Students will have the opportunity to spend some time in the traditional town of Dali, which is sandwiched between the Cang Mountains and the shores of the lake Erhai. Over 1000 years ago, Dali was the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and Kingdom of Dali, southern rivals of the Tang dynasty that wielded its power on much of south-western China and South East Asia. Apart from its breathtaking scenic beauty and historical importance, Dali is the home to the Bai people, one of Yunnan's largest ethnic minority groups.

Students will spend some time in Weishan town, situated in Dali Prefecture. Weishan was once an important center of the Tea Horse Road, also known as the “Southern Silk Road”. It is the birthplace of the Nanzhao kingdom, the southern rival to the Tang dynasty.While traditional Chinese architecture is slowly dwindling into oblivion due to China's rapid economic development and globalization, Weishan is a place that seems frozen in time. With its old city walls enclosing cobblestoned streets and a bunch of Daoist and Buddhist shrines, the city is an ideal place to immerse oneself in Chinese culture. Students will also visit Wei Bao Shan (Wei Bao Mountain), a Daoist enclave dotted with 20 beautiful temples. Nestling amidst thick pine-forests, Wei Bao Shan is a perfect weekend getaway from the concrete din and bustle of city life.

Day 1:
Morning: Arrive in Dali; Dali is an ancient city that once served as the capital of the Nanzhao kingdom, a rival to China that contained much of what is now Yunnan as well as parts of Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. Have breakfast before touring Dali Ancient Town.

Afternoon: Eat lunch in Dali and then drive to Weishan. Upon arrival, take a tour of the town and the meet homestay families. Weishan is a picturesque ancient town about an hour south of Dali. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and quiet cobblestone streets.

Evening: Eat dinner with homestay families. Perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, in China, eating dinner together is one of the cornerstones of family life.

Day 2:
Morning: Eat breakfast with homestay families and then meet up in the town square to begin cultural exchange activities with local students. These activities may include things such as learning local songs and dances.

Afternoon: Eat lunch with culture exchange partners,

Evening: Return to homestays for dinner.

Day 3:
Morning: Head to Weibaoshan, a holy Daoist mountain near Weishan. Explore the dozens of Daoist temples on the mountain.

Afternoon: Eat lunch near Weibaoshan and then return to Weishan.

Evening: Eat final dinner in Weishan with homestay families and then go to Dali to get on the overnight train back to Kunming.