Tongchuan is a small city in the northern part of Shaanxi Province 180 km north of the ancient capital of Xi’an. Shaanxi tradition is strong here and life moves at a slow pace which is much more in rhythm with the countryside than modern cities.

This is a place that is for the most part untouched by foreign influence. There are no Western restaurants or familiar chain stores. Life in Tongchuan allows Aston teachers an opportunity to experience life on the fringes of China’s vast countryside and a rare chance to live among these wonderful people. Before Aston opened in this unlikely of places most of the locals had never seen a foreign face. Looks of astonishment quickly turn into warm receptions as the days pass on in Tongchuan, and many an evening is spent with the local families as guests in their homes.