CHINA 2026: JOIN THE JOURNEY
Monday, October 12 — Sunday, October 25
Welcome to China
Join us on a journey to China! Across three dynamic cities —Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai — we’ll explore imperial history, ancient engineering, spiritual landscapes, neighborhood life, and contemporary urban culture. With expert local guides and built-in free time, this tour balances guided experiences with personal discovery. Carefully curated and hosted by My People Tell Stories Founder, Danielle Brown, Ph.D., our tours are not about performing travel; we’re not doing it “for the ‘gram.” Our tours are about presence — being fully immersed in the moment for the experience of connecting to a place, a people, and to each other. Expect meaningful conversations, shared meals, time to wander, and moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Welcome to China! 欢迎来到中国！Huānyíng láidào Zhōngguó!
The Journey: At a Glance
This 14-day journey offers a thoughtful introduction to the breadth and depth of China, blending history, culture, and modern city life. In Beijing, we’ll explore historic hutongs, visit China’s imperial palace, and walk The Great Wall. Chengdu invites a slower pace, with experiences including Sichuan opera, a traditional tea house visit, encounters with giant pandas, and an immersive food tour. There’ll be free time to explore, relax, and enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene. (Did you know Chengdu is home to the most Chinese rappers?) Our journey concludes in Shanghai, China’s most international city, with a day trip to the historic water town of Zhujiajiao. Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in comfortable, centrally located 4-star hotels. You’ll also enjoy daily breakfast, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners.
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE. Curious to learn more? Join us Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (7–8 PM EST) for a virtual open house where we’ll walk through the journey, answer your questions, and help you decide if this experience is the right fit. Register here.
Trip Highlights & Itinerary
Tiananmen Square ~ The Forbidden City ~ The Great Wall of China ~ Sichuan Opera ~ Dujiangyan Irrigation System ~ Mt. Qingcheng ~ Yu Yuan ~ Zhujiajiao Water Town ~ Sichuan Food Tour ~ Cultural Workshops ~ And more . . .
Click each city below to view the full day-by-day itinerary.
-
Step into the layers of China’s imperial and modern history.
Day 1: Arrival Day & Welcome Dinner
Welcome to China. Check-in to your hotel, get oriented, and meet fellow participants at our welcome dinner.
Day 2: Calligraphy, Lama Temple & Hutong Exploration
Ease into the journey with a gently structured day that includes a relaxed introduction to Chinese calligraphy. Then enjoy a guided walk through Beijing’s historic hutongs and courtyard neighborhoods, including a visit to the Lama Temple.
Day 3: Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City
A guided exploration of China’s political heart and imperial palace complex, offering context, symbolism, and historical insight.
Day 4: The Great Wall of China
Walk along one of the world’s most iconic structures and reflect on its scale, purpose, and legacy.
Day 5: Traveler’s Choice
Enjoy a free day to explore China’s capital city on your own. Not sure what to do? We have plenty of suggestions in your specially curated Travel Packet.
Day 6: Depart for Chengdu
Grab some breakfast before checking out of our hotel and heading to Chengdu!
-
Chengdu invites you to slow down and savor—ideas, landscapes, and flavors.
Day 6: Arrive in Chengdu & Sichuan Opera
We’ll check into our hotel, get oriented to our new home base, and end the evening with Sichuan opera - a dynamic traditional performance featuring music, storytelling, and the famous face-changing art.
Day 7: Full-Day Chengdu City Tour
Experience a full day getting to know Chengdu, including visits to the local panda base and a traditional tea house. In the evening, enjoy a tuk tuk food tour where you’ll navigate Chengdu’s streets while sampling local Sichuan cuisine.
Day 8: Traveler’s Choice
Visit the People’s Park, shop along Kuanzhai Alley, or get a Chinese massage. There’s lots to do in Chengdu! Choose from among the many suggestions in your Travel Packet.
Day 9: Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Mt. Qingcheng
Discover a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel still in use today, and explore one of the birthplaces of Taoism, surrounded by misty mountains and temples.
Day 10: Traveler’s Choice
Enjoy one final day to explore Chengdu on your own. We’ll say cheers to the city with one last group dinner.
Day 11: Depart for Shanghai
Farewell Chengdu! Hello Shanghai!
-
Shanghai—where centuries-old cultural traditions blend with the energy of a global city.
Day 11: Arrive in Shanghai & Music Experience
Welcome to Shanghai! We’ll check into our hotel and ease into the city with an introduction to traditional Chinese music, offering cultural grounding as we arrive in one of China’s most dynamic cities.
Day 12: Zhujiajiao Water Town & Yu Yuan
Spend the day exploring Zhujiajiao, one of China’s ancient water towns just outside the city, followed by time at Yu Yuan, Shanghai’s famous classical garden.
Day 13: Traveler’s Choice
Enjoy free time to explore Shanghai on your own—shop, wander historic neighborhoods, or check out the local art scene—before gathering in the evening to share our final meal together in China.
Day 14: Zhōngguó Zàijiàn!
It’s time to say goodbye. Relish your final moments in China before heading to the airport.
It’s been real, China. 下次见！Xià cì jiàn! See you next time!
