Future China, Living Heritage
AI, Pop Culture & Visual Storytelling across Shanghai, Hangzhou and Lishui
An 8-day creative field-learning programme where students explore China's AI innovation, youth consumer culture and living heritage, and turn their journey into a short documentary or visual research portfolio.
Programme
Overview
This programme follows one of China's most dynamic east-coast routes: Shanghai, Hangzhou and Lishui. The 8-day journey introduces students to contemporary China through three connected lenses: technology, youth culture and living heritage. Through field visits, interviews and visual documentation, students learn how to observe real-world change and communicate their findings through creative storytelling. Designed for young creators, the programme offers a hands-on way to understand China beyond sightseeing, through research, dialogue, fieldwork and creative production.
Key Highlights
Questions We Explore
Technology and Creativity
How is AI changing the way young people create, communicate and imagine the future?
Consumer Culture and Identity
How do brands, designer toys, beauty products and lifestyle spaces turn culture into stories that young consumers want to join?
Sustainability in Everyday Life
How does sustainable consumption appear differently in major cities, lifestyle districts, historic towns and local communities?
Living Heritage and Innovation
How can traditional crafts remain alive by adapting to new materials, new audiences and new technologies?
Cross-cultural Storytelling
How can young creators translate complex local stories into clear, engaging narratives for international audiences?
Create Your Own Story
Students work in small groups to collect interviews, photographs, video footage and field notes throughout the journey. By the end of the programme, each group will produce one final creative piece:
A short documentary
A photo essay
A visual research report
The final output can become part of a personal creative portfolio and may support future academic or creative applications. Students receive a certificate of completion. Supporting documentation and further project opportunities may be available where applicable.
Itinerary
Safeguarding & Practical Care
The programme is designed with student wellbeing and safety in mind. All routes, venues and activities are planned in advance, with trained staff accompanying students throughout the journey.
Safety
- Staff-to-student ratio of at least 1:5
- Programme leaders, subject mentors and safety coordinators on site
- 24-hour emergency response
- Pre-inspected venues and activity plans
- Licensed transport and professional drivers
Health
- Full programme insurance coverage
- Meals included, with local food experiences across Shanghai, Hangzhou and Lishui
- Dietary requirements and allergies accommodated with advance notice
Accommodation
- Accommodation arranged in quality hotels or guesthouses, depending on location
Detailed safeguarding arrangements, insurance information and risk assessment procedures are available upon request.
FAQ
This programme is designed for students interested in creative media, contemporary China, AI, culture, sustainability and storytelling.
Students will produce a short documentary, photo essay, or visual research report.
No prior filming experience is required. The programme provides guidance and support throughout.
Student safety is managed with a staff-to-student ratio of at least 1:5, 24-hour emergency response, and pre-inspected venues.
The programme includes accommodation, meals, transportation, activities, and insurance coverage.
Yes, dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
Yes, the full itinerary and fee details are available upon request through our contact form.
Ready to Learn More?
Request the full itinerary or speak to our programme team about group bookings, school partnerships and customised learning journeys.
Contact Us