2026 SMA China Explorers Program
| Travel Dates: | June 10, 2026 - June 19, 2026 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,690 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $2,496 |
| Deadline(s): | All payments will be made to SMA. |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 10 | Denver → Beijing | Today the group will fly from Denver, Colorado to Beijing, China. | Airplane |
| June 11 | Beijing | Welcome to China! Upon arrival in Beijing, the capital and political heart of the country, you will be warmly greeted by your local guide and transferred into the city. Beijing is a city of striking contrasts where imperial history and rapid modernization coexist. Today is a chance to rest, acclimate to the time difference, and take in your first impressions of this remarkable city before dinner and a brief orientation to the days ahead. | Manxin Mansion Beijing Nanluoguxiang |
| June 12 | Beijing | Begin your journey through China with a visit to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Great Wall of China. We’ll travel to the Mutianyu section, a beautifully restored stretch less crowded than other areas, ideal for exploration. Take a cable car partway up and spend time walking along this ancient defensive structure, admiring the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch, we will visit the Summer Palace, a stunning example of traditional Chinese garden design. Once a royal retreat, the palace features winding paths, pavilions, and scenic lake views. Dinner in the city tonight. | Manxin Mansion Beijing Nanluoguxiang |
| June 13 | Beijing | Experience a different side of Beijing as we explore its hutongs – narrow alleyways that form the historic residential neighborhoods of the city. These labyrinthine streets are filled with character and tradition. During your visit, participate in a hands-on cultural workshop where you may try Chinese paper cutting or paint a traditional Peking Opera mask. After free time in the hutong area, we’ll continue to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, a vast palace complex once home to emperors and the political center of imperial China for nearly five centuries. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner of Peking Duck. | Manxin Mansion Beijing Nanluoguxiang |
| June 14 | Beijing → Nanjing | This morning, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming-era religious architecture. Emperors once visited this complex to pray for good harvests, and its circular design and celestial symbolism reflect ancient Chinese cosmology. After lunch, we say goodbye to Beijing and take a high-speed train to Nanjing. The train journey offers a glimpse of China’s fast-paced infrastructure and beautiful countryside landscapes. | Manxin Hotel Nanjing Confucius Temple Scenic Area |
| June 15 | Nanjing | Start your day with a visit to the Ming City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, offering insight into the military ingenuity of the early Ming Dynasty. Later, join immersive cultural experiences including a traditional costume try-on, gold foil workshop, and velvet flower, or ronghua, crafting activity. You’ll have the chance to try these techniques yourself and gain appreciation for the centuries-old craftsmanship that continues today. In the evening, enjoy free time in the Confucius Temple area before ending the day with a peaceful cruise along the Qinhuai River. | Manxin Hotel Nanjing Confucius Temple Scenic Area |
| June 16 | Nanjing | This morning, visit Hongshan Zoo, where you’ll meet one of China’s most beloved animals – the giant panda. Learn about efforts in wildlife conservation and the significance of pandas in Chinese culture. Later, we visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a grand memorial built for the “Father of Modern China.” Nestled in the forested hills of Purple Mountain, the site combines majestic staircases and traditional architecture with beautiful views. | Manxin Hotel Nanjing Confucius Temple Scenic Area |
| June 17 | Nanjing → Shanghai | After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city. Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch before ascending the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, for a panoramic view of the city skyline. We’ll then explore Nanjing Road, famous for its lively energy, shopping, and abundance of food options. As the day closes, enjoy a stroll along The Bund – the picturesque waterfront that highlights the city’s contrast between old-world colonial buildings and futuristic skyscrapers. | Jianguo Hotel Shanghai |
| June 18 | Shanghai | Today offers a chance to connect with local youth during a visit to a Shanghai school for a cultural exchange. Participate in classroom activities and engage with local students to better understand student life in China. After lunch, explore Yu Garden, an exquisite classical garden featuring pavilions, ponds, and stone bridges dating back to the Ming Dynasty. We’ll then visit Tianzifang, a trendy art district full of narrow alleys, boutiques, galleries, and cafés housed in traditional shikumen buildings. Tonight, we will enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner to commemorate our time together. | Jianguo Hotel Shanghai |
| June 19 | Shanghai → Denver | After breakfast, we will transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport to begin our journey home, concluding our unforgettable experience in China. | Your own bed! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Manxin Mansion Beijing Nanluoguxiang
