A 15-Day Immersive Study Tour Across Eastern China
Living Aesthetics of the East
Embark on an Eastern China tour that offers a journey through artistic heritage, where you'll experience cultural immersion and discover the beauty crafted by tradition and slow culture.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This journey invites globally minded students to explore the artistic heritage of China through an Eastern China tour that spans five culturally rich regions. Blending in-depth city discovery with hands-on workshops, it offers a cultural immersion that highlights China’s artistic traditions—through tea rituals, porcelain crafting, garden design, and philosophical movements. Theme-related Mandarin sessions are woven throughout the trip to deepen understanding and connect language with cultural context. Ideal for students passionate about art, history, culture, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Heritage in Action
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
The interplay of modernity, globalization, and innovation can be beautifully observed through an Eastern China tour, where one can experience rich artistic heritage and engage in cultural immersion.
HANGZHOU
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
Nature, Poetry & Cultural Reflection are integral parts of the artistic heritage found in Eastern China. Engaging in a cultural immersion through an Eastern China tour allows one to experience these elements deeply, enriching our understanding of the region's artistic legacy.
SUZHOU
SHANGHAI
JINGDEZHEN
Explore the artistic heritage of Eastern China through hands-on silk embroidery and classical garden design, which are deeply influenced by Taoist and Confucian design principles, offering a unique cultural immersion experience.
JINGDEZHEN
JINGDEZHEN
JINGDEZHEN
Experience the artistic heritage of porcelain-making workshops and museum curation, while exploring the connections to Silk Road economics on an Eastern China tour that offers deep cultural immersion.
BEIJING
JINGDEZHEN
BEIJING
The artistic heritage of Imperial symbolism, combined with the Confucian hierarchy, plays a significant role in the spatial governance reflected through architecture, making it a focal point for those seeking cultural immersion during an Eastern China tour.
SHANGHAI
DAY 1 - Easy Landing
We recommend arriving a day early to settle in and adjust to the time difference before embarking on your Eastern China tour. Today’s pace is light — featuring ice-breaking games, local welcome snacks, and a fun introduction to basic Mandarin, all designed to enhance your cultural immersion and appreciation of the region's artistic heritage.
DAY 2 - Where East Meets West
Morning | The Bund Walking Tour of the Bund and Suzhou Creek, along with an expert lecture on 'Shanghai and Modern China,' offers a chance to uncover Shanghai’s hidden stories, bringing history to life. Afternoon | Iconic Heritage (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. Wander through classic alleys to experience cultural immersion as you uncover Haipai culture’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, capturing the essence of Shanghai’s soul on this Eastern China tour.
Day 3 - From Revolution to Innovation
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.
Midday
Visit Zhangyuan and Xintiandi: examine adaptive reuse and the dynamics of urban renewal during your Eastern China tour.
Afternoon (Workshop)
Tour the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Cross to Pudong: 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 architecture, symbolism, and the importance of heritage conservation.
SUZHOU
DAY 4 - Silk Roads & Stone Paths
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 | Craft & Culture (Workshop) Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum and immerse yourself in a traditional Su embroidery workshop. Master the “thread poetry” of Jiangnan—where every stitch holds elegance and philosophy, offering a true cultural immersion. Evening Elegance Stroll under lantern light and enjoy the grace of Kunqu Opera. An ancient stage, a timeless melody awaits you on your Eastern China tour.
DAY 5 - Gardens & Crafts: Discovering the Aesthetics of Suzhou
Morning Serenity
Wander through the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou’s most iconic classical garden, a true testament to the artistic heritage of Eastern China. Where every rock, tree, and pond whispers balance and beauty.
Midday | Classical Design (Workshop)
Join a hands-on session on Classical Garden Aesthetics & Architecture—uncover the philosophy, structure, and symbolism behind Chinese gardens. Design as poetry. Nature as canvas. Experience a cultural immersion into the rich traditions of garden design.
Afternoon Stroll
Explore one of Suzhou’s oldest pedestrian streets—lined with heritage architecture, artisan shops, and local charm. Step where centuries of footsteps echo, immersing yourself in the essence of the region.
Nightfall | Mandarin Session
Day 6 - Slow Down to See the Real China
Morning Themed Lecture — “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. Midday Immersive Walking Tour of Nanxun Experience a cultural immersion as you wander through the quiet elegance of Nanxun, where bridges, waterways, and gardens whisper centuries-old stories of cultural richness and refined living. Culture Workshop — Heritage Artisan Studio: Su Fan Step into the world of traditional craftsmanship through Suzhou silk fan making. Learn the delicate artistry behind Su Fan, where silk, painting, and grace converge in one poetic gesture on this Eastern China tour.
HANGZHOU
DAY 7 - Nature, Craft & Tea Culture: A Journey into Hangzhou’s Living Heritage
Morning Calm
Wetland Boat & Walking Tour
Glide through pristine landscapes, then walk shaded paths in Xixi Wetland—where nature and artistic heritage coexist in quiet harmony. Still waters, living heritage.
Afternoon Depth
Longjing Tea Garden Walk & China National Tea Museum Visit
Wander the hills where China’s most famous tea is born, experiencing a deep cultural immersion in this Eastern China tour.
Tea Culture Workshop: Song Dynasty Rituals
Experience how Zen philosophy infused Song-era tea ceremonies—where silence, slowness, and spirit steep together. Brewed wisdom. Timeless grace.
Evening Reflection:
Mid-Program Fireside Talk
Gather under the stars for an open circle of stories, insights, and shared growth. Pause. Reflect. Connect.
