On February 20 13, the General Office of the State Council issued the Outline of National Tourism and Leisure (20 13~2020), proposing to "gradually promote the study tour for primary and secondary school students". The word "study tour" first appeared in this policy document.

The Opinions on Promoting Study Travel for Primary and Secondary School Students clearly points out that study travel for primary and secondary school students is an off-campus educational activity organized and arranged by education departments and schools in a planned way, which combines research study with travel experience through group travel and centralized accommodation. It is an innovative form connecting school education with off-campus education, an important content of education and teaching, and an effective way to educate people through comprehensive practice.