8 days
Beijing, Badaling
Beijing is a city in constant evolution, which you’ll see for yourself as you stand in awe of the city’s jaw-dropping skyline, marvel at the Summer Palace’s huge lakes and hilltop views, and contemplate two dynasties of imperial rule at the Forbidden City. Past blends into present as you trek across the Great Wall’s majestic peaks, savor local heritage during a Peking duck dinner, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony, whose 4,000-year-old practices remain central to Chinese culture today.
  • Day 1: Fly overnight to China

  • Day 2: Beijing

    Meet your Field Director at the airport

    Enjoy dinner in Beijing

  • Day 3: Beijing

    Tour Beijing, long been considered the political, educational, and cultural center of China, with an expert local guide

    Enjoy a dragon boat ride and see the views from Kunming Lake (seasonal: April to October) 

    Visit the Summer Palace, an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty, and explore its beautiful garden grounds

    Participate in a Taiji lesson to learn about this martial art, meditation system, and health practice 

    Visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a site of frequent political protests

    Visit the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors and so named because no one could enter or leave the premises without the emperor's approval

    Tour Beijing University campus and get a glimpse into higher education in China

  • Day 4: Beijing • Badaling • Beijing

    Tour the Great Wall of China with your Field Director and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which was built by 300,000 people over several centuries and now stretches over 3,000 miles

    Take an excursion to Badaling

    Stop to take a photo at the site of the 2008 Olympics

    Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Beijing where you will learn about: 

    • The Chinese culture of drinking tea in daily life today
    • The history of chayi, or the art of drinking tea, credited to Emperor Shennong
    • The significance of drinking tea among Chinese scholars in tea houses
    Add this in-depth excursion:
    The Legend of Kung Fu show

    The Legend of Kung Fu show

    Tonight, see the show that tells the story of a young boy, Chun Yi (the pure one), who in order to pursue spiritual and physical harmony becomes a monk and learns kung fu. Along the way he overcomes obstacles, is distracted and tempted, but ultimately achieves the designation of master. This performance combines story-telling, kung-fu, acrobatics, modern dance, and original music to celebrate the philosophy and skill of martial arts.

  • Day 5: Beijing

    Visit the Temple of Heaven Park, a huge outdoor complex adorned with Ming and Qing relics 

    Visit the Beijing Zoo, one of China's oldest zoological parks and home to over 5,000 animals including giant pandas

    Tour Beijing's Hutongs, a labyrinthine network of ancient city alleys, by traditional rickshaw

    Enjoy dinner with a local family and get a taste of Beijing’s culinary tradition as you enjoy a homemade dinner with them and learn about their daily life

  • Day 6: Beijing

    Visit the Yonghe Lamasery Temple, a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism

    Visit the 798 Dashanzi Modern Art Zone, once an extension of the Socialist Unification Plan between the Soviet Union and China, and now home to galleries, boutiques, and a thriving artistic community

    Spend a half day exploring Beijing on your own

    Add this in-depth excursion:
    Acrobatics show

    Acrobatics show

    Witness a thrilling display by talented performers during today’s optional acrobatics show. For more than 2,000 years, Chinese acrobats have been perfecting this unique form of performance art. Acrobatic troupes continue to dazzle audiences with unusual feats of balance and flexibility complemented by vibrant costumes, elaborate sets and traditional music. 

  • Day 7: Beijing

    Spend a full day exploring Beijing on your own

    Enjoy a regional specialty and traditional side dishes with your group at a Peking Duck dinner

  • Day 8: Depart for home

  • Day 1: Fly overnight to China

  • Day 2: Beijing

    Meet your Field Director at the airport

    Enjoy dinner in Beijing

  • Day 3: Beijing

    Tour Beijing, long been considered the political, educational, and cultural center of China, with an expert local guide

    Enjoy a dragon boat ride and see the views from Kunming Lake (seasonal: April to October) 

    Visit the Summer Palace, an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty, and explore its beautiful garden grounds

    Participate in a Taiji lesson to learn about this martial art, meditation system, and health practice 

    Visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a site of frequent political protests

    Visit the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors and so named because no one could enter or leave the premises without the emperor's approval

