2027 Minnetonka China Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: |
March 26, 2027 -
April 7, 2027
Dates tentative until flights confirmed
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $2,500 |
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: $3,490
Pay in Full
$3,490.00
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:
$427.15
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
China
As the 21st century unfolds, it is clear that China will take a leading role in shaping the way the world evolves. The world’s most populous nation has as its backdrop 5,000 years of history and is home to a splendid variety of cultures, geography and food. Growing at remarkable pace, China provides a glimpse of the future while also allowing the traveler to delve into a richly contextualized past.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Travel the world's most impressive high-speed rail system
Eat delicious, and we mean delicious Chinese food!
Improve your Mandarin through regular interaction with native speakers
Wander the Hutongs and marvel at the wonders of imperial Beijing
Hike along The Great Wall of China
Visit the Terracotta Army at Xi'an
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 26 | USA - Beijing | The group will continue traveling from the USA to Beijing, China. | Ariplane |
| March 27 | USA → Beijing | Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from jet lag. | Beijing Hotel |
| March 28 | Beijing | After breakfast, drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall , one of the best-preserved yet less crowded sections of the Wall. Ride a cable car up, enjoy hiking along the ramparts, and descend by cable car. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace , China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden, with highlights like Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor. Dinner tonight features the famous Peking Duck , with a chance to practice using chopsticks. | Beijing Hotel |
| March 29 | Beijing | We’ll begin at Tiananmen Square , the world’s largest city plaza, then enter the Forbidden City , home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After lunch, we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven , a UNESCO site where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Dinner in the evening. | Beijing Hotel |
| March 30 | Beijing → Xi’an | This morning, explore Beijing’s traditional hutongs , narrow lanes full of history and daily life. Step into a local courtyard and take part in a hands-on activity such as Chinese paper cutting, calligraphy, or Peking Opera mask painting. After lunch, transfer to the railway station and take the high-speed train (~5.5 hrs) to Xi’an. Dinner upon arrival. | Xi'an Hotel |
| March 31 | Xi’an | Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum , housing thousands of life-size clay soldiers, chariots, and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. Try your hand at making a miniature Terracotta Warrior in a hands-on workshop. After lunch, return to Xi’an to admire the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Dinner in the evening. | Xi'an Hotel |
| April 1 | Xi’an | Begin at Da Cien Temple , home to the towering Big Wild Goose Pagoda , built during the Tang Dynasty to safeguard scriptures brought from India. After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall , one of the oldest and best-preserved in China, with optional biking on the ramparts. In the afternoon, explore the Great Mosque and stroll the bustling Muslim Quarter , with its markets and street food. Dinner tonight is free-style with cash given to students to try local delicacies. | Xi'an Hotel |
| April 2 | Xi’an → Shanghai | Fly to Shanghai (~2.5 hrs). After arrival, stroll along Nanjing Road , the city’s most famous shopping street, before walking the Bund , where historic European architecture faces the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Dinner in the evening. | Shanghai Hotel |
| April 3 | Shanghai | Begin the day with a visit to a local school for a language and cultural exchange. After lunch, explore Yu Garden , a classical Ming-era garden filled with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, followed by shopping and snacks at Yuyuan Bazaar. Dinner tonight is free-style with cash given to students to enjoy local delicacies. | Shanghai Hotel |
| April 4 | Shanghai | Start the morning at Fuxing Park , where locals gather for tai chi, dancing, and morning exercises. Continue to Tianzifang , a maze of artsy shops, galleries, and cafés housed in traditional shikumen buildings. After lunch, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views from its observation deck. Group dinner in the evening. | Shanghai Hotel |
| April 5 | Shanghai → USA | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. | Your own bed! |
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.
Chongwenmen Hotel
Chongwenmen Hotel is located in central Beijing, within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the Wangfujing shopping district. The hotel is next to Chongwenmen Subway Station (Lines 2 and 5), making it easy to explore the city. Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and private bathrooms. The hotel has a restaurant serving Chinese and Western cuisine, 24-hour front desk service, and meeting spaces for group gatherings.
JI Hotel Shanghai
JI Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Zhongshan West Road) is situated at No. 908 West Zhongshan Road in Shanghai’s Changning District, about a 10-minute drive from Hongqiao International Airport. The hotel features comfortable single and twin rooms with standard amenities, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping. Guest services include a 24-hour reception, express check-in and check-out, laundry facilities, and a restaurant offering Chinese and international options. The property is conveniently located near public transportation and offers easy access to the city’s commercial and cultural areas.
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
With a previous outfitter [I worked with], the experience was more “touring” and no hands-on contributions and work. Walking Tree surrounds the travelers with amazing professionals who are dedicated to their sciences, travels, and countries. Travelers’ experiences are first-hand, authentic and memorable!
Shelley
Alumni Group Organizer on programs to Costa Rica and Panama
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.