2026 Weston China Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | April 14, 2026 - April 22, 2026 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,190 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,000 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $3,190
Pay in Full
$3,190.00
due today
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.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Travel the world's most impressive high-speed rail system
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
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
Visit the Terracotta Army at Xi'an
Admire Shanghai's world famouns skyline
Climb the Great Wall of China
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA - Beijing | Today, we will board our flight to China and embark on an unforgettable journey. | Ariplane |
| 2 | Beijing | Upon arrival in Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, our Walking Tree Program Leader will greet us at the airport and escort us to our hotel. The rest of the day will be ours to relax and recover from the long journey. We will familiarize ourselves with the neighborhood and take a short walking tour on foot before returning to our hotel after dinner. | Chongwenmen Hotel or similar |
| 3 | Beijing | After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our exploration with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city plaza. From there, we will enter the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), one of the world’s most significant palaces, with over 9,000 rooms that once housed 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Next, we will visit Tong Ren Tang, a renowned Chinese pharmacy that has been providing traditional Chinese medicine since 1723. Here, we will discover the fascinating world of ancient remedies, medicinal herbs, and traditional healing techniques. After enjoying a delicious Peking Duck lunch, we will head to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. We will stroll through its pavilions, temples, bridges, and corridors, immersing ourselves in its breathtaking scenery and rich history. | Chongwenmen Hotel or similar |
| 4 | Beijing | After breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once prayed for good harvests. Then, we will drive about 70 km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Great Wall of China. We will visit the Mutianyu section, known for its stunning scenery and fewer crowds. A cable car will take us halfway up, where we can enjoy a scenic hike along the ancient wall. Afterward, we will descend by cable car, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. | Chongwenmen Hotel or similar |
| 5 | Beijing - Xian | This morning, we will explore Beijing’s Hutongs, narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. These historic streets have witnessed dynastic shifts and modernization, preserving the essence of old Beijing. We will ride a rickshaw through the alleys and learn about the city’s unique culture and lifestyle. Afterward, we will transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner before turning in for the night. | Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel or simlar |
| 6 | Xian | After breakfast, we will visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. We will marvel at more than 8,000 life-sized soldiers, 130 chariots, and 670 horses, all crafted to protect Emperor Qin Shihuang in the afterlife. In the afternoon, we will return to Xi’an’s downtown area to visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty for defense. We will walk along the wall, taking in panoramic views of the city. Tonight, we will enjoy a dumpling banquet, savoring one of Xi’an’s most famous culinary delights. | Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel or simlar |
| 7 | Xian - Shanghai | In the morning, we will visit Da Cien Temple, home to the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Built by the Buddhist master Xuanzang during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda was designed to safeguard the sacred scriptures he brought from India. After lunch, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, our local guide will welcome us and escort us to our downtown hotel. After checking in, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant. | Campanile Shanghai Hotel or similar |
| 8 | Shanghai | Our day begins with a visit to Yu Garden, a stunning classical garden in the heart of Shanghai. Surrounding the garden is the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, where we can shop for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and sample local delicacies like xiao long bao (steamed dumplings). In the afternoon, we will explore the Former French Concession, a district known for its charming architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant arts scene. We will stroll through Tianzifang, an artistic enclave filled with galleries, studios, and cozy cafés. Next, we will visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. A high-speed elevator will take us to the 118th-floor observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. To end the day, we will take a leisurely walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street. As night falls, we will board a Huangpu River cruise, soaking in the dazzling lights of the city’s iconic skyline. | Campanile Shanghai Hotel or similar |
| 9 | Shanghai - USA | All great adventures must come to an end. This morning, we will head to the airport to catch our flight back to the USA, bringing home incredible memories of our journey through China. | Your own bed, eventually. |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel is situated in downtown Xi’an, close to the ancient city wall and the Muslim Quarter. The hotel features spacious rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and private bathrooms. On-site amenities include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Chinese and international dishes. The hotel also offers luggage storage and a 24-hour reception to assist with group needs.
Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum
Campanile Hotel is located near Shanghai Railway Station, with convenient access to People’s Square and public transportation. Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and private bathrooms. The hotel provides a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, a lounge area for group meetings, and a 24-hour front desk for assistance. Laundry facilities and luggage storage are also available for added convenience.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
My daughter’s experience in Morocco was extraordinary!! I really enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing the stories about her adventures, but what brought me the most joy was the relationships she formed with the chaperones from her school and with Stafford and Said (Walking Tree’s Moroccan Country Directors and Program Leaders). She spoke of their characters and spirits which let me know these wonderful people went over and beyond the basics of the program. I am forever grateful for the love and care all four of you gave to her.
Beddar
Parent of Jadah, traveler to Morocco
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.
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.