A 15-Day Immersive Study Tour Across Eastern China
Tomorrow, Today - China’s Innovation Frontier
Key Details
Immerse yourself in China's dynamic future while staying connected to its cultural heartbeat. This journey takes in four most iconic cities — with students moving seamlessly from ancient traditions to modern labs.
From exploring fintech leaders like Ant Group to visiting AI and robotics hubs in Hangzhou, and from Shenzhen’s innovation giants such as DJI and BYD to Beijing’s global tech players like Xiaomi, students gain direct insight into leading industries to see how ideas move from concept to global impact, while developing cross-cultural awareness, adaptability, and future-ready skills.
This is a route unlike any other — a rare fusion of history and future, tradition and innovation, designed to inspire the global citizens of tomorrow.
Four Cities, Four Stories
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
A top global city and China’s finance gateway, where Bund-era heritage meets super tall skylines and fintech sandboxes.
HANGZHOU
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
UNESCO-listed West Lake alongside the birthplace of China’s digital economy—tea culture next to AI and robotics parks.
SHENZHEN
SHENZHEN
SHENZHEN
China’s “Silicon Valley”: a hardware powerhouse and world leader in drones and EVs, famed for startup speed and maker culture.
BEIJING
SHENZHEN
SHENZHEN
The nation’s political and cultural capital—imperial UNESCO landmarks beside AI labs and platform giants shaping global trends.
SHANGHAI
DAY 1
Arrival. Orientation dinner w/ Ice breaker, and a fun introduction to basic Mandarin.
Optional – Evening Stroll along The Bund
Take in Shanghai’s iconic skyline under the city lights.
DAY 2
Morning - Walking Tour on The Bund & Suzhou Creek. An expert lecture on 'Shanghai and Modern China,' offers a chance to explore the iconic “Museum of International Architecture” along the Huangpu River, uncover Shanghai’s hidden stories, bringing history to life.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Visit Ant Group HQ to explore the Alipay-driven digital finance ecosystem.
Evening - [Workshop] Visit the iconic Yu Garden and join a hands-on craft workshop.
Day 3
Morning - Guided walking tour of the Former French Concession: explore semi-colonial history, architecture, and everyday life in transition while appreciating the artistic heritage of this unique area.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Tour the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Cross to Pudong to explore Lujiazui’s skyline and the Shanghai Tower, tracing Pudong’s rise from farmland to a financial hub.
Evening - Dinner at Shanghai Xintiandi — a vibrant district where renovated Shikumen alley houses blend East and West, offering nightlife in a historic setting.
Day 4
Morning - Visit NIO Shanghai Base to explore smart EV innovation, battery-swap technology, and the brand’s unique user community.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Discuss NIO’s service model and international expansion, including its 50+ battery-swap stations in Norway, Germany, and beyond.
Evening - High-speed Train to Hangzhou
HANGZHOU
DAY 5
Morning – A tour in Alibaba Headquarter.
Afternoon – [Workshop] Engage in candid discussions about cross-border e-commerce, global consumer trends, and China’s role in shaping the future of digital trade.
DAY 6
Morning – Visit Xiaoshan Robot Town and explore a 6,000㎡ exhibition hall with interactive robotics displays, industry showcases, and hands-on experiences.
Alternative: Turing Town – A hub for AI, big data, and cloud computing, home to digital economy experts.
Afternoon – [Workshop] Visit China National Tea Museum and wander on the hills of Longjing Tea Garden, where China’s most famous tea is born. Take part in Song dynasty rituals and experience how Zen philosophy infused Song-era tea ceremonies — where silence, slowness, and spirit steep together.
Day 7
Morning – Sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the lawn at the foot of Solitary Hill.
Afternoon – [Workshop] Visit Unitree Robotics – World leader in quadruped robot R&D, creator of the H1 robot featured on China’s Spring Festival Gala.
Evening - Depart to Shenzhen
SHENZHEN
DAY 8
Morning – Coastal Walk at Yantian Cloud Sea Park.
Afternoon – [Workshop] Explore DJI Headquarter’s Experience Center, the global leader in drone technology. Join DJI campus tour and hands-on drone course and discussion on how DJI commands around 70% of the consumer drone market worldwide.
DAY 9
Morning – Visit BYD Global Headquarter & Factory.
Afternoon – [Workshop] Session on battery chemistry, supply-chain resilience, and the business models that underpin mass EV adoption.
Alternative: Transsion visit
Evening – Flight to Beijing
BEIJING
DAY 10
Morning - Step into the Forbidden City for a deep-dive exploration of its architectural marvels and the rhythms of royal life.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Climb the Jingshan Park, once the imperial garden, for a rare panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City. Continue discussion of Forbidden City and its significance in culture and history.
DAY 11
Morning – Guided historical walking tour of iconic sites including Tiananmen Square and other key historical landmarks, connecting China’s rich past with its dynamic present.
Afternoon – [Workshop] Visit at Xiaomi Group Headquarters to learn about its rapid global growth.
DAY 12
Morning – Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus 1-hour Tai Chi session.
Afternoon – Visit China Science and Technology Museum which is the country’s only national-level, all-encompassing science museum. Enjoy a leisure walk in Olympic Forest Park and explore the lives of the locals.
DAY 13
All day: A hike to Mutianyu Great Wall:the best-preserved sections of the Ming-era Great Wall.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Discuss The Wall Paradox on Great Wall's structure, position, and function.
DAY 14
Morning – Visit Tsinghua University’s College of AI, a hub led by Turing Award laureate Andrew Yao. Explore labs on autonomous driving and AI algorithms.
Tea & Closure - Gather for a tea ceremony and closing reflections. Flight back home.