Educational Travel Experience Designed Especially for Clear Creek High School Beijing, Xian & Shanghai 16419-2-7 March 23 - April 1, 2016 ITINERARY OVERVIEW DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM DENVER DAY 2 ARRIVE BEIJING (4 NIGHTS) DAY 3 BEIJING & SERVICE DAY 4 GREAT WALL OF CHINA & SERVICE DAY 5 BEIJING DAY 6 BEIJING - FLIGHT TO XI'AN (2 NIGHTS) DAY 7 XI'AN DAY 8 XI'AN - FLIGHT TO SHANGHAI (2 NIGHTS) DAY 9 SHANGHAI DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM SHANGHAI
ITINERARY China - The People's Republic of China is one of the largest countries in the world, covering 3.7 million square miles and containing 20% of the world's population. The rich diversity in such a large area extends from the culture to the language to the extremes of landscape, and yet the country as a whole retains an air of mystery that intrigues visitors. Educational Tour/Visit Cultural Experience Concert Performance Transportation Recreational Activity LEAP Enrichment Sporting Fixture DAY 1 Wednesday, 23 March 2016 Relax and enjoy our scheduled flight from Denver to Beijing. DAY 2 Thursday, 24 March 2016 Our Tour Director will meet us at the airport. Our private coach will be waiting to transfer us to our hotel in Beijing. For the next four nights, our base will be in Beijing (area). Tonight we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. DAY 3 Friday, 25 March 2016 Founded in the 13th century, and home to Ming and Qing dynasty emperors, the capital city of Beijing is one of China's true ancient citadels. After a period of isolation, the modern city is undergoing significant reform and change, embodying all the fascinating contradictions of modern China. Old Beijing continues to survive in its temples, palaces, and old alleyways, often set among sprawling avenues, towering skyscrapers, and shopping malls. Explore Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and equivalent to the size of 90 American football fields. In the centre of the square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes (Renmin Yingxiong Jinian Bei), a 38m granite obelisk erected in 1958 and engraved with scenes from famous popular Chinese uprisings. Discover the Forbidden City, a massive complex of red-walled buildings and pavilions topped by a sea of glazed vermilion tile. Visit the Inner Court, where only the emperor, his family, his concubines, and the palace eunuchs were allowed; the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where emperors lived after Yongzheng moved out of the Qianqing Gong and the Nine Dragon Screen, an 11½ft high wall covered in glazed tile dragons frolicking above a frothing sea, built to protect the Qianlong emperor from prying eyes and malevolent spirits. Volunteer at the Beijing Huiling Charity, where our meaningful service experience begins as we are introduced to the mentally handicapped members of the Huiling Charity. We will be warmly welcomed to the group with joyful song and dance that we are welcome to take part in. The Huiling School is dedicated to providing round the clock care for mentally handicapped youngsters aged 16-31, in a family style setting. The school was founded in 1985 by Meng Weina, and was intended to be a special school for mentally handicapped children. The school was the first in the country to offer residential care and is breaking new ground in China using therapeutic and training approaches. Our time at Huiling is certain to affirm the value and potential of children and young people who are among the least regarded in Chinese society. Tonight, we will enjoy either a Gala Dinner or the Beijing Opera. 1
DAY 4 Saturday, 26 March 2016 A private coach and driver will accompany us today on our trip outside the city. Visit the Great Wall of China, one of the world s most awesome and impressive sights. The series of stone and earthen fortifications snakes its way east to west for nearly 4,000 miles, and was built, rebuilt, and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire. Volunteer at the Great Wall of China. Tonight we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. DAY 5 Sunday, 27 March 2016 Visit the Temple of Heaven, an enormous park and altar directly to the south of the Forbidden City. Each winter solstice, the Ming and Qing emperors would lead a procession here to perform rites and make sacrifices designed to promote the next year s crops and curry favor with Heaven for the general health of the empire. Visit Wangfujing Street in the heart of Beijing. The street is often called the Champs Elysees of the East. Shops and cafes, along with sculpture, fountains and magnificent architecture can be enjoyed by all along this impressive thoroughfare. Tonight we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Tonight we will attend either a Martial Arts Demonstration Show or an Acrobatic Show. DAY 6 Monday, 28 March 2016 Today we take an internal flight from Beijing to Xi'an. Our hotel in Nanjing (area), will be our base for the next two nights. The modern capital of Shaanxi, Xi an served as capital to 11 dynasties over a period of 4,000 years, including the powerful Tang Dynasty, which marked the city s peak. With a rich history and stunning location, the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, Xi an is one of the most popular destinations in China. Tour the Xi an City Wall. It was constructed in the early Ming Dynasty and its design was based on the Imperial City of Chang An (Everlasting Peace) of the Tang Dynasty. The Xi an Wall is one of the best preserved ancient city walls anywhere in the world and is the best example of a walled city in China. In addition to the ramparts, the wall contains watchtowers, moats, city gates, and tower entrances. Visit the Bell Tower, originally constructed in the 17th year of Emperor Hong Wu s reign during the Ming Dynasty, and moved to its current location in the 10th year of Wanli. The architecture is grand and the art is superb. The highlight of the visit will be an Ascent of the Tower, which offers a magnificent panoramic view over the city. We will dine this evening in a local restaurant. DAY 7 Tuesday, 29 March 2016 Visit the Qin Terracotta Army Museum. In 1974, a group of peasants digging a well made what was to become the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century when they unearthed fragments of a life-sized terracotta warrior. Excavations of three underground timber-lined vaults revealed thousands of warriors and their horses, an entire Terracotta Army designed to follow its emperor into eternity. Explore the beautiful Huaqing Hot Springs, located at the northern foot of Mt. Lishan. The Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties all used the site as a temporary imperial abode. Today, the Huaqing Pools are fascinating for their exquisite and picturesque scenery, characterized by pink peach blossoms, green willows, dense foliage, beautiful pavilions, terraces, magnificent halls and towers, winding corridors, and long verandas. Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, built after the translation of the Buddhist scriptures, is square in shape and stands 64 meters high, with a spiral staircase leading to the top. Bodhisattva images are delicately carved on the lintels on four sides and the lower part of the pagoda features two stone tablets engraved with the Preface of Holy Teachings. 2
