Shanghai – Modern Mandarin & Global China

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 & Urban First Impressions

  • Arrival in Shanghai and airport transfer to the hotel

  • Welcome briefing: Shanghai as modern, global China

  • Introduction to language journals and observation challenges

  • First impressions walk in the local area

  • Evening meal and rest at the hotel

Day 2 – Youth Culture & Everyday Shanghai

  • Exploration of the Xintiandi and surrounding areas

  • Focus on:

    Everyday Mandarin communication

    Youth culture and modern lifestyles

  • Interactive language activities in a real-world setting

  • Guided task:

    Ordering food, asking questions and engaging in conversation

  • Walk through nearby streets and public spaces

  • Guided discussion on:

    How language reflects ambition and identity

  • Evening at the Hotel

Day 3 – Global Trade & Cultural Identity

  • Walking study of The Bund

  • Focus on:

    Vocabulary of globalisation

    East-meets-West identity

  • Guided speaking task in small groups

  • Walk across to Pudong skyline viewpoints and seeing Shanghai’s skyline transform from historic to futuristic in one view

  • Evening skyline walk, dinner in a local restaurant and supervised free time

Day 4 – Consumer Culture & Communication

  • Exploration of Nanjing Road, a major pedestrian shopping district

  • Focus on:

    Branding and advertising language

    Everyday Mandarin in public spaces

  • Interactive task:

    Conduct short interviews and conversations

  • Exploration of shops, street food and public spaces whilst using Mandarin confidently in busy, real-world situations

  • Evening at the Hotel playing games or having downtime

 

Day 5 – Creative Shanghai & Cultural Expression

  • Visit to the M50 Art District

  • Focus on:

    Contemporary culture and creative expression

    Language through visual storytelling

  • Exploration of galleries, studios and street art

  • Creative task:

    Develop a short presentation inspired by modern Chinese culture

  • Group presentations in a gallery courtyard or studio setting

  • Evening at the Hotel with games and downtime

Day 6 – Media, Technology & Modern Society

  • Exploration of the Lujiazui

  • Focus on:

    Modern communication and digital language

    Global business and media influence

  • Observation and discussion tasks in an urban environment

  • Optional visit to a viewing platform or public space standing amongst some of the tallest buildings in the world

  • Evening river cruise or light show

Day 7 – Reflection & Celebration

  • Mandarin speaking showcase

  • Reflection:

    What is it about Shanghai that represents modern China

  • Free time in a local district for final exploration

  • Farewell celebratory group dinner at a local restaurant near The Bund

Day 8 – Departure

  • Programme close

  • Transfer to airport