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Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network
Discover Infinite Possibilities
Discover China
Inclusive Volunteer Programs
Visiting China is like entering a totally new world. The ancient traditions tell stories of a culture that, to this day, remain well respected.
The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, with Beijing as its capital city. With well over 1.3 billion citizens, China is the world's most populous country and the third largest in the world in terms of territory.
China continues to experience rapid and profound economic, social and development change. The people of China are warm and welcoming and greatly value their traditions and rich culture, dating back more than a thousand years.
We are proud to offer inclusive programs in Dali, a city in the Yunnan province located in the south of China. Dali is surrounded by the Changshan Mountains in the west and the Erhai Lake in the east and can be considered as one of the most beautiful areas of China.
Come and Explore all the Wonders of China!
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Program & Placement Opportunities
Start Dates, Duration & Sample Program Schedule
Program Fees & Inclusions
Other Important Information
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Program & Placement Opportunities
For further details regarding Volunteer Options in China, select your project of interest below;
Panda Project
Village Experience
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Start Dates, Duration & Sample Program Schedule
Placements are available Year-Round!
The standard IIVN Program Fee applies to a program duration of 4 weeks. Participation may be extended up to a maximum of 6 months for an additional fee per week.
Start dates for our Discover China Program are noted below:
· January 7
· February 4
· March 3 & 31
· April 28
· May 26
· June 23
· July 21
· August 18
· September 15
· October 13
· November 10
· December 8
Following is a sample of how your four (4) week program may be scheduled. Visit one of the following links for further information on each option;
Week 1 – Orientation/Introduction
Weeks 2 & 3 – Volunteer Opportunities
Week 4 – Holiday Week Options
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Week 1 – Orientation/Introduction
Accommodation & Meals
Sample Schedule & Activity
Duration: 1 week
Location: Dali, Yunnan Province
2008 Program Start Dates: January 7; February 4; March 3 & 31; April 28; May 26; June 23; July 21; August 18; September 15; October 13; November 10; December 8;
The Introduction Week is the first step towards a great stay in a new country! It's an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know China and some of its cultural aspects with a first hand live in experience.
Participants will meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with the Chinese customs. The Introduction Week will take place in the beautiful town of Dali (Yunnan Province). Loads of new things will be introduced to you and it will be the time to get used to the local culture.
Our schedule will be flexible but all introduction weeks usually consist of:
China: Culture, Bai Customs, History and Social Issues, are just some of the topics that participants will be introduced to.
Language Skills: Participants will learn basic words and phrases of the Chinese Language, in addition to learning how to write and say their name.
General Information: Many new things will be introduced, including sessions on cooking, team work, local transportation, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & don'ts, and emergency preparation.
Cultural Site Visits: Participants will have the opportunity to visit the local village, Lake Erhai of Dali, market places, and natural sites in groups or individually during free time.
Do not forget to bring items from your home (photos, music, food) to be able to talk about your place and your culture with the locals and other participants!
Sample Orientation Schedule and Activity
Monday (Arrival at Dali & Welcome Party)
- In the morning, we will transfer from Beijing to Kunming by air, the capital city of Yunnan Province, or participate in an excursion in Kunming.
- In the afternoon, we transfer from Kunming to Shuanglang of Dali by bus. It’s quite a pleasant bus ride and will take about 6 hours; you will see beautiful mountains and farming fields on the way. We will stop to enjoy lunch around mid-day.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bai welcome party and dinner outdoors.
Tuesday (Language Lessons, Customs & Village Visit)
- Introduction to Chinese and Bai Culture: do’s and don't s in Bai society.
- Introduction to the language, learn common words and phrases, including how to write and say your name in Chinese.
- Visit a nearby local village, where we will enjoy a welcome party organized by the locals and school students, to wish you a pleasant stay in China. Participants are given an opportunity to talk about customs in their home country.
Wednesday (Lake Visit & Session)
- In the morning, visit the Island on the Lake of Erhai, walking around the island, taking photos of marble Buddhist and local statues.
- Enjoy lunch prepared in a wild rock kitchen and have a cup of tea in the quiet Bai courtyard on the island.
- Learn about the public transport system in China.
- Free-time for participants to relax and enjoy the island.
Thursday (Visit to local market & Language Lessons)
- In the morning, visit the local market and learn how you can buy local food items and how to bargain.
- In the afternoon, learn more about the Chinese language and enjoy lunch.
