History – Beijing, Handan, Nanjing & Shanghai – 10 days

Day 4: Historic Handan

Morning

Spend your first morning in Handan at the site of the 120th HQ of the Eighth Route Army. During the War of Residence against Japan, Shexian county was the strategic centre.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Revolutionary Memorial Hall of Shanxi-Hebei-Shanxi-Henan border region. Discover the histories of famous historical figures, like Dong Biwu, Liu Bocheng, Deng Xiaoping, Xu Xiangqian and Bo Yibo. This is the location of the North China Finance and Economics Conference and the birthplace of People’s Daily.

Day 5: War of Residence

Morning

After breakfast, head for the Shandi village anti-Japanese war site. It’s located in Handang fengfeng mining area, which was built during the war against Japan.

Afternoon

Take an afternoon walk around Xuebu Bridge. Spot the stone sculpture of a young man crawling after a pair of elegant footsteps. Then, head for Huangliang Dream Lv Xian Temple.

Evening

Take advantage of the 15-hour night train journey – get a good night’s rest so that you’re ready to dive into Nanjing in the morning.

Day 6: Six Dynasties

Morning

Pick your way through the Nanjing Six Dynasties – it’s the most comprehensive collection of cultural relics in the six dynasties!

Then, head outside to explore the ancient city walls and Zhonghua Gate.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Confucius temple and Jiangnan Examination Hall, the largest and most influential imperial examination centre in Chinese history.

Evening

Take a leisurely stroll along the serene water of the Qinhuai River, also known as the mother-river of Nanjing.

Day 7: Ancient to Modern Nanjing

Morning

Deepen your knowledge of Dr Sun Yat Sen at the National Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. He was the founder of the Republic of China and one of the forefathers of the China we know today.

Afternoon

Once you’ve refueled, head to Mingxiao Ling, the tomb of the founder of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongwu.

Evening

Take a walk through Xinjiekou, Nanjing’s central business district, to compare between the ancient Nanjing you’ve learned about and the bustling modern Nanjing you see now.

Day 8: Politics

Morning

It’s your last day in Nanjing, so pack everything in! Spend the morning at Nanjing Massacre Museum to find out about the atrocities of war.

Afternoon

Go to the Presidential Palace, the office of the President before the Republic moved it to current-day Taiwan, to learn about China’s recent political history.

Evening

That’s it! On to Shanghai. It’s a bullet train, so it’ll only take an hour.

Day 9: Food & Art in Shanghai

Morning

Take a chilled morning, strolling around the Yu Yuan Gardens to learn more about Chinese garden art. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying – and you’ll see why. Think lush greenery, serene waters and ornate pavilions. Then, try local delicacies or pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the Yu Yuan Bazaar, the heart of old Shanghai.

Afternoon

For lunch, we recommend Shanghai’s famous Xiao Long Bao dumplings. Tweet us a photo if you want to be on the receiving end of some serious food envy!

Learn about China’s communist history at an underground Propaganda Poster Museum. Then visit Tianzifang, a bohemian culture and arts area. Then, carry on the artsy theme as you visit the former French Concession’s art street to learn all about colonial Shanghai. Discover colonial mansions and hear the who-what-where-when-why of the formation of the French Concession. Visit quirky cafés and hip restaurants, concept bars and eclectic breweries, pop-up boutiques and experimental art galleries.

Day 10: So Long, Shanghai!

Morning

It’s home time, but it’s not over. China’s history will follow you back to the classroom…and beyond.