JUNE 2026 BridgeU Global Cultural Exchange

Program co-sponsored by:

City of Richmond, Mayor Eduardo Martinez

Richmond Sister City Commission, President Nate Bates & VP Lucy Zhou

Orientation Recordings
(click to view)

April 22

🎁 Limited-Time Participant Benefit (Through April 15)

Participants who complete full payment by April 15, 2026 will receive:

  • Full visa service support covered ($280 value)

This includes:

  • $180 Chinese tourist visa fee (10-year multiple-entry visa)

  • $100 Service fee included (professional visa service assistance):

    • Application form preparation and submission

    • In-person passport submission to the Chinese Consulate

    • Passport pickup after visa issuance

*Limited-time offer for early participants. Terms & Conditions apply.

Exchange Program Application Form

Sample 8 Day Itinerary

Program Includes:

All Meals, 4+ Stars Hotel Accommodations, Transportation, Activities & Entrance Tickets

Exterior view of San Francisco International Airport terminal with large glass facade and bold blue lettering.

Day 1 : Departure & Orientation

Group departure from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with designated program chaperones.

Pre-departure orientation includes:
• Program overview and safety briefing
• Cultural expectations discussion
• Travel logistics and supervision guidelines

Students begin their international learning journey together.

City skyline at sunset with tall modern buildings, a large Ferris wheel illuminated in pink, and a body of water reflecting city lights, mountain range in the background.

Day 2 – Arrival & Cultural Transition

Arrival in Shanghai and transfer to Zhoushan. Activities include:

  • Supervised airport transfer

  • Hotel check-in (4-star accommodations)

  • Rest and cultural adjustment period

  • Evening group reflection session

Focus: Safe arrival, acclimation, and preparation for program activities.

Large modern building with multiple windows, surrounded by a landscaped garden with potted plants, under a bright blue sky with some clouds.

Day 3 – School Exchange & Cultural Workshop

Official welcome ceremony with local school or university partners. Structured exchange activities include:

  • Student introductions and guided discussion

  • Collaborative learning sessions

  • Cultural exchange dialogue

Hands-on workshops:

  • Traditional Chinese tea experience

  • Chinese calligraphy

  • Paper-cutting art

Focus: Cross-cultural communication and experiential learning.

Mountain landscape with steep rocky cliffs, lush green trees, and misty clouds in the background.

Day 4 – Cultural Heritage & Regional Exploration

Guided sightseeing and wellness-focused outdoor activities. Activities include:

  • Exploration of Zhoushan cultural landmarks

  • Local history and heritage discussion

  • Scenic coastal and natural site visit

Focus: Understanding regional culture, history, and community life.

A large marble statue of a traditional Chinese warrior playing a stringed instrument in the foreground, with a tall golden statue of a Buddhist figure on a platform in the background, and visitors walking around.

Day 5 – Putuo Mountain Cultural Study

Visit to Putuo Mountain, a significant cultural and historical site. Activities include:

  • Guided historical interpretation

  • Cultural site exploration

  • Group discussion on Chinese spiritual traditions

Optional collaboration with local students if scheduled.

Focus: Cultural literacy and global awareness.

Traditional Chinese archway with red lanterns and vibrant decorations, leading to a historic building in a bustling, illuminated city square at dusk.

Day 6 – Travel to Beijing & Urban Cultural Experience

Supervised group transfer from Zhoushan to Beijing. Activities include:

  • Hotel check-in

  • Guided visit to Wangfujing Street

  • Urban cultural exploration

Focus: Understanding modern Chinese metropolitan life.

The Great Wall of China winding through green mountainous terrain with watchtowers along its length.

Day 7 – The Great Wall Educational Visit

Visit the Great Wall of China to witness one of the 7 wonders of the World. Activities include:

  • Guided historical overview

  • Cultural and architectural discussion

  • Group reflection session

Focus: Global history and shared world heritage.

Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China with traditional Chinese architecture, yellow roofs, and surrounding cityscape.

Day 8 – Beijing Landmarks & Program Conclusion

Visit to: Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City

Closing session includes:

  • Group reflection

  • Cultural insights sharing

  • Program wrap-up and return travel preparation

Transfer to airport for return flight.