Destinations: Xi'an, Luoyang
This two-city academic winter camp connects Xi'an (ancient Chang'an) and Luoyang, two of China's most influential ancient imperial capitals, creating a complete cross-dynasty history classroom for international students. Winter is perfect for this cross-city journey, with fewer visitors at grotto sites and museums, allowing more space for careful observation and in-depth lectures. Students begin in Xi'an to explore Qin and Tang imperial heritage, then take high-speed rail to Luoyang to study magnificent Buddhist stone carving art at Longmen Grottoes, understand Northern Wei and Tang religious culture. The program compares urban planning, art styles and political changes across different dynasties. Through artifact study, on-site sketching tasks, handcraft activities and cross-city comparative analysis, students build a clear timeline of Chinese civilization and understand how culture spread, evolved and merged along the ancient central plains corridor.
Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an & Camp Opening Briefing Airport pickup, hotel check-in and winter safety briefing. Opening lecture introducing the relationship between Xi’an and Luoyang in Chinese history. Distribute learning manuals and group project requirements. Students start their civilization timeline journal.
Day 2: Xi'an City Wall, Bell & Drum Towers & Shaanxi History Museum Morning visit Bell and Drum Towers and cycle the Xi’an City Wall to learn Tang urban planning. Afternoon Shaanxi History Museum guided tour, focusing on Tang cultural relics that connect to Luoyang history. Evening old town exploration and local food tasting.
Day 3: Terracotta Army & Qin Empire Full Day Study Full day at Terracotta Army and Qin Mausoleum site. Students study Qin sculpture and military organization, complete comparative notes to later compare with Luoyang stone art. Evening discussion session about unification of China in Qin Dynasty.
Day 4: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & High-speed Rail to Luoyang Morning visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and learn Tang Buddhism. Check out and take high-speed train to Luoyang. Settle into Luoyang hotel. Evening orientation to Luoyang’s history as ancient imperial capital.
Day 5: Longmen Grottoes Full Day Field Study Full day exploring Longmen Grottoes along the Yi River. English educator explains Northern Wei and Tang stone carving techniques, Buddhist iconography and royal patronage. Students complete sketching and observation worksheets of cave statues.
Day 6: Luoyang Museum & Tang Sancai Pottery Workshop Morning Luoyang Museum tour, explore relics from Xia, Shang, Zhou and Tang dynasties. Afternoon hands-on Tang Sancai pottery workshop, students paint their own miniature tri-color pottery artworks.
Day 7: Erlitou Site & Cross-City Group Project Preparation Morning visit Erlitou Relic Site to explore early Chinese state origins. Afternoon group work, teams compare Xi’an and Luoyang heritage, prepare final presentation.
Day 8: Project Showcase, Closing & Departure from Luoyang Group presentation, compare art and history of two ancient capitals. Award camp certificates, closing ceremony. Private transfer to Luoyang airport for departure.
