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Detailed Itinerary
Useful Numbers and Information Orientation Day and Chinese Classes During the TripChinese Language Society Membership
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Here you will find the detailed itinerary for:
The Silk Road, 15 daysThe Great Far East: China, Japan and South Korea ___________________________________________
The Essentials of China: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai. 14 days.
$3,570 per person, departing Los Angeles.
2005 China Trip. Dates: March 30 – April 12; June 17 – 30; August 16 - 29; September 10 – 23; October 29 – November 11
10% discount off program fee for all students led by professors. A Big Saving! Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. We travel to Beijing, China.
Day 2. Beijing. Our flight will arrive in Beijing early in the evening. We check in to the hotel and dine there.
Day 3. Beijing. In the morning, hike the Great Wall. After lunch (on the road), visit Ming Tombs, where we can descend into the Underground Palace. We dine on famous Peking Duck. Nightlife (free time): Havana Café, Vogue Club, or Beijing opera. (For those who wish to enjoy the nightlife optional activities, you will be taken to your first chosen spot.)
Day 4. Beijing. In the morning, walk in Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. Lunch at Oriental Plaza. Then, visit Lama Temple (Tibetan Lamasery). Dine at a Uighur restaurant on crisp lamb breast, lamb kebabs, and watch an excellent music/ dance performance. Nightlife: Sports City Café, Nightman Club, or Beijing Acrobatics.
Day 5. Beijing. A day (free) of leisure. Suggested activities: 1- For those who love history, literature and architecture, visit a) Prince Gong’s Residence, one of the few royal Qing Dynasty residences and the model for the setting of the 18th –century literary classic Dream of the Red Chamber; b) Mao Zedong Mausoleum, however history judges Mao, many Chinese show respect when confronted with the physical presence of the man; c) Beihai Gongyuan (North Sea Park), that was the former playground of the emperors, that, with its spirit walls—the Nine Dragon Screen, demonstrates the mysterious spells of the ancient laws of Fengshui. 2- For those who are interested in religion, visit a) Dongyue Taoist Temple, where you can muse on life’s finalities in the Life and Death Department; b) Niujie Mosque, that dates back to the 10th century; c) South Cathedral, built on the site of the house of Matteo Ricci, the Jesuit missionary who introduced Christianity into China. 3- For sightseers and shoppers, try a) Rickshaw Tour, get a taste of courtyard life and the city’s urban cultural heritage by riding a pedicab around Beijing’s alleyways; b) Silk Alley, where brand-name merchandise is peddled. Day 6. Xi’an. In the morning, we fly to Xi’an, which was the capital city for the reign of eleven dynasties. After lunch (on the road), visit Hua Qung Chi Hot Springs, which was made famous by Yang Guifei, one of the legendary beauties of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Dinner at Kane’s Kafe, which serves a special pita bread with beef, pork or chicken filling. Nightlife: Ferryman Bar (rock n roll) or Internet Bar.
Day 7. Xi’an. In the morning, visit legions of Terracotta Warriors (WHS, where over 6,000 life-sized warrious seem ready to march forth at any moment), the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, who unified china and built the Great Wall. Lunch on the road (try some Muslim food: lamb bread soup, rice cakes and dark noodles). Then, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Dinner in a famous dumpling restaurant. Nightlife: 1+1 Disco Bar or stroll on the Bell Tower square.
Day 8. Guilin. We fly south to Guilin, which sits on the Li River and is surrounded by dramatic limestone hills known as karst formations. We will visit Reed Flute Cave, an enormous cavern filled with elaborate rock formations. After lunch, visit Elephant Hill, Guilin’s most famous peak. Dinner at Red Apple restaurant, featuring tortoise soup and beef with peppers. Nightlife: Ragazza Pub or the Pedestrian Mall, where there are many bars and coffee shops.
Day 9. Yangshuo. In the morning, we take a bus to Yangshuo, which is set amid the craggy limestone pinnacles. Then, we take a cruise (3-4 hours) down the picturesque Li River. Dinner at Minnie Mao’s, with excellent Western and local cuisine. Nightlife: Most visitors spend nightlife at Xi Jie, where there are bars, cafes and discos.
Day 10. Yangshuo—Guilin. In the morning, visit Moon Hill and walk up 800 steps for a fantastic view of the countryside. After lunch, we take a bus back to Guilin. The rest of the day is free.
Day11. Shanghai. We fly from Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful natural settings, to Shanghai, China’s most swirling and comfortable city. After lunch, we will walk along the Bund, the best-known of all streets in the East. Dinner at Sumo Sushi, a sashimi and nigiri paradise. Nightlife: Pegasus (bar) or Tequila Mama (club).
