2014 blockbusters like “Interstellar,” “The Hobbit,” and “Breakup Buddies,” with their Imax and 3D screenings, not only gave us a visual impact but also ignited our fantasies about truly experiencing those movie scenes. As a film enthusiast, after watching Nolan’s “Interstellar,” I dreamed many times of flying a spaceship through the cosmos, admiring the dreamlike, epic visuals from the screen — waking up laughing countless times and drooling rivers in my sleep. So here comes the question: can we experience the settings from these films in the real world? After some dedicated research, I’m excited to share some high-end travel or study-abroad routes that rival the movies. If you like what you see, feel free to share.
NO1 Interstellar & U.S. Space Winter Camp
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp, Marshall Space Flight Center
Reason for inclusion: “Interstellar” is quite the brain-bender, something most viewers can agree on — and that’s because the film’s creative team included renowned physicist Kip Thorne. With his solid and deeply complex theoretical foundation, it’s totally understandable if you didn’t grasp all the aerospace knowledge in those three hours (the author reassures many on this point). No worries — the U.S. Space Winter Camp offers courses to help you catch up on space science, plus the most exciting parts: simulated space station and space shuttle operation experiences. And of course, a visit to the famous U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a must. In short, the U.S. Space Winter Camp — come on down and join us!
Suitable for: Middle school students, high school students, adults
Program dates: February 1 to February 11, 2015
Reference price: 38,800 RMB
Program support: New Footsteps Study Abroad Network
Recommendation rating: ★★★★★
NO2 Breakup Buddies & 6-Day Essence Tour of Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La (Yunnan) with Round-Trip Flights
Locations: Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Reason for inclusion: “Breakup Buddies” made the ancient city of Dali a veritable city of romantic encounters — though personally, I’ve never had one there (laughs). Still, this city is “in great shape,” backed by the misty Cangshan Mountain and nestled beside the graceful Erhai Lake. Tired of the hustle and sensory numbness of big cities? Head to Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La to reconnect with nature’s spirit and rediscover a better version of yourself. This recommended route is all-inclusive and offers great value. Summary: Actually, I’m a sha mana te (laughs)!
Suitable for: Students, adults
Program dates: December 29, 2015 to January 3, 2016
Reference price: 3,288 RMB
Program support: Qunar
Recommendation rating: ★★★★★
NO3 Automata & 2015 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy ROBOTC (China) Robot Winter Camp
Location: Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Winter Camp in Xi’an
Reason for inclusion: In a futuristic sci-fi setting, intelligent robots remain at the core of our fascination. Last year’s release of “Iron Man 3” sparked a craze for smart robotics. At the heart of intelligent robots lies computer technology — and not knowing assembly programming language C+ is a personal weak spot for me, so I can only enjoy the fruits of others’ labor (by paying, of course). ROBOTC is an internationally recognized programming language for robot competitions, and for enthusiasts, getting guidance from international teaching teams and exchanging ideas with top global robotics competition teams is a pretty cool experience. In short, young folks, get moving!
Suitable for: Parent-child groups, middle school students, high school students
Program dates: February 5 to February 14, 2015
Reference price: 29,800 RMB (until the 30th)
Program support: New Footsteps Study Abroad Network (www.xinzuji.com)
Recommendation rating: ★★★★☆
NO4 Where Are We Going, Dad? & Fun-Filled Parent-Child Trip to Taiwan
Location: Taiwan
Reason for inclusion: Led by Li Rui, “Where Are We Going, Dad?” took us across every corner of mainland China before finally venturing beyond to Hualien County in Taiwan. With beautiful scenery, dazzling celebrities, innocent childlike fun, and harmonious family moments, it appeals to all ages. Cross-strait exchanges are growing, and traveling to Taiwan has become more convenient than ever. Whether you’re planning a parent-child trip or just a getaway for adults, Taiwan is a great choice. It boasts ancient culture and stunning coastlines — I still remember being mesmerized by the beaches in the summer of 2008 after watching “Cape No. 7.” Summary: Taiwan, here I come!
