Outings

Outing Plan for IWL Participants (1 Indoor + 1 Outdoor)

Background: July in Hangzhou is hot and sunny. To ensure comfort, safety, and cultural & social experience, we have arranged one indoor cultural activity during the day and one outdoor recreational activity in the evening, avoiding the midday high temperature. These planned outings will bring together our group for a couple of authentic local experiences.

 

Outing #1: China National Silk Museum 

Duration: 3 hours (10:00–13:00)

Location: China National Silk Museum (West Lake Area)

Highlights: fully air-conditioned, English-friendly exhibition, traditional Chinese cultural heritage experience, suitable for international groups.

Schedule

10:00–10:15 | Check-in & Ice-breaking
Visitors are divided into several groups. Brief introduction of the museum and related visit regulations.

10:15–11:30 | Guided Museum Tour (English Guide)
Visit exhibitions of ancient Chinese silk relics, the Silk Road history, traditional weaving techniques, and modern silk fashion. Visitors learn the connection between Chinese textile civilization and global cultural exchange.

11:30–12:30 | Handicraft Workshop: Silk Scarf Painting
Visitors design and paint their own silk scarves. Finished works can be taken home as exclusive souvenirs.

12:30–13:00 | Cross-cultural Sharing & Group Photo
Each group briefly shares traditional fabrics or costumes from their own countries.

Logistics & Notes

  • Free museum admission; only the handcraft workshop is charged
  • Booking group tour in English in advance is required
  • Totally indoor with full air conditioning, comfortable for hot July weather

 

Outing #2: Scenic Experience -- Jiuxi Smoke Trees (Jiuxi Yanshu)

Duration: Full day (09:00 – 16:30)

Difficulty: Stone paths and shallow streams; not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

Highlights: Natural scenery, creek trekking, Chinese landscape aesthetic, casual photography

Schedule

09:00 | Meet up at the designated meeting place.
Brief introduction: Background of Jiuxi, safety reminders, group rules

09:30–11:30 | Hike from Jiuxi entrance toward Jiuxi Smoke Trees
Walk along the mountain creek, cross shallow stepping stones
View tea plantations on hillsides (Longjing tea fields)

11:30–13:00 | Lunch
Local farmhouse restaurant nearby. Dishes: Longjing shrimp, bamboo shoot soup, local vegetable stir-fries

13:00–15:00 | Free exploration & activities 
Walk around the famous red maple pond (note: maples are green in July; best red view comes in late autumn)
Optional: Dip feet gently in shallow cool streams (NO swimming; deep pools are dangerous)

15:00–16:15 | Return hike to the exit
Slow pace, extra breaks for tired members

16:15–16:30 | Wrap up & dismiss at the exit bus stop

Optional Add-on (if time permits)

Drop by a Longjing tea house on the way out for a short tea-tasting experience to learn about Chinese green tea culture.

Logistics & Notes

  • Free entrance, Lunch 50-70 RMB (8-11 USD) per person; tea-tasting (optional) 30-45 RMB(4-7 USD)
  • Wear non-slip closed-toe shoes. Stones beside streams are slippery. Flip-flops are NOT recommended.
  • Bring sun hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, extra socks (feet may get wet).
  • No swimming or wading in deep pools, even if water looks calm.