A school trip to China will be unforgettable – truly broadening your students’ horizons and opening their eyes to a wider world!

Introduce your students to an ancient culture rich with art, literature, music, religion and philosophy. And combine the traditions and history of Beijing with the modernity and innovation of Shanghai, to help your students gain a greater understanding of China as a whole.

Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see the Great Wall of China which, although not quite visible from space, is still an incredible feat of human engineering and tenacity. Other highlights include the historic Forbidden Palace and the politically charged Tiananmen Square, as well as Shanghai’s iconic Bund, which reflects the impact of European involvement in China since the 19th century.

Suggested Itinerary (8 days, 6 nights)

Day Morning Summary Afternoon Summary Evening Summary
1

Overnight flight from the UK to Beijing

2

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel

Visit the Temple of Heaven

Evening free

3

Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Visit the Summer Palace

Evening free

4

Photo stop at the Beijing Olympic Stadium

Visit the Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs

Evening free

5

Visit the Lama Temple and Beijing Hutongs (Old Streets)

Visit Beijing Zoo

Take the overnight train to Shanghai

6

Arrive Shanghai

Visit the Yuyan Garden and Jade Buddha Temple

Visit the Bund

Evening free

7

Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai Museum and People's Square

Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Evening free

8

Transfer to the airport

Flight back to the UK

8 days, 6 nights Price from £1,289 pp
  • Airport transfers in resort
  • Breakfast and lunch daily
  • Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
  • Detailed information pack
  • English-speaking guide
  • Free staff place ratio 1:10
  • Itinerary planning service
  • Overnight train between Beijing and Shanghai
  • Return flights inclusive of tax
  • Visits and entrances as shown in the sample itinerary

Accommodation

Tour Highlights

The Forbidden City

Visit the Forbidden City

This spectacular palace complex lies at the heart of Beijing and consists of 980 surviving buildings.

The largest building in the complex is the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Once the tallest building in the city, it was used for state occasions, such as the emperor’s birthday. The focal point of the building is the impressive Dragon Throne, which sits on a 2m high white jade dais and is backed by carved gilt screens.

The world’s largest collection of well-preserved medieval wooden structures, the Forbidden City is a magnificent example of traditional Chinese architecture and is rich in symbolism, with plenty of dragons, phoenixes and lions on roofs of the most important buildings for prosperity and good fortune.

Did you know?

The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world and is three times the size of the Louvre!

The Bund

Visit the Bund

Shanghai’s focal point, the Bund is the city’s iconic waterfront area and one of its biggest tourist attractions – it’s certainly not to be missed on your school trip to Shanghai!

Once just a muddy bank, the area was settled by the British after the first Opium War in 1842. It was around the turn of the 20th century when much of the spectacular Beaux Arts architecture sprang up as commerce thrived and the area is now one of the most important financial centres in East Asia.

This is the perfect place to people watch and to learn more about Chinese culture and Western colonialism. This is also a fantastic example of modern China and offers an interesting contrast to the history you’ll see in Beijing.

Did you know?

The Bund is known as Waitan in Chinese, which means ‘Outer Beach’.

The Great Wall of China

Visit the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is somewhat of a misnomer, as it would more accurately be described as a collection of fortification systems.

The beginnings of the Wall lie in the fortifications built by the Han, Qi, Qin, Wei, Yan, Zhao and Zhongshan states during the Warring States Period and developed over the centuries to protect China from invaders and to protect the Silk Road trade route.

It’s believed that the length of the entire Wall measures over 21,000km and it is considered one of the greatest architectural feats in human history.

Did you know?

While the Wall is believed to be well over 2,000 years old, the bit we all think of as the Great Wall of China – the stone fortifications around Beijing – are only around 500 years old, having been built during the Ming dynasty.

Educational Activities

Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple

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Although not a particularly old temple (it was re-built in 1928 after the first temple was destroyed in the revolution…

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum

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The Shanghai Museum is located in People’s Square and, although a modern building, encompasses some of the symbolism prevalent in…

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

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The Temple of Heaven is a stunning complex of religious buildings located to the south of the Forbidden City and…

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China

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The Great Wall of China stretches 5,500 miles across northern China, from Shanhaiguan in the eastern province of Hebei, to…

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

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Tiananmen Square is instantly recognisable to all as a symbol of the People’s Republic of China. The gate, after which…

Cultural Activities

Forbidden City

Forbidden City

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The Forbidden City stands in the centre of Beijing as a monument to the city’s imperial history and rich cultural…

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

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The Oriental Pearl Tower is Shanghai’s most recognisable landmark and sits opposite the Bund in Pudong Park. A TV and…

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

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Beijing’s Summer Palace is one of the loveliest royal parks you are ever likely to set your eyes on. Created…

The Bund

The Bund

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The Shanghai Bund has dozens of historical buildingslining the Huangpu River, that once housed numerous banks and trading houses from…

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden

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Yuyuan Garden, a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dates back to the fabled Ming…

Supporting you every step of the way

1 Creating Your Perfect Trip

We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements

2 Launching your trip to parents and students

Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials

3 After you've booked

Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip

4 While you're away

You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help

5 After your trip

Head back to our resources section to continue the learning

Need help?

I love being able to help others experience the joys of travel. Being able to talk enthusiastically about places you have visited yourself is always a pleasure. – Zoe Campbell Learning & Development Manager

Don't take our word for it …

A fabulous trip. Fabulous opportunity for our students to experience new places, see new things and make amazing memories. — Budmouth Technology College , October 2018

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Find out more about our accreditations

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As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.

As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.

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The Halsbury Difference

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