This 2-week China summer trip is hosted by four Chinese partners of CIBL, Sichuan University, Chongqing University, Xi'an International University, and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics from 4 July to 18 July 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 summer 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 Tencent, Huawei, BYD, DJI, SF Technology, Dongfeng, etc.
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.
Programme Highlights
- Embark on an immersive study trip across Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, where ancient civilisation meets modern innovation. Through language exchange, cultural engagement, company visits, and landmark tours, participants gain first-hand insight into China’s society, economy, and business environment.
- Designed for globally minded students and professionals, this programme combines Chinese language practice, intercultural communication, and business exposure with visits to leading companies and iconic sites across four distinctive Chinese cities.
- From the historical roots of Xi’an to the global skyline of Shanghai, and from the cultural vibrancy of Chengdu to the dynamic urban landscape of Chongqing, participants will experience China’s diversity, development, and global relevance.
Programme schedule
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Date
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Location
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4-8 July
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Chengdu
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9-11 July
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Chongqing
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12-15 July
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Xi’an
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16-18 July
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Shanghai
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Detailed programme schedule can be viewed here, subject to change.
Fees:
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ELIGIBILITY
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PROGRAMME FEE
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OTHER FREES (ACCOMMODATION, BUS HIRE AND TRAIN)
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ADMIN AND APPLICATION FEE
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TOTAL
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Current CLCB students
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200 GBP
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950 GBP
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100 GBP
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1250 GBP
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CIBL alumni, LSE students and staff, staff from CIBL Advisory Council member organisations*, or
Super-early bird applications (by 5 April 2026)
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720 GBP (40% off)
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950 GBP
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100 GBP
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1770 GBP
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Students from other institutes or universities, or
Family (2 or more from the same family), or
Early bird applications (by 10 May 2026)
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900 GBP (25% off)
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950 GBP
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100 GBP
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1950 GBP
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General (by 5 June 2026)
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1200 GBP
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950 GBP
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100 GBP
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2250 GBP
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* The organisations are: HSBC, BP, Deloitte, PwC, CBBC, Swire and Standard Chartered
Please note:
- Accommodations are all 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 .
- Check out date in Shanghai is 18 July. If you want to stay in Shanghai longer, please arrange for your own accommodation. In addition, participants are responsible for flight tickets, visa, travel insurance, other personal expenses including self-selected experience activities in any of the tours.
- The trip is open to anyone above 16 years old. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a family member, as CIBL is not responsible for the health and safety of minors. Families of two or more participants are eligible for a 25% discount on the programme fee.
- 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:
- super-early bird: by 5 April 2026
- early bird applications: by 10 May 2026
- deadline: by 5 June 2026
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 18 July 2026
- 16-60 years old, in good health
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a family member, as CIBL is not responsible for the health and safety of minors. Families of two or more participants are eligible for a 25% discount on the programme fee.
FAQ
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.
The fee covers 14 nights’ single-room accommodation (with private bathroom) in Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, 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, and self-selected activities in the tours—are not included.
Anyone aged between 16 and 60, and in good health. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a family member, as CIBL is not responsible for the health and safety of minors. No restrictions on the country residence.
Please refer to the Refund policies on the website.
The trip is hosted by HKUST (Guangzhou) and CUHK (Shenzhen). Participants can expect visits to prominent companies or start-ups.
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.
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 Shanghai.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage, is mandatory. Participants must provide a copy of their policy certificate before departure.
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.
The trip is capped at 30 participants to ensure high-quality interaction, personalised support, and effective coordination.
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.
Yes. While the programme is structured with organised activities, there will be designated free time for personal exploration, particularly in the evenings.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The minimum number of participants is 10.
Yes. If the trip is cancelled by CIBL for any reason, a full refund will be issued. We strongly advise applicants not to book flights until CIBL confirms that the trip will proceed.
Applicants should only book flights and apply for a visa once CIBL has confirmed that the trip will go ahead.
Application process
The applicant will be informed whether the application has been successful or if he/she has been placed on the waiting list via email.
Successful applicants are asked to do the following:
Partner universities in this trip
Founded in 1896, Sichuan University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious comprehensive universities. Located in Chengdu, the cultural and economic centre of Southwest China, SCU is renowned for its strengths across humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, medicine, and international studies.
As a member of China’s national “Double First-Class” initiative, Sichuan University maintains strong academic traditions while actively engaging in global collaboration. The university offers a rich academic environment complemented by Chengdu’s distinctive cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for students to explore Chinese society, language, and contemporary development.
Chongqing University, established in 1929, is a leading national university directly under China’s Ministry of Education. Situated in Chongqing, one of China’s four municipalities and a major hub in western China, CQU is particularly well known for its excellence in engineering, architecture, urban studies, and interdisciplinary research.
With a strong emphasis on innovation and international exchange, Chongqing University provides students with valuable insights into China’s rapid urbanisation, industrial transformation, and regional development. Its dynamic location and academic strengths make it a compelling site for academic visits and experiential learning.
Founded in 1952, Xi’an International University is a specialised institution well recognised for its focus on languages, international studies, and intercultural communication. Located in Xi’an, one of China’s most historically significant cities and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, XAIU offers a unique blend of tradition and global outlook.
The university has developed strong expertise in foreign languages, international relations, and cultural exchange, and maintains partnerships with institutions around the world. It provides an excellent academic setting for students interested in language learning, cross-cultural studies, and China’s historical role in global connectivity.
Established in 1917, the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics is one of China’s most prestigious universities specialising in economics, finance, business, and management. Located in Shanghai, China’s international financial centre, SUFE is widely recognised for its rigorous academic standards and strong links with industry and policy-making institutions.
The university plays a leading role in economic research and education in China and offers students first-hand exposure to China’s financial system, business environment, and global economic integration. Its location and academic focus make SUFE an ideal destination for students interested in economics, finance, and contemporary China.
Refund policies
Programme fee and admin fee are non-refundable.
Other fees follow the below refund timeline:
- Full refund if the request is made by 5 April 2026, UK time
- Half refund if the request is made by 10 May 2026, UK time
- No refund after 11 May 2026, 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