What could be better than going to study abroad or teach abroad in China? China is also increasingly popular for group travel, especially for students. It’s easy to find student travel packages, education tours, adventure tours, and sometimes even volunteer tours in China. China is one of the fastest changing and most dynamic and diverse countries in the world. You will get an amazing perspective on history as well as a glimpse of what the future looks like: Shanghai, for example, has spectacular skyscrapers to outclass any in New York or Chicago. When you’re in China, Shanghai and Beijing are easily the most expensive cities to visit, but a student budget in China goes far in the west and southwest, off the beaten track and in the direction of the legendary Silk Road. Once you are in China, there are a variety of discount travel options including trains.
The palace and gardens of the Forbidden City in Beijing must be experienced. Visit the Great Wall near Beijing and the Eastern Qing Tombs. The Zhoukoudian Peking Man site is a fascinating archeological area that is protected by UNESCO, and is located not far from Beijing. If you love dramatic natural beauty, check out the environs of the Li River. Shanghai means “City above the Sea” and a city it certainly is, with glittering skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping and entertainment. In Shanghai fun activities include visiting the peaceful Yu Garden, the Shanghai Museum of Art, and lovely architecture in the former French Concession quarter. Some of the most important cities besides Shanghai and Beijing are Guangzhou, Fujian, Shenzhen, and Zhejiang. Between Shanghai and Beijing near Nanjing is the stunning Ming Tomb, burial place of the founder of the renowned Ming Dynasty. Huangshan is a beautiful mountainous area in eastern China that inspired many breathtaking artworks. It’s definitely worth a visit, too, and it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you follow the Great Wall to the sea, you can check out the resorts Beidaihe and Shanhaiguan, which Chinese holiday makers enjoy very much. Another cool place is the Eight Outer Monasteries near Chengde. If you’re lucky enough to make your way out west, follow landmarks of the amazing Silk Road. You can also visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Labrang Monastery, and the Thousand Buddha Temple and Grottoes.