2025 Visual Arts of China
OrbisConnex has partnered with Travel China Guide and Beijing-based art investor Yuanyuan Shao to bring you this intimate 13-day exploration of Chinese visual arts.
In addition to must-see locations such as the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors, you will visit artists' studios where world-class art is made, including porcelain, silk embroidery, cloisonné, carved jade, and the "purple sand teapot" prized by tea aficionados.
$6500/person double occupancy $6950/person single occupancy
To join this once-in-a-lifetime experience:
Step 1: Review itinerary and additional information below
Step 2: On/before December 26, 2024, register online and submit online deposit of $150/person
Step 4: On/Before December 31, 2024, mail check for fee remainder (we will be in touch for this step)
Contact us with any questions.
Yuanyuan Shao
Yuanyuan "Rich" Shao graduated from the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts (now the Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts) and has accumulated extensive knowledge and connections in the art world. Rich has partnered with Charles Xue (one of the original Alibaba investors), IDG, SIG, and Sotheby's China in investing in world-class Chinese visual art museums such as the Guanfu Museums, as well as in films and photography. Rich has been one of the key organizers of numerous internationally-renowned cultural and art events in China.
Rich's daughter, Sissi, will also accompany us on a portion of the program. Sissi is an independent designer and creator of the accessory brand SHEN Diary. Since graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Fibers, Sissi has been committed to integrating traditional Chinese art forms with modern design concepts. Sissi has been invited to participate in many domestic and international art exhibitions, including the "2024 China International Fair of Original Designer Works", "Beijing International Fashion Week", "Beijing Lido International Film and Television Art Week", and the "Beijing 798 Art District - Environmental Protection-Themed Art Design Exhibition".
Itinerary
Sunday,
March 2, 2025
Arrival in Beijing. Participants may arrive in Beijing at any time on Sunday, March 2nd and will be provided transportation to the hotel.
March 3
Mutianyu Great Wall; visit to national gift depository (collection from which official gifts for visiting foreign dignitaries is drawn) arranged by Shao Yuanyuan
March 4
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Yonghe Temple, Temple of Heaven
March 5
Beihai Park, Summer Palace, dumpling-making class, cloisonne studio
March 6
High speed rail (HSR) to Xi’an, Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street, Yongxing Fang food street
March 7
Terra Cotta Warriors, Giant Goose Pagoda, “Da Tang Everbright Mall”
March 8
Xi’an ancient city wall, HSR to Jingdezhen
March 9
Jingdezhen imperial kilns, ceramic museum, porcelain studio, Taoxichuan Cultural Innovation District
March 10
HSR to Yixing, Yixing purple clay pot studio, bus to Suzhou
March 11
Humble Administrator’s Garden, jade carving & silk embroidery studios, Zhou Zhuang canal town, Pingjiang Rd. Historic Street
March 12
Bus to Shanghai, two museums, Yuyuan Gardens, nighttime on the Bund
March 13
Shanghai Tower, Qibao Old St. & Tianzi Fang arts & crafts enclave
March 14
Depart from Shanghai
Included with program fee:
* In-program domestic transportation in China
* All during-program meals
* 4- and 5-star hotel accommodation
* Bilingual guides
* All service provider tips
Not included:
* Travel costs to/from China
* Passport/visa expenses
Additional Information
* We will adhere to the itinerary above as much as possible (we designed it, after all), but circumstances beyond our control may force us to make adjustments.
* Those with mobility concerns are encouraged to keep in mind that there will be a fair amount of walking and stairs on this trip, including, but not limited to: the Great Wall, cavernous high speed rail stations, at pedestrian malls, and in the Forbidden City.
* Participants should plan to pack only what they can carry 30' without help. Help will often be available in the form of a cart, an escalator, or a person with a helping hand... but cannot be guaranteed at all times.
* If you do not already have a passport and plan to join this trip, please begin the application process now.
* Minimum participation of 10 required for the trip to take place at the prices listed; please see Terms & Conditions page for cancellation and refund information.