    Tour Beijing University campus and get a glimpse into higher education in China

  • Day 4: Beijing • Badaling • Beijing

    Tour the Great Wall of China with your Field Director and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which was built by 300,000 people over several centuries and now stretches over 3,000 miles

    Take an excursion to Badaling

    Stop to take a photo at the site of the 2008 Olympics

    Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Beijing where you will learn about: 

    • The Chinese culture of drinking tea in daily life today
    • The history of chayi, or the art of drinking tea, credited to Emperor Shennong
    • The significance of drinking tea among Chinese scholars in tea houses
    Add this in-depth excursion:
    The Legend of Kung Fu show

    The Legend of Kung Fu show

    Tonight, see the show that tells the story of a young boy, Chun Yi (the pure one), who in order to pursue spiritual and physical harmony becomes a monk and learns kung fu. Along the way he overcomes obstacles, is distracted and tempted, but ultimately achieves the designation of master. This performance combines story-telling, kung-fu, acrobatics, modern dance, and original music to celebrate the philosophy and skill of martial arts.

  • Day 5: Beijing

    Visit the Temple of Heaven Park, a huge outdoor complex adorned with Ming and Qing relics 

    Visit the Beijing Zoo, one of China's oldest zoological parks and home to over 5,000 animals including giant pandas

    Tour Beijing's Hutongs, a labyrinthine network of ancient city alleys, by traditional rickshaw

    Enjoy dinner with a local family and get a taste of Beijing’s culinary tradition as you enjoy a homemade dinner with them and learn about their daily life

  • Day 6: Beijing

    Visit the Yonghe Lamasery Temple, a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism

    Visit the 798 Dashanzi Modern Art Zone, once an extension of the Socialist Unification Plan between the Soviet Union and China, and now home to galleries, boutiques, and a thriving artistic community

    Spend a half day exploring Beijing on your own

    Add this in-depth excursion:
    Acrobatics show

    Acrobatics show

    Witness a thrilling display by talented performers during today’s optional acrobatics show. For more than 2,000 years, Chinese acrobats have been perfecting this unique form of performance art. Acrobatic troupes continue to dazzle audiences with unusual feats of balance and flexibility complemented by vibrant costumes, elaborate sets and traditional music. 

  • Day 7: Beijing

    Spend a full day exploring Beijing on your own

    Enjoy a regional specialty and traditional side dishes with your group at a Peking Duck dinner

  • Day 8: Depart for home


Learning outcomes on this program

Confidence • Curiosity • Global perspective • Empathy • Adaptability • Relatability • Self-Awareness


EF Global Learning Model Post-Study Abroad Learning Resources
Academic resources

With this program, you get access to our Global Learning Resources, which include:

  • Discussion questions
  • Sample assignments
  • Journal prompts
  • Webinars
  • EF's Global Competency Assessment, a pre- and post-program assessment to measure competency development
See the resources you get
EF Global Learning Model Post-Study Abroad Learning Resources
Academic resources


With this program, you get access to our Global Learning Resources, which include:

  • Discussion questions
  • Sample assignments
  • Journal prompts
  • Webinars
  • EF's Global Competency Assessment, a pre- and post-program assessment to measure competency development

See the resources you get


What's Included

  • Transportation

    Various modes of transport are tailored to your program. While some transfers are included, others may come at additional cost.

  • Accommodations

    Safe, comfortable lodging will be waiting for you at your destination.

  • Select meals

    Enjoy a combination of included meals and the freedom to explore local cuisine on your own.

  • End-to-end support

    Your dedicated EF team helps secure administrative approval and academic credit, provides enrollment tools, and helps establish your program’s ongoing presence on campus.

  • EF Global Learning Toolkit

    We offer various tools to help educators facilitate student growth abroad and on campus, including academically enriched travel programs, industry engagement opportunities, global learning resources, and a Global Competencies Assessment tool.

  • Field Director

    Your Field Director is on the ground with your group, providing deep local insights while handling program logistics.

  • Guided exploration

    Gain insider knowledge and cultural perspective from licensed local guides: natural historians who provide cultural insights to enhance learning moments throughout the program.

  • Field Visits

    Experience academics in action during engaging visits with relevant organizations, thought leaders, and partners.


Programs in real life

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Programs in real life

EF College Study Tours Instagram page     Instagram →

EF College Study Tours Facebook page     Facebook →

EF College Study Tours blog page     Blog →

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