National Geographic Student Expeditions - China - Travel Programs for High School Students

The Expedition

Brimming with ancient monuments and venerable traditions, China is recasting itself as a modern power and catapulting into the 21st century. As entrepreneurs and architects build modern China, vestiges from China's long dynastic history—and the era of Mao Zedong—remain an important part of daily life. From bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing to the timeless villages along the Li River, discover the wonders of old China, and examine the rewards and challenges that come with its rapid change. Explore the many sides of China from the unique angle of your On Assignment project—Photography or Exploration.

Beijing

7 days. In the lead-up to the summer 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing underwent a transformation: historic buildings were refurbished, businesses boomed, and new construction popped up everywhere. Yet Beijing's ancient roots are still visible among the modern high-rises and the flashy billboards. Our adventure begins in the Forbidden City. Delve into the city's enormous palace complex with local guides to learn about its history and architecture.

Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites on historic Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Stroll through an age-old neighborhood and explore its Ming dynasty courtyard homes with a director from an organization working to protect them. In one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet, spin prayer wheels and observe practicing monks. We'll also have the unique opportunity to meet editors at National Geographic magazine's China headquarters.

Set out on an overnight hiking trip to a remote section of the Great Wall. Stay at a local farmhouse bed and breakfast, and enjoy meals prepared by our hosts. Wake up for an early hike to see the sun rise over the wall.

Xi'an

2 days. Travel back in time to China's golden age in Xi'an. Once the eastern gateway of the Silk Road trade route, Xi'an was a cosmopolitan capital city during the ancient Tang dynasty. In its thriving Muslim quarter, follow a guide into the Tang dynasty Great Mosque. Encounter an army of more than 8,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors at the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi. Hike along the massive city wall and climb into the bell and drum towers to look out over the ancient capital.

Yangshuo and Longsheng (Guilin Area)

6 days. Fly south to Yangshuo to explore China's mystical karst landscape. Here, gumdrop-shaped mountains peek out of the river mist—a beautiful sight often depicted in Chinese paintings. Glide past local fisherman in rustic canoes on a half-day cruise down the Li River. Bike along dirt roads to Gaotian, our countryside home for the next few nights. Settle into village life, practicing tai chi in the mornings, teaching English, and playing sports with local teenagers. Paddle through tributaries of the Li River, hike to nearby Moon Hill, and enjoy barbecues under the stars at our rustic residence. Then trace the terraced rice fields of Longsheng to a traditional mountaintop guesthouse. Meet with minority farming families to discuss how China's cultural transformation is affecting their lives. Visit a nearby school where elementary students are eager to meet us.

Shanghai

5 days. The center of Shanghai is a patchwork of futuristic skyscrapers, stately colonial neighborhoods, and traditional Chinese architecture. From the top of the Jin Mao Tower, see the massive scale of China's economic boom with your own eyes. Learn about the city's controversial past in districts that were built in the colonial era, and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. Meet high school students to talk about the effects of globalization and economic development on their lives. Our journey concludes after sharing our On Assignment projects with the group.

National Geographic Expert

Documentary photographer ALISON WRIGHT has spent her career capturing the universal spirit of humanity through her photographs. Her work documents the traditions of and changes in endangered cultures and people around the world including more than 20 years of photographing in China. Alison's photographs have been published in many National Geographic publications, and she has received top awards for both her writing and photography. Alison will join us in the Guilin area.

• Read an interview with Alison

Choose one of these On Assignment projects. Throughout your expedition, break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

icon for Photography On Assignment Project PHOTOGRAPHY: Assemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. Shoot portraits of local farmers or document Beijing's ancient neighborhoods. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to the soaring karst formations of the Li River to Shanghai's serene temple gardens, capture the many faces of China.

icon for Exploration On Assignment Project EXPLORATION: Delve into a topic that piques your interest. Discover how the principle of feng shui has dictated architectural style and city planning, or talk to urban teenagers about Chinese pop culture. Discuss the differences between educational systems in the U.S. and China with local students and teachers. Meet with artists and crafts people carrying on timeless artistic traditions, or investigate China's rapid economic transformation from the perspectives of local merchants, farmers, or environmentalists.

The internal flights from Xi'an to Guilin and from Guilin to Shanghai are included in the tuition. International airfare is not included. We have arranged international group flights from Los Angeles to Beijing and return from Shanghai. Click here for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

Accommodations: We will stay in small hotels and guesthouses, and while at the Great Wall, in a local villager's farmhouse inn.

Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.