Guangzhou Trip

2026 China Winter Trip

1 trip, 2 universities, 3 cities, 4 companies

· Explore South China's dynamic cities through language, culture, and business.
· A unique study tour to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong – where tradition meets innovation.
· Step into the future of China: culture, commerce, and connections await.
· Discover China's tech capital and cultural heritage in one unforgettable journey.

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This 9-day China winter trip is hosted by two Chinese partners of CIBL in Guangdong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), from 3 January to 11 January 2026. It aims to enable professionals as well as students from the UK to better engage with modern China from a language, culture, and business perspective.

 

Programme summary

The winter trip programme welcomes participants eager to explore Chinese language, culture, and business. The programme features language exchange opportunities with locals, cultural workshops, visits to natural landmarks, and exclusive company tours tailored specifically for our participants. In the past, we visited companies like Huawei, BYD, Dongfeng, DJI drones, etc.

Along gaining a comprehensive understanding of China’s language, culture, and business landscape, this dynamic programme takes you to experience the pleasant weather and nature in southern China. Leave the winter blues behind and discover the warmth with us!

Please note: Chinese language skills are not required. Simultaneous English interpretation and language support will be available throughout the trip. For participants with no prior knowledge of Chinese, we offer a complimentary 5-hour introductory course to help you prepare for your journey to China.

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Programme schedule

Date

Location

3 - 6 Jan

Guangzhou

7-10 Jan

Shenzhen

11 Jan

Hong Kong

Detailed programme schedule can be viewed here, subject to change.

 Fees:

Fees

ELIGIBILITY

PROGRAMME FEE

OTHER FREES (ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT, etc)

ADMIN AND APPLICATION FEE 

TOTAL

Current CLCB students

 Free

750 GBP

100 GBP

850 GBP

CIBL alumni, LSE students and staff, staff from CIBL Advisory Council organisations*, or Super-early bird applications (by 26 Sept 2025)

640 GBP (25% off)

 750 GBP

 100 GBP

1490 GBP

Students from other  universities, or Early bird applications (by 7 Nov 2025)

725 GBP (15% off)

750 GBP

100 GBP

1575 GBP

General (by 28 Nov 2025)

850 GBP

750 GBP

100 GBP

1700 GBP

   * The organisations are: HSBC, BP, Deloitte, PwC, CBBC, Swire and Standard Chartered

 

Please note:

  • Accommodations (8 nights) in Guangzhou and Shenzhen are arranged and provided by the programme. All the rooms are single rooms with private bathroom. Fees are rooms only. Details can be found in the trip schedule here.

  • For Hong Kong, please arrange your own accommodation if you want to stay in Hong Kong after the programme ends. In addition, participants are responsible for flight tickets, visa, travel insurance, other personal expenses including self-selected experience activities in any of the tours. 

  • CIBL reserves the right to impose a 10% late payment & admin fee of the total fee or decline participation if any set deadlines are missed. As the trip is centrally organised for the entire group, missing deadlines can cause significant planning challenges and inconvenience to other participants.

Application and payment deadlines:

 

DEADLINE

Super-early bird

26 Sept 2025

Early bird

7 Nov 2025

General

28 Nov 2025

Due to the popularity of the winter trip this year, participants are capped at 30. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Interview may be needed if we receive more than 30 applications.

 

Additional fees to be made individually

  • International travel and visa fees

  • Travel insurance (required)

  • Any personal expenses in China, including self-selected experience activities in the tours. 

  • Accommodation in Hong Kong if chosen to stay after the programme ends

Requirements

  • Having a passport valid beyond 12th January 2026

  • 18-60 years old, in good health

  • Completed high school or above

FAQ

1. Do I need to know Chinese to join the trip?

No—Chinese language skills are not required. The programme provides simultaneous English interpretation and language support throughout the trip. For those with no prior knowledge of Chinese, a complimentary 5-hour introductory course is offered to help you prepare.

2. What's included in the programme fee? 

The fee covers eight nights’ single-room accommodation (with private bathroom) in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, plus group transportation to visiting sites, cultural and language activities, company visits, and interpretation services. Please note that additional costs—such as flights, visa fees, insurance, personal expenses, self-selected activities in the tours, and accommodation in Hong Kong—are not included.

3. Who can apply, and are there age or qualification restrictions?

Anyone aged between 18 and 60, in good health, and have completed at least high school can apply. No restrictions on the country residence.

 

4. Can I get a refund if my plans change?

Please refer to the Refund policies on the website.

