Future Systems
Hands-on experiences with autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, drones and immersive technology districts where innovation, design and daily life intersect.
China: Future Frontiers
From Beijing to Shanghai on an immersive journey into innovation, culture and vision – not just a trip – it’s a glimpse of tomorrow…
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/12/27 | 06/22/27 | 11 days | $6,395 pp | $750 | Local Guides | 12 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
China: Future Frontiers is an exclusive 11-day journey exploring the cutting edge of the world’s fastest-advancing nation.
Hosted by our Managing Director, Justin Wateridge, who first travelled to China in 1989 and has returned many times since, this itinerary is curated for travellers with a passion for technology, culture and forward-thinking design. It offers unprecedented access to the companies, ideas and vision shaping China’s future.
From Beijing to Shanghai, travellers will step inside global innovation hubs including Baidu’s Apollo Park, DJI Headquarters, Alibaba’s Xixi Campus, and BYD’s SkyShuttle, gaining rare behind-the-scenes insight into AI, robotics, autonomous mobility and digital life.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Expert Host
Travel in the company of Justin Wateridge, whose long-standing relationship with China brings depth, context and perspective to the country’s rapid transformation.
Cosmic Discovery
A private exploration of FAST, the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope, with interactive insight into China’s space science ambitions.
Enduring Culture
Visit traditional villages, experience classical regional cuisine and explore time-honoured landscapes, from Miao celebrations to the beauty of West Lake.
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Day 1
Arrive Beijing
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Day 2
Beijing
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Day 3
Beijing - Pingtang
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Day 4
Pingtang - Chengdu
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Day 5
Chengdu
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Day 6
Chengdu - Shenzhen
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Day 7
Shenzhen
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Day 8
Shenzhen - Hangzhou
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Day 9
Hangzhou
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Day 10
Hangzhou - Shanghai
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Day 11
Depart Shanghai
Day 1
Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. This evening the group will meet for a traditional Peking Duck dinner at Huajiayiyuan, Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2
Beijing
Explore China’s technology frontier at Baidu’s Apollo Park, discovering autonomous driving and AI innovation. Lunch is a fully automated experience at the Robot Fire Research Institute. Later, visit Hyundai Motorstudio in the 798 Art District. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3
Beijing - Pingtang
Fly to Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province, and travel to Tianyan to visit the vast FAST radio telescope. Continue to the interactive Astronomy Experience Hall before driving through dramatic scenery to Pingtang, stopping at the striking Sky Bridge. Overnight in Pingtang.
Day 4
Pingtang - Chengdu
Visit Langde Miao Village near Kaili, welcomed with a traditional rice wine ceremony and cultural performances. Enjoy a long-banquet lunch among wooden stilted houses before taking the train to Chengdu. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 5
Chengdu
Spend the morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. In the afternoon, explore the Septuple Space Science Experience Hall, with immersive exhibitions covering space, aviation, deep-sea exploration and virtual reality. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 6
Chengdu - Shenzhen
Fly to Shenzhen, China’s modern technology hub. Visit DJI Headquarters for insight into world-leading drone innovation. Later, stroll along Shenzhen Bay, browse COCO Park, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Ping An Finance Center. Overnight in Shenzhen.
Day 7
Shenzhen
Experience BYD’s autonomous electric SkyShuttle, including a control centre visit. Continue to Longma Drama Commune, a creative cultural space set within a restored Hakka village, blending heritage architecture with contemporary theatre and design. Overnight in Shenzhen.
Day 8
Shenzhen - Hangzhou
Fly to Hangzhou, home of Alibaba. Visit the Xiaoshan Robot Expo Center to explore robotics, AI and immersive technology experiences, guided by specialists from Zhejiang University. Overnight in Hangzhou.
Day 9
Hangzhou
Tour Alibaba’s Xixi Campus to understand AI-driven commerce and digital innovation. Continue to Wensan Digital Life Block, a futuristic lifestyle district. End the day with a gentle boat cruise on the waters of West Lake. Overnight in Hangzhou.
Day 10
Hangzhou - Shanghai
Travel by high-speed train to Shanghai. Ascend Shanghai Tower for sweeping city views, explore future mobility exhibitions, and enjoy an autonomous driving experience. This evening the group will dine together at the futuristic Spacelab restaurant. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 11
Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for onward travel.
By Justin Wateridge
"Beyond traditional sightseeing..."
“Great journeys, we believe, go beyond traditional sightseeing. They offer immersion, access and a deeper understanding of place. With China: Future Frontiers, we are responding to a growing appetite for innovation-led travel, curating a journey shaped around the ideas influencing the world ahead.
From robotics labs and autonomous vehicle experiences to immersive VR environments, this itinerary offers access to China’s leading innovation hubs, including Baidu’s Apollo Park, DJI Headquarters, Alibaba’s Xixi Campus and BYD’s SkyShuttle. China’s name, Zhongguo, means ‘Middle Kingdom’, reflecting its historic place at the centre of the world. This itinerary explores how modern China is seeking to reclaim that role, offering not just a journey, but a glimpse of tomorrow.”
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Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Low Activity
Single Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- Accompanied by tour host Justin Wateridge throughout
- Accommodation throughout on a bed and breakfast basis
- Local English speaking guides throughout
- Domestic flights
- High speed train travel in second class seats
- All transfers and transportation
- Entrance fees to all sites
- Lunch on days 2 and 4
- Dinner on days 1 and 10
What is excluded
- International flights
- Chinese Visa
- Travel insurance
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 1(800)272-4163
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/12/27 | 06/22/27 | 11 days | $6,395 pp | Local Guides | 12 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 880 980Send us an enquiry
Send us a message and one of our travel experts
will get right back to you.
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