Friday (Cooking Class, Language Lessons & Temple Visit)
- In the morning, we will start with an interactive Chinese cooking class.
- After lunch, visit a local temple and prepare a Chinese dish.
- Participants will prepare and enjoy a typical Chinese meal in a traditional fashion.
Saturday (Trek)
- Participants will trek to the primitive Bai Mountain Village, enjoying the fruit garden and bird-view of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain along the way.
Sunday (Departure)
*Note: The above schedule is an example of how your time may be spent and is subject to change based on the projects needs and/or weather conditions.
Orientation Accommodation & Meals
Your new home will be one of our hostels near the lake of Erhai in Dali, Yunnan Province. It's a comfortable place and you will feel right at home.
Participants will be staying together in shared bedrooms, and will partake all three meals together. The food is typical Chinese and will contain a variety of dishes.
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Duration: 1 week (extendable)
Location: 150km from Chengdu City, Sichuang Province
2008 Program Start Dates: Every Monday – Year Round
Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of these gentle giants! The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet one of the most endangered species in the world. The best scientific estimates place the total number of pandas worldwide at only 1600. Pandas are one of the most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth, giving joy to adults and children alike, and their survival is paramount!
Saving this species is truly a race against time. We are now placing individuals to volunteer at the Panda Conservation Base, which is a branch of the Wolong Panda Base.
Volunteers are required to prepare food and serve the pandas (apples, panda bread, carrots, etc.), carry lots of bamboo, clean their enclosures, observe and conduct research on their behavior, and help in providing medical care as needed. An experience you will never forget!
Due to the sensitivity and planning involved with this project, participants must apply a minimum of four (4) weeks in advance!
Sample Panda Project Schedule and Activity
Participants will receive in-depth training on the care of, and working with, these amazing animals. Following is an example of how your time may be spent;
Sunday
* Individual Pick up from Chengdu airport.
* Welcome Dinner, and program briefing.
Monday
* The day is free to settle in.
Tuesday
* Transfer by bus in the morning.
* Lunch at the Panda Conservation base.
* In the afternoon, we will take a tour of the Panda Conservation Base.
* Meet your Trainer and the Panda Keeper to start your volunteering.
* Short Training & Guidelines.
* Dinner will be at the local restaurant for our volunteers.
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
* Briefing by the Panda Keepers
* Volunteering at the Panda Conservation Base.
* Work as an assistant of the Panda Keeper.
Saturday
* Transfer to Chengdu by bus (2 and half hours)
* The rest of the evening is free.
Sunday
* Departure
*Note: The above schedule is an example of how your time may be spent and is subject to change based on the projects needs and/or weather conditions.
Panda Project Accommodation & Meals
Your new home will be the hotel in Xiaoxitian, which is located near the Panda Conservation base, enclosed in the mountains. There are 2 - 3 beds in the room with attached bath, 24-hour hot water and laundry service.
Meals will be taken in the hotels restaurant, which serves a wide variety of typical Chinese food.
Participants should be in good health and present a Health Certificate prior to the program start date. Due to the sensitivity and planning involved with this project, participants must apply a minimum of four (4) weeks in advance!
Additional information on Chengdu:
Chengdu is located in the western Sichuan Plain, and is the capital of Sichuan Province. It is a well-known city with a longstanding history and civilization. Among other interesting facts about the city, Chengdu is also known as the City of Brocade and the City of Hibiscus. Chengdu, as early as 500,000 years, was a major transportation hub for telecommunications in southwestern China. Chengdu has many places of interest and is famous for its traditional arts and crafts, ethnic folklore, and beautiful landscapes.
The Shuangliu International Airport, one of the sixth largest airports in China, is at the heart of Chengdu, in addition to the largest transportation center in southwestern China and the meeting point of the Baoji-Chengdu, Chengdu-Chongqing, and Chengdu-Kunming railway lines.
The city boasts easy access to the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River; to Tibet, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong Temple, to the Terra-cotta Warriors of Xi'an, and to Mt. Emei and the Giant Buddha of Leshan.
Brief Introduction of the Panda Conservation Base:
China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) is located in Wolong Nature Reserve and was established by Chinese government cooperated with WWF in 1980. With the efforts over 20 years, CCRCGP has already resolved three key problems of breeding: difficult mating, pregnancy and infant survival, which restricted reproduction of the giant panda for a long time.
