Get a quote

No Fuel Surcharge Pledge

To protect your school’s trip price from unexpected fuel increases, just confirm your trip before the end of term to lock in prices.

Find out more
Temple of Heaven

Cultural school trip to China - Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai

Discover the history of an ancient empire and the future of a new superpower. Your students will experience three of China's most important cities, led by a local guide.

  • Key stage 4 - 16+
  • Dedicated tour guide
  • Year round

An unrivalled cultural experience for school groups in China

China offers unique landscapes where ancient walls meet modern skyscrapers, a trip here guarantees a rich and cultural journey for your students. Home to the infamous Terracotta Army and the unmistakable Giant panda, China has an incredibly expansive history and exciting future. All of our school tours to China are expertly led by a local guide, to guarantee you maximise your time and get the most out of your trip. Their insider knowledge and experience will ensure your students fully understand all of the awe-inspiring attractions China has to offer. This is an exciting time to see a country that plays an integral role on the political world stage and will provide your students with real examples and potential solutions to many current global issues.

A superpower in more than growth and population, the sheer vastness of the country means it is impossible to see it all in one trip, our tours will ensure your students will visit important cities and cultural centres, including Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Beijing is the cultural, political and economic heart of China and provides the perfect starting point for your students to start exploring; here they will uncover ancient palaces, Forbidden cities and modern masterpieces and marvel one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall before walking along it!

Taking the overnight train to X’ian means waking up in one of China’s oldest cities to explore the history here influenced by the Silk Road, before travelling on to Shanghai for an insight into China’s future. The staggering financial centre is an essential visit for students of business and economics and is a prime example of what this futuristic city showcases. This is an integral time to uncover the history of China and find out where it’s heading, an inspiring and engaging destination for students on a cross-curricular level.

Some highlights of our school trips to China:

  • Great Wall of China
  • Temple of Heaven
  • Beijing Zoo
  • Beijing’s Olympic Park
  • Jade Buddha Temple
  • Oriental Pearl Tower

We can tailor your itinerary to your unique learning requirements, please contact us for a bespoke quote.


Itinerary

Day 1 - Beijing

  • Depart UK
  • Arrive in Beijing where you'll be met by your guide 
  • Visit the Olympic Park
  • Transfer to hotel

Day 2 - Beijing

  • Take a walk to Tiananmen Square
  • Visit the Forbidden City
  • An afternoon visit to the Summer palace, housing a huge collection of over a thousand paintings
  • Round off your day with a visit to Beijing zoo - Look out for the Pandas! 

Day 3 - Beijing

  • Visit The Great Wall of China at Juyongguan Section
  • Sacred Way, a serene statue-lined avenue leading to the Ming Tomb
  • Enjoy a tea ceremony
  • Visit Nanluoguxiang Alley

Day 4 - Beijing & Xi'an

  • Temple of Heaven
  • Enjoy the Hutong Walking Tour including lunch with a local family
  • Afternoon bullet train to Xi'an

Day 5 - Xi'an

  • Terracotta Army Museum and workshop
  • Huaqing Hot Spring Park
  • Bell & Drum Tower Square
  • Muslim Market

Day 6 - Xi'an & Suzhou

  • Visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world
  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient Buddhist temple
  • Visit a local food market
  • Transfer to Suzhou

Day 7 - Suzhou & Shanghai

  • Arrive at Suzhou
  • Wangshi Garden 
  • Take a cruise on the Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway
  • Visit Silk Mill to experience the hometown of silk
  • Embroidery Research Institute
  • Transfer to Shanghai

Day 8 - Shanghai

  • Visit Oriental Pearl TV Tower, an iconic building in Shanghai
  • Jade Buddha Temple
  • Walk to the People's Park
  • Visit Yu Garden & Bazaar, a traditional Chinese garden
  • Nanjing Road
  • Walk on the Bund where the past meets the future

Day 9 - Shanghai & UK

  • Breakfast at accommodation
  • Depart Shanghai
  • Arrive back home
Excursions
Panda Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo
Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China
Huangpu River Cruise
Huangpu River Cruise
Hutong
Hutong Walking Tour
Jade Buddha Temple
Jade Buddha Temple
Shanghai skyline
Shanghai Financial Centre
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road
Beijing Olympic Park
Olympic Park
Oriental Pearl Tower
Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum
Summer Palace
Summer Palace
China water village
Suzhou tour
Tea ceremony
Tea ceremony
Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Chinese acrobatic show
Chinese acrobatic show
Panda Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoo

Ooh and aah at the Beijing zoo's most famous residents, the pandas!

Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

Trek the Juyonguan Section of the only manmade structure visible from space – an unforgettable experience!

Huangpu River Cruise

Huangpu River Cruise

Board your boat and cruise the Huangpu River to take in the magnificent Shanghai skyline!

Hutong

Hutong Walking Tour

One of Beijing’s most distinctive urban features, the hutongs have long been at the heart of the capital’s culture. Explore the past, present, and future of the hutongs, Beijing’s network of historic alleyways.

Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is a Buddhist temple in Shanghai. As with many modern Chinese Buddhist temples, the current temple draws from both the Pure Land and Chan traditions of Mahayana Buddhism.

Shanghai skyline

Shanghai Financial Centre

Explore the financial centre of Shanghai on foot and walk the Bund along the waterfront.

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road

Spend some time browsing the main shopping streets in Shanghai.

Beijing Olympic Park

Olympic Park

Visit Beijing’s Olympic Park. See the National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest and see the Aquatics Centre, known as the Water Cube.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower

Travel to the top of the Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower for unmissable views of Shanghai from 400 metres above!

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People's Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai. It is considered one of China's first world-class modern museums.

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage site of lakes, gardens and palaces. Amongst the hills and open water are pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges.

China water village

Suzhou tour

Spend the day visiting a host of sights by coach including Wangshi Garden, a traditional silk mill and cruise along a canal.

Tea ceremony

Tea ceremony

Tea drinking and preparation is an art in Chinese culture. Experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony for yourself!

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is an imperial complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

Visit the city square, infamous as the site of a 1989 protest and massacre.

Chinese acrobatic show

Chinese acrobatic show

Spend the evening watching a Chinese acrobatic performance!

Included

Our long haul school trips include:

  • Dedicated tour guide to lead your group
  • A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
  • Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
  • Return flights and overseas transfers
  • Approximately one free teacher place for every 10 students on the trip
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Assistance with inspection visits
  • Some of our long-haul trips will also include a guide

Extras to budget for:

  • School to airport transfers and meals en route (if required)
  • Visa charges and supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults
  • Local tourist taxes which can only be paid in cash to the hotel
  • Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
  • Hotel damage deposits

Gallery

Desk Image Rebecca 02 copy

Get a quote for this trip ✅

Receive a no-obligation quote for your group from one of our educational travel experts.

Get a quote

No Surprises Quote Commitment

✅ Transparent quotes

✅ No surprises

✅ Reservation assurance

Find out more