China Heritage Tours

Connecting to Heritage: A Journey for Adoptees and Families

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and connection, CCAI Heritage Tours are trips of a lifetime for adoptive families and adoptees. Rooted in the commitment to strengthening the evolving relationship between birth heritage, home heritage, and adoption identity, these China Heritage Tours provide a unique opportunity for participants to explore the country that holds their origins while deepening their understanding of its rich history and culture. 
 
Coordinated with the utmost care and professionalism by CCAI’s The Park Adoption Community Center, these tours are specifically designed for families who have adopted children from China. While currently focused on China adoption heritage tours, CCAI aims to expand its offerings to more countries as its community and connections grow, making this transformative experience accessible to a broader audience. Regardless of which adoption agency facilitated your family’s adoption, CCAI Heritage Tours welcomes all families looking for an authentic and safe way to explore China. 

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and connection, CCAI Heritage Tours are truly trips of a lifetime for adoptive families and adoptees. Rooted in the commitment to strengthening the evolving relationship between birth heritage, home heritage, and adoption identity, these China Heritage Tours provide a unique opportunity for participants to explore the country that holds their origins while deepening their understanding of its rich history and culture.

Coordinated with the utmost care and professionalism by CCAI in partnership with The Park, these tours are specifically designed for families who have adopted children from China. While currently focused on China adoption Heritage Tours, CCAI’s goal is to expand its offerings to more countries as its community and connections grow, making this transformative experience accessible to a wider audience. Regardless of which adoption agency facilitated your family’s adoption, CCAI Heritage Tours welcomes all families looking for an authentic and safe way to explore China.

The Heart of the Experience: A Deep Connection to Birth Heritage

For many adoptive families, reconnecting with the birth culture of their children is a profoundly meaningful step. These China culture tours are designed to create opportunities for participants to engage with their heritage in a personal and reflective way, with each tour experience tailored to be much more than a sightseeing trip. CCAI’s Heritage Tours are particularly focused on adoptive families, with attention to the unique needs and interests of adoptees as they explore their homeland. This journey offers the opportunity for families to visit key cultural and historical sites, gain insights into the diverse culture of China, and for adoptees to explore the provinces and cities from which they originated. Whether through a Grand Tour that covers the breadth of China’s most iconic landmarks, or a more intimate Province Tour, participants have the chance to understand and experience their heritage in an enriching and immersive environment.

Grand Tours: A Panoramic Experience of China’s Treasures

Among the most popular offerings, the Grand Tours present families with a comprehensive and awe-inspiring view of China. These trips take participants through some of the country’s most celebrated sites, from the ancient grandeur of the Great Wall of China to the tranquil beauty of the Li River in Guilin. The itinerary also includes visits to the bustling cities of Beijing and Xi’an, where travelers can marvel at the Temple of Heaven, the Terracotta Warriors, and other world-renowned landmarks. These China Heritage Tours provide a captivating window into the country’s past and present, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and wonders that have shaped China. This extensive cultural tour is designed not only to educate but also to foster a deeper connection to China’s legacy. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, participants will gain an intimate understanding of the significance behind each site and city, making every stop a meaningful addition to the journey. From the heart of Beijing to the lush landscapes of Chengdu’s Giant Panda Reserve, each experience offers an unforgettable glimpse into the essence of China.

Province Tours: An In-Depth Exploration of Heritage

For families seeking a more personalized connection to their child’s birth province, the Province Tours provide an unparalleled opportunity. These 8-day tours are focused on immersing participants in the local culture, cuisine, and customs of a specific region. Visiting the birthplace of the adoptee can be a deeply emotional and affirming experience, and CCAI ensures that each tour is tailored to facilitate that personal connection. During a Province Tour, families can expect to dive deep into the local way of life. From sampling traditional dishes to learning about regional dialects and customs, this type of tour is perfect for those who want to explore the roots of their child’s heritage more intimately. CCAI also offers the option to add a personal birth city and orphanage visit to any tour, subject to availability. This special visit is often a profound moment for adoptees and their families, providing a tangible link to the adoptee’s early life and an opportunity to honor their past while celebrating their present.

Custom Tours: Tailored to Your Dreams

CCAI’s China adoption Heritage Tours extend beyond the standard offerings to provide custom experiences for families and individuals looking for a more bespoke journey. Whether you’re traveling with an extended family group or have specific experiences on your bucket list, CCAI is committed to creating individualized itineraries that cater to your unique interests. Custom Tours offer the flexibility to design a trip around your family’s specific needs and preferences. Whether your dream is to travel in VIP luxury, enjoy an immersive cultural experience, or combine your heritage journey with other personal interests, CCAI’s team is ready to make it happen. By working closely with you to create the perfect itinerary, CCAI ensures that your tour reflects your family’s vision and goals, offering an experience that is as meaningful as it is memorable.

