Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away...
General/Cultural school trips to China
A tour of China will be the experience of a lifetime for many students. The diverse mix of historical landmarks, incredible scenery and interactive Chinese experiences reveal the rich and long history of one of the oldest civilisations in the world that’s now re-inventing itself for the 21st century. As many aspects of Chinese life are so different from that in the UK, a tour here will help to give students an appreciation of different cultures and lifestyles.

- Itinerary
- Visits
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Support
- Resources

Below, you’ll find an example of one of our most popular itinerary choices, but we can tailor-make yours from scratch to meet your exact requirements...
6 day inclusive Beijing itinerary package - £905pp*
Travelling on selected dates in February 2013
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| *Price shown based on 30 paying passengers travelling in April 2012 departing from a London airport & is subject to availablility. Flight supplements may apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our most popular visits in China for General & Cultural school trips
Here are some of our most popular visits in China for General & Cultural groups. We can tailor-make an itinerary to your exact needs. Call 0845 688 8988 to create your itinerary from scratch today.
Beijing - Key Educational Visits
This is the political, cultural and educational centre of China, with historic buildings and landmarks showcasing Beijing’s role as an integral part of Chinese history. The city has re-invented itself, and the 2008 Olympic Games were an excellent chance to show the world a modern and vibrant China. NST can provide tailor-made itineraries which help students to compare ancient and modern Chinese culture.
Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs
Built 2,500 years ago, the Great Wall is one of China’s most historic and magnificent sights. An awe-inspiring attraction and one not to be missed! Many groups combine their visit with one to the Ming Tombs, the final resting place and mausoleums of 13 of the 16 Ming Dynasty emperors. Students can also walk the Sacred Way, flanked with detailed Ming Dynasty animal sculptures.
Forbidden City
Allow your students the opportunity to explore this mystical complex, which was for many years the symbolic heart of both the capital and the empire. It boasts a maze of 800 buildings and thousands of chambers, each constructed during the Mongol and Ming dynasties.
Temple of Heaven
Considered to be the most beautiful building in the City, The Temple of Heaven is conceived as the meeting point between heaven and earth and symbols of the two are integral to the temple’s layout. Its park is also a popular area in which to sit, drink tea and play and it is easy to see how Chinese people find peaceful seclusion in the grounds.
Tiananmen Square
The first stop for any visitor to Beijing has to be Tiananmen Square. Located in the heart of China, this symbolic public square has witnessed many of the events that have shaped the country’s often turbulent history.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) was a grand imperial palace and royal garden of the Qing Dynasty. The palaces are located in a vast public park, two thirds of which is a lake and imperial gardens in a classical Chinese style making it one of the most scenic spots in Beijing.
Friendship Store & Silk Alley
Beijing is somewhat of a shopper’s paradise and the Friendship Store and Silk Alley in the city are two of the best. Students can haggle for souvenirs such as silk garments, carpets (handmade), craft articles, clothing and books.
Olympic Stadium
The Beijing National Stadium, known colloquially as the Bird’s Nest, was the spectacular setting for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Students can tour this large steel structure while your guide shares their own memories of the games and the legacy the games have left behind.
Beijing - Cultural Experiences
High School Visit
What better way to introduce groups to Chinese culture? Students will meet and talk with students of their own age to discover the similarities and differences between the lives of children in the UK and China.
Chinese Acrobat Show
Chinese acrobatics covers anything from gymnastics and animal tricks to juggling and magic. The performances are spectacular and students will be talking about them for years to come.
Peking Duck Banquet
A famous dish from Beijing and one that has been served since the Imperial era. Your students can enjoy this delicacy and get a real taste of China.
The Legend Kung Fu Show
Chinese martial arts have been practised for over 4,000 years and over the years have developed into a number of styles. This show showcases a spectacle of modern dance and traditional arts to provide a truly unique performance.
Liumingying Village