DAY 8 - Movement, Mindfulness & Artistic Dialogue
Sunrise Flow (Workshop) Start your day with a guided Tai Chi session by West Lake — learn postures like White Crane Spreads Wings and explore the Taoist philosophy of flow, reflecting the artistic heritage of Eastern China. Softness conquers strength. Stillness moves the soul. Morning Flavors Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast: congee, tofu pudding, steamed buns, local pickles, and tea. Simple. Soulful. Satisfying. West Lake Cultural Walk Immerse yourself in a cultural experience as you stroll from Broken Bridge to Su Causeway, passing poetic landmarks like Autumn Moon over Calm Lake and Breeze-ruffled Lotus Pavilion. Each step a scene, each view a verse, making your Eastern China tour unforgettable.
DAY 9 - A Conversation of Art in Tradition & Future
Morning | Zen Mind in the Mountains
Experience cultural immersion through Zen practice and temple engagement at Faxi Temple (Fa Xi Si) in the Upper Tianzhu Area. Enjoy a peaceful monk-style meal that reflects the region's artistic heritage.
Midday | China Academy of Art Exchange
Campus Walk: Step into one of the finest art institutions in China, a Living Art Gallery at the China Academy of Art, Nanshan Campus (near West Lake), where you can appreciate the richness of artistic heritage.
Afternoon | A Lakeside Conversation (Workshop)
Engage in a lakeside conversation with local artists or participate in a trial class. Join in for a hands-on workshop in Chinese painting or calligraphy and explore cross-cultural art perspectives in academic dialogue, covering topics like architecture, calligraphy, ink painting, and design, as part of your Eastern China tour.
JINGDEZHEN
DAY 10 - Arrival & Contemporary Porcelain Culture
Morning | Journey to the Porcelain Capital
Travel from Hangzhou to Jingdezhen — where earth meets fire and art is born, immersing yourself in the artistic heritage of this region. Welcome to the world’s ceramic soul.
Midday | Taoxichuan Creative Art District
Dine near Taoxichuan at spots like Maozai Local Snacks or Huijia Chifan for home-style flavors. Wander through galleries, pop-ups, and artisan studios, where porcelain meets modern imagination, enhancing your cultural immersion.
Afternoon | Ceramic Time Travel:
Step into the China Ceramics Museum and explore the chemistry-art fusion — 5,000 years of porcelain, from emperors to innovators, as part of your Eastern China tour.
Nightfall | Hands-On Legacy (Workshop)
Try your hand at porcelain throwing with local masters. Spin your own story in clay, connecting with the rich traditions of this unique craft.
DAY 11 - History, Heritage & Land Art
Morning | Porcelain Palace
Step into a surreal mosaic of 60,000 porcelain pieces—created by 90-year-old folk artist Yu Ermei. This experience offers a glimpse into the artistic heritage where dreams are fired into form.
Midday | History Etched in Stone
Tour the Fuliang Ancient County Office, a rare Qing dynasty relic of power and precision. This site serves as a testament to political history, preserved in porcelain’s birthplace, and is an essential stop on your Eastern China tour.
Afternoon | Art in Nature – Huanxi Village (Workshop)
Wander through site-specific installations from the Land Art Festival expedition and witness a cultural immersion as art and nature achieve symbiosis in community transformation. Here, fields become galleries.
DAY 12 - A Village where Inheritors were Born
Morning | Jingdezhen Ceramic University (Workshop) Visit the campus that shapes the future of ceramic art and preserves our artistic heritage. Experience a cultural immersion as you explore how traditional art is educated and popularized in modern China. Afternoon | Sanbao International Ceramic Art Village Meet global artists in residence, visit working studios, and witness creativity in motion. Attend a lecture about the Silk Road and the globalization of porcelain, where the world throws clay together during this Eastern China tour.
BEIJING
DAY 13 - Arrival in the Capital
Touchdown in Beijing
Arrive and settle into the rhythm of China’s historic heart. A new chapter begins in the old capital, where artistic heritage blends seamlessly with modern life.
Afternoon | Hutong Discovery Walk (Workshop):
Stroll through Shichahai’s scenic lakes and ride a rickshaw through Beijing’s hidden alleyways. Experience a cultural immersion as you understand Siheyuan social ecology, a living urban heritage where everyday life meets centuries of tradition.
Evening | Welcome Dinner
Dine at Hua’s Courtyard (Huajia Yiyuan)—a Qing Dynasty mansion with garden views and elegant Beijing flavors. Enjoy history on your plate and beauty all around as you embark on your Eastern China tour.
DAY 14 - Forbidden City & Beyond
Morning | Imperial Insights (Workshop): Step into the Forbidden City on an Eastern China tour for a deep-dive exploration of its architectural marvels, rich symbolism, and the rhythms of royal life. Gain insight into the evolution of identity throughout dynastic and modern China. Walk where emperors ruled and legends linger. Midday: Climb Jingshan Park, once the imperial garden, for a rare panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City—offering perspectives you can't get from inside the palace itself. Afternoon | Beyond the Palace Walls (Workshop): Engage in a hands-on workshop at one of Beijing's heritage hubs, such as the Confucian Academy, the Chinese Character Culture Center, or the 798 Creative Studio. From ancient scripts to modern strokes, immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of China and discover tradition in motion.
DAY 15 - Steps Through Time, Sips of Reflection
Great Wall Adventure
Ascend Mutianyu or Badaling by cable car; hike along the ancient stones for sweeping mountain views at one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming-era Great Wall, a true testament to China's artistic heritage. Walk the wall that once guarded a civilization.
Dusk | Beijing’s Trendy Side
Experience cultural immersion in Beijing’s modern pulse in Sanlitun, where global fashion, youth culture, and creative nightlife offer a striking contrast to the city’s historic core. This vibrant area is a highlight of any Eastern China tour.
Tea & Closure:
Gather for a tea ceremony and closing reflections at Dongxiang Tea Space or FuCha Workshop. Savor the quiet power of leaves and legacy.