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 |
Important Reminders
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What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
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.
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list that is provided as a guideline. Feel free to augment as you feel necessary. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
The region of the country you will be visiting is in a lush tropical rainforest and next to the ocean and therefore humidity is omnipresent and it can take a while for clothes to dry. Keep this in mind when selecting your clothing fabric.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT and STUDENT ID.
CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long sleeve quick dry shirt (for activities under the sun such as rafting or surfing)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
- Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants (NOT all jeans)
- 1 nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions, boys may want to opt for a polo shirt or button up shirt with jeans)
- Durable athletic/hiking shoes with good grip
- Sandals (Chaco/Teva/Keen/Merrel sandals are great to have for water activities)
- Thick long socks (for the sand fleas)
- Bandana for work site (optional)
- A hat that can protect your neck
- Swimming suit, for surf classes a rash guard is recommended for sensitive skins
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
- Sunscreen (You will use a lot. Natural products/lotions are preferred over aerosol, especially for the beach)
- Mosquito repellent (non-deet/lotions are preferred to reduce environmental impact)
- Band Aids and Neosporin
- Anti-itch cream
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container. It’s important that medication travel in its original container, as customs officials have the right to confiscate it otherwise.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Alarm Clock and watch
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on number of desired snacks, souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- Chinese/English dictionary
- Electrical converter and adapter
**China runs 220V, 50Hz AC electricity. A converter is only necessary if your device does not have 120-220V range.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
- Small luggage lock
- Portable charger (for long train ride)
- Wet wipes
- Ziplock bags
- Travel pillow
- Ear plugs
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Alena Shish
China Country Director, Program Leader
Middlebury College – B.A. in Chinese Language in Literature; Minor in French & Francophone Studies
Born in Ukraine and growing up in the United States, Alena is no stranger to thriving in different cultural environments and studying foreign languages (so far, she speaks four: English, Chinese, French, & Russian). While at Middlebury College, she had the opportunity to study in both Hangzhou, China, and Paris, France. Her time abroad inspired her to see the potential in study abroad and intercultural exchange for personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Having fallen in love with the Chinese language, food, and culture while abroad, after graduation, she moved to Shenzhen, China to help Chinese high schools students through the US university application process. Since then, she’s also traveled around Russia, Israel, East Asia and all over China. So far, she’s been to 19 provinces, 4 municipalities, and 2 administrative regions in mainland China. When she’s not hiking or spending time reading, she’s obsessively baidu-ing (the Chinese Google) new Chinese slang, new Chinese dishes to try, or new places to explore in China. She’s excited to see to share her love of China, Chinese language, and travel with all her trip participants.
Gabriel Duncan
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO
Colby College – B.A. International Relations and Government
While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road. He fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica, and traveled to over 50 countries and all 50 states in the USA. Regardless of where Gabriel is located, he is constantly haunted by his naive faith and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC China website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.
We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.