Dates: March 29- April 1, 2025
This CEL Immersive Learning trip led by Global China Studies Professors Lala Zuo and Minhao Zhai offers an engaging opportunity to explore Shandong’s diverse heritage and gain a deeper understanding of its enduring connection to modern China. We will visit sites associated with Confucius and his disciples, explore the sacred Mt. Tai, discover traces of Buddhism in Shandong’s serene mountains and forests, and learn about the modern era when Shandong’s strategic location and resources attracted Western colonial powers.
For students interested in practicing their Chinese in local settings, Chinese Language Professor Ye Lu will also accompany the trip to provide guidance and support in language learning on site!
Cost: The CEL Office will subsidize the costs of this trip. Students will each need to pay a co-pay of RMB 1,000 to cover the remainder of the costs. Students also need to purchase their own transportation back to Shanghai as the trip ends in the middle of the spring break week and some may wish to travel independently to other places.
Application Instructions
Students who participate in this trip should have an interest in the culture, history, and religion of China and Shandong in particular. To apply, fill out the application form here by March 2 at 11:59 pm Shanghai time. Spots are limited and you will be notified of the application outcome before the end of February.
Itinerary (subject to change)
Saturday, March 29
8:30 - 9:30 Bus departs from dorms to Hongqiao Railway Station
10:44 - 14:10 G124 Train from Shanghai to Qufu
14:30 - 17:00 Visit Confucius Temple and the Kong Family Mansion
17:00 - 18:00 Bus back to the hotel
After 18:00 Free Time (dinner, rest, or hang out at the night market)
Sunday, March 30
8:20 Bus leaves hotel for Tai Mountain
8:30-12:30 Climb parts of Tai Mountain to see Hongmen Palace, the Doumu Palace and the Sutra-stone Valley. There will be about 90 mins of climbing on the mountain stairway.
12:30-14:30 Lunch
14:30-17:00 Visit Dai Temple to explore ancient architecture
17:00-18:00 Bus to hotel
After 18:00 Free time to rest and explore
Monday, March 31
08:00-09:15 Bus to Lingyan Monastery
09:15-11:15 Visit Ling Yan Monastery to see Buddhist Monuments
11:15-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:00 Bus to Zibo
15:00-16:45 Visit Shinto shrine and the surrounding architecture
16:45-18:00 Bus to hotel
18:30 Group barbecue dinner
Tuesday, April 1
08:30-09:45 Bus to Qingzhou Museum
9:45-12:00 Visit the Qingzhou Museum to see Buddhist art
12:00-14:00 Lunch to reflect the whole trip together. The trip ends after lunch.