Day 12. Shanghai. In the morning, visit Yu Yuan Garden, visited by Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton. Lunch on the road. Then, visit Shanghai Museum, showcasing one of the finest collections of bronzes, ceramics, painting and sculpture in China. Dinner at Gino Café, a casual but excellent Italian restaurant. Nightlife: Cotton Club or Raise the Red Lantern (bar).
Day 13. Shanghai. A full day of leisure allows you to explore Shanghai’s eclectic range of shopping, culinary and cultural offerings. Suggested activities: 1) For those who love history, literature and architecture, visit a) The Cathedral of St. Ignatius, one of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks; b) Shanghai History Museum. 2) For those who are interested in religion, visit a) Ohel Moishe Synagogue, a center for stateless refugees during the 1930-40s; b) Mu’en Baptist Church. 3) For sightseers and shoppers, try Xin Tian Di, a trendy spot where there are art galleries, boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants galore or Zhong Yang Shangchang Market.
Day 14. We board our international flight back to Los Angeles.
Visit China, Learn, Practice and Improve Chinese At the Same Time. Learning Chinese has Never been So Fun. _____________________________________________ The Silk Road, 15 days
$3,950 per person, departing Los Angeles
2005 China Trip. Dates: April 21 – May 5; May 26 – June 9; July 28 – August 11; October 6 – 20
10% discount off program fee for all students led by professors. A Big savings!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. We travel to Beijing, China.
Day 2. Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing early in the evening, we’ll check in to the hotel and dine there.
Day 3. Xi’an. Our flight arrives midday into Xi’an, the beginning of the Silk Road. After lunch (on the road), visit Hua Qing Chi Hot Springs, made famous by Yang Guifei, a legendary beauty of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). We dine at Kane’s Kafe, serving a special pita bread with beef, pork or chicken filling. Nightlife (free time): Ferryman Bar (rock’ n roll); Movie and Internet Bar.
Day 4. Xi’an. Visit legions of Terracotta Warriors (WHS), which reflects the glory and dignity of Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). An astounding sight! Lunch on the road (try some excellent Muslim food: lamb bread soup, rice cakes with sweet filling and dark noodles). Then, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Dinner in a famous dumpling restaurant. Night life: 1+1 Disco Bar or stroll on the Bell Tower Square on warm summer night.
Day 5. Lanzhou. Catch a flight to Lanzhou in the morning. After lunch, visit Gansu Provincial Museum, which displays art and tools dating back to the Neolithic Period, the world-renowned Han Horse of Wuwel, and a massive map about the Silk Road. We dine in Caigenxiang restaurant, featuring excellent juejue lamb. Nightlife: Explore Western district, where you can find many fashion stores and bars.
Day 6. Dunhuang. A short flight brings us to Dunhuang. After lunch, visit the Singing Sands, where you can enjoy the stunning views of a vast and barren expanse, a crescent-shaped pool, golden sand dunes, remarkable orchards, and, of course, camel-riding. Dinner at the Night Market, where you can try donkey meat noodles or other local specialties.
Day 7. Dunhuang. In the morning, visit the caves of the Thousand Buddhas (Mogao Grottoes, WHS). With its 2150 statues and 43,000 beautiful wall paintings, it becomes one of the world’s most engaging archaeological sites. After lunch, we, like the old caravans, take a train traversing the daunting Taklamakan Desert to the sub-sea-level oasis of Turfan, nicknamed “The Oven”.
Day 8. Turfan. In the morning, we’ll visit Emin Minaret (Sugong Minaret), an active mosque built in 1778. Lunch on the road. Then, visit Jiaohe Ruins, the once-flourishing city of Jiaohe built atop a cliff carved out by two rivers. We will then drive across the Gobi Desert and through the Tien Shan Mountains to Urumchi, the most landlocked place on earth. Dinner at hotel.
Day 9. Urumchi. We will visit Heavenly Pool (Tianchi Lake), which rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences. Lunch on the road. Dinner at hotel.
Day 10. Kashgar. A flight brings us to Kashgar, the farthest Chinese city on the Silk Road, where the southern and northern branches of the Road joined before it branched off over the nearby Pamirs into Russia, Persia, and on to Europe. After lunch, visit the site of China’s largest mosque (Id Kah Mosque), constructed in 1442. Dinner at the relaxing Oasis Café.
Day 11. Kashgar. We will visit Kashgar’s mammoth Sunday Bazaar, rich with scenes from the old and the new Silk Road. After lunch, visit Chakhana Tea House, which gives you a glimpse into Kashgar’s trading heyday amid traditional dishes, dark back rooms, and great tea. Dinner at hotel.
Day 12. Urumchi. We fly back to Urumchi. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. We will have dinner at the hotel to toast the end of our Silk Road adventure.
