CONGRESS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Transcription

1 PS2010, BEIJING, CHINA Second Circular THE 15TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS AUGUST 22-27, 2010, BEIJING, CHINA Organizers Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IB-CAS) International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR) Sponsors

2 TABLE OF CONTENTSS INVITATION 3 CONGRESS COMMITTEES 4 PLENARY SPEAKERS 6 SYMPOSIA TOPICS AND CHAIRS 6 SATELLITE MEETING 7 TENTATIVE PROGRAM SCHEDULE 7 ABSTRACT SUBMISSION 8 REGISTRATION INFORMATION 8 CONFERENCE VENUE 9 HOTEL ACCOMMODATION 9 SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS 10 GENERAL INFORMATION 10 TOURS 12 A BRIEF TO BEIJING 18 2

3 INVITATION Dear Colleagues and Friends, On the behalf of the local organizing committees, we are pleased to invite you to visit Beijing in August, 22-27, 2010, to participate in the 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis. This series of international congresses is one of the most exciting and important meetings in photosynthesis. In keeping with its tradition, the 15th Congress will feature eminent plenary speakers and state-of-the-art symposium speakers who are at the cutting edge of discovery in their fields and provide an exciting scientific program which will cover the breadth and depth of photosynthesis from molecular to global. The 15th Congress will provide a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows and scientists from all over the world to deepen their knowledge and understanding, widen professional contact and create new opportunities, including establishing new collaborations. Beijing is a vibrant modern city with a long and rich history, especially noted for its many historical sites, such as the Great Wall and Imperial Palace. It is a great city with excellent art galleries, museums, theatres, restaurants and gardens. The Congress venue will be the Friendship Hotel of Beijing which is one of the largest garden-style hotels in Asia with convenient facilities. The 15th Congress will be a historic event and a very unique experience. Your participation would be highly appreciated. We sincerely hope that you will enjoy the conference and your stay in China. Welcome to the 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis! Prof. Tingyun Kuang Local Organizing Committee Chairs 3

4 CONGRESS COMMITTEES Advisory Committee: Chairs: Zhihong Xu (Peking University, Beijing, China) Xiaoya Chen (Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China) Weihua Wu (China Agriculture University, Beijing, China) Members: Wenrui Chang (Institute of Biophysics, CAS, Beijing, China) Kong Chong (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Xinguo Han (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Zhensheng Li (Institute of Genetics and Development, CAS, Beijing, China) Keping Ma (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Hongwei Xue (Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China) Yongbiao Xue (Institute of Genetics and Development, CAS, Beijing, China) Fuyu Yang (Institute of Biophysics, CAS, Beijing, China) International Scientific Committee: Chair: Eva-Mari Aro (University of Turku, Finland) Members: James Barber (Imperial College London, UK) Roberto Bassi (University Verona, Italy) Donald A. Bryant(Pennsylvania State University, USA) Julian Eaton-Rye (University of Otago, New Zealand) John Golbeck (Pennsylvania State University, USA.) Tingyun Kuang (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Agepati S. Raghavendra (University of Hyderabad, India) Thomas D. Sharkey (Michigan State University, USA) Allison M. Smith (John Innes Centre, England) Willem Vermaas (Arizona State University, USA) Local Organizing Committee: Chair: Tingyun Kuang (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Co-Chairs: Yungang Shen (Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China) Jindong Zhao (Peking University, Beijing, China) 4

5 Executive Chairs: Congming Lu (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Lixin Zhang (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Members: Kunfang Cao (XTBG-CAS, Yunnan, China) Linfang Du (Sichuan University, Chengdu, China) Fang Huang (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Honghui Lin (Sichuan University, Chengdu, China) Qingwei Meng (Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China) Hualing Mi (Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai, China) Changlian Peng (South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China) Xinxiang Peng (South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China) Yuxiang Weng (Insitute of Physics, CAS, Beijing, China) Yinong Xu (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Chunhong Yang (Institute of Botany, CAS, Beijing, China) Jianping Zhang (Peoples University of China, Beijing, China) CONGRESS THEME Photosynthesis research for food, fuel and the future PLENARY SPEAKERS Gary Brudvig (USA) Leslie Dutton (USA) Graham Fleming (USA) Dario Giordano (Italy) Michael Graetzel (Switzerland) Julian Hibberd (UK) Debbie Lindell (Israel) Barry Pogson (Australia) Jean-David Rochaix (Switzerland) Toshiharu Shikanai (Japan) Jürgen Soll (Germany) John Walker (UK) Klaas Jan van Wijk (USA) Guoxiong Wu (China) 5

