Welcome to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
Explore China’s rich and diverse culture on a concert tour of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. China is considered one of four ancient civilizations, with unique customs and traditions that can be traced back many centuries. As a result of China’s history and unique culture, China continues to assert a profound and invaluable influence on the rest of the world. Elegant and inspiring, rare and enchanting, dynamic and progressive, the culture of China has attracted and affected all who come to visit. Undeniably, each city you will visit gives insight into China’s innate ability to infuse tradition with modernity, setting it apart from other cultures. Chinese art, dance, architecture, cuisine and, of course, music beautifully celebrates this country’s integration of past and present.
China’s musical offerings are vast. As one of the most vital characteristics of its culture, the music of China is truly unique. The first written reference to Chinese music dates back to 479 BC, the time when Confucius was alive. Music is now integrated throughout all aspects of Chinese society, including opera and theater. Today, artists well-versed in the musical customs of the past and present stand at the forefront of Chinese music.
Enjoy a concert tour of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Bring your ensemble to experience all that China has to offer while sharing your music with the local people.
Itinerary
Depart North America for Beijing, China.
Welcome to China, the world’s most populous country!
Your Music Contact International tour manager and Chinese guide will greet you at Beijing Airport. Enjoy an introduction to Beijing, China’s thrilling capital city, on your way from the airport in your private motor coach.
Check in to the hotel and enjoy some time to relax and refresh. Rehearsal can be arranged.
Tonight, your group will be treated to a sumptuous welcome dinner of local specialties as your tour manager previews the days ahead.
Begin your first full day in China with a tour of Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum, formerly known as the Forbidden City. This 15th century complex remains the largest collection of preserved wooden structures in the world. Have lunch with your group followed by a Chinese shopping experience.
This afternoon perform a concert at a popular venue such as the Peking University Hall, National Library Hall or National Grand Theatre, commonly known as “The Giant Egg.”
Afterwards, a traditional dinner of Peking duck, the national dish of China, will be served, as is customary on special occasions.
Today, embark on a fascinating excursion to the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world. Walk on the wall, take photos and sing!
Have lunch nearby before returning to Beijing by way of the Olympic Park for a look at the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
This evening, attend a Peking opera and learn about this unique combination of music, vocal performance, dance, acrobatics and miming. Dinner will be arranged after the show.
Check out of the hotel in Beijing and fly to Xi’an, the oldest of the four ancient capitals.
Upon arrival in Xi’an, visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of the greatest archaeological sites on earth. After a group lunch at a local restaurant, settle into the Xi’an hotel and refresh.
Tonight, your group will learn to cook Chinese dumplings, the traditional family dish of China, and be treated to a tasty meal of dim sum.
This morning, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an’s most famous landmark.
Next, enjoy a demonstration of Chinese traditional instruments. Ancient Chinese believed music could purify people’s minds and 3,000 years ago, ancient China had orchestras with string, wind and percussion.
Following lunch, participate in a friendship concert with a local ensemble. Share a performance and unique opportunity to mingle and exchange. Dinner will be arranged to complement your performance schedule.
Check out of the hotel in Xi’an and fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and a global financial hub with waterfront promenade, colonial-era buildings and futuristic skyline.
Embark on a guided panoramic tour of Shanghai that includes lunch. Afterwards, settle into the Shanghai hotel and prepare for evening activities.
Tonight, enjoy an exciting show of Chinese acrobats who are reputed to be the best in the world. Dinner will follow.
Start the day with a community concert. You may sing as part of a worship service or outreach activity.
After lunch, explore Shanghai’s Old Town and its picturesque antique markets, kiosks and tea houses.
At night, a festive farewell dinner with river cruise rounds out your memorable performance tour of China!
Return home with wonderful memories of your concert tour.
Concert Tour Highlights
FRIENDSHIP CONCERTS
Our friendship concerts are a featured experience on our tours and are at the heart of our mission to foster cultural connections through music. We benefit from a vast international network in the choral world built over our thirty years' experience of helping choirs share their music both in the United States and abroad. Your choir will share a venue and a concert program with a host choir from the region. Your singers will have the chance to hear their host choir's repertoire (often showcasing local musical styles) and to share your own repertoire in turn. Fellowship time usually follows the friendship concert, giving both choirs the chance to mingle and enjoy the camaraderie of creating cross-cultural connections through a shared love of music.
BEIJING
Our friendship concerts are a featured experience on our tours and are at the heart of our mission to foster cultural connections through music. We benefit from a vast international network in the choral world built over our thirty years' experience of helping choirs share their music both in the United States and abroad. Your choir will share a venue and a concert program with a host choir from the region. Your singers will have the chance to hear their host choir's repertoire (often showcasing local musical styles) and to share your own repertoire in turn. Fellowship time usually follows the friendship concert, giving both choirs the chance to mingle and enjoy the camaraderie of creating cross-cultural connections through a shared love of music.
XI'AN
As the capital of the Shaanxi province, Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in the country and is the oldest of the four great ancient Chinese capitals. Over the years, Xi'an has remained a political and religious center while progressing into the 21st century and gracefully preserving the traditions of its crafts makers, musicians, singers and dancers. A friendship concert in Xi'an provides a glimpse into this rich artistic heritage.
SHANGHAI
By population, Shanghai is both the largest city in China and perhaps, the largest in the world. Shaped by a long history of colonialism and the blending of eastern and western cultures, Shanghai is known as the "Paris of the East," offering stunning beauty, incredible wealth and thrilling entertainment. Concert venues are plentiful ranging from grand theaters such as the prestigious Oriental Arts Center or Helüting Concert Hall at Shanghai Conservatory of Music to intimate settings suitable for jazz and chamber ensembles.