East and West, Day and Night: A Journey into Jiangnan Culture—Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transportation

1. Activity Overview

Join our seven-day cultural tour through the Jiangnan region (Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu), where you’ll dive into an immersive exploration of this iconic water town’s lifestyle! With the theme of “Ancient to Modern, Day to Night,” you will explore the unique charm of Jiangnan, known for its scenic beauty, traditional customs, and modern advancements.

During the opening ceremony, you and your fellow travelers will embark on a week-long adventure themed around a “Who’s the Spy?” game and “Jiangnan Cultural Encounters.” Each day, we will visit different landmarks and historical sites, diving into the essence of Jiangnan’s cultural and natural beauty—from the delicate design of Suzhou’s gardens to the serene landscapes of Hangzhou’s West Lake, from the bustling night view of Shanghai’s Bund to the rustic charm of Nanxiang Ancient Town.

Through hands-on experiences such as “Rice Cake Making,” “Suzhou Embroidery,” “Indigo Dyeing,” and “Yue Opera Classes,” participants will not only acquire knowledge of traditional Chinese culture but also develop a deeper appreciation for the unique allure of the Jiangnan region through practice and engagement.

Join us on this seven-day journey to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness of Jiangnan, sparking a love for Chinese civilization and the spirit of exploration while fostering personal growth along the way!

2. Highlights of the Program

1) Exploring Night and Day, Across Time

• Day and Night Adventures: Beyond the daytime exploration and learning activities, each evening will feature city nightscape tours such as a night cruise on Shanghai’s Bund, exploring the night views of Suzhou’s Qilishantang, and experiencing the lights of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the Qiantang River. Children will discover the diverse charms of each city.
• Ancient and Modern: The itinerary bridges ancient and modern culture, exploring historical sites and traditional crafts as well as modern technology and corporate visits, including a tour of Baidu’s autonomous driving experience and a visit to Alibaba.

2) Comprehensive Jiangnan Cultural Experience

• Clothing: Through Suzhou’s embroidery workshop, garden hanfu (traditional clothing) experience, and Hangzhou’s indigo dyeing and Yue Opera lessons, participants will gain insights into the traditional clothing culture of Jiangnan.
• Food: Sample famous Jiangnan delicacies such as Shanghai’s Nanxiang dumplings, rice cakes, Suzhou’s Aozao noodles, and Hangzhou’s West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing tea, enriching their understanding of local food culture.
• Housing: Explore architectural styles in Shanghai’s international buildings, Nanxiang Ancient Town, Suzhou’s gardens, and Hangzhou’s Liangzhu culture, experiencing the traditional living environments of Jiangnan.
• Transportation: Enjoy boat rides along Shanghai’s Bund, and learn about Jiangnan’s water transport while trying out modern transportation, such as Baidu’s self-driving cars, Tesla, and maglev trains.

3) Rich Hands-on Practice

• Cultural Heritage Workshops: Engage in making rice cakes, bamboo crafts, embroidery, and indigo dyeing, providing participants with not just knowledge but deeper insights through hands-on learning.
• Cultural Classes: Through Yue Opera and calligraphy workshops, participants will improve their cultural literacy and appreciation for traditional arts.

4) Diverse Activities

• Technology and Tradition: From modern experiences like Baidu’s autonomous vehicles and Tesla’s factory tours to traditional crafts such as embroidery and rice cake-making, the program balances contemporary technology with ancient heritage.
• Natural and Cultural Attractions: Participants will visit natural landscapes such as West Lake and the Grand Canal, as well as cultural landmarks like Suzhou Gardens and Liangzhu, offering a complete understanding of Jiangnan’s scenic and cultural beauty.

3. Program Itinerary

1) Water

Jiangnan’s defining characteristic is its waterways. Rivers crisscross the region, forming picturesque landscapes that give Jiangnan its signature charm.

• Shanghai: The Bund
• Suzhou: Qilishantang
• Hangzhou: West Lake, Grand Canal, Qiantang River

2) Countryside

Jiangnan’s traditions revolve around a lifestyle summarized by 16 characters: “rice paddies and fish ponds,” “fields of mulberry and hemp,” “white walls and black tiles,” and “boats as transportation.”

• Clothing – Fields of Mulberry and Hemp
  • Suzhou: Embroidery Workshop, Garden Hanfu Experience
  • Hangzhou: Indigo Dyeing, Yue Opera Lessons
• Food – Rice Paddies and Fish Ponds
  • Shanghai: Nanxiang dumplings, rice cakes, and more
  • Suzhou: Aozao noodles, osmanthus lotus seeds
  • Hangzhou: Longjing tea, vinegar fish
• Housing – White Walls and Black Tiles
  • Shanghai: International Architecture, Nanxiang/ Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
  • Suzhou: Classical Gardens
  • Hangzhou: Liangzhu Culture
• Transportation – Boats as Transport
  • Shanghai: The Bund Ferry, Baidu Autonomous Vehicles, Tesla/Maglev Experience
  • Suzhou: Qilishantang boat rides

4. Outcomes of the Learning Journey

1) Knowledge Growth

• History and Culture: By visiting cultural heritage sites like Suzhou Gardens and the Liangzhu Civilization, participants will gain a deep understanding of Jiangnan’s historical and cultural significance.
• Technology and Innovation: Exploring Baidu’s autonomous driving, Tesla, and Alibaba will expose students to modern innovation and corporate culture.
• Nature and Geography: Through visits to natural landmarks like West Lake and the Grand Canal, participants will learn about Jiangnan’s geography and appreciate its natural beauty.

2) Skill Enhancement

• Hands-on Skills: Participating in rice cake-making, embroidery, and indigo dyeing activities will improve creativity and manual dexterity.
• Artistic Literacy: Yue Opera and calligraphy lessons will cultivate artistic appreciation and aesthetic skills.

3) Cultural Identity

• Cultural Immersion: Participants will be immersed in the cultural atmosphere of Jiangnan, enhancing their cultural literacy and sense of humanity.
• Traditional Culture: By experiencing Jiangnan’s lifestyle, participants will develop a strong sense of cultural pride and identification.
• Cultural Heritage: Learning about intangible cultural heritage such as Suzhou embroidery and indigo dyeing will foster an appreciation for preserving traditional Chinese culture.

4) Personal Development

• Exploration Spirit: The diverse program activities will inspire curiosity and foster a spirit of exploration, helping participants to develop proactive learning habits.
• Holistic Growth: Through the journey, participants’ observational skills, critical thinking, communication, and social abilities will improve, promoting comprehensive personal development.