Few countries show students ancient history and rapid modern change side by side the way China does. In a single trip, students can walk the Great Wall, stand in the Forbidden City, explore the ancient city of Xi'an and ride some of the world's fastest trains between cities that have grown almost overnight. Every trip is tailor-made around your group, your subject and your budget.
At a glance
- Suits: Excellent for year 10 and upward
- Subjects: geography, history, business and economics,
- Typical length: 8 days to 25 days
- Best time to go: Easter, summer and October holiday
- Price guide: From £2,500 for 2027 departures
- Teacher places: We will always ensure 2 free of charge teachers travel with the group as a minimum
Geography
China is one of the best places on Earth to study urbanisation. New motorways, high-speed rail lines and high-rise districts appear at a pace students will find hard to believe, and the bullet train cuts journeys of more than ten hours to around three. Beyond the cities, the landscape runs from the mountains of Sichuan and the Tibetan plateau to the river valleys of the Yangtze. Around Yangshuo, students can cycle through rural China and see how life there differs from the cities.
History and culture
Chinese dynasties were building great cities when the pharaohs were building pyramids. Students can explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing, walk the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, and visit Xi'an, the ancient capital at the start of the Silk Road. Spending time with a local family in Sichuan, and cooking a traditional meal together, gives a first-hand view of everyday life.
Business and economics
Few countries have changed as fast as China. Students see a growing consumer economy, mobile payments that have almost replaced cash, and infrastructure built on a scale found nowhere else. It is a strong case study for business and economics students. Depending on where we are travelling to we can always arrange company or factory visits.
Wildlife and the environment
China is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. At the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre in Chengdu, students learn about the giant panda's survival and the pressures its habitat faces, from habitat loss to pollution.
Expeditions: trekking and community projects
For groups wanting a bigger challenge, a China expedition can include a multi-day trek in the mountains of Sichuan towards Mount Siguniang, time helping with a community project in a rural village, and cycling through the countryside around Yangshuo. These trips are physically demanding and include time at high altitude, so students train for several months beforehand. Please get in touch if you feel this is something you are interested in taking on!
Suggested trips: Walls, Warriors and Women 11 Days
What a real trip looked like
In 2017, a London school spent 25 days in China and Eastern Tibet, trekking to the summit of the fourth peak of Mount Siguniang at over 5,000 m. Read about it here.
Safety and support
Every STC trip is accompanied by a full-time professional in-country leader, trained in first aid and critical incident management. We follow FCDO travel advice, which we monitor daily. You can read more about how we manage safety.
Next step
Every China trip is designed around your group. Call us on 01392 660056 or email us to talk through your subject, dates and budget, and we'll put together a tailor-made quote.
Last reviewed: 01.10.2026