With Associate Professor Haili Kong

Transcription

1 C H I NA WITH A N OPTIONAL EXTENSION T O HONG KONG OCTOBER 12-27, 2007 With Associate Professor Haili Kong B e i j i n g Y a n g t z e R i v e r D a z u C h o n g q i n g X i a n S h a n g h a i

2 C H INA OCTOBER USA Beijing Connect from various gateway cities on a flight across the Pacific and the International Dateline to China. Upon arrival in Beijing, transfer to the Regent Hotel. This evening and dinner are at your leisure. OCTOBER 14 Beijing After breakfast and an introductory meeting, visit the Buddhist Lamasery Temple Yonghegong, a former Imperial residence converted to a Tibetan style Buddhist Lamasery, and the Confucius Temple nearby. After lunch visit the Temple of Heaven, dating from the 15th century and one of the finest expressions of the Ming Dynasty. This evening enjoy a special Peking Duck banquet. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 15 Beijing After breakfast explore Beijing's historic Houhai district, with its traditional courtyard style homes in narrow "hutong" alleys. Tour the district by pedicab for a closer and more engaging perspective on traditional Chinese life. Later, in smaller groups, enjoy lunch at a local family's private home. Afterward visit the Qing Dynasty Summer Palace. Cruise on the lovely Kunming Lake and stroll through the royal gardens. Tonight is free and dinner is on your own. (B, L) OCTOBER 16 Beijing This morning visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the abiding symbol of dynastic China. Originally built in 1406 for the second Ming emperor, the Imperial Palace Museum now houses a collection of antiquities and art from China's last dynasty. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Tonight, enjoy an imperial banquet at the renowned Fang Shan Restaurant in Beihai Park. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 17 Beijing Today visit the Great Wall of China, the largest defensive structure ever built. Scholars estimate that the Wall once stretched for 6,200 kilometers. Our visit will focus on Mutianyu, a rugged, somewhat less visited section of the Wall with cable car availability and striking, panoramic views. After dinner, attend a Peking Opera performance. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 18 Beijing Yichang This morning visit Baiyun Guan (White Cloud Temple), a peaceful Daoist center in southern Beijing. After lunch, transfer to the airport for a flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour and dinner before boarding the Victoria Queen ship for an evening departure. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 19 Yangtze Cruise This morning, visit the new dam at Sandouping, including an exhibition of models of the dam. The main focus of the Yangtze River cruise is the extraordinary Three Gorges the deep valleys and towering mountains carved over millennia by the Yangtze. This afternoon, sail through Xiling Gorge the longest of the gorges and site of the Huangling Temple and Three Travelers Cavern and Wu Gorge, known for the 12 Peaks, including Goddess Peak. (B, L, D)

3 OCTOBER 20 & 21 Yangtze Cruise In Wushan, board a smaller boat for a trip on the Daning River to see the Three Small Gorges [water level permitting] or stop at Shennong Stream. Later, we continue our upstream journey, passing through Qutang Gorge, the shortest of the famous Three Gorges but the one with the most dramatic scenery. Excursions include Wanxian, a main port for East Sichuan merchandise, or the ghost city of Fengdu. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 22 Dazu Chongqing After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing and drive through the lush Sichuan countryside to explore Dazu, a religious and archaeological site important to Chinese history and a UNESCO World Heritage site since En route, stop by a rural village. In Dazu, visit the Total Awakening Grotto, a spectacular Buddhist grotto with well-preserved sculpture that dates from the 9th to 13th centuries. Also view the huge Sleeping Buddha at Baodingshan and see the 12th-century carvings of the large Buddha Crescent. Return to Chongqing later this afternoon and check in at the JW Marriott Hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B, L) OCTOBER 23 Chongqing Xian Chongqing was China's capital during WWII. Morning highlights include General Stillwell's Museum, the Chongqing Art Institute, and the Sichuan Province's native pandas at the Chongqing Zoo. This afternoon, board our flight to the ancient Tang Dynasty capital, Xian. Upon arrival, transfer to the ANA Grand Castle Hotel. Later, explore the Provincial Museum, a fine museum which chronologically displays the artifacts of this ancient capital through many dynasties. We also visit Xian's city wall, one of the few city walls still standing in China. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 24 Xian The highlight of a visit to Xian is the on-site excavation Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and a viewing of the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terracotta warriors. The exhibit consists of three pits covered by museum buildings on the original site where they were discovered by peasants in This afternoon, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, stroll Muslim street, and visit the Grand Mosque. The day concludes with a Dumpling Banquet, featuring 20 varieties of traditional Chinese dumplings. (B, L, D)