6 SYMPOSIA TOPICS AND CHAIRS Symposia Topics / Chairs Assembly of photosynthetic protein complex / Lixin Zhang (China) Bioenergetics of photosynthetic electron flow / William Cramer (USA) Biogenesis of photosynthetic apparatus / Francis-Andre Wollman (France) C3, C4 and CAM and genetic engineering / Tom Sharkey (USA) CO2 concentrating mechanisms / Murray Badger (Australia) Computational systems biology / Yang Zhong (China) Control of the Calvin-Benson cycle and Carbohydrate Synthesis / Mark Stitt (Germany) Crop yield improvement / Shaobing Peng (Philippines) Global photosynthesis / Graham Farquhar (Australia) Light harvesting in anaerobic systems / Richard Cogdell (UK) Light harvesting in aerobic systems / Werner Kuehlbrandt (Germany) Marine photosynthesis and global impact / Michael Behrenfeld (USA) Mechanism of water oxidation / Holger Dau (Germany) Microbial derived biofuels / Ben Hankamer (Australia) Mimicking photosynthetic catalysis / Leif Hammarström (Sweden) Mimicking photosynthetic light harvesting / Dario Bassani (France) Organelle communication / Steve Rodemel (USA) Perception of environmental stress and acclimation / Eva-Mari Aro (Finland) Photoprotection, photoinhibition, and dynamics / Kris Niyogi (USA) Photosynthesis and new environmental challenges / Francesco Loreto (Italy) Plant derived biofuels / Steven Long (USA) Regulation of electron transfer / Fumihiko Sato (Japan) Regulation of photosynthetic gene expression / Willem Vermaas (USA) Type I reaction centres / Kevin Redding (USA) Type II reaction centres / Fabrice Rappaport (France) Special Session / Chairs Further perspective in photosynthesis research / James Barber (UK) Teaching and history of photosynthesis / Govindjee (USA) SATELLITE MEETING Molecular Basis of Photosynthetic Energy and Electron Transfer and Related Respiratory Processes (August 18-20, 2010, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore) Antenna and reaction centers (August 19-22, 2010, Nankai University, Tianjin, China) 6

7 Exploiting the Engine of C4 Photosynthesis to Better Serve Humanity (August 18-20, 2010, Partner Institute of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes of Biological Sciences, Shanghai, China) 2nd International Symposium on Solar Cells and Solar Fuels (August 28-30, 2010, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian China) TENTATIVE PROGRAM SCHEDULE Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 25 Aug 26 Aug 27 07:30 08:00 08:30 Opening Ceremony 09:00 Plenary Lecture Plenary Lecture Symposia Symposia 09:30 Break Break Break Break Break 10:00 10:30 11:00 Plenary Lecture Plenary Lecture Plenary Lecture Plenary Lecture Symposia 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:30 14:00 15:30 16:00 Open Registration Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Symposia Symposia Symposia Symposia Mid-Congress Tour 16:30 Break Break Break Break 17:00 17:30 18:00 Symposia Posters Posters (Closing Ceremony)Ne xt Congress 18:30 Welcome Reception 19:00 Party * All dates and times are preliminary and subject to change ABSTRACT SUBMISSION 7

