Overview
Step into the past and ignite your sense of adventure as you unravel the mysteries of ancient China at the Liulihe archaeological site in Beijing. Dating back 2,800-3,000 years, this Bronze Age city offers a glimpse into the early urban planning and cultural exchange of the Western Zhou period. Explore remnants of rammed-earth walls, ceremonial relics, and tombs, providing invaluable insights into the social dynamics and architectural achievements of the time. Through real fieldwork and excavation operations, you’ll actively contribute to ongoing research on urban planning, architectural forms, and burial practices, enhancing your understanding of ancient civilizations while honing your archaeological skills.
Field school highlights:
- Gain hands-on experience in archaeological survey and exploration as well as the excavation, drawing, sampling, and recording of tombs.
- Engage with seasoned archaeologists who are committed to cultivating your skills and development as a researcher.
- Visit the World Heritage Site of Zhoukoudian Homo erectus and participate in Great Wall conservation efforts.
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates | June 13 – July 10, 2026 |
| Course Type | Field Archaeology |
| Instructors | Zhang Zhonghua |
| Credits* | 7 semester (10 quarter) |
| Apply By | April 1 |
| Fees Due By | April 15 |
| Program Fees | (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,375 |
| Transcript Fee* | $350 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | $170 |
| Room & Board | $900 |
| TOTAL: | $5,795 |
*Please email admissions@ifrglobal.org for any application issues.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program fills or final deadline passes.
Instructors
The directors welcome emails and inquiries about the research elements of this project. More general information (tuition, health insurance, and payment schedule) can be found under the ‘Students’ tab above. Any further questions may be addressed to IFR staff. Additional details about research, course schedule, travel, accommodation, and safety can be found on the syllabus. Contacting the directors or the IFR office is encouraged and appreciated. It may help you determine if this field school is a good fit for you.
Testimonials
This is a new IFR field school. No student testimonials are available at this time.
Payment & Student Fees
Application Fee: There is a $45 fee to submit an online application.
Deposit Payment: A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 3 weeks of program acceptance in order to secure your place. The remainder of your program fees are due by the deadline indicated under “Course Details”.
*Transcript Fee & Academic Credit Opt Out: If you wish to participate in an IFR field school without earning academic credits, you will not be charged a transcript fee.
For more information about payment, fees, and policies, please see details under our Payment & Finances and Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy pages.
Accommodations
Our workstation is located in Dongjialin Village, Liulihe, Fangshan District, next to the Beijing Archaeological Site Museum (Liulihe Site). The workstation is divided into a living area and a working area, and the working area has working rooms and a temporary warehouse. Students will live within walking distance of the work area. The dormitory in the living area contains double rooms with each person having their own desk and lamp, and there is wireless internet and air conditioning in the room. There are two separate shower rooms in the workstation for all genders, and male and female bathrooms. Washing machines with drying function are available. Students are free to organize when and in what order they use the lavatory facilities and showers, and the directors will be flexible in allocating rooms.
We have canteens in our workstations, buffet style, serving three meals a day a variety of Chinese cuisine. Students can choose their own food, but special dietary needs are not catered for, e.g. no halal food is available. The canteen is shared with the staff of the Museum of Archaeological Sites. The living area also has a small kitchen to cook your own meals, which has a microwave and an induction cooker. Water is available in the canteen and working rooms.
Travel Info
Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions and various other factors may force the cancellation or alteration of a field school. IFR recommends students only purchase airline tickets that are fully refundable and consider travel insurance in case a program or travel plans must change for any reason.
General information for this program is below, but keep in mind we will discuss any updated travel information and regulations during the required program orientation, which could affect travel plans.
The staff will pick up students by car at the airports to which they arrive. We suggest students arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport on the program start date. Consider travel time, transfers, and time difference when booking travel to ensure your arrival date and time.
If you missed your connection or your flight is delayed, please call, text or email the field school director immediately. A local emergency mobile phone number will be provided to all enrolled students.
The two trips by car to the Zhoukou Dian site and the Great Wall will occur during the field school. The field site is not far from the field camp; students could walk or ride bicycles to get to/from the field site within 2 km. The laboratory is located at the camp. If an emergency occurs, a vehicle is available to transport students.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Non-Chinese participants are required to secure a tourist visa to China prior to arrival. You should plan to apply for your visa in April-May, based on guidance from IFR and your program.
Please see the Program Information for detailed instructions for the visa application.