June 2026 Study Tour

Join us from June 13–18, 2026 for a rare and transformative opportunity to immerse yourself in the ideas and practices of Anji Play at the source, as we tour the kindergartens of Anji County, learn directly from Anji educators, connect with colleagues from around the world who share a commitment to children's right to play, and find joy exploring one of China's greenest counties — nestled among bamboo- and tea-covered mountains.

The Experience

The Anji Play Study Tour is a five-night, all-inclusive program based in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, China — a verdant and mountainous rural county approximately three hours west of Shanghai.

Over the course of the program, you will visit kindergartens across the county — from large programs serving 500 or more children in small urban areas to intimate village schools with fewer than a dozen. You will have extended time to observe children deeply engaged in self-determined play, and to learn from and with the educators, families, and communities who make it possible.

Between school visits, you'll experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Anji — its bamboo forests, mountains, museums, and locally sourced food prepared with recipes passed down for generations.

Above all, you will have the chance to experience how love sits at the foundation of everything that happens in these schools, and how children, educators, families, and communities embrace the right to True Play — creatively, constructively, and joyfully.

Dates: June 13–18, 2026

Saturday, June 13 — Arrive in Shanghai; shuttle to Anji

Sunday, June 14 — Settle in, rest, share meals, and get to know your fellow participants

Monday–Wednesday, June 15–17 — Kindergarten visits and cultural excursions in Anji County

Thursday, June 18 — Early morning departure to Shanghai for flights home (or continued time in China on your own)

Cost: $3,000 USD per person

What’s Included

Five nights of lodging in Anji (single rooms, four-star hotel)

All meals throughout the program

Ground transportation between Shanghai airports and Anji

Daily transportation within Anji County

English interpretation and guide services for the duration of the program

Official invitation letter for your visa application

What’s Not Included

Airfare to and from Shanghai

Visa fees

Travel insurance

Transportation to and from your home airport

Personal expenses

Who Is This For?

Educators, administrators, researchers, policymakers, and anyone with a deep interest in understanding play-based education as it is practiced at scale. Whether you work in early childhood, elementary education, teacher preparation, or educational leadership, you will find profound inspiration and connection during your visit.

Please note: spots are limited. We review all interest forms to ensure a strong, collegial group experience.

Interest Form
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