Starting June 8nd, 2014 through June 22nd, 2014 BRIC Language System’s two-week China Tour based in Shanghai and featuring intensive Chinese language courses, exciting cultural experiences, travel to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including a 3-day trip to Beijing, and planned meals at traditional restaurants!
Language Course
Students will take part in a 48-hour Mandarin Chinese course, split between online classes prior to leaving home and face-to-face lessons upon arrival in China.
The 24 hours of online classes will commence during the two weeks immediately prior to landing in China. This allows students to form a solid base of Mandarin skills and feel more comfortable to “hit the ground running.” Students have the option to participate in either group or private online lessons.
The second 24 hours of Mandarin classes will take place in China, under real life situations, with approximately three hours of instruction each day. Students will leave Shanghai with strong knowledge of Chinese language and culture.
Homestay
Stay with young couples or families in typical Chinese homes. A total immersion environment for an ideal learning experience.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
In addition to exploring Shanghai –China’s most exciting city — students will venture out to see one of the Yangtze River Delta’s most historic cities during a day trip. Students will also visit Beijing — the heart of both modern and ancient China! The program also includes several traditional, delicious meals and fun activities!
Shanghai: Shanghai is the definition of modern China, a mix between centuries-old culture, historic buildings, and soaring skylines. You feel the city’s incredible energy the minute you set foot on the streets. It’s the flashpoint of China’s economic explosion, a genuine trendsetter, and the country’s most dynamic city.
- The Bund
- Yuyuan Garden
- People’s Square/People’s Park
- Nightlife on the Bund
- Huangpu River Cruise
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower
- SWFC Tower
- Shanghai Museum
- Urban Planning Exhibition Center
- Teppenyaki
- KTV
Beijing: Travelers to China’s capital will find a city overflowing with history and culture. From Kublai Khan to Chairman Mao, this city has been at the heart of Chinese civilization for more than 1,000 years. From the Summer Palace to the Forbidden City, from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square, and from Chairman Mao Memorial Hall to the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium, Beijing is truly one of the world’s most cultural cities. No matter where you go in this city, you’ll find an intriguing mix of the ancient and modern.
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City
- Great Wall
- Lama Temple
- Nanluguxiang
- Temple of Heaven
- Qianmen
- Summer Palace
Yangtze River Delta Cities (Day Trip Options):
Hangzhou: Marco Polo once described this ancient capital of China as the finest and most luxurious city in the world. Hangzhou is now the capital of Zhejiang, China’s most entrepreneurial and, at times, chaotic province. Despite being the
capital of Zhejiang, Hangzhou remains a sanctuary. Its historic West Lake scenic area provides not only peace and quiet, but it’s a great place to bike and boat, and home to over 60 cultural relic sites.
- West Lake
- West Lake Boat Cruise
- Lingyin Temple
- Gu Shan (Solitary Hill)
- Tea Plantation
Suzhou: Suzhou is a beautiful city known for its canals, bridges, pagodas, and gardens built by wealthy families and emperors hundreds of years ago. It is also the silk capital of China. A tour of a silk factory offers a unique glimpse into a centuries-old trade. Suzhou is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Humble Administrator’s Garden
- The Classical Garden
- Suzhou Museum
- Gardens/canals
Nanjing: Nanjing is known as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and was the capital of the Republic under the Kuo Min Tang. Nanjing boasts China’s largest still intact city wall, along with a diverse, rich history.
- QinHuai River cruise
- Nanjing Massacre Museum
- ZhongShan Sun Yat-Sen Memorial/Ming Tomb
- ZhongHua Gate
- City Wall
Wuzhen: Wuzhen Town is a water town at the center of a triangle formed by Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Ride the old canals between ancient homes and temples.
- River ferries
- See the old town sceneries (West side is better and cleaner)
- There are a couple bars for night
- Lamb soup is traditional
- Foot Binding (3 inch feet) Museum
Itinerary for China Tour |
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Time | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 |
9:00-12:00 | Car pickup at Pudong Airport to home stay, hostel or hotel | Chinese Lesson | Chinese Lesson | Chinese Lesson | Day Trip Choose between: Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, a river town or a different nearby Yangtze Delta location (back and forth in 1 day) | Chinese Lesson | FREE DAY – allow the students to venture out and experience China for themselves |
12:00-13:30 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | ||||
13:30-17:00 | Urban Planning Museum, Shanghai Museum, People’s Park & Square, Nanjing Dong Lu, Bund | Huaihai rd, Xintiandi, French Concession, Tian Zi Fang | Shanghai Old Street, Chenghuang temple, YuYuan Garden (shopping & traditional food) | Choice: Jing’An Temple or YuFu Temple | |||
18:00-next morning | Brought to accommodations – Neighborhood tour (depends on the flight arrival time) | Coffee or a drink at Captain – Welcome dinner party – Get to know some expats and Chinese | Dinner in Tianzifang | Free Night – Allow the students to venture out and experience China for themselves | Teppanyaki Dinner & KTV Night! |
Time | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 |
9:00-12:00 | Chinese Lesson | Train to Beijing (~5 hours) – 3 hr. lesson on the train, focus about Beijing life. | Great Wall | Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, etc. | Chinese Lesson | Chinese Lesson | Take MAGLEV to airport – Unsure of flight times, but options include the Bund, YuYuan, Lujiazui, or another of the students favorite places. |
12:00-13:30 | Lunch | Lunch | FREE TIME | Lunch | |||
13:30-17:00 | Lujiazui: Choice of towers: Jinmao, 101 or the Pearl of the Orient. Super Brand Mall (Can buy food/drinks for cruise in mall) | Choice: Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace | Choice: MoGanShan Lu (art, relaxing) or SuZhou Creek | ||||
18:00-next morning | Huangpu River Cruise | HouHai (art, cafes, bars, bands) – Then traditional Beijing Duck Dinner | Nan Lu Gu Xiang | Train to Shanghai (~5 hours) | Going away party! Home made food,gift baskets |
Thank you for your interest in BRIC’s China Tour. If you’re ready, select a package below. If you have any questions, please send us an email.