As a practical activity combining research study and travel experience, research travel is a link in the teaching plan of primary and secondary school students in Chinese mainland. From the practice of recent years, most of the products of research travel service agencies have made many efforts in travel experience, but they are still seriously insufficient in research learning. The teaching effect of research travel activities is not apparent, and it is challenging to achieve educational goals. Project-based learning is regarded as the most effective and systematic method to practice research-based learning. The integration of project-based learning and research travel activities can stimulate students ' motivation to explore, improve the quality of travel experience and achieve the teaching goal of research travel. Based on Dewey's practical theory and Grossman' PBT core practice theory, this study developed the model, aims to use statistical data to analyze the application of project-based learning in research travel activities in China. The research hypotheses revolve around the realization of educational goals in research travel, measures the impact of the project-based learning approach on 5 dimensions of students' disciplinary learning, collaborative learning, iterative learning, authentic learning, and creative learning, and the impact of these dimensions on students ' engagement in research travel activities. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, this study uses the questionnaire survey as the main method to collect data, and 231 valid questionnaires are distributed to the research travel instructors. Structural equation modeling is used to obtain the results. The data analysis results show a significant relationship between the project-based learning approach and learning dimensions. The 5 learning dimensions are also measured to varying degrees, which affect students ' engagement in research travel activities. Using project-based learning in research travel activities shows a high willingness and application. The use of the project-based learning method can promote students' engagement and ensure the learning in the activities to achieve the research travel education goal. Therefore, the project-based learning approach is strongly recommended in research travel activities widely used. This study innovates the research method of project-based learning in research travel activities and enriches the research in the field of research travel in China. The study results can be used as a reference for participants in research travel activities, especially for curriculum designers and decision-makers.