Trip to China

May 12 to May 26, 2020

In Partnership with

The Confucius Institute at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Trip to China May 12-26 The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln is proud to yet again lead a trip to China for OLLI members. OLLI and the UNL Confucius Institute are working together, again, to organize a 15-day trip to China in May 2020. This trip, unlike previous trips, will be planting the OLLI flag in the mountainous nature southwest of China. We will visit culturally diverse parts of China, going through Tibetan, Hmong, Han, Zhuang, Bai, and Naxi regions of China. The trip will begin in , visiting the Jiuzhaigou Nature Preserve, Panda Preserve. Then we will travel to Guilin, known for towering mountains among rice paddy farms, where we will stay in a rural guest house from which you can explore the area on bike (or electric bike). Lastly, we will travel to Yunnan in the very southwest of China where we will visit historic towns and villages representing various different cultures. At this information session we will be sharing details with potentially interested travelers as well as take feedback and input.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 (Tuesday, May 12) Nebraska to Chengdu We will spend the whole day in the air, leaving from Lincoln or Omaha to Chengdu with 1 or 2 stops in between depending on the air-tickets we can reserve. We will fly over Canada, Alaska, the Arctic Ocean and Russia en route.

Day 2 (Wednesday, May 13) Arrival in Chengdu (D) The group will be received by a local guide at Chengdu Airport upon arrival and transferred to hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to get recovered from jetlag.

Day 3 (Thursday, May 14) Chengdu (BLD) The group will enjoy whole day escorted tour to cover Breeding Base, 10 kilometers north of Chengdu. This 600-acre research station and breeding ground has been in operation since in 1987, opened to the public in early in 1995 with 40 plus pandas as well as other endangered species like lesser

2 pandas and black-necked crane which currently reside at the base in quarters. In the afternoon, walk along Jinli Street and visit Wuhou Shrine. Jinli Street and the Tibetan Quarter are the perfect places to buy friends and family some cool gifts. There are lots of folk-style artifacts and paintings for sale (the opera masks are particularly eye-catching). The snacks here are out- of-this-world tasty! Jinli is full of teahouses and bars as well. Wuhou Shrine (Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu), which is dedicated to the great strategist in Chinese history, Zhuge Liang.

Face Changing and Show , one of the must for Chengdu is arranged today after dinner. The traditional performing formula is quite systematic in that it combines the stunts like face-changing, Tihuiyan, sword-hiding, fire- spitting and beard-changing with the plot and different characters, highlighting the romanticism of opera in a magical and exaggerated manner.

Day 4 (Friday, May 15) Chengdu - JiuzhaiGou (BLD)

After breakfast and just take two-day luggage to airport for one hr flight 3U8009（10:20-11:20）to JiuzhaiGou. Upon the arrival, take lunch in hotel restaurant and enter JiuzhaiGou for sightseeing.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a reserve of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular jagged alpine mountains soaring above coniferous forest around a fairyland landscape of crystal clear, strange-coloured blue, green and purplish pools, lakes, waterfalls, limestone terraces, caves and other beautiful features.

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Day 5 (Saturday, May 16) JiuzhaiGou - Chengdu (BLD)

After breakfast and go to airport for 3U8010 （12:10- 13:15） back to Chengdu. In the afternoon, go to visit Renmin Park to see local people’s daily life and experience the slow, relaxed mentality of Chengdu. Here you might encounter the Majong players scattering everywhere within the park and tea drinkers staying together gossiping about their lives. Then hang around the Wide & Narrow Alleys.

Here they particularly referred to the two famous lanes in Chengdu – Kuan Alley (Wide Lane) and Zhai Alley ( Narrow Lane). Both Kuan Alley and Zhai Alley (Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi) are the gentrified ancient alleys from Qing Dynasty ( 1644 -1911 ) in Chengdu. Ranking as one of the finest pedestrian thoroughfares in downtown Chengdu, Kuan-Zhai Lanes offers a visually pleasing blend of traditional Sichuan architecture fused with modern Chengdu commerce. Dozens of quadrangle homes built in the Qing style stand nestled between fashionable cafés, nightclubs and clothing boutiques; and visitors can sip tea in a traditional tea house on Kuan before grabbing a beer at a trendy bar just one street away over on Zhai. Sichuan Hot Pot, fiery and numbingly spicy, is one of utmost importance to Chengdu locals will be the special dinner tonight.

Day 6 (Sunday, May 17) Chengdu to Kunming (BLD)

Leave hotel after breakfast in the morning for the express train G2885 （09:40-16:11)for Kunming. Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan Province. If China's mountain scenery and minority culture interest you, but you don't want to go somewhere too remote or extreme climatically, then our Kunming tours should suit you.Upon arrival, go to check in the selected hotel. After local dinner, enjoy your free time in CuiHu Park if you have energy to walk a little bit to enjoy a leisurely stroll or want to see daily life in Kunming. With verdant islets, emerald lakes, and exquisite pavilions, this park is an oasis in central Kunming. It is a tranquil land for people to escape from the bustling city, and a winter resort for red- beaked seagulls.

Day 7 (Monday, May 18) Kunming (BLD)

In the morning, leave the hotel for , It is the only karst stone forest in a subtropical plateau region in the world. It is internationally reputed as the "Stone Forest Museum". After getting back the city, have free walking in the Dounan flowers and birds market.

