Adventure and Culture Week in Guangxi Province, China

Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.

Excellent time management and self-organizing and a strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.

• Accommodation
• Meals as outlined in the schedule
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport – Arrival Hall Exit 6 (KWL). You must arrive between 13:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup time, you can book an extra night or private transfer for an additional fee.

Day 1: Sunday

Arrival in Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, where your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to the TGL Center. Settle in, relax by the pool and enjoy your first group dinner.
Overnight: TGL Center Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Monday

Bamboo Rafting in Xingping
After breakfast, transfer to Xingping County and check into your hotel. Explore the narrow alleys of Xingping Old Town before enjoying a riverside lunch. In the afternoon, take a bamboo raft along the Li River and walk beside its banks as the sun sets over the karst peaks.
Overnight: Xingping Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday

Sunrise at Xianggongshan & Cultural Immersion
Rise early to hike Xianggongshan and watch the sun rise over the Li River valley. After a rest and lunch, transfer to Yangshuo. Visit Fuli Cultural Street, where you’ll learn the ancient art of Chinese fan painting. Later, check into your hotel and stroll Yangshuo’s famous West Street before dinner.
Overnight: Yangshuo Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday

Cycling & Caves
Cycle along the 10-li Gallery road through rice paddies and villages, stopping at the ancient Big Banyan Tree and climbing Moon Hill. In the afternoon, explore a spectacular water cave with underground pools. Return to your hotel for a free evening and self-organized dinner.
Overnight: Yangshuo Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Thursday

Rock Climbing & Optional Night Show
Challenge yourself with a beginner’s rock climbing session on Yangshuo’s famous limestone cliffs. After lunch and a rest, enjoy free time. In the evening, you may choose to attend the “Impression Liu Sanjie” performance, a light and music spectacle staged on the river.
Overnight: Yangshuo Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Friday

Taichi & Kayaking
Begin the day with a Taichi class guided by a local master. After lunch, take to the water again with a kayaking session along the river, followed by a group dinner and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Yangshuo Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Saturday

Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Guilin Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast

The mode of transportation could change due to unavoidable circumstances.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Things to do in Guangxi:

1. Take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo to see the famous karst mountains.
2. Visit Yangshuo and explore the countryside. You can also go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River.
3. See the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng. These are especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
4. Walk around Guilin’s city centre and visit spots like Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area.
5. Visit the Detian Waterfall near the Vietnam border. It’s one of the largest cross-border waterfalls in Asia.
6. Try rock climbing in Yangshuo, a popular spot for both beginners and experienced climbers.
7. Take a bamboo raft ride in Xingping for great views of the Li River and surrounding mountains.
8. Explore Silver Cave near Yangshuo, known for its large caverns and interesting rock formations.

Further Afield:

1. The Great Wall of China – A must-see when visiting China, this ancient wonder stretches over 13,000 miles and offers breathtaking views and historical insights, best explored near Beijing.
2. Terracotta Army in Xi’an – An awe-inspiring archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized statues guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.
3. Guilin and Yangshuo – Famous for their karst limestone mountains and winding rivers, this region is perfect for boat cruises, bike rides, and rural village visits.
4. Chengdu’s Giant Pandas – Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these iconic animals up close in a naturalistic setting.
5. Shanghai and Beijing City Tours – Experience the modern and ancient sides of China in these two bustling cities, with highlights like the Bund, the Forbidden City, and local food streets.

Additional Requirements

The following are further necessary for the participants, local staff and everyone involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe experience.

• Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
• Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
• Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.

• Excellent time management and self-organizing and a strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
• You are advised to purchase travel and medical insurance prior to your arrival.
• Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis.

Additional Equipment

Clothing

• Lightweight clothing for warm days
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Swimwear for rafting, kayaking and cave visits
• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Warmer layer for early morning hikes

Gear & Essentials

• Daypack for daily excursions
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Power bank and outlet adapter
• Quick-dry towel
• Locks for bags and hostel lockers

Toiletries & Health

• Personal toiletries (preferably biodegradable)
• Personal toiletries eco-friendly if possible
• Prescription medicines with doctor’s note if needed
• First-aid kit with band-aids antiseptic cream rehydration salts Imodium antihistamines lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Motion sickness tablets (for long bus/boat journeys)
• Face masks for crowded places/public transport
• Stomach medicine (for diarrhea or indigestion) and probiotics to support digestion

Cultural & Program Extras

• Notebook and pens for journaling or workshop notes
• Small cultural gifts for exchange (stickers, postcards, souvenirs from home)
• Camera or smartphone with spare memory card

Money & Documents

• Passport and visa documents (with copies)
• Travel and medical insurance documents
• Cash in Chinese Yuan (small notes useful in villages)
• Credit or debit card for larger expenses or emergencies

Extras

• Snacks for long bus/train journeys
• Reusable shopping bag for markets and groceries
• Light entertainment (book, Kindle, cards)

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: CN – Holidays – All Programs

China is officially known as the People’s Republic of China and is governed by a centralized one-party system. Its capital is Beijing, while other major cities include Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. The economy is the second-largest in the world and incredibly diverse, ranging from high-tech industries and manufacturing to agriculture and traditional crafts. Despite rapid urban development, large parts of the country remain rural and offer insight into traditional Chinese lifestyles.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, though dozens of other dialects and minority languages are spoken across the country. Religion in China is varied, including Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and traditional folk beliefs, although religious practice is often closely monitored. Public transport is generally efficient, especially in major cities, and high-speed trains connect many regions. While China has embraced modern technology, customs such as Confucian respect for elders and community still play an important role in daily life.

China’s climate is incredibly varied due to its size. The north experiences cold, dry winters and hot summers, while the south is typically more humid and subtropical. The central regions see four distinct seasons. Hainan, located in the far south, has a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and sun seekers. Typhoon season usually runs from June to September.

Chinese culture is steeped in tradition, with deep respect for family, education, and social harmony. Festivals such as Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival are widely celebrated and often centre around family gatherings, food, and honouring ancestors. Calligraphy, martial arts, opera, and traditional Chinese medicine are just a few cultural elements still practiced today. While modernization has introduced Western influences, many traditions are still passed down through generations.

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