12-Day Spring Break School Trip for High School and Middle School Students

As soon as you step off the plane at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), your awesome tour guide will be there, holding a sign with your name on it, right outside baggage claim area. After your long journey, kick back and relax—you deserve it!

Morning

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest squares in the world. It was originally the entrance to the imperial city and was later used for announcing royal decrees and holding important celebrations, like the coronation of a new emperor or imperial weddings. This square holds great political significance because of its location and the historical events that have taken place there. If you wake up early in the morning, you can even attend the flag-raising ceremony. It's a solemn ritual that symbolizes patriotism and national pride, deeply rooted in Chinese culture. For Chinese students, participating in the ceremony is something that have to be done every Monday at school.

Stroll from the square to the Forbidden City, also named Palace Museum, which is a must-see spot for international students. This city was once the home to 24 emperors and their families in ancient China, as well as the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese imperial government. It is famous around the world for its great historical importance. While there, you can admire its impressive architecture and scenery, and also learn about the secrets of the royal family.

Next, we'll arrange an interesting activity-Treasure Hunt for students. To complete the game, you'll need to collect all the clues provided by our guide. It's a unique opportunity to learn and enjoy yourself in the world's largest imperial palace. Plus, winners will receive special souvenirs.

Afterwards, lunch will be served at a nearby local restaurant.

Afternoon

Hutong, like a maze, is made up of historic alleys lined with many traditional courtyard houses. For many locals, Beijing and hutong are closely connected. These hutongs represent the residents who live there and serve as a museum of Beijing's folk customs, showing the city's rich history. Sadly, over the past decades, many hutongs have been torn down to make way for modern buildings and wider roads. Fortunately, some historic neighborhoods are being preserved. Here you can choose to stroll on foot to immerse yourself in the atmosphere or rent a bicycle to cover more ground while resting your feet. Alternatively, hiring a rickshaw is another enjoyable way to go. In this Hutong tour, students are encouraged to attend a Chinese calligraphy class at a dweller's home in the Hutong area. By learning Chinese characters, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

(Optional activity: Test your artistic abilities by learning to paint a Peking Opera Face Mask from a skilled Chinese traditional artisan. These masks feature stunning patterns in vibrant colors and delicate, smooth lines, created either with a brush or by hand. The various facial expressions and makeup colors showcase the distinct characteristics of each character)

Evening

In the evening, you will savor the authentic Peking Roast Duck meal at a renowned restaurant.

Morning

The Temple of Heaven stands as a valuable exemplar of ancient Chinese architectural art and represents the largest religious architectural complex in the world dedicated to heaven worshiping from ancient China, where the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would perform rituals to worship heaven and pray for good harvests. While in imperial times, commoners were not allowed to enter this vast park. But today, for a nominal fee, you can enjoy its beauty all day long, and then you will be marveled by its architecture and landscape designs. Students can observe up close the ancient architectures such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall, experiencing their unique architectural styles and historical-cultural charm. In this process, students can gain a deep understanding of the historical background and architectural features of The Temple of Heaven, also explore the scientific mysteries by delving into the acoustic principles of the Echo Wall and the mathematical design of the Circular Mound Altar.

Afternoon

A visit to the Great Wall of China is indispensable on everyone's travel list. Badaling Great Wall approximately 3,741 meters (2.3 miles) long, stands out as the best-preserved and most impressive. It held significant strategic value in ancient times. It is is one of the renowned sections of the Great Wall, widely welcomed for its magnificent scenery and convenient transportation. For junior high school students, Badaling Great Wall is well-equipped with cable cars. Students can choose to hike or take the cable car up and down, making it suitable for junior high school students with varying physical capabilities.

Evening

After such a long hike, the evening schedule is more relaxing. On the way back to the hotel, we will pass the Water Cube and Bird's Nest, where you will be surprised by the imagination and creativity of the designer. They were both landmarks of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and also symbols of "new" Beijing.

