Culture Week in Guangxi, China

• Physical fitness: This program involves extended activity periods and some outdoor time under the sun. A decent level of fitness is essential.
• Personal attributes: Excellent time management, self-organization, and a strong desire for new challenges and learning are crucial.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• 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.

Monday

Your day begins with a tour of Fengyan Village and its ancient houses. Fengyan is a Yao ethnic village with over 400 years of history, featuring traditional Yao houses, some over 150 years old. Afterward, you’ll hike up a nearby mountain with views of a sea of persimmon trees.

In the afternoon, you’ll have a Chinese language lesson and a cultural session on Chinese philosophies and local taboos.

In the evening, you can learn to play Mahjong or Chinese chess, or watch a Chinese movie.

Tuesday

In the morning, you’ll visit a local family, learn how to make oil tea (often referred to as “Chinese coffee”), and enjoy a traditional Yao breakfast. A Tai Chi session follows, and then you’ll join a cultural session on Chinese festivals.

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit Hongyan Village, where you’ll climb mountains and try bamboo rafting. Evening activities include Mahjong, Chinese chess, or a movie.

Wednesday

After breakfast, dive into a practical Chinese lesson focused on shopping and bargaining. Then you’ll visit Lianhua Town to practice your Chinese at the local market.

After lunch, join a Chinese food culture session and explore the diversity of regional cuisine. Later, you’ll learn how to make dumplings or baozi, and cook other traditional dishes.

Thursday

Your morning begins with a Chinese songs lesson, followed by a calligraphy class.

In the afternoon, take your learning outdoors with visits to the Confucius Temple, Guangdong Temple, and a walk along the Cha River.

You’ll also explore the Gongcheng Yao People’s Museum to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Yao community.

Afterward, enjoy free time, perhaps visit the supermarket, and in the evening, you can have a self-organized BBQ at the center.

Friday

After another Chinese language session, you’ll take part in a Chinese paper crafting workshop. The afternoon is free — perfect for relaxing or preparing for a weekend excursion of your choice!

***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

• Participants over 65 years old: Due to the program’s physical activities, a medical clearance proving your fitness is mandatory.
• Participants under 18 years old: A signed parental consent form verifying your involvement is required. If possible, adult accompaniment is strongly encouraged.
• Physical fitness: This program involves extended activity periods and some outdoor time under the sun. A decent level of fitness is essential.
• Personal attributes: Excellent time management, self-organization, and a strong desire for new challenges and learning are crucial.

Additional Equipment

Packing List
        Clothing

• Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
• Dress professionally since you will be working in a professional environment while teaching the children.
• It is completely fine to wear Western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
• Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols, or text printed on your clothing, and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate, particularly inside the school premises.
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals. Good shoes for the mountain walks
• Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates (with photocopies)

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
• Moneybelt, locks for bags
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Optional Items:

• Games, books, color pencils, chalk, rulers, etc.
• Pictures from your country, family, and friends.
• Other small cultural objects from your country of origin.

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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