In this trip students will start in Henan in the heartland of ancient Chinese civilization with activities at the home of Chinese kung fu at the Shaolin Temple. We will continue to the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s most famous natural landmarks and finest examples of Buddhist art.
In addition to looking at the history and culture of the region, students will also be challenged to analyze the development of the area. A region in flux both culturally and economically, The Yellow River Basin is the perfect place to both compare and contrast the causes as well as evaluate the effects of China’s rapid development. By the end of the program, students will be able to appreciate the complexities and underlying issues facing modern China.
About the Hutong
Over the last ten years, we have brought students from schools across China and around the globe on cultural adventures – from bike rides across the rolling hills of southern Yunnan to camping trips in the shadow of the Great Wall, from the fortress tulou homes of Fujian, to the epicenter of Mao’s long march. The Hutong Education has been designed to provide exceptional and engaging learning experiences that empower students to build a bridge between their classroom and the world around them. Powered by strong relationships with our local partners across the country, our mission has always been to take students beyond the tourist sites and connect them to local culture, customs, and people. Our team has achieved this through a commitment to high experiential learning standards, and the understanding that creativity, expression, and fun are the building blocks of many worthwhile experiences.
“The Hutong sets the bar high for educational travel in China! Great communication, excellent planning, authentic on-site learning, appreciation of Chinese culture, and top-notch professionalism are just a few of the consistent ingredients for a wonderful experience by Hutong educational staff members. It’s clear that Hutong staff love what they do, and their enthusiasm is infectious! Anyone can make a travel itinerary, but The Hutong always hits the mark by creating excellent onsite learning opportunities.”
– Karin Semler, Concordia International School of Shanghai
Read more testimonials here.
Day 1: Hong Kong – Xi’an
Morning:
• Flight to Xi’an
Afternoon:
• Shaanxi Provincial Museum
• Historical Discovery Challenge
Evening:
• Welcome Dinner- Xi’an Paomo
• Check into hotel
Day 2: Xi’an
Morning:
• Terracotta pottery factory workshop
Afternoon:
• Terracotta Warrior Museum activities
• Visit traditional cave dwelling
Evening:
• Dinner at Buddhist Vegetarian Restaurant
• Reflections & History Discussion
Day 3: Xi’an
Morning:
• Tangbo Calligraphy & Art Workshop
Afternoon:
• Xian City Wall Biking
Evening:
• 回⺠街 Night Market Bingo
• Soup Dumplings at 贾三灌汤包
Day 4: Xi’an – Shaolin
Morning:
• High-Speed Train to Luoyang
Afternoon:
• Longmen Grottoes
• Transfer to Dengfeng, Shaolin
Evening:
• Dinner, hotel check-in
• Evening Kung Fu Training
Day 5: Shaolin
Morning:
• Kung Fu School Exchange
Afternoon:
• Visit Shaolin Temple and complete rotational activities:
• Scavenger Hunt
• Pagoda Forest
• Tagou Training Observation
Evening:
• Martial Arts Exhibition
Day 6: Return to HK
Morning:
• Transport to Zhengzhou (1 hr 30 min)
• Henan Provincial Museum
• Historical Discovery Challenge
• Return Flight
Xi’an Program Highlights
Terracotta Pottery Factory
Before visiting the mausoleum, we will visit a local pottery factory to learn about the production process of the original terracotta warriors that we will see later that afternoon. Our students will get the chance to work alongside the craftsmen and craftswomen to make their own small terracotta warrior and give it their own individual identity and flair.
Terracotta Warriors Museum 兵马俑
The crown jewel of Xi’an and hailed as one of the “Eight Wonders of the Ancient World”, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum is one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. Housing over 7,000 life-sized terra cotta figurines of warriors and horses aligned in battle formation, it was built to protect the legendary first Emperor of China in his afterlife. Students will be divided into assigned battalion groups and take part in a site-wide scavenger hunt that will have them scanning and scrutinizing with their critical eyes.
