July 2027
Immersion Excursion
Immersion Excursion 2027
July 12 - 26
Open to all Year 10 - Year 13 Students
Beijing - Xi'an - Hangzhou - Shanghai
Highlights
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Up to 25 hours of dedicated Chinese classroom time with Harry, Jamie, and our accompanying MM tutors and partners in each city. 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 karaoke feast with the Kings of the Hutongs, the Liu family : )
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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 Hangzhou. Explore timeless West Lake, pick tea leaves, paddle through the wetlands. Cook and taste your way through some of China's most delicate foods.
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A food tour through modern China in Shanghai. Discover China's more recent history on the Bund and the Propaganda Museum. Check out the art districts of Shanghai.
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. Our courtyard hotel is an annual favorite with students, and allows for great interaction with our local friends in the neighborhood
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, where ancient dynasties, imperial monuments, and the legendary Silk Road shaped Chinese civilization.
Stand Face-to-Face with the Terracotta Warriors • Experience one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries and uncover the remarkable story of China's first emperor.
Discover the Legacy of the Tang Dynasty • Visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its peaceful gardens while learning how Buddhism spread across China. We'll be adding a calligraphy class here.
Bike the Ancient City Wall • Ride or stroll atop one of the world's best-preserved city walls, taking in breathtaking views where ancient Xi'an meets the modern city.
Master the Art of Handmade Biang Biang Noodles • Learn to stretch, slap, and prepare Xi'an's famous belt noodles in a hands-on cooking workshop before enjoying your own creation.
Taste the Flavors of the Silk Road • Wander the vibrant Muslim Quarter, savoring handmade noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burgers), dumplings, sizzling skewers, and other beloved local specialties.
Experience Xi'an After Dark • Watch the ancient city walls glow at sunset before exploring lantern-lit streets, bustling night markets, and lively food stalls.
Practice Real-World Mandarin • Build confidence by ordering food, shopping in bustling markets, and chatting with local vendors throughout the city.
杭州 Hangzhou
Hangzhou
Unwind in China's Most Beautiful City • After the history and energy of Xi'an, discover the timeless elegance of Hangzhou—a city celebrated for its tranquil gardens, poetic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Cruise the UNESCO-listed West Lake • Glide across one of China's most iconic landscapes, surrounded by willow-lined shores, elegant pagodas, and mist-covered hills that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.
Experience China's Most Famous Tea • Visit a traditional Longjing (Dragon Well) tea plantation, learn how this world-renowned tea is grown and harvested, and enjoy a fresh tasting overlooking the rolling tea fields.
Explore the Ancient Lingyin Temple • Wander one of China's most important Buddhist temples, nestled among forested mountains, ancient grottoes, and towering stone carvings.
Stroll Through Historic Hangzhou • Discover charming lanes, traditional architecture, boutique shops, and bustling local markets while sampling some of the city's most beloved regional specialties.
Discover Chinese Arts & Traditions • Try your hand at traditional calligraphy or fan painting and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic heritage that flourished in Hangzhou for centuries.
Practice Real-World Mandarin • Build confidence by ordering local delicacies, shopping in traditional markets, and chatting with tea growers, shopkeepers, and local residents throughout the city. Fun scavenger hunts and group activities await!
See Why Marco Polo Was Captivated • Experience the city that Marco Polo famously described as "the finest and most splendid city in the world," and discover why Hangzhou continues to enchant visitors today.
上海 Shanghai
Shanghai
Discover China's Global Metropolis • Conclude your journey in Shanghai, where centuries of history meet cutting-edge innovation in one of the world's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities.
Stroll Along the Iconic Bund • Walk Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade and admire the breathtaking skyline, where historic colonial architecture stands opposite the soaring skyscrapers of Pudong.
Cruise the Huangpu River • Take in spectacular views from the water as you sail between Shanghai's historic Bund and the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, experiencing one of the world's most dramatic urban panoramas.
Explore the Timeless Beauty of Yu Garden & Old Town • Wander classical Chinese gardens, traditional pavilions, bustling markets, and winding alleyways while sampling beloved local snacks and specialties.
Discover Tianzifang • Lose yourself in one of Shanghai's most charming historic neighborhoods, where narrow shikumen alleyways are filled with artisan boutiques, galleries, cafés, and hidden courtyards.
Experience the Charm of the Former French Concession • Stroll beneath leafy plane trees, discover elegant historic villas, browse independent boutiques, relax in stylish cafés, and experience one of Shanghai's most beloved neighborhoods.
Discover Shanghai's Creative Spirit • Explore world-class museums, contemporary galleries, and thriving arts districts that showcase the exciting blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern creativity.
Step Inside Modern Chinese History • Visit the fascinating Propaganda Poster Art Centre and gain a unique perspective on China's twentieth century through one of the world's finest collections of original propaganda art.
Taste Shanghai's Culinary Delights • Join a guided food tour through hidden alleyways and local eateries, sampling famous xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, scallion noodles, and other authentic Shanghainese favorites.
Enjoy Free Time for Shopping • Browse everything from luxury flagships and designer boutiques to sprawling department stores, stylish shopping malls, and unique local brands, giving you time to explore Shanghai at your own pace.
Where We Stay
Ji Hotel Hanghzou
A beautiful boutique hotel walking distance to Westlake, the night markets of Hangzhou and more.
Junhefu Hutong Hotel
House in a well-reserved old dwelling, Junhefu has been a favorite of MMTravel for years. Located in the historic Hutong area in the heart of Beijing, a 12-minute walk from Houhai Lake and the bars.
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.
Shaanxi Business Hotel
We've stayed at this hotel the past few years! It's in the perfect location right in the heart of Shanghai. Easy to walk every where with comfortable rooms and a great brekkie.
Details
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£3,975 + VAT per student (does not include international flights)
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Discounts:
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£3,000 + VAT if signed up before Sep 1, 2026
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£3,500 + VAT if you sign up before Jan 1, 2027
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Fee does not include flight to and from China
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The main flights will be from London & NYC to Beijing
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!