A Journey of a Lifetime

At its core, CCAI’s China Heritage Tours are about more than just visiting landmarks or exploring scenic destinations—they are about fostering connection, understanding, and reflection. By giving adoptive families the opportunity to connect with China’s culture, history, and their child’s origins, these tours offer a profound and enriching experience that resonates long after the trip has ended. Whether you choose a Grand Tour to explore the breadth of China or a Province Tour to dive deep into the heart of your child’s birthplace, CCAI is dedicated to making each journey a trip of a lifetime. These China culture tours provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for families and adoptees to explore their roots, reflect on their heritage, and strengthen their connection to the country that plays such a vital role in their story.

Travelers have the option to include a personalized visit to their birth city and orphanage as part of any tour, provided the orphanage is open to visitors. To arrange this, make sure to select the “Add an Orphanage Visit” option on your tour registration form.

Please note that tour prices are based on a minimum of 15 participants. If the travel group falls below this number, the price may be subject to an increase.

$1,739/child   $2,039/adult

$1,999/child   $2,299/adult

$1,999/child   $2,299/adult

$1,999/child   $2,299/adult

China Grand Tours

Among our most popular offerings, the Grand Tours present families with a comprehensive and awe-inspiring view of China. These trips take travelers through some of the country’s most celebrated sites, from the ancient grandeur of the Great Wall of China to the tranquil beauty of the Li River in Guilin. The itinerary also includes visits to the bustling cities of Beijing and Xi’an, where travelers can marvel at the Temple of Heaven, the Terracotta Warriors, and other world-renowned landmarks. These China heritage tours provide a captivating window into the country’s past and present, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and wonders that have shaped China.

Specialty Tours

Specialty Tours take you off the proverbial beaten path and highlight the roads less traveled. Some like to call these tours Grand Tours #2 and we tend to agree. If you have already experienced a Grand Tour but still hope to expand your China travels, a Specialty Tour may be just the ticket!

$1,669/child     $1,799/adult

Get lost in the metropolitan landscape of Shanghai, where Old China meets New and East meets West. Try Shanghai’s famous cuisine and be sure to stop by the Bund before our guide whisks you off on a tour through some of east coast China’s most best-kept-secret getaways. Luckiest of all, this tour brings travelers to the stunning peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and China’s “most poetic” mountain!

Booking Deadline: October 18, 2024

$1,400/child $1,500/adult

$1,460/child $1,660/adult

$1,630/child $1,760/adult

$1,600/child $1,700/adult

$1,650/child $1,750/adult

Guangdong Province

$1,650/child $1,750/adult

Province Tours

For families and adoptees seeking a more personalized connection to their child’s birth province, the Province Tours provide an unparalleled opportunity. These 8-day tours are focused on immersing participants in the local culture, cuisine, and customs of a specific region. Visiting the birthplace of the adoptee can be a deeply emotional and affirming experience, and CCAI ensures that each tour is tailored to facilitate that personal connection. 

Custom Tours

CCAI’s China adoption heritage tours extend beyond the standard offerings to provide custom experiences for families and individuals looking for a more bespoke journey. Whether traveling with an extended family group or having specific experiences on your bucket list, CCAI is committed to creating individualized itineraries that cater to your unique interests. 

Deluxe China Heritage Tour

Prices Vary

Experience luxury travel at its finest!  If you’re seeking a 5-star, premium journey, we’ll design a custom itinerary filled with all the premium touches you desire. Your VIP China tour is just a phone call away!

Custom Private China Heritage Tour

Prices vary

Our expertise lies in designing custom itineraries that fit your unique preferences. From unforgettable family vacations and immersive school trips to the honeymoon of a lifetime, we’ll handle every detail to ensure your trip is perfectly tailored to you!

Travel Resources

What to Pack

The right outfits take time

China Visa Information

Everything you need to know about that pesky little piece of paper

Travel Tips

It's never too early to start becoming a pro

Frequently Asked Questions
Tour Logistics

hidden accordion

 

Each tour group is broken down into smaller travel parties, typically consisting of 8-12 families, depending on the overall group size, with each group accompanied by its own dedicated tour guide for the entire trip.

Whenever possible, we organize groups by the age range of adoptee travelers. Groups will have staggered bus departures, sightseeing schedules, and often dine at different restaurants for group meals to ensure a smooth and personalized experience.

Absolutely!

To make any requests regarding your travel group, please email heritagetours@theparkcommunity.org. The sooner you submit your requests, the better the chance we’ll be able to accommodate them. We do our best to fulfill all requests.

