Inks & Mountains 2027

12 Days · Huangshan · The Four Treasures of the Study · Landscape Painting · Traditional Craftsmanship

📅 Journey Dates — April 13–24, 2027
📅 Free Info Webinar — January 31, Sunday, 2027

Who Is This Journey For?

This journey is designed for art lovers, culturally curious travelers, and those who wish to experience China through its landscapes, traditions, craftsmanship, and artistic spirit.

Meet Our Team

At the heart of our cultural tour is a passionate, dedicated team with one goal: to share the richness of Chinese traditional arts and culture in the most authentic, enjoyable, and inspiring way possible.

Every element of this journey has been carefully curated—from the destinations we visit to the experiences we offer—to bring you closer to the spirit of China. With deep knowledge of local traditions and a true love for cultural exchange, our team is here not only to guide, but to accompany you through every moment.

You’ll explore ancient art forms, take part in hands-on workshops, visit heritage craft studios, and witness daily life in historic towns. Along the way, we’ll share stories, insights, and laughter, and of course—savor some truly delicious local dishes.

We’re not just leading a tour. We’re creating a journey full of creativity, discovery, and connection—and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Fiona Sheng

Your Painting Guide & Program Host

Fiona Sheng, instructor of the Oriental arts, whose journey began in China and has since taken her talents to Belgium. From the age of five, Fiona has immersed herself in the intricate world of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy—a dedication that has earned her hundreds of awards both nationally and internationally.

Beyond her artistry, Fiona has years of experience organizing cultural activities for international audiences, including students, adults, and MBA participants. Her programs have brought people from around the world closer to the beauty and philosophy of Chinese traditions.

Fiona is deeply committed to sharing the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage with a global audience.

Gloria Wu

Your Tour Coordinator & Cultural Companion

Gloria Wu plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly throughout our journey. With a background in biology and a sharp mind for logistics and numbers, she brings structure and clarity to the experience—managing schedules, assisting with translations, and supporting participants throughout the trip.

Gloria’s connection to traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy runs deep. Trained from a young age alongside Fiona, she shares not only a lifelong friendship but also a cultural foundation that enriches the atmosphere of our program. Her calm presence, attention to detail, and understanding of both East and West make her an invaluable part of the team.

Master Sun

Your Martial Arts Guide & Cultural Mentor

We are honored to welcome Master Sun, the 8th-generation inheritor of San Huang Pao Chui (三皇炮锤), a legendary style of Chinese martial arts known for its powerful, fluid strikes and deep cultural heritage. With decades of dedicated practice, Master Sun embodies the discipline, grace, and spirit of traditional martial arts.

In addition to his lineage in San Huang Pao Chui, Master Sun is also a skilled practitioner of Tai Chi, Shaolin Fist, and Eight Trigram Palm — each reflecting a unique philosophy and movement language within Chinese martial tradition.

Under his guidance, participants will experience martial arts not only as a physical discipline, but also as a living expression of balance, mindfulness, and inner strength — values that echo throughout Chinese art and culture.

The Spirit of the Journey

This journey has been designed with great care — from the season and pacing of the itinerary to the size of the group and the balance between artistic practice, cultural discovery, and shared experience. Below, we invite you to discover some of the reasons behind the choices that shape this program.

Why Spring?

Spring is one of the most beautiful moments to experience southern Anhui. As the mountains emerge from winter, mist drifts through the valleys, tea fields begin their first harvests, and the landscapes awaken with fresh greenery and soft light — an atmosphere that has inspired generations of Chinese painters and poets.

The dates of the journey have also been carefully selected between major Chinese holiday periods, allowing you to experience the region in a calmer and more enjoyable atmosphere, away from the intense crowds often associated with peak travel seasons.

Why A Small Group?

Limiting the journey to a small group of only 8 participants allows the experience to remain personal, flexible, and thoughtfully paced. Rather than moving through places as part of a large tour group, you are able to engage more naturally with workshops, artisans, cultural spaces, and one another.

A smaller group also creates a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere throughout the journey — whether during painting sessions, shared meals, mountain walks, or conversations along the way. It allows us to adapt more easily to the rhythm of each day while maintaining the sense of closeness and shared experience that is central to the spirit of the program.

More Than a Tour

This journey was never designed as a traditional sightseeing tour, but rather as a deeper cultural and artistic experience. Alongside visits to historical sites and landscapes, you are invited to engage actively with traditions through workshops, conversations, daily practices, and shared moments throughout the journey.

Art serves here as a bridge into culture — offering another way of observing places, materials, gestures, and ways of life. Whether through painting, tea culture, craftsmanship, or quiet moments in the mountains, the program encourages you to experience China not only through monuments and destinations, but through atmosphere, rhythm, and human connection.

