Xi’an & Chengdu Study Tour | Imperial History, Bashu Culture & Sister School Exchange (10 Days)

Designed for overseas Chinese schools and student delegations, this program combines civilizational heritage sites, urban cultural immersion, hands-on artistic workshops, and a structured sister school exchange. Students explore the Qin–Han–Tang legacy in Xi’an and the unique Bashu culture of Chengdu, transforming experience into measurable Mandarin output through task-based learning.

Cities: Xi’an / Chengdu Duration: 10 Days (Flexible) Core: 1 Sister School Visit (Xi’an) Highlights: Terracotta Warriors · Pandas · Sanxingdui · Leshan Giant Buddha

Program Highlights

Dialogue Between Two Civilizational Peaks This program connects two defining high points of Chinese civilization: the imperial legacy of the Zhou–Qin–Han–Tang dynasties in Xi’an, and the mysterious ancient Shu civilization represented by Sanxingdui and Jinsha. From the disciplined grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors to the imaginative bronze masks of Sanxingdui, students encounter contrasting cultural worldviews that challenge simplified narratives of Chinese history.

A High-Speed Rail Geography Classroom The Xi’an–Chengdu high-speed rail journey (approximately four hours) becomes a dynamic lesson in modern China. As students travel from the Qinling Mountains into the Sichuan Basin, they observe dramatic shifts in landscape, climate, and regional development. The experience highlights both geographic diversity and contemporary infrastructure achievement.

Hands-On Heritage & Iconic Ecological Experience Beyond museum observation, students engage in tactile cultural learning: pottery-making in Xi’an, interactive Sichuan opera experiences, and mask-painting workshops guided by heritage practitioners. A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding integrates wildlife conservation education with close-up observation of China’s national symbol.

Structured Cross-Cultural Exchange Cycle A dedicated sister school exchange component places students inside a local classroom, pairing them with Chinese peers for collaborative learning. The program is designed with a full pedagogical cycle: pre-program icebreaking, in-program dialogue and task completion, and post-program reflection or presentation — ensuring measurable learning outcomes and authentic international friendships.

Program Snapshot

PositioningHeritage site learning + urban immersion + arts workshop + school exchange

Learning FormatTask sheets · group collaboration · interview notes · reflection journals · themed presentation

Narrative ThreadImperial capitals (Xi’an) → Ancient Shu civilization & modern Chengdu

DeliverablesPosters · short speeches · artifact explanation cards · city observation journal

Highlights

Terracotta Warriors & Museum Learning Students practice descriptive language and structured storytelling through real archaeological evidence.

Dual Civilizational Comparison Xi’an (Qin–Han–Tang) vs. Chengdu (Ancient Shu)—ideal for comparative expression tasks.

Pandas & Intangible Heritage High-engagement experiences combined with ecological and cultural learning tasks.

High-Speed Rail Transition A real-world classroom on modern infrastructure and regional development.

Sister School Exchange (Xi’an)

One structured sister school visit (half-day or full-day recommended), organized around ice-breaking → joint learning → presentation output. Teachers may prepare interview frameworks in advance to ensure clear language goals.

FormatsClass observation · joint activities · small-group discussion · campus tour

Suggested ThemesStudent life, study habits, city impressions, extracurricular culture

Language TasksSelf-introduction · interviewing · summarizing · opinion sharing

Optional OutputsExchange report · group poster · short speech presentation

Learning Outcomes

Language Practice: Authentic Mandarin use in exchange, city exploration, and museum settings.
Cultural Literacy: Build structured narratives from historical evidence.
Intercultural Competence: Practice questioning, listening, and collaboration.
Project-Based Output: Artistic creations and thematic presentations aligned with curriculum goals.

Sample 10-Day Itinerary