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. |
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Complete this enrollment form to secure your spot today!
China
As the 21st century unfolds, it is clear that China will take a leading role in shaping the way the world evolves. The world’s most populous nation has as its backdrop 5,000 years of history and is home to a splendid variety of cultures, geography and food. Growing at remarkable pace, China provides a glimpse of the future while also allowing the traveler to delve into a richly contextualized past.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Travel the world's most impressive high-speed rail system
Eat delicious, and we mean delicious Chinese food!
Improve your Mandarin through regular interaction with native speakers
Wander the Hutongs and marvel at the wonders of imperial Beijing
Hike along The Great Wall of China
Admire Shanghai's world famouns skyline
The 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.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
Lovett’s trip to Morocco was a once in a lifetime trip for a lot of our students. It was great to hear how the students raved about the trip to their parents upon return. Overall a wonderful trip that the students and staff loved!
Sabrina
Group Organizer on Morocco Service Adventure
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.