Learn ancient art of woodblock printing while exploring its role in local religious traditions and its evolution in today’s cultural tourism scene.
Join a local family running a traditional tie-dye business, create your own unique patterns, and learn how they maintain their craft amid mass production and fast fashion.
Discover the architectural ingenuity of the Bai people and experience the enduring beauty of Bai ethnic design.
Strengthen leadership, resilience, and cross-cultural communication skills while navigating new environments and reflecting on personal and global perspectives.
Arrive at Lijiang Airport and take a private bus to the charming Lijiang Old Town, where you’ll settle into your guesthouse. The day includes a welcome session and orientation, introducing the main themes and course work. In the evening, we’ll come together for an opening ceremony to celebrate the start of our adventure.
Explore the winding streets of Lijiang Old Town through a scavenger hunt, engaging with locals and learning about the town’s intricate water system. We’ll also discuss the impact of tourism and how the community sustains this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Xinhua, a village renowned for silver craftsmanship. Students will try their hand at silversmithing and hear stories from local artisans about the history and techniques behind this centuries-old craft.
Spend a day in Jianchuan Old Town with skilled carpenters, learning traditional woodcarving techniques and understanding their role in local architecture and religious practices.
Travel by high-speed rail to Dali and settle in Xizhou. In the afternoon, explore traditional Bai courtyards and learn about Bai architectural design and cultural history.
Visit a local temple to gain insight into Bai folk religion, followed by a food tour at the market. Then travel to nearby Zhoucheng village to explore the art of indigo tie-dye and create your own tie-dye masterpiece.
Start the morning with a woodblock printing workshop, creating your own “jiama” while learning about its connection to Bai folk religion. Later, visit the Museum of Intangible Cultural Heritage to review the traditional crafts you’ve experienced and discuss the challenges of cultural preservation in modern China.
Reflect on the journey, sharing lessons learned and how to bring these experiences home. Conclude the program with a transfer to the airport for departure.
Each Custom School Program is tailored to meet your needs. Through a close, hands-on collaboration, we take the time to understand what matters most—and draw on decades of experience to create something unique, thoughtful, and authentic.
Together, we’ll design a program that’s cohesive, purposeful, and fully supported from start to finish—never a collection of tourist stops or disconnected activities. We’re ready when you are.
Our Program Components are the building blocks of your itinerary. During the customization process, these components can be dialed up or down to meet the goals and vision for the program. Each program component is thoughtfully planned to ensure that your students engage meaningfully and authentically connect with the places they visit.
Our instructors are more than guides—they’re mentors, educators, and trusted companions. Each member of our team is thoroughly vetted, background-checked, and trained in our unique pedagogy and risk management practices. With an average of over four years living abroad and fluency in local languages, our instructors serve as meaningful cross-cultural liaisons.