From the perspective of the making process of clay figurines, they can be divided into two.Figurines can be made by molding, like toys. These tend to be mass-produced in larger quantities.Figurines can also be made-by-hand, like the Huishan clay figurines. The latter are more detailed, and often portray characters from folk tales. Appealing colors like red, green, blue, and yellow are often applied to these figurines to make them more eye-catching and attract customers. Many folk artists sell the Huishan clay figurines in the trade fairs or during festival seasons, and have even made a living from it.

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China has established many cultural centers for the display of clay figurines abroad. Clay figurines were very popular during the reign of the Qing and Ming dynasties. Some of the most famous pieces, amongst all, were the Huishan clay figurines, made in Wuxi of Jiangsu province, and the Zhang clay figurines, made in Tianjin. Zhang Mingshan, after learning the craft from his father, created Zhang clay figurines during Qing dynasty. Observing roles of the actors in local operas, famous people, and people of various walks of life, he designed his figurines to portray various expressive moods. Incorporating skills similar to those of Chinese wood engravings and paintings, he is known to have created more than 10,000 figurines. His products were so appealing that people entitled him as “Clay Figurine Zhang.” The Huishan clay figurines are of a different style and are usually sold with plates. They are also made of special clay, which is available in Huishan Mountain. The significance of the clay is said to be its excellent plasticity and smooth texture, which is perfect for sculpting. Huishan figurines reached the height of their development as well as production during the Qing dynasty from the reign of EmperorTongzhi to Emperor Guangxu. On the 60th birthday of empress Dowager Cixi, the local official of Huishan gave her a clay figurine set titled “Immortality Peach Gathering.” From then on, Huishan clay figurines have received recognition as articles unto the Imperial Court. Wuxi of Jiangsu province is renowned for his Huishan clay figurines. 

Yi Xing is located on the boundary of Suzhou, Zhejiang and Anhui. It was a famous place for tea during the Tang dynasty. It is recorded that Gong Chun, an artist in the Ming dynasty, was the first best maker of Zi Sha pots. His works were named Gong Chun pot. Even then, there were comparisons between Gong Chun pots and treasures. Hence, the production of Zi Sha pot boomed.

In the middle of the Qing dynasty, Cheng Hongshou, a well-known scholar, took part in the production of Zi Sha pots and integrated calligraphy, drawing and arts, which was accepted and affirmed by society and named the Man Sheng pot. This kind of pot was another milestone in the history of Zi Sha pot production. After that, many artists took part in the drawing and calligraphy of Zi Sha pots.

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There is a long history of drinking tea in China. Ancient scholars used to drink tea together and regarded it as a great fun. Drinking tea played an important role in the lives of ancient people.

In the Tang dynasty, there was no difference between tea wares and eating wares. Along with the popularization of drinking tea, the ideal teapot ─ the Zi Sha pot ─ appeared in the late of Tang dynasty. This kind of pot is made of mud named Zi Sha and its color is mauve. It has a simple and unsophisticated form, and was quite popular during the Song dynasty. The well-known poet Ou Yangxiu once wrote poems about the pot. During the period between the Song and Ming, Yi Xing became the production center of Zi Sha pots. Now, the Zi Sha pot made in Yi Xing is the best quality.

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel at 08:00. Drive about 2 hours to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, which is currently the longest section and has a high reputation. You will appreciate the profound history and the amazing natural scenery when you walk on it. The round trip cable car ride is included to save your time and energy. After that, we will drive about 1.5 hours to stopover at the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium), where you will see the full view of the building and take some photos. Finally, we will transfer you back to the hotel.  

Meals: not included, but our guide will offer some suggestions

• 1 person
  $249
• 2 persons
  $149
• 3 persons
  $131
• 4 persons
  $107
• 5 persons
  $100
• 6 persons
  $94
• 7 persons
  $91
• 8 persons
  $86
• 9 persons
  $82