Bringing Our Cultural Journeys to Life

To bring these cultural experiences to life, InkDifferent Studio collaborates with our China-based partner company, combining our artistic and educational expertise with their local knowledge, connections and organisational experience.

This collaboration allows us to offer more personal and meaningful encounters with China's artistic traditions, local artisans and cultural heritage, going beyond what can be discovered through conventional travel.

Our Chinese partner is responsible for organising and operating the journeys, including bookings, participation agreements and payments, while InkDifferent Studio focuses on the artistic vision, educational content and cultural experiences that make each journey special.

Program Highlights

This is not just a trip — it’s a deep, hands-on experience of Chinese traditional culture.

🌱 Small Group, Deep Connection

This all-inclusive journey is limited to a maximum of 8 participants total, ensuring a personal and enriching experience. Travel, accommodations, meals — and plenty of joyful moments — are all thoughtfully arranged, so you can focus entirely on learning, creating, and connecting.

🖐️ Immersive Craft Workshops

Our workshops are centered around the Four Treasures of the Study — rice paper, inkstick, inkstone, and brush. You’ll visit carefully selected traditional manufacturers for each, and experience hands-on the making of paper, brushes, and inksticks, as well as the carving of inkstones.

🎨 Ink & Mountains: Painting Classes

Throughout the journey, you’ll take part in multiple live sketching and ink painting sessions, held in some of the most inspiring natural and cultural settings — from ancient villages with whitewashed walls and stone bridges to the breathtaking vistas of Huang Shan (Yellow Moutian). Guided step by step, you’ll explore traditional brush techniques, composition, and the philosophy behind Chinese landscape painting. As the days unfold, you’ll develop your own piece, culminating in the creation of a personalized scroll, a meaningful work of art that captures both your learning and the spirit of the places you've traveled through.

🏮 Cultural Treasures Beyond the Brush

Beyond painting and martial arts, you’ll take part in a series of enriching cultural experiences — from workshops related to the Four Treasures of the Study, to tea picking and tasting in the mountains, seal carving, herbal recognition, and the crafting of herbal bracelets.

Wander through ancient villages, and connect with the beauty of everyday life in southern Anhui. Each experience becomes a quiet doorway into China’s living heritage.

🍲 A Taste of Anhui

Food is an essential part of culture, and during this journey, you'll enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Anhui cuisine — one of China’s renowned regional culinary traditions. From delicate stews to earthy, mountain-inspired dishes, we’ll explore local specialties that reflect the landscape and soul of the region. Thoughtfully selected meals throughout the trip will introduce you to a variety of tastes, textures, and ingredients — with delicious options available for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.

☯️ Martial Arts & Mindfulness

As part of this immersive cultural journey, you’ll also experience the meditative flow of traditional Chinese martial arts. Through guided Tai Chi and Kung Fu sessions, you’ll explore the harmony of movement, breath, and intention — an art form that, like ink painting, reflects the rhythm of nature and the balance within. It’s a moment to ground yourself, reconnect with your body, and understand the philosophy that underlies so much of Chinese artistic and spiritual life.

A Glimpse Into Our 2026 Experience

Testimonials

Program Schedule*

Day 1

April 13 – Arrival – Shanghai
•Evening: Check-in to Hotel & Welcome Dinner

Day 2

April 14 – Jing County
• Morning: High-speed train journey to Jing County
• Afternoon: Visit to the Xuan Paper Culture Park – Discover the secrets of traditional handmade rice paper
• Evening: Check-in to Hotel

Day 3

April 15 – Jing County & Jingde County
• Morning: Explore the Three Rabbit Brush Factory – Witness the delicate art of brush-making
• Afternoon: Seal Carving Experience – Engrave your personal mark in stone
Introduction to Chinese Landscape Painting

Day 4

April 16 – Jingde County
• Morning: Herbal Bracelet Craft Workshop – Scented tradition & Herb recognition
• Afternoon: Chinese Landscape Painting Session

Day 5

April 17 – Jingde Countye
• Morning: Visit the Xuan Inkstone Museum and Heritage Studio
• Midday: Visit to Raw Inkstone Quarry
• Afternoon: Design & Carve Your Own Inkstone Workshop

Day 6

April 18 – Zhaji Ancient Village
• Daytime: Cultural Immersion in Zhaji – Ancient village walk, sketching, and inspiration gathering
• Afternoon-Evening: Landscape Painting Session

Day 7

April 19 – Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
• Morning & Afternoon: Hiking & Cable Car Tour through Huangshan Scenic Area
• Evening: Relaxation at a resort and enjoy Hot Spring

