Guizhou has long been a remote backwater of China's southwest, largely untouched by tourism development seen in surrounding provinces such as Guangxi, Sichuan and Yunnan. Its relative isolation has made the region one of the best-kept secrets in China; its stunning landscape is characterized by limestone karst hills, jagged peaks and terraced rice fields.
This program lets students experience life in a relatively isolated, culturally rich though economically poor area of China. We will learn about China's ethnic cultural diversity, and understand economic changes in southwest China and how such changes affect the survival of traditional cultures.
UnknownChina works together with communities and schools in the area to ensure that our visits are of mutual benefit. We support the local schools by improving their facilities and adding to their learning experience through various programs:
- School Exchange Program (teaching English, giving presentations and computer lessons, basketball matches...)
- Construction projects (e.g. school kitchen, water supply systems, basketball court)
- Farm work (planting vegetables, rice harvest)
- Living with local families (2-3 students live, cook and eat together with a host family)
- Nature hikes to enjoy the beautiful scenery (mountainous, rice terraces and forest and clear rivers)
Objectives of the Program:
- Experience life in rural China
- Support local schools and communities
- Cultural exchange
- Enhance social awareness
- Train communication skills
- Practice team-work
The minimum age for this program is 15 years. Students need to adjust to very basic conditions and learn to live without the amenities of modern cities.
The Community Service program offers students a 'once in a lifetime' experience. The success of this project depends largely on its sustainability; therefore potential negative impacts of our visits need to be minimized. We prefer to work with schools that are willing to establish a long-term relationship with a partner school in Guizhou.
The design of the program varies seasonally and needs to consider recent developments in our partner communities. The planning process should start at least three month before the trip.
Click here to view our trip report of this project.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Guiyang
Drive to Kaili and learn how the traditional way to make paper
Day 2 Wugao*
Hike to Wugao village, meet the host families, start of the construction project
Day 3 Wugao
Construction project, Farming lesson, cooking with the host family
Day 4 Wugao
Construction project, embroidery lesson, Exchange program with the local school
Day 5 Wugao - Kaili
Finish construction project, 4-hour hike through the countryside to Xijiang village
Day 6 Kaili - Guiyang
Drive back to Guiyang, end of the program
*Wugao is only one of a few villages we cooperate with in this region. Depending on the project and the size of our group we might chose one of the neighboring villages.
Feedback from school
Thanks for running an excellent trip!
The year 10 students I have spoken to had a great time.
Well done and thanks!
-- Luke Watson
