As the 21st century unfolds, it is clear that China will take a leading role in shaping the way our world develops. The world’s most populous nation – and dynamic economy – has as its backdrop 5000 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. Walking Tree provides access to all of this. Our time in China can include visits to the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and exotic markets; study of Mandarin, Kung Fu, Chinese cuisine, Tai Chi, and calligraphy; visits to isolated villages and staggering Himalayan peaks on the Tibetan plateau; seminars with business leaders and government officials; biking though rice paddies and traditional farming villages, community service; and more. If you’ve already been to China, know a little about the country, or are simply intrigued by it, Walking Tree is excited to bring you to this wondrous land for an program you will never forget.

ITINERARIES

BEIJING

No visit to China is complete without a few days spent in Beijing. The Chinese capital is one of the most unique and dynamic cities on earth. Beijing is home to 15 million people and provides one of the starkest examples available of the political communism and economic capitalism that drive China forward. We will spend our time visiting three of the best known sites in the country: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Further exploration provides time to visit great markets, explore hutongs, or traditional housing complexes and much more.

KUNMING, YUNNAN PROVINCE

For those with an academic interest, we can enroll in a local university and study a wide breadth of China’s most intriguing cultural disciplines. In the mornings, two hours will be devoted to Mandarin language study taught by local university faculty. Each afternoon, travelers will work on organized group projects or individual internships with local businesses. Evenings will be
reserved for cultural classes such as kung fu, cooking, tai chi,calligraphy and more.

MONASTRY AND DALI

Dali, a popular tourist destination, is a portal to China’s idyllic past. We will tour the giant stupas that stand guard to the entrances of the city and admire the brilliantly colored clothes and unique customs of local indigenous groups. The highlight of our time here will be a two-night stay in a Shaolin monastery. High in the hills above the city, this complex of temples and living quarters is home to dozens of monks and young orphans who are taken in, fed, and trained by the monks. Participants will practice kung fu, learn the basics of meditation, practice their Mandarin, and help perform daily chores.

SHANGRI-LA

Shangri-La, known locally as Zhongdian, is a remote town at the foothills of the Himalayas, which is ethnically Tibetan and hasa wonderfully distinctive feel. We will spend our first day here getting used to the altitude and touring the city and a beautiful Tibetan temple. The following morning the group can hike through mountain villages along beautiful trails, stopping to sample yak butter tea.

LIJIANG

Celebrated for its dazzling hanging red lamps and meandering waterways, Lijiang is a beautiful town full of vendors and food stalls and is ripe for exploration. Our group will practice negotiating in Mandarin, have an epic scavenger hunt, and enjoy the plethora of dining options in this idyllic setting.

TIGER LEAPING GORGE

One of the deepest canyons in the world, the gorge has been formed by the mighty Yangtze River and provides a unique landscape with spectacular views. Our groups depart early for two days of world-class trekking. We will spend the first day hiking into the gorge, where we will relax and spend the night at a guesthouse. On our second day of trekking, the group will hike out of
the gorge, stop for lunch, and stay the night in Shu he, a traditional village.

YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

The Yangtze is one of the world’s largest rivers and this is your chance to see it. Travelers enjoy the comforts of a 5 star cruise ship while taking in the world-class scenery. There will be daily stops while we cruise through the cradle of China, including a change to see the Three Gorges Damn.

YANGSHUO

Yangshuo is in the heart of terraced rice paddies, converging rivers and stunning limestone pinnacles. This is a great setting for adventure. Rock climbing in Yangshuo is reputed to be some of the best in China, and groups can also mountain bike to remote villages, boat down the Li River, or explore the area by foot. Hiking about terraced rice paddies makes for great photos and even better memories.

SHANGHAI

Shanghai embodies the grandeur of modern China better than anywhere else. Being the most international city in China, Shanghai boasts The Bund, Pearl Tower, brightly lit avenues, world-class museums, restaurants and modern infrastructure. Groups can spend a few days taking it all in and use Shanghai as a gateway/departure city.