Jade Palette:
China Art Expedition
August 2025 · Qingdao/ Beijing, China
Step into a world where art meets adventure! Join us for a rare international watercolor exhibition like no other – a showcase of breathtaking global talent and creativity. Elevate your skills in an immersive En Plein Air masterclass led by the legendary Master Hua, whose structural techniques are celebrated worldwide.
But that’s just the beginning…
Why Attend?
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Masterclasses & Workshops with internationally acclaimed watercolor artists
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Exhibitions from top international and local watercolor artists
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Live demonstrations covering a range of advanced techniques and styles
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Portfolio reviews and one-on-one critique sessions
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Artist talks on inspiration, process, and professional development
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Opportunities to exhibit your work and engage with a global art community
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Inspiring venues across Qingdao’s galleries, studios, and open-air settings
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Cultural tours, art and culture exchanges, and more
🗓️ When:
Part 1: Aug 17-26
Part 2: Aug 27- Sep 1
📍 Where:
Part 1 in Qingdao, China
Part 2 in Beijing, China
🎨 Who: Watercolor artists, students, educators, and friends who like to travel to China
Whether you're looking to refine your skills, find fresh artistic direction, or connect with the global art community, the Jade Palette: our China Art Expedition offers a unique environment for growth, exchange, and creativity.
Join us this August and be part of this growing global community of watercolor enthusiasts.
Meet Your Instructor
—— Hanbing Hua
With over 30 years of experience, Professor Hanbing Hua is a renowned artist and fine art educator, serving as the Vice Chair of Tianjin’s Watercolor Art Society and a member of the Chinese Artist Alliance.
Professor Hua is celebrated for his structured and scientific teaching methodology. He simplifies complex concepts into easily digestible lessons, providing personalized and constructive feedback to help students correct mistakes and enhance their artwork effectively. His generous guidance and commitment have led many students to achieve significant progress in just a few sessions.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, learning from Professor Hua offers a transformative experience in mastering watercolor techniques.
Part 1: Aug 17-26 - Qingdao, China
Celebrate Qingdao’s legacy of color and culture
Calling all watercolor artists — from ambitious beginners to seasoned professionals!
The Qingdao International Watercolor Festival returns this August 2025 with its second edition, designed to inspire, challenge, and connect artists from around the world. Set in the stunning coastal city of Qingdao, this immersive festival is your chance to learn directly from master artists, share your work, and take your creative practice to the next level.
If you’re planning a visit to the Qingdao International Watercolor Festival 2025, prepare for a rich blend of art, culture, and coastal charm.
The festival itself brings together watercolor artists from around the globe, offering a vibrant program of exhibitions, live painting sessions, artist talks, and workshops. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a curious traveler, you'll have the chance to experience contemporary watercolor at its finest — all within the unique setting of Qingdao, the birthplace of watercolor in China, and is one of China's most scenic coastal cities.
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Beyond the Festival: Explore Qingdao
While the festival is the main attraction, Qingdao offers plenty to explore:
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Coastal Beauty: Nestled between the Yellow Sea and the Laoshan mountains, Qingdao is known for its clean beaches, seaside promenades, and fresh sea air — perfect for a relaxing stroll between gallery visits.
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Historic Charm: Discover the city's German colonial architecture in the Badaguan Historic Area, or visit the iconic Zhanqiao Pier, a symbol of Qingdao’s maritime heritage.
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Mount Lao (Laoshan): Just outside the city, this Taoist sacred mountain offers hiking trails, temples, and panoramic views of the coast.
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Tsingtao Brewery: Beer lovers shouldn't miss the world-famous Tsingtao Brewery, where you can tour the facilities and sample Qingdao’s most iconic brew.
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Local Cuisine: Indulge in Qingdao’s culinary offerings, from fresh seafood and dumplings to Shandong specialties — all best enjoyed with a glass of local beer.
Whether you're coming for the art or the atmosphere, the Qingdao International Watercolor Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all kinds.
