Shenzhen - Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The itinerary shown is an example and can be adapted to suit each school’s curriculum, interests and travel preferences.
Day 1 – Arrival & Introduction to China’s Economic Miracle
Arrival in Shenzhen and airport transfer
Welcome briefing: From fishing village to global tech hub
Introduction to economic journals and enquiry questions
Evening meal and rest
Day 2 – Host School Exchange: Youth, Ambition & Opportunity
Full day at partner school
Joint activities with Chinese students:
School life and career aspirations
How young people view entrepreneurship
Group discussion:
What drives economic success?
Evening with host families
Day 3 – Special Economic Zones & Reform
Guided exploration of Shenzhen’s development zones
Focus on:
Economic reform (post-1978)
Government incentives
SEZ policy and foreign investment
Workshop:
How policy shapes growth
Evening in a lively pedestrian district
Street food, skyline views, supervised free time
Day 4 – Manufacturing & Global Supply Chains
Visit to innovation or manufacturing exhibition centre
Focus on:
Rapid prototyping
Global competitiveness
Supply chain efficiency
Interactive task:
Map a product from concept to export
Evening with host families
Day 5 – Host School Project Day: Build a Start-Up
Second day at partner school
Joint project:
Create a scalable tech or service business
Consider branding, target market and pricing
“Dragon’s Den” style pitches
Evening with host families
Day 6 – Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Action
Visit to innovation district or start-up hub
Focus on:
Venture capital
Tech ecosystems
Risk and reward
Group challenge:
Identify a gap in the market
Evening waterfront walk or light show experience
Day 7 – Global Trade & Future Growth
Workshop:
China’s role in global trade
State strategy vs free market forces
Reflection:
How Shenzhen compares to London or Manchester
Final presentations and certificates
Farewell group dinner
Day 8 – Departure
Programme close
Transfer to airport