A 15-Day Immersive Study Tour Across Eastern China
From Temples to Dunes – China’s Timeless Journey
Key Details
This journey retraces China’s historic role as a crossroads of civilizations, moving from the global skylines of Shanghai and Beijing to the spiritual heart of Henan and the desert legacy of Dunhuang. Students engage with living history through temples, museums, immersive theatre, and desert explorations, while reflecting on how culture, philosophy, and exchange along the Silk Road shaped China’s influence on the world.
This route offers students an unparalleled opportunity to experience China’s spiritual depth, artistic heritage, and global connections, helping them build cultural empathy, resilience, and a broader worldview as future global citizens.
A Spiritual Evolution Through Time
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
China’s largest financial hub and a showcase of where colonial heritage meets super tall skyscrapers and fintech innovation.
BEIJING
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
The political and cultural capital of China, home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
HENAN
DUNHUANG
DUNHUANG
The cradle of Chinese civilization and birthplace of Shaolin Buddhism and martial arts, and one of the world’s oldest centers of written culture.
DUNHUANG
DUNHUANG
DUNHUANG
A UNESCO World Heritage site and legendary Silk Road gateway with the world’s largest collection of Buddhist cave art.
Beijing
DAY 1
Arrival. Orientation dinner w/ Ice breaker, and a fun introduction to basic Mandarin.
DAY 2
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.
DAY 3
Morning – Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus 1-hour Tai Chi session.
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 4
All day: A hike to Mutianyu Great Wall:the best-preserved sections of the Ming-era Great Wall.
Continue - [Workshop] Art of War on the Wall: Using portable boards, students explore how the Great Wall embodied both defense (守) and offense (攻). They reflect on its strategic role in history and discuss modern metaphors: what “walls” do we build in our own lives — when do we defend, and when do we advance?
HENAN
DAY 5
Morning - Arrive in Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province
Afternoon - Visit Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City, an immersive theater complex that brings the stories of the Yellow River and Central Plains to life.
Continue - [Workshop] A session about ancient burial customs, offering unique insight into China’s cultural practices.
DAY 6
Morning - Depart Zhengzhou for Anyang to visit Yinxu, the ancient Shang Dynasty capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore palace and temple ruins, bronzeware, and oracle bone inscriptions that reveal the origins of Chinese civilization.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Visit the Chinese Character Museum to study the origins and evolution of Chinese writing. Oracle Bone Script Lab — guided by experts, students interpret early characters and practice writing their own oracle bone inscriptions.
Evening: Transfer to Dengfeng.
Day 7
Morning - Visit Shaolin Temple’s main halls and ancient architecture. Learn about the origins of Chan Buddhism and gain insight into monks’ daily life, discipline, and practices.
Afternoon - Tour the ancient pagoda forest, then watch Shaolin Kung Fu group performances showcasing martial arts and weapon skills. Join a one-hour beginner’s class and try on monk robes for a hands-on experience.
Evening - Movie screening on Kung Fu Panda (2008) or Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey, followed by a discussion on Shaolin Kung Fu’s global influence and cultural meaning.
Day 8
Morning - [Workshop] Join a monk-led meditation and breathing session, followed by Shaolin morning Kung Fu practice. A Religious Heritage Lecture — explore the history of Buddhism in China, its cultural adaptation, and heritage preservation.
Afternoon - Light hike around Mount Song, one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, to appreciate its natural scenery and Taoist-Confucian temple heritage.
Evening - A cultural performance option such as Zen Shaolin: Music & Martial Arts Show, combining landscape, light, music, and martial arts storytelling.
Day 9
Morning - Arrival in Yuzhou
Afternoon - [Workshop] Visit a traditional Ru Kiln workshop — one of the Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty and a core ceramic center in Luoyang. To create your own cup or plate with engraving and firing.
Highlight Lecture: History of the Five Great Kilns, the revival of Ru Kiln techniques, and Jingdezhen’s role in sustaining China’s ceramic legacy.
Evening - Depart for Dunhuang (by flight).
DUNHUANG
DAY 10
All Day - Enjoy a full day of activities including desert hiking, sand sliding, and camel riding, with free time for sightseeing and exploration at Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring.
Evening - Camping Bonfire Party: Gather under the desert sky for an evening bonfire and reflection.
DAY 11
Morning - [Workshop] Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Mogao Caves and the Nine-Story Pagoda. Discussion in Buddhist Art & History Lecture — explore the evolution of Buddhism across regions, dynasties’ attitudes toward religion, and cultural influences from classics like Journey to the West.
Afternoon - [Workshop] Step into the Mogao Academy for hands-on learning of mural techniques. Clay Painting — create your own artwork inspired by Dunhuang wall paintings.
DAY 12
All Day: Travel to Dunhuang’s Yardang National Geopark, also known as “Ghost City,” shaped by 70 million years of wind erosion. Hike short trails through stone forests and ancient lakebeds, and hear from a local geologist about the formations and Silk Road caravan routes.
DAY 13
Morning - [Workshop] Visit Yangguan Pass, one of the key gateways on the ancient Silk Road. Take part in a Han-style envoy departure ceremony and immersive re-creation of Silk Road missions. A International Culture & Silk Road Lecture — trace the history of the Silk Road and its modern legacy, including the Belt and Road Initiative and global trade, culture, and diplomacy.
Evening - Flight to Shanghai
SHANGHAI
DAY 14
Morning - [Workshop] Walking Tour on The Bund & Suzhou Creek. An expert lecture on 'Shanghai and Modern China,' offers a chance to explore the iconic “Museum of International Architecture” along the Huangpu River, uncover Shanghai’s hidden stories, bringing history to life.
Afternoon - Cross to Pudong to explore Lujiazui’s skyline and the Shanghai Tower, tracing Pudong’s rise from farmland to a financial hub.
Dinner at Shanghai Xintiandi — a vibrant district where renovated Shikumen alley houses blend East and West, offering nightlife in a historic setting.
DAY 15
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. Enjoy free time for shopping at TX Huaihai or Anfu Road fashion district.
Afternoon: Cultural immersion at Yu Garden.
Closing Ceremony: Final session with awards, certificates, and a short Mandarin recap. Flight back to the UK