A ncient. Intriguing. Exquisitely beautiful. And mind-boggling. China is a travel adventure like no other and a chance for your family to experience a nation bursting with future possibility, while discovering its fascinating millennia-old history.

You’ll travel in the company of personable local guides who reveal the subtleties of authentic Chinese culture. And our well-balanced itinerary is designed for active, inquisitive families who love to explore and learn—with all five senses. Imagine the feel of a panda bear cub in your arms.  Witness an entire army of clay, 7,000 individually sculpted soldiers strong. Listen to the story-songs sung by hundreds of villagers against a backdrop of mountains and evening sky. Watch as performers change masks so quickly you won’t believe your eyes. And feel your spirit soar as you walk tall atop the Great Wall.

From walking across Beijing’s vast Tiananmen Square to exploring its narrow labyrinth of alleyways by pedi-cab... From a bike ride on the ramparts of Xi’an to meeting your pen pal, smile to smile... From sailing a bamboo raft through Yangshuo’s magical scenery to taking in the dazzling views of Shanghai from the world’s highest observation deck... China promises a journey of delight and wonder, and a family vacation of memory-making moments to last a lifetime.

2012 Dates

Triple Discount: $400 for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults

Internal Air Discount: Children under 12 subtract $200

Alumni Discount: if you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices

Large Group Discount: if the departure you choose has 11 or more travelers (including your family) a $600 per person discount will apply.

Price includes: All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bi-lingual guide throughout, all meals except 3 dinners, bottled water & snacks in the vehicle, Comprehensive Travel Insurance.

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Days 1 and 2 – Depart Home / Arrive Beijing

Welcome to China— one of the most ancient civilizations on Earth! With its rich and fascinating culture, beautiful landscapes, and timeless traditions, this exotic land offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.

Days 3 to 5 – Beijing

The capital of China and its second largest city after Shanghai, Beijing has been the political and spiritual center of the Middle Kingdom for more than 500 years. Today its population tops 14 million. Our three days in the city are packed with awe-inspiring exploration, from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City, from the Great Wall to the Olympic National Stadium. 

Visit Tiananmen Square Sprawled across 109 acres, Tiananmen Square is so enormous it can accommodate nearly one million people. The bordering buildings include the huge Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, and the National Museum of China. The Forbidden City The first ancient Ming emperor believed himself to be the “son of heaven.” His residence, built as an earthly duplicate of the Purple Palace of God, was certainly forbidden to mere ordinary mortals—which is how the Forbidden City acquired its name. There’s no doubt that the 24 Chinese emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties knew how to live... To put it into perspective, there are 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings, and a grand total 8,704 rooms included in the Forbidden City. As you wander here stop for a closer look at the painted decorations and incredible details. Olympic Village visit Visit the impressive 2008 Beijing Olympic Gardens, including the incredible National Stadium, or “Bird’s Nest,” and the Aquatics Center, or “Water Cube”—both perfect backdrops for a special family photo! Chaoyang Theater acrobatics show   Visit the most talked about theater in China – Chaoyang Theater. Spectacular individual and team acrobatic displays involve bicycles, seesaws, barrels, swings and even catapults. Peking Duck dinner   Peking duck has the reputation of being one of the most delicious foods that Beijing—and maybe all of Asian cuisine— has to offer. Much like visiting the Great Wall, no trip to China is complete without experiencing the rituals that go with the meal. Enjoy a Peking duck dinner tonight as you recap your first full day in this amazing city. And don’t worry! There will be plenty of other dishes to choose from if duck is not your dish. Walk the Great Wall The 4,500-plus mile-long Great Wall zigzags through deserts, mountains and plateaus and is the longest human-made structure ever built. Take a cable car to the top for a short and easy hike—an unforgettable experience for any age! On the way down, those of you feeling adventurous can choose the gravity-propelled toboggan! Temple of Heaven   The temple’s round roof—covered in celestial blue tiles—symbolizes the Chinese notion of Heaven, while its square base represents the then-believed-to-be flat Earth. As you walk up the white marble stairway to the three-tiered, open-air Altar of Heaven, ponder the fact that the number of stones used to built each tier are multiple of threes or nines... representing harmony and perfect balance, or Heaven. Pedi-cab tour of Old Beijing Explore the city's ancient neighborhoods, called hutongs, by pedi-cab today. Wander the labyrinthine alleyways and catch a glimpse of the traditional way of life that began more than 700 years ago!

Days 6 to 8 – Chengdu

Sichuan Province is home to nearly all of China’s giant pandas and its rapidly growing city of Chengdu is also home to the Giant Panda Breeding Center. Since 1978, the Center boasts one of the best panda mating rates in the world—especially impressive since pandas only mate once a year and are extremely picky in their choice of partner! During our visit here, your family’s personal encounters with the amazing pandas are a thrilling—and photographic— highlight.

