China - Activities & Trips

Around Campus, Around Town Summer Discovery brings you to the famous sites and through the back alleys. In addition to visiting China's legendary and historic sites, these trips provide insider access to places and experiences you could not find on your own. Climb the Great Wall in the morning and then travel to a nearby village and learn how to make dumplings with a local family.

Explore the famous Shanghai museum and then tour a modern Chinese art gallery after having a group discussion with the owner. Summer Discovery in China is an in-depth introduction to the fastest growing nation in the world. Students will talk to business leaders, artists, entertainers, sport figures, agricultural and environmental workers, and people involved in community service. Students also get to explore rural and urban areas and practice their spoken Mandarin.

What captivates, enthralls, enriches and entertains over 1.3 billion people? We’ll find out!

Beijing

• Great Wall-Hike this fascinating Chinese historical landmark that twists and turns for over 4,000 miles through northern China.
• Forbidden City-Marvel at the imperial architecture of the palace and explore life as a Chinese Emperor.
• Tian An Men Square-The largest open air square in the world, the site of numerous important historical and political events.
• Urban Planning Museum-Architectural models and 3D maps of Beijing past and present.
• Olympic Stadiums-Visit the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
• Lama Temple-A Tibetan Buddhist temple with one of the world’s tallest Buddhas.
• Dashanzi Art District-Experience the rising art scene at this hub for contemporary Chinese art.
• Hutong Tour-Tour local hutong, or alleyway, to experience traditional Beijing community life.
• Local Chinese High School-Learn what life is like for your Chinese peers, make new friends, and practice your Chinese.
• Wangfujing Night Market-Stalls of unique food on a stick, from starfish to squid and insects.
• Temple of Heaven-Taoist buildings where the emperor used to go to pray for good harvests.
• Summer Palace-Summer escape for Chinese royalty with incredible architecture.
• Panjiayuan “Dirt” Antique Market-An excellent place to hunt for souvenirs and practice bargaining.
• Beijing Opera-Attend a performance of this traditional Chinese art.
• Hou Hai District-Trendy lake district in Beijing, perfect for a relaxing stroll and people watching.
• Nan Luo Gu Xiang-A preserved hutong lane that today houses numerous boutiques and cafes.

Shanghai

• Oriental Pearl Tower-One of the iconic symbols of Shanghai with a great view of the entire city.
• Grand Gateway Plaza-75 international shops, Cineplex Theatres, and 35 restaurants from all over Asia and the USA including Starbucks and Cold Stone Creamery.
• Xin Tian Di-An area of restored shikumen, or traditional Shanghainese housing, the site of the First Conference of the Communist Party.
• The Bund-Historic waterfront area/promenade with excellent views and colonial architecture.
• Dongtai Road Antique Market-Place to wander for souvenirs and replicas of Chinese antiques.
• Yuyuan Garden-A private garden established in the 1500s located in the center of the Old City.
• People’s Park-Located in the vast People's Square area on the site of an old horse racing track.
• Shanghai Museum-Displays of Chinese bronzes, paintings, and ethnic minority traditional clothing.
• Shanghai Urban Planning Museum-Learn about city development and the 2010 World Expo.
• Tai Kang Road-Popular with locals and foreigners for many boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
• French Concession Architectural Tour-History of foreign concessions in architecture in China.
• Fabric Market-Bustling fabric market where you design your own clothes while practicing your Chinese language skills.
• Propaganda Museum-Impressive collection of Chinese propaganda posters and art.
• Dino Beach-Wave pools, waterslides, and artificial beach popular with local.
• Factory Visit-First-hand glimpse at a factory and an introduction to manufacturing in China.
• Xizang Road Bird and Fish Market-A variety of pets, from fish and birds to crickets and hamsters.
• Local Neighborhood Tour-Visit a daily food market and a popular mah jong center.
• Acrobat Show-A gravity-defying performance by traditional Chinese acrobats.
• Shanghai Sculpture Park-Sculptures/installations by China’s up and coming modern artists.

Weekend Road Trips (Included in Tuition)

Historic Watertown Excursion

Zhujiajiao is a water village, formed about 1,700 years ago. Archaeological findings dating back 5,000 years, 36 stone bridges and numerous rivers line Zhujiajiao. Many centuries-old stone buildings are home to residents today, as they were for many dynasties in the past.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou’s Western Lake has inspired centuries of poems and paintings, and its green tea is famous throughout the world. Bicycle around the lake, taste tea fresh from the source, and travel to one of the most impressive temples in China. When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century, he declared it to be “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world". Hangzhou's beauty attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to its exquisite West Lake area each year to enjoy the placid lake, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, lavish temples and lakeside teahouses.

Optional Get Away Hong Kong Weekend- July 13th-15th

 Travel to Hong Kong for the weekend to enjoy one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. Located on the southern coast of China, this former British colony and modern city of 7 million people is a jumbled mix of old, new and really, really new. We will look carefully past the steel, glass and concrete to see the “real” Hong Kong. Travel via tram to the Peak, visit the Hong Kong History Museum, see the Big Buddha on Lantau and wander the back alleys of the main island. In the evening, visit the enormous Temple Street Night Market and bargain for souvenirs at an amazing variety of brightly lit stalls. No trip to Hong Kong would be complete with enjoying a traditional meal of Dim Sum, delicious Chinese snacks served in steaming bamboo baskets.

Fee: $995 Includes day and evening activities and admissions per itinerary, Hong Kong guide, breakfast and dinner daily, round trip airfare from Shanghai to Hong Kong, and air-conditioned accommodations in central Hong Kong.  (Limited Enrollment)

Excursion fees may not be transferred to another student and are non-refundable after May 1.

Activities On and Off Campus 

• Karaoke Night-Participate in China’s national pastime and practice your Chinese skills.
• Hip Hop, Chinese Style-Explore the hip hop scene with moves and routines popular with locals.
• Kung Fu Fighting-Channel your inner karate kid through jumps, kicks, and spins.
• Calligraphy Workshop-Create works of art with your name and unique characters.
• Chinese Cooking: Chop, Wok, and Roll- Cook up some of your Chinese food favs from dumplings to stir fry and eat the results.
• Local Scavenger Hunts-Get to know neighborhoods, practice Chinese, and learn about daily life.
• Art Explorations-Paint miniature terra cotta warriors, create photo montages, and explore your surroundings through artistic projects.
• Popular Chinese Games-From mah jong to go, play and practice with the locals.