A 14-day immersive study program based in Shaanxi (Xi’an + Tongchuan/Yaozhou Kiln area, Chenlu Ancient Town), combining:

• Cultural adaptation + museum study in Xi’an (Days 1–2)

• 7-day deep immersion in Yaozhou ceramics in Tongchuan/Chenlu (Days 3–9)

• Xi’an historical/cultural extension and reflection (Days 10–13)

• Departure + safe packing of fired work (Day 14)

Best timing: The plan recommends May or June for comfortable weather and outdoor-friendly practice.

Day-by-day schedule 

Day 1 — Arrive in Xi’an: Welcome & Orientation

Morning / Afternoon

• Airport pickup; check in to a city hotel; rest and adjust after travel.

Evening

• Welcome dinner featuring Shaanxi cuisine.

• Briefing / opening ceremony: full itinerary, safety notes, and cultural etiquette.

Daily focus: settle in, reduce jet lag, prepare energy for intensive days ahead.

Day 2 — Xi’an Museum Study + Free Exploration

Morning

• Guided deep visit (3–4 hours) to Shaanxi History Museum Qin-Han Hall or Shaanxi Archaeology Museum (choose one).

Afternoon

• Free time for time-zone adaptation and exploring Xi’an at your own pace.

Figure 1 Qin-Han branch of the Shaanxi History Museum

Day 3 — Travel to Tongchuan / Chenlu: First Encounter with Yaozhou Kiln

Morning

• Travel from Xi’an to Tongchuan / Chenlu Ancient Town; check in.

Afternoon

• Guided learning visit: Yaozhou Kiln Museum, Tang–Song kiln sites, and Tang sancai site to understand the kiln’s long history and major achievements.

Figure 2 Yaozhou Museum

Day 4 — Chenlu Deep Visit + Studio Familiarisation

Morning

• Deep tour of Chenlu Ancient Town (including local museums and workshops).

Afternoon

• Workshop base orientation: meet hosts, understand studio workflow, safety, and local tools/materials.

Community element

• Cross-cultural making & sharing (international learners co-create and exchange perspectives).

Days 5–9 — 5 Days of Ceramic Practice Courses (6–8 hours/day) + Showcase

These are your core studio days: intensive hands-on learning, daily practice, and guided critique.

Daily structure (recommended)

• Block A (2–3 hours): Wheel-throwing / forming
  Learn clay preparation and throwing fundamentals (centering, opening, pulling forms).

• Block B (2–3 hours): Carving / Yaozhou motif practice
  Practice classic patterns such as peony, lotus, wave motifs; understand the Yaozhou “knife into clay” aesthetic.

• Block C (process rotation): Full ceramic workflow (17 steps)
  Experience the full chain from raw material handling through forming, trimming, carving, bisque, glazing, and firing—building a complete mental model of ceramic production.

• Master class (scheduled within Days 5–9): Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) inheritor session
  On-site teaching + dialogue with master artisans; demonstration and close observation of high-level skills.

• High-temperature firing experience
  The plan highlights high-temperature kiln firing (1320°C) as part of the process experience.

• Mini exhibition / outcomes showcase
  The program includes outcomes display as part of the practice block.

Figure 3 A master making ceramics

Day 10 — Return to Xi’an: Ancient–Modern Culture Connection

Morning

• Return from Tongchuan to Xi’an; hotel check-in; reset.

Evening (choose one)

• Beilin Museum (Stele Forest Museum) or Datang Everbright City (modern cultural district) to experience “ancient art meets contemporary life.”

Day 11 — Terracotta Army Research Visit (Optional add-on)

• Visit the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Army Museum to study Qin-era art, technology, and military culture.
  (Optional project; separate budget may be required.)

Day 12 — Traditional Culture Experience Day (Optional modules)

Choose a set of cultural practice experiences, such as:

• Calligraphy

• Tea ceremony

• Hanfu experience (traditional clothing)

Day 13 — Closing Reflection + Farewell Dinner + Certificates

Morning

• Reflection sharing session: learners present what they gained across 14 days—skills, cultural learning, cross-cultural insights.

Evening

• Farewell dinner; certificates and souvenirs.

Day 14 — Departure + Safe Packing of Ceramic Works

• Pack luggage with support to ensure ceramic works are safely protected for travel.

• Free time for local cultural/creative souvenirs (optional).

• Airport transfer to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport; support with check-in and departure.

Fee:

The estimated cost for the 14-day China hands-on study tour is around USD 1,250, depending on exchange rates. This budget is calculated for a group of up to 20 participants and is designed as an all-in local package, covering in-country transport (coach with driver, fuel and tolls), accommodation (shared twin rooms in a standard hotel), meals (daily breakfast plus two main meals, with both Chinese and Western options), ceramics practice tuition and materials (5 days of hands-on making, including clay, carving/decoration and firing for a set number of works), course and activity costs (master instruction, study visits/entry tickets where applicable, and local learning support), and basic insurance and incidentals. 

Please note that international flights, visa fees, personal spending, and optional add-ons are not included, and the per-person cost may increase if the group size is smaller than 20. 

The programme also includes service and safety arrangements such as coordinated logistics, professional guidance during study visits, an emergency plan, and a 24-hour contact mechanism for participant support.