China Britain Arts & Language Centre

China Adventure of Culture & Arts Study Tour

Day 1 : Ancient Beauty Meets Modern Charm

                                                    – History of Development of Chinese Clothing

 Highlight 1) : Arrival on Beijing. We arrange airport pick-up and transfer before 6pm.

Highlight 2) : Welcome Chinese Costume Party from 8pm. 

The party is an ice-breaking event for you to get to know and make friends with each other, whom you will start the journey together for the next 12 days.

Theme of the party is “Chinese in your eyes”. In your knowledge of Chinese costumes, which age is the most attractive or representative? Bring them, and show off in the party! At the end of the party, we will have a simple demonstration of models wearing Chinese costumes from all ages , to explain the history of development of Chinese clothing , and each of their cultural meanings.

Day 2 : Noble Aristocracy Meets Ordinary Arts Creator

                          – Walk Into the Lives From Chinese Ancient Royalties To Folk Artists

Highlight 1) : Learn the history and traditional Chinese architecture – the Forbidden City

Within this architecture wonder, you will be able to feel the history of past 500 years of time . You will learn the symbolic meanings of the complex building, the unique Chinese architectural aesthetics and characteristic and so forth. Apart from that, you will also get to experience the real life of ancient Chinese aristocracies, and a better understanding of history that mostly appeared in the television scripts and literatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlight 2) : Chinese folk arts and crafts course: paper cutting, clay sculptures, shadow puppet

                       play.

We have elaborately chosen 3 most representative and popular Chinese folk art forms: paper cutting, clay sculptures, and shadow puppet play, for you to have personal experience of observing and learning the process of the artworks being produced. Nowadays, the professional Chinese folk artists are becoming much rarer than before due to the rapidly mordernised society. Thus, this is a great opportunity to have an actual conversation with these talented artists and be able to see the working environment of them.

Day 3 : National Cultural Treasure of China – Peking Opera

Highlight 1) :  One-day activity course of Pecking Opera in Pecking Opera Theatre

The Pecking Opera is famous for its unique singing skills, costumes and distinct facial paintings for specific characters. During this one-day activity course of Pecking Opera, you will not only enjoy the most famous and popular acts and get to know the typical stage and theatre set-up, but you also get to experience the fascination of this art form by dressing on the costumes, having the facial paintings, and learning a few singing and dancing skills from masters of Pecking Opera. At end of the day, you will need to perform a few lines from a specific act on the stage as a result of one-day’s learning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlight 2) :  Beijing's local food culture - Peking Roast Duck

You will taste the most authentic Peking Roast Duck in Beijing, and other local delicacies to have a deeper understanding of the famous Chinese food culture.

Highlight 1) : One-day view and activity course of Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting

In the first viewing course, you will learn how to distinguish and appreciate the meaning of different styles and genres of Chinese calligraphy and brush paintings in the exhibition of these artworks. The calligrapher and painting artists will explain the artistic achievements of some most famous artworks for you to have a further understanding.

 

In the latter activity course, you will have a hands-on experience to turn your theoretical knowledge into practical skills. The calligrapher and painting artists will teach you step by step of those rudimental skills. After the course, each of you will create one of your own work on a beautifully mounted scroll, and bring it home with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlight 2) : Beijing's Bar Culture (Optional)

As a modern city, Beijing has developed its own culture regarding to clubs and bars during the development of the country over the recent decades. You can choose to hangout in a stylish bar, or just wander along the street to experience a different bar culture from UK , and leave a memorable night in Beijing.

Day 4 : Explore the World of the Antique Rolls of Wonder

                                                        – Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting

Highlight 1) : Climb the Great Wall

Chinese people believes an old saying: He who never been to the Great Wall is not a true man. As such, climbing onto the Great Wall is an indispensable activity in China. Furthermore, on the Great Wall, you will learn more facts and folklores about the Great Wall, and the reason that ancient Chinese people built it. After this trip, you will gain new respect to the wisdom and diligence of people from ancient times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlight 2) : One-day view and activity course of Chinese acrobatics.

During the first viewing course, you will enjoy and appreciate the fascinating performance of Chinese traditional acrobatics. The course will continue with actual learning of the simple movements including proper breathing techniques, better controlling of your body muscles, and some martial arts that are related to Qigong, a slow and deliberate movement exercise. During the course, you will also have the opportunity to talk to these acrobatics artists, to learn more stories behind the stage.

Day 5 : The Arts of Impossible Created by Ancient Intelligence

                                                      – The Great Wall and the Chinese Acrobatics

Highlight 1) : Take the bullet train (300km/h) from Beijing to Nanjing

You will take the high-speed bullet train transporting from Beijing to Nanjing. The fully operated bullet train will reach the speed as high as 300-350km/h (the top speed of UK railway is 225km/h). The journey will not only allow you to experience the technology in fast-developing modern China, but also to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

 

Highlight 2) : Chinese history course at Nanjing Historical District   

As one of the "Four Ancient Capital City" and one of the most prosperous cities at all times, Nanjing has buried too many historical stories that are unknown to the world.

You will be led to these favourite places where gathered by most ancient poets, and those had various legendary stories took place. Learning history wouldn't be a daunting task if you experience them yourselves in the original scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlight 3) : Chinese traditional music concert, and theoretical course of Chinese music followed

                        by interaction and activity with musicians.