Target Audience: Families with children
Project Duration: February 8 to February 13, 2015
Reference Price: 4,999 RMB (as of Day 30)
Tour Support: New Footsteps Study Tour Network
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
NO5 Miss Granny & 5-Day Seoul & Jeju Island Twin-City Flight Tour in South Korea
Location: Seoul and Jeju, South Korea
Reason for Listing: Miss Granny, this year’s best time-travel comedy in South Korea, won awards at both the 19th Chunsa Film Art Awards and the 6th Okinawa International Movie Festival, and achieved nearly 10 million box office admissions in Korea. The film tells the fantastical story of a 70-year-old grandmother who becomes young again after taking a photo at a “youth photo studio,” although she faces disdain from society and her family. Though not as tightly plotted as David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, its refreshing tone, quirky characters, and light-hearted humor provide plenty of joy. While winter in Korea means you can’t experience the sunny summer of the movie, you can still look forward to handsome Korean guys, elegant beauties, delicious food, and skiing.
Target Audience: Parents and children, families, students, adults
Project Duration: December 29, 2014 to January 2, 2015
Reference Price: 4,579 RMB
Tour Support: Tuniu Travel Network
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
NO6 Don't Go Breaking My Heart 2 & Hong Kong Youth Leadership Training Camp
Location: Hong Kong
Reason for Listing: Don't Go Breaking My Heart 2 is a mindless, over-the-top movie, but despite its melodramatic plot, it didn’t stop emotional female audiences from crying their eyes out in theaters. In this nearly two-hour film, as an average viewer, I could only focus on the Ferraris, Maseratis, and the luxurious, carefree lifestyles of the rich portrayed by Louis Koo as a platinum-tier financier and Daniel Wu as an international platinum-level architect. The upscale Hong Kong Youth Leadership Training Camp gives you the chance to rub shoulders with the rich second generation and top students while conquering Hong Kong together.
Target Audience: Middle school students
Project Duration: February 20 to February 25, 2015
Reference Price: 4,500 RMB (as of Day 30)
Tour Support: New Footsteps Study Tour Network
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
NO7 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug & New Zealand Education & Culture Winter Study Tour
Project Location: North and South Islands of New Zealand
Reason for Listing: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug continues the epic storyline of the first film, featuring grand scenes and stunning visual effects that offer Lord of the Rings fans a brand new adventure. The Hobbit filming location in New Zealand, “Hobbiton,” shot to fame and has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Though this study tour mainly centers around Auckland, the serene and beautiful Middle-earth landscapes from the Hobbit filming locations will definitely be a feast for your eyes. In summary: the talkative dragon Smaug is waiting to see what you’ve got.
Target Audience: Families with children, students, adults
Project Duration: February 5 to February 18
Reference Price: 36,000 RMB
Tour Support: New Oriental International Study Tours, New Footsteps Study Tour
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
NO8 Frozen & Winter Study Tour in the Snow Kingdom of Finland and Sweden
Project Location: Nordic Finland and Sweden
Reason for Listing: With a box office of nearly $1.3 billion, it became the highest-grossing animated film in global history, and is the only animated movie on this list. Produced by Disney, the film features a rich cast of characters, stunning visuals, and appeals to all ages. Known for their snowy landscapes, Finland and Sweden are home to the unique natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, offering a real-life fairy-tale experience. Coinciding with Christmas, participants stay with local Finnish and Swedish families, celebrate Christmas, make Fazer chocolate, learn the language, and have a wonderful time. In short: when fairy tales come to life, it’s unbelievably beautiful.
Suitable For: Families with children, students, adults
Project Duration: February 2 to February 11, 2015
Reference Price:
Program Provider: New Footsteps Study Abroad Network
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
No.9 Lucy & University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research Camp
Location: University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university in the United States
Reason for Listing: Directed by Luc Besson, Lucy tells the story of Scarlett Johansson’s character, Lucy, who mutates into a superwoman due to a drug. The plot is bizarre, and the ending — where she turns into a supercomputer — is mind-boggling. However, there are many other famous films about biological mutation, such as Hulk. Therefore, research in the field of biology related to “transhumanism” is booming. As one of the Ivy League universities, the University of Pennsylvania is well known for its biomedical research. This program is only open to high school students, and requires TOEFL or IELTS scores — those without them may have to pass on this one. In short: you won’t understand the world of superheroes.
Suitable For: High school students, college students
Project Duration: July 6 to July 26, 2015
Reference Price: 28,000 RMB
Program Provider: New Footsteps Study Abroad Network
Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