STEPPING STONES - SHEXIAN, ANHUI

Sticks & Stones

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS | USD 800

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

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.

Interior viewed through a window, showing two vintage balance scales on a wooden surface, a newspaper, and greenery outside with a person in a white hat reading a paper among trees. 
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Under the guidance of master artisans, carve a Shè inkstone, gild an inkstick, and bring both to life through calligraphy.

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 activity

Accommodation: Boutique Luxury Resort

  • Twin-share standard room

  • Single supplements available

DATES & PRICING

3 Days 2 Nights - USD 800 per person

Public Departures:

  • Available Friday–Sunday in November 2026:
    11.06-08 ; 11.13-15 ; 11.20-22 ; 11.27-29
    Trips confirmed once four guests have booked.

Private Departures (inquire for more info):

  • Flexible dates; RSVP one week in advance.

  • Optional add-ons: custom stone art

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 Shexian, Anhui

  • Flights and airport transfer fees

  • Visa, passport, immigration fees

  • Personal expenses

Various rocks and stones of different colors and textures, some with moss and water on them.
Close-up of a metal surface with water droplets and some blue writing.
A small flame burning inside a decorative ceramic bowl in a dark, industrial environment with metal and concrete surfaces.
A man in a white t-shirt is working in a dark, industrial setting with many black kettles or pots heating on a long stove. The background suggests a soot-covered wall and a row of wooden sticks leaning against the wall.
A teal plastic basket filled with pieces of firewood resting on a surface, with a coin and some papers nearby.
Four glass jars with wooden lids containing dark powder, orange powder, and preserved food items, placed on a wooden surface with a blurred television in the background.
Black Chinese oolong tea stones in a bamboo tray, with detailed carvings of dragons on the stones.
Ink Factory
Hands working with gold leaf and black clay or ceramic on a black surface.
A person with dirty hands is holding a black container filled with white powder, pouring it onto a dark, round stone or piece of charcoal placed on a black surface.
Hu Kai Wen Factory Inkstick
Close-up of a metal piece with an engraved design of a bee and ornate patterns, held by fingers.
Inkstick Artisan
Close-up of a traditional Chinese inkstone with Chinese characters engraved on it, used for grinding ink sticks with water for calligraphy.
A wooden shelf with black and gold decorative items, possibly jewelry or ornaments, and a small white object. The shelf appears to be inside a shop or display case.
Close-up of a large block of ice with textured surface, sitting on a black surface with ice chips around.
Close-up of someone creating black calligraphy characters on a white sheet of paper with a brush, positioned on a gray surface.
Person holding a brush drawing black ink characters on white paper.
Close-up view of ink blots and smudges on a piece of paper.
Small ceramic bowl with dark liquid, possibly soy sauce, on a gray surface.
A black ink sketch of a person with curly hair and a beanie, looking down, with splatter marks surrounding the figure on a white background.
Close-up of a hand writing black ink calligraphy on a white sheet of paper with a brush pen.
Close-up of black inked S-shaped calligraphy strokes on paper.
Two parallel walls of stacked rocks on a stone pathway with a cloudy sky above.
Huizhou living room

Itinerary

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT