In this awe-inspiring journey, students will quest to Shangri La. Known over the world as a paradise-on-earth, Shangri La and Yunnan represent a part of China that is folklore-like in its tranquillity and beauty.
Traversing Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangrila students will be visiting the Lashi wetlands, seeing the architecture of the Bai minority, and biking around the Erhai Lake. Later in the week, students travel to Lijiang to ride horses on the Ancient Tea Horse road, as well as participate in an ultra-serene yoga and meditation session. Afterwards, we spend time at the Shika snow mountain in Shangrila and participate in a half-day local school exchange.
Want to visit Yunnan but with a different subject focused theme such as Geography, Mandarin, Service, Art or Music? Or combine this itinerary with Chengdu or Hong Kong as an extension? Our school trips are completely customizable and can be tailored to meet your requirements. 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: The Spring City
Arrive to the capital city of Yunnan province and the Spring City of China: Kunming. Located at 1900 meters above sea level, Kunming is famed for both its beauty and international significance. Because of its location close to other Southeast Asian countries, it has been a trade hub between Tibetan, Burmese, Indian and Han cultures for over 2000 years. We start our trip with a walk through Cuihu Park, a leisure-center since the mid 17th century. As well as being a trade and economic center, Kunming houses the military branch responsible for the defense of China’s southwestern borders. We visit the Army Officials School for a short tour and introduction about the military system in China.
Day 2: The Kingdoms of Yunnan
In the morning we visit the Yunnan Nationalities Village where we learn about the ethnic minorities that live in the region. Of the 56 ethnic groups represented in China, almost half – 25 of them – have a historical presence in Yunnan. We then begin our transfer to Dali, the former capital of the Bai and Dali Kingdoms. We stretch our legs upon arriving, walking through the very well-preserved Dali old town area – a great area to shop for souvenirs!
Day 3: Old Towns
We start the morning with a scenic bike ride around the beautiful Erhai Lake (helmets provided). Located at almost 2000 meters above sea level, the lake has been famed for its rich biodiversity and plentiful fishing since the 8th century. However, due to modernization, its natural resources are becoming contaminated (optional: do a biodiversity study with coaching from a local expert). Next, we visit a local fishing town called Shuanglang. Though quickly modernising as well, Shuanglang is one of the lesser-known towns bordering the Erhai lake and students are able to see Bai architecture in its original styles. In the afternoon we begin our transfer to Lijiang – a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a region famous for its continuous ‘Sapien’ inhabitation since 98000 BCE. Keeping with the tranquil vibes of this beautiful city, we start our time here with a yoga/meditation class. We finish the day with some free time which we advise students to spend by exploring the cobbled streets of ancient Lijiang.
Learning Outcomes
Action; students will participate in a hike, a bike hike, a horse ride as well as a yoga retreat enjoying both relaxing and thrilling physical activities. We aim to provide students with amazing active experiences, instilling a positive attitude towards active travelling.
Creativity & Culture; through a half-day school exchange, an in-depth look into the Bai minorities, as well as visiting the Dukezong Tibetan people’s town – students will be shown the diversity and variety of Yunnan’s cultures and society.
Sustainability; The sites visited in this itinerary are some of the most incredible natural wonders of the world. We invite students to compare the legends of Shangri La to its reality as well as consider the environmental policy changes that may irrevocably change these destinations.
Speak to a specialist
"*" indicates required fields