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ABOUT CHINA

Eastern Mysticism, The Inscrutable Orient... 'Ni Hao' and welcome to China!

Sip green tea in ancient pagodas, press your way through hectic crowds under the neon lights of the big cities or calm your soul atop the snow capped mountains of the Tibetan Plateau... Step into another world!

China: One of the most ancient civilisations on earth. Shrouded in mystery and revered for centuries, China is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, breathtaking scenery and historical & cultural wonders! It's also heading towards a glittering future as one of the world's major powers, and so there's no better time to experience this tantalisingly different land...

"Tomorrow me and 7 other volunteers leave for Xi'an which is our first stop of our travels!! I really can’t wait, but it was so sad when we finished ... I really do not want to leave! And I can definitely say this has been one of the best times of my life! It really has, it has changed my life in so many different ways I can't explain in words! It’s going to be so sad to leave Shanghai, let alone China!" Jordan Scott

Travellers Projects are situated in three different areas of the country:

SHANGHAI : Hailed as 'The ‘Paris of the East’, Shanghai embodies the new Chinese generation. The pulse of the city is tangible and the energy and vibe of the people is electric! It is a dynamic and diverse city where skyscrapers compete for space with traditional Buddhist temples, and tiny noodle stalls peer out from beside some of the most cosmopolitan clubs and bars in China. If you tire of city life, the peaceful lakeshores of Hangzhou and traditional gardens of Suzhou are right on your doorstep. Shanghai's past as a booming Chinese port, opium den, home of the first meeting of the Chinese Communist party and foreign concession city is also evident everywhere you go.

We have many different kinds of teaching projects in Shanghai, including projects where you can combine your teaching with care work. Shanghai's reputation as China's City of the Future also makes it an exciting place for people looking to gain Work Experience, and we can offer this in a variety of fields - just ask if you can't see the one you're looking for!

YANTAI : A busy fishing port which sits on the Shandong Peninsula, North-East China. Its 'out of the way' feel makes it the perfect place to experience a slice of provincial Chinese life. Its close proximity to Korea and Japan also make it a great place to experience a more multicultural environment. We run a University Mandarin Course here in association with Yantai University

CHONG MING ISLAND : A large island which is part of the Shanghai District (20 minutes away from Shanghai by ferry) but couldn't be further away from the bustle of the big city! The island is famous for its orange groves and the friendly nature of its people. Teach or coach football in poorer rural schools, become a part of the local community and you may find yourself riding to school on a rickshaw!

Remember, you can choose where you'd like to be placed - we're completely flexible. If you're baffled by all the options, just give us a call (01903502595) or an e-mail

“Hi Elizabeth, Thanks! I had a great birthday last week, eating a cake with chopsticks was quite an experience as well ;) Still having a great time, and will be leaving China with pain in my heart!"  Travellers Volunteer, Yantai Teaching Project

"Wow, this place is unlike anything I've ever seen before, but everything's great. Jessie is really nice and did an excellent job of introducing me to everyone and showing me my classes... Thank you so much for making this happen. This is the best thing I have ever done" Robert Sutton, Mandarin Course & Martial Arts, Shanghai

To read about the extensive Support & Backup we provide in our countries, please click here.

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Voluntary projects in China - adventure, fun and very worthwhile
Exciting voluntary projects in China. Adventure filled and satisfyingly worthwhile!

PROJECTS AVAILABLE IN CHINA

Care for children with Cerebral Palsy: The delightful children at the Centre we work with have more difficulties learning, relaxing and playing than other children - and this is where YOU come in!
Teaching: All types of teaching projects, from English to Music and Drama, Maths to IT. No qualifications required.
 Kindergarten Project: If you can't get enough of the energy and zest for life of little ones, join us at Shanghai Happy Kindergarten!

 Sports: Coach football, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, trampolining, basketball or swimming!

 Work Experience: Gain experience in Media/Publishing, Hospitality, Architecture or Graphic Design - make your CV stand out from all the others!

 Martial Arts Courses: Take part in a Traditional Chinese & Asian Martial Arts Course as a full or part time option
 Mandarin Language Courses: Live, eat and breathe Mandarin in vibrant Shanghai or truly Chinese Yantai, whichever location is more appealing to you.
 1-Week Intensive Mandarin Language Course: in vibrant Shanghai.