Traditional Cave Dwelling
We will make a brief stop to one of the last remaining examples of traditional cave houses left in the Xi’an area. These cave houses were once very common in the Loess Plateau of Northern Shaanxi, as the porous yellow soil was very amenable to these structures which provided warmth in the harsh winter and cool relief during the summer.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda ⼤雁塔
We will jump right in with a visit to one of the quintessential examples of classic Chinese architecture: the Buddhist Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Originally built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty to house the sutras, figurines, and preserve the teachings that the monk Xuanzang brought back from his travels to India. His voyage inspired the Chinese literary classic, Journey to the West. We will again split up the group into smaller battalion groups for interactive group activities. We will embark on a scavenger hunt around the grounds and up the seven stories of the famous pagoda to find clues and unravel the story behind the ancient epic.
Tang Bo Art Museum Workshop
In this activity, students will use art as their lens to delve deeper into Chinese history. From ancient pottery and paintings to traditional folk arts and paper cutting, we will trace the progression of Chinese art through the millennia. We’ll get a chance to pick up our own brush and canvas to learn those basic strokes of Chinese Calligraphy from the museum curator.
Muslim Quarter Market
The terminus city of the ancient Silk Road and one of China’s four ancient capital cities, Xi’an has historically been a cosmopolitan city that has attracted merchants and traders from all four corners of the globe. Students will have structured free time to explore the bustling market for delicious snacks and to enjoy the one of the most unique neighborhoods in the entire country. Rose petal rice, persimmon cakes, and pulled pork sandwiches are just a few of the culinary treats that we’ll delight upon before tucking into our own feast right off the main street.
Ancient City Wall Biking
One of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in all of China, students will be asked to complete an interactive scavenger hunt on their bikes as they traverse the wall. We will start at the historic South Gate and ride through history on our way to the North Gate watchtower. Biking with their battalion groups, students will be tasked with collecting clues and keeping their eye peeled because you never know what you’ll see when you when you step back into history!
Shaolin Temple – Luoyang – Zhengzhou Program Highlights
Zhengzhou’s Provincial History Museum
Widely known for its historical legacy and prosperity that rose and fell with its many ruling dynasties along with their different capitals, Henan’s history can be traced all of the way back to the prehistoric civilizations of the Neolithic Era. We’ll jump right into those millennia of history through discovery activities at the local provincial history museum, one of the oldest and well regarded in the nation. Students will gain an education on the depth and scope of history in this region, known as the “cradle of Chinese civilization.”
Shaolin Temple Scavenger Hunt
The hallowed grounds of the Shaolin Temple will play host to one of our classic Hutong scavenger hunts that will take the students to and fro around the grounds of the home of Chinese kung fu. Challenges will have the students interacting with the local monks and visiting tourists alike in a fun-filled competition designed to familiarize the students with the rich history of the complex. They will gain a broader understanding of Chinese kung fu history.
Dharma Cave Hike
After lunch we’ll be led by a young monk up the secret, back trails behind the temple on a short hike to the top of hills that overlook the valley. At our destination we will have a chance to visit the cave where it is said that Bodhidharma, the father of zen Buddhism, meditated for nine continuous years. Some say that he sat there in meditation for so long, you can now see his shadow imprinted upon the wall!
Kung Fu School Exchange
Undoubtedly one of the main highlights of every trip to the region is our school exchange activity with a local kung fu academy. Our students will have a chance to show off their kung fu skills and connect with the local students through a series of interactive games and activities designed to encourage them to engage with one another. We’ll also be able to see what daily life is like at the school for the students, as well as have some free time to hang out and make new friends!
Longmen Grottoes
One of finest examples of Buddhist art in China, the thousands of statues of Buddha and his disciples that line the limestone cliffs of the Li River outside of Luoyang are a sight to see. Students will take part in a sketching activity focusing on the outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail that was paid to each and every single piece in the entire cave complex.