Itinerary for Part 1 - Qingdao
Day 1 (8/17)
Qingdao
Arriving Qingdao. Greetings to new & old friends from afar.
Welcome dinner and Enjoy the night view of the city
Day 5 (8/21)
Qingdao Huilan Pavilion
Watercolor demonstration by teachers from Palette Exchange.
A chance to study various perspectives and styles
Moving to the Art Fest location
Day 9 (8/25)
Qingdao
Citywide Public Watercolor Collaboration Plan
"10,000 People Painting Qingdao" Event
Day 2 (8/18)
Qingdao Art Museum
Introduction of the masterclass by Prof Hangbing Hua
Theory studies and structural analysis of Landscape painting
Day 6 (8/22)
Qingdao
Open ceremony of the 2nd Qingdao International Watercolor Festival.
Exhibition of national and international artists’ work
Day 10 (8/26)
Qingdao
Closing Ceremony of the Watercolor Festival
Train to Zhangjiakou (for those continuing part 2 of the event)
Depart from Qingdao or train to Shanghai/Beijing (to fly home)
Day 3 (8/19)
Xiaoyushan Hill Park
Plein air painting of the famous Little Fish Hill park.
Explore 2-3 scenic views and learn alongside Prof Hua.
Day 7 (8/23)
Qingdao
Participation in Day 2 Art fest.
Explore the "Century of Qingdao watercolor heritage"
Master Workshops on local art and cultural exchange.
Day 4 (8/20)
Qingdao Fishing Port
Immerse in the serenity of this fishing wharf, where the ocean breeze fuels your artistic inspiration.
Showcase your work and receive personalized feedback.
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Day 8 (8/24)
Qingdao
"Watercolor and Urban Renewal International forum"
Discover how watercolor leaves imprints on the city's outlook
Evening Art symposium with several renowned masters.
Part 2: Aug 27 - Sep 1 in Beijing, China
Explore the vanishing villages and Beijing’s historic grandeur
The Jade Palette Part 2:
Explore the vanishing villages and Beijing’s historic grandeur
Travel through time as you visit ancient villages shimmering in their final days of glory, capture the soul of a coastal haven untouched by time, and bask in the elegance and electric pulse of Beijing. This all-in-one package blends artistic mastery, cultural discovery, and scenic wonder in an unbeatable, limited-time experience.
Inspiration awaits – are you ready to paint your journey?
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Itinerary for Part 2
Day 11 (8/27)
Zhangjiakou – Yu County
Arrive in Zhangjiakou and transfer to a historic ancient town for part 2 of our plein air expedition.
Day 15 (8/31)
Beijing City
Visit major historical sites and museums, combining urban exploration with artistic inspiration.
Day 12 (8/28)
Yu County
Visit local ancient villages and forts. Independent plein air painting and cultural exploration. Receive feedback from
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Day 16 (9/1)
Departure from Beijing
Tour ends; check out and depart according to your flight schedule.
Day 13 (8/29)
Yu County - MentouGou
Sketch in a traditional mountain village before heading to Beijing’s Mentougou District.
Day 14 (8/30)
Mentougou – Beijing City
Arrive in Mentougou and explore a historic village and continue sketching landmarks in Beijing.
We Offer Different Plans
Jade Palette Part 1 - Qingdao
10 days Qingdao Plein Air workshop & 2nd International Watercolor Festival
Mentorship Program to support individual exhibition entry:
5 online sessions
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small group discussions
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one-on-one tutorials with Hua's guidance
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full translation
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Addition $200 (Excluded from the package price)
WeChat for workshop participants to chat with Hua in English/Chinese
Arriving Qingdao, Airport pickup, and daily transportation to various sites
Welcome dinner in Qingdao and cheers with Tsingtao Beer
5 day Live masterclass with prof Hua
to paint the coastal beauty
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Visit Qingdao Art Museum, Fishermen's Wharf & Little Fish Hill Park, etc.
