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You will be leaving New York April 9th and arriving in Shanghai, China on April 10th. Shanghai is the largest city in China; New York City's counterpart in the orient. With a history of more than 700 years, Shanghai was once the financial center of the Far East. Since the reforms that began in the 1990s, great changes have taken place in the city. Shanghai is China's most modern city, with a bustling economy, shopping opportunities, and almost 12 million residents. While the facade might be neo-classical, the interior is post-modern, through and through.
From April 11th to 13th will be spent in ZhouZhang and SuZhou, two cities in the JiangSu Province, which is one of the most beautiful areas in China. Described as "Heaven on Earth", much of China's historical literature and poetry originates from this province. Because of its inherent natural beauty, numerous scenes from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" were filmed here. The area is also world-renowned for its high-quality silk factories, where you will get to see how silk is collected, treated, and woven into cloth.
You will visit WuXi city with Lake Tai, source of the famed "Stones of Longevity". Because of the chemical composition of the lake, stones in the lake bed take on extremely varied and interesting shapes. These unique stones, formed by erosion over thousands of years, are greatly prized for their balance of yin (water) and yang (stone). You'll visit Shanghai to see the detail of the city and beautiful HuangPu River of night.
On 14th, you will also have the opportunity to visit Chinese schools, meet Chinese students at a typical local high school. Interact with Chinese educators and students, hold meeting and discussions with Chinese professional and educators.
Beijing, the capital of China, will be the last stop, from the 15th to the 17th. First up is the Forbidden City. This city within a city, meticulously preserved for over five centuries, was once a symbol of imperial might. Today, it sits opposite TianAnMen Square, the largest square in the world. It is a breathtaking location that is central to China's past, present, and future.
Also a symbol of China's future is the Beijing National Stadium, site of the 2008 Olympics. You will have the unique opportunity to visit this 2.7 million square-foot monument to progress, friendship, and world unity.
Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall, a 4,000 mile man-made structure, the oldest parts of which were built in the 3rd century, BC. You will be able to climb the Great Wall which, despite being a man-made structure, has section that will definitely leave you gasping for air.
What is This China Trip?
This year, Ms. Koch (Chinese teacher) will run a trip to China with Inter-Exchange Foundations (IEF). This opportunity is available in 2009 to students / teachers (and their family members) to personally experience Chinese culture, history, education and famous landmarks.
When will the Trip Take Place?
The group will leave Newark / New York on April 9 and arrive in Shanghai on April 10. Over the next eight days, participants will explore Shanghai, ZhouZhuang, Suzhou, WuXi, and Beijing. The return flight will leave from Beijing on April 18, arriving in New York on the same day.
Who will Chaperone the Trip?
The trip will be chaperoned by Ms. Koch and other scheduled people. Teachers and parents are welcome to attend the trip as well, but must pay the full travel cost.
How much will the trip cost?
The trip will cost approximately $1,850, which includes roundtrip air tickets, lodging, meals, and all activity/tour tickets.
If I am Interested, What Do I Do?
If you are interested, please out in the form and return it to Ms. Koch in Mt. Olive High School, or mail to: 3 Pheasant Run, Hackettstown by January 18, 2009. An informational meeting will be held on October 29 2008 7:00pm in the Mt. Olive High School cafeteria.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | | Fly to China |
| Day 2 | ShangHai | Arrival in Shanghai / SuZhou |
| Day 3 | SuZhou | The Humble Administrator's Garden, SuZhou Silk Plant,
The Tiger Hill
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| Day 4 | WuXi | To WuXi, Lake Tai, A local high school.
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| Day 5 | ZhouZhuang
HuangPu River | Coach to ZhouZhuang 'water-town',
YuYuan Market, The HuangPu River night,
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| Day 6 | Beijing | Visit Chinese High School, Fly or Train to Beijing,
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| Day 7 | Beijing | The Forbidden City, The National museum,
Eve: Acrobatic Show (optional)
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| Day 8 | Beijing | Summer Palace, The Great Wall, Foot massage,
Dinner: Beijing roasted duck
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| Day 9 | Beijing | Olympic village, Beijing National Stadium,
Beijing National Aquatics Center,
Shopping: The famous XiuShui Street
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| Day 10 | | Fly back to New York |
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