Yes. Eric Rhoads, who personally scouted and designed this itinerary after spending a month painting in China in 2024, will host the entire trip. He’ll be painting alongside you throughout.

Arrival: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) on November 6, 2026.

Departure (Main Trip): Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on November 21, 2026.

If you take the optional Xi’an extension, you depart from Shanghai on November 25.

No. International airfare is not included—you book your own flights to Beijing and home from Shanghai. We can provide guidance on routing and timing.

Yes. US citizens require a visa to enter China. We’ll provide instructions and support for the application process after you register.

This is not a structured workshop. The focus is on painting time and location access, not classroom instruction. That said, optional demonstrations from Chinese master artists will be available at select locations, and you’ll be painting alongside a group of committed artists—plenty of informal learning happens naturally.

A lot. The main trip includes 13 dedicated plein air sessions over 16 days. Most painting sessions run 3–4 hours. This is a working trip designed for artists who want serious brush time.

This trip is built for committed painters—people who already have an active plein air practice and want to push their work in new directions. It’s not designed for beginners seeking foundational instruction. If you’re comfortable painting independently outdoors and want an immersive experience, you’ll fit right in.

Moderate to challenging. Expect daily walking on uneven terrain, stairs at historic sites, and outdoor painting in variable weather (temperatures range from 40°F in Beijing to 75°F in Guilin). You’ll be working on location for 3–4 hours at a time, often standing. Some travel days are long. Pack comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and come prepared to work.

Small—designed to maintain quality painting access and personal attention. We’re targeting approximately 40 participants. If demand is high, we may add a second bus, but the experience will remain intimate.

Yes. Spouses, partners, or guests who appreciate cultural travel are welcome. While the group paints, non-painting guests will have access to local guides and alternative activities. Everyone shares meals and cultural experiences together.

Chinese cuisine can accommodate many dietary needs with advance notice. Please let us know about any allergies or restrictions when you register. Note: strict gluten-free diets may be more challenging to accommodate—contact us to discuss specifics.

Variable by region:

Beijing: 40–60°F days, 35–45°F evenings
Guilin/Yangshuo/Fuchuan: 65–75°F days, 50–60°F evenings
Lishui: 50–60°F days, 40–50°F evenings
Shanghai/Luzhi: 50–60°F days, 45–55°F evenings

Pack layers. A light jacket for evenings. Rain gear just in case.

Most painters prefer to bring their familiar materials. That said, Chinese art supplies—pigments, brushes, paper, canvas—are high quality and affordable. We’ll visit Beijing’s largest art supply store on Day 2 if you want to stock up or experiment.
For flying with paints and solvents, we’ll provide packing guidance before the trip.

It happens. If conditions make outdoor work impossible, you’ll have reference photos from the trip and comfortable indoor spaces to paint. The schedule has enough flexibility to adapt.

Yes. Hotels provide WiFi. Note that some Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram) are blocked in China—consider downloading a VPN before you travel.

China is generally very safe for travelers. Our local guides will be with the group throughout. You’ll have emergency contact information, hotel details, and support at every stage. We recommend traveling with a buddy during free time and keeping hotel information on you.

Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Money exchange is available at hotels and banks in Beijing, Yangshuo, Lishui, Luzhi, and Shanghai. Mobile payment apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used—we’ll provide setup guidance. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but less common in rural areas. Eric traveled his entire 2024 trip without cash, using apps only.

Strongly recommended. Purchase coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost luggage before you depart. This protects you against unforeseen circumstances that our refund policy may not cover.

Travel insurance is your best protection. Our cancellation policy offers some refund windows, but insurance covers situations we can’t—illness, injury, family emergencies. Get coverage.

You’ll receive a confirmation email with full trip details, payment schedule, visa guidance, packing suggestions, and flight recommendations. Our travel coordinator will follow up personally to answer questions and help you prepare.

Yes. Payment options include check, wire transfer, and credit card. Details provided upon registration.

Yes. If Plein Air Magazine cancels the trip for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund. Individual cancellations are subject to our standard cancellation policy.