Stamford American International School Yunnan Education Tour By Yaso Trip

This 9-day Yunnan Education Tour is designed for students to explore the vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes of Yunnan Province, China. It combines educational activities, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventures to enrich students’ global perspectives and foster a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and community engagement.

Educational Philosophy

The Stamford American International School’s educational approach focuses on experiential learning, where students engage directly with the world around them. This tour emphasizes:

• Hands-on Learning: Students actively participate in local traditions, crafts, and agriculture, developing practical skills while deepening their understanding of Yunnan’s unique heritage.

• Cultural Competency: The tour provides opportunities for students to immerse themselves in diverse ethnic cultures, helping them appreciate and respect cultural differences.

• Environmental Responsibility: Students will learn about biodiversity conservation, sustainable farming, and ecological preservation as they explore the region’s natural beauty and interact with local communities.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Through group activities such as cooking, hiking, and farm work, students will build collaboration skills and problem-solving abilities, fostering a spirit of teamwork and leadership.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Dali

• Sightseeing and Activities: Dali Ancient Town

• Accommodation: Dali

• Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Yunnan! Meet your local guide at Dali Airport or Railway Station. Visit Dali Ancient Town, an important cultural and historical center. Students will explore its cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and enjoy a first taste of local culture before checking into the hotel for the night.

Day 2: Dali

• Sightseeing and Activities: Buy materials and cook lunch, farm work

• Accommodation: Bai people’s home

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, students will visit the local market to purchase fresh ingredients. They will then cook lunch with guidance from Bai people, learning local culinary traditions. In the afternoon, students will engage in seasonal farm work, such as rice transplanting in spring or rice mowing in autumn. This hands-on experience will provide insights into traditional farming practices. In the evening, students will stay with local Bai families, gaining firsthand knowledge of their lifestyle and customs.

Day 3: Dali to Shaxi

• Sightseeing and Activities: Shaxi Old Town, Shibaoshan Mountain, hiking

• Accommodation: Shaxi Old Town

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, students will travel by coach to Shaxi Old Town, a historically significant location on the Tea Horse Trail. On the way, visit Shibaoshan Mountain for a 3-hour hike to study the region’s distinctive karst topography. Upon arrival in Shaxi, students will explore the only remaining town on the Tea Horse Trail before checking into their accommodation for the night.

Day 4: Shaxi to Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Sightseeing and Activities: Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

• Accommodation: Tina’s Guesthouse

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s highlight is a scenic and adventurous hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge. Students will trek for 2 hours from Bendiwan to Half Way Guesthouse, then continue another 2 hours to Tina’s Guesthouse, located in the middle of the gorge. Along the way, they will observe the stunning landscapes, including the narrowest section of the gorge where the Jinsha River is just 30 meters wide. Students will learn about the geography and the cultural significance of the gorge.

Day 5: Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La

• Sightseeing and Activities: Dukezong Ancient Town, Songzanlin Monastery

• Accommodation: Shangri-La

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, students will travel to Shangri-La, entering the Tibetan cultural region. Explore Dukezong Ancient Town, an important stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road, and enjoy a panoramic view of the town from Guishan Hill. In the afternoon, visit Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the “Little Potala Palace,” where students will learn about Tibetan Buddhism and its influence on local culture. Students will return to their hotel for the night.

Day 6: Shangri-La

• Sightseeing and Activities: Nixi Pottery Tibetan Village, farm work

• Accommodation: Shangri-La

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, students will visit Nixi Pottery Tibetan Village, famous for its black pottery. Local families will demonstrate the ancient craft of pottery making, which dates back over 3,000 years. Students will be divided into groups to learn the techniques of pottery making and experience the village’s daily life. In the afternoon, students will participate in farm work with local Tibetan families, either helping with summer farming tasks or gathering pine needles in winter. Return to Shangri-La in the evening.

Day 7: Shangri-La to Lijiang

• Sightseeing and Activities: Visit Yi families, Lijiang Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park

• Accommodation: Lijiang

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, students will visit a Yi people’s village, where they will learn about the Yi people’s unique customs and way of life. Afterward, the group will travel to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They will visit Lijiang Ancient Town and stroll around Black Dragon Pool Park, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and learning about the town’s historical significance. Check in at your hotel for a restful evening.

Day 8: Lijiang

• Sightseeing and Activities: Baisha Embroidery School, Lijiang Tourism College, Bonfire Farewell Party

• Accommodation: Lijiang

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, students will visit Baisha Embroidery School to learn about Naxi Dongba hieroglyphics and traditional embroidery. Under the guidance of expert Naxi teachers, students will create their own pieces of embroidery. After lunch, they will visit Lijiang Tourism College for an exchange with local college students. In the evening, students will participate in a Bonfire Farewell Party at Baisha Holiday Resort, where they can join local Naxi people in traditional dance and reflect on the memorable experiences of the tour.

Day 9: Departure from Lijiang

• Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Lijiang

• Accommodation: None (End of Tour)

• Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, students will be transferred to Lijiang Sanyi Airport for their flight home, concluding the Yunnan Education Tour.

Educational Goals and Learning Outcomes

• Cultural Exploration: Students will gain a deep understanding of the cultural diversity of Yunnan, learning about the Bai, Tibetan, Yi, and Naxi ethnic groups through direct interaction with local communities.

• Environmental Awareness: Through activities like hiking and farm work, students will engage with the region’s natural environment, gaining insights into sustainable practices and environmental conservation efforts.

• Hands-on Learning: From pottery making to traditional cooking, students will gain practical skills while learning about the region’s crafts and agriculture.

• Personal Development: The tour promotes teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills as students work together on group projects and participate in challenging outdoor activities.

This Yunnan Education Tour by Yaso Trip is an enriching experience that combines academic learning with cultural immersion and outdoor adventure, making it an unforgettable educational journey.