Student/Parent Portal
In a fast-paced world where global citizenship is rapidly becoming the foremost model for success, have you ever sat back and wondered: “Are my students prepared?”
While study-abroad programs might not be suitable for all high school students, educational touring experiences have been one of the most popular options among high school students and parents. They provide great opportunities for American students to stay with local families and students, and to fully immerse themselves into a different culture.
Cambridge Network provides travel services as an educational and cultural experience in the vast, dynamic country of China. Packages include all accommodations and transportation as well as bilingual guides, activities, most meals, and medical/evacuation insurance. China’s compelling history combined with its economic and technological power makes it one of the most influential countries in the world. Its sheer size and large population alone contribute to a fast-paced and energetic society all must experience at least once. Home to globally renowned historical sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, China is known for its unique traditions and cultural importance.
Below is just one example of the experience China could bring to you!
Day 1-4: Beijing
Board an overnight flight to Beijing, where a Tour Guide will meet and escort guests to the hotel and dinner.
We begin our discovery of this 2,000-year-old city with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, built in the Ming Dynasty by the emperor Zhu Di, where emperors came to worship Heaven and pray for a good harvest. Head to a nearby restaurant for a noodle lunch, afterwards visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
As the largest city square in the world, Tiananmen Square holds great cultural significance due to the many important imperial celebrations and events that took place here. Enter the magnificent gates and find the Forbidden City. Explore the beautiful imperial palace and its traditional Chinese architecture. The palace was home to 20 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties! The day will conclude with the traditional Peking Duck Dinner that has been prepared since the imperial era as one of the main dishes for the royal court.
Day 4: Beijing
Enjoy a full day of the Great Wall (Mutianyu section with cable cars), the iconic network of ancient defense installations that stretches almost 4,000 miles from the East China Sea to Central Asia. Lunch will be served at the foot of the Wall to reflect on its incredible architecture and historical significance. Our travel back to Beijing will consist of a visit to the beautiful grounds of the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat that is now a beautiful park. Explore the exquisite royal gardens and lovely Kunming Lake. After dinner, all will enjoy an evening Kung Fu show.
Day 5: Beijing / Shijiazhzuang
This morning, visit a local Lama Temple. Next, explore Beijing’s picturesque old courtyard homes and the narrow hutong alleys. We tour the district by pedicab for a closer and more engaging perspective on traditional Chinese life and enjoy lunch at a local family’s home. Transfer to the train station and take a high-speed train to Shijiazhuang. Upon arrival in Shijiazhuang transfer to a local school where the rest of the day is arranged by the host school.
Day 6-7: Shijiazhuang
Spend the day visiting a local school system and experience a night with a loving host family!
Day 8 – Shijiazhuang / Xi’an:
Bid farewell to our host families and transfer to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, take an hour ride to the city of Xi’an followed by a dumpling dinner and show of Tang Dynasty dances and music. The group will proceed to the hotel for check in for an evening of rest.
Day 9 – Xi’an
Enjoy a full day visiting some of the most culturally significant and historic sites in the city of Xi’an. The first stop of the day will be to a pottery workshop on our way to the Terracotta Army Exhibition and Museums. Standing as one of the most significant archeological excavations in the world, the Terracotta Warriors showcases thousands of detailed life-size warrior models built to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. Of the thousands of models, no two are alike. Lunch will be held at a restaurant close to the museum and exhibits. The afternoon activity will be biking the old city wall, a traditional way to view the historic city and its surroundings. As night begins to fall, the group will head back to the city to visit the Grand Mosque, the oldest in China and, in Chinese style, diving into the Muslim cultural atmosphere. Individuals will have the opportunity to walk through the Muslim Quarter and explore several ancient architectural buildings and local vendors, completing the day with a traditional Islamic meal.
Day 10 – Xi’an / Shanghai
Head to the Xi’an train station and experience China’s fast-train to Shanghai. Guests will be met by an English-speaking guide who will accompany you in an overnight Shanghai experience.
Day 11 – Shanghai
Enjoy a tour of Shanghai! Visit the Bund, the mile-long riverside embankment and commercial center where foreign investors once held sway, and is home to one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. Every morning people visit the Bund to do exercises and in the evening to appreciate the view with their loved ones. The word ‘bund’ derives from an Anglo–Indian word for an embankment along a muddy waterfront, which is what the Bund originally was. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai History Development Exhibition Hall. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the French Concession and some free time to explore the Tianzifang area. Continue to the Yu Garden, a classical garden in downtown Shanghai, boasting a history of over 400 years. Each pavilion, hall, stone and stream in the garden expresses the quintessence of South China landscape design from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and reputed to be the most beautiful of all gardens. Enjoy time to explore the streets of Xintiandi and Nanjing Road, major pedestrian shopping zones.
Day 12 – Shanghai / Home
If interested in learning more about Cambridge Network’s fascinating tour and travel services to China, please contact Travel Operations Manager Julianne Chen at [email protected] or (781) 996-0840.