4 OCTOBER 25 Xian Shanghai This morning visit the Han Emperor's Tomb, Yangling, with ancient burial figures and artifacts from the Han dynasty. After lunch, board our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, check into the Westin Hotel, located near the Bund. The evening is free and dinner is on your own. (B, L) OCTOBER 26 Shanghai After a morning city tour, visit the Urban Planning Exhibition and the Shanghai Museum, a world-class museum with a wonderful collection of Chinese bronzes, jade, pottery and ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, old coins and furniture. Lunch is a vegetarian meal prepared by monks at a local Buddhist temple. This afternoon is free to explore Shanghai at your leisure. This evening enjoy a farewell banquet. (B, L, D) OCTOBER 27 Shanghai USA This morning is free for packing and last minute shopping. For those using the group flights, check out of the hotel before noon and drive to the Pudong area. Visit the observation deck of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and take in the spectacular views of Shanghai. Transfer to the Pudong Airport for your return flight to the States via the Mag-Lev high speed train. (B, L) T OUR C OST $4,395 Land Cost, per person, double occupancy $1,580 Single Supplement Roundtrip International Air on United Airlines: Coach Class (Approximate cost) East Coast: $1,124 West Coast $974 Rates for Business Class and First Class are available upon request Estimated air fares do not include taxes or fuel surcharges Main Tour Cost Includes: Double occupancy accommodations in centrally located, first class hotels Outside cabins on the Victoria Queen cruise ship / double occupancy Meals, as indicated, at fine Chinese restaurants, specializing in regional cuisines All air and ground transportation within China All sightseeing, entertainment, and cultural activities listed in the itinerary All transfers and porterage Chinese airport taxes English speaking local guides and a Chinese national tour manager throughout the program Gratuities to guides and drivers Pre-departure materials Not Included: Visa processing; international airfare; domestic airfare to and from your home town to our international gateway (if opting for group flights); transfers and baggage handling for those not traveling on international group flights; excess baggage charges; travel insurance; items of a personal nature; meals and alcoholic beverages not otherwise specified. For more information, or to reserve your space, please call Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad toll-free: , fax: , or alumni_travel@swarthmore.edu

5 G UEST L ECTURER Haili Kong is Associate Professor in Chinese language, literature and film at Swarthmore College. His publications include The Melancholic Northeasterner: A Critical Biography of Duanmu Hongliang (Yechiang, Taiwan, 1998; Shanghai Book Publishing, 1999), and One Hundred Years of Chinese Cinema: A Generational Dialogue, (co-edited with John A. Lent. EastBridge, U.S., 2006). Professor Kong received his Ph.D. in comparative literature from University of Colorado, Boulder, and has been teaching at Swarthmore for 13 years. He looks forward to sharing his insight into Chinese culture and film through a series of formal lectures and informal discussions. O PTIONAL P OST-TOUR H ONG K ONG E XTENSION S h a n g h a i H o n g K o n g Extend your tour to dynamic Hong Kong. Explore the former British Crown Colony famous for its dramatic cityscapes, delicious food, deluxe hotels, cultural entertainment, art galleries and unparalleled shopping options. From our base at the luxurious Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel we will tour Victoria Peak, Aberdeen and Wanchai. Special meals and market visits have also been arranged for us, as well as time built in to experience Hong Kong s intoxicating mix of East and West on your own. For further details, including an itinerary and pricing, contact us toll free at:

