This travel program will introduce students to the exciting field of Chinese studies. While at MSU, each day will begin with a three-hour class on history and contemporary culture of China. Topics covered include the physical and cultural geography of China, an overview of Chinese historical themes, creation of a unified China,  Confucianism and the Confucian state, introduction of Buddhism and the creation of the Daoist religion, poetry and literature, the Silk Road, international trades and the dispersion of ideas, religions and inventions, the coming of the West and its challenges, the rocky road to revolution and the establishment of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC), and finally, understanding contemporary China through literature, music, politics, and economics. Each afternoon will begin with a two hour Chinese language class based on the first year textbook and taught by a MSU language instructor.

The travel portion of the course provides students the opportunity to experience fascinating lectures along with exciting site visits within the cities of Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai:

Students begin their journey at the Lansing airport on Thursday, August 2nd, then connect at Detroit Metropolitan airport for their overnight flight to Beijing.

After arriving at the Beijing airport the evening of Friday, August 3rd (Day 1), students will check into their four star hotel and prepare to begin their adventure the next day. 

Day 2 brings a visit to the Forbidden City, the ancient seat of Chinese Imperial power, along with Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. After dinner, students will enjoy a demonstration of the traditional Chinese practice of wushu, better known as Kung Fu or martial arts.

Day 3 includes a trip to the Great Wall and the site of the 2008 Olympics, where students can view modern landmarks like the famous "Bird's Nest" National Stadium and the Water Cube. Afterward, students will experience delicious Beijing (Peking) Roast Duck for dinner.

On Day 4, students gain insight into the Beijing of old, as they tour the hutong, or traditional alleyways and courtyards by rickshaw, and then see the Summer Palace.

Day 5 sees students flying from Beijing to Xi'an, where they will transfer to another four star hotel and enjoy a Tang Dynasty Dancing Show and jiaozi, or dumpling, dinner.

Day 6 allows students to experience a variety of exciting cultural landmarks, including the Ancient City Wall, the Bell Tower, Big Wild Goose Tower, and the Great Mosque.

On Day 7 students get a glimpse of China's illustrious past as they view the awe-inspiring Terra Cotta Army, one of the legacies of the first emperor of China, gaining context by also visiting the History Museum.

Day 8 has students flying from Xi'an to Chengdu, where they will transfer to yet another four star hotel and experience a flavorful Sichuan Hop Pot dinner.

On Day 9 students channel their inner artists as they visit the cottage of one of China's most famous poets, Du Fu, as well as the Temple of Marquis Zhuge Liang and the Wangjian Tower Garden. Later, they watch the Face Magic Show of SiChuen.

Day 10 provides an environmental focus as students visit the Panda raising base and the Dujiangyan Dam, part of China's famous ancient irrigation system. In addition, the archeological discovery of Sanxingdui will be explored.

Day 11 brings the jet-setting students from Chengdu to Shanghai by plane, where they will transfer to another four star hotel and watch a thrilling Acrobatic Evening performance show.

On Day 12 students take in some of the best that Shanghai has to offer, both old and new, as they visit the Yuyuan Garden, the Children's Palace, the Oriental Pearl Tower and the waterfront Bund. In the evening students are treated to a special Huang Pu River Cruise tour with dinner onboard.

Day 13 has the students traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou via private tour bus, where they take a boat tour to visit the ancient Grand Canal, then see the Humble Administration Garden and the Embroidery Institution.

On Day 14 students will have the opportunity to visit a school, the local shopping and eating district of Shanghai known as Xintiandi, or local markets before resting up for their return journey to the US.

The next morning on Friday, August 17th, students fly to Detroit and then connect into Lansing to conclude their adventure.

Since one requirement of the program is to keep a journal, students will be given questions to answer in the journal about each site we visit. In addition, students will continue Chinese language study with a focus on practical topics they can use when touring sites and meeting the local residents.