The 21st century will be remembered in history as the China Century. With 20 percent of the world's population, China has sustained phenomenal 9-12% economic growth over 15 years, has the world's largest standing army, the world's greatest rural-to-urban migration, and is the number one consumer of nearly every natural resource. China is without a doubt the challenger to U.S. global hegemony, yet relatively few Americans have traveled to this complex country.

China is a country of profound paradoxes: it has a Communist government, yet it also has some of the world's greatest income inequality; China is an innovator in the area of green technologies, but its environment suffers from horrific pollution; and despite the one-child policy, China's population is expected to rise to 1.6 billion in 2050 from 1.2 billion in 2000.

As the largest, most powerful economy in the world, how will the US respond to China as its challenger? Will Americans sink deeper into China-bashing, or will we construct a fair foreign policy that safeguards US jobs and industries while allowing China to create the world's largest middle class?

On these tours you will explore China's rich history, archeology and natural wonders while also engaging in conversations about current events. Find out firsthand about the world's emerging superpower as you visit with professors, journalists, and various organizations working for environ-mental protection, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Read Kevin Danaher's article about our July 2005 delegation to China here.

Click here to view photos from a participant's trip to China with Global Exchange.

Program Highlights:

• Exchange with representatives from various non-governmental organizations working to preserve the environment, promote democracy, and advance women's rights.
• Travel to Yunnan a mountainous area famous for its breathtaking scenery. From the peaceful Lijiang Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the snow capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger leaping Gorge, the
• diverse natural landscapes of Yunnan are all breathtaking in their beauty.
• In Beijing visit historic sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Shichahai, The Great Wall and other important temples and sites.
• Visit with members of The Nature Conservancy and learn about their promotion of sustainable development in local communities. Investigate their Yunnan Great Rivers Project, one of China's largest and most important conservation efforts.
• Visit ethnic minority villages and meet the Tibetan and Naxi peoples. View performances of traditional singing and dancing, and learn about efforts to preserve traditional culture and customs.
• Learn from specialists in disciplines of economy, archeology and history as you engage in intimate discussion groups.
• Visit a garment factory and learn about China's changing export economy.
• Learn about public education in China by visiting a primary school and a Martial Arts school.
• In Shanghai, learn about Chinese art with a guided tour at the art museum and meet local artisans.
• Contact tour coordinator for day-by-day itinerary.

Cost: $2500 from Beijing

Price Includes:

• Double room accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels
• ($350 extra for single room); two to three meals per
• day; bottled water; all transportation in country;
• entrance fees and honoraria; guides and translators; a
• qualified tour facilitator and local guides; all program
• activities, and preparatory reading materials.
• Price does not include international airfare to Beijing and from Shanghai, visa fee, airport departure taxes, tips
• and personal expenses.

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Our journey will be as diverse as possible in terms of age, ethnicity and life experiences. We urge people of color , youth and elders to apply. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Sanaz with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251.