6 SWARTHMORE ALUMNI COLLEGE ABROAD CHINA October 12-27, 2007 RESERVATION FORM PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT (1) NAME CLASS YR. (2) NAME CLASS YR. ADDRESS: CITY STATE ZIP PHONE:HOME BUSINESS ROUNDTRIP INTERNATIONAL AIR ON UNITED AIRLINES: COACH CLASS FROM: E. COAST W. COAST PLEASE PROVIDE RATES FOR BUSINESS CLASS FIRST CLASS I WILL ARRANGE MY OWN INTERNATIONAL AIR PLEASE SEND ME DETAILS ABOUT THE POST-TOUR OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO HONG KONG I DESIRE SINGLE ACCOMMODATIONS I NEED ASSISTANCE IN SECURING A ROOMMATE I understand if a roommate cannot be secured for me by final payment date, I agree to pay the additional single supplement fee. SMOKER NON-SMOKER Each participant must sign below: I/we have read the Terms & Conditions section and agree to the terms therein. (1) SIGNATURE DATE (2) SIGNATURE DATE Enclosed is a deposit check for $ ($600 per person) to hold place(s). Please make checks payable to Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad. Final payment is due by July 13, 2007 Call toll-free Please mail Reservation Form with deposit to: SWARTHMORE ALUMNI COLLEGE ABROAD 245 MILL STREET, 2ND FLOOR GREENWICH, CT FAX:

7 Dear Fellow Swarthmoreans, We are thrilled to be offering this exclusive Alumni College Aboard program, China and the Yangtze River. Please join Associate Professor Haili Kong, fellow alumni and friends, and me on an exciting exploration of the Middle Kingdom, a civilization with roots over 5,000 years old and the most populous country in the world. Mark your calendars for October 12-27, Highlights of our program include the ancient city of Beijing, site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Here, we ll wander through the Forbidden City, journey to the Great Wall, and lunch in a private home. In Yichang, we'll board our 5-star Victoria cruise ship for a journey up the Yangtze River, including the dramatic Three Gorges, whose deep valleys and towering mountains were carved over millennia. We disembark in Chongqing and venture to Dazu, a religious and archaeological site important to Chinese History and a UNESCO World Heritage site since Then on to Xian, where we ll marvel at the splendor and magnitude of the extraordinary 2,300 year-old terracotta warriors before heading to our final destination, Shanghai, with its bustling boulevards, gorgeous gardens, world-class museums, and the famous Bund. Throughout the trip, we will make use of Professor Kong s extensive experience in China. He has arranged for special visits with local contacts, providing us with a rare opportunity to gain a better understanding of the history, culture, and people of this fascinating country. Whether you have traveled to China before, or this is your first experience, we cordially invite you to join us. Since space is limited we encourage you to make your reservation early. We look forward to seeing you in October! Sincerely, Lisa Lee Director of Alumni Relations Superior/Luxury Our Programs are classified in three categories: Value, Superior and Luxury To hold your space or for more information, please call the A.C.A. toll-free at

8 TERMS & CONDITIONS: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad, their agent, Travel Study Services LLC (TSS), Chinasmith, Inc., and their ground tour operators (collectively TSS ). PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit of $ 600 per person is required to reserve your space. Final payment is due July 13, Payments may be made by personal or cashier s checks. PRESORTED STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK, NY PERMIT NO. 376 CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations of confirmed reservations must be made in writing to the Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad office and are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty of $1,500 per person. Cancellations received days will be assessed a penalty of $2,500 per person, and cancellations made 30 or less days prior to departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable. AIR INFORMATION: Flights are expected to be on United Airlines outbound. For participants choosing the group air rates, deviations from the group itinerary on the way to China are not allowed. International tickets are issued as "e-tickets" (electronic), and passenger receipts will be supplied with final documentation. Airfare is subject to the cancellation policies of the airline in effect at time of booking. PASSPORT/VISA REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required for travel to China and are the responsibility of individual travelers. Passports must be valid for six months past the return date of the trip. INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance through a company of your choice. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event you must cancel your participation, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Further information will be sent upon registration. RESPONSIBILITY: TSS acts solely as agent for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements and neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. TSS is not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour (s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad 245 Mill Street, 2nd Floor Greenwich, CT reserve the right to make alterations to the tour s itinerary and to substitute hotels, vessels or study leaders if this is required. Please note a minimum number of passengers is required in order to offer this trip. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and so long as this is not due to any of the foresaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger s risk entirely, and we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be affected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in Greenwich, CT, pursuant to applicable Connecticut law. RATES: Tour costs are based upon a minimum group size as well as current rates, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change.