This shortened version of our 14-day culture itinerary covers the three most important urban hubs of China, both in the modern day and in ancient history.
Throughout this 10-day exploration, students will have the chance to examine the intersectionality of culture, history, demography and how it all fits into China’s modern reinvention.
Each of the 3 destinations on the trip is a unique cultural hub: Shanghai, the world’s most populated metropolis, Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road, and Beijing, China’s political centre.
Our school trips are completely customizable and can be tailored to meet your requirements. Additional destinations available for this theme include Shaolin, Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Yunnan. Speak to a specialist now to find out more.
*Prices based on groups of 20 students with 2 free teacher spots.
What's included?
✓ All accommodation costs
✓ Full board meals for the entire trip
✓ All transportation costs, including airport pick-up and drop-off
✓ All activities listed in the itinerary
✓ 1 free teacher per 10 paying students
✓ 24-hour emergency contact support during the trip
✓ Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing
✓ Full financial failure protection
✓ Public liability insurance
✓ Our trips are fully risk-assessed
Day 1: China’s Consumer Culture
Arrive and transfer into the city. With a GDP higher than double the national average and a life expectancy higher than that of the UK, Shanghai is one of the world’s most developed cities. After checking in, students go on a walking tour of People’s Square & Nanjing Road where, every day, one million people shop and upwards of a billion RMB (1,000,000,000,000) changes hands. We then go to the world’s biggest Starbucks! This roastery not only delivers its famous coffee but also some history and insight into how they make their signature blends (drinks not included). We finish the evening with a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Old & New City
We start the day in Old Shanghai to visit the Yu Yuan Gardens and the nearby City God Temple Bazaar to see the local markets in action. Then, for lunch, we tuck into Shanghai’s famous Xiao Long Bao dumplings. Afterwards, we tour Shanghai’s dramatically futuristic financial district, Lujiazui where we head to the top of the Shanghai Tower. In the evening, our guides explain Shanghai’s colonial history as we walk around The Bund. The day ends with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River alongside this historic district.
Day 3: Urban Schooling
Today students will be doing a half-day school exchange at a Chinese school,specially matched to meet your educational interests (let us know what they are). Typically this involves a school tour, joining some lessons, playing some sports, eating lunch together and participating in other various activities alongside Chinese students. Your students will be expected to prepare a small speech or performance for the welcoming ceremony beforehand. The next stop is the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum. Shanghai has the highest urban population in the world and this museum explains how they’re all watered, transported, and housed. We catch the night train to our next stop, the Ancient World’s trade capital and mother of the Silk Road – Xi’an.