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Both theory and Plein Air
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Receive personal guidance & feedback from prof Hua
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Students' exhibition of plein air painting
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Workshops by other international artists
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Accommodation at the Plein Air Resort - Standard double bedroom - 5 nights
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3 meals per day in buffet style
5 Day Qingdao International Watercolor Festival 2025
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Participation in the exhibition
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Art & cultural exchange with artists from around the world
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Explore the "Century of Qingdao watercolor heritage"
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Watercolor and Urban Renewal International forum"
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Citywide Public Watercolor Collaboration Plan
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Evening Art symposium with renowned masters
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Accommodation at a quality hotel by the event venue (5 nights)
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3 meals per day - fine authentic local cuisines and options for every taste
Note: Part 1 Qingdao package is subject to change and cancellation depending on the number of participants.
Special Offer: $2190 Only
Jade Palette Travel Pack
10 days Qingdao Coastal visit
All included as per part 1 - Qingdao package except for the masterclass, workshops plein air.
Meals and accommodations during the Art Festival are all included even for those not participating in the events.
Special Offer: $1390 Only
Jade Palette Part 2 - Beijing
3 days Beijing and nearby villages - part 2
Train: train ticket from Qingdao to Beijing (Jun 26)
Part 2 Plein Air Expedition
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Explore the historical heritage villages in Mentougou
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Visit the Great Wall in Simatai.
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Visit the Old North Water Village on the foothill of the Great wall.
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Experience Beijing’s historic glamour and its modern charms
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Enjoy the hustles & bustles of Shishahai - the hub of Beijing & its many tasty snacks (self paid)
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Farewell dinner on the last day
Accommodation in standard double bedroom hotel and airport hotel (3 nights - 2 places)
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Single Room Supplement: Additional charge applies if you require a private room
All breakfast included
3 Additional meals included.
Transportation: Air-conditioned coach for the entire trip
Travel accidental insurance for part 2
Translation and bilingual guide service through out the trip
Note: Part 2 Beijing package is subject to change and cancellation depending on the number of participants.
Special Offer: $655 Only
Accomodation
About this Trip
What’s Included
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Train: Soft sleeper train ticket from Qingdao to Zhangjiakou
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Transportation: Air-conditioned coach for the entire trip
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Accommodation: Local-style guesthouse in Yu County and international-standard hotel in Beijing
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Entrance Fee: Admission to the Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
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Meals: 6 breakfasts and 9 full meals
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Guide: English-speaking tour guide throughout the journey
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Insurance: Travel accident insurance in Beijing
What’s Not Included
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Single Room Supplement: Additional charge applies if you require a private room
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Museum Guide: Guided explanation at the National Museum not included
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1 dinner not included - to let you enjoy the various treats from the street vendors in Beijing
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Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases or expenses not listed above
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Plane ticket to and from China
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Chinese Visa (if applicable... many countries are allowed 30 days without a visa -
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Visa process time varies in different countries. It takes about 1-3 weeks in general. Please verify with your local Chinese embassy for details.
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Travel insurance
Important Notes
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Food allergies or other allergies - must inform us in advance.
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Payment methods in China will be explained before leaving for China
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We will host a Live Zoom session to prepare those who are joining our China Art Expedition
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Deadline for purchasing the these plans is July 20, 2025 (with exceptions for special needs)
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Part 1 of the trip - Qingdao is subjected to cancellation if there are insufficient participants.
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Part 2 of the trip - Beijing is subjected to change or cancellation if there are insufficient participants.
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Cancellation Policy: 10% of the total amount paid is nonrefundable. For cancellations made for part 2 - Beijing trip after Aug 19, 40% is nonrefundable; and 60% nonrefundable on the day of reservation on Aug 26 2025. Note that train tickets, tour bus and tour guide are 100% non refundable, hence the travel agent average out to cover their cost per the above calculations.