SPECIALS, EXTRAS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Volunteer Feedback
1-Week Mandarin Course
Martial Arts Course
Specials Application Form


Volunteers on a trip to the Great Wall

 

   

Polarity & disparity, an endless array of mouthwatering food, night markets where weather-worn men watch over flatbreads and spring rolls over a smoldering fire... Here you can silently join tai chi practitioners in parks at dusk or share a friendly smile and a few words over a bowl of noodles with someone as eager to learn about your life as you are theirs… China is an intense collision of clashing modern Western and Ancient Chinese influences. It's both calming and frantic, but always unique…Easy to fall head over heels in love and a life experience you'll never, ever forget!

Whether you want to join an international firm in Shanghai and go behind the scenes in the world of business, or spend time teaching English to Children on the rural island of Chong Ming, China has what you're looking for...China has an endless diversity of treasures to offer the visitor.

By staying and living in one place, your appreciation of this culture will be enriched immeasurably. You can take in these awe-inspiring sights and the intricacies of daily life with a level of understanding that a tourist would not experience.




HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA


Shanghai City Centre

Worshippers at a temple - Nanjing

There’s so much more to see and do in China and it’s difficult not to want to travel as far around the country as your budget will take you! We'd highly recommend taking some time out after your placement to taste the rich and diverse cultural experiences China has to offer. If you'd like travel advice, just speak to your Project Co-Ordinator for help planning your trip (the China Lonely Planet is pretty enormous and can be rather daunting!)

In our opinion, some of the highlights of the country are:

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China's natural beauty! The tranquility and heartbreaking beauty of sunrise from the top of one of China’s sacred mountains is an absolutely unforgettable experience. There are many mountains dotted around the country on which the local people practice pilgrimage routes. Tai Shan, in Shandong Province is particularly stunning. Nature reserves and national parks can also be found all over the country. Worth particular mention is Hansi Hu - Xinjiang Province's edge-of-the-universe park which boasts amazing treks and is home to all kinds of nomadic people from Kazaks to Xinjiang's native Muslim Uyghurs.

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The Army of Terracotta Warriors outside Xi’an - 6000 soldiers and horses that were originally designed to guard the tomb of an ancient Emperor. 2000 years old, these warriors were discovered by accident in the 1970s by peasants digging a well! Every figure differs in facial features and expression, and they make for an amazing sight!

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Tropical Xishuangbanna - China's very own South-East Asia complete with sunshine, Thai style temples, Dai minority dancing and water splashing festivals! Here you can explore tribal villages on the border with Burma, or trek through the rainforest.

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Northern China, along the path of the ruins of the Great wall, also has many sights, and a slightly rough-around-the-edges charm. Here, you can visit the Gobi desert & climb enormous sand dunes in Gansu Province or explore ancient grottoes and caverns full of religious art & Buddha statues at Dunhuang or Datong. You can even spend a night camping out under the stars in a yurt on the epic grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Here you might find yourself taking part in traditional Mongolian wrestling or drinking the local spirit (hopefully not at the same time!)

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China's big cities - The economic and cultural and centres of this blossoming nation can be found in its 3 big cities - Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. These cities are practically alive with energy and each deserve a visit during your time in China. They represent the glitz and glamour of China's future and everything that's hip in China's new youth, with the rich history of Chinese culture running strongly through them.

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The far North-West - Xinjiang Province in the far North-West of China next to the borders with Mongolia & Kazakhstan is a multicultural melting pot of Han Chinese, Uyghurs (the local Muslim people) and Kazakhs. Here you can visit Tian Chi, a lake halfway up a mountain inhabited by nomadic Kazakh people or take part in local grape making in the desert around Turpan

"I just wanted to tell Travellers thank you for my placement in China. I really miss it and had the best experience there. The support Travellers gives to its volunteers is really great, the phone call you gave me the day before I flew to China was really sweet and reassuring, and also checking  everything was ok after I arrived. So I just want to say a big thank you and keep up the good work." Charis Mills, Shanghai Teaching Project 2006

BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL
Beijing is absolutely crammed full of things to see – a trip to China wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this stunning and extraordinarily Chinese capital. The city seems to embody China in every way: chaotic hustle and bustle, skyscrapers crammed next to temples and plenty of monuments to China’s long and complex past. It's also a great place to catch up on some youth culture by hanging out with the Beijing Punks, or some ancient culture at the Peking Opera or Acrobatics shows.

