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Our journeys

Three purposes. One way of travelling.

Education, business and culture. Whatever brings you to China, every Futures journey is designed from scratch around your group, your goals and your way of travelling.

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For New Zealand and Australian schools

Education & Student Journeys

China study tours built around your curriculum and your students. Days are spent learning alongside local students, reading a city on foot, and turning observation into reflection, not ticking landmarks off a list.

Not visiting schools and sights.

Genuine cross-cultural learning that develops communication, adaptability and intercultural understanding.

  • Local school immersion
  • Urban exploration and modern China
  • Innovation and technology
  • Nature, culture and philosophy
  • Reflection and leadership
Explore school study tours Enquire about this journey
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For companies, institutions and leadership teams

Business & Market Insight Journeys

China field studies for leaders who need first-hand market insight, industry context and trusted local access. We open doors to the people and places where decisions are actually made.

Not touring factories and offices.

Understanding China's manufacturing ecosystem, market dynamics and innovation up close, with introductions that lead somewhere.

  • Artificial intelligence
  • New energy
  • E-commerce
  • Supply chain
  • Advanced manufacturing
Explore business insight journeys Enquire about this journey
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For discerning families and individual travellers

Bespoke Cultural & Family Journeys

A comfortable, high-quality way into the real China, shaped around what you care about. Living heritage, contemporary life, tea culture, Chinese medicine, wellbeing, village life, intangible heritage and art.

Not seeing old towns from a coach window.

Living heritage and contemporary China, entered slowly and comfortably, with understanding as the goal.

  • Living heritage and contemporary China
  • Tea culture
  • Chinese medicine and wellbeing
  • Village and rural life
  • Intangible heritage and art
Enquire about this journey

Family sample itineraries

Two ways into a family journey

Two example journeys for families who want China to feel accessible, meaningful and memorable. Both can be tailored to your family's interests, travel style, children's ages and available time.

01

First-Time China

History, culture and modern China

11 days Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai - Hangzhou

The perfect introduction to China for first-time visitors. This journey combines China's most iconic landmarks, ancient history and modern city life, helping families understand both the foundations of Chinese civilisation and the energy of contemporary China. From walking the Great Wall and exploring imperial palaces to travelling on high-speed rail and experiencing everyday life in Shanghai and Hangzhou, it offers a balanced and engaging introduction to the country.

Best for

  • First-time visitors to China
  • Families with school-aged children
  • Multi-generational travel
  • Cultural discovery

Journey highlights

  • Walk the Great Wall
  • Explore the Forbidden City
  • Discover the Terracotta Warriors
  • Travel by high-speed rail
  • Experience modern Shanghai
  • Cruise on Hangzhou's West Lake
  • Learn about Chinese tea culture
  • Enjoy family-friendly cultural experiences

Suggested itinerary

  1. Beijing 3 nights

    Begin in China's capital. Explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven before heading beyond the city to walk a section of the Great Wall. Families can also enjoy traditional hutong neighbourhoods, local food experiences and cultural workshops designed for younger travellers.

  2. Xi'an 2 nights

    Travel by high-speed rail to Xi'an, one of China's most important ancient capitals. Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, cycle along the ancient city walls and explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural exchange continue to shape local life.

  3. Shanghai 3 nights

    Experience China's most international city. Walk along the Bund, explore historic neighbourhoods and discover how tradition and innovation coexist in modern China. Families can explore museums, local markets, riverfront districts and some of China's most impressive urban development.

  4. Hangzhou 2 nights

    End the journey in one of China's most beautiful cities. Visit West Lake, tea plantations and traditional villages while enjoying a slower pace and a deeper connection to everyday Chinese life.

Journey themes

  • Chinese history and civilisation
  • Modern China and innovation
  • Family learning
  • Food and local culture
  • High-speed rail experience
  • Everyday life and cultural connection

Suggested duration 10 to 12 days

02

Mountains, Villages & Everyday China

Culture, nature and family connection

10 days Shanghai - Huangshan - Huizhou Villages - Hangzhou

A slower and more immersive journey through some of China's most beautiful landscapes and living cultural heritage. Designed for families seeking a deeper and more personal experience of China, it combines mountain scenery, traditional villages, local food, cultural traditions and meaningful encounters with everyday life. Rather than focusing on famous landmarks alone, this journey explores the places where culture continues to be lived and passed from one generation to the next.

Best for

  • Families seeking a deeper cultural experience
  • Nature and photography lovers
  • Multi-generational travel
  • Repeat visitors to China

Journey highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Huangshan
  • Discover traditional Huizhou villages
  • Experience local markets and regional cuisine
  • Travel by high-speed rail
  • Learn about tea culture and craftsmanship
  • Connect with everyday life beyond the major cities
  • Enjoy a slower pace of travel

Suggested itinerary

  1. Shanghai 2 nights

    Arrive in Shanghai and gain a first impression of modern China. Explore the Bund, local neighbourhoods and cultural districts while experiencing the energy and convenience of one of the world's great cities.

  2. Huangshan 2 nights

    Travel by high-speed rail to Huangshan. Spend time exploring one of China's most iconic mountain landscapes, known for its granite peaks, ancient pine trees and spectacular views. Family-friendly walking routes let travellers enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.

  3. Huizhou Villages 3 nights

    Slow down and experience rural China through some of the country's most beautifully preserved historic villages. Discover traditional architecture, local crafts, family-run restaurants and cultural traditions that continue to shape daily life. Depending on the season, experiences may include local markets, traditional food preparation, tea culture, village walks and hands-on cultural activities.

  4. Hangzhou 2 nights

    Conclude the journey in Hangzhou. Explore West Lake, tea-growing regions and historic neighbourhoods while reflecting on the many different sides of China experienced throughout the journey.

Journey themes

  • Living heritage
  • Nature and landscapes
  • Traditional villages
  • Family discovery
  • Food and regional culture
  • Slow travel
  • Everyday China

Suggested duration 8 to 10 days

The itineraries above are examples only. Whether your focus is culture, history, food, nature, education or family connection, we can design a China journey that feels personal, meaningful and memorable.

More study routes

Other ways to read China

Beyond our flagship Shanghai route, study journeys can be shaped around any of these signature regions, each a different window into the country.

Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu

From imperial capitals and the start of the Silk Road to panda conservation and the poetic life of modern China.

Shanghai - Hangzhou - Huangshan

A modern metropolis, the digital innovation of West Lake, and the natural wonder and Huizhou heritage of Huangshan.

Guangzhou - Shenzhen - Hong Kong

The Greater Bay Area: a thousand-year trading legacy, global innovation, and an international financial centre.

Let us design your journey into China

Tell us who is travelling and what you hope to understand. We will shape a bespoke journey around your purpose, and walk you through every practical detail.

Start your enquiry Call 029 0451 1099