October trip to China 2025

Twenty-nine pupils from years 9–12, accompanied by four members of staff, took part in an 11-day educational visit to China during the October half-term break 2025.

The group travelled to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, immersing themselves fully in Chinese language and culture. The visit provided Mandarin learners with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Chinese history, culture and the arts, while also gaining valuable insight into contemporary China through visits to renowned historical sites, modern landmarks, museums, an auction house and temples. Throughout the trip, pupils were also able to practise their spoken Chinese in authentic, real-world contexts through regular interactions with native speakers.

Alongside the academic programme, the itinerary included a wide range of memorable activities. Highlights included climbing the Great Wall and tobogganing back down, cycling the 15.5-kilometre Xi’an ancient city wall at sunset, enjoying a night cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai, and haggling in Chinese at local markets.

For many pupils, a particular highlight was a visit to Beijing Zhengze School, where the group received an exceptionally warm welcome and took part in a series of engaging exchange activities with their Chinese counterparts. These included traditional Chinese painting, singing, mathematics lessons, and friendly football and basketball matches, providing a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange and international friendship.

Here are some pupils' comments from the trip: 

‘I found this trip amazing: travelling through China was an incredible experience! I found it very interesting experiencing the culture and history and even the daily life while getting to practise my Chinese in real situations. I really enjoyed being able to apply my Chinese and seeing the shock on peoples face when they realised I could speak Chinese. Visiting landmarks, trying authentic food, and meeting local students made the trip unforgettable. It helped me grow more confident, independent, and open-minded. I’d highly recommend it to anyone: it’s not just a trip, it’s a chance to learn, connect, and experience something truly special.’

‘I gained confidence in speaking Chinese, a better understanding of the Chinese culture, and stronger friendships with my classmates. Experiencing daily life there taught me independence and adaptability. It also gave me a new appreciation for cultural differences and how much we can learn from them.’

‘I have gained more knowledge about the culture and the types of food there. One interesting observation is that China has some unusual rules about respect and tolerance. For example, you must pick up an offering like tea with two hands when being offered by an older person. Also most importantly, I have gained friendship on the trip.’