Expat families can sometimes find themselves in something of a bubble. A lot of us hang out exclusively with other expats, eat almost nothing but foreign food and wind up barely experiencing China at all. With the Chinese New Year nearly upon us, now is the time of year when the bubble is decidedly popped. Ready or not, China will soon be trumpeting its traditions to families everywhere, so what better time is there to brush up on the basics of Chinese culture? Here are five educational tours that will help you on your way.

Newman Tours
English expatriate Daniel Newman’s tour company offers historic walking tours of the Bund, the French Concession, the Shanghai Museum and more. While most of the tours focus on the history of the last couple hundred years, the Ancient Shanghai Tour may be the best bet to educate the family about the ancient culture that contributes to the modern celebration of the Chinese New Year. The tour takes its members through the city’s history, from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its role during the Ming Dynasty. RMB230 for adults, RMB140 for children under 18.

Shanghai Sideways
For a learning experience with a difference, try this company that takes you around the city’s hotspots on a vintage motorcycle sidecar. While younger children may be uncomfortable whizzing between lanes, the company offers several innovative tours, including a visit to the old Shanghai concessions which is led by a historian. The original and fun way of learning about China’s history will ensure the kids have a blast while improving their book smarts. It’s a little pricey however, with tours starting from RMB800 for the usage of a two-passenger bike.

Shanghai Pathways
For a more traditional but also more personalized experience, try this organization. With dozens of available tours that can be customized to your whim, any family can find a package that will satisfy their desire to impart more Chinese culture to their children while suiting the needs of young children. Tours include walking tours revolving around Chinese artwork, markets and pagodas, tea, religion and even tofu. If you’re interested in learning in a more academic setting, try one of their cultural talks and trainings. Prices start from RMB200 per person.

Shanghai Flaneur
Unlike some, this is a company that claims outright to have an intellectual focus in their work. While there are regular talks that will take the customer through Shanghai’s ancient history, pausing to give historical and cultural lectures at every turn, families can also take their children on educational tours made possible by the company’s pedagogic background. Give them a call to arrange a completely personalized and educational experience for the whole family. Prices start from RMB300 per person.

Authentic China Tour
Lastly, for what some may consider a more “Chinese” tour (as the guides are English-speaking locals), this company prides itself on its local expertise and the customizability of its excursions. While some explore the local countryside and water towns, the Classic Shanghai Sightseeing Tour may best suit your desire to teach your children about Chinese culture from a Chinese perspective, with visits to the Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund and Yu Yuan Gardens. While it’s hard to beat the authenticity or versatility, the costs are decidedly un-Chinese: the first tour member pays USD225 (around RMB1,400), and each additional tour member is charged USD55 (approx RMB350).

Pick one of these excursions for the family, and come Chinese New Year, your children will boast a deeper understanding of the country’s culture than ever before. Why not make living in China worth their while?