The Manxin Mansion Beijing Nanluoguxiang is a traditional courtyard-style hotel located in Beijing’s historic hutong district near Nanluoguxiang, the Drum Tower, and the Houhai area. Built in the style of a classic Chinese siheyuan courtyard residence, the hotel offers students a more immersive cultural experience while still providing modern comforts and amenities. The property combines traditional Chinese architecture and decoration with updated guest rooms and common spaces that create a welcoming environment for educational travel groups. Students will also be within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and historic alleyways that help showcase everyday life in Beijing. Amenities include breakfast service, Wi-Fi access, courtyard and lounge areas, laundry facilities, and modern guest rooms with private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, televisions, toiletries, safes, mini refrigerators, and other standard amenities suitable for student travel groups
Manxin Hotel Nanjing Confucius Temple Scenic Area
The Manxin Hotel Nanjing Confucius Temple Scenic Area is a modern Chinese-style hotel located near the historic Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district, one of Nanjing’s most vibrant cultural areas. Combining contemporary comfort with local design elements, the hotel offers students a more immersive experience while still maintaining the amenities and conveniences needed for educational travel groups. The surrounding neighborhood provides easy access to restaurants, shops, historic streets, and many of the cultural sites included throughout the program. Amenities include breakfast service, Wi-Fi access, common lounge spaces, laundry facilities, and modern guest rooms with private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, televisions, toiletries, safes, mini refrigerators, and other standard amenities suitable for student travel groups.
Jianguo Hotel Shanghai
The Jianguo Hotel Shanghai is a modern hotel conveniently located in one of Shanghai’s most accessible areas, with nearby restaurants, shops, and public transportation options. Frequently used for international groups, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, spacious common areas, and a strong breakfast selection suitable for student travel programs. Amenities include Wi-Fi access throughout the property, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool. Guest rooms feature private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, televisions, toiletries, complimentary bottled water, and other modern amenities designed to provide a comfortable stay for students and leaders alike.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
| Outbound | United Airlines | UA | 694 | DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States | June 10, 2026 at 06:00 AM | SFO – San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, United States | June 10, 2026 at 07:38 AM |
| Outbound | United Airlines | UA | 888 | SFO – San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, United States | June 10, 2026 at 10:45 AM | PEK – Beijing Capital International Airport, Shunyi, China | June 11, 2026 at 03:25 PM |
| Inbound | United Airlines | UA | 858 | PVG – Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, China | June 19, 2026 at 12:10 PM | SFO – San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, United States | June 19, 2026 at 08:55 AM |
| Inbound | United Airlines | UA | 540 | SFO – San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, United States | June 19, 2026 at 12:43 PM | DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States | June 19, 2026 at 04:35 PM |
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
CLOTHES
- Underwear (enough for the entire trip or plan to do laundry)
- Socks (a mix of breathable casual socks and a few moisture-wicking pairs)
- T-shirts (some quick-dry for humid and warm days)
- Long sleeve shirts (lightweight for sun protection, cooler evenings, or cultural site visits)
- Light rain jacket and/or compact umbrella (June can be hot, humid, and rainy)
- Medium-weight jacket or sweatshirt
- Comfortable/light-weight pants
- Comfortable/light-weight shorts
- Durable athletic or walking shoes with good support
- Slip-on shoes (helpful for cultural sites where shoes may need to be removed)
- Sandals
- Sleepwear
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Set of slightly dressier clothes (for special visits or cultural activities)
TOILETRIES
- Your basics
- High SPF sunscreen
- Basic first aid supplies
- Hand sanitizer or travel wipes
- Medications in original packaging
- Small packs of tissues or toilet paper
- Vitamins or probiotics (optional but recommended)
MISCELLANEOUS
- Passport
- Student ID
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera
- Debit card and/or cash in USD or Chinese RMB (CNY) (About $100–$200 depending on souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Durable, refillable water bottle
- Quick-dry towel (optional but helpful)
- Deck of cards or small games for downtime
- Small daypack for daily excursions
- Portable power bank (Chinese airports have strict regulations regarding portable batteries. Power banks should clearly display capacity information and ideally include the “CCC” certification mark.)
