Activities

Community Service Projects

Our community service projects see overseas schools and organizations partnered with local schools in Yangshou. In doing this we aspire to develop and improve the quality of education and school facilities in the area and to promote cultural sharing and understanding.
To learn more about our local school service projects, please visit our China community service page.

Action and Adventure Activities

Dragonfly specializes in safe, fun and well managed outdoor adventure activities. We provide equipment, leaders, instruction and skill development for all ages and abilities.

Kayaking

Paddling down the Li river is a fun and refreshing way to see the spectacular cliffs, karsts and other varied landscapes of the Yangshou region. Participants can enjoy getting out and paddling as well as observe the flowing way of river-life that moves along as it did hundreds of years ago. We use safe, stable kayaks which are ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers, and always have a safety boat.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is one of our most popular and exciting activities and it is a great way to explore hidden villages, observe countryside life and get off the beaten track. Our cycling excursions feature general bicycle safety talks, ability assessments, grouping according to ability, mountain bike skills and plenty of great trails.

Rock Climbing

Yangshuo is world famous for its rock climbing. Climbing in Yangzhou is a fantastic experience for beginners and advanced climbers alike. Our instructors are experienced and internationally qualified to ensure that your 'on rope' experience with us is safe and memorable.

Caving
The limestone geography of the area makes this region a mecca for cavers! We use caves which are easily accessible and safe. This landscape offers excellent opportunities to experience underground habitats and learn about cave and rock formations.

Hiking
Hiking is possibly the best way to enter into the world of adventure in the great outdoors.  It is an ideal way to experience beautiful landscapes, wildlife and greenery. There is plenty to admire and discover along the way, including tucked away villages, rice paddies and fields, high karst peaks, amazing vistas and shady, cool paths. Participants can learn important skills and become more confident in the outdoors.

We can provide a range of day trip options, or hiking to an overnight camp site.

Camping
After some great hiking or amazing activities there’s nothing better than camping out with your friends. Students learn basic camp craft like setting tents, and help out with camp cooking. Overnight camps are a fun way to get to know your camp mates better, and are always a highlight.

Cultural and Creative Activities in Yangshuo

Fan Painting Village Trip

Fan painting is one of the Yangshuo area’s most famed traditions. One nearby village in particular is renowned for its high quality fans. Participants in this activity learn from a local family in the village about the many steps involved in the fan making process, and get to paint their own fan. Participants also get to experience the life and culture of local villagers and further understand the meaning of the home manufacturing industry in Asia.

Cultural Village Trip

This half-day trip involves a scenic boat trip along the famous Li River which, historically, was the main mode of transportation in the region. While cruising to the village by private boat, participants can observe the comings and goings of life along the river and the splendid scene of majestic limestone karsts lining the river.

The village is a lovely example of historic architecture and a step back in time. Participants will find ample photographic opportunities and be able to observe the human and cultural goings on.

Cormorant Fishing Trip
This is an evening activity which demonstrates the age old method of fishing by using the incredibly skilled swimming and hunting abilities of cormorant birds. Students take a fun night boat trip to watch these amazing birds.

Yangshuo Light Show

‘Impression Liu Sanjie’ is an amazing evening performance on the water that is famous throughout China. The show, set to music from a movie with the same name, features a cast of 500 who wear traditional Zhuang

Chinese Cooking Classes

Cooking and cuisine are an integral part of any culture. This activity allows participants to get into the kitchen and learn a few Chinese dishes. More than good food and good times, you also get a recipe book to take back with you. We have had so much positive feedback from this activity that we highly recommend it as an activity not to be missed!

Martial Arts Study
We can arrange lessons in Tai Chi, Qi Kung and other martial arts forms with local masters in the region.

Mandarin Lessons
In addition to the many opportunities to practice the local language while in Yangshuo, Dragonfly can also arrange intensive Mandarin tutoring sessions or simple language insets within our programs to help you have an enjoyable time learning the language in a fantastic setting.

Geography and Environmental Activities

River and Stream Study
Rivers in the Yangshuo area are not onlyÃfff,Ãff,Ãf,Ã,  for recreation, but also an important means of transportation, shipping and agriculture. In our study of rivers we explore these uses further, look at seasonal changes and explore the habitat and characteristics of various rivers and streams in the area.

Agriculture and Land Use Study
Though the town of Yangshuo is changing quickly, the countryside offers opportunities to study the traditional methods of agriculture. The area supports a wide variety of crops and orchards including citrus fruit farms, rice fields, vegetables and canola seeds.Ãfff,Ãff,Ãf,Ã,  We also examine how changes in land use affect our natural resources.

Geology Study
Yangshuo’s incredible rich geological features offer lots of opportunities for learning and exploring. Limestone karsts, caves, cliffs and trails make the study of geology interesting for everyone! We visit caves and areas which are accessible by hiking, boating and kayaking. Discover why the landscape around Yangshuo is so unique and why it is the marvel of all its visitors.

Leadership Training and Personal Development

The Great Race
Our classic team event, “The Great Race” pits teams against one another in a test of speed and teamwork. The scope and level of difficulty can be modified to suit any group, age, ability and timeframe. The Great Race is suitable for small or large groups. Checkpoints along the course have team challenges and make this race an unforgettable experience.

Raft Building
Teams work together to design and build a raft that must carry them down a section of river marked out for the race. Each team has the same supplies and the only things to help them reach the finish line are knot tying, paddling and teamwork.

For more on leadership, please contact us.

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