China – Many Empires, Many Faces

17 Days

Start in Shanghai and finish in Beijing

The enigmatic land of China has long fascinated western minds: a giant nation with a quarter of the world’s population and a length and breadth of history rivaling any of the world’s great civilizations; a juxtaposition of ancient traditions and mysterious customs with untiring practicality and one of the planet’s most disciplined work ethics. Our 17-day Adventure explores a tantalizing cross-section of China, starting in Shanghai and finishing in Beijing.

The program unfolds in five natural sections

Shanghai—“Queen of the Orient” and the epitome of 21st century China with a skyline that has emerged like glass and steel mushrooms over the past couple of decades
Yangshuo and the Li River—a delightful window into rural China with a relaxing cruise through the bizarre limestone shapes of the karst hills followed by a walk between rice paddies and picturesque farms
Yangtze River—4 days to cruise this ancient stream that divides north from south and courses through so much of China’s story
Xi’an—base for most of China’s early dynasties and home to the famous terra cotta warriors
Beijing and the Great Wall—a grand finale that takes us across Tiananmen Square, through the Forbidden City, and out to walk along China’s most famous landmark—the Great Wall!

China is rapidly transforming and modernizing. Every year brings dramatic changes. Now is a good time to see both the old China with its charming traditions, and the new China that is become such a compelling new force in our world.