July 2027
Immersion Excursion
Immersion Excursion 2027
July 12 - 26
Open to all Year 10 - Year 13 Students
Highlights
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25 hours of dedicated Chinese class time with Harry, Jamie, and our accompanying MM tutors. This can cover GCSE materials and topics if preferred!
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Explore the Hutongs of Beijing as only we know how, including a Kung Fu class and feast with the King of the Hutongs : )
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Bike the City Wall of Xi'an. Check out the Terracotta Warriors. Feast of the tastes of Huiminjie.
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Soak in the slow pace of live in Chengdu. Check out the biggest panda sanctuary in the world. Cook and taste your way through the spices of Sichuan.
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Explore the Hutongs of Beijing as only we know how, including a Kung Fu class and feast with the King of the Hutongs : )
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Yunnan: China's Hidden Gem – Discover breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient UNESCO towns, vibrant ethnic minority cultures, crystal-clear lakes, and some of the best hiking in Asia. Practice Mandarin in a region few international travelers experience while exploring a side of China unlike anywhere else.
Yes, Manhattan Mandarin Trips Are The Most Fun
"So so so great ! Covered so much ground, so many experiences and fun moments!! Amazing and hopefully you will do it again next year! I will be joining!! Thank you thank you!"
There's a good reason our trips are so loved by students and families: We do what we loved to do when traveling through China as students ourselves. Since 2015 we've enjoyed rediscovering China each year, reconnecting with old friends while giving our students the trip of a lifetime.
Not to mention, students will cover at least half a school year’s worth of Mandarin in less than two weeks. We've had many students skip a year ahead after our trip.
A mix of morning Mandarin lessons with daily immersive activities means a great leap forward in Mandarin abilities and speaking confidence. Some students even opt in for a full immersion language pledge.
With our founders Harry, Jamie, and Manhattan Mandarin teachers leading the way, students will explore the imperial history of Beijing, the ancient wonders of Xi'an, the vibrant culture and cuisine of Chengdu, and the breathtaking mountains, villages, and ethnic traditions of Yunnan.
From immersive and customized Food Tours to morning Mandarin lessons based on students’ own school curriculums, every step of the journey is designed to deepen cultural understanding while significantly boosting students’ Mandarin skills - all with our unique Manhattan Mandarin focus on fun and interactivity.
Itinerary
*We adjust our precise itinerary according to our participants' interests and wish-list. A more detailed itinerary is available upon request
北京 Beijing
Beijing
We'll be staying in the Hutongs near the Bell and Drum tower, which has long been our favorite hood in BJ
Walking up Jingshan park to look out over the Forbidden City is always a fun start to understanding the layout of Beijing. Rickshaw tour around Beihai and some park life exploration • Gongfu lessons between the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the ancient hutongs • Feast and karaoke with our old friends, a martial arts family who are 4th generation hutong legends
A guided tour of Tiananmen and the Forbidden City • Feast on Peiking Duck at one of our favorite restaurants • Spa and massage time - we may need it by then! • We'll then do an awesome Food Tour through the hutongs, ending not too far away from our hotel
After morning Mandarin lessons and a good hotel breakfast, we'll visit the Temple of Heaven, explore the 798 art district and visit one of our favorite museums
On our final day in Beijing, we'll visit Qinghua University and learn about academic life in China • Visit our friends at the Schwarzman Scholars program • A guided tour of the nearby Summer Palace • Head out for an overnight stay at the Great Wall
Sunrise hike of the Great Wall • High speed rail to Xi'an!
西安 Xi'An
Xi'An
Walk Through 3,000 Years of History • Explore one of China's oldest capitals and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
Stand Face-to-Face with the Terracotta Warriors • Experience one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries and learn the story of China's first emperor.
Taste the Flavors of the Silk Road • Wander the lively Muslim Quarter, sampling handmade noodles, dumplings, roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and local street food.
Bike the Ancient City Wall • Ride or walk atop one of the best-preserved city walls in the world while taking in panoramic views of modern and ancient Xi'an.
Practice real-world Mandarin while ordering food, shopping in bustling markets, and interacting with local vendors throughout the city.
成都 Cheng Du
Cheng Du
Meet China's Famous Giant Pandas – Visit the world-renowned panda conservation base and see giant pandas up close in their natural bamboo habitat.
Experience Authentic Sichuan Culture – Relax in a traditional teahouse, watch locals play mahjong, and discover why Chengdu is known for its laid-back lifestyle. Taste Legendary Sichuan Cuisine – Enjoy authentic hot pot and local specialties while learning how bold flavors and regional traditions define one of China's greatest food capitals.
Practice Mandarin with Locals – Build confidence using Mandarin in parks, markets, restaurants, and everyday conversations throughout the city. Discover Modern China at a Slower Pace – Explore beautiful parks, vibrant shopping streets, and one of China's most livable cities, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly.
昆明 KunMing, 大理 DaLi，丽江 LiJiang
Kunming
Enjoy China's Perfect Climate – Explore Kunming, famous for its year-round mild weather, beautiful parks, and relaxed atmosphere. Discover the Spectacular Stone Forest – Walk among towering limestone formations at one of China's most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience Yunnan's Diverse Cultures – Learn about the traditions, food, and crafts of the many ethnic minority communities that call Yunnan home. Practice Mandarin in Local Markets – Use your Mandarin to order snacks, shop for local specialties, and interact with friendly vendors.
Dali
Explore a Beautiful Ancient Town – Wander cobblestone streets lined with traditional Bai architecture, cafés, artisan shops, and historic city gates.Cycle Along Erhai Lake – Ride beside one of China's most beautiful alpine lakes, surrounded by the dramatic Cangshan Mountains. Experience Traditional Bai Culture – Discover local crafts, cuisine, and customs in one of China's most picturesque cultural regions.
Lijiang
Step Into Ancient China – Explore the enchanting streets, canals, and stone bridges of Lijiang Old Town, one of China's best-preserved historic cities. Discover Naxi Culture – Learn about the unique traditions, music, and history of the Naxi people, whose culture has flourished here for centuries. Take in Stunning Mountain Scenery – Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking landscapes, Lijiang offers some of the most spectacular views in China.
Where We Stay (Subject to Change)
Guiwu · Song Xurutang
A beautiful boutique hotel combining traditional Naxi charm with modern comfort, just moments from Lijiang Ancient Town.
Junhefu Courtyard
Beijing
Housed in a well-reserved old dwelling, Junhefu Courtyard hotel is located in the historic Hutong area in the heart of Beijing, minutes from the Bell & Drum towers and some of our main activities.
Sheraton Xi'an Bell Tower
Located in the middle of old Xi'an, this hotel has epic views of the Bell Tower. Walking distance to Huiminjie and the city wall. We've loved staying here in the past.
Details
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£3,975 + VAT per student (does not include international flights)
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£3,000 + VAT for returning students or if you sign up before Sep 1, 2026
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£3,500 + VAT if you sign up before Jan 1, 2027
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*Stay tuned for an exact itinerary of flights, hotels, trains, and dates
What's Included
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All domestic travel, including flights, trains, private drivers, buses, taxis (and boat rides!)
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All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
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All meals, including over 20 hours of professionally led food tours with dozens of restaurant stops
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All activities booked with our partners, including accompanying teachers
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25+ hours of class and 1:1 tutoring time
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All accommodations
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Daily updates from Harry and Jamie on the ground!