Itinerary

We have a very exciting itinerary planned so far for our trip. Not only will we be able to visit the World Expo and learn about countries across the globe, but we will also be able to explore some of the wonders found in China.

We begin our trip on the 16th, leaving from the wonderful city of Madison, Wisconsin hometown of the Badgers to Los Angeles. From LAX we travel onto Hong Kong, and finally travel to

Shanghai. That whole trip is going to take around two days!

On the 19th we begin our exploration of the World Expo. We have four days to explore, and

will be visiting pavilions from diverse countries around the globe. Following the Expo, we will be visiting the Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and Tianhou Silk Shop in Shanghai.

The Yu Garden, which means pleasing and satisfying in Chinese, was created in 1577 to please the family of Pan Yunduan, a government official at the time. During the centuries, the garden has undergone changes and alterations. Presently, it figures six scenic areas each with unique characteristics. Throughout the gardens are pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and other natural beauties.

The Jade Buddha temple was built in 1928 to preserve two jade Buddha statues salvaged from a 1882 temple which was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. The Jade Buddha statues were originally brought from Burma by a monk. A new temple was constructed later to house these impressive relics.

Tianhou Silk Shop is oriented towards teaching tourists about the silk profession. During our tour, we will learn how Chinese silk is made and processed. This silk is incorporated into fashion and industry.

After our exploration of Shanghai, we will venture onto Beijing to continue our expedition. In Beijing, we will travel to Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.

Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world and sits at the geographical center of Beijing. With the towering Monument to the People's Heroes at the center Tian'anmen Square has the magnificent Tian'anment tower in the north, the solemn Mao Zedong Memorial Hall in the south, the National Museum of China in the east and the Great hall of the People in the west.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace in China from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, and presently houses the Palace Museum displaying a vast collection of artwork and artifacts of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Traditionally, ordinary people and things were not permitted to enter the sacred gates, ie, they were "forbidden" thus, the city was named. This is the largest and most well preserved imperial residence today, and was built with great attention to symbolism and meaning. For example, yellow is the symbol of the royal family in China, so it is the predominant color found in the Forbidden City.
The Temple of Heaven was built during the reign of Yongel Emperor, the same Emperor responsible for construction of the forbidden city. Royalty during the Ming and Qing Dynasties visited the Temple for religious ceremonies such as prayers for good harvest. Like the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven is built with a mind for symbolism. Earth was represented by a square, and Heaven by a circle, and several features of the temple combine these symbols representing the connection between Heaven and Earth.

Next, we will be traveling to the Great Wall of China. Later, we will be entering the Ming tombs which house the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The 3rd emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Yongel chose this sight, and he and his decedents all reside in this location.

The following day we will be vising Hutong of Old Beijin by rickshaw. A rickshaw is a man powered transport system which usually consists of a cyclist pulls a cart which usually seats two. Hutongs are a type of narrow street or allies lined by traditional courtyard residences. Luckily, some of the Hutongs of China are now protected from construction as culturally historical sites. We will be visiting the local market and the Summer Palace.

Unfortunately that will conclude our journey to China as we begin the return trip to UW-Madison. Students and Staff alike are getting ready for our travel through reading about China, and attending workshops. We can't wait to experience some of the things we've learned about both culturally and historically. As we gather our passports, visa materials and information, the trip seems so close, yet far off at the same time.