The panda birth rate and survival rate are the greatest of all animals. The captive panda population in CCRCGP was developed from six (6) to now over seventy (70) animals. For the safety and development of the captive giant panda, the State Forestry Administrative Bureau invested 27.6 million RMB to build a new panda base. This is a giant panda paradise with well captive raising, reproduction, rare wild animal rescuing and education facilities.
This new base boasts and incredible environment, condign climate and verdant forests. It’s an ideal habitat of the giant panda, as well as an important place for tourism, scientific study and public education.
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Village Experience
Duration: 1 week
Location: Dali, Yunnan (China)
2008 Program Start Dates: January 21; February 18; March 17; April 14; May 12; June 9; July 7; August 4; September 1 & 29; October 27; November 24; December 22.
Participants in this program have a unique opportunity to serve a dual purpose and make a profound impact by teaching children to speak English, and assisting elders with farming tasks necessary to keep the village running. Participants will be placed in Bai, a lakeside village, situated in Shuang Lang.
Sample Village Experience Schedule and Activity
Monday-Thursday (Volunteer at School & Farm)
* 8.30am till 11.30am you will work at the farms along with local families planting trees
for the environment protection of the lake.
* In the afternoon lunch will be provided.
* 3pm - 5pm you will teach at the local secondary school, primary school or
kindergarten. All teaching materials and curriculum will be provided. Creative teaching
ideas are welcome.
* Dinner will be provided in the local hostel or with a local family.
Friday (Evaluation Day & Farewell)
* We will recap our experience and be treated to a farewell party from the host.
Saturday (Departure to Kunming)
* In the morning you will leave from Shuanglang to Kunming by bus.
*Note: The above schedule is an example of how your time may be spent and is subject to change based on the projects needs and/or weather conditions.
Village Experience Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation will be either at individual home stays with local families or at our center in shared bedrooms.
Meals will be provided at the project site and self-cooking is also available.
Additional Information on Yunnan:
Yunnan is an inland province, with Guizhou Province and Guangxi Region on the east, Tibet on the northwest. With a length of 4,060-kilometer boundary line, Yunnan borders on Burma in the west, Laos and Vietnam in the south. Yunnan is a province ranking first in terms of ethnic groups, there are 56 minority nationalities in China and 52 of them can be found in Yunnan, and 26 groups each have a population more than 5,000 and live in compact communities. Yunnan also ranks first in terms of religious beliefs and is worth the name of "the Kingdom of Religion". The 5 main religions are Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, Islam and primitive religion. Yunnan is a charming and mysterious plateau pearl, the climate here is mild, the scenery is beautiful, the culture is brilliant, the ethnic folk are colorful and the resource is diversified. Kumming is the capital city of Yunnan Province, with an area of 216,000 square kilometers, the population is 6 million. It is praised as the Spring City because of its mild climate all the year round.
Dali Information:
Situated in the northwest of Yunnan, 338 kilometers away from Kunming, Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture covers an area of 29,500 square kilometers with a population of 3.3 million including 13 ethnic groups, one third of them is Bai people. With an average altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, Dali has a mild climate of subtropical monsoon type, with an annual mean temperature of 15 C and an average annual rainfall of 1100 mm. Present day Dali is a city that combines history with modern convenience. It is divided into two areas- the Ancient City and the New District (widely known as Xiaguan).
The Ancient City is centered around the ancient city of Dali, first built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient buildings, city walls and the old city moat are the sites most frequented by visitors. The famous Foreigner Street in the Ancient City attracts visitors with its handicrafts, and local culinary delicacies. Xiaguan, located to the south of the Ancient City, home to the government of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Here hotels, public squares, and shopping centers add modernity to the otherwise historical city.
Throughout its years of development, local endeavors for advancement have been rewarded with a great rise in area living standards. Nowadays, Dali is a tourist destination replete with every convenience in transportation and public facilities, making it accessible for visitors from home and abroad.
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Week 4 – Holiday Week Options
For further details regarding Holiday Week Options in China, select your link of interest below;
Culture Week
Trekking
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2008 Program Start Dates: January 14; February 11; March 10; April 7; May 5; June 2 & 30; July 28; August 25; September 22; October 20; November 17; December 15.
During the Culture Week, participants will have the opportunity to experience three very special sites of the traditional Dali culture: Dali Old Town, 1200 year old Dali Three Pagodas and the Nanzhao Grottos.
