Faculty-led travel courses · Asia
China Faculty-Led Travel Course
This program explores two of China's leading cities, Beijing and Shanghai. Students walk the Great Wall, move through the busy streets of both metropolises, and learn about China's long history through a range of cultural activities.
Good to know
- Language
- Mandarin Chinese
- Currency
- Renminbi (yuan, CNY)
- Best season
- April–May or September–October
- Typical length
- 10–14 days (customizable)
Highlights
What students will see and do
- Great Wall of ChinaSections near Beijing, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, were built mostly during the Ming dynasty.
- Forbidden CityThe imperial palace complex in central Beijing served as the home of emperors for almost 500 years.
- Temple of HeavenA 15th-century complex in Beijing where emperors performed annual ceremonies for good harvests.
- Tiananmen SquareOne of the largest public squares in the world, in the center of Beijing.
- The BundA waterfront promenade in Shanghai lined with early 20th-century buildings facing the Huangpu River.
- Pudong skylineShanghai's financial district across the river includes the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower.
Faculty-led travel courses
Courses that fit China
Professors build their own syllabus; ARAMFO arranges the visits that bring it to life.
Business & EntrepreneurshipStudents could study China's role in global trade, manufacturing and finance, particularly in Shanghai.
Art, Architecture & HistoryA course could trace imperial Chinese history through palaces, temples and the Great Wall.
Education & Teacher PreparationStudents could compare Chinese and American approaches to curriculum, testing and teacher training.
Psychology, Sociology & Social WorkCourses could examine urbanization, family life and social change in modern China.
Map
Where you will go
Academic and professional visits
- A local university
- A primary or secondary school
- A manufacturing or trade company
- A historic site and museum
Visits are chosen with the professor to match the course.
Itinerary
Sample itinerary
A starting point only — every trip is adjusted to your course, dates and budget.
Customizable. This sample shows the kinds of visits and places available. Days, pace and academic visits are built around your course.
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Day 1
Departure for Beijing
Begin the long flight across the Pacific to China's capital.
- Depart for Beijing
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Day 2
Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and settle in.
- Airport arrival
- Transfer to the hotel
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Day 3
Imperial Beijing
Start at the political heart of China and experience everyday culture in the old alleyways.
- Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
- Chinese tea ceremony and cooking class
- Hutong rickshaw tour
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Day 4
Great Wall and Local Crafts
Walk a section of the Great Wall and see how traditional crafts are made and sold.
- Academic visit matched to your course (university, school, NGO or company)
- Visit to a traditional crafts workshop (jade or cloisonné)
- Great Wall of China
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Day 5
Business and Culture in Beijing
Meet a local business and explore Beijing's collections and shopping streets.
- Visit to a local manufacturing company (matched to your course)
- Capital Museum or a traditional market
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Day 6
Beijing to Shanghai
Visit a community organization, then ride China's high-speed rail to Shanghai in under five hours.
- Visit to a local NGO or children's welfare center
- Market visit
- Afternoon high-speed train to Shanghai
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Day 7
Shanghai Museum and Silk
Begin in Shanghai with ancient Chinese art and a look at the city's textile tradition.
- Shanghai Museum
- Visit to a silk workshop or company
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Day 8
Art, Language and the Bund
Try a traditional art form, visit a cultural program for young people and finish at Shanghai's famous waterfront.
- Chinese calligraphy class
- Shanghai Children's Palace
- M50 art district
- The Bund at dusk
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Day 9
Industry and Art in Shanghai
Look at China's modern industrial base and the city's national-level art museum.
- Visit to a major manufacturing company (matched to your course)
- China Art Museum, the former China Pavilion from Expo 2010
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Day 10
Day Trip to Suzhou
Visit the classical gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Humble Administrator's Garden
- Lingering Garden
- Return to Shanghai
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Day 11
Shanghai Free Day
Use the final full day for markets and last-minute shopping.
- Half-day market visit
- Free time for independent exploration
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Day 12
Departure Day
Transfer to the airport and fly home.
- Transfer to the airport
What is included
ARAMFO arranges everything
You choose the dates and the airport your group flies from. We handle the logistics and the academic visits so you can focus on teaching.
3–6 credit hours, offered through your own department · 8+ students and the professor's travel cost is covered by ARAMFO · Your dates and your departure airport
- Airfare from your preferred airport
- Hotels or student housing
- Meals as set out in the itinerary
- Transportation in the host country
- Tour guides and entrance fees
- University, company and professional visits
- A native guide with the group for the whole trip
- Customized dates and itinerary
Get started
Plan a course in China
Tell us about your course and we will reply with a draft itinerary and cost.