Day 1 – Arrival & Introduction to Modern China

• Arrival in Beijing and airport transfer

• Welcome briefing: China’s economy, governance and global role

• Introduction to student journals and observation tasks

• First impressions walk in the local area

• Evening meal and rest after travel

Day 2 – Everyday Economy & Market Forces

• Exploration of Nanluoguxiang and surrounding hutong areas

• Focus on:

  Small businesses and local entrepreneurship

  Consumer behaviour and pricing

• Interactive market challenge:

  Observe products, compare prices and engage with vendors

• Guided discussion on:

  How supply and demand operates in real-world settings negotiating and making real purchasing decisions in a live market environment

• Evening at the hotel
  

Day 3 – Political Power & the State

• Visit to Tiananmen Square

• Visit to the National Museum of China

• Focus on:

  State power and national identity

  China’s historical and economic development

• Guided discussion on:

  The relationship between politics and economic growth standing at the centre of China’s political and economic story

• Evening at the hotel

Day 4 – Governance, Policy & Consumer Economy

• Exploration of central government and administrative areas

• Focus on:

  Governance structures and policy-making

  State-led economic planning

• Seminar-style discussion:

  Comparing UK and Chinese systems

• Evening visit to Wangfujing Street

• Observation of:

  Branding, retail environments and consumer trends experiencing China’s fast-paced consumer economy at night

Day 5 – Innovation, Entrepreneurship & The Beijing Business Challenge

• Exploration of Sanlitun

• Focus on:

  Youth culture and modern consumer trends

  Global brands and market influence

• Market research task:

  Analyse pricing, branding and customer behaviour

• Group challenge: The Beijing Business Challenge

• Interactive task:

  Design and pitch a product or business idea inspired by the Beijing market

• Student presentations in a boardroom-style setting competing in an Apprentice-style business challenge

• Optional evening visit to Sanlitun experiencing Beijing’s international business and lifestyle scene

Day 6 – Growth, Infrastructure & National Ambition

• Visit to the Great Wall of China

• Focus on:

  Infrastructure, labour and large-scale organisation

  National ambition and long-term planning

• Guided discussion on:

  How large projects reflect state priorities

• Optional toboggan descent at Mutianyu section

• Evening cultural performance (acrobatics, music or theatre)

Day 7 – China in the Global Economy

• Workshop: China’s role in global trade and international relations

• Focus on:

  Trade networks and global influence

  Economic relationships with the UK and beyond

• Student reflection:

  Biggest surprises about China’s economy

  How China compares to the UK

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

Day 8 – Departure

• Final reflections and certificates

• Programme close

• Transfer to airport