Executive expedition

China AI Innovation Executive Tour 2026

The First China AI Expedition for African Executives

Join an exclusive 7-day journey to China's frontier AI companies. Limited to 12 executives.

Dates
June 15-21, 2026
Duration
7 Days
Route
  • 上海
  • 杭州
  • 深圳
Limited Cohort
12

CHINA AI 2026

Why join

Built for serious executives

Pre-Arranged HQ Access

Guaranteed entry to leading AI companies through our established network and relationships.

Small Executive Groups

Intimate 8-12 person cohorts ensuring meaningful interactions and high-quality visits.

End-to-End Organization

One comprehensive program covering logistics, meetings, interpretation, and coordination.

On-the-Ground Learning

Learn how AI business is really done in China by being there with the right people.

Companies You Will Visit

Frontier AI headquarters and innovation hubs across three cities.

Moonshot AIZhipu AIUnitree RoboticsAlibabaTencentBYD

Itinerary preview

Three innovation hubs

View Full Itinerary

Days 1-2

Shanghai

  • West Bund Magic Speed Space
  • Moonshot AI / Zhipu AI
  • SenseTime

Days 3-4

Hangzhou

  • Unitree Robotics
  • Alibaba / DAMO Academy
  • Future Sci-Tech City

Days 5-7

Shenzhen

  • Tencent
  • DJI
  • BYD
  • Huaqiangbei

What you can expect

The expedition is exceptionally well structured. In just a few days, you will gain direct exposure to China's cutting-edge AI companies and develop a much clearer understanding of how this market operates — with logistics, access, and interpretation handled so you can focus on learning and relationships.
This is how we are designing the inaugural 2026 cohort experience.
HQ visits
6
frontier AI
Contacts
15+
executive
Hubs
3
major cities

The Program

The Program

A 7-day immersive expedition to China's AI frontier

Program Overview

China AI Innovation Executive Tour 2026 is a 7-day immersive program that takes you through an exclusive learning journey in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Shenzhen. It offers you a new perspective on scaling your business by focusing on frontier AI innovation, China's AI disruption model, and market opportunities in the world's most dynamic AI ecosystem.

China is home to some of the world's most innovative AI companies and forward-thinking unicorns, with its AI market projected to reach US$150 billion by 2025. This offers tremendous learning opportunities for African executives and entrepreneurs.

In this program, you'll gain exclusive insights into the disruptive innovations and unique business models of China's leading AI companies, like Moonshot AI, Zhipu AI, Unitree Robotics, Alibaba, Tencent and BYD. This experience offers behind-the-scenes access to the strategies and ecosystems that drive these industry giants, along with networking opportunities with influential executives, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Audience

For Whom

Designed for leaders who need on-the-ground clarity—not slides—about how AI scales in China.

Founders & CEOs

Business leaders exploring China for technology partnerships, supply chain integration, or market expansion in the AI era.

You're building an AI-powered product and want to understand the China market, find technology partners, or explore manufacturing options.

Corporate Executives

Decision-makers seeking firsthand insights into Chinese AI companies, platforms, and operational models.

You're leading digital transformation and need to benchmark against China's AI adoption, or identify potential technology partners.

Investors & Strategists

Professionals evaluating opportunities, trends, and risks across China's AI innovation landscape.

You're sourcing AI investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, or advising portfolio companies on China strategy.

Institutions & Associations

Trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and entities organizing executive delegations focused on technology.

You're organizing a delegation for your members and need a turnkey, high-quality program with guaranteed access.

What You Will Gain

Knowledge

  • Deep understanding of China's AI ecosystem
  • Insights into frontier AI technologies
  • Knowledge of Chinese business culture

Network

  • Connections with AI company executives
  • Relationships with fellow African leaders
  • Access to our China-Africa business network

Opportunities

  • Potential technology partnerships
  • Investment opportunities
  • Market expansion insights

Pricing

Transparent investment tiers. Early bird pricing available until May 1.

Most Popular

Standard Package

$8,500$10,000

Early bird pricing (expires May 1)

  • All program inclusions
  • 6 nights 5-star hotel
  • All meals and transport
  • Company visits and briefings
  • Professional guides
  • Visa invitation letter
  • Travel insurance
Request Information
For Organizations

Bespoke Package

Custom Quote

Tailored for your team

  • Customized itinerary
  • Flexible dates
  • Flexible group size (6+)
  • Tailored company visits
  • Private briefings
  • Extended stay options
Contact for Quote

What's Included

Included

  • 5-star hotel accommodation (6 nights, single occupancy)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Domestic transportation (flights, high-speed rail, ground transport)
  • Airport transfers (PVG arrival, HKG departure)
  • Company visits and facility tours
  • Professional bilingual guides and interpreters
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • China business visa invitation letter
  • Travel insurance
  • Post-trip contact dossier
  • Certificate of completion

Not included

  • International flights (Johannesburg ↔ China)
  • China visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages beyond dinner service
  • Optional activities

Payment Terms

  • Deposit: $2,500 upon registration (non-refundable)
  • Balance: Due 30 days before departure (May 16, 2026)

Cancellation Policy

  • 60+ days before: 80% refund (minus deposit)
  • 30-59 days before: 50% refund
  • <30 days before: No refund (transferable to colleague)

Support

FAQ

Answers about the expedition, logistics, visas, and what to expect on the ground.

This AI expedition is designed for professionals and organizations seeking direct, on-the-ground exposure to China's AI ecosystem. It is suitable for entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and trade professionals who want to understand China's AI landscape and connect with leading companies.

The package includes five-star accommodation with breakfast, domestic travel and transfers, corporate access to AI headquarters, senior bilingual guides and interpreters, technical briefings, welcome and closing dinners, logistics support, and a post-trip contact dossier.

Each city trip is curated for AI-focused learning. Participants visit companies relevant to the city's AI specialization — large language models in Shanghai, robotics in Hangzhou, and hardware AI in Shenzhen.

No, international flights are not included. We recommend arriving at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and departing from Hong Kong (HKG).

Company visits are subject to confirmation and availability. If a visit becomes unavailable, a comparable alternative will be arranged.

South African passport holders must apply for a Chinese business visa (M-visa) in advance. We provide invitation letters and full application assistance.

Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to availability.

This is a professional AI industry expedition with curated cultural experiences integrated. The core agenda focuses on technology learning and corporate access.

Professional business interpreters accompany the group throughout the expedition.

Cancellations made 60 days before departure receive an 80% refund. 30 days before: 50% refund. Within 30 days: no refund, but transferable.

Contact

Get in touch for detailed itineraries, bespoke packages, or partnership inquiries.

Get in Touch

Request detailed information about the expedition.

Preferred contact method

We will respond within 24 hours.

Ready to Join the Expedition?

Request detailed information and speak with our team.