The Expedition
Brimming with ancient monuments and venerable traditions, China is recasting itself as a modern power and catapulting into the 21st century. As entrepreneurs and architects build modern China, vestiges from China's long dynastic history — and the era of Mao Tse-tung — remain an important part of daily life. From bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing to the timeless rural villages along the Li River, discover the wonders of old China and examine the rewards and challenges that come with its rapid change. Explore the many faces of China through the unique lens of your On Assignment project — Photography, Writing, or Culture & Arts.
BEIJING
7 days. With the whole world watching, Beijing is undergoing a massive effort to prepare for the summer Olympic Games in 2008. In between the modern high rises and the flashy billboards, however, the city's ancient roots are still visible. Our adventure begins in the Forbidden City. Delve into this enormous palace complex with local guides to learn about its history and architecture. Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites on historic Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Stroll through an age-old neighborhood and explore its Ming Dynasty courtyard homes with a director from an organization working to protect them. In one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet, spin prayer wheels and observe practicing monks. We'll also have the unique opportunity to meet editors at National Geographic magazine's China headquarters.
Set out on an overnight hiking trip to a remote section of the Great Wall. Stay at a local villager's home, and enjoy meals prepared by his family. Wake up for an early hike to see the sun rise over the wall.
XI'AN
3 days. Travel back in time to China's golden age in Xi'an. Once the eastern gateway of the Silk Road trade route, Xi'an was a cosmopolitan capital city during the ancient Tang Dynasty. In its thriving Muslim quarter, follow a guide into the Tang Dynasty Great Mosque. Encounter an army of more than 8,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors at the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di. Hike along the massive city wall and climb into the Bell and Drum Towers to look out over the ancient capital.
YANGSHUO AND LONGSHENG (GUILIN AREA)
6 days. Fly south to Yangshuo to explore China's mystical karst landscape. Here, gumdrop-shaped mountains peek out of the river mist — a beautiful sight often depicted in Chinese paintings. Glide past local fisherman in rustic canoes on a half-day cruise down the Li River. Bike along dirt roads to Gaotian, your countryside home for the next few nights. Settle into village life, practicing tai chi in the mornings, teaching English, and playing sports with local teenagers. Paddle through tributaries of the Li River, hike to nearby Moon Hill, and enjoy barbecues under the stars at your rustic residence. Then trace the terraced rice fields of Longsheng to a traditional mountaintop guesthouse. Meet with local minority farming families to discuss how China's cultural transformation is affecting their lives. Visit a nearby school where elementary students are eager to meet you.
SHANGHAI
4 days. The global center of Shanghai is a patchwork of futuristic skyscrapers, stately colonial neighborhoods, and traditional Chinese architecture. From the top of the Jin Mao Tower, see the massive scale of China's economic boom with your own eyes. Learn about the city's controversial past in districts once run by foreigners, and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. Meet high school students to talk about the impact of globalization and economic development on their lives. Conclude your journey by sharing your On Assignment projects with the group.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Assemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to the soaring karst formations of the Li River to Shanghai's serene temple gardens, capture the many faces of China.
WRITING: Re-create the past, immortalize the present, or imagine the future in your own words. Through workshops that might take place below the Great Wall, at the foot of a mountain, or high above Shanghai, use your personal observations to evoke the character of China.
CULTURE & ARTS: Dig deeper into China's rich artistic, culinary, and spiritual traditions. Paint calligraphy using a maobi horse-hair brush and rice paper, and learn about the history of the art form. Get a hands-on lesson in Chinese cuisine with local chefs, and use your new culinary skills to prepare a meal for your group.
