Your Guide to Traveling in China – Tips for Teachers and Students

China is huge, exciting, and full of surprises. From ancient history to cutting-edge tech, every city has something new to discover. If you’re heading over with your classmates and teachers, here are some ideas and tips to make the most of your trip.

Must-See Spots on Your Study Tour

Xi’an – Step Into the Past

Stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors, climb the old city wall, and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to trace the Silk Road’s history.

Chengdu – Meet the Pandas

Say hello to China’s most famous furry residents at the Panda Research Base. Then, slow down at Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage and wander through Kuanzhai Alley to taste local snacks.

Wuhan – Life by the Yangtze River

Climb the Yellow Crane Tower for a view straight out of poetry, walk across the iconic Yangtze River Bridge, and check out ancient treasures like the bronze bells at Hubei Provincial Museum.

Shenzhen + Hong Kong – Innovation and Skyline Views

In Shenzhen, dive into science and tech at interactive museums or even peek inside a global tech giant’s HQ. In Hong Kong, take a night cruise at Victoria Harbour to see the dazzling skyline.

Beijing + Beyond – History Meets Modern Life

Walk through the Forbidden City, hike the Great Wall, and relax in the royal gardens of the Summer Palace. Further afield, pay respects at Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum in Nanjing, enjoy the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, or soak up the charm of Lijiang Old Town.

What to Pack

A few things that will make your journey smoother:

• Earplugs (for noisy cities or long flights)

• Eye drops or nasal spray (air pollution or dry air can be tricky)

• Small gifts (great ice-breakers with locals)

• Hanging toiletry bag with basic meds

• Tissues and hand sanitizer

• A comfy daypack for outings

Quick Facts You’ll Want to Know

• Currency: Renminbi (RMB / CNY)

• Exchange rate: Roughly 1 AUD ≈ 4.7 RMB (check before you go!)

• Costs: A meal ~30 RMB, coffee ~30 RMB, local transport ~4 RMB

• Language: Mandarin Chinese

• Handy Phrases:

Hello	你好	nǐ hǎo
My name is…	我叫…	wǒ jiào…
Thank you	谢谢	xiè xiè
Sorry	对不起	duì bù qǐ
How much?	多少钱？	duō shǎo qián?
Do you speak English?	你会说英文吗？	nǐ huì shuō yīng wén ma?

• Climate: Big range – hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Winter is from Dec to Feb and summer is from Jun to Aug.

• Time Zone: Beijing Time (GMT+8), no daylight savings.

Extra Tips

• Some websites (like Facebook) are blocked in China, so consider a VPN if you need access.

• Even a few words of Chinese will go a long way—locals really appreciate the effort.

• Bargaining is part of the fun at markets but always do it with a smile.

• Be cautious with electronics shopping—stick to trusted stores to avoid fakes.

Final Note

China is a mix of old and new, traditional and futuristic. Every stop on your study tour can double as a classroom, full of stories, lessons, and discoveries. Pack your curiosity, keep an open mind, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!