Excursion

Yunnan Wonder: Civilisations & Ethnic Cultures

Yunnan, China
Mar 2026 - Apr 2026
Cultural Immersion

Excursion Overview

This interdisciplinary Yunnan plateau programme explores how geology and ecology shape settlement, trade, governance, and belief in highland societies, integrating environmental science, anthropology, and history through experiential field inquiry.

Activities

Ethnic Civilisations & Plateau Ecological Exploration

Students examine how highland frontier societies shape identity, governance, trade, and belief within fragile ecosystems. Integrating anthropology, geography, and environmental science, they analyse sustainable human–environment interaction and cultural continuity.

Fun & Immersion Workshops

Through interactive cultural workshops and guided field tasks, students transform observation into applied understanding.

Reflection & Project-Based Learning

Complete structured learning tasks and reflective reports that synthesise insights across cities and disciplines, strengthening analytical thinking, presentation skills, and independent inquiry.

Recommended Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kunming
Morning
Arrival in Kunming, transfer and programme introduction
Afternoon
Visit Yunnan Ethnic Village, analysis of traditional architecture, ritual festivals and cultural preservation
Evening
Welcome dinner, social activities, rest
Day 2 – Kunming: Stone Forest & Sacred Mountains
Morning
Field study at Stone Forest, analysing limestone erosion, tectonic uplift, sedimentary layering and geomorphological processes
Afternoon
Visits to Dragon Gate and Huating Temple, exploring Buddhist philosophy, feng shui spatial principles and sacred mountain symbolism
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Complete a geological worksheet explaining karst formation and evaluate the regulatory principles behind the national nature reserve designation.
Day 3 – Dali: Ancient Towns & Bai Culture
Morning
Transfer to Dali, exploration of Dali Ancient Town, studying Nanzhao Kingdom history, Tea Horse Road trade networks and defensive urban planning
Afternoon
Visit to Xizhou village analysing Bai "Three Courtyards and One Screen Wall" architecture, clan organisation and spatial symmetry
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Analyse Bai traditions through structured worksheets, evaluating cultural continuity and adaptation.
Day 4 – Dali: Tea Traditions & Handicrafts
Morning
Bai family visit, participation in the Three-Course Tea Ceremony
Afternoon
Handicraft workshop including tie-dye, herbal sachet making and traditional stamping
Evening
Dinner with local cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Complete the learning manual analysing hydraulic design and evaluate how modern technology can advance ecological balance and sustainable development.
Day 5 – Lijiang: Ethnic Governance & Heritage Trade Systems
Morning
Transfer to Lijiang; visit to Mu Palace exploring Naxi chieftain governance systems during the Ming dynasty and regional administrative autonomy
Afternoon
Observation of informal economic networks at Zhongyi Market; tea ceremony workshop analysing Tea Horse Road exchange systems; incense-making session exploring Tibetan–Han trade and ritual traditions
Evening
Exploration of Lijiang Old Town, studying UNESCO heritage preservation frameworks and traditional water-channel engineering
Daily Challenge
Through incense appreciation and craftsmanship analysis, evaluate how trade, religion and etiquette shaped multi-ethnic cultural integration across Yunnan.
Day 6 – Lijiang: Snow Mountain & Glacier Ecology
Morning
Cable car ascent of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain observing alpine vegetation zones, glacial geomorphology and climate interactions
Afternoon
Study of mineral-rich meltwater ecosystems at Blue Moon Valley; visit to Baisha village analysing Ming Dynasty frescoes and Naxi cultural continuity
Evening
Mushroom hotpot dinner
Daily Challenge
Complete a glacier ecology manual evaluating high-altitude environmental systems and developing geographical observation and scientific analysis skills.
Day 7 – Shangri-La: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Tibetan Heritage
Morning
Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, examining tectonic uplift, river incision and extreme canyon geomorphology
Afternoon
Arrival in Shangri-La; exploration of Dukezong Ancient Town analysing Tibetan architecture, Tea Horse Road trade networks and commerce–faith interaction
Evening
Guided meditation workshop introducing Tibetan contemplative traditions and principles of natural therapy
Daily Challenge
Natural therapy courses foster body and mind through self-exploration, value clarification, and discovering the meaning of life.
Day 8 – Shangri-La: Wetlands & Monastery Life
Morning
Environmental study at Napa Lake plateau wetlands analysing alpine biodiversity and conservation challenges
Afternoon
Visit to Songzanlin Monastery exploring monastic architecture, symbolic hierarchy and Tibetan Buddhist cosmology
Evening
Tibetan family visit, enjoy local homemade cuisine, examining pastoral livelihoods, dairy traditions and cultural integration between Tibetan and Han communities
Daily Challenge
Through immersive participation, students evaluate how family systems and monastic institutions sustain cultural resilience to enhance intercultural understanding.
Day 9 – Shangri-La: Tibetan Art & Culture
Morning
Visit to Shambhala Kalachakra Cultural Centre examining thangka paintings, Buddhist sculptures, scriptures and ritual artefacts within contemporary museum frameworks
Afternoon
Travel back to Kunming
Evening
Local dinner cuisine, social activities, rest
Daily Challenge
Complete a museum manual, analyse symbolic imagery to explore the beauty and mystery of sacred art.
Day 10 – Reflection & Departure
Morning
Structured reflection session, synthesis of cross-city historical insights
Afternoon
Group presentations integrating cultural, political, and economic observations
Evening
Departure transfer, programme conclusion and farewell

