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Sunday, December 14, Day 1: Individual Arrivals into Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, and take advantage of your free time by exploring the city that serves as China’s single greatest repository of monuments and treasures from the Imperial era. Beijing is also the political and administrative center of the People’s Republic of China.
Program briefing: Discuss the political and cultural diversity of China and receive further information on the delegation
Monday, Day 2: Beijing
Professional Overview: Status and delivery of education and school libraries in China
Professional program focusing on:
- Understanding the role of libraries in schools in China
- Understanding what access students have to such facilities in urban and rural areas
Guest program:
Spend time with a family in the old Hutong area. Gain an understanding of how the locals really live by immersing yourself in their daily lives, even if only for a short time. Guests will move on to visit the best-kept courtyard house in Beijing, Gong Wang Fu, or the Prince Gong Palace. Covering 5.7 hectares of land in the core area of Beijing, it is the world's largest and the most beautiful courtyard house. The palace is situated in the Western Street of Qian Hai, on the northern shore of Shicha Lake, Western District, Beijing.
Explore the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. The Summer Palace has been an urban oasis for the last 800 years and was restored to its original splendor in the early 20th century.
Tuesday Day 3: Beijing
Professional program focusing on:
- Gain an understanding of the range of resources that are available to students and the access students have to resources
- Gain an understanding of the staffing of the libraries and the qualifications of the staff
- Course availability to those wishing to study to become qualified to be teacher librarians
Guest program:
Visit the Temple of Heaven. The temple’s compound is one of the largest parks in the city, covering two times the size of the Palace Museum.
Wednesday, Day 6: Beijing
Delegates and guests will visit the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), whose massive stone walls and 9,999 rooms were once the residence of Ming and Qing emperors.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the wall’s high vantage points, and meander along a section set in a rugged, mountainous landscape. The mysteries of construction and conquest have drawn people to the Great Wall of China for nearly 2,000 years.
Thursday, Day 4: Beijing to Guiyang
Arrive in Guiyang today. Established as a capital during the Ming dynasty, Guiyang has long been a remote backwater of China’s southwest. Its relative isolation has made the region one of the best-kept secrets in China. Limestone covered hills, jagged peaks and terraced rice fields characterize its stunning landscape. The capital of Guizhou province today, Guiyang is home to colorful ethnic minority cultures and unique traditions.
Friday, Day 5: Guiyang
Professional program focusing on:
- Understand the assistance available for students and staff
- Possibility of links between Chinese associations with like associations in Australia
Guest program:This morning the delegation will hear from Professor Zhang Xiaosong, an anthropologist, or one of her colleagues about the local ethnic population and groups. Later enjoy a cooking lesson featuring the local spicy foods.
Saturday, Day 6: Anshun
Delegates and guests will venture through the garden province of Guizhou and see the beautiful countryside en route to the remarkable caves of the Dragon Palace. The palace’s underground karst cave is nine miles long and threads through 20 mountains, linking more than 90 caves.
Interact with residents and observe family life in a local village.
Explore the Yunfeng Tunpu (Village of Fortress) Scenic Area, located in Qiyanqiao in Xixiu District, 15 kilometers east of the city of Anshun. There are over 40 villages preserved inside this scenic area dating from the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago.
Sunday, Day 7: Guiyang
Delegates and guests will explore Quingyan Ancient Town, one of the most famous historical and cultural towns in Guizhou Province.
Pay a visit to the beautiful Ming-era Jiaxiu Pavilion. Rising nearly 100 feet on the Fuyu (Floating Jade) Bridge over Nanming River, the Jiaxiu Tower houses the authentic works and paintings of many ancient calligraphers.
Share your memories and experiences with fellow delegates at your farewell banquet this evening.
Monday, December 22, Day 8: Depart from Guiyang (own arrangements)
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