Trip Features
Pre-travel Orientation
Travel Packet
Airport Transfers
Accommodations
Daily breakfast, plus 8 lunches & 8 dinners
Guided Tours
Intercity transportation and transportation to tour sites
Entrance fees to tour sites and activities
24-Hour Assistance
Accommodations
In each of our base cities, we will stay at centrally located 4-star hotels. All rooms are equipped with standard amenities, including private bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Daily breakfast is included with your stay. In addition, as common in Chinese hotels, your rooms will also include basic toiletries and slippers. Each hotel has laundry facilities on-site and 24/7 front desk service. We have a limited number of single and double occupancy rooms. Double occupancy rooms are available with separate or shared beds. Room selections are available on a “first come, first served” basis.
Pricing
Price is per person and includes accommodations, daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 8 dinners, guided tours, activity fees, on-tour transportation (including intercity travel), and airport transfers. Airfare, visa, and travel insurance are not included.
Double Occupancy Early Bird Rate* — $3850 USD
Double Occupancy Regular Rate — $3975 USD
Single Occupancy Early Bird Rate* — $4310 USD
Single Occupancy Regular Rate — $4435 USD
*Early Bird Rate ends at 11:59PM EST on March 15, 2026.
Registration
To register for China Tour 2026, click the button below and complete the registration form. After review, we may request additional information. Once your registration is approved, payment instructions will be sent to the email provided. Registration is not complete until the $750 non-refundable deposit or full payment is received. Payments may be made by check, Zelle, or credit card. Please note a processing fee will be applied to all credit card payments.
Space is limited. Register and submit your deposit as soon as possible to secure your spot. Registration closes once spots are filled or at 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2026, whichever comes first.
Payment & Refund Policy
A non-refundable $750 deposit is required at registration. Cancellations received on or before July 1, 2026 are eligible for a refund of any additional payments made, less applicable fees. By July 1, 2026, participants must have paid 60% of the total tour cost. After this date, all payments become non-refundable. The final balance is due August 12, 2026. We understand that life happens; if you need to cancel after August 12, please contact us to inquire about the possibility of transferring your spot to another participant.
-
Q: Who is this tour for?
A: This tour is designed for curious, open-minded travelers seeking a thoughtful, culturally grounded experience in China. It is ideal for those who value learning, context, and meaningful connection when exploring a new place.Q: I’m not from the United States. Can I join the tour?
A: Of course! We welcome travelers of all nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Past tours have included nationals and residents of other countries. Like all participants, you must meet the entry requirements for China in order to participate in the tour.Q: Which cities will we visit?
A: The tour includes visits to Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai, offering a balance of history, regional culture, and modern urban life.Q: Are tours guided?
A: Yes. All scheduled activities are led by professional, bilingual local guides, with additional support from the tour leader, Danielle Brown, Ph.D.Q: What is Traveler’s Choice?
A: Traveler’s Choice refers to designated periods in the itinerary when participants may choose how to spend their free time—whether exploring independently, resting, or selecting from suggested activities provided in a specially curated travel packet. This allows for flexibility while maintaining a cohesive group experience.Q: What is included in the tour price?
A: The price includes accommodations, daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 8 dinners, guided tours, activity fees, on-tour transportation (including intercity travel), and airport transfers. Airfare, visa, and travel insurance are not included.Q: What is not included?
A: International airfare, visa fees, travel insurance (required), personal expenses, and optional activities are not included.Q: Are tips included?
A: Tipping is not customary in Chinese culture and is not expected on this tour. Our vendors and guides are compensated directly through the tour price. We will provide additional guidance on tipping and other local customs at our open house and during orientation.Q: Do I need a visa to travel to China?
A: Yes. Most travelers will need a tourist (L) visa. Requirements vary by nationality. Guidance will be provided, but participants are responsible for securing their own visa.Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Yes. Because this is an international trip, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. Coverage must include medical care abroad and emergency evacuation, ensuring protection in the event of illness, delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.Q: How physically demanding is the tour?
A: This tour involves moderate walking, uneven surfaces, stairs, and full sightseeing days. Participants should be comfortable with extended periods of walking spread throughout the day.Q: I have limited mobility. Is this tour suitable for me?
A: Due to walking requirements and the nature of some sites, this tour may not be suitable for travelers with significant mobility limitations. Please contact us before registering to discuss whether the itinerary is a good fit.Q: What kind of food will we eat? Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
A: Regional Chinese cuisine is a highlight of the tour. Vegetarian options are widely available, and vegan options can often be accommodated with advance notice.Q: Will there be evening activities?
A: Some evenings include scheduled group activities, such as shared dinners. However, most evenings are free, giving travelers the opportunity to explore each city’s nightlife, enjoy a quiet evening, or rest. Any scheduled evening activities will be clearly noted in the itinerary.Q: What is the group size and how does payment work?
A: Group size is approximately 10–15 participants. A deposit is required to reserve your spot, with the remaining balance due prior to departure. Full payment details and policies are provided during registration.Q: Is there a minimum number of participants for the trip to take place?
A: Yes. This tour requires a minimum number of confirmed participants to operate. In the unlikely event the minimum is not met, travelers will be notified and offered a full refund or alternative options, as outlined in the Terms & Conditions provided prior to payment.