8 Call for Papers The Symposia Chairman and members of the International Scientific Committee of the 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis welcome the submission of abstracts of original contributions to the field. All abstracts accepted for presentation at the congress will be presented as posters or as oral presentations. In case of selection for oral presentation, a 15 minute time slot will be provided in the relevant Symposium. All accepted abstracts will be published in the relevant congress publications. Abstract Submission The opening for abstract submission is 1 st November 2009 with a closing deadline of 30 th April No abstract will be accepted after this date. Please submit your abstract to the congress secretariat from November 2009 until April 2010 by completing the attached Abstract Submission Form. Please follow the guidelines listed on the website closely, in order to avoid mistakes. If you have any questions about this, please contact the congress secretariat. REGISTRATION Registration Information The opening for on-line registration is 1 st November All registration for the 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis must be submitted and confirmed by the congress secretariat. Registration Fees 1 Member ISPR(2010) (Regular/Student 2 ) Non-member 3 (Regular/Student 2 ) Accompanying Person Register and paid before May 10, 2010 Register and paid after May 10, USD/360USD 650USD/400USD 120USD 670USD/460USD 750USD/500USD 160USD Notes: 1 The registration fee covers expenses of meeting resources and support, congress publication (congress special issues, abstract volume and program, not provided for accompanying members), conference bag, tea and coffee breaks, and lunch from August 22th to August 27th, Mid-congress city tours to Great Wall and Forbidden City at 25th August. 2 By selecting student, you must confirm your status by sending a photocopy of your student ID card or provide a signed letter from your supervisor. 3 The Congress is sponsored by the International Society of Photosynthesis Research and supported from past membership subscriptions. Members paid up for 2010 thus qualify for discounted registration. Non-member registration includes an additional fee of 80 USD (40 USD for students, emeritus/retired persons, and citizens from 8

9 soft currency states, as listed on the member log-in pages at Non-member registration thus confers membership of ISPR through Cancellation for registration is allowed, but cancellation charges will apply follows: Full refund on cancellation of registration before May 10, 2010; 50% refund on cancellation of registration before June 10, 2010; No refund will be provided after June 10, Cancellation of registration should be notified to the congress secretariat by . CONFERENCE VENUE The 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis will be held at the Friendship Hotel in Beijing ( The Beijing Friendship Hotel is one of the largest garden-style hotels in Asia and is equipped with complete business and meeting facilities that supported by a high standard of service. You can take taxis (costs about USD $15) or coach shuttles (costs about USD $3) from Beijing International Airport to the Beijing Friendship Hotel. HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Conference participants and their accompanying guests will be accommodated in the Friendship Hotel. In order to receive the special conference discount rate, hotel reservations should be made online ( or clearly indicated in the Hotel Reservation Form which could be downloaded on our website. Room Types Deluxe Business Guestrooms (5-star): Standard Guestrooms (5-star) Standard Guestrooms (4-star) Price USD/Day/Room USD/Day/Room 70-95USD/Day/Room 9

10 SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS The 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis welcomes the involvement of the industry. Interested sponsors and exhibitors should contact the Congress Secretariat: Lei Zhang Photosynthesis Research Center, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Scicence Nanxincun 20, Xiangshan Beijing, China Tel: Fax: Sponsors Exhibition Take this unique opportunity to see industry and academic institutions showcase their technologies, programs, and products. During the Congress, an industrial exhibition will be organized in parallel in order to provide excellent opportunities for companies to display their latest products, equipment, or instruments. For further information, please contact the congress secretariat. 10

11 GENERAL INFORMATION Arrival You can take taxis (costs about USD $15) or coach shuttles (cost about USD $3) from Beijing International Airport to the Beijing Friendship Hotel. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Badges Identification badges are mandatory and are required for admission to all the Congress functions, scientific programs, poster sessions, and exhibition areas. Individuals who lose their badges will be required to pay a fee to obtain a personalized replacement badge. Climate and Clothing Average daytime temperatures range from 25 C -35 C in Beijing in August. We recommend casual T-shirt cotton clothing, sunglasses, caps/hats. All guest rooms are air-conditioned. Current Exchange In China, only RMB is used. However, exchange centers can be found at airports, most hotels and large shopping centers. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt by which you can change any remaining RMB back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa, Master, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are accepted in many department stores, shops and hotels. It may be difficult to draw cash with credit cards. The Bank of China and most hotels can cash travelers check issued by any foreign bank or financial institution. Participants will need to show a passport. Travelers' check signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but can be presented for collection through the Bank of China Payment All payment from non-prc participants should be in US dollars. The Conference Registration Form must be submitted with the payment of a bank draft, bank transfer to the appropriate credit card information, or the registration will not be processed. Bank transfer should be made to: Name of Account: Beijing Friendship Hotel Account Number: Receiver s Bank: China CITIC Bank, H.O. General Banking, Beijing, China Swift Code: CIBKCNBJ100 Address: #C Fuhua Building No.8 Northern Street of Chaoyangmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China Postcode:

