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RAHA | BEJING & SHANGHAI

Join RAHA as they explore the culture, history, and energy of Beijing & Shanghai on our multi-city tour.

February 1^st, 2026

All Aboard…

A bright and early 5am meet at RAHA International School, as the kids set off full of excitement, intrigue and curiosity for what lay ahead.

Time to board and off the group jetted for 7.5 hours. A smooth and safe flight saw the guys touch down close to midnight. A quick convenience store shop to see what China had to offer and straight to the hotel for some well earned rest. A briefing on the bus by our local Beijing expert on Chinese customs and what the next few days had in store. Off the kids went to sleep.

Cutting Edge Tech to Imperial History

What a way to start our tour! Today was a full and exciting day that gave students a taste of both modern China’s innovation and its deep, fascinating history.

We began the morning with a visit to iFLYTEK, one of China’s leading artificial intelligence companies. Students were introduced to how AI is used in everyday life - from voice recognition and translation to education and smart technology. They were completely engaged during the presentation and clearly impressed by how fast AI is developing in China. Even better, they asked thoughtful questions and showed genuine curiosity, which was great to see on our very first day. Of course a robotic dog demonstration will always amaze!

In the afternoon, we stepped back in time with visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Standing in Tiananmen Square helped students understand its huge historical and cultural importance, while walking through the Forbidden City brought Chinese imperial history to life. The scale, architecture, and stories of past emperors made a big impression. Despite the crowds, students stayed focused, respectful, and enthusiastic throughout.

Food also continued to be a highlight of the day! Students are already enjoying Chinese cuisine and were excited to try a variety of new dishes - meals quickly became another fun part of the adventure.

All in all, Day 1 was a fantastic start: a perfect balance of learning, culture, and discovery. The students have settled in well, and we’re excited for what the rest of the journey has in store.

A group of people poses at night in front of the illuminated Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. The group, dressed in casual winter clothing, stands on a large paved square.

A group of seven people pose in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Four women stand to the left, two in traditional Chinese clothing and two in modern winter wear. Three young girls in matching traditional outfits stand to the right, making peace signs. The sky is overcast.

A group of people stand on a stone plaza in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing. A white flag on a pole is visible in the background. The sky is blue with scattered clouds.

A group poses in front of Beijing's Forbidden City, some in traditional Qing dynasty clothing. The group stands on a stone paved square under a blue sky with white clouds.

Teenagers assemble wooden clock kits at tables in a bright classroom. The students wear casual clothing and earbuds while working on the projects. Instructions and parts are spread on the tables.

A table laden with diverse dishes in Beijing or Shanghai, part of the

A group of students tours an AI lab in Beijing or Shanghai. A man photographs the group, who are listening to a guide. A screen displays

A group of students poses with a robot in a modern, brightly lit building. Informational displays and a screen with Chinese text are visible in the background.

Group of people stand in front of the Zhongguancun DX Lab display, which promotes AI and industry integration. A man gestures towards the screen while speaking.

Great Wall, even better day!!

We kicked off the morning at the beautiful Temple of Heaven, where the students had a truly special experience. They learned the basics of Taiji from a local Taiji master and then joined Beijing residents in their morning exercises at the park. There was chatting, laughing, dancing, and plenty of curiosity on both sides. It was a wonderful, natural cultural exchange that gave the students a genuine glimpse into everyday life in Beijing and they absolutely loved being part of it.

In the afternoon, excitement reached a whole new level as we headed to the Great Wall of China. Seeing it in real life was a huge moment for everyone! Walking along this world-famous landmark, taking in the breathtaking views, and imagining the history beneath their feet left a lasting impression on all of us.

After returning to the city, the group visited a lively night market. The students confidently practiced ordering their own meals - a great sign of how comfortable they already are with local cuisine. It was a fun, safe, and delicious way to experience local food and culture as a group.

Back at the hotel, the day ended on a particularly joyful note as we celebrated Agata’s birthday 🎉 We prepared a gift, we shared a birthday cake, and everyone came together, what a perfect way to wrap up an incredible day in Beijing.

Young woman in a panda hat smiles, holding a red gift bag at her birthday celebration. A cake with candles sits on the table, while others gather, one filming with a phone.

Five people stand on the Great Wall of China. The wall is made of grey bricks and has a steep set of stairs. The sky is clear and blue.

Tourists walk up and down stone steps on the Great Wall of China under a clear blue sky. A watchtower rises in the background.

A young man stands on the Great Wall of China, with other tourists climbing the steps behind him on a clear day.

Large group poses on the Great Wall of China, Beijing. Red lanterns line the wall against a clear blue sky. Mountain range visible in the background.

Six women pose outside in sunlight. Five wear traditional Tibetan clothing with cowboy hats; one wears a white jacket. They smile and gesture toward the camera in a park-like setting.

A group of about 20 people pose for a photo in Beijing or Shanghai. Some wear cowboy hats, others traditional Tibetan clothing, standing on a stone path under a wooden pergola on a sunny day.

