Destinations: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Longmen Grottoes, Terracotta Army
This carefully crafted itinerary takes students on a journey through China's imperial capitals-Beijing, Luoyang, and Xi'an-uncovering 5,000 years of civilization. Designed exclusively for foreign high schoolers, it offers four standout advantages:
Immersive Historical Exploration: Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army) with teen-focused guided tours that connect relics to relatable historical narratives.
Hands-On Craft Workshops: Engage in 6+ interactive sessions (silk embroidery, pottery making, shadow puppet crafting) led by master artisans, turning cultural knowledge into tangible skills .
Cultural Exchange Opportunities: Interact with local high school students through joint activities like tai chi and dumpling making, fostering cross-cultural friendships.
Balanced Rhythm: Moderate daily walking distances, comfortable accommodation, and a mix of sightseeing and hands-on experiences ensure an engaging yet manageable journey for teenagers.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Imperial Welcome
Afternoon: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport; meet bilingual guide (English-Chinese) and transfer to central 4-star hotel.
Evening: Welcome dinner at a traditional courtyard restaurant. Learn basic table etiquette and try northern specialties like jiaozi (dumplings) and braised pork.
Ice-Breaking Session: Share travel expectations, receive a study handbook (with historical context and activity guides), and get emergency contact cards.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel with twin rooms (24-hour staff, Wi-Fi, laundry service).
Day 2: Beijing – Imperial Grandeur & Great Wall Adventure
Morning: Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
9:00-12:00: Guided tour of the Forbidden City. Focus on teenage-friendly topics: dragon/phoenix symbolism, imperial family life, and architectural secrets (e.g., "no nails" construction). Participate in a "treasure hunt" to identify 5 cultural relics and win small souvenirs.
12:30-14:00: Lunch near the Forbidden City.
Afternoon: Mutianyu Great Wall
14:30-17:30: Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded, well-maintained). Hike 3 moderate towers with safety briefings. Learn about Ming Dynasty military defense systems and take group photos at the viewing platform.
18:00-19:30: Dinner at a hutong-style eatery. Try zhajiangmian (soybean paste noodles) and interact with local residents.
Evening: Optional: Watch a short documentary on Beijing's history (English subtitles).
Day 3: Beijing – Intangible Heritage & Cultural Exchange
Morning: National Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum
9:00-12:00: Visit the museum and join two workshops :
Chinese Knot Weaving: Learn basic knots and create a friendship bracelet.
Paper Cutting: Master simple patterns symbolizing luck and create decorative art.
12:30-14:00: Lunch at a vegetarian restaurant.
Afternoon: Local High School Exchange
14:30-17:30: Visit a Beijing high school. Join Chinese students for tai chi practice and a calligraphy workshop . Collaborate on a mural painting about cultural exchange.
18:00-19:30: Farewell dinner in Beijing. Enjoy Peking duck and learn the correct way to wrap it in pancakes.
Overnight Train to Luoyang: Board a comfortable sleeper train (8-hour journey, arrives next morning).
Day 4: Luoyang – Ancient Capital & Tang Dynasty Charm
Morning: Arrival & Longmen Grottoes
7:00: Arrive in Luoyang; transfer to garden-style hotel.
9:00-12:00: Tour the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes. Learn about Buddhist art and Tang Dynasty sculpture. Participate in a "mural painting simulation" to understand ancient craftsmanship .
12:30-14:00: Lunch with Tang Dynasty-style dishes (sweet osmanthus pork, braised noodles).
Afternoon: Luoyang Museum & Pottery Workshop
14:30-16:30: Visit Luoyang Museum. Explore artifacts from the Xia to Tang dynasties, including tri-color glazed pottery.
17:00-18:30: Join a tri-color pottery workshop . Mold and paint your own small ceramic piece under the guidance of artisans.
Evening: Walk along Luoyang Old Street. Try local snacks like peony cakes and watch folk performances.
Accommodation: Garden-style hotel in Luoyang.
Day 5: Luoyang → Xi'an – Terracotta Army & Shadow Puppets
8:00-8:30: Breakfast and check-out.
9:00-12:00: High-speed train to Xi'an (1.5 hours, experience "China speed" ).
12:30-14:00: Lunch at a Xi'an-style restaurant. Try biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).
Afternoon: Terracotta Army
14:30-17:30: Guided tour of the Terracotta Army Museum. Learn about Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum and archaeological discoveries. Participate in a "archaeological simulation" to sift through replicas and understand excavation techniques .
Evening: Shadow Puppet Workshop
18:00-19:30: Dinner near the museum.
20:00-21:30: Join a shadow puppet workshop . Learn about this ancient storytelling art, craft a dragon puppet, and perform a short skit with peers.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Xi'an.
Day 6: Xi'an – City Wall & Farewell
Morning: Xi'an City Wall & Cultural Reflection
9:00-11:00: Cycle or walk along the ancient Xi'an City Wall (1-2 hours, moderate pace). Learn about Ming Dynasty city defense and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
11:30-13:00: Lunch and reflection session. Share key takeaways, exchange contact information with peers, and receive a certificate of completion.
Afternoon: Departure
13:30: Transfer to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport for departure.
Essential Logistics for Chaperones
Safety & Support
Bilingual guides with first-aid training accompany the group 24/7.
Emergency contacts (local police, hospitals, embassies) provided to each student.
Transportation: Air-conditioned coaches, high-speed trains (booked in advance), and sleeper train with secure berths.
Preparation Tips for Students
Wear comfortable walking shoes (4-6km daily).
Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a small backpack.
Respect cultural norms: No climbing on relics, cover shoulders/knees in temples.
Keep valuables secure; avoid displaying expensive items
