Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali, China

Our students recently embarked on a 6-day, 5-night (2-7July) cultural immersion trip to Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali. During this enriching journey, they gained fascinating insights into the histories and traditions of 25 different ethnic minority groups in Yunnan.

The highlights included hands-on experiences that allowed our students to truly connect with the local cultures. They mastered the intricate art of Bai tie-dye, creating their own beautiful scarves. They also learned how the Dongba people skillfully craft traditional paper using tree bark. Our students found these interactions with minority communities to be eye-opening and incredibly rewarding.

Beyond these cultural workshops, the itinerary also took our students to scenic spots like the Erhai Lake ecological corridor, the ancient town of Lijiang, the picturesque Flower Language Ranch, the lively old streets of Kunming, and the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain. One particularly magical moment was when they felt transported to Turkey’s famed Cotton Castle while exploring the breathtaking Blue Moon Valley.

Although the weather prevented them from seeing the snow-capped mountain, our students were still captivated by the “Impression Lijiang” stage performance, which further immersed them in the Naxi Dongba culture.

This transformative cultural exchange program provided our students with invaluable opportunities to deeply engage with Yunnan’s diverse ethnic heritage. It was a truly enriching experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on them.