An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
Explore some of China’s most iconic landmarks and geographical features on our school geography trips to China. These tours take in three major cities: Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu, as well as the Three Gorges Dam – exploring the longest river in Asia, the world’s largest hydroelectric project and a panda conservation volunteer experience.
Trip Highlights
Climb the Great Wall of China
Visit the Three Gorges Dam
Volunteer at a Giant Panda Research Centre in Chengdu
Cycle on top of Xi’an’s ancient City Wall
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart UK on overnight flight to Beijing
1 Arrive in Beijing
2 Transfer to hotel via Olympic sites
3 Temple of Heaven
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
3 Summer Palace
4 Dinner and Kung Fu show
1 Breakfast
2 The Great Wall at Juyongguan Section
3 Hutong rickshaw ride and Tea ceremony
4 Dinner and overnight sleeper train to Xi’an
1 Arrive in Xi’an for breakfast
2 Big Wild Goose Pagoda
3 Bike ride on Ancient City Wall
4 Dinner and night markets
1 Breakfast
2 Terracotta Army
3 Hua Qing Hot Spring
4 Dinner
1 Breakfast
2 Fly to Yichang (1 hour) for Three Gorges Dam site visit
3 Bullet train to Chengdu
4 Dinner and Kung Fu Show
1 Breakfast
2 Dujiangyan Panda Base volunteer experience
3 Dujiangyan ancient irrigation system
4 Dinner, and Wide and Narrow Alley
1 Breakfast
2 Leshan Giant Buddha
3 Wuhou Temple and People’s Park
4 Dinner and Jinli Street
1 Breakfast
2 Dufu Cottage
3 Coach transfer to the airport
4 Flight from Beijing to the UK
Please note: Visa costs are not typically included in price
Recommended excursions
Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, stretching across the Yangtze River in central China. Built to control flooding and generate clean energy for millions of homes, the dam is an impressive example of modern engineering. During a site visit, students can learn how the dam generates electricity, explore its environmental impact and enjoy panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains. The dam is a fascinating site that links geography, science and engineering in a real‑world setting.
Tiananmen Square
It was here on October 1st 1949 that Chairman Mao Tse-Tung announced the founding of the People’s Republic of China to the world. Built during the Ming Dynasty the square is named after Tiananmen Gate, which lies to the north. It’s the third largest of its kind in the world and a significant cultural landmark with the People’s Heroes monument in the centre.
The Forbidden City
This palace lies at the heart of Beijing and was the home of the emperors for over 500 years. Completed in 1420, it is the biggest palace complex in the world covering 74 hectares. Surrounded by a 52m-wide moat, it’s an adventure to explore the labyrinth of rooms, halls and gardens with magnificent decoration and rare curiosities throughout.
The Summer Palace
Situated just outside Beijing, the Summer Palace is the grandest and most well preserved park in China. Construction began in 1750 on these luxury gardens for the royal family, and gradually they have been developed into the magnificent expanse of lawns, streams, bridges, secret gardens and pavilions scattered across the shores of the Kunming Lake.
Great Wall of China
Considered to be one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall today was built in Ming Dynasty and is over 6,000 km long. An amazing feat of defensive architecture, intended to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders, it winds a path over rugged country and steep mountains. Sections within easy reach of Beijing have been restored so that visitors can walk on the wall and see the watch towers.
Kung Fu Show, Beijing
The Legend of Kung Fu tells the story of how the famous martial art originated, with a young monk on the path to enlightenment and the trials he encounters on the way. Fusing modern dance with traditional Chinese arts, it has an important message told through spectacular performances of Kung Fu and acrobatics, making it easy to follow the plot.
Temple of Heaven
Once used by emperors in the heaven worship ceremony, the temple park in Beijing is now one of the grandest examples of China’s sacrificial buildings. First built in 1420, the temple has been enlarged and rebuilt by both the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the heart of the Temple is the Hall of Prayer for good harvest, where the Emperor requested good harvests in his divine capacity as the son of heaven.
Traditional tea house visit
The Chinese tea house has the same cult following as our coffee shop culture. It’s a great way for students to get a taste of oriental tea tradition. The tea ceremony reveals different types of scent, colour, taste and brewing methods for individual blends and their health benefits. The ceremony is an art form and a joy to watch before enjoying a cup.
Hutong Walking Tour
Take a walking tour through Beijing’s traditional back alleys known as Hutongs. See traditional courtyard residences characteristic of how the majority of the population lived in Beijing until the mid-twentieth century. Many Hutongs have been demolished in recent years to make way for modern development but some areas have been protected because of their historical and cultural significance.
