Are you planning to take your Chinese language learners on field trips but not sure where to start?

In this blog, we’ve included some fun field trip organization ideas, planning tips, and must-visit places across the United States, including specific spots in New York City and Los Angeles. We hope these ideas help save you time and energy while giving your students unforgettable and unique learning experiences!

Why Field Trips Are Important for Chinese Language Learning

Field trips allow students to experience language in its natural setting, and they can:

• Encourage active use of Mandarin Chinese in real-life scenarios.

• Enhance cultural understanding by exposing students to Chinese traditions and history.

• Build confidence in Mandarin speaking and comprehension outside of the classroom environment.

• Create lasting memories and stronger engagement with the Chinese language.

Preparing for the Field Trip

When organizing a field trip, it's essential to send permission slips home well in advance. Make sure the form includes all necessary details, like the date of the trip, destination, transportation plans, departure and return times, and any special instructions (e.g., packed lunch, appropriate clothing). This helps ensure parents are informed and can plan accordingly. Check out our bilingual field trip forms above!

It's also a great idea to ask parents to volunteer as chaperones. Having additional adults on the trip not only helps manage students but also provides extra hands for navigating the day. Be clear about the chaperones’ roles, such as supervising small groups, and assisting with activities.

We’ve created a Chaperone Guideline in both English and Chinese for parents to read before signing up. This ensures that parents understand their role and responsibilities during the trip.

For extra safety, consider providing each student with a field trip tag that includes the school’s name and contact information. These small steps can go a long way in ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Click here to grab the Editable Field Trip Name Tags.

Field Trip Ideas That Provide Immersive Chinese Language Experience:

1. Local Asian Supermarket: Take students to an Asian grocery store where they can identify different Chinese food items, read labels in Chinese, and engage in activities like scavenger hunts to find Chinese products. For upper-grade Chinese learners, this field trip offers a real-life scenario where they can practice shopping and budgeting for a meal.

2. Chinatown Visit: Many cities have a Chinatown where students can explore Chinese shops, markets, bakeries, and practice speaking Mandarin with local vendors. This immersive experience can help with conversational language skills such as asking for price.

3. Chinese Restaurant Tour: Take a trip to a Chinese restaurant where students can learn about authentic Chinese dishes, practice ordering food in Chinese, and experience Chinese dining etiquette.

4. Chinese Museum/Cultural Center: Visit a local museum or cultural center with exhibits on Chinese history, art, or culture. It’s a great way for students to see Chinese artifacts, calligraphy, and art in person.

5. Chinese Botanical Garden: Discover the beauty of traditional Chinese landscape design and architecture. Students can learn the Chinese names for plants and explore the philosophy behind garden design. It’s a perfect way to connect cultural heritage with language learning!

6. Chinese Festival or Cultural Event: Plan a trip around events like Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival celebrations in your community, allowing students to experience Chinese celebrations and traditions firsthand.

Specific Chinese Class Field Trip Ideas: New York City

1. Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
   Located in Chinatown, MOCA offers exhibitions on the history of Chinese immigrants in America. It's a great place to tie in lessons on Chinese-American history and identity. They offer school tours in Mandarin and interactive activities for students.

2. Dim Sum Tour in Chinatown, Manhattan
   Dim sum is a fun, communal meal where students can practice ordering small dishes in Chinese. A guided dim sum experience allows students to not only enjoy the food but also learn more about Chinese cuisine and dining etiquette. Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a famous dim sum place in Chinatown with a rich history of 100 years.

3. New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

   An authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States! It is based on Ming Dynasty gardens (1368-1644 AD). All the architectural components of the NYCSG were fabricated in Suzhou, China. Students will learn about Chinese architecture and the philosophical beliefs of the Chinese scholars that are symbolized by the magnificent rocks.

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

   A world-class museum featuring an extensive collection of Asian art and crafts, including The Astor Chinese Garden Court, which showcases Ming Dynasty architecture and statues. Students can enjoy guided tours in Mandarin for a fully immersive experience.

Specific Field Trip Ideas: Los Angeles

1. Los Angeles Chinatown
   L.A.’s Chinatown is rich with history, featuring traditional Chinese shops, herbal stores, and authentic markets. Students can explore the traditions of Chinese culture while also experiencing the modern, trendy side with visits to popular spots like bubble tea shops, offering a blend of old and new Chinese culture.

2. The Huntington Library Chinese Garden
   Filled with Chinese plants and framed by exquisite architecture, the landscape is enriched with references to literature and art. Students can take guided tours in the beautiful 15-acre garden to learn about the symbolism of Chinese garden elements as well as Chinese poetry and architecture.

3. The Chinese American Museum

   The museum offers guided school tours for students to learn about the history and cultural contributions of Chinese Americans. With interactive exhibits and artifacts, students can explore Chinese American heritage while deepening their understanding of Chinese culture, immigration stories, and the lasting impact on the United States.

4. The Pacific Asia Museum
   Located in Pasadena, this museum offers exhibitions on Asian and Chinese art and history. Students can see artifacts and art pieces, providing a visual complement to their studies of Chinese culture.

What’s Next? Reflection of the Trip!

After the field trip, it's important to take time for students to reflect on their experiences. Encourage them to discuss what they saw and learned, their favorite parts of the trip, and any new Chinese vocabulary or cultural insights they gained. You can also have students write a short reflection in Chinese, summarizing their trip or sharing something they found interesting.

My students loved to draw and write about their day when we returned from field trips. It was such an easy yet meaningful way for them to reflect on the experience and express their true feelings. Reading their stories always warmed my heart and made all the planning and effort feel completely worthwhile!

Click here to grab some quick and simple reflection sheets in English and Chinese.

Grab Everything in this Blog and Get Ready for Your Next Trip:

Do you have favorite field trip spots for your Chinese class? We’d love to hear your suggestions! Comment below and let us know :)