Beijing - Art, Identity & Power

The itinerary shown is an example and can be adapted to suit each school’s curriculum, interests and travel preferences.

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to Beijing

Day 2 – School Life, Creativity & Making Friends

Full day at partner school
Joint art sessions with Chinese students:
Ice-breaker drawing activities
Comparing UK and Chinese student art styles
Games, social time and creative collaboration
Evening at the Hotel

Day 3 – Imperial Art, Colour & Craft

Visit to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Colour, symbolism, pattern and craftsmanship
Detail sketching and photography challenges
Creative prompt: Imperial colours reimagined
Evening at the Hotel

Day 4 – Traditional Arts, Calligraphy & Street Culture

Visit to museum or cultural centre focusing on:
Ceramics
Calligraphy
Decorative arts
Hands-on calligraphy or brush-painting workshop
Evening hutong experience:
Courtyard streets
Local snacks
Traditional games and crafts

Day 5 – School Project Day: Old Meets New

Second full day at partner school
Joint creative project:
Reinterpreting traditional Chinese art in a modern style
Informal exhibition and peer feedback
Evening at the Hotel

Day 6 – Art, Power & Performance

Visit to Tiananmen Square and the National Museum of China
Focus on:
Revolutionary art
Visual messaging and propaganda
Interactive discussion (age-appropriate, visual-led)
Evening cultural performance
(acrobatics / theatre / music – always a highlight)

Day 7 – Contemporary Art & Celebration

Visit to the 798 Art District
Galleries, installations, street art
Photography and sketchbook work
Final creative reflection:
Favourite styles
Biggest surprises
Farewell group dinner
(local restaurant, shared photos and celebration)

Day 8 – Departure