12 Credit card payment can be made by these credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These will be a 4% service charge calculated on the total amount paid (an obligation by the Bank of China). Note that charges are billed in Chinese RMB. Consequently, the amount charged to your account may very due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Satellite Meeting The Satellite Meeting of the 15th International Congress of Photosynthesis would be held before the congress. Molecular Basis of Photosynthetic Energy and Electron Transfer and Related Respiratory Processes (August 18-20, 2010, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore) For more information, please visit: Antenna and reaction centers (August 19-22, 2010, Nankai University, Tianjin, China) For more information, please visit: Visas An official invitation letter will be issued to those who have returned the final registration Form. With this letter, you can go to the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate to apply for entry visa(s). To allow ample time for a successful visa application, you can kindly requested to return the final Registration Form before the deadline. If any problem arises, please contact Congress Secretariat for assistance. TOURS Before and after the congress, a Travel Agency will organize pre-and post-conference tours of China s most famous historical and scenic sites. The Travel Agency will also organize daily tours of Beijing s most famous historical, scenic sites and culture evenings for accompanying persons. Mid-Congress Tours During the congress, we will offer a half-day tour of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City for registered Congress participants free of charge. Line 1 the Forbidden City and Tian an Men Square The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial palace from the mid-ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China. It now houses the Palace Museum. The complex consists of 800 buildings with 8,886 rooms. It covers 720,000 square metres. The 12

13 Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 as the "Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties", and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Line 2 the Great Wall The Great Wall of China is an ancient Chinese fortification built from the end of the 14th century until the beginning of the 17th century, during the Ming Dynasty, in order to protect China from raids by the Mongols and Turkic tribes. It was preceded by several walls built since the 3rd century BC against the raids of nomadic tribes coming from areas now in modern day Mongolia and Manchuria. The Wall stretches over a formidable 6,350 km (3,946 miles), from Shanhai Pass on the Bohai Gulf in the east, at the limit between China proper and Manchuria, to Lop Nur in the southeastern portion of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Beijing Daily City Tours For the convenience of you and your accompanying persons to enjoy your stay in Beijing, visits to 13

14 interesting historic sites in Beijing have been organized by China Goodwill International Travel Service (authorized by 15th International Congress on Photosynthesis organizing committee). Tickets will be sold at the registration desk. You are invited to register for the tour routes according to your personal preference. The schedule of daily tours is set mainly for accompanying persons, except the complimentary tour scheduled on Aug 22, 2010 Date Morning Afternoon Evening 22-Aug 23-Aug 24-Aug 25-Aug 26-Aug 27-Aug No.3 The Great Wall (lunch Included) RMB 260 No.5 The Temple of Heaven RMB 200 No.8 the Forbidden City and Tian an Men Square RMB 260 No.10 Shopping Tour RMB 120 No.1 Hutong tour RMB 240 No.4 the Summer Palace RMB 200 No.6 Boating on the Chang he River and Panda Hall of Zoo, RMB 240 A. The Forbidden City and Tian an Men Square B. The Great Wall Free of charge for the registered participants. (Lunch included, Departs at 11:30 a.m.) No.11 the Lama Temple RMB 200 No.12 The Great Wall and The Ming Tombs (lunch included) RMB 360 No.2 Beijing Opera RMB 300 No.7 Acrobatics RMB 240 No.9 Chinese Kongfu RMB 280 No.13 Beijing Opera RMB Aug Notes: A. Morning tour: Departs at 8:30 a.m. B. Afternoon tour: Departs at 2:00 p.m. C. Evening Beijing Opera: Departs at 6:00 p.m. D. Meeting Place: Lobby of No.1 Building, Beijing Friendship Hotel. E. Air-conditioning coach and English speaking guides are included (meals as indicated). Pre/Post-Congress Tours No.14 The Temple of Heaven, Hutong tour and The Summer Palace and Shopping (lunch included) RMB 400 No.15 Acrobatics RMB 240 In order that conference participants may admire many historic sites, scenic areas and recent developments in other cities in China, Pre-Conference and Post-Conference tours will be specially arranged by China Goodwill International Travel Service (authorized by 15th International Congress on Photosynthesis organizing committee). First-class service will be provided. Please for the detailed information. The itineraries are as following: 14

