2022 Chinese Immersion School China Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2022 Chinese Immersion School China Cultural Journey! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting program so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. The first page, Pre-Enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page, is meant to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and we can't wait to start our enriching adventure!
Travel Dates: June 1, 2022 - June 11, 2022
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,690 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Estimated Airfare: $900

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.

Program Tuition: $2,690

Pay in Full

$2,690.00

due today

Payment Plan

Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:

$109.50

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

All prices in United States Dollars.

China Cultural Journey

As the 21st century unfolds, it is clear that China will continue to take a leading role in shaping the way our shared world develops. The world’s most populous nation – and dynamic economy – has as its backdrop 5,000 years of history and is home to a wide variety of rich cultural traditions and exotic cuisines. Furthermore, China is the world’s fourth largest country in area, with wide geographic diversity and stunning natural beauty.

Your time in China can include visits to the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and exotic markets. You may choose to study Mandarin, Kung Fu, Chinese cuisine, Tai Chi, or calligraphy. Visit isolated villages and staggering Himalayan peaks on the Tibetan plateau, or learn from business leaders and government officials at thought-provoking seminars. You will bike through rice paddies and traditional farming villages, immersing yourself in the local community and landscape. We are excited to bring you to this wondrous land for an adventure you will never forget.

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.

Program Highlights


Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!

Eat delicious, and we mean delicious Chinese food!

Improve your Mandarin through regular interaction with native speakers

Walk the streets of Song dynasty China

Wander the Hutongs and marvel at the wonders of imperial Beijing

Hike unrestored portions of The Great Wall

Visit Wuhou Temple in Chengdu

Volunteer the Chengdu Giant Panda Base

Visit the Terracotta Army at Xi'an

Climb the Great Wall of China

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
1USA - BeijingToday we'll depart the US and fly to BeijingIn Flight
2BeijingAfter crossing the international dateline, we'll arrive at Beijing International Airport in the evening. We'll settle into our accommodations in one of Beijing's oldest hutong alleyway neighborhoods dating back to the Ming dynasty. We'll have our first dinner together and rest up for our upcoming adventure!Drum Tower Hostel or Sleepy Inn
3BeijingWe'll begin our morning bright and early with a hutong scavenger hunt, exploring our neighborhood and soaking up Beijing's unique culture. We'll make our way to the Drum and Bell Tower Square for a demonstration of how time was kept by beating drums ancient times. We'll then hop on the subway heading towards Qianmen, the old front gate of the city wall. We'll walk through Tiananmen Square, and reflect on the significance of the events that took place there. We'll then make our way to the Forbidden City, the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Time allowing, we'll check out the emperor's impressive collection of elaborate mechanized clocks from all over the world at the Hall of Clocks. After a busy day, we'll spend the late afternoon in Jingshan park and enjoy the sweeping views of the Forbidden City from above.Drum Tower Hostel or Sleepy Inn
4Xiangshuihu - BeijingToday we'll visit one of the most important cultural sites on the planet: the Great Wall of China! We'll start our climb on the Wild Wall in Lotus Pond Village (taking time to get a sense of life in a rural village outside the city) and eventually connect to the restored Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After taking as many photos as we can stand, we'll have our choice of ways to descend, either via cable car or toboggan rides. We'll enjoy a meal at a small family-run restaurant to get a sense of rural home-style Chinese cooking.Drum Tower Hostel or Sleepy Inn
5Beijing - TransitOn our final full day in Beijing, we'll engage in an exchange activity with local students and/or test our bargaining skills at the famed Pan Jia Yuan flea market. We'll have the quintessential Beijing dinner of roast duck before heading to the train station to catch our overnight sleeper train to Xi'an.Train
6Xi'anUpon arrival in Xi'an, we'll discover the Terracotta Army of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China. Dating from 209 BCE, the full army and surrounding mausoleum are a must see! Later we'll visit another UNESCO world heritage site, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda dating to the Tang Dynasty. We'll also explore Xian’s distinctive gastronomical culture, sampling their world famous hand-pulled noodles and roujiamo (often dubbed the Chinese equivalent of a hamburger).Xi'an Hotel
7Xi'anThis morning, we'll explore the thriving culture of one of China's largest ethnic minority groups: the Hui. We'll visit the Great Mosque and eat our way along “Muslim Snack Street”. After enjoying all the cumin-spiced mutton kabobs and grilled bread we can handle, we'll head back to the hotel for our farewell meeting and pack for departure tomorrow.Xi'an Hotel
8Xi'an - ChengduToday we'll catch a train to our next destination. After settling into our hotel, we will head out to explore Chengdu, checking out the famous Wuhou Temple and eating our fair share of Chengdu's specialty street snacks on Jinli street. We'll stroll to the People's Park to mingle with the locals while they get fit and socialize with ballroom dancing kite flying, taichi, and more!Chengdu Dreams Hostel
9Chengdu - DujiangyanEarly this morning, we'll make our way to the Panda Center at Dujiangyan to begin our volunteer programing. Our tasks may include cleaning panda enclosures, preparing bamboo as well as hand-feeding the pandas. We'll also watch a documentary about panda habitat loss, and learn about the breeding and reintroduction work that is currently being done.Dujiangyan Panda Business Hotel
10DujiangyanWe'll continue volunteering at the Dujiangyan Panda Center with free time to explore Dujiangyan village in the afternoon/evening.Dujiangyan Panda Business Hotel
11DujiangyanToday, we'll visit the Chengdu Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the public facing side of panda conservation in China. We'll tour the facilities and see the Giant panda's smaller cousin, the Red Panda. Another possibility includes heading to Panda Valley, where important reintroduction work is being done. We'll get the insider's scoop by speaking with scientists working at the center about their research and the future of China's adorable mammal. In the afternoon, we'll try our hand at expert level DIY Sichuan cuisine for lunch! Later on we'll enjoy an entertaining Sichuan opera performance featuring traditional "Face Changing acrobatics," and more, to celebrate our time together in country. We will then rest ahead of our international departure the following day.Dujiangyan Panda Business Hotel
12Chengdu-USAToday we'll depart China for the U.S.A.Your own bed, eventually!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Drum Tower Hostel

The convenient location of Drum Tower Hostel reduces commute times and eases busy travel days.  However, we have chosen to partner with this particular accommodation for its safety standards, comfortable and cheerful atmosphere, and commitment to good service. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

 

Xishu Garden Inn – Chengdu

Xishu Garden Inn is a colorful and lively hotel located in the heart of Chengdu. It is inviting, charming and will offer a great place to retreat at the end of the day. Wifi and AC are available throughout the property and breakfast will be served each morning in the dining area. Students will be split between genders in double, triple or dorm style rooms depending on hotel availability.

Dujiangyan Panda Business Hotel

A clean, three star budget accommodation for groups working on Panda conservation projects at the nearby Dujiangyan Panda Base. A fun, panda-themed hotel that is a hit with our students! Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

Everything was outstanding. The communication, organization, and experience was phenomenal. The program positively impacted my daughters confidence, independence, and maturity.

Suzanne
Parent of Kelsey, traveler on Costa Rica Surf and Service Program

Your Adventure Includes

Estimated Airfare

In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel. 

Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

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Resource center

Resource Center

Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.

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