Morning

The Summer Palace is undoubtedly a beautiful place to visit, featuring magnificent architecture, charming scenery, and a rich history. It originally served as the imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty and was later greatly expanded and renovated by Empress Dowager Cixi. She often spent her summers, entertained guests, repeatedly summoned officials and the received the diplomatic envoys here. Apart from its story in the past, students can stroll through the Long Corridor that ends at the Marble Boat, climb the Longevity Hill and have a sweeping views of the Summer Palace and the Fragrant Hills.

(Optional activity: If you decide to join us during the semester, we can offer alternative trip to exchange with middle school students from sister schools in Beijing. It will be a unique and  unforgettable experience to exchange with students from top-tier urban schools. In later trip to Xi'an, we will accordingly prepare an uncommon experience for you to visit different level-school from that in Beijing. This will give you a chance to glimpse the diverse campus life experienced by students from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Beijing and Xi'an. If you're particularly interested in exploring and exchanging ideas at schools excelling in specific fields, we can also organize visits and interactions at those institutions, such as high schools known for their excellence in science, arts, or foreign language education.)

Afternoon

After lunch, you will board the high-speed train to embark on a journey of 1,216 kilometers to Xi'an. After 4 hours, you will arrive at Xi'an North Railway Station, where you will be greeted by enthusiastic drivers and guides. You can take a rest or walk around the city after you check in to your hotel.

Morning

Today, you will dedicate the bulk of your time to the exploration of the world wonder of The Terracotta Army, (also known as the Terracotta Warriors), which represents the subterranean military escort of Emperor Qin Shihuang (the first emperor to unify China). It is said that Emperor Qin intended to wield his authority beyond life with this army, which comprises different branches of the armed force, chariots, horses as well as their weapons, especially thousands of life-sized statues with diverse heights and facial characteristics. Up until now, there are four pits dug and most still buried in the pits. While admiring the Terracotta Army, you might also be curious about how ancient craftsmen created these figures. Getting out of the museum, you will have the opportunity to craft a clay warrior in person at a local artisan's workshop nestled within a cave dwelling.

Afternoon

Coming out of The Terracotta Army, we will head to Huaqing Palace, built on Mount Li in Lintong, Shaanxi province in the Tang Dynasty. Huaqing Palace was once a royal garden for emperors of various dynasties to visit and enjoy. Students will explore Tang Imperial Baths Site Museum, take a scenic ride through Mount Li, renowned for the famous event of "Lighting Beacon Fires to Entertain Feudal Lords". They can also visit the Pavilion of the Military Counsel, where they can trace the historic events of the Xi'an Incident.

Evening

As night falls, we have specially arranged a performance of "The Everlasting Sorrow". Through a blend of light and shadow, the timeless romance story of Emperor Xuanzong and Concubine Yang Guifei is brought back to life. With melodious music and stunning stage effects, let the fragments of history replay before your eyes, feeling that deep affection that transcends time and space.

Morning

Today you will visit 600-year-old Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the largest well-preserved ancient military defensive systems in the world, and it can be traced to 1400 years ago actually. It was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty as a military defense system, utilizing the structures of the Tang Dynasty city wall as its foundation.This city's defensive complex, consists of drawbridge, ramparts, embrasure towers, the main tower, turrets, watchtowers, parapets, crenels and its adjacent forest belt, moat, ring roads. This complex system not only safeguards the city but also transforms into a vibrant urban park. From atop the wall, you can enjoy breathtaking views of both Xi'an's historic and modern districts. Cycling along the wall offers a truly unique and memorable experience.

After coming down from the City Wall, you will go to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist building in Xi 'an. It is built in the Tang Dynasty, with not only great historical and cultural value, but also dreamy and colorful scenes in different seasons.

Afternoon

It is a lovely way to spend afternoon in the Muslim Quarter, which offers an insightful exploration of the local Muslim community. Xi'an, serving as the origin of the famous Silk Road, has been drawing traders from the West since the 1st century BC. The ancestors of these Muslims lived harmoniously with the Han people in Xian. As night descends, the Muslim Quarter becomes one of the busiest places in Xi'an. Here, you'll find an array of exotic shops and flavorful restaurants lined up, taste the local cuisine and explore traditional markets, immersing yourself in the area's distinctive cultural fusion.