15 Pre-Congress Tours Line 1 Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Kunming-Bejing Date: Aug 16~Aug 21, 2010 Cost: RMB 7920 per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 8920 per person (Single Occupancy) Itinerary: D1 Flight to Kunming (on your own) and transfer to the Hotel (4-Star). D2 Tour starts: whole day tour: Stone Forest. Evening flight to Lijiang D3 Sightseeing: Yulong Snow Mountains Glacier park (4800M) by cable car. D4 Sightseeing: Black-Dragon park, Guided tour around UNESCO ancient city. After Lunch, Bus to Dali. Sightseeing: Xizhou Bai-nationality village, Dali ancient city. D5 Sightseeing: 3-Pagodas Temple, Cangshan Mountain, Er-Hai Lake park,. D6 Fly back to Kunming and transfer to Beijing. Notes: Expense excludes the flight arriving in Kunming and transfer to hotel on the first day Expense includes 5 night hotel accommodation (D1-D5) and 3 domestic flights (Kunming to Lijiang; Dali to Kunming; Kunming to Beijing) Other information: see Appendix Line 2 Beijing-Xi an-beijing Date: Aug 20~Aug 21, 2010 Cost: RMB 3750per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 3950per person (Single Occupancy) Itinerary: D1 Transfer to airport, flight Beijing to Xi an and transfer to one 4-star hotel, visiting the Ancient City Wall and the Provincial Museum. D2 Sightseeing in Xi an, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Springs. Fly back to Beijing in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Note: Expense includes 2 flights and 1 night hotel accommodation in Xi an. Other information: see Appendix Line 3 Guangzhou-Guilin-Xi an-beijing Date: Aug 17~Oct21, 2010 Cost: RMB 8350 per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 9350 per person (Single Occupancy) Itinerary: D1 Arrive in Guangzhou and transfer to the hotel (4-star). D2.Sightseeing in Guangzhou: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, and Six Banyan Tree Temple. Fly to Guilin and stay in a 4-star Hotel. D3 Sightseeing in Guilin: one day Cruise on the Lijiang River, Reed Flute Cave. D4 Fly to Xi an, Sightseeing in Xi an: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Ancient City Wall, and the Provincial Museum. 15

16 Stay in a 4-star Hotel. D5 Sightseeing in Xi an: Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Springs, Fly to Beijing in the evening and transfer to the Hotel booked by the Conference. Notes: Expense includes 3 flights ( Guangzhou- Guilin; Guilin- Xi an; Xi an- Beijing) and 4 nights hotel accommodation (D1-D4). Other information: See Appendix Post-Congress Tours Line 1Beijing-Xi an-guilin-guangzhou-hong Kong Date: Aug 28 ~Sep 02, 2010 Cost: RMB 8850 per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 9850 per person (Single Occupancy) Itinerary: D1 Fly to Xi an, Sightseeing: the Ancient City Wall, and the Provincial Museum. D2 Sightseeing in Xi an, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Springs D3 Fly to Guilin, Sightseeing: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Diecui Hill D4 Sightseeing in Guilin, Cruise on the Lijiang River D5 Fly to Guangzhou. Sightseeing in Guangzhou, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, and Six Banyan Tree Temple. D6 Take express train to Hong Kong, where the tour will terminate. Line 2: Beijing-Hangzhou-Suzhou-Shanghai Date: Aug 28~Sep 02, 2010 Cost: RMB 5750 per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 6750 per person (Single Occupancy) Itinerary: D1 Flight from Beijing to Hangzhou and stay in a 4-star hotel. D2 Sightseeing in Hangzhou: Lingyin Temple, the West Lake, Temple of Yue Fei, Hangzhou to Suzhou by bus and stay in a 4-star hotel. D3 Sightseeing in Suzhou: the Garden of Humble Administrator, and Hanshan (Old Hill) Temple. Suzhou to Zhouzhuang Village by bus and stay in one 4-star hotel. D4 Sightseeing in Zhouzhuang village, bus to Shanghai and stay in a 4-star hotel. D5 Sightseeing in Shanghai: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Children s Palace, and the Bund. D6 After breakfast the tour will terminate. Line 3: Beijing-Xi an-beijing Date: Aug 28~Aug 29, 2010 Cost: RMB 3750per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 3950per person (Single Occupancy) Itinerary: 16

