AM – Arrival

Arrive in Shanghai and get a transfer to you accommodation. Once you have settled in and unpacked get ready to head back out and explore this incredible city.

PM – Explore Shanghai

It’s your first afternoon. Shake hands with one of the world’s most developed cities as you explore three of its most famous areas, People’s Square, Nanjing Road and the Bund, to learn about China’s rapid urban development. Nanjing Road is the world’s longest shopping district, at 5.5km long and with over 1 million visitors a day!

AM – Mandarin lessons

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced. This morning, you’re getting a rigorous series of Mandarin lessons, specially matched to students’ standards.

PM – Chinese history and acrobatic show

You’ve learned the language, now discover the history. Learn about communist history at the underground Propaganda Poster Museum. Next up, Tianzifang, a bohemian culture and arts area. Then, carry on the arty vibe at the Former French Concession’s Art Street. Visit quirky cafés and hip restaurants, concept bars and eclectic breweries, pop-up boutiques and experimental art galleries.

Finish off your day by watching the spectacular ERA acrobatic and theatrical performance

AM – Mandarin lessons

Start the day by refreshing what you learnt on day one with some more Mandarin lessons before treating yourself to some Xiao Long Bao dumplings for lunch.

PM – Yu Yuan Gardens and Bazaar 

Take a chilled afternoon, strolling around the Yu Yuan Gardens to learn more about Chinese garden art. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying – and you’ll see why. Think lush greenery, serene waters and ornate pavilions. Then, try local delicacies or pick up some souvenirs at the Yu Yuan Bazaar, the heart of old Shanghai.

Finish off your day by dining on traditional hotpot. A must try for any trip to China!

AM – Mandarin lessons

Start you day with your next set of mandarin lessons.

PM – Tour Shanghai’s financial district and river cruise

Take a tour of Shanghai’s fancy financial district, Lujiazui. Head up the Pearl TV Tower for a view of the whole city – pick out your favourite spots from the past few days.

To finish off your day, why no take advantage of Shanghai’s beautiful night lights with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River.

AM – Trip to Hangzhou

Hop on a coach to reach Hangzhou early (about 2.5 hours drive), then enjoy a boat ride on West Lake. Look out for stunning temples and pagodas on the shoreline. Later, take a walk down bustling Hefang Ancient Street.

PM – Tea tasting in the Longjing tea fields

Head to the Longjing tea fields to taste some tea leaves. Tea originates in China, so you don’t want to miss this!

From here you will spend the evening on the night train as you travel across to Beijing.

AM – Temple of Heaven

Admire the Temple of Heaven‘s classic imperial Chinese architecture. Then, visit a teahouse – take the chance to experience a Chinese tea ceremony.

PM – Summer Palace

Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Summer Palace. Walk through the spectacular grounds and take a wooden boat across the palatial lake.

AM – The Great Wall 

Make your way to the outskirts of the city and take a 2-3-hour hike to a secluded and fantastically beautiful section of the Great Wall. This is one of the most famous sites in the world – but we know China’s ins and outs, so today we’re sidestepping the big tourist crowds. Make sure you stop by the Olympic Stadium too – you’ve seen it on TV, now it’s up close!

AM – Visit a Chinese school

Make lifelong friends at a local Chinese school, specially matched to meet your school’s curriculum and students’ educational interests. Typically, you’ll take a school tour, join in with some lessons, play sports and eat lunch. If you want to be popular, prepare gifts and a performance for the welcome ceremony in advance.

PM – Tiananmen Square

Learn about China’s fascinating imperial history at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the world’s largest imperial palace and has been the home of 24 emperors! Stroll out to the former imperial gardens, Jingshan Park, for spectacular panoramic views of Beijing.

AM – Final day interactions

There’s plenty of famous landmarks and secret cultural spots, but it’s the people who really make China. Spend a full day interacting with local students. You could be visiting Sun Village, a children centre, talking to kids and planting trees. Alternatively, participate in a seal-making lesson, or have fun on a scavenger hunt in Chuandixia village or one of Beijing’s hutong areas. Hutongs are the traditional courtyard-based residential streets of Beijing.

AM – Departure

Make your way to the airport for your return flight to the UK