This traditional Chinese village gives your group an insight into the hard reality of life outside the big cities. Students can visit villagers in their homes and see the hard work that goes into producing their organic food.
Peking Opera
Immerse your group in some traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics.
Xian - Key Educational Visits & Cultural Experiences
This ancient city is now famous as the home of the spectacular Terracotta Warriors. Students will also explore the City Walls, Wild Goose Pagoda and the numerous temples, ruins and mausoleums. Many groups choose to combine a visit to Xian with Beijing and NST can build an itinerary that matches your specific requirements.
Terracotta Army Museum
Students will enjoy this unique visit where more than 8,000 life sized soldiers and horses dating back over 2,000 years, have been unearthed and restored. Remarkably each of the thousands of terracotta warriors has an individual expression and their headdress and design shows which rank of the army they belonged to.
Wild Goose Pagoda
The Wild Goose Pagoda building is square shaped and 64 metres high with a winding spiral staircase, which leads to a spectacular view when ascended.
Huaqing Hot Springs
The springs have been attracting visitors for nearly 2,500 years with mineral rich waters that emerge at around 43°C. A haunt of many former emperors it’s now a complex of bathing houses and pools dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
Xian City Walls
An amazing example of how the ancient Chinese defended their cities. These thick walls have repelled invaders since the 7th century and were reinforced in the 14th century. The only way into the city was through one of the four, intricately decorated, and impenetrable gatehouses.
Chinese Watercolour Painting
Students watch a master of this artistic tradition at work before trying to create their own masterpieces. A highly interactive and fun visit.
Chinese Cookery
At this interactive visit, your group will watch how a traditional Chinese meal is prepared before attempting to make their own and tasting the results.
Tang Dynasty Show
Your group will enjoy an amazing performance of dance, song and costume whilst enjoying a traditional Chinese banquet.
Shanghai - Key Educational Visits & Cultural Experiences
Jade Buddha Temple
This beautiful Buddhist temple is home to the Chamber of Heavenly Kings, the Great Hall and the Jade Buddha Chamber, where the two statues, one of Buddha sitting and the other representing his death, can be viewed.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Ascend this 468 metre high tower, the world’s third tallest TV and radio tower. The tower’s unique architectural design makes the Oriental Pearl TV Tower a truly attractive sight. When viewed from the Bund at night, the tower’s three-dimensional lighting makes it a delight of brilliant colour.
Yuyuan Garden
The gardens are built in traditional Chinese style with numerous rock and tree garden areas, ponds, dragon-lined walls and numerous doorways and bridges separating the various garden areas and pavilions. A delightful visit that gives a real sense of tranquility and history in an otherwise fast-paced city.
Nanjing Road
China’s premier shopping street is a must-see visit, attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. A great opportunity for students to see Western influences on Chinese culture and how modern China is embracing change.
Evening Cruise on the Huangpu River
Why not add an evening cruise along the Huangpu River, passing many spectacularly-lit buildings en route, including scenic spots of the New Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the People’s Hero Memorial Column.
World Expo 2010 Site
The largest ever World Expo has attracted 200 nations and international organisations to take part in the exhibition as well as 70 million visitors from home and abroad, ensuring the widest possible participation in the history of the World Expositions. Although the World Expo ended in October 2010, any of the amazing national buildings are still available to see.
Suzhou
An ancient city with a 2,500 year history offering a real taste of true Chinese culture. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the silk factory. A short cruise on the Grand Canal will fascinate your students as they observe the river life and this amazing city from the ideal viewpoint. Visit Suzhou as part of our 10-day tour which also includes time in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. See below for details or call us today for a fully inclusive package price.
Below, you'll find some of our most popular accommodation options for school groups.
This is just a sample of our full range, so for full details of all properties available, please call 0845 688 8988 to speak to one of our Educational Travel Advisors today.
Rainbow HotelThe Rainbow Hotel is an attractive, modern hotel, built in 1989 and renovated to a high standard in 2007.

Rainbow Hotel
The Rainbow Hotel is a large, modern hotel with excellent facilities, located in the heart of Beijing and within easy reach of most of the city’s main attractions.

