6 Days Hangzhou Study Tour: Discover AI, Art & Chinese Heritage

Welcome to Hangzhou, the starting point of your educational journey in China! Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to the hotel. After a short rest and adjustment, the guide will lead students on a relaxed city discovery activity to get their first impression of Hangzhou. Depending on the arrival time, students may explore the scenic surroundings of West Lake, stroll through historic streets, or discover local life in Hangzhou. During the walk, the guide will introduce the city's history, traditions, and unique connection between nature, culture, and innovation.

This first-day experience helps students settle into the new environment, build connections with their group members, and prepare for the exciting learning journey ahead.

Today, students will step into the world of Chinese higher education at Zhejiang University, one of China's most respected universities. The campus visit is designed to give students more than a sightseeing experience. Through exploring the university's history, architecture, and academic environment, they will gain insight into China's education system, research culture, and the spirit of innovation that drives modern China. Students will discover iconic campus spaces, learn about Zhejiang University's development, and experience the atmosphere of a leading research institution.

In the afternoon, the journey continues into the world of artificial intelligence at the Qiushi AI Exploration Center. Through immersive interactive experiences, students will explore how AI connects with everyday life, from intelligent systems and robotics to virtual reality and future technologies. Rather than learning AI only from textbooks, students will experience technology through hands-on activities, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and curiosity about the future.

For centuries, Jiangnan has inspired poets, painters, and writers with its peaceful waterways, elegant architecture, and poetic landscapes. Today, students will experience this timeless beauty through art.

Travel to Wuzhen Xizha, one of China's best-preserved ancient water towns, where traditional houses sit along quiet canals and stone bridges connect centuries-old streets. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, students will slow down and observe. With sketchbooks in hand, they will learn how artists capture the spirit of a place — from the shape of old buildings and reflections on the water to the daily life of local residents.

This outdoor sketching experience develops creativity, patience, and the ability to appreciate cultural details. Through art, students will discover that a historic town is not just a place to visit, but a story waiting to be understood.

More than 800 years ago, Hangzhou was the magnificent capital of the Southern Song Dynasty — a city known for its arts, craftsmanship, and refined lifestyle. Today, students will step into this fascinating period and experience how people lived, created, and expressed beauty in ancient China.

At the Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum, students will explore the history of Chinese ceramics and understand why porcelain became one of China's most important cultural symbols. Through a hands-on ceramic workshop, students will create their own pottery pieces and experience the patience and creativity behind traditional craftsmanship.

The journey continues at Songcheng, where history becomes an immersive experience. Wearing Hanfu, students can explore ancient-style streets, participate in cultural activities, and experience the atmosphere of Song Dynasty life through performances and interactive entertainment.

This day transforms history from something read in books into something students can see, touch, and experience.

Tea is more than a drink in China — it represents harmony, nature, and a way of life that has developed over thousands of years. Today, students will explore the world of Chinese tea and discover why Hangzhou's Longjing tea has become one of China's most famous cultural treasures.

At the China National Tea Museum, students will learn about the history of tea, traditional tea-making techniques, and the important role tea has played in Chinese society.

The experience continues in a local tea village, where students can step into the life of tea farmers through seasonal tea picking, tea preparation, and tea appreciation. They will discover the journey of a tea leaf — from the fields where it grows to the cup served at the tea table.

Enjoying a meal in a local tea farmer's home allows students to experience rural hospitality and understand the close relationship between people, nature, and traditional agriculture.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departure. Depending on the flight or train schedule, students can revisit favorite places, explore local neighborhoods, or purchase cultural souvenirs with guidance from the tour leader.

After the activity, the group will be transferred to the airport or train station for the journey home. As the educational journey comes to an end, students leave Hangzhou with new knowledge, creative inspiration, and unforgettable memories of Chinese culture and innovation.