A 12-Day Immersive Study Tour Across Eastern China
Guardians of the Plateau: Ecology and Clean Energy in China
2 Cities | 11 Days｜Starts from £2,700
Key Details
A 12-day ESG-focused field programme across Chengdu and Qinghai, examining conservation science, renewable energy, biodiversity, and cultural heritage within China’s sustainability framework.
The Chengdu segment covers panda conservation, ancient hydraulic engineering (Dujiangyan Irrigation System), and new-energy innovation (CATL), alongside urban cultural study.
On the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, students investigate high-altitude ecosystems, wetlands, geological formations, salt-lake and inland-lake systems, Tibetan cultural heritage, and large-scale solar energy infrastructure, including one of the world’s largest photovoltaic industrial parks.
The programme combines expert-led workshops, field research, museum study, and on-site ecological observation, providing structured insight into how environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development operate in practice.
Academic Positioning & Learning Outcomes
Designed for ambitious students, this ESG-focused field programme combines environmental science, cultural study, and clean-energy innovation through structured workshops and on-site ecological investigation. It is ideal for students studying Geography, Environmental Science, Biology, Economics, or Global Development.
- Understanding of biodiversity, plateau ecosystems, and wetland conservation
- Insight into renewable energy infrastructure and climate strategy
- Analysis of how culture, policy, and technology intersect within ESG frameworks
- Field-based research and critical thinking skills
Students engage as emerging analysts of sustainability and ecological transformation.
Four Cities. One Cultural Journey.
CHENGDU
QINGHAI PROVINCE
QINGHAI PROVINCE
China’s gateway to ecological innovation, where panda conservation, ancient hydraulic engineering, and new-energy technology converge within a vibrant modern cultural landscape.
QINGHAI PROVINCE
QINGHAI PROVINCE
QINGHAI PROVINCE
China’s ecological frontier on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, encompassing high-altitude biodiversity, fragile wetland and salt-lake systems, Tibetan cultural heritage, and world-leading solar energy infrastructure.
CHENGDU
DAY 1
Welcome Dinner & Free time
A welcome dinner followed by ice breaker.
Programme Briefing
Short orientation session outlining the journey, logistics, and experience flow.
DAY 2
Morning - Dujiangyan Panda Valley
Travel to Panda Valley to learn about wildlife conservation
Workshop: Introduction to giant panda biology and conservation, led by a specialist instructor. Create panda-themed clay sculptures inspired by traditional folk craft.
Afternoon - Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Built in 256 BC, Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the world’s oldest dam-free water management system, still functioning to irrigate the Chengdu Plain and control floods.
Workshop: Lecture on how this ancient hydraulic project has supported sustainable agriculture and flood control for over 2,000 years.
Evening - Dinner in Chengdu City Centre
Sichuan Hotpot Experience & Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show.
Day 3
Morning - CATL New Energy Innovation Plaza
An interactive exhibition and research centre showcasing cutting-edge battery technology, energy storage systems, and low-carbon solutions driving China’s clean-energy transition.
Workshop: Introduction to new energy, zero-carbon technology, and energy storage systems.
Afternoon – Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Explore the museum with a culinary instructor to learn about the origins, development, and flavour principles of Sichuan cuisine.
Evening - Taikoo Li City Walk
Explore Chengdu’s blend of tradition and modernity: from Daci Temple and preserved historic architecture to contemporary art spaces, design stores, and vibrant public plazas.
DAY 4
Morning - Freee Time/Arrive in airport
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel before departure.
Afternoon - Entering the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Experience a warm ethnic-style welcome ceremony upon landing, followed by a private transfer to the hotel.
Evening - Welcome Dinner in Xining
Begin the Qinghai journey with a local dinner introducing the flavours and cultural warmth of the plateau region.
QINGHAI PROVINCE
DAY 5
Morning - Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Natural History Museum
Visit the region’s most comprehensive ecological museum to understand the unique environmental systems of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.
Workshop: Guided lecture on plateau ecology, geological formations, wildlife adaptation, and nomadic culture. Explore exhibits on geology, climate, biodiversity, and high-altitude human–environment interaction.
Afternoon - Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park
Observe rare plateau species such as Tibetan antelope, snow leopards, Przewalski's gazelles, Pallas’s cats, and wild yaks in China’s only high-altitude wildlife conservation park.
Workshop: Introduction to endangered-species identification, animal rescue stories, and conservation challenges in extreme-altitude environments.
DAY 6
Morning - Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
Visit one of the world’s most comprehensive museums dedicated to Tibetan civilisation. Explore historic artifacts, traditional crafts, and the record-holding 618-metre Thangka artwork..
Workshop: Tibetan history, religion, art, and cultural heritage; understand the diversity of ethnic cultures within China.
Afternoon - Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery)
Travel to one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa.
Workshop: Explore the unique fusion of Tibetan and Han architectural styles, observe the “Three Artistic Wonders” (butter sculptures, murals, and barbola embroidery), and learn about monastic traditions.
Evening - Transfer to Guide County & Dinner
Day 7
Morning - Yellow River Wetlands & Plateau Biodiversity Study
Begin the day with a field-based ecological study in the Yellow River wetlands of Guide County.
Workshop: Observe local flora and fauna, understand wetland ecosystems, and learn how biodiversity is monitored and protected in high-altitude environments.
Afternoon - Ashigong National Geopark
Travel to Ashigong Geopark to experience the stunning multicoloured Danxia landforms shaped by millions of years of geological evolution.
Workshop: Guided study of plateau geology, including rock formation and erosion processes, on-site investigation of geological features, and discussion on environmental protection and sustainable geotourism.
Day 8
Morning - Talatan Solar Photovoltaic Industrial Park
Visit one of the largest solar photovoltaic parks in the world, located in the former desert lands of the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Workshop: Explore how large-scale solar farms operate, examine water–solar integration and desert restoration systems, and study the “solar panels + grazing” model for sustainable land recovery.
Afternoon - Transfer to Chaka Town
Travel to Chaka, known for its salt lake landscapes and cultural heritage.
Evening - Dinner & Bonfire Night
Local dinner followed by a lively bonfire celebration, experiencing traditional plateau hospitality and cultural activities.
Day 9
Morning - Chaka Salt Lake
Explore one of China’s most famous salt lakes and its striking reflective landscapes, "The Mirror of the Sky".
Workshop: Study the formation and industrial history of the salt lake, observe salt crystal types and harvesting processes, and examine the ecological features of saline environments.
Afternoon - Transfer to Qinghai Lake & Ecological Observation
Travel to China’s largest inland lake, an essential habitat for plateau wildlife and migratory birds.
Workshop: Observe seasonal lake-thaw phenomena and study migratory bird habitats, examining how ecological restoration efforts have improved wetland health.
Day 10
Morning - Xining City Walk & Cultural Exploration
City stroll and relaxation.
Afternoon - Transfer to Airport
Flight back to Chengdu, Sichuan.
Evening - Arrival in Chengdu & Hotel Check-in
Day 11
Morning - Gather for a tea ceremony and closing reflections. Flight back home.