A sample itinerary
Explore the Heart of China
Shanghai, Hefei and Huangshan, over 11 days. One worked example of how a Futures study journey is shaped, from arrival to reflection.
Programme overview
A nation both ancient and dynamic, read in eleven days.
Students begin in Shanghai, China's most international metropolis, before travelling to Hefei for authentic local school immersion. The journey continues to Huangshan and the Huizhou region, exploring iconic landscapes, traditional villages and living cultural heritage. Through architecture, cuisine, folk custom and classical scholarly arts, students build a layered understanding of Chinese society, with reflection and real engagement at the centre.
- Learning focus
- Urban exploration and modern China in Shanghai
- First-hand innovation and technology in Hefei
- Genuine local school immersion alongside Chinese students
- Nature, culture and philosophy on Huangshan
- Living heritage in the villages of Huizhou
- Reflection, communication and emerging leadership
Day by day
The journey, unfolded.
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Arrival and a Shanghai city walk
Students arrive in Shanghai and begin with a guided city walk, reading the real stories behind the city's spirit of openness through interactive, team-based challenges. The day closes with a hands-on workshop making traditional lacquer fans in a historic Shanghai villa.
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Past, present and future
Ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic views and a conversation about China's urban future, then explore the depth of Chinese civilisation at the Shanghai Museum through a guided discovery challenge. The evening is a cruise along the Huangpu River, the historic Bund facing the lights of Pudong.
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The innovation hub
Travel by high-speed train to Hefei, a fast-developing, technology-driven city. Visit the NIO manufacturing facility to see how robotics, automation and digital systems build next-generation electric vehicles, then arrive at the partner school for orientation and on-campus accommodation.
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Local school immersion
Four days following the host school's daily timetable, attending classes from 08:20 to 15:30 alongside local students. Subjects range across mathematics, English, Chinese, science and STEM, music, art and physical education, with morning exercises and specially designed cultural exchange activities.
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From innovation to tradition
A morning at iFLYTEK, one of China's leading AI companies, exploring how artificial intelligence is applied in education and everyday life. Travel by high-speed train to Huangshan, then a Food Ambassador challenge on Tunxi Old Street, where small groups present a local dish through drawing and a short video.
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Yellow Mountain, a hike you must do in China
A full day on Huangshan, taking the cable car into a world of mist, granite peaks and ancient pines, and observing how nature has shaped Chinese art and philosophy for centuries. The famous Welcome Pine is drawn into conversation with the Maori value of manaakitanga. The evening brings a Huangmei Opera experience through costume, movement and storytelling.
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Heritage and living traditions
Visit Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage village, to read classic Huizhou architecture and couplet culture. At the historic Hukaiwen ink factory, students learn the craft and transmission of Hui ink-making, then explore Huizhou Ancient City among fish-lantern displays and evening lantern parades.
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Rural life and conclusion
A morning in Nanping village experiencing Huizhou countryside life: farming, wood-fired cooking and making Shitao, a traditional rice food symbolising good fortune. A closing ceremony and reflection session mark the journey's end before the high-speed return to Shanghai and the flight home.
At a glance
- Programme fee
- From NZD 5,980 per person
- Early bird
- NZD 300 off for registrations before 1 February
- Group size
- Minimum 10, maximum 20 students
- Ages
- Ages 10 to 18
- Duration
- 11 days (programmes run 10 to 14 days)
- When
- Year-round; spring and autumn are ideal
- Language
- English (no Chinese required)
What is included
- International return flights (economy class)
- Private air-conditioned coach throughout
- Bilingual programme leader for the whole journey
- School exchange fees, activities and entry tickets
- Hotel accommodation (twin share)
- Three meals each day
- High-speed rail between itinerary cities
- 24/7 emergency support and travel helpline
- Detailed pre-departure briefing and orientation
- Welcome package, programme certificate and badge
Not included: personal expenses, visa fees.
This is one example, not a fixed package. Every Futures journey is designed around your group's purpose, dates and interests. Tell us yours and we will shape an itinerary to match.
Shape your own itinerary
Use this as a starting point, or begin from a blank page. Either way, we will design the journey around you.