Day 13. Shanghai. In the morning, we fly to Shanghai. Dinner at Bao Luo Seafood restaurant.
Day 14. Shanghai. A day of leisure allows you to explore Shanghai’s eclectic range of shopping, culinary and cultural offerings.
Day 15. We board our international flight back to Los Angeles.
Learn, Practice and Improve Your Chinese Everyday During the Trip! _________________________________________
$2,795 per person, departing Los Angeles, CA.
2005 China Trip. Dates: March 12 – 22; July 9 - 19; November 19 – 29
10% discount off program fee for all students led by professors. A Big Saving!
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 & 2: Fly to Beijing. Register at hotel. In the evening, we dine at Huajia Yi Yuan, which serves a variety of special seafood served in gigantic cauldrons.
Day 3: Beijing In the morning, hike the Great Wall. After lunch (on the road), visit Ming Tombs, where we can descend into the Underground Palace. In the evening, we dine on famous Peking Duck. Nightlife (free time): Havana Café, enjoy the sangria, bebidas, comida latina, samba and live bands, or the Vogue Club, a trendy night club, or Beijing opera or acrobatics. (For those who wish to enjoy the Nightlife optional activities, you will be taken to your first chosen spot.)
Day 4: Beijing In the morning, walk in Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. Lunch at Frank’s Place to try some American style hamburgers or hot dogs. In the afternoon, visit the Ancient Observatory and glimpse into the mystical world of ancient Chinese science; walk to the Southeast Corner Watchtower, where you can see the signatures etched in the walls by allied forces during the Boxer Rebellion around 1900. Dine in a Uighui restaurant, on crisp fried lamb breast, lamb kebabs, toasted lamb dumplings, and an excellent music and dance troupe. Nightlife (free time): C D Café, showcasing excellent jazz or rock bands. Nightman Club, featuring dizzying lights and erotic dancers. Sports City Café, an American sports bar airing live matches for football fans.
Day 5: Beijing In the morning, visit Lama Temple (Tibetan Lamasery). Lunch at a renowned Baozi Shop, serving traditional buns with tasty fillings. In the afternoon, visit Drum Tower, built in 1273, where you can climb up to see gorgeous views of Beijing’s rooftops. Walk Liulichang Antique Street, where you can find both genuine antiques and convincing imitations. In the evening, dine in a restaurant, featuring master chefs from Thailand and India. Nightlife (free time): The Loft (bar), a “cool” place to hang out. Solutions (club), a popular spot playing Japanese rap, French hip-hop, and old American tunes.
Day 6: Beijing Enjoy a full day (free) to do whatever you would like to in Beijing. Suggested activities: 1. For those who love history, literature and architecture, visit A) Prince Gong’s Residence, one of the few royal Qing Dynasty residences and the model for the setting of the 18th-century literary classic Dream of the Red Chamber. B) Mao Zedong Mausoleum: however history judges Mao, many Chinese show respect when confronted with the physical presence of the man. C) Foreign Legation Quarter, where the foreign powers of the 19th century had their embassies, schools, post offices and banks. D) Qian Men (Front Gate) and Jian Lou (Arrow Tower), that date back to the reign of Emperor Yongle in the 15th century. E) Beihai Gongyuan (North Sea Park), that was the former playground of the emperors, that, with its spirit walls—the Nine Dragon Screen, demonstrates the mysterious spells of the ancient laws of Fengshui, 2. For those who are interested in religion, visit A) Dongyue Taoist temple, where you can muse on life’s finalities in the Life and Death Department. B) Niujie Mosque, that dates back to the 10th century, (visited by Mohammed Ali). C) South Cathedral, built on the site of the house of Matteo Ricci, the Jesuit missionary who introduced Christianity into China. 3. For sightseers and shoppers, try A) Rickshaw Tour, get a taste of courtyard life and the city’s urban cultural heritage by pedicab around Beijing’s alleyways, a unique experience. B) Silk Alley, that peddles brand-name merchandise. C) Pearl Market, sells pearls in every color, style, and quality. D) Little Russia, sells furs to handbags. E) Flea Market, one of the best shopping spots with a huge selection of high quality, dirt-cheap goods. F) Oriental Plaza, a large shopping mall.
Day 7: Shanghai In the morning, board our flight to Shanghai. In the afternoon, walk along the Bund, the best-known of all streets in the East, an architectural medley of British, French, Russian, Japanese and Chinese styles. Then visit Pudong New Area, in order to get a good look at modern Shanghai. Dine at Sumo Sushi, a sashimi and nigiri paradise. Nightlife (free time): A) Shanghai Express, a 24-hour restaurant showcasing American bands from 10 pm – 2 am. B) D.D’s, one of the better-known discos around the area. C) O’Malley’s Irish club, authentic and lively. D) Shanghai Grand Theatre, presenting everything from Irish dancing to Russian ballet.
