From Chang'an to the World: Global Overseas Chinese School Principals' Deep Study Tour in Xi'an

Dedicated practitioners of overseas Chinese language education crossed oceans and mountains to visit the cradle of Chinese civilisation. Touching authentic, profound and vibrant Chinese history and culture, a deep dialogue integrating Chinese language education, on-site experiential learning, and cultural inheritance officially began in Xi’an.

Why Xi’an? The Origins of This Study Tour

As the core birthplace of Chinese civilisation and a hub of higher education, Xi’an boasts profound historical roots and high-quality academic resources—including seven ‘Double First-Class’ universities. Overseas Chinese school principals travelled far to trace the origins of Chinese culture, refresh their pedagogical approaches, and build bridges for educational exchange between China and the world.

In her opening address, Ms Zheng Xijuan of Xi’an Huanke International Travel Agency set the warmest tone for the visiting guests. She quoted a passage from the Analects of Confucius:

“There is a chapter in the Analects titled ‘Xiangdang’ (‘Fellow Villagers’). In Shaanxi dialect, ‘xiangdang’ refers to relationships that remain unbroken despite changing external circumstances. China is your hometown—and we sincerely hope you will recognise us as your fellow xiangdang.”

That single word—‘xiangdang’—bridged the distance between Xi’an and the world. Walking among Qin bricks and Han tiles, one cannot help but feel the weight of millennia past.

As a travel and experiential learning enterprise with deep expertise, we continue exploring: how to extend Chinese language education beyond the classroom, and ground Chinese culture in real-world experience.

What Did This Study Tour Offer?

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Immersive Cultural Experience in the Ancient Capital Participants conducted in-depth visits to Xi’an’s historic and cultural landmarks, immersing themselves in the brilliance of Tang-dynasty civilisation and the enduring spirit of the Qin and Han dynasties. Classroom theory was grounded in real landscapes; Chinese language teaching was interwoven with millennia-old cultural lineage—enabling overseas principals to see, touch and take home authentic Chinese culture.

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In-Depth Visits to Top-Tier Universities (Exclusive, Proven Resources) Drawing on years of experience delivering university-based experiential learning programmes, the group visited Xi’an’s ‘Double First-Class’ universities. Activities included campus tours, visits to university museums and key discipline exhibition halls, and thematic exchanges on ‘Chinese language education + cultural tourism integration’, with face-to-face dialogues with leading university faculty.

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Root-Seeking Exploration and Thematic Dialogue Through these visits, participants gained deeper insight: Chinese culture’s richness lies not merely in textual records, but in the principle that ‘every mountain and river is a classroom; all history is a textbook’.

What Customised Experiential Learning Can We Offer Next?

Beyond sightseeing, how can this cultural impact be transformed into experiential learning products suitable for overseas Chinese youth?

Ms Zhang Yu, Assistant General Manager of our company, addressed this challenge directly, presenting the ‘Huanke Solution’:

“We do not memorise the *Twenty-Four Histories*—we step into them, making time come alive before our eyes. Let travel carry culture; let culture be engaging.”

Guided by this philosophy, we have designed seven custom themes for overseas Chinese families: Chinese cultural lineage, cuisine, aesthetics, craftsmanship, landscape, the Chinese people, and the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Moving beyond conventional sightseeing, our programmes include observing giant pandas in mountain habitats and conversing with children studying in cave dwellings.

Leveraging our own fleet, scenic area partnerships and market-advantage pricing, we also provide multilingual guides, high-coverage insurance, and assistance with group visa applications—services that resonated strongly with attending principals.

Crossing Oceans and Mountains, Returning to the Source of Culture

Over several days, group photos, heartfelt interactions and heartfelt farewells across continents and oceans became the most precious outcomes of this initiative.

From learning best practices in Jiangnan to implementing them in Chang’an; from reflecting on how Chinese language education can move beyond the classroom, to actively enabling the world to understand Chinese culture.

“In the ninth year of Yonghe, at the Orchid Pavilion in Kuaiji’s Shanyin district, eminent scholars gathered—elders and youths alike.” This Xi’an journey, too, was a gathering of distinguished minds and cultural stewards.

As Ms Zheng noted: “Walking among Xi’an’s Qin bricks and Han tiles, one instinctively feels the sweep of millennia.” Within Han and Tang anecdotes, the origins of the Three Teachings, and Silk Road culture lie insights that not only deepen overseas understanding of China—but also encourage hometown visitors to step out and better understand the world.

Moving forward, Huanke International Travel Agency will continue to specialise in high-end inbound experiential learning, global Chinese school exchanges, and mutual cultural understanding between China and other countries. We aim to enable more overseas Chinese youth to cross oceans and mountains, return to the source of cultural lineage, and know China in Chang’an, love China, and transmit its civilisation!