<p>Itinerary for Language, History and Cultural Immersion in China Travel Dates: July 1-July 29, 2014</p><p>Chinese Language, Culture & History</p><p>Immerse yourself in the language, culture and history of China in this four-week program. Based in the historic city of Anyang, an ancient Chinese capital known as one of the birthplaces of Chinese culture, you will live with a Chinese family and be placed in morning Mandarin classes appropriate to your level. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to participate in cultural workshops such as Wushu and Chinese water color painting and take a History course. Weekends will offer excursions to areas of interest, including a remote mountain village. The program also includes touring to Beijing and Xian. Day 1 – Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Depart from Chicago Depart Chicago O’Hare on flight for Beijing Meals and full services aboard.</p><p>Flight Itinerary: July 01, 2013 HU 498 Chicago O’Hare – Beijing 3:25P 6:20P +1</p><p>Day 2 – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Arrive in Beijing Transport to hotel</p><p>Day 3 – Thursday, July 3, 2014 Beijing The day's sightseeing begins with a visit to the heart of Beijing – Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Explore its chambers and view the priceless treasures of China's past. Late afternoon shopping followed by dinner in the HouHai district, an area of teahouses, cafes and boutiques that combine modern and traditional elements. Enjoy an evening paddle boat ride to take in the energy of HouHai. </p><p>Day 4 – Friday July 4, 2014 Beijing The day begins with an excursion to the Great Wall at Badaling, where you can stroll along this incredible wonder, the only man-made structure visible from Space. Later, we will visit the historical Ming Tombs, the burial place of thirteen emperors and their families of the Ming Dynasty. At last, we will visit the old neighborhood of Qianmen. Enjoy a Chinese dumpling dinner.</p><p>Day 5 – Saturday, July 5, 2014 Beijing</p><p>We move from the bustling energy of the city to the tranquil retreat of the Summer Palace with its shimmering lakes. Enjoy a brief but scenic boat ride at the Summer Palace. Afterwards, we learn how pearls are harvested and made into jewelry. Experience a high-speed early afternoon train to Anyang. Meet your home stay family. Day 6 – Sunday, July 6, 2014 Anyang Students spend the day with their host families</p><p>Day 7 – Monday, July 7, 2014 Anyang Classes begin</p><p>Day 11 – Friday, July 11, 2014 Anyang-Xian After classes, depart on an overnight train for Xian</p><p>Day 12 – Sat., July 12, 2014 Xian Arrive early morning in Xian. After eating breakfast and checking into your hotel, experience the sites, sounds, smells and tastes of this culturally and historically rich city. Ride a bike atop the ancient city wall. Day includes a visit to the Ancient Wild Goose Pagoda and water show. </p><p>Day 13 – Sun, July 13, 2014 Visit the Famous Terra Cotta Warriors. Late evening overnight train to Anyang. </p><p>Day 14 – Mon, July 14, 2014 Arrive early morning in Anyang</p><p>Classes resume</p><p>Days 19-20 – Sat., Sun., July 19-20, 2014 Village Visit Visit by bus and on foot the remote peasant village for a weekend adventure you will never forget. Meet with local peasant villagers and gain a first-hand experience of rural life in China.</p><p>Day 25 – Friday, July 25, 2014 Anyang Final examinations. Classes end.</p><p>Days 26-27 – Sat., Sun. July 26-27, 2014 Luoyang Visit Luoyang, ancient capital city of China for more than 13 dynasties, home of the Longmen Grottoes. We’ll also visit the nearby Shaolin Temple, which for centuries was the center of Chinese martial arts. Return from Luoyang to Anyang to spend last evening with host families</p><p>Day 28, Monday, July 28, 2014 Beijing Say farewell to your home stay families before boarding a morning express train to Beijing. Afternoon shopping in Beijing. </p><p>Day 29 – Tuesday, July 29, 2014 Chicago Transport to airport for flight to Chicago. Flight from Beijing. Arrive on Tuesday, July 29, 2014</p><p>Flight Itinerary: July 29, 2013 HU 497 Beijing – Chicago O’Hare 1:20P 1:25P</p><p>The language and cultural training in Anyang will be provided in partnership with Anyang Special Training College on the campus of the Anyang Institute of Technology.</p>