- Travel pillow and sleep mask (for flights or train rides)
- Power adapter (China uses Type A, C, and I plugs with 220V standard voltage)
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Students should carry the following required travel documents in their personal item or carry-on bag at all times during travel:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the program travel dates
- Chinese visa
- Flight itinerary and boarding passes
- Student ID
- Health insurance card and/or travel insurance information
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of prescriptions for any medications being carried
IMPORTANT FOR MINORS:
We strongly recommend that all students under 18 traveling without their parents carry a notarized parental travel consent letter authorizing international travel with the school and Walking Tree Travel. While this may not always be specifically requested by immigration authorities, it is considered best practice for international student travel programs and may be helpful during airline check-in, immigration procedures, hotel stays, domestic travel within China, or emergency medical situations.
Students should also complete the China arrival card before landing or upon arrival at the airport:
China Arrival Card Form
We strongly recommend bringing:
- A printed copy of all important travel documents
- A digital backup stored securely on a phone or cloud storage service
Mobile Payment and Cash in China
China relies heavily on mobile payment systems, and many businesses prefer cashless payment methods.
We strongly recommend students:
- Download Alipay before departure
- Add a debit or credit card to their Alipay account before arriving in China
- Bring a small amount of backup cash in Chinese RMB (CNY)
Most restaurants, convenience stores, malls, markets, and transportation systems accept Alipay through QR code payments.
Students will generally need very little cash during the program. However, having some cash available for emergencies or small purchases is still recommended.
If students wish to exchange money, it is highly recommended to do so before arriving in China or at the airport upon arrival. Currency exchange within China can sometimes be time-consuming and less convenient for groups.
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Alena Shish
China Country Director, Program Leader
Middlebury College – B.A. in Chinese Language in Literature; Minor in French & Francophone Studies
Born in Ukraine and growing up in the United States, Alena is no stranger to thriving in different cultural environments and studying foreign languages (so far, she speaks four: English, Chinese, French, & Russian). While at Middlebury College, she had the opportunity to study in both Hangzhou, China, and Paris, France. Her time abroad inspired her to see the potential in study abroad and intercultural exchange for personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Having fallen in love with the Chinese language, food, and culture while abroad, after graduation, she moved to Shenzhen, China to help Chinese high schools students through the US university application process. Since then, she’s also traveled around Russia, Israel, East Asia and all over China. So far, she’s been to 19 provinces, 4 municipalities, and 2 administrative regions in mainland China. When she’s not hiking or spending time reading, she’s obsessively baidu-ing (the Chinese Google) new Chinese slang, new Chinese dishes to try, or new places to explore in China. She’s excited to see to share her love of China, Chinese language, and travel with all her trip participants.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Amelia Parrott
- 2 Brenna Gunshore
- 3 Catherine Burlew
- 4 Chloe Churchill
- 5 Ema Villalpando
- 6 Emalisa Martinez
- 7 Finley Simodynes
- 8 Jazmin Hernandez Ramirez
- 9 Katherine Stack
- 10 Leslie Hernandez Ramirez
- 11 Samantha Badillo-Gomez
- 12 Sophia Luzniak
- 13 Xingyun Chen
- 14 Zhuoqun Wang
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Internet and Phone Access in China
Please note that many websites and apps commonly used in the United States (including Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and some social media platforms) may not work in China without a VPN when connected to Wi-Fi networks.
In many cases, students using international cellular data plans, roaming plans, or international eSIMs may still be able to access these apps without needing a VPN. However, this can vary depending on the carrier and service being used.
We strongly recommend:
- Activating a VPN before departure
- Purchasing an international SIM card or eSIM with data access before arriving in China
- Downloading important apps, maps, and documents before travel
Students should also download:
- Google Translate offline language packs
- Airline apps and boarding passes before departure
WeChat & Communication
WeChat is the primary communication platform used in China and will likely be the easiest way for students to communicate with local guides, vendors, and one another during the program.
We strongly recommend students:
- Download WeChat before departure
- Create and verify their account before arriving in China
- Add fellow students, teachers, and program leaders before departure when possible
To create a WeChat account, students will generally need:
- A phone number capable of receiving text messages
- The ability to receive a verification code
- In some cases, verification from an existing WeChat user
While GroupMe, iMessage, and regular texting may still work depending on data access and Wi-Fi conditions, WeChat will likely be the most reliable communication tool throughout the trip.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC China website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.
Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.
We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
Please note that SMA will secure travel insurance for students. Additional questions about the specifics of coverage can be directed to the school.