Wenshu Monastery   This Buddhist temple features unique works of art and ornate carvings on the inside, but on the outside it’s a bustling, lively atmosphere where worshippers burn incense, fortune tellers reveal futures, and you can even see stalls selling fireworks. Here you can enjoy a vegetarian feast in the Buddhist style. Wangjianglou Park Savor a visit to one of China’s premier gardens today. Wangjianglou is a breathtaking blend of bamboo forest, pathways, and pavilions and halls mirrored in the Jinjiang River. Sanxingdui In 1929, a Sichuan farmer unearthed the first ancient relic of what was to become one of the world’s largest collections of Bronze Age cultural artifacts. Our visit here includes a chance to see the incredible excavations. What makes this site so intriguing is that its purpose and origins remain a mystery. Shu Feng Ya Yun—face-changing performance Witness this ancient classic Chinese art in a former teahouse. Everyone will be enthralled with the “face-changing” performance, a 300-year-old dramatic art that involves performers in elaborate costumes moving to fast-paced music and, in an unperceivable instant, repeatedly changing their brightly colored masks. Visit Bifengxia Panda Base Today’s adventure brings you face to face with the fascinating giant panda. We drive to the Bifengxia Panda Base, internationally renowned for its superb work with these rare animals. Kids and adults alike will love the chance for close-up interaction... just think of the photos of your child holding a baby panda! Explore Chengdu’s Old China lanes Explore the fascinating western corner of Chengdu and its two ancient streets known as Wide Lane and Narrow Lane. Built in the 18th century by the Manchu army, the officials lived on the wealthier, or Wide Lane, and the soldiers in the more crowded Narrow Lane.

Days 9 and 10 – Xi'an

Xi’an—“westerly peace”—is one of the oldest cities in China. This was the eastern end of the renowned Silk Road, connecting with such far-flung places as Constantinople, Rome and Venice. Because of its extensive history, Xi’an is home to some of the most important archeological sites in China.

View the Terra Cotta Warriors Imagine nearly 2,000 life-size stone warriors hand-carved to look like real men and all created to protect one emperor in the afterlife. The army comes complete with generals, soldiers, chariots and horses—each individual statue unique. Painting and paper cutting lesson with a local family In nearby Huxian we learn about a local, documentary-style of painting and watch the fascinating folk art of paper cutting. Dumpling Dinner Not only will you try 18 different types of dumplings during dinner at the famed Defachang Restaurant -- you will also enjoy a dumpling making demonstration.   If you like, you can try to make them yourself — it's not as easy as it looks! Friends Across Borders Meeting (pen pals) As part of our Friends Across Borders program—a Thomson family favorite—we’ve arranged for a pen pal meeting this afternoon for the children who exchanged letters with a local student before leaving on their adventure. Through playing a game or sharing in a mutual activity, the kids all enjoy the eye-opening, and truly rewarding, experience of making a new friend from a culture very different from their own. Xi'an city wall bike ride   Each brick used in the construction of Xi’an’s wall is carved with the brick master’s name, but you’ll have to look closely to see it due to the passage of time. We’ll go to the top of wall for a delightful bike ride and take in the views of the old town below. Visit the Han Tomb We visit the tomb of the progressive Emperor Han (who ruled from 158 - 141 BCE); the site covers 12 square miles and the mausoleum houses both Emperor Jingdi and his wife, Empress Wang.

Days 11 and 12 – Yangshuo

Because of the unique geography of Guangxi Province and its sublime location on the Li River, many travelers have called the area around Yangshuo the most picturesque landscape in the world. Thomson family adventurers are always awestruck as we cruise past the remarkable “Gumdrop Mountains.” A climb to the top of Moon Hill is challenging, but worth every step!

Yulong River float trip and biking to Moon Hill In the morning bike to a pier on the Yulong River and climb aboard small bamboo rafts for the beautiful trip downstream. Destination: the mysterious Moon Hill Mountain. Once we disembark, we’ll ride towards the mountain. For those who are game, every one of the 800 steps to the top of Moon Hill is worth the stunning bird-eye views of the magical scene below. Cormorant fishing In the late afternoon, the Li River fishermen can be seen rowing their rafts on the silken waters with their cormorants— large birds trained to find and catch fish. Visit the ancient town of Fuli Enjoy a walking tour through this historic community, both rich in folklore and famous for its painted fans—China’s lovely art form that connects generations of artists. “Impression Liu Sanjie” show in Yangshuo This incredible show, staged by the famed film director, Zhang Yimou, takes place in the great outdoors and includes more than 600 “actors” from local minority groups who combine the natural environment with classic folk songs and the reenactment of the area’s unique fishing culture.

Days 13 and 14 – Shanghai

A morning flight brings us to big, brash Shanghai. Boasting one of the world’s boldest urban skylines, the city is famous for its Bund, the Huangpu River waterfront area fronted by more than 50 buildings built in every architectural style imaginable. During our time here, you’ll have the chance to explore the city’s many and multi-faceted delights, both by boat and on foot.

