Urban Culture Week in China, Zhanjiang

• Understand the Chinese culture and everyday activities
• Visit Huguang Lake Global Geopark and Zhanjiang’s beach
• Learn the basics of Chinese

You will be settled in and orientated during the first few days of this trip. However, we do offer a more comprehensive cultural immersion week which many people take part in as it’s a great way to meet others, learn local customs and see a few sights. If you like the sound of this, then search our ‘Related trips’ and add it on for your first week.

Program Description

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 is the ideal starting point for anyone visiting China.

The 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.

The program has been 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!

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check

It is required that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details). 

Start dates are every week of the year with your activities starting on a Monday. We therefore request you arrive anytime on the Sunday before to receive a free airport pick-up and transfer. Early or late arrivals will incur an additional charge for the transfer and extra night including food, so arriving on Sunday will be your better option. Your trip will finish on Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.

Visas

British nationals normally need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.
All visa applicants aged between 14 and 70 inclusive need to make their visa application in person at a Visa Application Centre. As part of the application process, biometric data (scanned fingerprints) has to be provided.

Biometric data may be checked/collected by the immigration authorities when entering China to register your entry to the country. If you remain in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a Residence Permit.

• 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

Accommodation

Volunteer camp with shared rooms (4-6 people per room); 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

3 meals a day are provided on weekdays, and then 2 meals per day on weekends; For dinner, we usually offer noodles and fried rice which foreign students seem to enjoy. A vegetarian option is also available.

Airport Transfer

Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early/late. You will be supported at the end of your trip in your onward travel.

Training

A full orientation and project induction are provided. You will also receive full training relevant to your volunteer role.

Support

Pre-departure help and advice, Local in-country team, and 24-hour emergency support.

Donation

Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring any further donations, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Spending money
• In country travel
• Laundry service
• Extra activities not on itinerary
• Departure transfer

Preferred Duration

The Cultural week is one week long. There is no preferred duration in China but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit.

Pre-requisites

No prior experience or qualifications are required and it is important that you can speak English. All participants require a CRB/DBS check to take part in the project activities.

Ideal for

Volunteer Holidays and Placements in Asia, Community Work and Activity Breaks in China, Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in China, Student Summer Holidays in China, cultural experience China.

Suitable for ages 18 to 85

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community. Participants above 65 should have medical clearance to take part in this program. Participants below 18 are required to provide parental consent letters and participants above 65 should have the medical clearance.