A Xia Expedition
Summer Journey along the Yellow River and Chinese Civilization
July 7th – July 18th, 2026 (12 Days)
This summer, MUZIM invites you to join Professor Michael Liu, a distinguished scholar with over 20 years of dedicated research on the Yellow River, on an in-depth expedition from the frontier knowledge of modern river management to the very roots of Chinese civilization. We will traverse the vast Loess Plateau and desert oases, witnessing the engineering marvels that ensure the river’s peace and as a vital water source for North China, as well as tracing its connections with the Chinese history.
The word Xia (夏) has rich cultural and historical associations in China. In addition to meaning Summer, the very first Chinese dynasty, originally only in legend but now backed up by rich archeological findings, was named Xia; millennia later, a Xiongnu (Hun) King named his kingdom as Xia; another few centuries later, a different ethnic tribe established a kingdom called Xia—all along the meandering reaches of the river. The expedition will take you to all these sites, reflecting on the dense interplay of the river and Chinese civilization.
It will be more than a field study of the natural ecosystem of the river; it will be a timeless dialogue—an opportunity of immersion into the life force of the river and the multi-faceted roots of the Chinese civilization.
Expedition Highlights:
Artistic Documentation: Capturing breathtaking vistas through open-ended landscape sketching and personal artistic expression.
Youth Projects: Small-scale exploratory projects for children, connecting nature, people, and culture through observation and reflection.
Trekking in the Wild: Deepening your connection to the land through immersive trekking along ancient fortifications and riverbanks.
Experts on the Expedition:
Professor Michael Liu: A renowned scholar who has spent over two decades studying the Yellow River. Author of The Great River: Yellow River Management and Water Resource Utilization, a critically acclaimed work recommended by the Science Press. He will provide in-depth, bilingual insights into the river's management and cultural evolution.
Dr. Jenny Wang: Lead Academic Planner and expert in Cultural Heritage Education and Public Engagement. She will guide participants through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary observations and reflections.
Professional Support: Professional bilingual (English-Chinese) local guides will accompany the group to ensure seamless communication and a deep understanding of regional cultures.
Contact & Registration:
Email: contact [at] muzim [dot] co [dot] uk