Day 8: Shanghai In the morning, board a cruise boat for the three-and-a-half hour river trip down to the mouth of the Yangzi, which lets you see Shanghai’s growth from a fishing village to the gateway of China. We lunch at Bi Fen Tang, a popular dim sum haven. In the afternoon, Yu Yuan Garden, visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton, that demonstrates the sophisticated art of combining several different elements to create a world in miniature. We dine at Gino Café, a casual but excellent Italian restaurant. Nightlife (free time): A) Pegasus, one of the hottest discos in town. B) Tequila Mama, a favorite of American students who like cheap beer. C) Cotton Club, Shanghai’s best place for blues and jazz.
Day 9: Shanghai In the morning, visit Shanghai Museum, one of the finest collections of bronzes, ceramics, painting and sculpture in China. Lunch at Big Bowl of Noodles, In the afternoon, visit Longhua Pagoda, a prominent landmark built in AD 274. Dinner at Badlands, serving Tex-Mex food. Nightlife (free time): A) The Village Vanguard, the city’s best jazz club. B)Park 97, a hangout popular among younger people. C) Raise the Red Lantern, an internet (free) cafe/bar.
Day 10: Shanghai Enjoy a full free day. Suggested activities: 1. For those who love history, literature and architecture, visit A) The Cathedral of St. Ignatius, one of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks. B) Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. C) Sun Yat-Sen’s Former Residence, the founder of modern China. D) Shanghai History Museum. E) Great World (Dashijie), once represented all the decadence and sordidness of old Shanghai. 2. For those who are interested in religion, visit A) Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its tall white jade Buddha brought to China by a Burmese monk in 1822. B) Ohel Moishe Synagogue, a center for stateless refugees during the 1930-40s. C) Mu’en Baptist Church. D) Xian Taoyuan Mosque. 3. For sightseers and shoppers: try Nanjing Rd, Huai Hai Zhong Rd., Huating Rd. clothing market, and Xin Tian Di, a trendy spot where there are art galleries, boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants galore.
Day 11 Fly to Los Angeles.
Visit China, Learn, Practice and Improve Chinese At the Same Time. A Fantastic Way to Travel! _________________________________________________________
The Great Far East: China, Japan and South Korea
All participants (groups led by professors or individuals) on our China adventure can take advantage of being in Asia by journeying on to Japan and South Korea after completing The Essentials of China: 14 days; or The Silk Road: 15 days; or Beijing and Shanghai: 11 days in Shanghai, China.
Japan and South Korea: 10 days ($3,850 per person on top of the China trip),
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Shanghai – Seoul, South KoreaWhen the rest of the group departs Shanghai to the USA, we continue our trip by boarding a flight to Seoul. Dinner at hotel. Nightlife: King Club, a popular club showcasing Russian dancers.
Day 2. SeoulVisit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the principal palace in Seoul, which illustrates the high days of the Joseon Dynasty. Lunch on the road. Dinner at Nolbu, a wholesome Korean restaurant.
Day 3. Seoul –BusanIn the morning, we board a train to Busan. Then, visit the magnificent Beomeosa Buddhist Temple, founded in 678. Dinner at Jimdak, where you can enjoy flamethrower-hot food.
Day 4. Busan – Osaka, JapanThe morning is free. Lunch at a Western style restaurant. In the late afternoon, we board a ship to Osaka.
Day 5. OsakaVisit Museum of Oriental Ceramics, one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics. Dinner at Hatago, a great spot to sample fireside cooking. Nightlife: Dotombori, Osaka’s popular nightlife area.
Day 6. Osaka – KyotoThe morning is free. In the afternoon, we board the Bullet Train to Kyoto, one of the most culturally rich cities on the planet. Dinner at Tomi-zushi, one of the best sushi places in Kyoto. Nightlife: Pontocho, scene of active nightlife.
Day 7. KyotoVisit Kiyomizu Temple, high above the rooftops of Kyoto. We will walk along nearby meandering streets, look at its artisans’ studios and enjoy “the soul of Japan.” Lunch on the road. Then visit colorful Heian Shrine. Dinner at Morita-ya, where famous beef dishes in traditional tatami rooms are served.
Day 8. Kyoto – TokyoIn the morning, we board a train to Tokyo. The rest of the day is free.
Day 9. TokyoVisit Tokyo’s fish market where 25% of the world’s daily catch is processed. The rest of the day is free. Suggested activities: a) Visit Ginza, one of the most popular shopping areas in Japan. b) Akihabara, Tokyo’s discount electronics mecca. 3) Watch sumo wrestlers, if possible.
Day 10. We fly back to the USA.
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