DAY 7 Tuesday, 29 March 2016 This evening attend a Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance that was a hallmark of Xi an at its height. We will dine this evening in a local restaurant. DAY 8 Wednesday, 30 March 2016 Today we take an internal flight from Xi'an to Shanghai. Our base for the next two nights will be Shanghai (area). Shanghai is the largest and most dynamic city in China. The recent explosion of economic and industrial development in this autonomous municipality has made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Shanghai is an exhilarating, ever-changing city that isn t just living China s dream, it s setting the pace for the rest of the world. Take a Huangpu River Cruise, one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai. As we sail down the river towards the East Sea, we will enjoy the full sweep of the Bund and the 21st century cityscape of Pudong, as well as the futuristic Yangpu Bridge. Stroll along Nanjing Road, China s premier shopping street, which starts at The Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jingan Temple and Yan an West Street. In addition to the brand-name stores, specialty shops still provide choice silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks. Visit the Jin Mao Tower, which was built in 1998 as a Sino-American joint venture; it rises to 1,379 ft and blends traditional Chinese and modern Western tower designs. Take the Highspeed Elevator to the observation deck on the 88th floor, known as The Skywalk," to enjoy magnificent views over the city. We will enjoy our evening meal together in a local restaurant. DAY 9 Thursday, 31 March 2016 A private coach and driver will accompany us today on our trip outside the city. The ancient city of Suzhou dates back to the 6th century BC and grew slowly until the creation of a large canal brought prosperity in the silk trade. During the Ming dynasty, the city flourished as a place of refinement, drawing scholars and merchants who built the elegant houses and gardens that are now open to the public. Visit the Ming Dynasty Gardens, including the Wangsi Private Garden (AD 1140), the Humble Administrator s Garden (AD 1522), and the Lingering Garden (AD 1525). Visit the Humble Administrator s Garden, dating from the 16th century and makes complex use of the element of water. Explore a maze of connected pools and islands, which the garden designer used to create multiple vistas and divide the compressed space into distinct segments that make the garden feel much larger than its actual size. It is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Explore a Silk Factory in Suzhou. China is known for its silk and Suzhou is the most famous place for silk production. The No.1 Silk Factory in Suzhou was founded in 1926 as a stateowned factory. It is divided into three parts: the exhibition hall, which shows the history of Suzhou silk and some ancient collections; the working area, where visitors can see how the silk is made; and the product exhibition hall, showing the main products of this factory, the silk wadding quilts. Take a Grand Canal Cruise along one of the manmade wonders of the ancient world, and see a living portrait of ancient Chinese life. Enjoy Suzhou s Oriental Bazaar, a pedestrianized shopping bazaar offering both modern conveniences and traditional Suzhou food and wares. We will enjoy our evening meal together in a local restaurant. DAY 10 Friday, 01 April 2016 Our rewarding and enjoyable tour comes to an end as our Tour Director accompanies us to the airport on our final day. 3
TOTAL PER PERSON TOUR COST BASED ON NUMBER OF FULL-PAYING PARTICIPANTS Clear Creek High School Full Paying Price In USD *With Early (Subject to final airfare confirmation) Participants Discount This proposal is valid until Wednesday, 26 November 2014 and this tour 24 4,227 4,027 cannot be operated in its present format with fewer than 10 16 4,435 4,235 participants. * Early Enrollment Discount of $200 if enrolled by 11/19/2014. EZ Pay Option Enroll by 11/19/2014 and make 14 payments of $281.07 every 30 days by automatic deduction from your bank account. The final payment of the series will be deducted no later than 45 days before travel. **Based on the bolded pricing ratio from above. How to Enroll The Trip ID for your program is 113697 and you can register today by credit card or echeck by going to: www.worldstridesdiscovery.org/register A $300 initial deposit is due by 11/19/2014. Please contact your Program Leader for further information. Program Leader: Maria Indrehus Contact Details: maria.indrehus@ccsdre1.org Tour Prices Guaranteed at Time of Enrollment! Our Price Guarantee: Once you have accepted this proposal, the dates have been confirmed and the WorldStrides International Discovery Promotional Packs has been made available for your group s tour, the prices shown for the various group size levels will not change, regardless of any subsequent movements in airline fuel and taxes or currency fluctuations. What is Included: Round trip airfare with a major carrier on scheduled flights and guaranteed dates All airport taxes and fuel surcharges (which will not change after time of enrollment for any participant) Accommodation in three and four star hotels in twin or triple rooms with private facilities guaranteed throughout A filling breakfast everyday to get the day started well throughout your touring program Dinner daily reflecting local cuisine on every evening (usually in local restaurants in capital cities) A full-timetour Director to accompany your group from arrival to departure in each city The expertise and perspective of local guides during your tour All excursions, cultural activities and (several pre-booked) admissions as per your itinerary Once overseas, all transportation by private coach while on tour Basic health insurance while on tour (including medical treatment on tour up to $7,500) and $50,000 of coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation This Does Not Include: Lunches or beverages with meals Visas (if required) Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver Any fees that might be imposed by the airlines at the airport for checked baggage Cancellation Protection Plus, which provides for cancellation for reasons not normally covered by insurance, at a rate of $25 a day. Please note the rate will be reduced to $20 a day if all the participants on the program choose to take this valuable assurance. 4
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