Teaching In Shaanxi

China Reflection offers two unique “teaching on the road” experiences for its guests: one in the North, and the other in the South. Join China Reflection as we make our way to China’s Shanxi Province, home of the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors. If you want to travel in China without feeling like a tourist at the same time, “teaching on the road” is an appropriate choice for you, as it gives you the opportunity not only to mingle with locals, but also give something back to them in the form of language exchange. China is English crazy at the present, and English’s influence can be felt throughout the country, even in such small cities as Tongchuan, located two hours away from Xi’an.

The starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is one of China’s ancient capitals with a history of 3100 years, most notably extending its rule over China during the Tang and Han dynasties. Renowned for its Terra Cotta warriors, Shanxi Province’s historical sites are the most numerous of any province in China. Xi’an alone has 107 historical sites worth visiting. In addition, Xi’an’s city wall is the most complete of any city wall in China. Visitors can find numerous snacks and local delicacies throughout the city, especially in the old quarter. Xi’an is also home to a large Muslim population in the old city, providing the visitor with a different atmosphere than they will feel in the South.

During the Cold War, as ties with the West began to deteriorate, China and Russia traded in dependency on Western resources for self-sufficiency. Much of this self-sufficiency from natural resources comes from coal, and China is one of the world’s largest consumers and users of coal power in the modern world. Near the town of Tongchuan, visitors can find one of China’s largest and most famous “Coal Cities.” In addition to being famous for its large coal industry, Tongchuan is also famous for its Yazhou Ceramics from the Song Dynasty. This style of ceramics is famous all over China but only produced in this area of the country due to its special method of manufacturing. Tongchuan provides the visitor with an excellent combination of culture and typical small town life in China’s North.

Teaching In Shaanxi
  Schedule of Activities Meals Included Accommodation Transportation
Day 1 Meet at Xi’an airport or train station. Have the day to relax/check in to your hotel, etc. In the evening, go to the “Muslim Street,” famous for its Muslim delicacies and local snacks. Dinner Local hotel in Xi’an  From airport/train station to hotel.
Day 2 Visit local middle school in Xi’an in the morning after breakfast. After visiting the school, have lunch with some of the teachers from the school. In the afternoon visit Shanxi History museum. Evening is free. Lunch Local hotel in Xi’an  Transportation to school and history museum.
Day 3 After breakfast/checking out of hotel, visit the Terra Cotta Warriors. From Terra Cotta Warriors we go to Tongchuan. Lunch and Dinner Local family’s home in Tongchuan or in nearby hotel  Transportation to Terra Cotta warriors and then to Tongchuan.
Day 4 After breakfast visit local school (elementary/middle, high school, or college). Have lunch with the teachers/students. In the afternoon visit Shanxi Song Dynasty Ceramics factory/museum. Evening rest (with option of karaoke). Breakfast, lunch, dinner Local family’s home in Tongchuan or in nearby hotel  Transportation to local school (possibly walk if close to host family).  Go by car to Ceramics museum.
Day 5 In the morning visit local open-air market for late relaxed breakfast. In the afternoon visit Tongchuan Coal City, famous for its coal mines and factories. Visit local village for dinner. Breakfast/lunch/dinner Local family’s home in Tongchuan or in nearby hotel  By car to Coal City and nearby village.
Day 6 After breakfast leave from Tongchuan to Xi’an. Arrive in Xi’an by lunch. The afternoon is free. In the evening (8:20pm) board the train to Beijing. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Sleeper car on train from Xi’an to Beijing  Car/bus to Xi’an.  Train to Beijing.
Day 7 In the morning arrive in Beijing (7:20am). In the morning rest. Afternoon visit a local school for 2 hours. In the evening have dinner together. Lunch and dinner Hotel in Beijing  Car/public transport to local school.

Price:

  • 1 person - US$800/person
  • 2-5 people - US$660/person
  • 6-10 people - US$500/person

Price includes:

  • Transportation
  • Interpreter/guide
  • Meals and accommodation
  • Tickets for Terra Cotta Warriors and any other entrance fee tickets mentioned in the above schedule
  • Activities with local schools and students

Price does not include:

  • Tips to guide/interpreter
  • Insurance
  • Gifts you wish to buy
  • Tickets to parks or places of historical interest not mentioned in the schedule
  • Meals that are not mentioned in the schedule
  • Alcoholic beverages, laundry, and mobile phone rental