During the summer, people come out to fly kites in Tiannamen Square, right next to Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum which sits in the centre of the Square. It's worth reading up on the history of Tiannanem Square, for some interesting insight into China's past. You can even join the lines of Chinese people who queue to lay plastic flowers next to the preserved Chaiman's body.

The Forbidden City, so called because it was off limits for 500 years, is a breathtaking example of ancient Chinese architecture. Designed for the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and with the principles of balance and yin and yang in mind, it served as a self contained world for the Emperors of the time. You can spend the whole day wondering around the city, and the balance and exquisite architecture is really quite mind blowing. You can even have an audio tour commentated by Roger Moore!

There’s also the Summer Palace, the Emperors’ Summer Residence, nestled in the mouth of Kunming Lake and surrounded by lush parkland (which is particularly gorgeous on a sunny day). You can take a trip around the city’s old Hutongs (alleyways) on a rickshaw or visit one of the cities many Buddhist and Taoist temples.

It goes without saying that a visit to China should include a trip to the Great Wall. This amazing construction spans the country from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert and there are sections that can be climbed or trekked a bus ride away from Beijing. You can trek on certain parts of the wall, some of which are crumbling away, giving the experience a real sense of adventure. The scenery is awe inspiring and endless. It’s the easiest thing in the world to completely forget yourself out here on a sunny day. The sections of the wall at Huanghua and Jinshanling are the best to pick for a genuine Great Wall Experience away from the crowds of tourists.

The Lama Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in the city, as it houses a 55ft high sandalwood Buddha carved out of a single tree, and a gallery which chronicles the history of the relationship between Chinese and Tibetan Buddhists.


The great wall of China!

Acrobatics in Beijing!

Tiannamen Gate by night, Beijing

THE TIBETAN / ETHNIC SOUTH-WEST


Volunteers relaxing on a mountain on a trip to Deqin, Yunnan


A monk some volunteers befriended at a monastery in South-West China

Tibet is a lure for any traveller, with its monastery towns, mountain vistas, traditional healing techniques and nomadic & peaceful way of life. However, since its official classification as a part of China in the 50s, Tibet has been changing, and many travellers now find that if you're in search of true Tibetan and ethnic living, the South-West of China is the place to head.

Tibet was once divided into three regions - Amdo, Kham, and Ü-Tsang. Now, much of Amdo and Kham have been divided into the Chinese provinces of Sìchuān, Gānsù and Yúnnán. This is where you'll find pockets of almost untouched Tibetan culture, particularly if you cant' actually get to the 'Tibetan Autonomous Region'. For the record, the journey to Tibet is pretty easy these days via a tour group from the Chinese gateway cities (the major one being Chengdu) but it can be pricey, as you need to pay for a flight into Tibet, a 'tour group' and a permit from the PSB (the Chinese Police force)

Some of the country’s most stunning scenery and varied cultural heritage can be found in these areas - not only Tibetan but also ethnic Chinese tribal groups such as the Dai, Naxi and the Miao in Yunnan. These areas really are NOT to be missed on any trip to China.

Yunnan Province, in the south of China, is an cultural melee of ethic minorities and varied scenery. Trek along Tiger Leaping Gorge or visit the Mingyong Glacier outside Tibetan Deqin, where you can also join in with Tibetan style dancing in the streets at certain times of year. The air here is clear and every village is surrounded and held by vast, majestic mountains that feel somewhat as though they are protecting the people who live there there. Hang out underneath the giant Tibetan prayer wheel in Zhongdian, a Tibetan Monastery town, and eat traditional Tibetan fare of tsampa and milk tea from the local restaurants.

