Beijing – Art, Identity & Power

The Beijing Art & Design programme explores how Chinese art and visual culture have evolved from imperial craftsmanship and traditional techniques to revolutionary aesthetics and contemporary conceptual expression.

Using Beijing as a living classroom, students examine ceramics, calligraphy, painting and architectural design alongside modern and politically informed art practices. Through museum study, creative workshops, site-based learning and school exchange, students gain insight into how artistic expression reflects belief, power, identity and social change.

This programme supports Art & Design, History, Politics and Global Studies pathways, offering students a rich understanding of continuity and transformation in Chinese visual culture.

Key themes include:

• Traditional art, pottery and material culture

• Calligraphy, symbolism and visual language

• Art and political identity

• Contemporary and conceptual art

• Continuity between past and present

Xi’an – Ancient Craft & Contemporary Expression

The Xi’an Art & Design programme explores how artistic expression in China has evolved from ancient craft traditions to contemporary creative practice, using one of China’s great historic capitals as a living studio.

Students study sculpture, pottery, pattern and architectural form alongside modern reinterpretations of traditional art, examining how materials, techniques and symbolism have been adapted across time. Through museum study, hands-on workshops, site-based learning and school exchange, students gain insight into how ancient visual languages continue to influence modern Chinese art and design.

This programme supports Art & Design, History and Classical Civilisation pathways, offering rich visual inspiration, practical creative experiences and a clear understanding of continuity and change in Chinese art.

Key themes include:

• Sculpture, form and repetition

• Pottery, ceramics and material culture

• Pattern, symbolism and colour

• Contemporary responses to ancient art

• Continuity between past and present

Shanghai + Hangzhou – Modern Creativity & Classical Aesthetics

The Shanghai–Hangzhou Art & Design programme explores China’s creative past and present, combining contemporary design and global visual culture with classical aesthetics and philosophy-led design.

Students investigate modern art, fashion, architecture and urban creativity in Shanghai before contrasting this with Hangzhou’s landscape design, traditional arts and harmony-based aesthetics. Through museum visits, workshops and school exchange, students gain insight into how creativity evolves across time and context.

This programme supports Art & Design, Photography, Architecture and History pathways, and is ideal for GCSE and A Level students seeking varied portfolio inspiration.

Key themes include:

• Contemporary art and design

• Classical aesthetics and harmony

• Urban creativity and visual culture

• Contrast between tradition and modernity

Our Price Guide

Typical course prices cost between £1,895 – £2,200 including flights

*Final prices will vary depending on group size, accommodation and activities undertaken when in China.