Cultural Residency

Huizhou Four Friends

6 Days / 5 Nights
Max 10 Travelers
Premium Experience

The Four Treasures
of the Scholar's Study

Immerse yourself in the refined culture of the Huizhou scholar tradition. Learn the Four Treasures — ink stick, brush, paper, and inkstone — in an authentic Song dynasty garden retreat.

Huizhou, in Anhui province, was home to one of China's most influential scholar-official cultures. The region's unique artistic traditions — including the Four Treasures of the Study (wenfang simao) — shaped Chinese aesthetics for centuries.

This 6-day cultural residency combines hands-on workshops with expert masters, traditional Chinese garden experiences, and the serene beauty of the Huangshan mountain region.

Four Treasure Workshops

Ink making, brush crafting, Xuan paper, and inkstone grinding — the complete scholar's toolkit.

Song Dynasty Garden Stay

Accommodation in a meticulously restored Song dynasty scholar's garden. Authentic Huizhou heritage.

Private Hot Springs

Relax in private hot spring pools surrounded by the mountains of Huangshan.

Accommodation

Song dynasty garden boutique hotel. Private courtyards and traditional scholar's atmosphere.

Meals Included

All meals featuring authentic Huizhou cuisine. Tea ceremony experiences included.

Duration

6 days / 5 nights. Year-round departures. Small groups for intimate experience.

Group Size

Maximum 10 travelers. 1:4 teacher-student ratio ensures personalized instruction.

Day by Day
Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Shexian

Arrive in Huangshan, transfer to Shexian — the ancient capital of the Huizhou region. Check into your Song dynasty garden hotel. Welcome tea ceremony and orientation.
Garden Hotel Tea Ceremony
Day 2

Ink Stick Making

Learn the ancient art of making traditional Chinese ink sticks (mo) from master craftsmen. Create your own incense-stick shaped ink from pine soot and animal glue using traditional methods.
Ink Making Pine Soot
Day 3

Chinese Calligraphy

Study with a master calligrapher on the art of shufa. Learn the fundamental brushstrokes, character forms, and the meditative practice that has shaped Chinese culture for millennia.
Calligraphy Master Teacher
Day 4

Xuan Paper & Inkstone

Visit a traditional Xuan paper workshop — the finest paper for Chinese painting and calligraphy. Afternoon session on proper inkstone grinding and the philosophy of the scholar's desk.
Xuan Paper Inkstone
Day 5

Fish Lantern Art & Hot Springs

Create a traditional Huizhou fish lantern — a beloved local craft. Afternoon relaxation at private hot springs with views of the Huangshan mountains. Farewell dinner.
Fish Lantern Hot Springs
Day 6

Departure

Take home your handcrafted ink stick, calligraphy practice sheets, and fish lantern as mementos of your Huizhou scholar experience. Transfer to Huangshan airport.
Take Home Crafts Airport Transfer

Program Investment

£731 / person

What's Included

  • 5 nights Song dynasty garden hotel
  • All meals featuring Huizhou cuisine
  • All workshop fees and materials
  • Private hot spring experience
  • Your handcrafted ink stick and fish lantern
Enquire Now
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