5. Who are the partner universities and companies?

The trip is hosted by HKUST (Guangzhou) and CUHK (Shenzhen). Participants can expect visits to prominent companies or start-ups.

6. What companies will we visit?

While we are unable to provide the exact list of companies at this stage—as confirmations are typically finalised closer to the visit dates—in previous years we have visited organisations such as Huawei, BYD, Bosideng, Dongfeng, and DJI. Our aim is to give participants the opportunity to experience and gain access to cutting-edge technology firms, successful start-ups, and renowned manufacturers.

Some of the potential companies for this trip may include: OPPO, Datong Telecom, GLOBALXT Group, Mushroom IoT Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Nansha Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Climate Investment and Financing Centre, GAC Group Exhibition Centre, and Yuexiu iPARK Guangdong–Hong Kong Cloud Valley.

7. When should I start booking flights and personal arrangements? 

Please wait until your application is accepted and all programme fees have been paid before booking flights or personal accommodation, especially if staying extra days in Hong Kong.

 

8. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage, is mandatory. Participants must provide a copy of their policy certificate before departure.

9. What visa do I need?

Most participants will need a Chinese visa to enter China, either tourism or business. We strongly recommend that you consult the official Chinese embassy website for details specific to your nationality. Participants are solely responsible for applying for and obtaining their visas, and CIBL cannot be held liable for visa delays or rejections.

10. How big will the group be?

The trip is capped at 30 participants to ensure high-quality interaction, personalised support, and effective coordination.

11. What is the typical profile of participants? 

The trip welcomes students, professionals, and entrepreneurs who are eager to explore Chinese language, culture, and business. Many participants come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, making the group highly international and dynamic.

12. Will there be free time?

Yes. While the programme is structured with organised activities, there will be designated free time for personal exploration, particularly in the evenings and on the last day in Hong Kong.

13. What support will I receive before departure?

Participants will attend an online pre-departure briefing, covering logistics, cultural preparation, health and safety, and practical tips for traveling in China. You will also receive a participant handbook.

14. What do I need to be aware of when joining the trip? 

We strongly recommend that you read through our website carefully and review the Terms and Conditions in detail. All participants are also required to sign the trip agreement and secure valid travel insurance before departure.

15. Can I join the trip late or leave early, or arrange my own schedule for a few days during the programme?

Yes, you may join the trip after the official start date, leave before it ends, or make your own arrangements for certain days. Please note, however, that the programme fee remains unchanged regardless of full participation. We kindly ask that you inform us in advance of any adjustments to your schedule. During periods when you are not taking part in group activities, you will be fully responsible for your own safety, travel, and related arrangements. For further details, we strongly recommend reviewing our Terms and Conditions.

 

Application process 

Application form

  • Fill out an application form, and send your latest CV to confucius.business@lse.ac.uk as required.

Selection results

The applicant will be informed whether the application has been successful or if he/she has been placed on the waiting list via email. 

Confirmation and payment

Successful applicants are asked to do the following:

  • Confirm attendance on the programme

  • Make payment of all relevant fees within required time period

 

Partner universities in this trip

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) 

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) is the Guangzhou campus of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, located in the Nansha New Area. The university upholds HKUST’s values of innovation, excellence, and internationalization, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in science, engineering, business, and social sciences.

With modern facilities, interdisciplinary programs, and a bilingual learning environment, HKUST(GZ) nurtures global-minded, creative, and socially responsible talents, while contributing to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK Shenzhen), established in 2014, is a leading university located in the dynamic city of Shenzhen, China. It is a branch of the prestigious Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and focuses on providing high-quality education and research with an international perspective. CUHK Shenzhen offers a variety of programs across disciplines, including business, engineering, science, and social sciences, and aims to foster innovation and global collaboration. The university’s campus combines modern facilities with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge research, contributing to the development of Shenzhen as a major tech and business hub. With its strong ties to both Hong Kong and mainland China, CUHK Shenzhen provides students with a unique, cross-cultural educational experience.

 

Refund policies

The programme fee and administration fee are non-refundable.

Refunds for other fees will follow the timeline below:

  • Full refund: Requests made by 17 Oct 2025 (UK time).

  • Half refund: Requests made by 14 Nov 2025 (UK time).

  • No refund: Requests made after 15 Nov 2025 (UK time).

 

Terms and conditions

If you choose to participate in this study trip, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions as set out by the Confucius Institute for Business London, CIBL. 

 

Contact us

For any enquiries, please email us at confucius.business@lse.ac.uk