Program Overview
This isn't a single trip—it's a transformative 2-year cultural immersion designed to build deep cultural fluency and enduring relationships across all of China.
Over four seasonal journeys spanning all regions of China, you'll discover the comprehensive story of Chinese civilization: from political power centers to ancient spiritual sites, from manufacturing heartlands to innovation hubs, from rural traditions to megacity futures.
Journey 1 (Northern China): Political foundations and industrial transformation through Beijing, Xi'an, and Changchun
Journey 2 (Southern China): Innovation ecosystems and trade heritage
Journey 3 (Western China): Inland transformation and ethnic diversity
Journey 4 (Eastern China): Aesthetic legacy and global outlook
The Result: Become a vital bridge builder between China and the world, with deep cultural fluency, extensive networks, and strategic insights that transform both personal understanding and professional capabilities.
Who Should Join?
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Perfect for: CEOs, senior executives, entrepreneurs from ASEAN countries
You'll Gain:
Complete China Mastery: A 2-year deep dive across all regions provides comprehensive market understanding and cultural fluency that transforms how you navigate complex China partnerships
Exclusive Leadership Network: Access to C-suite leaders, government officials, and innovators across China's major economic centers
Global Cohort Community: Ongoing relationships with other global leaders building Asia-Pacific bridges and collaborative opportunities
Why This Matters: Superficial China exposure won't cut it anymore. The leaders who win in Asia will be those with a comprehensive, nuanced understanding of the complete China story.
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Perfect for: Those with Chinese ancestry or deep cultural interest seeking a meaningful connection
You'll Gain:
Complete Heritage Journey: Experience your roots across all regions where Chinese civilization developed and spread, with deep guided exploration of how your heritage connects to the contemporary Chinese renaissance
Master-Level Cultural Education: 2-year immersion in philosophy, arts, languages, and traditions with China's foremost cultural experts
Global Heritage Network: Connect with heritage-connected individuals worldwide and Chinese cultural leaders across all regions
Why This Matters: This is the most comprehensive heritage journey available, connecting you authentically with 5,000 years of civilization while providing insight into its modern expression.
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Perfect for: PRC citizens curious about a deeper understanding of their own heritage
You'll Gain:
Elevated National Understanding: See your country through international eyes across all regions and development models, experiencing how different areas contribute to China's technological and economic advancement
Global Perspective: Understand how different cultures perceive China's role and contributions to world civilization
Cultural Ambassador Skills: Develop expertise in explaining Chinese values and vision to international audiences with authentic cross-cultural fluency
Why This Matters: As China engages globally, citizens who understand their country's complete story and can communicate it effectively become invaluable cultural bridges.
Your Complete 2-Year Journey
Journey 1: Northern China - The Foundation (October 2025)
Beijing: Political power and civilizational vision
Xi'an: Ancient wisdom and dynastic memory
Changchun: Industrial transformation and food security
Journey 2: Southern China - The Innovation Engine (Spring 2026)
Shenzhen: Technology and entrepreneurial spirit
Guangzhou: Trade heritage and modern gateways to the world
Fujian: Maritime culture and a legacy of outward exploration
Journey 3: Western China - The Spiritual Heart (Fall 2026)
Sichuan: Taoist philosophy and ecological engineering in mountain landscapes
Chongqing: Urban resilience, river civilizations, and interior industrial revitalization
Yunnan: Biodiversity, spiritual ecology, and multi-ethnic cultural resilience
Journey 4: Eastern China - The Global Gateway (Spring 2027)
Shanghai: Financial innovation and international outlook
Hangzhou: Digital economy and aesthetic refinement
Zhejiang Water Town: Classical Jiangnan culture and literati sensibility
Each journey builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive understanding of China's past, present, and future across all dimensions.
*While these four journeys offer a wide view of China’s landscape and spirit, they are only a beginning. China’s depth and diversity are far too vast for any fixed route, so our destinations will continue to evolve as the program grows.
Between Journeys: Online Community Learning & Dialogue
To sustain learning momentum and foster a truly collaborative cohort, the program includes:
Monthly Online Conversations: Zoom sessions designed as participant-led dialogues. Each session explores emerging China-related themes, guided by rotating hosts from within the cohort.
Cohort Learning Circles: Peer-led small groups for reflection, inquiry, and storytelling—deepening insight through shared lived experience.
Why This Matters: This isn't expert transmission—it's reciprocal learning. Each participant is both a learner and a teacher, shaping a collective understanding of China’s complexity and humanity.
Optional Routes (Independent Journeys)
Optional stand-alone journeys, such as highland spiritual experiences or Silk Road cultural explorations, may be offered periodically outside the core 2-year program.
Availability is limited and pricing is separate. Please contact us directly for details.
What You'll Experience Daily
Every day integrates five dimensions for complete immersion:
Nature: Understanding China's relationship between land, history, and development
Venture: Meeting innovators reshaping China's economy and society
Nurture: Daily mindfulness practice and group reflection for integration
Future: Exploring how you'll build ongoing China relationships and insights
Culture: Arts, philosophy, and tradition through hands-on learning
Your Expert Guides
Dr. Home H.C. Nguyen, Ed.D
Executive coach to Fortune 500 leaders, Yale lecturer, mindful leadership expert. Brings deep experience helping global executives integrate Eastern wisdom with Western business practice.
Leng Lim, MDiv, MBA
Multi-disciplinary advisor to high-net-worth families across three continents. Harvard and Princeton educated, INSEAD supervisor. Specializes in values-based leadership and cross-cultural navigation.
Lian Xia
Former Assistant Dean at China's leading business school (CKGSB), and board member of three listed Chinese companies. Your bridge to China's business and innovation ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a single journey and the 2-year program?
A: A Single journey gives you deep regional insight. The 2-year program makes you a China-informed leader with a comprehensive understanding impossible to gain any other way.
Q: Can I join later journeys if I miss Journey 1?
A: Limited availability. Priority is given to complete program participants, but we also accommodate exceptional candidates.
Q: What's the group size and selection process?
A: Maximum 20 participants, carefully curated for diverse perspectives and profound commitment to cultural bridge-building.
Q: Do I need to speak Chinese?
A: No. Professional interpretation provided for all formal sessions. Basic cultural orientation included.
Q: What's the physical demand?
A: Moderate walking (2-3 hours daily), optional hiking. All activities have alternatives for different fitness levels.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Apply by August 15, 2025 [DATE]. Include a brief background and what you hope to contribute to group learning.
Q: What if I'm unable to commit to the full 2-year program?
A: You can start with Journey 1 and decide. However, the complete program offers exponentially greater value.
Ready to become a bridge builder with grounded China insight?
This isn't just travel—it's the most comprehensive China education available, comparable to living there for decades. You'll return from the 2-year journey as one of the world's most knowledgeable non-Chinese cross-cultural navigator on contemporary China.
Complete Program Participants Gain:
Unmatched China expertise across all regions and sectors
Exclusive network of Chinese leaders and global China experts
Cultural fluency that transforms business and personal relationships
Strategic insights that position you as the go-to China advisor in your field
Journey 1 applications close September 1, 2025. Complete program enrollment is limited to 20 participants worldwide.
Next Steps:
Apply for Journey 1: Secure your spot in this exclusive cohort
Information Session: August 15, 2025 - Virtual Q&A with program leaders
Personal Consultation: Schedule a one-on-one conversation about your China goals
“To witness is to honor. To walk together is to transform. To understand China deeply is to better understand our shared humanity.”