STEPPING STONES - SHEXIAN, ANHUI
Sticks & Stones
3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS | USD 800
Before brushes ever touch paper, calligraphy and art begin with a far quieter ritual: water is placed on stone, and an inkstick is slowly ground until it releases a deep, lustrous black.
Huizhou became renowned for producing two of China’s Four Treasures of the Study. Prized since the Tang dynasty, Shè inkstones are shaped from fine-grained stone whose natural colors and markings guide each carver’s design. Huizhou inksticks transform soot, glue, aromatics, carved moulds, and patient handwork into an ink celebrated for its richness, permanence, and beauty.
Today, both crafts are recognized as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.
Over three days in Shexian, follow these closely related traditions from material to finished mark. Shape and carve an inkstone under the guidance of a master; enter the historic Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory to witness the many stages of traditional inkmaking; under the guidance of master with 50 years of experience, form and gild an inkstick by hand; finally, bring the two together through calligraphy.
You will leave Huizhou carrying two of the Four Treasures—and a deeper understanding of the materials, skill, and ritual behind the written word.
The historical framing is supported by China’s official intangible-cultural-heritage records for Shè inkstone making and Huizhou inkstick making.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Carve a Shè inkstone, gild a traditional Huizhou inkstick, and bring both to life through calligraphy. Guided by master artisans, this intimate three-day journey makes two of the Four Treasures your own.
Minimum age: 12+ with guardian present
Language: English, led by bilingual guide
Group size: 4-8 people, 1:4 staff to guest ratio
Activity level: Low - no intensive physical activity
Accommodation: Boutique Luxury Resort
Twin-share standard room
Single supplements available
DATES & PRICING3 Days 2 Nights - USD 800 per person
Public Departures:
Runs every Friday–Sunday.
Trips confirmed once four guests have booked.
Private Departures (min. 4 people):
Private departures are available upon request, with flexible trip dates and optional add-ons.
Bookings must be made at least one week in advance.
Included:
Transport & accommodation during trek
All meals (3 per day)
All fees: attractions, activities, supplies
Travel accident insurance
Excluded:
Luxury souvenirs/memorabilia/art
Transportation to/from Anhui
Flights and airport transfer fees
China visa, passport, immigration fees
Personal expenses (laundry, e-SIM, etc.)
Itinerary
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Arrive in Shexian and meet the Inkstone team.
Following an introduction to the Four Treasures and the history of the Shè inkstone, examine examples from raw stone to finished work.
Select, shape, design, and begin carving a personal inkstone under the guidance of a master. Conclude with a Hui-style dinner and an evening walk through historic Shexian.
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Complete the finer carving and polishing of your inkstone before visiting the historic Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory.
Follow Huizhou ink through soot, glue, kneading, pounding, moulding, drying, finishing, and gilding.
Press a fresh inkstick in a traditional mould and hand-gild a matured stick to take home. End with an informal conversation with the makers about the tradition’s future.
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Learn to prepare ink as it was traditionally used: adding water, grinding to different consistencies, loading the brush, and observing how ink responds to paper.
Practice foundational calligraphic strokes before completing a small work with the tools you have made.
Depart Shexian carrying two of the Four Treasures of the Study—and the knowledge to put them to use.