MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

China: Horizons Along the River on the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer October 16–31, 2019 MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Dear Travelers and Friends,

Since the days of Marco Polo, Westerners have been intrigued by China, one of the world’s most influential civilizations. Please join the Museum Travel Alliance this autumn on an exceptional program delving deep into the country’s unique culture. In addition to the cosmopolitan cities of Shanghai and Beijing, we will spend a day in Suzhou, explore the ancient capital of Xi’an, and take a three-night cruise along the Yangtze River.

Traveling with us on this journey will be a guest lecturer who is an art historian, curator, and an Emmy award-winning producer of films on art and culture. In addition, everywhere we travel, museum directors and private citizens will extend warm welcomes, making our journey a truly remarkable one. This access to experts is one of the features of all trips offered by the Museum Travel Alliance.

In Shanghai, see the outstanding collections at the Shanghai Museum and meet some of the city’s artists. In breathtaking Suzhou, discover the Master of the Fishing Nets Garden before flying to Xi’an. Enjoy a private dinner at the Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts, see Tang Dynasty Murals on an exclusive visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, and meet with the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque. Discover Dazu, home to UNESCO-listed ancient rock carvings, before boarding our luxury vessel for a three-night Yangtze River cruise. Conclude in Beijing with an exclusive tour of a Forbidden City palace not open to the public, a visit to a private home, and much more.

With all its ancient splendors, China is in the midst of an extraordinary transformation, so even if you have been to China before, this itinerary offers much that is new and special. Museum Travel Alliance programs are limited to a small number of guests to maintain the intimacy and camaraderie that are hallmarks of our trips.

I urge you to reserve your space as soon as possible, so that you can meet us this October in Shanghai.

Sincerely,

Jim Friedlander President, Museum Travel Alliance

HIGHLIGHTS ADMIRE ancient gardens and the modern museum by I.M. Pei during a day in Suzhou MEET artists and gain special access to some of Shanghai’s dynamic art galleries ENJOY a special visit to the Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts, with a special private dinnerat the museum

MEET with the Chief Imam at the Grand Mosque in Xi’an and learn about Islamic practice in China TAKE a three-night cruise on the Yangtze River that includes the fabled SEE Beijing’s awe-inspiring Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Dynasty’s architectural wonder

TOUR the Forbidden City’s Shu Fang Zhai Palace, which is closed to the public, with a local expert China: Horizons Along the Yangtze River on the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer October 16–31, 2019

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19: SHANGHAI / SUZHOU / SHANGHAI Travel to nearby Suzhou, renowned for its classic gardens. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, considered one of China’s finest, and the Garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets Suzhou is the ancestral home of I.M. Pei, and, following lunch we will see the museum he designed. Return to Shanghai, where dinner is at leisure. B,L

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20: SHANGHAI / XI’AN This morning visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Afterwards, get a peek into Shanghai's dynamic Master of the Fishing Nets, Suzhou art galleries and meet some of city’s talented artists. After flying to Xi’an, transfer to the Westin, next to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Later enjoy a private visit and special dinner WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16: DEPARTURE at the Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts. Our lecturer will Depart by air for Shanghai on an overnight flight. speak on “The Great Bronze Age of China.” B,R,D

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17: SHANGHAI, CHINA MONDAY, OCTOBER 21: XI’AN Arrive this afternoon in Shanghai and transfer to the Visit the Forest of Stele Museum, which houses a large elegant Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai. Gather this collection of ancient stone tablets containing examples of evening for a welcome reception with the lecturer. R early Chinese calligraphy. Inside Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, see the Grand Mosque and meet with the Chief Imam. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18: SHANGHAI After lunch, see the ancient city wall and Big Wild Goose This morning explore the Shanghai Museum, housing Pagoda. Dinner is at a restaurant with a view of the masterpieces of Chinese art dating back to the Neolithic stunning city wall. B,L,D period. Next visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. Following lunch, enjoy a lecture on “Contemporary China TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22: XI’AN and the Chinese Garden.” Return to our hotelMONGOLI for an A Today visit the 3rd-century tomb of the first Emperor Qin afternoon at leisure before a festive welcome dinner. B,L,D Shihuangdi in the Terracotta Warriors Museum, which NORTH Sea of KOREA Japan SOUTH Beijing KOREA

Yellow Xi’an Sea JAPAN CHINA

Suzhou Shanghai Wuhan Dazu East Yangtze River China Sea Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an, photo byBHUT DennisAN Jarvis INDIA

BANGLADESH TAIWAN

MYANMAR VIETNAM BURMA South LAOS China Sea Bay of Bengal PHILIPPINES

THAILAND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27: YICHANG / WUHAN / BEIJING After breakfast disembark Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer and visit the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Center. Afterwards, board a high-speed train to Wuhan to fly to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to the luxurious Waldorf Astoria. B,L

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28: BEIJING Stone carvings, Dazu, This morning visit the Temple of Heaven, a fine example photo by majena of Ming Dynasty architecture. Watch the locals doing morning exercises, then enjoy a private Tai Chi class. contains an army of more than 7,500 painted terra-cotta Learn from a lecture on Imperial China and the Forbidden warriors and horse-drawn chariots. After lunch, take a City during lunch at a mansion that belonged to an early private curator-led tour at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, Qing Dynasty prince. Continue to the Summer Palace to housing one of China’s richest collections of ancient stroll the grounds of this beautifully preserved retreat artifacts, including the impressive Tang Murals. On this before dinner. B,L,D exclusive tour visit the Tang Dynasty Murals restoration and preservation center, which is not open to the public. The TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29: BEIJING rest of the evening is at leisure. B,L Depart the hotel for a morning visit to the Forbidden City. A local expert will accompany us on an exclusive tour of the WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23: XI’AN / CHONGQING Shu Fang Zhai Palace, an Imperial lodge usually closed to This morning explore the Han Yangling Tomb Museum, the public. After lunch, take a trishaw ride through Beijing’s the mausoleum of Emperor Jing, the fourth emperor Hutongs (traditional neighborhoods), followed by a visit to a of the western Han Dynasty, and his empress Wang. private home. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. B,L Continue to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. On arrival, transfer to the Westin Chongqing before dinner at WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30: BEIJING a local restaurant. B,D This morning visit the legendary Great Wall. After lunch, visit the Polly Art Museum, with an impressive collection THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24: CHONGQING / DAZU / of rare Chinese bronzes and Buddhist stone sculptures. SANCTUARY YANGZI EXPLORER RIVER CRUISE Gather this evening for a farewell dinner, featuring Depart the hotel for Dazu, a UNESCO World Heritage traditional Peking duck, followed by a performance. B,L,D Site. After lunch visit the Three Gorges Museum, housing THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31: BEIJING/ RETURN antiquities and cultural treasures that would have been Depart the hotel this morning for flights home. B lost due to rising waters from the new dam. Following dinner, board Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer for a three-night DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the cruise to Yichang. B,L,D discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25: SANCTUARY YANGZI https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php EXPLORER RIVER CRUISE This morning, choose between two excursions. Visit the 816 Underground Project, a military project hidden in Temple of Heaven, Beijing, the mountains. Alternatively, see the White Crane Ridge photo by LvYou Ai Underwater Project, which takes you underwater to view the river bed. With both options, tour a local market. After lunch aboard ship, attend a lecturer on Chinese landscape paintings. This evening, enjoy a Captain's welcome reception, dinner, and performances. B,L,R,D

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26: SANCTUARY YANGZI EXPLORER RIVER CRUISE Today pass through and learn about the striking Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu, and Yiling. There will be an opportunity to board boats for an excursion along the Shennong Stream. Before returning to the ship, visit a traditional trackers village to get a glimpse of rural Chinese life. Enjoy a farewell dinner on board. B,L,D ACCOMMODATIONS SANCTUARY YANGZI EXPLORER FAIRMONT PEACE SHANGHAI HOTEL The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer introduces a new standard The Fairmont Peace Hotel is an iconic landmark of cruising in China - more intimate and luxurious. This reinvented for the 21st century. Situated at the famous elegant river vessel has some of the largest cabins and Bund promenade and the unrivaled shopping area on suites on the river, all with private balconies, as well as the Nanjing Road, it is the perfect place to explore Shanghai’s highest crew to passenger ratio on the river spectacular scenery and vibrant lifestyle. Amenities in guest rooms are elegantly appointed in an Art Deco Style. Dining options at the hotel include a Chinese restaurant, Jazz Bar, a lounge that serves afternoon tea, and a café.

THE WESTIN XIAN Steps from Xian’s ancient sites and bustling culture, enjoy revitalizing comforts, including a spa and an indoor pool. Amenities in the Westin’s comfortable rooms include iPod docking stations and high-speed Internet access. The hotel’s restaurants serve everything from Japanese to Italian to traditional Japanese dishes.

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

Restaurant, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

The Westin Xian

WESTIN CHONGQING The Westin Chongquing is located just a short stroll from the People’s Liberation Monument. Rooms in this modern hotel have contemporary décor, flat-screen LCD televisions with cable channels, high-speed Internet access, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city or river. Amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness studio, a spa, a business center, and several restaurants and bars. PROGRAM RATE $12,999 per person, double occupancy WALDORF ASTORIA BEIJING In the heart of China’s dynamic capital, the Waldorf $16,599 single rate Astoria Beijing is a short walk from the Forbidden City and RATE INCLUDES Tiananmen Square. Inspired by China’s imperial architecture, n Fourteen nights accommodations as per itinerary art and traditions, the hotel combines luxury, design, and n Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, timeless Chinese artistry and craftsmanship with cutting- R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea with all edge technology and service. The hotel includes four meals; house wine at included dinners restaurants featuring local and international cuisine. The n Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on fitness center includes a spa and an indoor swimming pool. suggested flights n Escorted sightseeing by private motor coach; entrance fees for included visits n Enrichment program of lectures and special events n Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers

NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport/visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; trip insurance; baggage in excess of one suitcase; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Waldorf Astoria Beijing Forbidden City, Beijing, photo by gptlist

THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE CHINA: HORIZONS ALONG THE YANGTZE RIVER n OCTOBER 16–31, 2019 RESERVATION FORM

To reserve a place, please call The Museum Travel Alliance at 212-324-1893 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to The Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: The Museum Travel Alliance, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

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Front cover photo: Yangrze River B_19LNDPEK1016_MTA