China, Dynasty to Republic
An introduction to the ancient arts and architecture that continue to inspire and influence
contemporary art and life in China and the world.
March 2007
11 days overlapping Spring Break week
A customized tour designed by Rhonda Smith,
Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Day 1 – Flight
Overnight flight from Dulles airport begins the adventure and discovery of a lifetime.
Day 2 – Arrival in Beijing
Touch down in Beijing. It was in this city that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s
Republic of China in 1949. Meet your bilingual Tour Director, who will remain with you
throughout your stay; then transfer to your hotel.
(If at all possible I would like to schedule at least one of the activities on Day 3, 4, or 5 to
happen today unless we arrive in the evening of course.)
Overnight in Beijing
Day 3 – Guided sightseeing of Beijing
An expert local guide introduces you to the Chinese capital, a treasure chest of imperial
monuments. This ancient city first received its modern name when it became the capital
for the second time in Chinese history in 1402 (“Beijing” means “Northern Capitol”).
See Tiananmen Square (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), the largest public square in the
world. Visit the Forbidden City (Gugong), once accessible only to the Emperor. Get a
close-up look at the golden-roofed Imperial Palace, one of the world’s greatest
architectural achievements. Hundreds of thousands of workers labored on the
construction of this palatial complex during the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424). It was later
renovated during the 18th century (Qing Dynasty). Although situated in the very heart of
Beijing, the Forbidden City is surrounded by both a moat and a protective wall. The
emperors who once resided here often spent their entire lives within the complex – it was
not until 1949 that a “commoner” set foot inside the area.
Walking tour of Jingshan Park, visit this beautiful imperial park which sits on a hill
overlooking Beijing. You will delight in the floral displays including peonies for which
the park is famous.
Free late afternoon of shopping at Silk Alley and Friendship Store where you can get
all types of handicrafts and clothes.
Peking Duck Dinner – (vegetarian option also available) Tonight, you’ll be treated to
the sumptuous dish that northern China is famous for: Peking duck! During this special
feast, learn about the ritual preparation and savory side dishes that accompany this
regional specialty.
Overnight in Beijing
Day 4 – Guided Excursion to the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs
Drive by the Sacred Way and the Avenue of the Animals to see the Ming Tombs, the
final resting place of 13 Chinese emperors. The Ming rulers, worried that evil spirits
might frequent their tombs, chose their own burial sites while they were still alive.
Travel north to Simatai to view The Great Wall. Begun in the 5th century B.C., as a
defense against the Mongols, the Wall extends for almost 4,000 miles and is visible from
outer space. In fact, if one were to take all the stone used in the Great Wall’s
construction, one could build another wall, eight feet high – around the entire globe. The
ruinous state of this part of the Wall gives it an air of authenticity that has earned it the
reputation of being the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. It towers over the
nearby villages and farmland as it winds its way like the spiny back of a dragon over the
sharply clipped peaks of the mountains.
Acrobatic Show
Enjoy one of China’s most well-known theatrical experiences, as you attend an evening
performance of an acrobatic show.
Overnight in Beijing
Day 5 Beijing
Guided Hutong Tour
Today begins with a rickshaw ride through Old Beijing. Follow the Hutong, which were
built around the Forbidden City during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as you see
where both the aristocrats and others lived during these ancient times. You will stop at
Drum Tower, which was built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty and Prince Gong’s
Mansion. Built in 1777-1787, it was home to one of Emperor Qianlang’s favorite
ministers. You will then visit the Great Hall of Harmony and then head to Beihai Park
to visit the White Pagoda.
Temple of Confucius
Visit the second largest temple dedicated to Confucius. Dating from 1302 the Temple
houses the capital museum and many fine artifacts from the Qing dynasty.
Summer Palace
Formerly a summer palace for feudal Emperors, the Summer Palace is a magnificent
example of china’s classical garden architecture. The Palace grounds were originally
divided into three sections, one for court activites, one for imperial residence and one for
sightseeing. The Long Corridor, the Paiyun (Cloud-Dispelling) Hall, the Temple of
Buddhist Virtue, the Marble Boat, the Xiequ (Harmonious-Interest) Garden, the
Zhichun (Spring-Heralding Pavilion, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge are the palace’s
main attractions.
Overnight in Beijing
Day 6 Fly to Xian
Stop at Temple of Heaven before your flight to Xi’an, one of China’s most extraordinary
cityies. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), built between 1606 and 1420, the complex of
buildings that make up the Temple of heaven cover 273 hectares and represent the
pinnacle of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.
Xi’an City Wall
The City Walls form a rectangle around the old city, with a gate way and three towers on
each side. During the Japanese bombings of WWII, air raid shelters were dug into the
walls. The walls came to the aid of residents once more during the Cultural Revolution,
when it was used to store grain.
Overnight in Xi’an
Day 7 - Big Goose Pagoda, Terra Cotta Warriors, Imax, Hot Springs
Built in 652 A.D. to house the volumes of Buddhist scriptures translated by Huang Znag,
the Big Goose Pagoda rises to over 7 stories. Inside you will find extraordinary
examples of Tang Art, as well as inscriptions from the Tang dynasty under the later
writings of Ming engravers.
Visit to the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors which houses the amazing
collection of figures discovered by peasant s digging for water in 1974. The army’s
6,000 painstakingly modled, life-size warriors and horses, of which no two are alike,
were sculpted to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, founder of the Qin
dynasty (221-206 B.C.) and the first rulter to unify China.
Imax Theater
On the 3D Imax screen, view a fascinating film depicting the excavation process by
which the Terra Cotta Army was excavated.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 8 - Bell Tower, Caves Dinner and Show
Visit the Bell Tower built in 1384 and one of the best preserved in China. Visit
Longman caves a series of caves containing over 100,000 cave carvings of Buddha and
his disciples.
Do some shopping and finish the day with a Tang Dynasty Show and Dinner,
experience the grandeur of the Tang dynasty during this magical evening of
entertainment.
Overnight in Xi’an
Day 9 –transfer Shanghai
Guided sightseeing begins in the heart of the city with a visit to the Bund, a beautifully
landscaped promenade overlooking the waterfront. View the Jade Buddha Temple,
continue on to the glorious Yu Garden, a showplace of classical Chinese landscaping
dating back to 1537. Cruise the Huangpu River. This two-hour journey along the
Huangpu will introduce you to the bustling river life.
Walk along Nanjing Lu a pedestrian-only shopping extravaganza.
Overnight in Shanghai
Day 10 – Shanghai
Shanghai Museum visit will provide architectural insight into modern China while the
marvelous collection of ancient artifacts offers a glimpse into China’s rich history. See
what is happening with the Contemporary Art scene in Shanghai at ShanghART.
Use the last remaining hours of the day to finish your shopping before enjoying your final
meal and a traditional Chinese Opera.
Day 11 - Fly Home