China-US Flights – Exciting updates from the travel industry report that come September 1, both Chinese and American airlines will be doubling up on the number of flights available to and from the US. Round trips, usually set at 12 per week, will be bumped up to 18. As the gentle beauty of autumn begins to color the trees of China, flights will further increase to 24 round trips starting October 29. That is twice the number of passenger flights!
Could the timing be more perfect? The expanded flight options align seamlessly with China’s enchanting seasonal shift, making fall the ideal season for your next adventure. What’s more, China’s autumns are known to be more forgiving than North American autumns, even up until December, giving you more time to explore the great outdoors in all its mesmerizing change.
Why not embrace the twilight season as mother nature adorns its forests in shades of red, gold, and amber?
Starting October 1, flights to Shanghai will be increasing on a daily basis, making it easier than ever for your students to explore China’s rich heritage, history, and culture.
United Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its Asia Pacific schedule, bringing remarkable possibilities for school trips to China. Starting in November, the airline will resume daily flights between San Francisco and Beijing, reconnecting these two vibrant cities in a way that makes us reminisce about the ease of travel in the pre-pandemic era.
But not for long, because at WildChina Education, we see this as an exciting development that aligns perfectly with our mission to provide students with exceptional Chinese learning journeys.
China-US Flights – Why you should go on a school trip to China in the fall
Setting off on a school trip to China in the fall is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant beauty of this captivating country. As autumn sets in, China transforms into a picturesque landscape, creating a truly magical atmosphere for your international journey.
As you explore this enchanting country during the fall, you may have the chance to witness traditional festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day celebrations, depending on when you are here. During these holidays, locals come together to honor their customs with colorful parades, lantern displays, and delectable culinary delights that you would not want to miss.
The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, zhōng qiū jié) is always on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. In 2023, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 29. This festival is also known as the Moon Festival, as it always occurs during a full moon that is at its roundest and brightest.
While the Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated for more than 2,000 years, it was not made into a public holiday until 2008. In ancient times, Chinese emperors would pray to the Heavens for a prosperous year. In addition to celebrating the moon in the 8th lunar month, they also worshipped the sun on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month, which we know as the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year holiday.
Scholars believe that the Mid-Autumn Festival first appeared during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE). If you are interested in Chinese mythology, you may have heard about the legend of Hou Yi and Chang E, and the tale of the rabbit on the moon. If not, this is something our program leaders can teach your students during your school trip to China.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese locals light lanterns, eat moon cakes, and look upon the bright full moon. People celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with their families since the full moon is a symbol of family reunion.
Every year, China’s National Day (国庆节, guó qìng jié) holiday falls on October 1 and lasts for a week. This week is known as “Golden Week” (黄金周, huáng jīn zhōu) during which many Chinese people travel around the country. It is one of the longest public holidays in China.
Your school trip will provide opportunities for meaningful interactions with Chinese locals, fostering cross-cultural understanding and possibly even lifelong friendships. By engaging with local communities, you will gain invaluable insights into their way of life, beliefs, and values.
Below are some of our most nature-oriented school trips in China, so pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and cultural discoveries!
Classical China: Great Cities
Last but not definitely not least, why not take this opportunity to visit as many historical Chinese sites as you can? This 10-day school trip to China is rooted in an abundance of history and culture, taking you from Beijing (北京, bêi jīng) to Xi’an (西安, xī ān).
Program Details:
Days 1 to 3
During this program, you and your students will discover the essence of China as you cover the arts, service learning, and a variety of outdoor activities. Over the course of 10 days, you’ll be doing lots of activities, from hikes on the Great Wall to making traditional pottery after visiting the famed Terracotta Army.
Our workshop-focused format of this trip encourages students to practice their Mandarin throughout, making it an immersive language learning experience as well.
