Mandarin Immersion Parents Council

Tim Hurley was part of the beginning cohorts of students in our Mandarin immersion program in San Francisco. For years he ran a really great bicycle camp for kids and of course he’s been to China with families from Starr King Elementary and other schools. So he’s a great guy to organize this. They’ve got Mandarin immersion teachers coming along to help facilitate actual Chinese use along the way. I don’t do much advertising on this blog, but for Tim I’ll make an exception because I know he’s creating exactly the kind of trip our families got to take when our kids were young. The photos are from the trip our youngest daughter’s class took to China.

Mandarin Immersion family trips to China

Gather your family! Gather your friends and classmates! Enhance your child’s Mandarin Immersion education with hands-on learning at the source: China. Two Mandarin Immersion oriented travel opportunities have been planed for the MI community, scheduled for 6 – 19 June 2026 (rescheduling to 13 – 26 June may be possible to accommodate later school schedules). Details are available and reservations are being accepted through 15 Dec. Space is limited, but the fun and adventure are not.

Ancient Capitals of China This is the perfect introductory trip to the country and culture of China. This trip will explore past and present political and cultural capitals of the country, from Beijing to Datong to Pingyao to Xi’an. Not to be missed highlights include Bejing’s historic Forbidden City, two contrasting areas of the Great Wall, the stunning Yungang Grottoes of Shanxi, and the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city wall of Xi’an. This trip is perfect for first-time China travelers and families with younger kids (rising 4th grade and younger), though any experience level and age is welcome.

Great Wall and Hexi Corridor Dive into Chinese history with an exploration of the Great Wall and a stretch of the Silk Road. With hikes on both restored and “wild” segments of the Wall, and a travel route that parallels the westward reach of the Wall to its terminus at Jiayuguan Fortress, this trip will reveal the many characters of the Great Wall and the regions it protected. From cultural icons to natural wonders, this itinerary explores the impact of the desert and loess plateau on the history and development of China, and beyond. This trip includes longer travel, less developed destinations, and physical activity, and may be better for experienced China travelers and those with older kids (rising 5th grade and above).

The two trips will run simultaneously and overlap in Xi’an to ensure opportunities for sharing stories and meeting up with friends. It is intended that a MI teacher will accompany both trips to assist with language skills practice and cultural instruction. Scheduled and spontaneous opportunities for engaging in language and cultural exchanges with native Mandarin speakers are embedded in both itineraries. In-country travel will include high speed rail, tour bus, and airplane. Hotel accommodations will be four star. Opportunities for free time and independent exploration are included and encouraged.

These trips were organized by Access Asia Tours, a travel company specializing in Asian tourism and bespoke itinerary planning. Tim Hurley, a San Francisco-based former MI parent, designed the itineraries and will serve as on-trip liaison. Tim has traveled to China on numerous occasions, as a student, professional, MI parent, and adoptive parent. His family was part of the pioneering San Francisco public school MI cohort, with two daughters leading the way through the elementary-middle-high school pathway.

Images of similar trips can be found here

Capacity

Ancient Capitals: up to 25 travelers

Great Wall: up to 19 travelers

Costs (exclusive of international airfare and other independent expenses; based on 6 June departure, later travel dates may incur different rates)

Ancient Capitals: $3,200 adult and age 12+, $3,000 under age 12; double occupancy

Great Wall: $4,100 adult and age 12+, $3,900 under age 12; double occupancy

For trip details and reservations, contact Tim at tim.hurley4616@gmail.com

The above photo is kids complaining it’s too hot in Beijing. Just so you know none of this is staged….