Geography School Trips & Tours to China

Afternoon: Overnight flight to Beijing

Early afternoon:  Arrival in Beijing & escorted transfer to accommodation. En route visit to the Temple of Heaven

Evening: Evening meal, free time to settle in

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is located in southern Beijing. It was first constructed in 1420, the 18th year of the reign of Ming emperor Yongle and was extended and renovated during the reigns of Ming emperor Jiajing and Qing emperor Qianlong．It was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would worship the god of heaven and pray for good harvest. Covering an area of 273 hectares，it is the largest architectural complex in the world for rituals to pay homage to heaven.

Afternoon: Full day visit to the Great Wall of China & the Ming Tombs

Evening: Evening meal

Great Wall of China

Take your group for a walk along a section of the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, which was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. It winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 21,196 kilometres  from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2,500 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance and is definitely an attraction not to be missed.

The Ming Tombs

Not far from Beijing City, at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, is the Ming Tombs, where lie the mausoleums of thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Since 1409 when Zhu Di, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, built his Changling Tomb here, the succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling during the next 230 years, covering a total area of over 120 square kilometers (46.3 square miles). This is the best preserved tomb area with the most emperors buried. Every year millions of tourists come to the site to appreciate its long history and palatial architecture.

Morning: Beijing Olympic Stadium

Afternoon: visit Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City

Evening: Eveming meal and Peking Duck Banquet

Beijing 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.

Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City

Located at the centre of Beijing city is the remarkable Tiananmen Square, your pupils will gain an appreciation of the cultural diversity the city has to offer.  You can visit the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. The square was the front door to the forbidden city and is a must place to visit in Beijing City.

Morning: The Summer Palace

Afternoon: Shopping in the flagship Friendship Store & neighbouring Silk Alley market

Evening: Evening meal

The Summer Palace    

Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing city, the Summer Palace is 15 kilometres from central Beijing. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long since been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'.

Friendship store & Silk Alley Market    

Take your pupils on an exciting and interesting shopping trip to the Friendship store which is one of the largest departmental stores with a long history in Beijing city.  Plus, take a visit to Silk Alley Market which is probably the most visited place in Beijing.

Morning: Free time

Afternoon: Transfer to airport for return flight to the UK