Destinations: Study China’s earliest banking system
This 7-day Shanxi autumn study tour brings international students to the well-preserved ancient walled city of Pingyao, famous for China's ancient merchant culture. With crisp autumn air and golden mountain scenery, students explore ancient banking houses, courtyard architecture, local folk customs and autumn rural harvest traditions, discovering how Shanxi merchants built China's early financial system hundreds of years ago.
Walk inside intact Pingyao ancient city walls, study China's earliest ancient banking system, visit grand merchant courtyard mansions, explore Taiyuan museum collections and experience northern China rural autumn harvest folk activities.
Day 1: Arrival in Taiyuan & Ancient Merchant Camp Opening Taiyuan airport pickup and hotel check-in. Opening briefing introduces Shanxi merchant history, autumn northern rural culture and learning goals. Distribute history research workbooks.
Day 2: Shanxi Museum & Ancient Regional Civilization Study Morning guided tour of Shanxi Museum, explore relics of ancient merchant trade, agriculture and local arts. Students learn how autumn harvest created the foundation for merchant trade in ancient northern China.
Day 3: Taiyuan to Pingyao - Pingyao Ancient City Exploration Travel by coach to Pingyao. Walk through the ancient walled city. Visit the ancient Rishengchang Exchange Shop, China's first draft bank. Students study how ancient merchants managed currency and cross-region trade.
Day 4: Merchant Courtyard Mansions & Ancient Architecture Study Visit magnificent Qiao Family Compound and merchant courtyard homes. Study traditional northern Chinese courtyard layout, carving art and ancient family education culture. Complete architectural observation tasks.
Day 5: Pingyao Rural Autumn Harvest Immersion Visit nearby villages to watch autumn grain harvesting and drying. Talk with local villagers about seasonal work, autumn food and folk traditions. Students record harvest customs in their field journals.
Day 6: Intangible Heritage Workshop & Presentation Preparation Hands-on folk craft workshop with local inheritors. Afternoon group work to organise notes, photos and prepare the final presentation about ancient merchant culture and autumn rural civilisation.
Day 7: Cultural Sharing, Certificate Awarding & Departure Student presentation and group discussion. Award study tour certificates. Closing ceremony and transfer to Taiyuan airport for departure.