17 D1 Fly to Xi an and transfer to one 4-star hotel, the Ancient City Wall, and the Provincial Museum. D2 Sightseeing in Xi an, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Springs. Fly back to Beijing in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Line 4: Beijing- Xi an- Lhasa (Tibet) - Beijing Date: Aug 28~Sep 02, 2010 Cost: RMB 9950 per person (Double Occupancy) RMB 10800per person (Single occupancy) Itinerary: D1 Fly to Xi an, Sightseeing: the Ancient City Wall, and The big wild goose pagoda D2 Fly to Lhasa, transfer to hotel, half day rest for plateau adjustment D3 Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhon Street D4 Lhasa-Namtso-Lhasa, Driving 253 KMS across the northern Tibet pastureland to this beautiful lake. D5 Free in the Morning, fly to Xi an D6 Sightseeing in Xi an, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, fly back to Beijing in Evening Line 5: Beijing-Xi an-chongqing-three Gorges River(on boat)-yichang-beijing Date: Aug 28~ Sep 02, 2010 Cost: RMB 8350per person (Double Occupancy) Itinerary: RMB 9950per person (Single Occupancy) D1 Fly to Xi an, Sightseeing: the Ancient City Wall, and the Provincial Museum. D2 Sightseeing in Xi an, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Springs D3 Fly to ChongQing, city tour in qongqing. Board the ship for departing Chongqing at 9 p.m. D4 Shore excursions to Fengdu Ghost Village, Shibaozhai or Wanzhou (depends on river conditions) D5 Sailing through the Qutang and Wu Gorges, then either the Daning River Small Gorges or the Shennong River excursion on a smaller boat. Also passing through the Three Gorges, Dam lock system. D6 8:00 a.m. arrival at Yang Jia Wang, with a morning land visit to the Three Gorges, Dam site. Noon arrival at Yichang whree the cruise ends. Fly back to Beijing. Appendix: The services will be offered: 1. 4star-hotel accommodation with American breakfasts at the tourist class hotel 2. Air-conditioning coach and English-speaking guide provided in each city. 3. All exit tickets(except Post Conference Tour 1, ticket for the Express Train to Hong Kong)should be arranged on your own. 4. Airport Construction fees are included. 5. An English speaking national guide is to be arranged for a group of more than 10 persons. 6. Single room difference will be charged. 7. The price of pre-tours and post- tours is charged on the basis of a group size of 10 persons or above. 8. The cost of the tours is preliminary and subject to change, please contact Mr. David Chang for the latest information. ( tourpleasant@yahoo.com.cn ; Mobile phone: ) 17

18 A BRIEF TO BEIJING Welcome to Beijing! Situated in northeast China, Beijing adjoins the Inner Mongolian Highland to the northwest and the Great Northern Plain to the south. Five rivers run through the city, connecting it to the eastern Bohai Sea. Administratively, the Beijing municipality equals the status of a province, reporting directly to the central government. As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as being the most important center in China for international trade and communications. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history. By the time of the Warring States Period (476 BC BC), it was serving as the capital of the Yan Kingdom. Because of its role in the life and growth of China, there is an unequalled wealth of culture available for travelers to discover as you explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting 21st Century world. The long history has left a variety of famous historical sites which possess great aesthetic and cultural values. The Great Wall, a huge project that started construction more than 2,000 years ago, meanders through mountains and valleys for hundreds of kilometers in the region of Beijing. The Forbidden City, the largest ancient architectural complex extant today, is a splendid crystallization of ancient Chinese architectural art. The Summer Palace, an ancient royal garden with numerous styles of ancient buildings and gardening, is a virtual museum of traditional Chinese gardens. For more information, please visit