Acrobatics Show
Acrobatic art is a traditional Chinese performing art rooted in Chinese culture and dating back to 475-221BC. The ancient acrobatics reflected the lives of the Chinese people and today, all provinces of China have their own acrobatic troupes. Acts such as group gymnastics, meteor juggling and tight rope feats make for a spectacular show for the students.
Terracotta Warriors
Visit this marvellous exhibition of treasures from an archaeological dig that began in 1974 near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. During his reign (246-221BC) an army of nearly 7,000 warriors was made and then buried in pits to guard the emperor in the afterlife.
Tip: Each statue has individually carved features and represents the ancient imperial guard uniform.
Huaqing Hot Springs
Located at the northern foot of Mount Lishan, Huaqing Pool is famous for its beautiful spring landscape and rich history rooted in the Tang Dynasty. The network of plunge and bathing pools with ancient ruins is an exciting way to learn about Chinese spa history.
Tip: The water of the Guifei Pool is known to be mineral rich and has a therapeutic effect on the skin.
Xian City Tour
Xian is one of the oldest cities in China and was the starting point of the famous Silk Road. The city walls are flanked by a deep moat and are the largest example of ancient military defences in the world. Our tour takes in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the south, and the Hui Muslim Quarter in the north where students get a sense of Xian’s cosmopolitan vibe.
Dujiangyan Panda Base – Volunteer experience
An opportunity to get up close to the Giant Panda and learn more about this much loved animal and the efforts being made to protect it. Students spend the morning completing volunteering activities at the panda conservation centre which can include cleaning the enclosures, preparing panda food, planting bamboo trees and visiting the Panda Centre of Science and Education.
Leshan Giant Buddha
This 71 metre tall stone statue is carved out of red sandstone in the cliff face at the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu Rivers. The statue was built for the local population during the Tang Dynasty between 713 and 803 to calm the river spirits in the turbulent waters. This is the largest stone Buddha in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chengdu
Visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys in the Ming and Qing architectural styles which together with Jinli Street form part of the historic and cultural area of Chengdu. Nearby Wuhou Temple was built to commemorate Zhuge Liang, the Marquis Wu of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period (220 – 280). The People’s Park was built in 1911 complete with artificial lake and a teahouse. A monument commemorates the martyrs of the Railway Protection Movement which overthrew the Qing Dynasty.
Dujiangyan Ancient Irrigation System
Built during the Qin Dynasty (221 – 207 BC) this great engineering project controls the river water to prevent flooding, irrigate the land and provide a water supply for over 50 cities in the region – all without the use of dams.
Du Fu Cottage
The reconstructed Cottage, set in a large park, was the former home of the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, sometimes referred to as China’s Shakespeare. During the four years Du Fu lived in the Cottage from AD759 he wrote over 240 poems. The history of the Tang Dynasty can be discovered through his poetry. Other buildings in the park include a museum of historic poetry, a memorial temple in ancient Chinese architectural style and a pagoda.
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom in another country – the culture, history, politics, geography and art
- Gain a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and innovations in China
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Broaden the mind through the study of another culture
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will:
- Visit a foreign country and experience another culture
- Gain a better understanding of China’s role in the modern world
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Understand personal organisation, co-operation and working with others in a variety of environments
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We recently had the pleasure of working with Travelbound to organise our school trip to China, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Every aspect of the journey was thoughtfully curated, from safe, comfortable accommodations to immersive cultural experiences and knowledgeable guides, creating an unforgettable experience for our students.
Norwich School
“
Thank you so much to all at Travelbound for making the trip such a very great success. The itinerary was incredible and the organisation the best that I have ever known on a school trip.
Warwick School
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We have worked with Travelbound for our China trip for the past two years and have had a very positive experience on both occasions. The service has been reliable, efficient and good value for money. We have always felt well supported throughout the planning process, and the trips have run smoothly as a result. Highly recommended!
Jeanne Manuel School
Typical accommodation
China Accommodation ★★★
Why groups like it:
- All our accommodation in China is 3 star & of a very high standard
- We only choose accommodation close to the attractions & points of interest on your itinerary
- We only select accommodation that provides high standards of service
Facilities:
- Guestrooms generally have twin beds
- Rooms are usually equipped with TV and air conditioning
- En-suite facilities are provided
Ready to start planning your school trip?
If you have any questions or would like to book your aventure, please contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.