Certainly! Please ensure that all participants register together under the same profile. The email address used during registration will be the primary contact for all Heritage Tour updates, so remember to share important information with your travel companions if they don’t have access to that email.

 

Absolutely! Our Heritage Tours are open to everyone. Feel free to spread the word—we’d love to help turn your travel dreams into a reality!

Yes, you can, but please understand that unused tours are non-refundable and the cost of the Tour package is a fixed cost.

Please let us know in advance  of your decisions so that we can confirm your preferences with your tour guide.

$3-6 or 20-35 RMB per day per person in your party for each tour guide. It is fine to tip in either USD or RMB currency. You should plan to tip $1-3 or 7-20 RMB per day per person in your party for tour bus drivers. To make tipping easier for your family, you can tip your guide & bus driver at the end of each city on the tour. 

Tour Preparation

hidden accordion

China no longer requires a negative PCR test to enter China.

Wearing a mask is suggested at airports and train stations. In more crowded sight-seeing areas, some people still choose to wear masks, especially elders and kids, but it is not required. 
There are no more public COVID testing stations or daily requirements.

China has no specific immunization requirements for entering their country and the U.S. has no immunization requirements for re-entry. This includes no requirements for COVID immunizations.

We recommend that you ask your personal physician, a travel/immunization clinic, and/or the Center for Disease Control about any vaccinations requirement updates or suggestions.

CDC website for specific recommendations.

Each traveler will need:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from departure date
  • Chinese tourist visa (L visa)
    • Obtain a Chinese tourist visa from a Chinese Embassy/Consulate prior to travel. For more detailed information on travel visas, please view our Visa Information page.

Please check your passport and the passports of each individual in your travel party to verify that all expire at least 6 months after your tour dates.

Due to the unpredictability of international travel, we highly recommend that you purchase international travel and medical emergency insurance. Visit our Tour Resources section for more information.

All of the hotels we will be staying at have in-house clinics for any mild medical needs. For anything more urgent, our guides are able to take you to the nearest hospital, if needed.

For any prescription medication, it is recommended that they be kept in their original containers in case of emergency. Make sure that you pack amounts slightly more than enough for the entire trip and have a plan for the drastic time change. For more information regarding medications in your carry-on or checked bags please visit TSA guidelines.  

Yes, all of our tour guides will try their utmost to help ensure that all meals are safe for any dietary restrictions. However, due to cultural and culinary differences in China, we cannot guarantee anything and suggest taking caution and packing snacks if food allergies are severe.

Please mention any and all food allergies, dietary needs, or health concerns on your registration form. This will help our guides better prepare.

We also have translated cards available for common allergies or physical conditions. Visit our Tour Resources section to find these under “Travel Tips”. If you would like a translated card that is not yet listed, please contact us.

For in-China flights:

  • Checked luggage weight allowance: ≤ 44 lbs
  • Carry-on size restrictions: 14in. x 19in. x 22in.

Plan to bring an additional $50-$100 if you are a heavy packer. You may lock your bag for in-China flights but you must leave your bag unlocked for your international flights.

For bullet train travel:

  • Checked luggage weight allowance: ≤ 110 lbs.
  • Carry-on weight allowance: ≤ 44 lbs.
  • Carry-on size restrictions: 36in. x 36in. x 36in.

Your hotels on the trip will have laundry services available; however, with the quick speed of the trip, it can be challenging to get hotel laundry done in time. Plan on only being able to do laundry when you are staying at least 2 nights in a given city so that your clothes have ample time to dry.

Please keep in mind that hotel laundry services can be very expensive. Be sure to carefully review the laundry form provided by the hotel in regards to the price per item. There may be some opportunities to have your laundry done outside of the hotel in Chengdu and Guilin. These options could be cheaper.  Your guide will be able to notify you if this service is available. 

Cost & Fees

hidden accordion

A $200/traveler deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is applied toward your tour total and is non-refundable except under extenuating circumstances.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about this deposit.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to provide free trip coverage for adoptees traveling on a heritage tour.

Your tour fee does not cover:

  • International airfares
  • Passport and/or China Visa fees
  • Tips or gratuity
    • Suggested tip amount for Guide: $3-6 or 20-40RMB/day/person
    • Suggested tip amount for Driver: $1.5-3 or 10-20RMB/day/person
  • Additional $330 for single room occupancy in hotels
  • Personal expenses, spending money
  • Meals not included on the itinerary
    • Approximately $20-$40/person/day for any lunch & dinner
  • Any optional tour excursions
  • Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary

Click here to view our 2024 Specialty Tour Add-Ons Fee Schedule

Birth City & Orphanage Visit

hidden accordion

*Please keep in mind that orphanage visits are not guaranteed and will be at the discretion of the orphanage.*

For an orphanage visit, you will need:

  • Adoption Registration Certificate
  • Abandonment Certificate (Chinese version)
  • Printed copies of Adoption Registration Certificate, U.S. passport, and Abandonment Certificate to bring with you to China.
  • Orphanage Visit Application Form (completed by CCAI in-China staff)

Yes, to everything except the orphanage visit itself. Pending approval of your Orphanage Visit Application, our guides can contact the orphanage for you, but the go/no go decision is ultimately up to the orphanage. 

