Trip Details

Kickstart your stay in China with a week full of sightseeing, culture training and exploring of the bustling city of Zhanjiang…bond with your group and make new friends too!

Whilst it has the longest written history in the world, and despite its staggering economic performance and entry onto the world stage as heralded by the Beijing Olympics, China remains an enigma. Of all Asian countries, it is one of the least understood. This program will help you to understand their culture and everyday activities and it is the ideal starting point for anyone visiting China.
This program takes you beyond the headlines that appear in the Western press, away from politics, away from the big cities and the normal tourist attractions. During Culture week, you will learn about Chinese culture, get an insight into the language and even learn how to make dumplings!You will visit Huguang Lake Global Geopark, Cunjin Park, Zhanjiang’s beach and its Chinese University. Moreover, you will get to meet people, learn the basics of the language, and get a first hand understanding of the Chinese way of life. It is a programme developed and delivered by Chinese people after careful research into what westerners really want to know. You will be with both Chinese and Westerners; discussing cultural differences not in just an academic sense but in a practical reality!
There is only one rule: if you want to know anything – just ask!

Aims & Objectives

  • Give you a real insight into authentic Chinese culture
  • Get you to feel comfortable in your new surroundings
  • Help you learn phrases and understand the culture you will be engaging with

Trip Itinerary

Monday
After breakfast, we will have a group meeting and a bus tour of Zhanjiang city, which will get you familiarized with your new surroundings. Afterwards, we’ll head to centre for essential shopping, where you’ll be able to exchange money, buy essential things you might need during your stay, purchase a sim card, etc etc…. We will then have a yummy local lunch!
Once back at the accommodation, you will get a Chinese language lesson and you will also learn about the do’s and dont’s in China. After dinner, it’s time to have a welcome party for you!
Tuesday
After breakfast there is a Chinese culture session focusing on Chinese festivals.
In the afternoon we will gather to visit the Huguang Lake Global Geopark. Here you will have a trekking session around the lake, which will take 1.5hours.
During the evening, it’s time to unwind with dinner and a Chinese movie.
Wednesday
It’s do-it-yourself day!
After breakfast, Chinese lesson in the morning, you will learn how to buy and bargain in Chinese, then after lunch, we will go to the Market to buy some food.
A Chinese culture lesson and cooking lesson awaits you in the afternoon and during the evening you can learn how to play Mah-jong or Chinese chess.
Thursday
In the morning, we’ll visit a school/child care centre, meet the children and you will try your hand at some teaching or just a few games. After this, you will visit the French style Church and Haibin Park, which also hosts a Mangrove conservation reserve.
To end today, we’ll visit the shopping mall, where you can treat yourself with any western food cravings!
Friday
In the morning you will have a Chinese lesson and learn Chinese songs and paper crafting. You will visit the Cunjin Park after class. In the afternoon you’ll enjoy your time in the beach…Finally, you’ll have time to relax or prepare for any weekend trips ahead!

***Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Trip Accommodation

Zhanjiang is a charming city located in the southern coast of China’s mainland in the province of GuangDong, with a total land area of 12471 square kilometers and a population of more than 7 million. Thanks to its natural scenery, temperate weather, tree-lined beaches, well developed public transportation, and clean environment, Zhanjiang was voted recently as the “most livable city in China.”

It is a new city that combines history and modern rapid development. Located in a subtropical zone, Zhanjiang has unique light, heat, water and green plant resources. It is famous for producing tropical and subtropical high-quality fruits, including mango, orange, litchi, longan, star fruit, pineapple, papaya and pitaya…it is also a haven for seafood lovers due to its strong fishing industry.

Accommodation & Food

You will live in the student dormitory in Guangdong Ocean University Cunjin College or its nearby dorm halls. You can expect that outside in public areas your wifi signal will be good, like in the office and halls, but many prefer to buy a network card at shops for internet access from your dormitory room. Please expect to use squatting toilets during our stay here (a natural, healthier alternative!).

Food Arrangements
Three typical Chinese meals a day are provided and served at the dining hall. For dinner, we usually offer noodles and fried rice which foreign students seem to enjoy. A vegetarian option is also available. Three meals on weekdays and Two meals on weekends.

Facilities
This accommodation is a holistic facility perfect for those involved in teaching. It comprises classrooms, comfortable dormitories, canteens, a supermarket and even playgrounds.

It is only a 30 minute drive to Zhanjiang airport, and 20-30 minutes drive to Zhanjiang train station.

ATM/Bank: Within the city
Clinic: Within the Campus
Supermarket: Within the Campus
Hospital: 15-minute drive away
Sights & Surroundings

Popular places to visit include:

45 minutes flight to Guangzhou/Hongkong
5-6 hours bus transfer to Guangzhou
3-4 hours transfer to Sanya,Hainan Province
Please ask your coordinator for help in organising visits to these or any other places.

Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):

  • Donghai Island
  • Road Trip

Trip Country Info

China

Capital: Beijing
Language: Standard Chinese
Currency: Renminbi (Yuan) (CNY)
Time zone: CST (UTC +8)

China covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometers making it the 2nd largest country by land area. It is not only the country with the largest population in the world but it is also one of the largest economies laying claim to being the world’s largest exporter and 2nd largest importer of goods.

It is a country of incredible cultural history boasting one of the earliest ancient civilisations dating back to around 2800 BC. Its landscape is equally rich in diversity, ranging from its forest steppes, its deserts in the north and subtropical forests in the south to its 14,500km long stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline. All of this makes China an incredible and exciting place to be, both in what it has to offer today and the story of its past.

China has solidified itself as a contender for global recognition and as a tourist hotspot.  We have a number of  travel experiences in China from volunteering & gap year travel  to Tours and Paid Teaching.

With an assortment of climates and social structures, it is near impossible to experience all of China in a gap year trip. You can invest yourself and discover a whole new culture and still miss out on a dozen other cultures within arm’s reach while travelling in China, and these programs are dedicated to helping you help others while experiencing the different wonders of the country. Combine adventuring through nature with helping those less fortunate, and you have got yourself a stellar journey ahead of you. If you are looking for a gap year holiday in China, conservation work, an exciting road trip in China,  volunteer work with Pandas, teaching or other work & travel in China have a look at our latest experiences below or contact us for more information.

Please Note TRU are not currently able to accept any volunteers in China due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. We will be sure to update you when it is safe to travel and restrictions ease in China.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

No requirements have been provided.

Additional Requirements

No requirements have been provided.

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa