodworking by using classic tools like hammers, planes, and chisels, master mortise-and-tenon joinery, and practice sawing and chiselling to craft wooden items.

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• Evening: Watch master chefs craft artistic dumplings, learn traditional techniques, and enjoy tasting a delicious variety of handmade dumplings.

[Xi’an] Cultural symbols hidden in architecture and food

• Morning: Discover the unique architecture of traditional cave dwellings on the Loess Plateau and learn how geography influenced local lifestyles. Join an interactive folk art workshop to try your hand at facial mask painting, shadow puppetry, and paper cutting.

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• Afternoon: Taste Shaanxi delicacies at Yuanjia Village, enjoy a traditional shadow puppet show, and experience ancient oil pressing methods firsthand.

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• Evening: Visit Great Mosque of Xi'an to explore its architectural symbolism. Practice architectural sketching and photography of intricate details like caisson ceilings and brick carvings. Complete with a culinary walk tasting authentic halal delicacies.

 [Xi’an] Exploring history, riding innovation

• Morning: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum to discover exquisite relics and rare artifacts that reveal the rich heritage of Chinese civilization.

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• Afternoon: Travel from Xi’an to Chengdu by high-speed train and experience firsthand the engineering marvel of a railway cutting through the Qinling Mountains, the natural divide between northern and southern China.

[Chengdu] Cooking, culture, and classic Chengdu lifestyle

• Morning: Discover the flavours of Sichuan at the Chuancais Museum, where you’ll master the art of making the iconic Kung Pao Chicken in a hands-on culinary experience that delights both palate and passion.

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• Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Chengdu’s vibrant local life at Renmin Park, enjoying traditional Kungfu tea while soaking up the city’s laid-back, timeless charm.

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• Evening: Step back in time wandering the atmospheric lanes of Wide and Narrow Alleys, and tasting the irresistible authentic flavours that make Sichuan cuisine world-famous.

[Chengdu] Conservation, Innovation & Tradition: A Day Through Sichuan's Treasures

• Morning: Volunteer at the Panda Valley: assist in meal preparation, learn daily care routines from keepers, observe panda behavior up close, and earn an international volunteer certificate.

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• Afternoon: Explore the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and uncover the science behind this ancient water management marvel. Students will compare traditional and modern water management techniques.

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• Evening: Experience the mystifying Bian Lian performance, where Sichuan Opera artists miraculously change colorful masks in milliseconds, keeping alive this 300-year-old intangible cultural heritage.

[Chengdu] Uncover the secrets of ancient Shu civilization

• Morning: Discover the ancient Shu civilization dating back over 3,000 years with a guided tour of Sanxingdui Museum’s mysterious bronzeware and rich cultural heritage.

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• Afternoon: Get hands-on at an archaeological camp with a simulated dig, plaster casting, bronze pouring, and artifact restoration lessons.

[Chongqing] Mountain city marvels and riverside stories

• Morning: Travel from Chengdu to Chongqing by high-speed train

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• Afternoon: Wander through Hongya Cave’s mountain city maze, sample authentic local cuisine, discover traditional crafts, and admire the unique stilted architecture blending heritage with modern design.

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• Evening: Relax on a river cruise and explore the stories behind Chongqing’s famous bridges, including the Dongshuimen, Chaotianmen Yangtze River, and Qiansimen Bridge’s “Time Tunnel.”

[Chongqing] Until We Meet Again: A Fond Farewell to China

• Morning: Conclude your China experience with a closing ceremony: reflect on key learnings through group discussions and share memorable moments from your cultural journey.​

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• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Australia, carrying newfound knowledge and unforgettable experiences from your exploration of China's rich heritage.