Field Study in Chinese History: Along the Silk Road

Background:

This course takes students to some of the most significant cities along the Silk Road: Xi’an, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. Starting in Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, students gain a deep understanding of the historical and cultural legacy of northwest China. The journey continues through the vast Gobi Desert, from Zhangye to Dunhuang, tracing ancient communication routes between China and Eurasia. Students learn about the historical significance of Jiayuguan, marvel at the vibrant culture depicted in the Dunhuang murals, and engage in discussions about the dissemination of Chinese culture across the vast Gobi Desert. This comprehensive journey offers a profound educational experience, blending lectures with field trips, allowing students to understand the expansive cultural heritage of the Silk Road.

Program locations: Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, Zhangye and Dunhuang in Gansu Province

Duration: 28 December, 2024 – 8 January, 2025

Study Language: English

Accreditation: 2 credits

Eligibility: Students should have completed at least one course in Chinese language or culture, or submit a personal statement in the application and receive approval from the instructor. Students must have a good command of English. 

Slot: 10

Testimonials:

I really admire Prof. Xu’s statement on Chinese cultural boundaries: “We often have heavy stereotypes about Chinese culture, especially from the Ming and Qing dynasties. However, when discussing the broader context of Chinese culture, we need to be particularly cautious.” Through engaging with relics spanning thousands of years, the weight of history and the complexity of culture become clear. Simplistic notions like “the Silk Road is just silk and just a road” are corrected, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Chinese civilization.

— Zixuan Yang, Freshman at JI

We explore ancient sites with youthful enthusiasm. Whether riding bikes on Xi’an’s ancient walls, waving from the colorful cliffs of Danxia, or feeling the thrill of fast downhill slopes, these experiences are memorable. On the last day of 2023, we stopped at Xiaofangpan City. The sunset at Yumen Pass was late, but no one felt cold. As the last rays of sunlight in 2023 faded, Prof. Xu asked us, “How do you feel? Quite sentimental, right?” All I could think was, “Time flies, mountains and rivers are vast.”

— Hongfei Zhu, Freshman at JI