Zhejiang Province

Lin’an could easily be considered to be amongst the most beautiful and interesting areas in China. Located to the west of Hangzhou City in Northern Zhejiang, Lin’an is among the first ecological model cities in China. It is surrounded by forested hillsides and stunning rural scenery. There are two state run national parks in the area: Tianmushan Mountain and Qingliang peak, of which Tainmushan is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Historically, this beautiful landscape has attracted many celebrities, artists and writers, who contributed much to enriching Lin’an’s culture. Buddhism has also been rooted deeply in Lin’an since the Han Dynasty about 2000 years ago.

In addition to our regular programs, the Lin’an area can also be used for International Award programs for which we often visit surrounding area such as Moganshan and Yaolin. This broadens the scope of an already incredibly diverse location where activities may include:

• Rock climbing
• Biking
• Dragon Boat racing
• Hiking
• Organic farming
• High ropes
• Raft building
• Camping

Ninghai County, which has a population of close to 500,000 is located in the heart of China’s National Trail System (NTS), a network of trails that we use for our challenging and rewarding programs in the area. The NTS is the first international trail system in China. It’s being used to promote hiking throughout the country and is, without a doubt, one of China’s best hiking locations.

The trail system, which is relatively new, winds its way through the mountains and valleys that make up a large portion of Ninghai. Participants on our programs here will have the opportunity to hike the multi-varied terrain and camp along trails in rural areas where families have lived and farmed for hundreds of years. It is the area’s slow-paced nature that makes it so unique. Many of our programs here visit Xujiashan, a stone village built hundreds of years ago that still remains intact. While hiking here, we’ll see ocean views, walk along rice and tea fields and generally experience an area that, in some ways, harkens back to China’s past.

Students can participate in a number of activities which may including:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Fire building
• Species identification
• Navigation