Destinations: Hike Qixia Mountain, explore ancient academies
This 7-day Jiangnan autumn study tour focuses on red maple scenery, ancient academy culture and Chinese classical literature. Nanjing's Qixia Mountain is famous for brilliant red autumn maple leaves. Students combine hiking, museum visits, ancient academy study and poetry appreciation, exploring how Chinese poets depicted autumn beauty across thousands of years in southern China.
Hike Qixia Mountain to view spectacular red maple forests, explore Nanjing ancient imperial heritage, visit traditional Chinese academies, taste autumn Jiangnan seasonal food and join classical Chinese poetry reading activities.
Day 1: Arrival in Nanjing & Autumn Literature Camp Opening Arrive and check in. Opening briefing introduces Jiangnan autumn features, Nanjing's history as ancient capital and classical autumn poetry. Distribute poetry and landscape observation journals.
Day 2: Nanjing Museum & Southern Dynasties Culture Study Morning Nanjing Museum guided tour, study relics from multiple dynasties. Learn about southern China's historical development and how autumn inspired ancient artists and writers. Afternoon visit the Presidential Palace and observe autumn plants in the garden.
Day 3: Qixia Mountain Red Maple Hiking & Ancient Stone Carving Study Full-day Qixia Mountain excursion. Hike trails covered with bright red maple leaves. Visit thousand-year-old temple and Buddhist stone carvings. Students collect fallen leaf samples and match scenery with classic Chinese autumn poems.
Day 4: Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River Autumn Culture Visit Confucius Temple and ancient imperial examination sites. Study ancient Chinese education system and scholar culture. Walk along Qinhuai River and experience the soft autumn atmosphere of ancient water towns.
Day 5: Ancient Academy Visit & Poetry Workshop Visit Nanjing ancient academy site. Students learn how ancient scholars studied and wrote poems in autumn. Join guided poetry reading and discussion about the themes of autumn, harvest and nostalgia in Chinese literature.
Day 6: Jiangnan Autumn Food & Presentation Preparation Taste seasonal Jiangnan autumn snacks and learn about local harvest food traditions. Afternoon group work to prepare presentation combining autumn scenery and classical literature.
Day 7: Cultural Sharing, Certificate Ceremony & Departure Student presentation and sharing. Award study certificates. Closing and airport transfer.
