School trips to Shanghai will give students the opportunity to experience modern China!

Most popular among geography groups and those visiting China on a general and cultural school trip, Shanghai is an exciting destination for any school trip.

Whatever your reason for choosing an educational visit to Shanghai, we’ll work closely with you to design an itinerary that is tailored to your specific requirements and learning objectives.

Read more  about our school trips to Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?

The Pearl of the Orient

Shanghai has been referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and the ‘Paris of the East’. On the Yangtze river delta, the city is home to the world’s busiest container port and is a symbol of modern China’s booming economy.

In fact, it’s one of the most important financial centres in the world and the city’s wealth is clear to see, from the glimmering skyscrapers to the high-end boutiques and Michelin starred restaurants.

Explore a megacity

With a population of more than 33.5 million, Shanghai isn’t just the most populous city in China – it’s the most populous city proper in the world!

This makes it a fantastic choice for a geography school trip focusing on urban growth and change, management of urban resources, the emergence of megacities and sustainable urban development.

When Shanghai was founded, it was a fishing village and market town on the southern estuary of the Yangtze river. It rose to prominence in the 19th century, thanks to the foreign and domestic trade coming through its port, which was one of the five treaty ports that were forced to open to European trade after the First Opium War.

Now the world’s busiest container port, the importance of foreign trade to the development of Shanghai is evident throughout the city.

On your geography school trip to Shanghai, make sure you take some time to explore the city’s urban development at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. Here, your students will learn about both historic and future planned development and can even examine a large scale model of the entirety of urban Shanghai.

Immerse yourselves in Chinese culture

Many school groups who visit Shanghai also include a visit to Beijing. By visiting both, your students will have a fantastic overview of the Chinese culture. They will see the ancient, imperial culture and political present in Beijing, while in Shanghai they will see modern China and the wealth of this economic powerhouse.

Visiting both cities will also show your students the diversity of China. They’ll notice that the food is different to that of Beijing – Shanghainese cuisine is often slightly sweeter than in other parts of China and rice is more common than noodles.

And the influence of western cuisine is also evident here, driven by the city’s history as an important international port.

Book with Halsbury

Take a look at our range of Shanghai school trips below, and then get in touch with one of our tour advisers to discuss your requirements.

Prices from £1,269 pp

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Learn more about our Shanghai school trips

Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

If, like most of our groups, you plan to combine a visit to Shanghai with a visit to Beijing, then we would highly recommend considering a duration of 8 days for your school trip.

You can visit Shanghai at any time of the year.

Shanghai is a huge city, so the easiest way to get around is by coach. We will, of course, provide you with a comfortable coach for use throughout your school trip.

On your school trip to Shanghai, you'll certainly want to visit the iconic Bund and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You also shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the Shanghai Museum, where your group will learn more about Chinese history and culture.

Yes, there are several free things to do in Shanghai. For example, a stroll along the Bund, one of the most recognisable areas of Shanghai, or through the Former French Concession, is completely free. And there are a number of free parks in the city where you can see people practising Tai Chi in the mornings.

Yes, Shanghai is a fantastic destination for a cross-curricular school trip thanks to its excellent opportunities for both geography and Mandarin!

Yes, British citizens do need a visa to enter China. For further information, please see the FCDO website.

Why choose Halsbury?

Here are just a few reasons why teachers choose Halsbury for educational school trips that inspire.

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.

Learn more about Halsbury Travel

School trips tailored to your curriculum

We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.

Discover how we’ll tailor your school trip

Health & safety prioritised

As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.

Find out how we ensure your health and safety

Support every step of the way

We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.

Find out about the support we offer

Financially secure school trips

We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected, so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.

Find out more about our accreditations

Rewarding loyalty scheme

You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.

Explore our loyalty scheme

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The Halsbury Difference

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Rewarding loyalty scheme

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!