Huaquan Village, Jiangxi, China

5Parsifal P 5:00 PM Jun 29, 2018

Huaquan village was all it took to satisfy my wanderlust
The most enjoyable part of this trip was taking attractive photos. We tried leaning on the villages benches, grabbing poles, leaping with legs open, showing off our Chinese, doing numbers with our fingers, sitting on the rafting, shading us from the inclement summer sun, backed with the astonishing nature of the geological park: Longhu mountain. All kinds of poses besides sculptures, sitting near by water mirrors, looking up into the sky, and taking a deep breath in paradise. After all, the moment was worth saving, as well as, it was worth savoring with my new friends. Out of excitement, in my two-day trip, everyone came from different parts of the world as well as China. I was already involved in making new friends, listening to other languages that I have never known, and following team plans, like visiting the museum of traditional Chinese culture and art galleries, experiencing the traditional Chinese calligraphy, and modeling with clay my own pot. Engaging with the owner of this village, his new guest to join the craftsmen street, his staff was a memorable time. That’s when it clicked for me, his idea about inviting artist from different parts of the world to cooperate with a mural inspired by what they conceived as miracle. I totally used my whole body to experience this fulfilling journey of breathing the majesty earth. I was just thinking about what to answer when a friend came over to me and asked me about China. There are more things to do in a weekend scene. A weekend trip to Huaquan village was all it took to satisfy my wanderlust, took into account my adventurous escapade involving craftsmen street, Chinese calligraphy, and rafting in the Longhu mountain!

5emgambleta 5:00 PM Jul 1, 2018

China's Greatest Hits
This village curates an accessible, enjoyable Chinese cultural experience. The whole place is designed to be interactive, with knowledgeable hosts and master craftsmen guiding visitors through. It gives you a chance to truly engage with ancient practices, by learning in an authentic environment and getting your hands dirty! We got to experience throwing clay on pottery wheels in the studio of a renowned artist. The learning center offers other classes like calligraphy, painting, yoga, TCM, and tai chi so visitors can choose what they find interesting, and perhaps discover a new passion! The village combats a notion that Chinese culture is "exclusionary" and instead invites the world to participate. They invite international artists for residencies and collaborations. Contemporary art is celebrated through out the village-- everywhere you look is a masterpiece by an accomplished artist. It was a really amazing time and I can't wait to return with more friends!