Beijing - Art, Identity & Power

The itinerary shown is purely an example. All of our trips can be built around your school’s needs, with so many wonderful things going on in these Chinese cities, there’s so much to see and do…

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Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to Beijing

  • Arrival in Beijing and airport transfer to hotel

  • Welcome briefing: Beijing as a cultural and creative capital

  • Introduction to sketchbooks and creative observation tasks

  • Short orientation walk to absorb first impressions

  • Relaxed group meal and early night

Day 2 – Creative Beijing & Everyday Art

  • Exploration of Nanluoguxiang and surrounding hutong areas

  • Focus on:

    Everyday creativity and street culture

    Traditional architecture and visual identity

  • Sketching, photography and observational tasks

  • Interactive creative activities inspired by local surroundings discovering art and design within everyday Beijing life

  • Evening group dinner in a local restaurant

Day 3 – Imperial Art, Colour & Craft

  • Visit to the Forbidden City

  • Focus on:

    Colour, symbolism, pattern and craftsmanship

    Art as a reflection of imperial power

  • Detail sketching and photography challenges

  • Creative prompt:

    Reimagining imperial colour palettes experiencing one of the world’s greatest artistic and architectural sites

  • Evening at the hotel

Day 4 – Traditional Arts, Craft & Hutong Culture

  • Visit to a cultural centre or workshop focusing on:

    Calligraphy

    Ceramics

    Decorative arts

  • Hands-on calligraphy or brush-painting workshop

  • Exploration of traditional hutong neighbourhoods

  • Focus on:

    Courtyard design and community life

  • Evening hutong experience with local snacks and crafts

  • Group dinner in a traditional courtyard setting creating art using traditional techniques and exploring historic neighbourhoods

 

Day 5 – Contemporary Art & Creative Expression

  • Visit to the 798 Art District

  • Focus on:

    Contemporary Chinese art

    Street art, installations and modern media

  • Creative project:

    Produce a piece inspired by Beijing’s mix of old and new

  • Sketchbook work, photography and concept development

  • Informal student sharing and feedback creating art in one of China’s most influential contemporary art spaces

  • Evening at the hotel

Day 6 – Art, Power & Performance

  • Visit to Tiananmen Square

  • Visit to the National Museum of China

  • Focus on:

    Revolutionary art and visual messaging

    Art as a tool of identity and influence

  • Guided, age-appropriate visual discussion understanding how art reflects political and social change

  • Evening meal and cultural performance (acrobatics, theatre or music)

Day 7 – Reflection, Creativity & Celebration

  • Final creative reflection session

  • Focus on:

    Favourite styles and influences

    How art reflects identity and culture

  • Sketchbook review and sharing

  • Farewell celebratory group dinner at Houhai Lake reflecting on the journey in a vibrant lakeside setting

Day 8 – Departure

  • Final reflections and certificates

  • Programme close

  • Transfer to airport