Beijing, the capital city of China, is one of the worlds largest cities. From our accommodations just outside the Forbidden City (from where 24 emperors ruled for over 500 years) we'll be within walking distance of Tian’an Men Square, Jing Shan Hill, Beihai Park, and Wangfujing Street (where we'll shop and enjoy Peking Duck). We'll use the metro system to visit the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Olympic Park. Our time in Bejing ends with an excursion out to see the Great Wall of China!

Xi’an was the capital for 1000 years, with 13 dynasties and 73 emperors. At the end of the Silk Road, it was once the largest and wealthiest city in the world, with a city wall protecting over a million people. Highlights include the Terracotta Army, the Hua Qing hot springs, Caligraphy lessons at the Great Goose Pagoda, biking along the top of the fortifications protecting the original city, stone rubbings at the Forest of Stellae Museum, and the Muslim District at night with it's markets and the beautifully lit Drum and Bell Towers.

Shanghai was a fishing village until 1842 and within 80 years it was the most prosperous city in East Asia and a glamorous outpost for western ex-patriots from America, Britain, France, Italy and Germany. We’ll discuss the modern history of China including the Opium War, World War II and Special Economic Zones as we wander through the alleys, markets, temples, and gardens of the Old City, admiring the contrast with the Parisian style of the French district, the Colonial buildings of the Bund, and the skyscrapers of the Pudong District. Our time in Shanghai also includes an excursion outside the city to experience the ancient river towns before ending with a final dramatic contrast: the acrobatics show at Shanghai Circus World.