Shanghai - Global Influence, Urban Change & Architectural Identity

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

Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation

Day 2 – Host School Immersion: History, Architecture & Urban Life

Full day at partner school
Joint lessons with Chinese students:
Shanghai history and urban development
Architecture and everyday life
Campus tour and student-led discussion
Evening at the Hotel

Day 3 – Imperial China & Classical Design

Visit to Yuyuan Garden
Ming Dynasty garden design
Symbolism, balance and philosophical principles
Study of surrounding historic commercial streets
Architectural sketching and observation tasks
Evening at the Hotel

Day 4 – Shanghai as a Treaty Port & Global City

Guided architectural study of The Bund
Colonial-era trade buildings
Architecture as power and global influence
Visit to the Shanghai Museum
Ancient Chinese history, material culture and art
Reflection session: East–West interaction
Evening cultural walk along The Bund (night skyline)

Day 5 – Host School Exchange: Preservation & Modernisation

Full day at partner school
Joint project work:
Preservation vs redevelopment
Comparing UK and Chinese urban environments
Collaborative presentations with Chinese students
Evening at the Hotel

Day 6 – Revolution, Politics & the Modern State

Visit to the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China
Visit to the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen
Seminar: revolution, reform and political change
Evening cultural performance or local theatre experience

Day 7 – Urban Planning, Art & the Future City

Visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
Past, present and future city models
Study visit to Pudong skyline
Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, World Financial Center
Visit to the China Art Museum
Farewell group dinner in local restaurant

Day 8 – Departure