School trips to China
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Where ancient history meets modern ambition
There’s nowhere quite like China. It’s a place where world‑famous landmarks, fast‑moving cities and centuries‑old traditions sit side by side. Whether you’re walking the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City or wandering through buzzing modern districts, it’s a destination that brings global learning to life.
There’s so much for History, Business & Economics, Geography and Cultural Studies groups to get stuck into. Students can explore imperial dynasties, communist history, rapid urban growth, global manufacturing and modern Chinese culture. Visits like the Terracotta Army, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and Shanghai’s financial district help make sense of China’s past, present and future.
With iconic sights, hands‑on cultural experiences and strong curriculum links, a school trip to China feels immersive, eye‑opening and genuinely unforgettable.
Explore subjects in China
Meet our worldwide experts
Our Tour Designers specialise in turning ambitious ideas into well‑planned school trips. From long‑haul destinations like the USA to emerging global powerhouses such as China, they’ll help you explore what’s possible and design a trip that suits your curriculum, budget and students.
“Our favourite China trips”
Business & Economics trips to China
Shanghai is a global superpower shaping international trade and production.
- Study globalisation, manufacturing and economic growth
- Explore innovation, urbanisation and state control
- Visit Shanghai’s financial district, factories and modern cities
Cultural & Enrichment trips to China
An immersive journey through one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures.
- Experience daily life, traditions and modern Chinese culture
- Explore contrast between ancient heritage and modern cities
- Visit the Great Wall, historic Beijing and contemporary urban centres
Geography trips to China
Discover Paris through the lens of fashion and creativity.
- Visits to top fashion houses & ateliers
- Museum trips & trend tours
- Tailored to your students’ pathway
History trips to China
A world power shaped by revolution, ideology and modern governance.
- Study communism, nationalism and political control
- Explore power, government and society in a one‑party state
- Visit Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and key political centres
Charlotte
“My top pick of things to do and see in China”
China offers a huge range of inspiring learning experiences for students. These are some key visits that work brilliantly for school groups, combining big‑impact moments with strong curriculum connections.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was built over more than two thousand years.
Tiananmen Square (Beijing)
Tiananmen Square was the original gate to the Imperial Palace, and has been burnt down and rebuilt many times between 1417 and 1651.
Friendship Store (Beijing)
In the 1980s, every major town had a Friendship Store. The chain was started in the late 50s as a sign of friendship between the Chinese and foreigners when China first opened to the outside world.
Silk Alley (Beijing)
The new Xiushui Market is a modern five-story building that stands just next to the former grounds of the Silk Street clothes market.
Shanghai Volkswagen Auto
Shanghai Volkswagen, established in 1985, is a Sino-German car making joint venture.
Ming Tombs (Beijing)
The Ming Tombs are the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644).
Temple of Heaven (Beijing)
The Temple of Heaven was completed in 1420, but has been expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was built over more than two thousand years. Construction on the first section began between the 7th and 6th century BC, and the last work on the wall was done between the 14th and 17th centuries. It is one of the Great Wonders from the world and is said to be the only man made object visible from space.
Tiananmen Square (Beijing)
Tiananmen Square was the original gate to the Imperial Palace, and has been burnt down and rebuilt many times between 1417 and 1651. Today, it is remembered as the place where Mao Tse-Tung declared the foundation of the Peoples Republic of China (1949) and more recently was the scene of the 1989 Massacre.
Friendship Store (Beijing)
In the 1980s, every major town had a Friendship Store. The chain was started in the late 50s as a sign of friendship between the Chinese and foreigners when China first opened to the outside world. The Friendship stores have now evolved into a six-story department store selling foreign and domestic goods that welcomes everyone.
Silk Alley (Beijing)
The new Xiushui Market is a modern five-story building that stands just next to the former grounds of the Silk Street clothes market. The imposing structure has a strong traditional Chinese flavour. With about 1,500 stalls, the market is much bigger than the former street, selling bags, cases, shoes, silk goods and Chinese paintings traditional crafts.
Shanghai Volkswagen Auto
Shanghai Volkswagen, established in 1985, is a Sino-German car making joint venture. With an annual capacity of 600,000 cars, it is one of the biggest modern production bases in China. Shanghai Volkswagen has 5 production areas, a technology development centre and has produced seven series products. The tour of Shanghai Volkswagen Auto lasts around 1.5hrs and begins by viewing the company’s introduction film. Then visit the third factory’s product exhibition hall, the Press workshop, the body workshop and assembly workshop. A film about the history of the company ends the visit.
Ming Tombs (Beijing)
The Ming Tombs are the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). They have been perfectly preserved, as has the necropolis of each of the emperors. Because of its long history, palatial and integrated architecture, the site has a high cultural and historic value. The layout and arrangement of all 13 mausoleums are very similar but vary in size and complexity of their structures.
Temple of Heaven (Beijing)
The Temple of Heaven was completed in 1420, but has been expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. Quinian Hall, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with the three blue tiled cone shaped roofs, has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing.
The most popular questions, answered
China challenges assumptions and opens perspectives in ways few other destinations can. Experiencing the country first hand helps students think more globally, develop cultural understanding and approach learning with greater curiosity and openness.
China supports learning across subjects such as geography, business, history, languages and global studies. Esto designs trips that help students explore how culture, economy and tradition interact in a rapidly changing world.
Esto designs itineraries that balance structure with room to absorb and reflect. Students learn through experience, observation and comparison, creating stronger discussion, insight and recall once they return to school.
Accommodation is chosen carefully to support wellbeing, consistency and reassurance on a longer, immersive journey. A dependable base helps students feel secure and settled as they navigate new environments.
Trips include accommodation, transport and a thoughtfully tailored itinerary shaped around learning goals. Planning is detailed and intentional, supporting confidence for both teachers and students throughout the journey.
Esto works closely with teachers as experienced tour designers, guiding the process from early planning through to return. Support is calm and consistent, helping you lead confidently in a very different cultural setting.
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