Excursion

Yangtze Journey: Civilisation & Sustainable Programme

Chengdu • Chongqing • Zhangjiajie • Shanghai
Mar 2026 - Apr 2026
Cultural Immersion

Excursion Overview

This programme explores how early Yangtze civilisations shaped belief, engineering, and urban development, building interdisciplinary skills through archaeological, ecological, and literary inquiry into the enduring human–nature relationship.

Activities

Historical & Cultural Exploration

Explore archaeology, engineering, geology, and ecology to examine Chinese civilisations' scientific reasoning, environmental philosophy, and sustainable human–nature coexistence.

Fun & Immersion Workshops

Engage in opera, culinary arts, and guided explorations to transform cultural knowledge into immersive, applied understanding through hands-on learning.

Reflection & Project-Based Learning

Complete structured learning tasks and reflective reports that synthesise insights across cities and disciplines, strengthening analytical thinking, presentation skills, and independent inquiry.

Recommended Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Chengdu
Morning
Arrival in Chengdu, transfer and programme introduction
Afternoon
Sanxingdui Museum visit, Bronze Age Shu civilisation study, guided archaeological workshop on stratigraphy, artefact preservation, and historical interpretation
Evening
Welcome dinner, social activities, rest
Day 2 – Chengdu: Buddhism & Intangible Heritage
Morning
Mount Emei temple visits, Buddhist philosophy interpretation, pilgrimage culture and landscape–spirituality analysis
Afternoon
Sichuan Opera performance (face-changing techniques)
Evening
Sichuan cuisine experience
Daily Challenge
Through worksheets, explore Buddhist coexistence philosophy via five-sense meditation
Day 3 – Chengdu: Ecology & Classical Literature
Morning
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, supervised conservation practice, biodiversity protection and species vulnerability study
Afternoon
Du Fu Thatched Cottage visit, Tang poetry analysis, literature as social reflection and personal expression
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Compose a short poem with the structural logic of classical chinese poetry, and find inspiration by ecological observation or social reality, applying classical imagery techniques to connect nature.
Day 4 – Chengdu: Ancient Engineering Wisdom
Morning
Dujiangyan Irrigation System field study, structural analysis of the Fish Mouth, Flying Sand Weir, and Bottle-Neck Channel
Afternoon
Sustainable engineering workshop examining dam-free water diversion and ecological harmony principles
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Complete the learning manual analysing hydraulic design and evaluate how modern technology can advance ecological balance and sustainable development.
Day 5 – Chongqing: Historical Transformation & Urban Inquiry
Morning
Coach transfer to Chongqing, Three Gorges Museum visit, learning Yangtze River history and regional transformation study
Afternoon
Liziba rail–architecture integration observation, Chongqing University campus visit, exploring innovation and higher education pathways
Evening
Hongya Cave visit, layered mountain-city architectural exploration.
Daily Challenge
Through artefact research and migration case exploration, evaluate how physical geography shapes social change and examine regional development from multiple historical and ethical perspectives.
Day 6 – Zhangjiajie: Geological Forces & Cultural Landscape
Morning
Travel to Zhangjiajie
Afternoon
Tianmen Mountain ascent visit, sandstone pillar formation and erosion process analysis.
Evening
Regional cultural performance exploring mythology and intangible heritage narratives
Daily Challenge
Create annotated diagrams explaining erosion processes and reflect on how geological forces change over time.
Day 7 – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Morning
Yuanjiajie panoramic exploration, sandstone pillar formation study, vertical stratification and erosion pattern analysis
Afternoon
Group discussion on environmental evolution and landscape preservation strategies
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Produce annotated diagrams explaining erosion processes and evaluate how geological forces shape landforms and influence long-term environmental and cultural development.
Day 8 – Shanghai: The Global Metropolis
Morning
Arrival in Shanghai, Bund architectural comparison, colonial legacy and Pudong skyline analysis
Afternoon
Shanghai Tower visit, vertical urban development and sustainability study
Evening
Huangpu River cruise, Bund and Pudong skyline comparative observation
Daily Challenge
Compare architectural materials and heights analysing colonial legacy and economic ambition.
Day 9 – Shanghai: Classical Gardens & Water Town Heritage
Morning
Yu Garden visit, Ming landscape philosophy and spatial harmony exploration
Afternoon
Zhujiajiao Water Town excursion, Jiangnan commerce and canal heritage study
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Design a conceptual classical garden applying balance, perspective and harmony principles.
Day 10 – Reflection & Departure
Morning
Structured reflection session, synthesis of cross-city historical insights
Afternoon
Group presentations integrating cultural, political, and economic observations.
Evening
Departure transfer, programme conclusion and farewell

Integrated China Field Study Expedition

This programme connects archaeology, philosophy, ecology, engineering, geology, and global urbanism through immersive fieldwork across Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai, fostering interdisciplinary analysis and evidence-based cultural inquiry.

Small Group Learning & Quality Engagement

We maintain a structured cohort size to ensure personalised guidance, strong peer collaboration, and meaningful mentor interaction throughout the journey.

24/7 Student Wellbeing & Support

Our dedicated on-site team provides round-the-clock care and support, ensuring students feel safe, secure, and supported in both their studies and daily life.

Accommodation

4-star hotel with twin/triple rooms

We partner with carefully selected 4-star hotels known for their exceptional standards of comfort, cleanliness, and service. Each room is thoughtfully appointed to provide a safe and relaxing environment for students throughout their stay. Amenities typically include a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room entertainment, daily housekeeping, and essential toiletries. International power outlets and 24-hour hot water ensure convenience and comfort, allowing students to focus fully on their learning experience while enjoying a high-quality residential setting.

Dinning

All students receive breakfast, lunch and dinner, with many chances to taste delicious local cuisine.

Transportation

China National flight, high-speed train, private coach/minibus for tours and fixtures.

Health & Safety

Students are supported by 24/7 trained staff, Welfare Managers, strong supervision ratios, and close links with local doctors and hospitals.

From
£
2700
Age range
14
-
17
years
Duration
10 days 9 nights
Accomodation
4-star hotel with twin/triple rooms
Dates & Prices
TBC
30 Mar 2026
-
07 Apr 2026
TBC
£
2700
TBC
-
TBC
£
TBC
-
TBC
£

What’s included

Hotel & Meals
Coach / National flight transport
Professional tour guide
Local fixtures
Travel insurance
Tour manager

Gallery

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Gallery

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Our Expert Tour Guides

Meet our faculty
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Meet some of our Tour Guides
Betty
Shanghai
5 years of experience
English, Mandarin
With experience across 100+ cities, Betty combines professional expertise with a passion for connecting people to the real China through authentic stories and warm hospitality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your safety and supervision policies?

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What are your tutors' qualifications?

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What is the accommodation like?

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What does the price include?

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Do you help with visas and airport transfers?

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What is a typical day like?

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What are the class sizes and student mix?

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