In Beijing, you’ll get to taste the city’s famous Peking duck during a Welcome Dinner. Gaze across Tiananmen Square (天安门广场, tiān ān mén guâng châng), enter the Forbidden City (紫禁城, zî jìn chéng), and enjoy a walking tour while your WildChina program leader tells you stories about this massive historical site.
At Jingshan Park (景山公园, jîng shān gōng yuán, students will climb Coal Hill to get the best views of the Forbidden City and Beijing. To practice their Mandarin skills, students will take part in an Amazing Race Challenge whilst exploring Beijing ’s historical Hutong Alleys. Interactive and educational games are one of the greatest ways to improve in a new language.
You will spend a full day at Beijing ’s most iconic site, The Great Wall. Since it is known as the most beautiful section of the wall, students will hike the Jinshangling section. The Jinshangling section is also less likely to be crawling with tourists. To experience a bit of China ’s rural lifestyle, students will visit the village of Hexi, which is at the foot of the Great Wall.
Days 4 to 6
For an even more immersive experience during your school trip to China, students will be joining local Beijinger’s in their morning activities at the Temple of Heaven. They can try talking to the locals and partaking in leisure activities, such as Taichi and the Chinese yo-yo.
If you would like, your WildChina program leader can take you to the Hongqiao Pearl Market to browse some trinkets. In an old Beijinger ’s house students will learn traditional handicrafts such as paper cutting, Chinese calligraphy, and painting. During this workshop, students are encouraged to practice their Mandarin. They will also learn a lot about traditional Beijing culture in a Hutong Siheyuan (胡同四合院, hú tóng sì hé yuàn).
Many kinds of local delicacies will be tasted during this school trip to China, including traditional dumplings and noodles with soybean paste. Students will also get to walk in the Summer Palace, a gorgeous and remarkably well-preserved royal park. Your WildChina program leader will dive into the history of the Qin dynasty as you explore the Emperor ’s Garden retreat.
Days 7 to 10
In Xi’an, you’ll visit the Terracotta Warriors museum and explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in the seventh century to store Buddhist texts and sutras. During a pottery-making class, students can make their own trinkets or even try sculpting a mini Terracotta Warrior.
After another early morning at a local park, students will bike along the ancient city walls of Xi’an and enjoy a shadow-puppet show in Yanyuan Garden. Yanyuan Garden is located in the scenic area of Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
One of the last outdoor activities students will get to do during their school trip to China is wandering through the Stele Forest, where one can find the largest and richest collection of ancient engraved stone tablets in China. Talk about an escapade!
Join us on an autumnal school trip to China!
China’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its diverse traditions and historical landmarks. From the iconic Great Wall and the majestic Forbidden City to the serene landscapes of Guilin and the bustling streets of Shanghai, every corner of China offers a unique glimpse into its ancient civilization.
With China–US flight numbers doubling this coming fall, now is the time is now to plan a school trip to China. Whatever your academic goals may be, our Academic Managers will be delighted to help you tailor a unique school trip. Reach out to us today and let’s start planning!
Sources
https://us5.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=5e1ba8aa1e6ba159a54a5fb5d&id=c8939edfd6
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/united-states-china-agree-double-weekly-flights-between-countries-sources-2023-08-11/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Transportation%20Department%20(USDOT,up%20from%20the%20current%2012
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/11/us-china-agree-to-double-weekly-flights-between-countries.html
http://capetown.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/xwdt/201809/t20180919_6968461.htm#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20evening%20celebration,back%20more%20than%202%2C000%20years
https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_804_2005-01-13.html#:~:text=The%20festival%20started%20more%20than,devoted%20to%20thanking%20the%20gods.&text=Most%20scholars%20believe%20that%20the,tradition%20of%20worshipping%20the%20moon
https://studycli.org/chinese-holidays/china-national-day/
https://wildchinaeducation.com/tour/classical-china-great-cities/
Photos
https://wildchinaeducation.com/tour/classical-china-great-cities/
https://unsplash.com/photos/Q36BvLGdOAg
