From Liangzhu to AI

A Journey Through 5,000 Years of Culture and Innovation (3D2N) | 3-Day Field Experience | Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Ages 10+, School Groups, Customisable Programme

Cultural Heritage & Confidence AI Application & Tech for Good Technology Empowerment & Digital Humanities

Programme Overview

Robots that dance hip-hop, robots that box in the ring, robots that cook meals from scratch, and even robots that practice traditional Chinese medicine by reading your pulse. This is not a sci-fi movie, but Hangzhou.

But Hangzhou is not just about the future. It is also where 5,000 years of Chinese civilization began. This 3-day programme takes you on a journey from the dawn of Chinese civilization to the world's largest AI application market. We start from where we came from, we see where we are going, and we discover how the future can give back to our cultural roots.

Through field observation, group discussions and hands-on workshops, participants will explore how cultural heritage, technological innovation and human well-being intersect in one of China's most dynamic cities, while developing skills in research, cross-cultural communication and critical thinking along the way.

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Key Highlights

Academic Foundation

Learn from leading scholars and faculty at Zhejiang University, one of China's top five universities. Engage with cutting-edge research through a specially designed digital humanities workshop. Gain an academic perspective on how technology and culture intersect in contemporary China.

Walk in the Footsteps of an Ancient Civilization

Start at Liangzhu Museum, where 5,000 years of Chinese civilization first took shape. Walk through the remains of an advanced prehistoric society with monumental architecture, sophisticated jade culture, and the world's oldest known water system. Understand why Hangzhou exists and why this journey begins here.

The World's Largest AI Application Scene

China is home to the world's largest AI application market and Hangzhou is one of the country's most technologically advanced cities. Visit Alibaba's campus to see how China's digital economy was built. Explore Wensan Digital Life District, where cutting-edge technologies are deployed in real life.

The Mix of Fast and Slow

Experience the healing power of scents and reconnect with yourselves, while also witnessing the fast pace of technological innovation.

←→

Itinerary

The 3-Day Journey

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Day 1 Hangzhou

Culture & Business & Healing

Morning: Visit the Liangzhu Museum to explore 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, learn about Hangzhou's ancient history, and understand why this is where our journey begins.

Afternoon: Field study at BIRLAND. Visit local shops and observe various OPCs and digital nomad community.

Later Afternoon: Visit omylife, a lifestyle space by a Chinese beauty brand. Cook a healthy meal together, enjoy the soothing scents of flowers and herbs, and take part in a hands-on aromatherapy blending workshop. Slow down, relax, and experience wellness through fragrance and food.

Evening: Gather together for tea, try some tarot, and learn about Buddhist culture. Explore the differences and similarities between Eastern and Western cultures.

Food Experience: Dine at a countryside-style restaurant in Liangzhu Cultural Village, offering both Chinese and Western cuisines.

Day 2 Hangzhou

Technological Innovation & AI Application & Tech for Good

Morning: Visit Alibaba's campus for an introduction to China's digital economy and AI-driven innovation.

Afternoon: Explore the Wensan Digital Life District and understand applications of emerging technologies in China, including robotic dogs, brain-computer interfaces and next-generation AI hardware. Among all, the most striking is the Black Myth: Wukong experience space, where you can feel China's cultural confidence and technological strength in gaming.

Evening / Mini PBL Challenge: After seeing AI applications at Wensan Digital Life District, think about what it would take to bring this technology to your own country. What challenges would it face? What would need to change?

Each student writes down three things on a card:
—Which AI technology impressed you the most today?
—What would be the first challenge if it were introduced in your country?
—How would you adapt it to work better there?
Discuss.

Food Experience: Traditional Hangzhou cuisine, West Lake fish and regional delicacies.

Day 3 Hangzhou

Workshop & Tech Empowerment

Morning: Join a Digital Humanities workshop at Zhejiang University to explore how AI can give back to traditional Chinese culture, forming a complete loop between cultural preservation and technological innovation.

Safeguarding & Practical Care

The programme is designed with student wellbeing and safety in mind. All routes, venues and activities are planned in advance, with trained staff accompanying students throughout the journey.

Safety

Staff-to-student ratio of at least 1:5
Programme leaders, subject mentors and safety coordinators on site
24-hour emergency response
Pre-inspected venues and activity plans
Licensed transport and professional drivers

Health

Full programme insurance coverage
Meals included, with local food experiences across Hangzhou
Dietary requirements and allergies accommodated with advance notice

Accommodation

Accommodation arranged in quality hotels or guesthouses, depending on location

Detailed safeguarding arrangements, insurance information and risk assessment procedures are available upon request.

FAQ

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for high school and university students interested in cultural heritage, technology innovation, and the intersection between the two. No prior knowledge of Chinese history or AI is required, just curiosity about how the past and future coexist in one city.

What will students produce?

Students will participate in a digital humanities workshop at Zhejiang University and engage in group discussions throughout the programme. The focus is on developing ideas and perspectives rather than producing a final media piece. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of how technology can serve culture and society.

Is prior experience required?

No. The programme is designed for students of all backgrounds, with guidance provided throughout museum visits, tech site explorations, and workshop activities.

What is included in the programme arrangement?

Programme arrangements typically include instruction, workshops, mentors, accommodation, meals, insurance, entrance tickets, learning materials, local transport and airport transfers. Flights or travel to and from Hangzhou, personal spending and expenses outside the confirmed itinerary are not included.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Allergies, vegetarian options and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

How is student safety managed?

Student safety is managed through staff supervision, advance planning, pre-inspected venues and emergency response procedures. The programme maintains a low staff-to-student ratio with trained coordinators on site throughout all activities.

Ready to Learn More?

Request the full itinerary or speak to our programme team about group bookings, school partnerships and customised learning journeys.