Using a School Travel Service for Geography Trips to China

Using a school travel service for geography trips to China eases the stress and difficulty of organising an important, educational and safe trip in an unfamiliar country. Not only will a school travel service arrange accommodation and transport, but a good service will offer a diverse array of options for the trip’s itinerary, chosen to meet the specific learning requirements of the group. China has a lot to offer geography groups, including the rare karst caves of Leye Tiankengs, innovations in sustainable living in an eco village, and the major cities of Shanghai and Beijing, which serve as case studies for urban geography as well as offering opportunities to enjoy some leisure time in China’s finest cities.

Leye Tiankengs

High in Guangxi Province lies the Leye Tiankengs, which are spectacular and rare karst caves. A school travel service can organise an excursion to see these slightly out-of-the-way geological formations, which will be a rewarding treat for all geography students. Standing at the top of the caves, they will look down into the secluded depths that plummet over 600 metres down in the deepest cave,  and see small, precious forests where new species of crab and spider have been discovered.

Eco Village

Another highly interesting excursion that a school travel service can include on the itinerary is a visit to an eco village. These villages are one answer that China has put forward to the vital question of sustainable living in the modern world. Designed to be self-sustainable communities, eco villages use environmentally friendly farming techniques (e.g.: organic farming) and energy sources (e.g.: solar energy), and maintain traditional methods of living with sustainable innovations. They make an especially interesting case study for geography students visiting China.

Shanghai

A major centre of finance and shipping with a population of over 24 million, Shanghai is an important city in contemporary China. While visiting it, geography students can raise and discuss key human geography questions such as urban development and rural-to-urban migration. They will also be able to spend time in the exceptional Shanghai Natural History Museum, with its vast collection of mineral, animal and plant specimens, including the rare Yellow River mammoth, Yangtze alligator, giant salamander and, of course, the giant panda. A school travel service will arrange well-placed, good quality accommodation, as well as an itinerary of city sights and excursions.

Beijing

Beijing is another major Chinese city is perfect for case studies of human geography and an investigation into the issue of managing air pollution. Alternatively, groups can take a break, enjoy some leisure time and see some of the country’s most famous historical sites. On a well organised trip groups can visit Tiananmen Square and the expansive Forbidden City, then leave Beijing behind to see the Great Wall of China crossing the hills to the north.