Understanding Contemporary China
An 8-Day, 7-Night Project-Based Learning Journey | Shanghai → Hangzhou → Suzhou → Shanghai, Ages 15+, International School Groups & Customisable Programmes
Programme Overview
Contemporary China is not only defined by technological progress and economic growth, but also by a new generation reimagining culture, business and community.
This 8-day project-based learning programme takes students beyond conventional sightseeing into community initiatives, creative consumer brands, AI innovation hubs, ecological villages and living heritage communities across the Yangtze River Delta.
Driving Question: "How is a new generation in China reinventing tradition, community and business — and what does this teach us about our own societies?"
The programme follows three lines of inquiry across the Yangtze River Delta:
Shanghai — Youth Culture & Community: How do young Chinese consumers and creators give meaning to brands, heritage and public space?
Hangzhou — Technology, Ecology & Rural Regeneration: How are AI, ecological restoration and rural entrepreneurship reshaping work and community?
Suzhou — Heritage, Design & Making: How do living crafts survive, adapt and become contemporary again?
Key Highlights
Itinerary
Late Afternoon · Rockbund. Explore historic buildings transformed into galleries, design spaces and contemporary businesses. Visit homegrown China-chic brands such as Shanxia Yousong and Tangsuo and investigate how Chinese brands turn local culture into contemporary design.
Evening · The Bund after Dark. Observe how young people use Shanghai's public spaces, nightlife and commercial streets — and ask what this reveals about changing urban culture.
Afternoon · Columbia Circle & KLEE KLEE. Study how an old industrial site has become a new lifestyle district shaped by sustainability, design and youth culture. Examine how Gen-Z consumers connect what they buy with environmental and social values.
Take part in a KLEE KLEE sustainable-fashion workshop, experimenting with botanical dyeing or upcycling reclaimed fabric, while learning about its work with Dulong women artisans.
Evening · Wuzhong Market & Anfu Road. Observe how traditional markets, restaurants and youth-oriented streets are adapting to changing lifestyles.
Early Afternoon · Youth Consumer Culture. Explore Pop Mart and Bailian ZX as a case study in contemporary youth consumption. Look beyond the products to investigate fandom, identity, design and the emotional value of collecting.
Late Afternoon · High-Speed Rail to Hangzhou. Experience the Yangtze River Delta as a connected economic and cultural region.
Evening · West Lake / Beishan Road.
Afternoon · Wensan Digital Life District. Get hands-on with emerging technologies including quadruped robots, brain-computer interface devices and large-model hardware.
Evening · Tianmuli Youth Arts Quarter. Explore the relationship between technology, creativity and youth culture through designer stores and contemporary exhibitions.
Afternoon · Qingshan Nature School & Rong Design Library. Join a co-creation workshop and meet nature educators, social-purpose founders and young designers building new lives and businesses in the countryside. At Rong Design Library, explore more than a thousand traditional craft materials and investigate how designers reinterpret traditional techniques for contemporary products and markets.
Evening · Future Village Youth Quarter. Explore cafés, craft shops and youth camps before travelling to Suzhou.
Afternoon · DIIS Design Institute / Fix Planet Lab. Begin the student maker project. Turn field observations into a proposal and begin prototyping with mentor support.
Afternoon · Final Showcase & Roadshow. Each team presents: The Idea → The Field Evidence → The Creative Response. Mentors and peers provide questions and feedback.
Where time permits, an optional short visit to Hongqiao Tiandi commercial district.
Safeguarding & Practical Care
The programme is designed with student wellbeing and safety in mind. All routes, venues and activities are planned in advance, with trained staff accompanying students throughout the journey.
Safety
- Staff-to-student ratio of at least 1:5
- Programme leaders, subject mentors and safety coordinators on site
- 24-hour emergency response
- Pre-inspected venues and activity plans
Licensed transport and professional drivers
Health
- Full programme insurance coverage
- Meals included along the route
- Dietary requirements and allergies accommodated with advance notice
Accommodation
- Accommodation arranged in quality hotels or guesthouses, depending on location
Detailed safeguarding arrangements, insurance information and risk assessment procedures are available upon request.
FAQ
This programme is designed for students aged 15+ interested in youth culture, business innovation, AI & digital life, cultural heritage and rural regeneration.
Students will turn their field research into a creative prototype and present it at the final showcase: The Idea → The Field Evidence → The Creative Response.
No prior experience is required. The programme provides mentor guidance and support throughout the maker project.
Student safety is managed with a staff-to-student ratio of at least 1:5, 24-hour emergency response, and pre-inspected venues across all locations on the route.
The programme includes accommodation, meals, transportation, activities, and insurance coverage.
Yes, dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
Yes, the full itinerary and fee details are available upon request through our contact form.
Ready to Learn More?
Request the full itinerary or speak to our programme team about group bookings, school partnerships and customised learning journeys.
Contact Us