A 12-Day Educational Exchange Program in Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan
Trip Overview
This program was tailored for Washington school students, highlighting the rich natural ecology, ethnic cultures, and social development of Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan. It was a 12-day cross-regional experiential journey that encouraged participants to explore cultural diversity, ecological consciousness, and sustainable practices. Guided by principles of walking, observing, experiencing, and reflecting, the program aimed to create an immersive “nature and culture in harmony” experience. Through encounters with mountains, music, and daily life in Southwest China, students discovered an authentic, diverse, and open China, fostering skills as global citizens with empathy, creativity, and intercultural understanding.
This program encompassed a wide range of experiential learning activities, including visits to panda bases, Miao villages, Bai communities, and ancient mountain towns, providing students with immersive insights into local cultures and environments. Participants engaged in hands-on practices such as Sichuan cooking, fabric dyeing, silver crafting, and ethnic music, fostering practical skills and cultural appreciation. Through reflective journaling and project presentations, students deepened their intercultural perspectives and understanding of global issues. Collaborative efforts with Chinese students on “China-US Cultural Integration” showcases promoted teamwork and intercultural exchange. The program also emphasized the importance of ecological sustainability and China’s multi-ethnic coexistence, encouraging students to recognize diverse cultural and environmental practices. Interdisciplinary field research integrated history, geography, biology, and arts, cultivating personal inquiry and reflection. Additionally, the program strengthened intercultural communication, creativity, and expression through crafts, arts, and cultural projects, while immersive language classes enhanced Chinese language proficiency and cultural literacy. Overall, the experience fostered global citizenship, intercultural understanding, and a comprehensive appreciation of China’s rich heritage and societal values.
Past-case Highlights
| Module | Key Activities |
| Ecology & Life | Panda conservation, ecological modeling |
| Taste of China | Sichuan cooking class, Shu embroidery workshop |
| Religion & Faith | Leshan Giant Buddha visit, Emei Mountain hike |
| Ethnic Music & Arts | Miao silver crafting, Dong folk singing, Naxi music |
| Nature & Geography | Stone Forest exploration, alpine ecology class |
| Art & Creation | Bai dyeing, ethnic craft creation |
| Collaboration & Showcase | China-US collaborative performances and project presentation |
12-Day Detailed Itinerary
| Day | Location | Morning | Afternoon |
| 1 | Chengdu | Arrival in Chengdu | Explore Kuanzhai Alley |
| 2 | Chengdu | Visit Panda Base | Matchmaking Square + Sichuan Opera Face-Changing + Tea |
| 3 | Chengdu | Sichuan Cooking Class | Shu Embroidery Workshop |
| 4 | Leshan & Emei | Leshan Giant Buddha | Emei Mountain Hike & Ecology Lesson |
| 5 | Guiyang | Travel to Guiyang | Dong Welcome Ceremony |
| 6 | Southeast Guizhou | Visit Silver Workshop | DIY Silver Craft |
| 7 | Southeast Guizhou | Learn Dong Folk Songs | Drum Tower Bonfire Evening |
| 8 | Kunming | Travel to Kunming | Yunnan Ethnic Village |
| 9 | Kunming → Dali | Stone Forest Exploration | Guandu Ancient Town; Travel to Dali |
| 10 | Dali | Cangshan Mountain | Three Pagodas |
| 11 | Dali | Tea Picking | Biking + Tile Cat Craft |
| 12 | Dali | Departure | |
