Guilin, Longji & Yangshuo: Landscapes and Livelihoods
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Program Highlights
Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes Area - Exploring the Famous Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces - Community service in an ancient Zhuang Village
Yangshuo's Karst Mountains and Winding Rivers - Authentic countryside life away from the tourism
This six-day program takes students through the extraordinary landscapes and diverse communities of Guangxi, from historic Guilin to the Zhuang villages of Longji and the karst mountains of Yangshuo. Along the way, students encounter local traditions, rural communities, and challenging environments while developing the skills to connect, communicate, and collaborate. Cultural exchanges and village visits provide opportunities to learn directly from local people, while navigation, orienteering, caving, and rock climbing challenge students to solve problems and rely on one another. The journey culminates with the construction and battle of a traditional Chinese trebuchet, bringing together teamwork, creativity, and communication. Throughout the program, structured reflection and journaling help students examine their experiences through the Circles of Influence and connect what they learn in Guangxi to the relationships, communities, and systems they encounter at home and school.
Yangshuo: Karst Adventures
Program Highlights
Climbing, abseiling, or via ferata on Yangshuo's legendary karst peaks - Cycling through rice paddies, river valleys, and traditional villages - Exploring hidden caves and underground river systems - Experiencing the rhythms of rural life in the countryside - Crafting a traditional fan in the ancient town of Fuli
This five-day program immerses students in the spectacular karst landscapes and living culture of Yangshuo, Guangxi. From climbing the face of a karst mountain and exploring caves beneath it to cycling through the countryside and investigating local ecosystems, each experience offers a new way to understand the relationship between people and place. Students can discover the centuries-old tradition of fan production in the historic town of Fuli, engage with local communities, and experience the rhythms of rural life. As one of our keystone itineraries—and the place we call home—Yangshuo offers an exceptional setting for students to challenge themselves, connect with others, and explore China beyond the classroom.
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