Learn Chinese in Beijing: Social Life
All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Beijing by participating in guided excursions and activities offered by the Language School staff. These social activities enable students to get to know Beijing, the people and the surroundings.
Great Wall trip
Join a school guide on a trip with 4-10 students to visit a quiet section of the wall, so that you can experience the beauty and majesty of the wall, without hordes of other tourists. Definitely a must see!
Allow approximately CNY 250 for a 2 day hike, staying over night and visit the Ming tombs on the way home.
Museum Trips
There are oodles of museums in Beijing from the very grand to the very niche.
Beijing Hutong
There are still traditional Hutongs to explore; bars, restaurants and markets set around tiny walk ways. Generally visited with a guide on Saturday to explore the area and followed by a lunch.
Allow approximately CNY 40
Market Trip
The Panjiayuan antique and flea market trip is one of the more popular market visits. A great chance to practise your Chinese, when haggling for a bargain!
Karaoke
A classic Chinese activity – visiting a KTV is great fun – with a selection of Western and Chinese music to sing! A fabulous Friday activity to round of a week of hard work with fellow students!
Lunch Club
Sign up by 10.30am, and join the other students for lunch at school during the week.
Budget for 25-30 CNY per lunch.
798 Art District School Trip
Famed for the artistic community based in abandoned factory buildings. There are many art galleries from world famous artists to new local talent. Students love exploring the area on a Saturday and then go for dinner. Allow CNY 30 for dinner.
Beijing Opera
Experience this traditional form of culture in a truly dramatic art form. Shows take place in an old Chinese tea house. Allow CNY 120 for this memorable experience!
Additional Activities students can enjoy include:
Tiananmen Square a place not to be missed, the square and its surroundings used to be the old city centre and holds great historical interest.
The Temple of Heaven, this is where Ming and Qing Emperors travelled to, from the Forbidden city on winter solstice to worship and offer sacrifices to heaven and to pray for good harvests. It is well worth the visit during your stay.
For those who love shopping, Wangfujing Street is Beijing’s busiest commercial area. The Liulichang market specialises in Chinese paintings, calligraphy, rare books, and arts and crafts.
There are thousands of eating places in Beijing, serving the typical Chinese cuisine. The large department stores and commercial centres almost always have food patios where you can grab a bite to eat.