Day 8

April 20 – Huangshan
• Morning: Explore further into the breathtaking Huangshan mountain range
• Afternoon: Landscape Painting Session
• Evening: Hot Spring Soak & Overnight at Resort

Day 9

April 21 – She County
• Morning: Tea Picking & Tea Ceremony
• Afternoon: Stroll through the ancient streets of Huizhou Ancient Town

Day 10

April 22 – Huangshan
• Morning: Visit to the Renowned Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory
• Afternoon: Final Painting Class & Check-in at Resort Hotel

Day 11

April 23 – Huangshan
• Daytime: Tai Chi & Kungfu Session – Movement & Meditation
• Evening: Farewell Banquet

Day 12

April 24 – Departure
• Morning: Slow breakfast
• Noon: Return to Shanghai

*Like a landscape painting, this journey follows a thoughtful composition, with room for natural flow and quiet adjustments. A full itinerary will be shared after your reservation is confirmed, allowing you to prepare with clarity and peace of mind.

Pricing

🎒 Solo Explorer: €3980

Designed for independent travelers who wish to experience the journey with additional comfort, flexibility, and privacy, while still sharing meaningful moments with a small and welcoming group throughout the program.
This option is ideal for participants who appreciate having their own personal space after each day of workshops, travel, cultural visits, and shared experiences across Anhui.
• Private single room throughout the journey
• Includes workshops, accommodations, meals, insurance, local transportation, entrance tickets, and cultural experiences

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Shared Journey - 2 Travelers, Shared Room €3590 / Person

A comfortable shared option designed for two participants travelling together and wishing to fully experience the journey side by side.
• One shared room for two participants
• Full access to all workshops and classes
• Includes accommodations, meals, insurance, local transportation, and workshop materials
• Ideal for close companions who wish to travel lightly while sharing the experience more deeply

⚠️ This journey includes carefully selected accommodations chosen to match the atmosphere and rhythm of the experience, as well as local transportation within China, entrance tickets, workshops, meals, insurance, and cultural experiences throughout the program. International flights, Chinese visa fees, and personal expenses are not included.

🏦 Payment Information

To make your payment experience as smooth and efficient as possible, all program fees will be paid directly to our team in China. This approach allows us to manage local arrangements more effectively and avoid unnecessary third-party fees — helping us keep the journey personal, streamlined, and thoughtfully curated.

Once you’ve completed your registration form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the next steps. To secure your spot, simply follow the bank transfer instructions provided and submit your deposit by the indicated deadline.

We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us keep this experience small, authentic, and community-driven.

For full details such as deposit deadlines, refund options, and coverage, please refer to the
👉 [Program Terms: Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy – Cultural Journey 2027].

 

📋 What You'll Need After Registration

Once your spot is confirmed, we’ll be in touch to collect a few important details to help us prepare for your journey. These include:

  1. A copy of your passport (for hotel and travel bookings)

  2. Your dietary preferences or restrictions (if not already submitted)

  3. Emergency contact information

A detailed welcome pack and next steps will be sent to you after registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I have no experience in painting or calligraphy. Can I still join?

Absolutely! This program is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Each painting session is guided step by step, with plenty of personal support — no prior experience needed.

Q2: What does the price include?

The price covers all accommodation, transportation within China, workshop materials and fees, entrance tickets, most meals, insurance, and bilingual guidance throughout the trip. It does not include international airfare, visa or personal expenses.

Q3: Do I need a visa to join the program in China?

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so we recommend checking with your local Chinese consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
That said, the recent trend is promising — many European passport holders (including those from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and several others) can now travel to China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism.
If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Q5: What kind of physical activity is involved?

Q4: Do I need to bring art supplies?

All painting materials — including paper, ink, and mounting supplies — will be provided for you.
You’re welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer, but it’s entirely optional. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease during each session.

If you’d like to use your own brushes, feel free to bring them along. If not, just let us know in advance — we’re happy to provide brushes as well. Please note that the feel of traditional Chinese brushes may be different from what you’re used to, so having your own can offer a sense of familiarity.

This journey involves a moderate level of physical activity. You can expect some walking during village explorations, cultural site visits, and scenic hikes — especially during our time on the Yellow Mountain. In addition, the program includes gentle Tai Chi and martial arts sessions that focus on balance, breathing, and body awareness. While the pace is not strenuous, a general level of comfort with movement and walking is recommended.

If you have any mobility concerns or accessibility needs, please feel free to contact us — we’ll do our best to ensure you’re well supported throughout the journey.

Q6: Is the program suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary needs?

Yes! We do our best to offer a balanced and flavorful variety of local dishes, with vegetarian options available. Please let us know any specific dietary requirements in advance.