Your Orphanage City Tour costs (including hotels, flights/trains, transportation, guide services, etc.) will be calculated specifically for your trip.

Yes! You can take a day trip to visit your/your child’s orphanage in Shanghai, Suzhou, or Hangzhou while the group is traveling in each particular city. The additional cost of this would be approximately $200-$500 per family per orphanage visit.

  • Day 1: Fly into the capital city of your birth province. Get settled and acquainted with the area.
  • Day 2: Drive to birth city/town, visit the orphanage, visit foster parents and finding spot (if information is available), stay overnight in the birth city or travel back to the provincial capital
  • Day 3: Free day or sightseeing before flying either to join the main tour OR to fly back to the U.S.

hidden accordion

Yes, this we are happy to plan a Birth Province & Orphanage Tour itinerary for whatever length you would like! Additional costs will be communicated accordingly.

Yes, this is possible in most cases. Please be sure to note this on your registration form and we will work with you to make sure we understand all of your needs.

  • Although gifts are not required as part of the orphanage visit, if you would like to bring a gift, you can consider bringing small toys or school/art supplies for the children. You may also consider inquiring with the orphanage about any specific needs they may have. If you would like, you can purchase what is needed in China.

    Gifts/donations are strictly optional. 

Colorado Gives Day is here!

Donate now through Colorado Gives and your gift will be matched 1-for-1!

Give the gift of hope, home, and healing today!

GiGi Pleet

Adoption Program Specialist

GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family.  GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives.  GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAI’s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.
 
Joined CCAI:  Originally 2014 – 2020, rejoined 2022
 
Bucket List Item:  To see all Seven Wonders of the World 

Contact Information

gigi@ccaifamily.org

(303) 850-9998 ext. 300

Emily Straut

The Park Administrative Assistant

Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002!  Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”

Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family. 

Bucket List: Visit every province in China!

Contact Information

emily@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 170

CO Team Line 4

Ivy Buchanan

The Park Adoptee Program Coordinator

Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.

Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI. 

In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.

Joined CCAI: 2023

Top Bucket List Items:

  • A trail ride through “Middle Earth” in New Zealand
  • Volunteering for a few weeks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Sleeping in a hammock on a beach

Contact Information

ivy@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 205

CO Team Line 1

Colorado Expenses

ExpenseAmountPmt MethodPay ToDue
Application Fee$250Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIApplication submission
Child Abuse Record Search$35/FamilyCheckCO Dept of Human ServiceApplication submission
IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee$500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAI (Sent to IAAME)After App Approval
First Program Fee (Includes Home Study)$5,700Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIAfter App Approval
CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search$39.50 per personMoney OrderColorado Bureau of InvestigationAfter App Approval
USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting$775 plus $85/adultCheck/Money OrderUS Dept. of Homeland SecurityUpon I-800A submission
Dossier PreparationApprox. $450-$900Check/Money OrderSecretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s)As preparing Dossier
Second Program Fee$5,050Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIDossier Submission
CCCWA Fee$1,270Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIDossier Submission
Third Program Fee$5,500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee$300Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Court Validation Deposit$200CheckCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable)$450Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Visa to enter China$140 (plus courier fee)Check/Credit CardChinese Consulate via a courier/travel agencyApproximately one month before travel to China
US Domestic & International Airfare$1,000 – $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket)Credit CardA travel agency/airline of your choice

Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure

In China Travel & AccommodationsApprox. $4,000-$4,400 for two adultsACH WithdrawalCCAI (wired to China)Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
Adoption Registration and Notarization$800 – $1,000CashLocal government in ChinaIn China
Orphanage Donation(Voluntary)Cash or WireOrphanageIn China
Child’s Passport$100-$150CashLocal passport agencyIn China
Food$700 – $800 per coupleCash/Credit CardHotel(s), restaurant(s)In China
Child Physical & Photo$130-$150CashClinicIn Guangzhou, China
Child U.S. Entry Visa$325Cash or CheckU.S. ConsulateIn China
Court Validation Fee$167CheckCounty CourtAfter U.S. Return
Child’s Colorado Birth Certificate$37.75CheckColorado Vital Statistics OfficeAfter U.S. Return
Lutheran Family Services$250CheckLutheran Family Services via CCAIWhen Home Study is approved by CCAI