From the metropolis of Beijing to rice farming villages in Southern China, immerse yourself in a country where modern culture meets ancient times. Take an unforgettable overnight journey along the Great Wall and see the bounty of China unfold before your eyes. Make friends with local farmers, teach English to village school children, and trek and cruise through some of the most astounding landscapes known to man. Journey into Tibet, “the Roof of the World” and be amazed by captivating views of the Himalayas and the culture that resides here. Volunteer with pandas, learn to make dumplings, and share in the joy of experiencing this rich and ancient culture which has withstood the test of time.
“This was our son's first trip with ARCC. He had an amazing experience in China. He came back more confident and self-aware. He made great friends and loved every minute of the trip. He's told us wonderful stories from the minute he landed in LA and you can see in the pictures that he had an experience that he will never forget. How fantastic to say "When I was in Tibet...I high-fived a monk!...I loved working in the rice fields...I was really happy there." Sam can't wait for his next ARCC adventure.”
— Parent of Sam H.
Explore Beijing
Our journey begins in Los Angeles where we board a plane for Beijing, China. As our senses awaken to the sights and sounds of China, we spend a day exploring Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and other splendors of this ancient empire. Our time in Beijing is highlighted by an overnight trek along the Great Wall, where we leave modern times behind and hike along this ancient wonder built over two thousand years ago.
Service in Rural China and Li River Exploration by Boat and Bike
We fly south to the picturesque Guanxi Province, where we are welcomed into a rural community of subsistence rice farmers. For four days we work side by side with them in the fields, learning the age old traditions of rice farming. After mornings in the field, we spend each afternoon in a local school where eager students anxiously await our arrival. We teach them English through games, activities, and sports. In turn our new friends teach us the national sport of table tennis. Following our hard work, we are rewarded with a river cruise down the stunning Li River where we pass fishermen on bamboo rafts. Our cruise ends in the charming town of Yangshou, where we explore the lush green countryside and river scenery by bike or by foot.
Tiger Leaping Gorge and Tibetan Village Exploration and Service
Deemed one of the most beautiful places in the world, we spend three days exploring the astounding Tiger Leaping Gorge. We hike from guesthouse to guesthouse through the Gorge which has spanning views of Dragon Snow Mountain to one side and the Yangze River below. Next we head into Shangri-La which means “earthly paradise” in Tibetan, and for several days we live in this paradise and contribute our time to the villages.
Panda Volunteer Project
We board a short flight to Sichuan, where we touch down in Chengdu, home of the famous panda breeding center. Guided by experts, we spend the day working and playing with these beautiful creatures.
Experience Tibet, The Roof of the World
We conclude by flying into Lhasa, Tibet and spend the next several days exploring temples, lakes, and spectacular Himalayan views. Known as “the Roof of the World”, we are dazzled by sunsets kissing mountaintops and temples placed at the foot of the sky. We spend time exploring this amazing region and all of the natural and manmade splendors it has to offer. After 29 days on this incredible journey, we say goodbye to our new friends and head back to Los Angeles.
