A 15-Day Immersive Study Tour Across Eastern China
From Tea Fields to Porcelain Dreams - China’s Living Arts
Key Details
From the glittering skyline of Shanghai to the misty tea fields of Hangzhou, the classical gardens of Suzhou, the porcelain kilns of Jingdezhen, and the imperial landmarks of Beijing — this journey reveals the many faces of China’s cultural soul. Students won’t just observe history; they will paint, craft, and create alongside artisans, trace the footsteps of poets and emperors, and experience traditions that still shape modern China.
It is a rare opportunity to see how art, innovation, and philosophy intertwine — and to walk away with skills, stories, and inspiration that last a lifetime.
Heritage in Action
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
One of the world’s top global cities, combining China’s largest financial hub with its most vibrant cultural crossroads.
HANGZHOU
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
A UNESCO World Heritage city, renowned for West Lake and as the birthplace of China’s digital economy (home to Alibaba).
SUZHOU
SHANGHAI
JINGDEZHEN
Known as the “Venice of the East,” with UNESCO-listed classical gardens and a 2,500-year-old silk heritage.
JINGDEZHEN
JINGDEZHEN
JINGDEZHEN
The world’s Porcelain Capital for over 1,000 years, supplying fine ceramics to both emperors and global trade.
BEIJING
JINGDEZHEN
BEIJING
China’s political and cultural capital, home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
SHANGHAI
DAY 1
Arrival. Orientation dinner w/ Ice breaker, and a fun introduction to basic Mandarin.
Optional – Evening Stroll along The Bund. Take in Shanghai’s iconic skyline under the city lights.
DAY 2
Morning - Walking Tour on The Bund & Suzhou Creek. An expert lecture on 'Shanghai and Modern China,' offers a chance to uncover Shanghai’s hidden stories, bringing history to life.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Immerse yourself in Chinese artistic heritage at the Shanghai Museum. This in-depth journey through bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade, classical furniture, and ancient coins unfolds the artistry behind China’s dynastic eras.
Evening - Dinner at Shanghai Xintiandi — a vibrant district where renovated Shikumen alley houses blend East and West, offering nightlife in a historic setting.
Day 3
Morning - Guided walking tour of the Former French Concession: explore colonial history, architecture, and everyday life in transition while appreciating the artistic heritage of this unique area.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Tour the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Cross to Pudong to explore Lujiazui’s skyline and the Shanghai Tower, tracing Pudong’s rise from farmland to a financial hub.
Evening - [Workshop] Cultural immersion at Yu Garden: delve into classical poetry, architecture, symbolism, and the importance of heritage conservation.
SUZHOU
DAY 4
Morning - A Hike of Poetry Take a gentle hike up Tiger Hill — the legendary first scenic spot of Suzhou. Here, stories rise with the mist, inviting you to experience the artistic heritage of this beautiful region.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum and immerse in a traditional Su embroidery workshop and master the “thread poetry” of Jiangnan.
Evening - Elegance Stroll under lantern light and enjoy the grace of Kunqu Opera.
DAY 5
Morning - [Workshop] Wander through the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou’s most iconic classical garden, where every rock, tree, and pond whispers balance and beauty. Join a session on Classical Garden Aesthetics & Architecture — uncover the philosophy, structure, and symbolism behind Chinese gardens.
Afternoon - Explore one of Suzhou’s oldest pedestrian streets—lined with heritage architecture, artisan shops, and local charm.
Day 6
Morning - “The Life Aesthetics of Water Towns” Explore the philosophical undercurrents and everyday beauty embedded in Jiangnan water towns, delving into the artistic heritage that shapes their spatial rhythm and emotional landscapes.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Wander through the quiet elegance of Nanxun, where bridges, waterways, and gardens whisper centuries-old stories of cultural richness and refined living. Join in Su Fan Heritage Artisan Studio to experience traditional craftsmanship through Suzhou silk fan making.
HANGZHOU
DAY 7
Morning - Glide through pristine landscapes, then walk shaded paths in Xixi Wetland — where nature and artistic heritage coexist in quiet harmony.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Visit China National Tea Museum and wander on the hills of Longjing Tea Garden, where China’s most famous tea is born. Take part in Song dynasty rituals and experience how Zen philosophy infused Song-era tea ceremonies — where silence, slowness, and spirit steep together.
Evening Reflection - A Mid-program fireside talk to pause, reflect, and connect.
DAY 8
Morning - [Workshop] Start the day with a guided Tai Chi session by West Lake — learn postures like White Crane Spreads Wings and explore the Taoist philosophy of flow.
Afternoon - Immerse in West Lake cultural walk, stroll from Broken Bridge to Su Causeway, passing poetic landmarks like Autumn Moon over Calm Lake and Breeze-ruffled Lotus Pavilion.
DAY 9
Morning - Experience cultural immersion through Zen (Chan) practice and temple engagement at Faxi Temple in the Upper Tianzhu Area. Enjoy a peaceful monk-style meal that reflects the region's artistic heritage.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Step into China Academy of Art, one of the finest art institutions in China. Join in for a hands-on workshop in Chinese painting or calligraphy and explore cross-cultural art perspectives in academic dialogue.
JINGDEZHEN
DAY 10
Morning - Travel from Hangzhou to the Porcelain Capital - Jingdezhen
Afternoon - [Workshop] Step into the China Ceramics Museum and explore the chemistry-art fusion. Try your hand at porcelain throwing with local masters.
DAY 11
Morning - Visit Porcelain Palace, a surreal mosaic of 60,000 porcelain pieces — created by 90-year-old folk artist Yu Ermei.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Wander through Huanxi Village’s site-specific installations from the Land Art Festival expedition and witness a cultural immersion as art and nature achieve symbiosis in community transformation.
DAY 12
Morning - [Workshop] Visit the Jingdezhen Ceramic University campus. Experience a cultural immersion as you explore how traditional art is educated and popularized in modern China.
Afternoon - Meet local artists in Sanbao International Ceramic Art Village residence. Attend a lecture about the Silk Road and the globalization of porcelain.
BEIJING
DAY 13
Morning - Arrive and settle in Beijing.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Stroll through Shichahai’s scenic lakes and ride a rickshaw through Beijing’s hidden alleyways. Enjoy a Hutong Discovery walk.
Evening - Cultural immersion in Beijing’s modern pulse in Sanlitun.
DAY 14
All day - A hike to Mutianyu Great Wall: the best-preserved sections of the Ming-era Great Wall.
DAY 15 - Forbidden City & Beyond
Morning - Step into the Forbidden City for a deep-dive exploration of its architectural marvels and the rhythms of royal life.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Climb the Jingshan Park, once the imperial garden, for a rare panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City. Continue discussion of Forbidden City and its significance in culture and history.
Tea & Closure - Gather for a tea ceremony and closing reflections. Flight back home.