Volunteer in China

35+ Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

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.

Hainan, China’s southernmost province, is often referred to as “China’s Hawaii” thanks to its tropical beaches, warm climate, and laid-back vibe. Located in the South China Sea, this island province is known for its palm-lined resorts, volcanic landscapes, and clean air. It’s a favourite domestic tourist destination and an emerging hotspot for international travellers. Beyond the beaches, Hainan offers lush rainforests, minority cultures like the Li and Miao people, and eco-tourism opportunities.

Huidong is a coastal county located in southeastern Guangdong Province, China, known for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and scenic beaches. Situated along the South China Sea, it offers a mix of mountains, hot springs, and seaside resorts, making it a popular getaway from the busy cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The area features quiet fishing villages, historical towns, and bays like Xunliao and Double-Moon Bay, which attract visitors with their clean waters and laid-back charm. With a warm climate and a slower pace of life, Huidong is ideal for nature lovers, beachgoers, and anyone looking to experience a more peaceful side of southern China.

You will be staying in local accommodation in China. Please refer to individual programs for more info.

Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with Flavors and ingredients varying by region. In Hainan, the food is lighter and often seafood-based, reflecting its island culture. Dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, coconut rice, and spicy seafood hotpots are popular. Fresh tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts are abundant. Across China, you’ll find everything from spicy Sichuan hotpot to delicate Cantonese dim sum, hearty northern dumplings, and sweet-and-sour dishes — a true feast for the senses.

On the Monday of your first week, you will participate in an orientation session to help you familiarize yourself with the surroundings and local culture. Your program will commence as usual from Tuesday onward.

Schedule

• Welcome meeting: House rules, setting expectations, health and safety guidelines, and document handling.
• Cultural briefing: Chinese do’s and don’ts.
• Local area tour: Explore the compound and surrounding area, locate nearby shops, and arrange a SIM card if needed.
• Lunch break.
• Project introduction: Visit the project site, receive an overview, and begin participation.

China has a vast and efficient transportation network that makes it easy to travel across the country. High-speed trains connect major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an, offering a fast and comfortable alternative to flying. Public buses and subways are widely available in urban areas, while taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi make getting around cities convenient. For long-distance travel, domestic flights are frequent and affordable. In more rural areas, transportation can be slower and less predictable, but local buses and trains still provide access to most regions.

Things to Do in Hainan 

1. Visit Sanya’s Beaches – Sanya is Hainan’s most famous beach city, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Yalong Bay and Dadonghai Beach are particularly popular for their clear waters and resort facilities.
2. Explore Wuzhizhou Island – A short boat ride from Sanya, this coral island offers crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving, plus hiking trails and lush vegetation.
3. Relax in Hot Springs – Hainan is dotted with natural hot springs, especially in areas like Qixianling (Seven Fairy Mountain), known for its rainforest spa resorts and therapeutic mineral waters.
4. Hike in Yanoda Rainforest – This tropical rainforest park features waterfalls, rope bridges, and guided treks through thick jungle — a great way to explore Hainan’s biodiversity.
5. Learn Local Culture in Baoting – Visit the rural areas around Baoting to learn about the customs, dress, and crafts of the Li and Miao ethnic minorities.
6. Trek Mount Wuzhi (Five Finger Mountain) – One of Hainan’s most iconic natural landmarks, this mountain offers challenging hikes and panoramic views over the island.
7. Try Hainanese Cuisine – Sample local dishes at bustling night markets or coastal restaurants. Don’t miss the classic Hainanese chicken rice, often served with fragrant rice and dipping sauces.
8. Haikou’s Volcanic Cluster Park – Located near the capital city, this park features unique volcanic landforms, caves, and lava tubes, ideal for a day of exploration and photography.
9. Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth) – A famous scenic spot near Sanya, where dramatic coastal rock formations meet romantic legends and stunning sunset views.

Things to Do in Huidong

• Xunliao Bay
  A popular coastal area with clear waters and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, jet skiing, seafood dining, and relaxing in beachfront resorts.
• Huizhou West Lake
  A tranquil park featuring traditional bridges, pagodas, and walking paths around scenic lakes, ideal for leisurely strolls and photography.
• Pinghai Ancient City
  A historic walled town with stone gates, old temples, and traditional architecture offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
• Double-Moon Bay
  A unique beach area with two crescent-shaped shorelines facing each other, known for its natural beauty and panoramic viewpoints.
• Tianhou Temple
  A peaceful seaside temple offering cultural insight and scenic views of the ocean, dedicated to the sea goddess.
• Daya Bay Nuclear Power Science Museum
  An interactive and educational museum focused on nuclear energy, environmental science, and sustainability.
• Hot Spring Resorts
  Several resorts in the region feature natural hot springs and mountain views, offering a relaxing spa experience.

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.

Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer? Or perhaps you would like to set up a funraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.