Additionally, the Great Mosque is another unmissable attraction, which is one of the largest and best preserved early mosques in China. By the 8th century AD, Xi'an has become the world's largest city, with a population exceeding one million, one-third of which were foreigners. They lived with Han people, learn local laws and customs, at the same time preach Islam to the locals. So they concurrently constructed the Great Mosque for their religious practices. Following reconstructions and expansions during subsequent dynasties, the Great Mosque transformed into an architectural complex featuring large-scale pavilions, towers, arches, and palaces. Its unique fusion of Chinese architectural features with mosque design is certainly worth seeing.

Morning

Hanyang Mausoleum (also called Hanyangling Museum) is a tomb from Western Han Dynasty and it is the most intact royal mausoleum. It serves as the joint tomb of Emperor Jing and his queen from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) in ancient China. The reign of Emperor Jing, along with his father Emperor Wen, is collectively known as the Rule of Wen and Jing (180 BC-141 BC), which is regarded as one of the golden ages in Chinese history. His reign fostered economic and cultural development, earning him a reputation as a capable emperor. The mausoleum encompasses the emperor's tomb, the empress's tomb, southern and northern burial pits, a ceremonial area, a graveyard for human sacrifices, and a cemetery for criminals. The tomb of Emperor Jing resembles a pyramid without a top, standing prominently in the center, surrounded by numerous satellite tombs scattered in various directions, serving as its protective guardians. In Hanyangling Museum, there is underground exhibition hall for tourist to visit. In the area, tens of thousands of artifacts have been unearthed, including terra-cotta nude figurines and a diverse array of animal sculptures, with vivid expression on their face.

Afternoon

After lunch, the guide will accompany students to Xi'an airport and take a flight from Xi'an to Lijiang in Yunnan Province.

Evening

On arrival, you will be picked up by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel. Your hotel is conveniently situated in the center, so you can easily find plenty of restaurants nearby to enjoy dinner on your own.

Morning

Our first destination today is the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which stands at a height of 5,596 meters (or 18,359 feet). It boasts thirteen peaks that are always covered with snow, making it look like a jade dragon soaring through the clouds-that's how it got its name. It should be noticed that roughly half of China's plant species and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hosts about half of these species, including trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs. The mountain features numerous ravines, creeks, cliffs, and meadows, each named by the Naxi people who have inhabited the area for over 1,000 years. These natural features serve as the backdrop for their myths and legends. Therefore, it is worth visiting and exploring for students.

Afternoon

Lijiang Old Town sits in the heart of Lijiang County. It was built during the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty, making it over 800 years old. This ancient city is well-preserved and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1997. Water is the soul of Lijiang Old Town, with a river flowing right through it. What's unique about Lijiang is the many small streams and brooks that weave through the houses. This clever design, created by the locals long ago, keeps them close to water and keeps it clean. Lijiang Old Town is also the birthplace of Naxi culture. Many traditional Naxi houses survived a major earthquake in Yunnan in 1992. Their strength made Chinese architects reconsider the benefits of traditional homes. By traveling here, students can deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese culture and learn about the customs and traditions of China's diverse ethnic groups.

Morning

Shaxi Ancient Town, situated roughly 1.5 hours by car from Lijiang, offers a serene and authentic atmosphere where the locals are incredibly friendly. Historically, it played a significant role as a key town along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, a remarkable network of trails that facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between different. However, as the Tea-Horse Road declined in importance, Shaxi seemed to be left behind, which has allowed it to retain its original charm and appearance During this visit, students can learn about the town's role in the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and gain an insight into China's rich historical heritage.

As you leisurely wander through this charming ancient town, you can gain insights into the unique lifestyles of the Minority Bai people. The Bai ethnic group, known for their distinct culture and traditions, have been residing in this region for centuries. They are renowned for their intricate architecture, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine. As part of your visit, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a cooking lesson, where you'll learn how to prepare some of the local delicacies of the Bai people.