The old town of Lijiang in Yunnan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and many of the buildings still remain as they were more than 800 years ago. The town is inhabited by the local Naxi ethnic group, who had a matriarchal society structure until quite recently. Lijiang has now become something of a backpacker hangout and is a wonderful place to chill out after some more hard-core travelling in the North of Yunnan province. You can stay in a traditional courtyard house here, and the locals are pretty friendly and always up for a chat! Bus rides around this area are particularly hair raising and infinitely beautiful!

There are endless other delights to enjoy in teh Tibetan & Ethnic Chinese areas of Sichuan and Gansu, but we'll leave you to discover them yourself...

"We all met at 8:30am and were greeted by loads of horses and Tibetan guides. I was given a guide who was to look after me for the three days, and although he didn't speak a word of English, he was great. He became my adoptive Tibetan dad for the three days of the trek. We started off by trekking high up the mountain on the West of Songpan, and were immediately greeted with some amazing views of the Ice Mountain. Everywhere there were nomadic tents with their yak herds. I got very over excited and took too many yak photos. We did see a yak who was just born though, which was really cute. The trek upwards was quite steep and I was glad it was the horse doing it and not me!"

"After the rather lengthy bus ride and a short stay in Zhongdian basically to do my washing and have a decent shower, I decided to go right to the most NW corner of Yunnan. I was to see one of the world's tallest unclimbed peaks, Kawa Karpo (6740m). So I took the bus to Deqin first of all, as always I asked for a bus and was told that there wasn't one. Hmmm! Luckily at this point I got picked up by the coolest person I've met in China, a Tibetan nun from Lhasa. She spoke excellent English and had opinions on everything! She suggested I share her taxi to Felai Si (a temple) as it was on my way. So in we jumped, we grabbed some lunch together and then we went to the temple together which was really something...[That night] we watched the local archery show because it was a festival that evening. It was really nice, and they were so welcoming and we were treated to hideous local alcohol and some amazing Tibetan singing! Finally on we pushed with out trek and I must say at the end though it was amazing, words nor the picture can hardly describe it as the forest cleared and we were met with amazing mountains and snow!" - The diary of a previous volunteer Helena Mules on her travels in South-West China after her teaching placement

CHINESE CUISINE!

Some Typical Dishes:

Chinese cuisine is absolutely unbeatable. The Chinese actually greet each other by saying "Ni chi fan le ma?", which translates as "Have you eaten rice yet?" This is a fabulous illustration of how important food is to the Chinese people.

Usually, a Chinese meal will consist of a main source of carbohydrates such as rice or noodles, and then accompanying dishes of vegetables, meat, fish, or other items. Soup is usually served at the end or beginning of a meal depending on where in the country you are. Chopsticks are the main eating utensil in Chinese culture for solid foods. You'll probably find yourself lagging behind your Chinese counterparts eating your dinner when you first arrive, but as your chopstick skills improve you're likely to get many compliments - the Chinese love to see people embracing their culture, even if it does result in embarrassment for you the first few times you try!

In most dishes in Chinese cuisine, food is prepared in bite-sized pieces (e.g. vegetable, meat, tofu), ready for direct picking up and eating. Traditionally, Chinese culture considered using knives and forks at the table barbaric due to fact that these implements are regarded as weapons. It was also considered ungracious to have guests work at cutting their own food. Fish are usually cooked and served whole, with diners directly pulling pieces from the fish with chopsticks to eat, unlike in some other cuisines where they are first filleted. This is because it is desired for fish to be served as fresh as possible.

In a Chinese meal, each individual diner is given his or her own bowl of rice while the accompanying dishes are served in communal plates (or bowls) that are shared by everyone sitting at the table. In the Chinese meal, each diner picks food out of the communal plates with their chopsticks. This is in contrast to western meals where it is customary to dole out individual servings of the dishes at the beginning of the meal. This is a tradition most volunteers really enjoy, and it really does illustrate the importance of family and community to Chinese people. Everything is shared at the table. This also means that the food is practically limitless, and you can go on eating until you can't fit anything else in your stomach!

Typical drinks to accompany the meal are green tea or beer. However, you can usually get your hands on a soft drink or a juice without much of a problem.

