Frequently Asked
Questions

A China Study Tour (CST) is a professionally organised program that takes executives, business leaders, schools or student groups to China for structured learning, company visits, cultural immersion and strategic insight.

Unlike a standard tourist trip, every element is designed around your specific objectives — whether that is understanding China's technology ecosystem, meeting industry leaders, or giving students a life-changing educational experience.

We serve two main audiences:

• Business leaders, CEOs, executives, MBA cohorts and corporate delegations seeking strategic insight into China's innovation ecosystem
• Schools, universities and student groups looking for immersive educational experiences in China

Both programmes are fully customisable to your group's specific needs, industry and objectives.

Three key differences set us apart:

• Exclusive access to BYD, Huawei and DJI that no other operator can arrange
• Every program is bespoke — we never run generic off-the-shelf tours
• 13+ years of relationships with companies, universities and institutions across China — access built over more than a decade

China Study Tour (CST) is operated by a team with over 13 years of experience in China inbound tourism and business travel.

We are headquartered in Beijing with an international liaison office in London, and have hosted delegations from over 30 countries worldwide.

Yes. This is our most important differentiator. We have genuine, established access relationships with BYD, Huawei and DJI — built over years of consistent engagement. These are not vague promises. When you book with us, company visits are confirmed as part of your itinerary.

• AI & Technology — Huawei, DeepSeek, iFlytek, SenseTime
• EV & New Energy — BYD, CATL, NIO
• Robotics & Smart Manufacturing — DJI, UBTECH
• Healthcare & MedTech
• Green Technology & ESG
• Architecture & Infrastructure
• E-commerce & Digital Economy — Alibaba

Tell us your industry and we will build the right program.

For private custom delegations, we work with groups from 5 to 50+ participants.

For our monthly open-enrollment group tours, we organize fixed cohorts of 20–30 participants from diverse industries and countries — ideal for individuals or small teams who want to join an established group.

Yes. All executive programmes include a post-tour intelligence briefing report summarising key insights, company visit notes, industry analysis and strategic takeaways.

This report is delivered within 7 days of the program's completion and is designed to be shared with your wider team or board.

We design programmes for:

• Primary school students (age 8–12)
• High school students (age 13–18)
• University and college students (18+)
• Teacher professional development groups

All programmes are age-appropriate and adjusted to the maturity and curriculum needs of each group.

Yes. We design each school program to complement your curriculum — whether that is history, geography, STEM, Mandarin language, art or social studies.

We also provide pre-trip teacher packs, student activity journals and post-trip classroom discussion guides at no additional cost.

Absolutely. We operate a strict no shopping policy on all tours — executive and educational. We take zero commission from shops, restaurants or any vendors.

Every minute of your program is spent on learning, discovery and genuine experience.

We recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance for executive programmes involving major company visits such as BYD, Huawei or DJI. These organisations have structured approval processes and availability windows.

For urgent or last-minute requests, contact us directly — we will always explore what is possible.

A typical company visit includes:

• An executive welcome and company overview presentation
• Facility or showroom tour (e.g. production lines, R&D labs, innovation centres)
• Q&A session with local management or senior staff
• Networking time and group photo opportunity

The format is tailored to each company and each delegation. Some visits include hands-on demonstrations or product showcases.

The process is simple:

Pricing is customised based on group size, program duration, destinations and specific requirements. We do not publish fixed prices because every program is bespoke.

Our program pricing typically includes:

• All ground transportation within China
• Hotel accommodation (3–5 star depending on program)
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• Expert bilingual guide for the full duration
• All company visit and entrance fees
• Pre-trip briefing materials and post-tour report

Not included: international flights, China visa fees and travel insurance.

We accept international bank transfer (SWIFT/TT), and can provide invoice in USD, EUR, GBP or CNY.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full details are provided in your booking confirmation.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. As of 2026, China has introduced visa-free access for citizens of many countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and more.

We will advise you on the specific requirements for your group's nationalities when you enquire.

Yes. We provide full guidance on the Chinese visa application process for all group members who require a visa, including invitation letters where needed.

While we cannot guarantee visa approval (this is at the discretion of the Chinese embassy), we ensure every application is correctly prepared.

The best seasons for a China Study Tour (CST) are:

China is one of the safest countries in the world for international travellers, with very low crime rates in major cities.

Our team has a flawless safety record across 13+ years of operations. All hotels are registered and vetted, all transport is arranged with experienced licensed providers, and we operate a 24/7 emergency support line for all groups.

Yes. Every group has a dedicated bilingual guide for the full program duration.

In addition, our Beijing operations team provides 24/7 emergency support. You and your group will never be without help — day or night.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all participants covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, personal liability and baggage. For school groups, insurance is a requirement.

We can recommend suitable insurance providers upon request.