A group of students practices Tai Chi in a park in Beijing or Shanghai. A person in a yellow Tai Chi uniform leads the group, raising one hand. Trees surround the open space, and the sky is blue.

A group of people stand in a park, most with arms crossed in front of their chests. A person in a bright yellow jumpsuit stands in front, hands together in a prayer position. Tall trees surround the group on a sunny day.

High Speed & Shanghai

Today saw a very early start for this lot… Another big day lay ahead.

Another big day in China, and one that took us from the capital to one of the country’s most dynamic cities.

The excitement of the day ahead quickly kicked in as we headed to board China’s famous high-speed bullet train, an experience in itself. Watching the scenery fly past at incredible speed highlighted China’s advanced transport system and just how vast the country is. Before we knew it, we had arrived in Shanghai, a city that instantly felt faster, bigger, and ultra-modern.

Our main visit of the day was to East China University of Political Science and Law, a prestigious and highly respected institution set on a beautiful campus. We were given a guided tour of the university and had the chance to take part in a cultural exchange with international students studying there. This was a real highlight. Students asked insightful questions, shared experiences, and gained a first-hand understanding of what it’s like to study and live in China as a university student. The kids hopefully took some inspiration from today for their years ahead.

The day ended on another high note with a traditional Chinese hot pot dinner, cooked fresh (and safely) over open flames at the table. The interactive style of dining was a big hit, with students enjoying the show, trying new flavours, and sharing the experience together. It was lively, social, and delicious. What a perfect way to finish a long but rewarding day.

Despite the early start, students stayed positive, engaged, and curious throughout. A fantastic travel day that blended education, cultural exchange, and memorable experiences.

A group of people stand and talk in front of a large blank projection screen and brick wall. Hanging lights illuminate the room.

Indoor scene shows a speaker addressing a seated audience in the Raha Beijing & Shanghai story. The room has light walls, wooden tables and chairs, with a brick wall behind the speaker and screen. A pegboard displays books and banners.

A chef pours liquid from a bottle onto a hot grill, creating a large flame at a hibachi restaurant. Diners sit around the grill, some holding up phones to record the cooking demonstration.

The old & new Shanghai

Today in Shanghai was a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The morning began with a visit to Guyi Garden, where students explored classical Chinese garden design, uncovering the symbolism, philosophy, and deep respect for harmony between nature and architecture. We then wandered through Nanxiang Old Town, giving students a glimpse into traditional town planning, local customs, and everyday life as it has unfolded for generations.

One of the day’s highlights was a hands-on dumpling-making experience. Students rolled up their sleeves to learn about Chinese food culture (which they have loved so far), family traditions, and the importance of teamwork and precision in the kitchen, plenty of laughter along the way.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted firmly to the future with a visit to Shanghai Tower. Here, students gained insight into modern engineering, sustainable architecture, and the incredible pace of Shanghai’s urban development. The day concluded with a Huangpu River cruise, where the historic Bund and the futuristic skyline of Pudong came into view side by side — a powerful visual reminder of Shanghai’s past, present, and future all in one frame.

Seven young men give thumbs up on a bridge in Beijing or Shanghai. They wear winter coats. A waterway is visible in the background.

A group of teenagers poses inside a pavilion, part of a traditional Chinese garden. The students stand and sit in front of a view of trees and a building with a curved roof. The pavilion has dark wood beams and a decorative white ceiling.

Shanghai skyline at night shows the Oriental Pearl Tower illuminated in pink. City lights reflect on the river with several boats.

A group of young people sit at a long table eating dumplings in a restaurant. Each person has a bamboo steamer basket of dumplings in front of them. Some use chopsticks. A pink tray holds serving spoons. A mural hangs on the wall.

A group of students stands on a stone path in a garden, some holding notebooks. The students wear winter coats, and a tote bag reads,

A group shares a variety of dishes on a round glass table in a restaurant setting. Chopsticks reach for orange-sauced meat, surrounded by plates of rice, greens, duck, and stir-fry.

Hanging scroll depicts a Chinese landscape painting with mountains, trees, and water. A figure in a boat fishes on the water. Red blossoms dot the trees. Calligraphy is visible in the upper right corner.

Passengers sit on a boat deck at night, viewing the Shanghai skyline. The blue deck is lined with dark metal chairs. Illuminated buildings glow against the dark sky.

The Last Hoorah

Our final day saw us visit our second cutting edge technology company in the form of an AI Robotics car manufacturer. Happy to host us, we were welcomed with open arms. The kids had an incredible experience as they got to take a test drive in a self driven prototype car. Just amazing. Off we headed to Shanghai Securities Museum, which despite the misleading name was all about the formation of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The Asian powerhouse.

From here, we finished off our meals on tour strongly with one of the first tours we’ve ever had without a single McDonalds or KFC. A brilliant bunch of kids. A lovely lunch was had before we headed for some retail therapy in a Chinese Market / Plaza. This brought an end to our incredible Beijing and Shanghai tour and what an absolute joy this bunch have been.