Staples Vegetable Dishes Meat & Fish Dishes Treats & Snacks
bullet Jiaozi (steamed or boiled (shuijiao) dumplings filled with vegetables or meat)
bullet Noodle Soup
bullet Fried Noodles
bullet Rice
bullet Mantou (steamed buns)
bullet Fried Green Onion Pancakes
bullet Egg & Tomato
bullet Braised Aubergine
bullet Celery & Lily
bullet Shredded Potato with Chilli
bullet Tofu with seasoning
bullet Mushrooms with Chinese Cabbage
bullet Baked sweet potato
bullet Sweetcorn
bullet Hot Pot (anything and everything you could imagine including heart!)
bullet Peking Duck
bullet Chicken wrapped in lotus leaf
bullet Stewed sea cucumber (a Yantai speciality!)
bullet Stewed beef in a hot sauce
bullet Stir fried pork wiht bamboo shoots
bullet Stir fried beef and celery with chilli
bullet Zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, usually with a savory or sweet filling)
bullet Baozi (steamed filled buns - our favourite filling is red bean paste)
bullet Congee (rice porridge)
bullet Rice balls with savory fillings or coatings
bullet Youtiao (a fried dough commonly eaten at breakfast)
bullet Mooncake - Special cake eaten at Mid-Autumn festival
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE & HEALTH
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world's oldest medical systems, and is practiced in China alongside Western style medicine by both individuals and by Chinese doctors and hospitals. It is recognised both in China and in the West as a unique holistic approach to illness, without any of the side effects of the chemical treatments often used in the West. TCM treatment consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Both treatments concentrate on regulating the flow of Qi in order to gain the natural internal balance of the body. TCM is used to treat all kinds of things from anxiety and depression to cancer and pneumonia.

Many of the philosophies behind traditional Chinese medicine have grown out of Taoist practices and beliefs. The observation of life and nature, how it changes and the synergy between various elements both in nature and inside the human body are very important in TCM. It is a unique and independent medical system which originated in China and developed down through the centuries imbued with the spirit of Chinese civilisation and culture. For thousand of Years, TCM has played a major role in maintaining the health of Chinese people. The two basic components in TCM are acupuncture Therapy and Herbal Medicine Therapy.

Acupuncture works through stimulating the acupoints which lie on lines or channels and therefore the body's the insertion of thin, fine needles at various points on the body. The actions of each point and combinations of points, and their effectiveness in treating different diseases, have been learnt through observation. In recent years these actions have been systematically refined and verified by modern scientific research methods.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy involves the use of natural plants and minerals, each having its own specific characteristics and particular medical use to treat disease, rectify the hyperactivity or hyperactivity of yin and yang, and to help restore the body to its normal physiological functions. Chinese herbal therapy must be given by qualified TCM practitioners. Normally, the practitioner must have a diagnostic consultation, such as asking you the questions that relate to your health problems, taking your pulse and observing your tongue, before making a prescription. A prescription can be defined as a preparation which, on the basis of the differentiation of syndromes and the establishment of therapeutic methods, organically combines various herbs for the treatment in accordance with established principles.

RECOMMENDED READING

Since the country opened its doors to the outside world, a wealth of literature written by and about the Chinese has become available. There are heaps and heaps of titles that deserve to be read, here are just a few of our favourites. These titles will help you to understand China, its history and the psyche of its people. If you have any additions, send them along!

bullet The Good Women of China and Sky Burial by Xin Ran,
bullet Red Dust by Ma Jian
bullet Wild Swans by Jung Chang
bullet Village of Stone & A Concice Chinese-English dictionary for lovers by Xiaolu Guo
bullet Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng
bullet Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah
bullet Then there is, of course, Mao’s Little Red Book which is easily available on the streets of Beijing!


Lanterns at the Yu Gardens Bazaar, Shanghai

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
bullet Full country name: People's Republic of China
bullet Area: 9.59 million sq km
bullet Population: 1.28 billion
bullet Capital City: Beijing (pop 13.8 million)
bullet People: Han Chinese (93%), plus 55 ethnic minorities
bullet Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
bullet Religion: Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism (no stats available); Islam (14 million), Christianity (7 million)
bullet Government: Communist republic
bullet Head of State: President Hu Jintao

   

 

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