In addition, participants will have a wonderful time at the Shaping Market, visiting the Shaxi village in Jianchuan, experiencing the Caravan Horse Tea Route from Yunnan to Tibet, and much more...
The Dali Old Town had been the capital of the Kingdom of Nan Zhao and Dali for 500 years from the 8th century to the 13th century. Dali held 13th place among the 14 major capital cities in the world. The entire city is covered by a maze of streams and flowers. Hence the Chinese saying, "The gurgling of water can be heard in every house, and flowers are planted everywhere".
The grottos vividly reflected the royal life, Buddhism worship, local social life and foreign exchange. They are the important grottos with typical ethnic features of southern China. In 1961, it was listed among the first cultural relics under national protection.
Sample Culture Week Schedule and Activity
Monday (Visit to the Shaping Market & Dali Old Town)
- In the morning, visit the Shaping Market, only open once a week, where unique souvenirs may be found.
- After lunch at Xizhou Bai Village, enjoy a tour of the dwellings, more than 100 years old, called "3 buildings with one reflecting wall" or "four buildings with five patios".
- In the evening, visit the local establishments in Old Town and enjoy the history and peace the town offers.
- Enjoy a western dinner in Dali Old Town and stay overnight in a local hostel.
Tuesday (Cultural Visit-Three Pagodas)
- In the morning, visit the Dali Three Pagodas. With a history of over 1,000 years, the Pagodas are symbols of the history and culture of Dali, and are recognized as the National Preserved Relic.
- In the afternoon, enjoy shopping for ethnic souvenirs in Dali Old Town.
Wednesday (Visit-Nanzhao Grottos & Shaxi Village)
- In the morning, visit the Nan Zhao Grottos in the Shibao Mountains by bus. The Shibao Mountains are located at the north of Dali, 131 kilometers away from Dali old town and 25 kilometers away from Jianchuan County. The highest peak is 3038 meters; the lowest place is 1920 meters. With an area of 35 square kilometers, the tourist areas consist of two parts, Shizhong Temple Grottos and Baoxiangshi Temple.
- Sample local favorites at lunch on the way to the Nan Zhao Grottos. The grottos were carved in the kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali, over 300 years ago. Cut along cliffs, 300 meters long, the grottos are carved in Shizhong Temple, Lion Fort and Shadengqing areas. Currently there are 16 caves with 139 statues. Visit the elite and unique stone carvings where photos are prohibited, due to its historical value.
- Spend the evening at the Shaxi Village, 15 kilometers from the grottos. This is an important stop along the Caravan Horse Tea Route from Yunnan to Tibet, full of a lot of time-honored stories.
Thursday (Shaxi Village & Caravan Horse Tea Route)
- In the morning, visit a temple while walking on the local square at Shaxi Village; Experience more of the Caravan Horse Tea Route from Yunnan to Tibet.
- In the afternoon, enjoy free time.
- After dinner, spend time reflecting on your experiences to date.
Friday (Cultural Visit-Jianchuan County)
- During the first part of the morning, enjoy the hand made wood carvings in Jianchuan County, 20 kilometers away from Shaxi Village.
- Spend the evening in Dali Old Town.
Saturday (Free Day)
- Spend the day shopping and reflecting on your experience to date.
Sunday (Departure)
- The morning is free.
- In the afternoon, return to our hostel in Shuanglang.
Culture Week Accommodation & Meals
Accommodations will be at various hostels, in shared bedrooms, with 2-4 beds in a room. Hot water, electricity and laundry will be available.
Meals will vary according to the schedule, but you will have an opportunity to try dishes from the region. Western food is also available in the Dali Old Town.
Yunnan information
Yunnan is an inland province, with Guizhou Province and Guangxi Region on the east, Tibet on the northwest. With a length of 4,060-kilometer boundary line, Yunnan borders on Burma in the west, Laos and Vietnam in the south. Yunnan is a province ranking first in terms of ethnic groups, there are 56 minority nationalities in China and 52 of them can be found in Yunnan, and 26 groups each have a population more than 5,000 and live in compact communities. Yunnan also ranks first in terms of religious beliefs and is worth the name of "the Kingdom of Religion". The 5 main religions are Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, Islam and primitive religion. Yunnan is a charming and mysterious plateau pearl, the climate here is mild, the scenery is beautiful, the culture is brilliant, the ethnic folk is colorful and the resource is diversified. It is the paradise for you. Kumming is the capital city of Yunnan Province, with an area of 216,000 square kilometers, the population is 6 million. It is praised as the Spring City because of its mild climate all the year round.