AddressNo 11 Xijing Road | Local Rating |
Capacity700 guests in 366 rooms over 13 floors. |

Location Information
The Rainbow Hotel is located in the centre of the city, close to Tiananmen Square, just a 45 minute ride from Capitol Airport and 15 minutes from Beijing’s Central Station. The Temple of Heaven, arguably the most beautiful building in the city, is just a 10 minute walk from the hotel. A 15 minute walk will bring you to Qianmen Street which 500 years ago was the city’s business centre but is now better known for its range of antiques and its reputation as a place to buy traditional handicrafts, and enjoy local delicacies.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour reception with English-speaking staff
- Large dining room
- 7 Meeting rooms
- Coffee shop
- Bar
- Souvenir shops
- Karaoke room
- 4 lifts
- Disabled facilities: The hotel has 3 rooms which have been specifically adapted for disabled guests.
Student Rooms
- Twin bedded rooms
- En-suite facilities
- Table
- Armchairs
- Satellite TV
- Telephone
- Air-conditioning
- Minibar
- Safety deposit box
Staff Rooms
- Twins/singles
- En-suite facilities
- Table
- Armchairs
- Satellite TV
- Telephone
- Air-conditioning
- Minibar
- Safety deposit box

Magnolia HotelA modern hotel with rooms distributed over 15 floors in a fan shape. The hotel was built in 1988 and last renovated in 2009.

Magnolia Hotel
A pleasant hotel with good facilities, well located for explorations into the city.
Location Information
The hotel is located in the east part of the city, near to Tongji University and the Wujiaochang commercial district, and a one hour drive to / from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.


Accommodation Facilities
- 24-hour Reception
- Lobby / Bar area
- 4 Lifts
- Dining room
- 5 meeting rooms
- Gift shop
- Karaoke room
- Disabled facilities: There are 3 rooms that have been specifically adapted for wheelchair users. The hotel is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Student Rooms
- 2-3 bedded rooms
- En-suite facilities
- TV
- Telephone
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Safety deposit box
- Desk
- Hairdryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Internet access
- Iron & ironing board
- Refrigerator
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- TV
- Telephone
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- Safety deposit box
- Desk
- Hairdryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Internet access
- Iron & ironing board
- Refrigerator


Wan Nian Hotel
A very elegant, well-maintained and welcoming hotel with attentive and courteous staff

Address93 Changle Zhong Road | Local Rating |
Capacity330 rooms spread over 26 floors and served by 5 lifts. The hotel is made up of 3 parts: the 26-story main building, 6-story adjoining building and crescent-shaped annex. |

Location Information
The Wan Nian Hotel is located in the east of the city, 4km from railway station and 48km from the airport, on the road leading to the Terracotta Warriors. The Bank of China is located next door and there is a market nearby.


Accommodation Facilities
- Reception
- Restaurant
- Bar / Lounge
- Hairdresser
- Massage / Beauty Salon
- Laundry
- Currency Exchange
- Business Centre
- Ticket Agency
- Table Tennis
- Indoor swimming pool on 7th floor
- 5 small meeting rooms seating up to 30 people
- Function hall
- Disabled facilities: There are no rooms specifically adapted to wheelchairs users but common areas are wheelchair accessible (lift included) and public bathrooms are also adapted (they have grab bars).
Student Rooms
- 2-3 bedded rooms
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
Staff Rooms
- Twins/Singles
- En-suite facilities
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Telephone

With the help of our partners in China, and the knowledge of your Local Guide, we’ve selected a high standard of hotel and local restaurants which will automatically be included within your full board package price. Prepaying for your meals will make planning your budget easier too.
National & Local Guides
Included in your itinerary price! Your group will be accompanied by an English-speaking National Guide throughout your tour, with an additional Local Guide in each city. You will be provided with useful information at each site, assisted with entry into attractions and all your meals, and given general support as and when you need it. They work closely with our coach drivers to keep the tour running smoothly, and their enthusiasm as well as their knowledge is excellent. Previous groups have rated the quality and enthusiasm of our Guides very highly.






