Bridges to China s Xian Culture Tour Introduction The Xian Culture Tour is a one-week package designed to give travellers the chance to learn about Chinese culture hands-on - and have a really good time doing so! Travellers will get to try their hand out at calligraphy, learn kung fu, learn to give (and receive) traditional massages, learn to bargain in Chinese and much more. All of this in the beautiful and ancient city of Xian. Xian has been home to more than a dozen Chinese dynasties, houses the terracotta army and is oozing with history and culture. As with our other example tours, this is offered primarily as an extension to a standard tour package you may currently offer, although other options are also available. Our recommendation is to add this to an existing package including the ancient sights of Xian, such as the army of terracotta warriors.
Suggested Schedule Days 1-5: Time is spent according to standard package schedule organized by tour provider. Day 6: Bridges to China takes responsibility of the group. Travellers arrive in their new lodging by lunchtime and are taken out for lunch together. They have free time to settle down in the afternoon, and in the evening are taken to a local park with singing and dance, and the chance to learn a Chinese dance. Day 7: Morning Chinese class (greetings and goodbyes) followed by a lunch where they will have the chance to put these into use. Afternoon has an optional session of playing Chinese games. Day 8: Morning Chinese class (how to order food) once again followed by lunch, where this will be put into practice. A relaxing afternoon spent in a teahouse learning about and tasting a variety of Chinese teas. Day 9: Morning class of Qi-gong (traditional Chinese breathing techniques) followed by an optional martial arts class. Day 10: Free time during the morning followed by an afternoon calligraphy class. Day 11: Free morning, and in the late afternoon there is a class on Chinese massage. This course is very hands-on, with a chance to give and receive Chinese massages. Day 12: Morning class of Chinese traditional painting. Free afternoon.
Day 13: Package provider takes over again. Travellers follow the standard tour package. For example, free time in Beijing before flying back home. Day 14: According to package schedule. Fly home or arrive home. Cultural Programme The cultural classes cover a wide selection of Chinese culture, with professional teachers for each class. The martial arts class is taught by a local master and previous national champion, while the tea ceremony and tasting is conducted by the owner of a local tea plantation and teashop. Chinese language classes are handled by an experienced professor of Xian University, a university with a regular program for foreign students. All classes are prepared with a foreign audience in mind, aiming for complete practical cultural immersion, while keeping things fun. Fun optional games and activities will be put on during free time. This might include: Tai Ji Ball a sport / game somewhat like tennis but relying on the concepts of Tai Ji. Dou Kong Zhu often known as Diabolo in English, it is a traditional Chinese street game and performance
Accommodation Location: Near the south gate of Xian s ancient town. Xian is the biggest ancient town in China, with much of the Ming dynasty architecture still very well preserved. Just a 20 minute walk from the Muslim quarter of Xian. Accommodation: Shuyuan, one of China s most famous youth hostels. This youth hostel offers extremely comfortable single rooms, double rooms or quad rooms in a gorgeous Ming dynasty setting. The rooms are clean and are available in: Double room with bathroom Quad room with no private bathroom but a shared bathroom for the floor. There is a TV in most rooms, although only Chinese television stations are available. What s included? 7 nights of accommodation in Xian s Shuyuan hostel. Transport to accommodation. Approximately 2 hours of class for each session. At least one session per day for 7 days. Afternoon activities mentioned above (and for Chinese games travellers are offered some of the game equipment after to play back home.) Chinese English translator for all classes and afternoon activities.
Exploring little streets along the Muslim quarter. Travellers hike up the ancient wall
A local speciality, fried dumplings. Yum! Taking a break in a local park. www.bridgestochina.org