Integrated Yunnan Plateau Field Study Expedition

This programme connects geology, ecology, ethnic governance, trade networks, religious philosophy, sacred art, and sustainable development through immersive fieldwork across Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, fostering interdisciplinary analysis, intercultural literacy, and evidence-based inquiry into highland civilisations and cultural resilience.

Small Group Learning & Quality Engagement

We maintain a structured cohort size to ensure personalised guidance, strong peer collaboration, and meaningful mentor interaction throughout the journey.

24/7 Student Wellbeing & Support

Our dedicated on-site team provides round-the-clock care and support, ensuring students feel safe, secure, and supported in both their studies and daily life.

Accommodation

4-star hotel with twin/triple rooms

We partner with carefully selected 4-star hotels known for their exceptional standards of comfort, cleanliness, and service. Each room is thoughtfully appointed to provide a safe and relaxing environment for students throughout their stay. Amenities typically include a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room entertainment, daily housekeeping, and essential toiletries. International power outlets and 24-hour hot water ensure convenience and comfort, allowing students to focus fully on their learning experience while enjoying a high-quality residential setting.

Dinning

All students receive breakfast, lunch and dinner, with many chances to taste delicious local cuisine.

Transportation

China National flight, high-speed train, private coach/minibus for tours and fixtures.

Health & Safety

Students are supported by 24/7 trained staff, Welfare Managers, strong supervision ratios, and close links with local doctors and hospitals.

From
£
2100
Age range
14
-
17
years
Duration
10 days 9 nights
Accomodation
4-star hotel with twin/triple rooms
Dates & Prices
TBC
30 Mar 2026
-
07 Apr 2026
TBC
£
2100
TBC
-
TBC
£
2100
TBC
-
TBC
£

What’s included

Hotel & Meals
Coach / National flight transport
Professional tour guide
Local fixtures
Travel insurance
Tour manager

Gallery

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Gallery

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Our Expert Tour Guides

Meet our faculty
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Meet some of our Tour Guides
Betty
Shanghai
5 years of experience
English, Mandarin
With experience across 100+ cities, Betty combines professional expertise with a passion for connecting people to the real China through authentic stories and warm hospitality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your safety and supervision policies?

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What are your tutors' qualifications?

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What is the accommodation like?

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What does the price include?

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Do you help with visas and airport transfers?

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What is a typical day like?

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What are the class sizes and student mix?

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