This November, I had the honour of representing Canada on a multinational travel delegation to mainland China, invited by the Chinese National Tourist Office of New York (CNTONY) and the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). Our group of 18 tour operators from Canada, the United States, Mexico, India, and New Zealand travelled across Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, experiencing firsthand how China has become one of the most compelling destinations for North American travellers— including student and youth groups.
Over the course of eleven days, I participated in the US–China Study Travel Dialogue in Hangzhou, explored UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tested China’s high-speed travel infrastructure, visited leading tech campuses, and enjoyed hands-on cultural workshops perfectly suited for today’s travellers and experiential learners.
What I discovered was a China that is remarkably easy to navigate, technologically advanced, deeply safe, and layered with thousands of years of history—an ideal blend for Canadian travellers seeking meaningful global experiences.
A High-Speed Introduction to Ancient & Modern China
Our itinerary began in Beijing, where the contrast of old and new is impossible to ignore:
Beijing — Imperial Legacy Meets Smart Travel
From the moment we landed at Beijing Capital Airport, the journey felt seamless. Our first morning included a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for harvests—followed by a Tai Chi lesson with a local master. Later, at dinner, we experienced an AR-enhanced Peking Duck restaurant where digital projections transformed the table into shifting landscapes of China.
We saw Tiananmen Square, explored the vast Forbidden City, and rode the historic Dangdang Tram through Beijing’s cultural axis before heading backstage at the Peking Opera for a hands-on makeup and costume experience—an unforgettable activity for all ages.
A full day was devoted to traditional arts at Rongbaozhai Gallery with a woodblock printing workshop, followed by a breathtaking visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a quieter and more accessible section ideal for student groups.
Xi’an — Archaeology, Hands-On Workshops & Ancient Engineering
High-Speed Rail to Xi’an
On day four, we boarded China’s famous high-speed train—smooth, quiet, and incredibly efficient—to the ancient capital of Xi’an.
There, our educational focus deepened:
- Shadow puppetry workshop
- Cycling atop the Ancient City Wall
- Relic restoration lab visit with museum archaeologists
- A lively night tour through the Great Tang All Day Mall
The next morning, we visited the world-renowned Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized warriors stood in silent formation. This was followed by a clay-making workshop with the descendants of the original artisan family—an emotional highlight for our group and a perfect cultural immersion.
In the evening, we experienced the Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show, which blends traditional performance with modern staging, lasers, and digital backdrops.
Travelling to China Is Easier Than Ever — Especially for Canadians
One of the most exciting developments for Canadian travellers is China’s visa-free travel policy for short-term visits. This eliminates a major barrier to travel, making school trips and group tours far more affordable and accessible.
North American travel to China is rebounding rapidly. According to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism:
- 35+ million foreign visitor arrivals were recorded in 2023, marking a strong post-pandemic rebound.
- North American arrivals climbed steadily throughout 2024 as air routes reopened and visa-free entry expanded.
- Major carriers have increased trans-Pacific capacity, supporting renewed demand from educational and leisure travellers alike.
With these improvements, Canadians including schools and youth organizations are in a perfect position to reintroduce China as a global classroom.
Why China Is Re-Emerging as a Top Destination
This journey confirmed that China is one of the richest destinations in the world.
Travellers can:
- Explore ancient history at world-renowned UNESCO sites
- Engage in hands-on workshops (clay warriors, printing, puppetry, cooking)
- Participate in cultural exchanges with local universities
- Witness the future of global technology firsthand
- Learn resilience, community values, and interdisciplinary perspectives
The country is safe, clean, organized, and supported by world-leading infrastructure—travel themes can include Culinary, Photography, Cultural, Technology, STEM, Arts, Music, Commerce and more!
Final Reflections
China’s blend of innovation and ancient heritage makes it a destination unlike any other. I am deeply grateful to CNTONY and SYTA for organizing this extraordinary study tour and for inviting me to represent Canada at an international dialogue on the future of travel.
For Canadian schools, youth groups, and simply the culturally curious traveller, there has never been a better time to experience China.
