[The events, dates, & times in this activities calendar are subject to alteration in case of unforeseen conditions such as museum closings, inclement weather, or changes in the travel schedule.]

Wed, May 10 

Be at the United Airlines check-in at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport no later than 7:30 am sharp! [Allow plenty of time for security.] Depart Charlotte 9:55 am, UA #1145, for Chicago (arrive 10:56 am).  Depart Chicago, 12:24 pm, UA #835, for Shanghai. 

Thu, May 11

Arrive Shanghai 3:55 pm.   Meet guide at airport and transfer to hotel; walkabout and orientation. 

Fri, May 12

Shanghai.  Morning:  Shanghai Museum, the Bund, boat ride on the Huangpu River, Yu Gardens and Bazaar (Yu Yuan Shangcheng). 

Sat, May 13

Shanghai.  Visit Frenchtown (western architecture).  Afternoon: take train to Nanjing.  Meet guide at station and transfer to hotel. 

Sun, May 14

Nanjing.  Visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhong Shan Ling) with high school students.  Lunch and afternoon visit to Ming Tombs (Ming Xiaoling Feng Jingqu).  Home stay and dinner with Chinese student.  

Mon, May 15

Nanjing.  Breakfast with host family and arrive at school.  English sessions with Chinese students and introduction to Chinese arts (music, calligraphy, etc.).  Lunch at school.  Transfer back to hotel.   Dinner on your own.

Tue, May 16

Nanjing.  Visit the Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre, Fuzi Miao (Confucius Temple).  Lunch on your own.

Wed, May 17

Nanjing. Travel by bus to Gaochun County.  Tour of Gaochun city and visit to Gaochun County Elementary School.  Return to Nanjing.  

Thu, May 18

Nanjing. Morning pick up from hotel, transfer to airport and departure for Chengdu with connection to Lhasa.   Transfer to hotel.

Fri, May 19

Lhasa. Morning visit to Potala Palace.  Afternoon visit to Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Square. 

Sat, May 20

Lhasa. Visit to Ganden Monastery and stop to visit Tibetan family

Sun, May 21

Lhasa. Morning departure for Drepung Monastery.  Afternoon: free time.  Evening:  Tibetan Dinner and Traditional Dance show

Mon, May 22

Lhasa.  Morning pick up from hotel, transfer to airport and departure for Chengdu.  Afternoon: visit Du Fu Cottage and Qingyang Palace.
                 
Tue, May 23

Chengdu.  Visit Chengdu Panda Bear Research Center.  Lunch in city and then transfer to Emei Mountain.  Local bus and cable car to Wannian Monastery for overnight stay.  

Wed, May 24

Wannian Monastery.  Walk along valley to monkey area and visit to Baoguo Temple.  Transfer to bus back to Chengdu airport for flight to Beijing.  Transfer to hotel; walkabout and orientation.

Thu, May 25

Beijing.  Morning visit to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.  Afternoon: visit Temple of Heaven.  Evening:  Beijing Opera and Acrobatics show.

Fri, May 26

Beijing.  Trip to the Great Wall. 

Sat, May 27

Beijing.  Morning visit to Panjiayuan Market.  Afternoon: Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong).

Sun, May 28

Leave hotel with luggage for Beijing airport.   Depart Beijing, 4:50 pm, UA #850, for Chicago, arriving 4:22 pm.  Depart Chicago at 5:55 pm, UA #7237, for Charlotte, arriving 8:53 pm.