Dali information
Situated in the northwest of Yunnan, 338 kilometers away from Kunming, Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture covers an area of 29,500 square kilometers with a population of 3.3 million including 13 ethnic groups, one third of them is Bai people. With an average altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, Dali has a mild climate of subtropical monsoon type, with an annual mean temperature of 15 C and an average annual rainfall of 1100 mm. Present day Dali is a city that combines history with modern convenience. It is divided into two areas- the Ancient City and the New District (widely known as Xiaguan). The Ancient City is centered around the ancient city of Dali, first built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient buildings, city walls and the old city moat are the sites most frequented by visitors. The famous Foreigner Street in the Ancient City attracts visitors with its handicrafts, and local culinary delicacies. Xiaguan, located to the south of the Ancient City, home to the government of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Here hotels, public squares, and shopping centers add modernity to the otherwise historical city.
Throughout its years of development, local endeavors for advancement have been rewarded with a great rise in area living standards. Nowadays, Dali is a tourist destination replete with every convenience in transportation and public facilities, making it accessible for visitors from home and abroad.
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Duration: 1 week
Location: Dali, Yunnan (China)
2008 Program Start Dates: Every Monday – Year Round
Live the most adventurous side of China! Experience the picturesque and quietness of the Dali mountains. Trek and stay in a temple in the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high) and observe the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in the Autumn, wheat and bean in the Spring. Enjoy a few days of peaceful mountain scenery, including meadows and forests, and if fortunate enough, you can also spot wild animals such as rabbits, bears, foxes and leopards in their natural habitat. You will also visit the Shang Qing Village in Bin Chuan and trek through the mountains into the lake village Shuang Lang. The journey is challenging but worthwhile!
Sample Trekking Schedule and Activity
Monday
* Departure from the lake village, climb to the top of the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high, about 6 hours trek).
* Stay overnight at the temple.
Tuesday
* Enjoy the sunrise.
* Explore the quietness of the mountain (3 hours trek).
* Visit the monks and nuns of the temple and see them chanting.
* Stay overnight at the temple.
Wednesday
* Trek through the beautiful villages until we get into the home stay village Shangqing in Binchuan (about 5 hours trek).
* A chance to see some of the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in Autumn, wheat and bean in spring.
* Stay overnight with home stays in Shangqing village.
Thursday
* Trek back through the mountains to the lake village Wase, (about 5 hours trek) and take a bus or tituke back to Shuanglang.
Friday
* We will have an evaluation and share your experiences with other participants.
* Farewell Party.
Weekend
* Departure from Shuanglang to Kunming by bus
*Note: The above schedule is an example of how your time may be spent and is subject to change based on the projects needs and/or weather conditions.
Trekking Accommodation & Meals
Overnight stays at the temple will be simple, please bring your sleeping bag. In the home stay, you will have shared bedrooms and dormitory style accommodation.
All meals will be typical Chinese and local Bai dishes. Please inform beforehand if you have food allergies or are vegetarian.
Additional information on the Chicken Foot Mountain:
The Chicken Foot Mountain lies 100 kilometers northeast of Dali City and 30 kilometers northwest of Binchuan County seat. There are 13 peaks, the shape looks like chicken foot, thus its name, Chicken Foot Mountain. It covers an area of 250 square kilometers, the highest peak is Tianzhu peak, 3240 meters high above sea level, the lowest place is 1780 meters. The trees here are mainly primitive trees, such as pines, firs and camphors.
The mountain is the 5th most famous Buddhist mountain in China, it is said the senior disciple of Sakyamuni, Mahakasyapa once practiced Buddhism here. In the most flourishing period in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with over 300 temples and 5000 monks and nuns. The famous temple, Zhusheng, is located here. It’s name was granted by Empress Cixi. It was first built in the Ming Dynasty, the present one was rebuilt in 1909 by monk Xuyun, who, at 60 years of age overcame great difficulties. He passed away here at the age of 120 years of age, so those looking to live a long life believe this temple is the best place to pray.
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Participants may choose to extend this program up to a maximum of 6 months for an additional fee of $200.00 USD per week.
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