Since Nanjing has the history of being the capital city of six dynasties of China, Chinese imperial music were once flourished from here. Thus, you will get to enjoy the most authentic Chinese music at where it has its greatest achievements. After the concert, you will learn the differences between western and Chinese music, the introduction to each of the instrument, and the development of these music forms and instruments. The evening will continue with hands-on activity to these musical instruments, for you to have personal experience of how these beautiful arts are made.

Day 6 : Marching Towards the Yangtsz River Delta

                                                              - City of Nanjing: Ancient Capitals of Six Dynasties

Highlight  1) : Meditation Course in the Ancient Jiming Temple.       

Jiming Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nanjing. The temple, which literally means "rooster crowing" was first constructed in 557 and has been destroyed and reconstructed many times. The existing temple was initially constructed during the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Hongwu in 1387.

 

While visiting the temple, you will learn the history and the development of Chinese (Han) Buddhism with its own cultural characteristics and adaptations. You will understand how the ideas and concepts of Buddhism have infiltrated into the daily living styles of ordinary Chinese people and philosophy of the country. To further understand the religion, you can choose to continue with the meditation course (not required for other religious people), and have the vegetarian meal during the day to spiritualise your body and your mind.

Day 7 : Religious Study – The Origin and the Development of Buddhism Culture

                                                                           &

    The Mysterious Mausoleum Culture and the Funerary Art of Ancient Chinese

    Emperors – The Legendary Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty (Ming Xiaoling Mausolem

 

Highlights : Visit Suzhou and learn the arts of classical garden design of ancient China

The "Four Gardens of Suzhou" has gained its reputation throughout the country over the centuries. The art of garden design of "The Four Gardens" are the quintessence of Chinese classical architecture style, and has hidden the classical philosophy of ancient China.

 

You will firstly visit the "Four gardens of Suzhou". While appreciating the beautiful scene, you will be explained to the building features, the architectural principles, the history of the Gardens, and the working philosophy of the Chinese ancient garden designers.

 

Day 8 :  The Art of Chinese Classical Garden Design and Architecture

                                                          - "Four Famous Gardens of Suzhou"

Highlights) : Xitang is an ancient scenic town with its history dated back to at least the Spring and

Autumn Period. Xitang is a water town crisscrossed by nine rivers. The town stretches

across eight sections, linked by old-fashioned stone bridges. In the older parts of town, the

buildings are set along the banks of the canals, which serve as the main transportation thoroughfares in the area.

Xitang also contains numerous antique residences and temples, such as the Temple of the Seven Masters. The tranquil ambience and scenic beauty of the town would help the fast-paced modern people to have a total relaxation and find the inner peace of themselves.

Xitang locations were featured in the final sequences of the motion picture Mission: Impossible III.

 

Day 9 : A Land of Peace - the Water Town: Xi Tang

Route 2 : Encounter the Yangtze River Delta

 -- Find Peace in the Water Town of Southern China

Highlight 2) : Half-day view and knowledge expansion course in Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming dynasty. The construction of the mausoleum began during the Hongwu Emperor's life in 1381 and ended in 1405, with a huge expenditure of resources involving 100,000 labourers.

 

While visiting the mausoleum, you will learn the layout and the meaning of the monuments inside of the mausoleum, as well as the history of Ming dynasty of China. After this course, you will have a deeper understanding of the mausoleum culture and the funerary art that has passed down for nearly 3000 years.

Highlight 1) : Tea Sampling at the traditional teahouse beside the West Lake

West Lake has influenced poets and painters throughout China's history for its natural beauty and historic relics, and it has also been among the most important sources of inspiration for Chinese garden designers. It was described as reflecting "an idealized fusion between humans and nature.

There won't be a better place to have the tea sampling beside the scenic beauty of the West Lake. Hence, you will learn how to appreciate different types of Chinese tea and its develop0ment since the origin of them. You will also experience the most authentic traditional Chinese teahouse, which plays a vital role in the culture of China, accompanied by the intoxicated scenery of the West Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlight 2) : Visit the Leifeng Pagoda and learn the "Four Legends of Ancient China" 

Leifeng Pagoda is a five storey tall tower with eight sides, located on Sunset Hill south of West Lake, originally constructed in the year of 975.

Here, you will not only visit and learn the history of the famous Leifeng Pagoda, you will also learn the famous "Four Legends of Ancient China" in which one of them was based in Leifeng Pagoda. 

 

Day 10 : Culture of Chinese Tea Sampling & "The Four Legends of Ancient China"

                                                                       - Explore the Heaven of the Earth: Hangzhou

Highlights) : View and activity course of Chinese silk culture, and the art of silk weaving skills.

China has been prestigious for its silk culture and the silk weaving skills since long time ago. Until now, the high-quality silk fabric from China is still hotly pursued by many fashioners.

In the Chinese silk museum, you will learn the history and the development of the Chinese silk culture over the centuries, and witness the process of silk production. Moreover, you will have the chance to closely observe how a completed silk fabric is weaved and decorated, and even get personal experience of studying to make one piece for yourself and take it home with you.

 

Day 11 : Chinese Silk Culture & the Art of Silk Weaving