Huangpu riverboat ride Cruise the river between the Bund—the heart of colonial Shanghai—and the Pudong with its eclectic ambiance. Twenty-story-high buildings reach skyward, while hundreds of malls, cafes, and gourmet restaurants make this city a shopper’s paradise. Xintiandi Stroll  We'll take a stroll through the Xintiandi neighborhood—a fantastic restoration project (by an American architect) that saved dozens of old brick tenements and turned the area into Shanghai’s favorite new hot spot!  Shanghai city tour Explore Shanghai’s Old Quarter, stand at the top of the Financial Building and take in the views from the world’s highest observation deck, and ride the “people mover”—the world’s longest underwater pedestrian tunnel. Farewell dinner Join everyone for a farewell dinner and say good-bye to your guide and new friends.

Day 15 – Depart Shanghai / Arrive home

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Cross the International Date Line and arrive back the same day. Bon voyage...

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why China?

Fascinating, ancient history and culture Come experience one of the most ancient civilizations on earth, a culture so rich and exotic it can’t help but fill the senses and fire the imagination. Learning comes naturally as you explore this fascinating country, which has a complex history stretching back thousands of years. A rapidly-changing culture and growing economy The Chinese Communist Party is the founding and ruling political party of the People’s Repubic of China. Founded in 1921, the Communist Party is the world’s largest political party. In recent years, China has opened its doors to global commerce and has experienced enormous economic growth — now second only to the US with a GDP of $7 trillion. Due to this extraordinary growth, you and your children will witness a rapidly changing culture as China reacts to this new-found prosperity and influx of foreign influences. Beijing’s many highlights include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall You can't miss the 4,000 mile long Great Wall as it zigzags its way through deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus. The Tiananmen Gate, built in the 1420s during the Ming Dynasty, is the foundation of Tiananmen Square. The square has evolved through the years, until it was expanded in the 1950s to roughly the size it is today. Closed to commoners for nearly 500 years, the Forbidden City is a maze of opulent palaces, serene gardens, astonishing carvings and sculptures. Xian with the Terracota warriors Not to be missed is Xi'an, former capital to eleven dynasties, and home to one of the world's most intriguing archaeological discoveries — the famous Terra Cotta Army of Xi'an. More than 8,000 life-size clay soldiers and horses have steadfastly guarded the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang for more than 2,000 years. Walk among the astonishing statues, carved to look like real men, each with its own unique characteristics and facial expressions. The statue army is complete with generals, archers, horses and foot soldiers. Pandas In beautiful Chengdu, graced with exotic flowers and trees that line the streets and fill its many parks, live some of China’s most loved residents: the Giant Panda bears. The Giant Panda Breeding Center features an exquisitely designed environment that imitates the panda’s natural habitat, with bamboo growing everywhere and flocks of wild birds flying overhead. Learn about U.S. debt in Shanghai Shanghai is the most populous city in China – and that is really saying something! It also ranks fifth on London’s Global Financial Centres Index, due to its hundreds of financial institutions and the ultra-powerful Shanghai Stock Exchange. China currently has close to $1.3 TRILLION (!) invested in United States debt, and Shanghai is a perfect place to go to learn about this debt’s effect on China as a whole, and to do our part to help stimulate China’s economy.

Why China with Thomson?

Enjoy viewing all of the “must sees” in Beijing You’ll be amazed at your first sight of Tiananmen Square. At 109 acres, it is large enough to hold almost one million people! The square is home to museums, ornate halls and soaring towers. You’ll be dazzled by the sights and sounds as you stroll through this incredible plaza. Get ready for a glimpse of breathtaking opulence as you explore the Forbidden City. Built between 1406 and 1420, the complex consists of 980 surviving buildings and 8,707 rooms (out of an original 20,000 rooms). The largest remaining palace complex in the world, the Forbidden City covers approximately 170 acres. Imagine life as it was thousands of years ago, where for 500 years only rulers and their servants were allowed to enter. Get off the beaten path in Guilin & Yangshuo Spend two glorious days exploring the neighboring cities of Guilin and Yanshuo, picturesque towns dotted by karst formations — a fascinating landscape of limestone mountains and formations. You and your kids will feel like you've stepped back into old China as you walk the ancient villages of Yangshuo. As you make your way from Guilin to Yangshuo, floating down the Li River, you’ll see vivid green rice paddies framed by the enormous Gumdrop Mountains in the distance. Keep an eye out for water buffalo patrolling the fields and fisherman floating on bamboo rafts. And don’t miss Cormorant fishing! The Cormorant is not a fish – it’s actually a bird that is used to catch fish. It’s a remarkable experience to witness people and birds working together in harmony in a tradition that dates back more than a millennium. Fantastic Chinese guides, and local flavor with plenty of comfort Our trip to China is evenly paced, so your family keeps a satisfying balance of relaxation and adventure. Locally-born guides accompany you each step of the way to ensure pleasant encounters and to reveal subtleties of authentic Chinese culture. Accommodations are welcoming and child-friendly, and at meal time you’ll discover delicious local Chinese cuisine along with kid-pleasing options for the less adventurous. Make dumplings with a local family One of the things that really set Thomson Family Adventures apart from other adventure travel companies is that we have deep and fruitful connections in every country we visit. We don’t just visit a country for a week or two, take some pictures, and leave it in the dust – we look at our relationship as more of a partnership. In Beijing, your family will visit a local hutong family and learn to make authentic, traditional Chinese dumplings.