Activities and Field Study Trips

Throughout the semester, students are invited to take part in a full schedule of excursions, events and lectures - all designed to enhance their understanding of China and the historical and modern influences that impact its culture and people.

Field Study Trips

The Alliance organizes a one-week field study trip for students during the fall and the spring terms. Participating students at BLCU will travel to Sichuan, Yunnan or Qinghai province or to some other exciting destination that contrasts with Beijing (see below). As trip destinations are subject to change, please continue to check this site for the most up-to-date information or contact info@allianceglobaled.org.

Our Field Study Trips allow students to gain a greater understanding of Chinese culture, society, and economic development. As part of their Capstone Projects, students will continue to investigate an area of particular interest during this trip. In addition to the week-long trip, a weekend trip to a nearby city is also organized during the spring and fall terms. The summer programs include a five-day Field Study Trip.

Sichuan Province

Our trip offers students the opportunity to explore the mysterious lands of Jiuzhaigou, one of the best preserved wild life havens in China, and Emei Mountain, one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains with exquisite natural beauty and a long history of religious culture. Visits to Chengdu or Chongqing allow a glimpse into modern city life in the southwest. On this trip, students discover the contrast in Chinese economic and social development along the coast versus the inland provinces, learn about government policies affecting this region, gain a deeper understanding of Sichuan's minority nationalities, and relish the hot and spicy flavors of Sichuanese cuisine.

Yunnan Province

Yunnan province in southwestern China offers China's most diverse population of ethnic minority cultures, stunning scenery, and a rich history. Students gain deep insight into Yunnan's local culture and artistic heritage. They have the opportunity to experience urban life in Kunming, visit small Yi and Miao minority villages, and hike Snow Mountain. Participants of the trip may also explore the great natural beauty of the Stone Forest, the rain forest of Xishuangbanna, or participate in an extensive encounter with the Bai minority culture in the ancient town of Dali.

Qinghai Province

Located on the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai is considered one of the most beautiful regions in China. Students may visit Ta'er Monastery, one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, travel to Qinghai Lake, the largest salt water lake in China and one of China’s best bird watching sites, or explore the ancient tombs of Liuwan. Students will behold the breathtaking scenery, witness the contrast in development in the region versus the coastal provinces, and gain a deeper understanding of Qinghai’s minority nationalities.

Extracurricular Activities

In Beijing, students visit the great historical and cultural monuments of the capital, including the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Specially designed activities also include visits to Beijing's art districts, lectures on China's environmental protection policies, and/or workshops on Chinese food culture. A trip to a village outside of the city will allow students to better understand rural life in China.

The Alliance also arranges extra-curricular classes which may include Chinese painting, calligraphy, cooking, taiji or other martial arts, seal carving, or paper cutting.  These classes offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about traditional Chinese culture.  Following is a list of weekend activities on a prior term with the Alliance BLCU program.  Specific activities for future terms are subject to change:

1. Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square Tour

Students visit the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square during their orientation.  The tour is followed by Wang Fujing shopping street tour and Chinese acrobat show.  

2. Houhai Lake Hutong Tour and Visit to Old Beijing Residence Houses

This tour includes some of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Beijing, with beautiful traditional Chinese courtyard houses.  Students visited one local artist's house and his paper cutting gallery. They also enjoyed lunch with a family in one of the courtyards where they learned to make dumplings. 

3. Hiking the Great Wall

Students traveled to Hebei province to hike the 11 kilometer stretch from "Jin Shanling," one the best-preserved original sections of the wall, to "Si Matai." 

4. Chinese New Year "Yuanxiao" Party

Along with Chinese teachers and their families, students made sticky rice dumplings and played traditional Chinese Yuanxiao games. 

5. Biking Tour of the Olympic Stadiums and the Olympic Village

On this great biking tour, students got to see the Bird's Nest Olympic venue, Water Cube, and the Fencing, Field Hockey, Tennis, and Archery Centers.  They also visited the Olympic Village, home to athletes during the Olympics, and the Olympic Park which has a perfect view of the entire Olympic area. 

6. Minority Park Visit

This Sociology class field trip was led by the course professor who introduced different ethnic minority groups in China. A guest speaker whose research focuses on minority policies in China also joined the group.

7. American Chamber of Commerce

Four "AmCham" staff members talked about US-China relations, trade policies, and cooperation between the AmCham and both governments.  They also introduced their personal study abroad/work abroad experience to students and offered suggestions.

8. Summer Palace

Students spent a beautiful evening inside the quiet royal palace and watched a glorious sunset in China's largest park.

9. Lectures and film screenings with local artists

Learn about Chinese artforms firsthand from local writers, filmmakers, musicians and/or caligraphers.

10. Beijing Water Hiking

Students join a local environmental NGO in hiking around Beijing to check on vital water resources.

11. Beijing City Urban Planning Museum

12. Ming Dynasty Tombs

Students visit the resting place of 13 Chinese emperors approximately 30 miles north of downtown Beijing at the tranquil foot of the Jundu Mountains.

13. Three-day Weekend Tour of Henan Province