China is a land of contrasts. Ancient temples in serene gardens nest between shiny high rise buildings in streets swept by robots. Electric and autonomous cars silently drive by as drones deliver food from the sky.
Cities like Shenzhen have appeared almost overnight - 40 years ago this metropolis of 13 million people and 600km of metro lines, serviced by bullet trains and home to Tencent, BYD and Huawei, was a rural area. Innovation is everywhere, and our trip highlights this, with opportunities for students to get hands-on and question everything from a scientific, engineering, computer science or geographical perspective.
We believe in active learning, so our fully-guided trips offer a mix of workshops, interactive museums (the quantum key distribution simulator in Shenzhen's Science Museum is another level), tech company, datacentre and university visits, and cultural tours and experiences alongside fun ways for students to enjoy the energy and vibe of China.
A tour contrasting the three cities of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanghai comes highly recommended, and is easily extended to Beijing, Xi'an or further.
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Example Itineraries for our 2026 trips
AI and Robotics Workshops
Students can take part in a practical artificial intelligence workshop in Hong Kong to learn how AI systems are designed, trained, and tested. The session introduces core concepts, including algorithms, data, and machine learning, while encouraging discussion around ethics, bias, and real-world applications of AI.
In Shenzhen's TroubleMaker makerspace, students move from ideas to prototypes by building and programming their own robotic systems. Using tools such as laser cutters and soldering equipment, they develop practical skills in electronics, design, and problem-solving. A range of workshops are available, ranging from assembling (and keeping) a NoPro camera, to smartphone disassembly and repair, to exploring machine learning algorithms to train AI to recognise faces or road signs. Ask for more details regarding the possibilities on offer.
Science and Space Museums
Students explore interactive exhibits on quantum computing, energy, physics, and engineering at the Shenzhen Science Museum. At the Hong Kong Space Museum, they learn about China's lunar and Mars exploration missions, gaining insight into space science and astronomy.
Urban Renewal and Sustainable Planning Exploration
At the Urban Renewal Exploration Centre in Hong Kong and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, students examine how digital modelling, data, and planning technologies are used to manage urban growth. The visit supports learning about smart cities, sustainability, and the role of technology in shaping modern urban environments.
Cultural Exploration: Temples, Markets, and Historic Districts
Students visit UNESCO-listed sites like West Lake in Hangzhou to study traditional North East Asian garden design. They also visit traditional temples, the OCT Loft Creative Cultural Park in Shenzhen, and have guided walks along Shanghai's Bund and Yuyuan area, where students explore Chinese culture, belief systems, and everyday life.
Robotics
Dining in restaurants with robotic servers, ordering drinks made by robotic baristas and dancing with robots is all on the menu! Students can also visit the 6S robot store to try mind controlling robots or even buy their own robotic pet souvenir.
We can also include:
Visits to Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, or the University of Hong Kong
Observation visits to technology companies in Hong Kong or Shenzhen (e.g. cloud services, fintech, or telecommunications companies)
DJI Flagship Store experience to explore drone applications
Visits to the Shenzhen Safari Park (to see giant pandas, Siberian tigers, and ligers!) or the thrilling rides of Ocean Park in Hong Kong
Hands-on sessions on Chinese calligraphy, ink painting, paper cutting, or martial arts
Guided exploration of local food culture
Evening exploration of illuminated city districts, waterfronts, or skylines
Visits to other destinations in China
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Cultural
Science
Computing
Engineering
Geography
What size groups do we cater for?
We can welcome groups of any size, though larger groups may need to be divided into smaller groups for some of the planned activities.
We offer one free teacher place per 10 students.
Access for visitors with disabilities?
The majority of the planned activities are suitable for students with disabilities, though some changes to the planned itinerary may be needed depending on the nature of the disability.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
We welcome all students on our trips, though please discuss any specific needs when enquiring about the trip so we can work with you to design an appropriate itinerary.
Anything else?
All our trips are fully adaptable. We can create shorter itineraries or tailor programmes with a blended focus, combining learning in computer science, robotics, innovation, AI, and engineering with sightseeing or experiences linked to other disciplines such as history, arts, and geography.
Whatever your budget, we'll work with you to create a trip that fits. For example, some of the activities can be replaced with cheaper options, costs can be saved by using public transport instead of a private coach, and students can be accommodated in hostels instead of hotel rooms to maximise the value for money on a China trip.
Who are Think Outside The Classroom?
Think Outside The Classroom specialises in robotics, STEAM, and scuba diving educational trips. Trips are planned, organised, and often guided by people who are passionate about computer science, technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. We can provide educational resources developed with a qualified teacher of computer science to enrich your students' learning experience. It is also possible to customise further depending on your interests and needs.
We look after all the small details in China beyond the activities planned on your itinerary, as the overall experience is very important to us. Whether this be mobile data for the staff members on your trip or reacting to changes in the weather with alternative activities, you can relax as we take care of everything. We are ready to support you 24 hours a day when you are in China with anything that your guide cannot solve for you.
Teacher Checklist
£5m Public Liability Insurance Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers ATOL Licence Tailor your trip
We work with all the top School Travel Tour Operators, offering a huge range of inspirational trips, tours and expeditions, whether you are looking for a short hop over the channel to France, or a multi-week trek on the other side of the globe, use our tailor-made trip form and we can help you find the perfect overseas trip for your group.