Afternoon

After having lunch, we will embark on an exciting journey to learn about the traditional dancing of the Bai ethnic minority. Whether you're an experienced dancer or have never danced before, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in and appreciate the local culture. It's a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the Bai people's traditions and customs through the art of dance.

In the late afternoon, you will be taken back to your hotel located in Lijiang, where you can relax and unwind after a fulfilling day of exploring and experiencing the local culture.

Morning

After enjoying your breakfast, please meet your guide who will assist you in transferring to the Lijiang Train Station. From there, you will board a high-speed train and, by lunchtime, arrive in the vibrant city of Kunming.

Afternoon

After a short break, we will drive to Stone Forest, which is one of the world 's most stunning natural creations and known for its significant karst formation landscape. This natural phenomenon reportedly started forming around 270 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period, when the area was believed to be under the ocean. Over countless eons, movements in the earth's crust caused the area to rise and break through the surface. The limestone that was left behind underwent the effects of sun, rain, wind, and earthquakes, eventually evolving into the stunning Stone Forest that we see today. It features numerous distinct areas, each possessing unique characteristics, including the Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Subterranean Stone Forest, Strange Wind Cave, Long Lake, and Dadie Waterfall. The combination of these sights makes it a unparalleled tourist destination, earning it the title of "The First Wonder of the World.

Morning

Start with the visit to Western Hills, renowned for their evergreen forests that cover them and the melodious songs of birds that fill the air. The Western Hills extend along the western shore of Dianchi Lake, offering a delightful view of water, mountains, and sky. From a distance, its undulating horizon resembles a graceful young lady lounging by the lake, which earns it a nickname of "Sleeping Beauty".

Then students move to the Dragon Gate. Carved into the side of a steep cliff, the Dragon Gate stands as the highest temple atop the Western Hills. The temple consists of a collection of grottoes, sculptures, corridors, and pavilions, all hacked from the cliff between 1781 and 1835 by a Taoist monk and his co-workers. Not only is it renowned for its remarkable architecture, but also for its breathtaking scenery. An ancient, winding staircase leads to a natural cliff-top platform. As you climb up and eventually pass through the gateway at the summit, you will be greeted by a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and the entire valley.

Afternoon

In the late afternoon, we will return to Kunming and visit Cuihu Lake, also known as Green Lake. It is a well-known spot for birdwatching, particularly for observing Red-billed Gulls. During winter, thousands of these gulls migrate from Siberia to this area. In Kunming, students will gain valuable insights about this species of bird as well as environmental conservation efforts.

Evening

In the evening, students are recommended to watch Dynamic Yunnan Performance, which is an authentic ethnic musical and dance performance staged at the Yunnan Art Theater. It showcases the exquisite dances and songs of the diverse ethnic minorities in the province. Renowned as the "Goddess of Dance" in China, Mrs. Yang Liping serves as the Chief Director of this production.

Morning

Take an morning flight after breakfast, you will land in Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport before lunch, where you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and lead to your hotel for short break.

Afternoon

If you're curious about what a future city will look like, we will visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, located on the eastern side of People's Square. This impressive, five-story building made of microlite glass is one of the world's largest displays of urban development. In the exhibition hall, you will find an incredible large-scale model showing how Shanghai's urban landscape will look in a few decades, featuring a comprehensive plan with numerous skyscrapers.

Explore Shanghai's tech hub and coffee culture by visiting DJI, a world-renowned leader in drone technology, and Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a paradise for coffee enthusiasts.

(Optional activity: Enjoy a futuristic dining experience at Freshippo's Robot Restaurant, where robots will serve you as your waiters)

Evening

Of course, in the evening, don't miss another symbolic landmark of Shanghai-The Bund, whicih is also an epitome of Shanghai's history. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city's skyline, witness the essence of Shanghai that blends prosperity, history, and elegance. For your memorable dining experience, we highly recommend the renowned restaurants for an unforgettable dinner.