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Day 8 (Tuesday, May 19) Kunming - Dali (BLD)

After breakfast, take express train G8696 （09:56-11:51）from Kunming to Dali. After hotel check-in and lunch, have a walking tour inside Dali Ancient Town located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains , where clear springs flow and local Bai ethnic group lives.

In a quiet corner of the town, you will also find a Chinese- style Catholic church that was built in 1927. Within Dali Ancient Town, you will see Dali City Wall, Wuwei Temple, Dali Ancient Town and Dali Street.

Day 9 (Wednesday, May 20) Dali (BLD)

Today , First after breakfast, go to see the morning market of Xizhou Village and then visit the houses of the Bai minority people there. You will see typical Bai traditions and dresses. Some buildings are old and have typical ancient architectures, and are the 'real local' houses. Then board boat to have a 2- hour boat riding in Erhai lake, which is blessed with a mild climate and stunning scenery. When you are on the way back form Erhai to Dali Ancient town, you might see the three Pagodas between CangShan Mountains and Erhai Lake, which are considered the landmark of Dali built there more then 1000 years ago.

Day 10 (Thursday, May 21) Dali - （BLD）

After breakfast, take around 2.5 hrs bus tour from Dali to Lijiang. On the way, have a stop in Zhoucheng watching local people dye cloth in their house. Upon the Enjoy lunch and start the tour in Lijiang. Lijiang Ancient Town is the best-preserved minority ancient city. Most of the people living there belong to the Naxi minority, some of whom still make a living by making handicrafts of silver, leather, textiles, and some local snacks. Enjoy the quaint city scenery and see plenty of handicrafts in a distinctive style only found in this area of China. You can climb up to Lion Hill to have a bird's-

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eye view of the whole town.Then pay a visit to the Black Dragon Pool Park, where the view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of the most famous postcard-perfect sceneries in . And you might pay a visit to see DongBa culture in DongBack Museum about local minority.

Day 11 (Friday, May 22) Lijiang（BL）

After the breakfast, drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain of the Naxi people. Use the cable car and find yourself in a real paradise as you overlook stunning and variant natural beauty, including spruces, meadows, pines, and clouds. In the after, visit the Former Residence of Rock, where the American explorer, writer and photographer for National Geographic spend 27 years since 1922. The rest of the time is free for you to spend within Lijiang Ancient Town.

Day 12 (Saturday, May 23) Lijiang – Guilin (BLD)

After the breakfast, drive to see Shuhe Ancient Town, the earliest habitation of the Naxi ancestors. It is also an important and well-preserved post of the Ancient Tea Horse Route, an international trade route in Southwest China that uses the horse as its main vehicle. And after lunch, go to catch flight GJ8999 （15:05-16:50) from Lijiang to Guilin.

Have dinner , if you like and still have energy, you may think of taking the 1.5-hour cruise is well worth the price as it offers a chance to view Guilin’s tranquil mountain and water scenery, along with traditional Chinese architecture, ancient inscriptions on the bridge arches and well-maintained park-style lake frontage, from the best vantage point: on the water itself. The cruises run during the daytime and in the evening, affording the opportunity to see the scenery or the fantasy nighttime illuminations.

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Day 13 (Sunday, May 24) Guilin – Yangshuo (BL)

After breakfast, go to the Li River Shore to board Li River Boat for hours boating tour along Li River Li Jiang. The river is renowned as being one of “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” according to National Geographic. The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo boasts the most beautiful scenery. Along the 86-kilometer waterway, you will see karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fields, and traditional villages nestled at the bases of the hills.enjoy the beautiful Carst Mountains along the river. Lunch is on the river and leave the boat in the afternoon at Yangshuo. Check in the local boutique hotel and the rest of the day at Yangshuo today is free for you.

Day 14 (Monday, May 25) Yangshuo (BL)

Cycling is the most popular way to explore Yangshuo’s countryside. The beautiful rural landscape can be seen everywhere around Yangshuo. If you are looking for a more exciting countryside trip in Yangshuo, you can travel on an electric scooter.An electric scooter is like a motorcycle but, being powered by electricity, it is virtually noiseless. It is much faster and takes much less effort than a bicycle. You can choose the route based on your interests, such as to see more karst landscapes or to visit the local villages. Your guide can give you some recommendations.

The most beautiful cycling routes are around the areas of the Yulong River and the Li River. Hop on your bike and pedal along the postcard-like karst hills, ride by the rice paddies filled with rapeseed flowers in spring, stop to say hello to the farmers working in their fields, and pass by some tranquil villages. You may also visit the local farmers' houses. And along riding tour in the countryside, you may see the rice fields and water Buffalo. The afternoon is free for you to walk along Yangshuo Western Street and stop by the coffee shop or bar, and try local food yourselves. Tonight, you are booked to enjoy “Sister Liu Impression”, conducted and directed by the most famous director, Mr. Zhang YiMo. It is a real minority people show by using mountain and river as the stage and background.

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Day 15 (Tuesday, May 26) Yangshuo -Guilin - US (BL)

After hotel breakfast, take bu for 2-hour drive back to Guilin and go to see Elephant Trunk Park and Reed Flute Cave , which is a fascinating gallery of natural sculptures (limestone cave formations), now enhanced by multicolored lighting. It has been one of Guilin's many interesting attractions for over 1,200 years.It rates as one of the top four tourist sites in the city. The cave got its name from a type of reed growing outside, which can be made into melodious flutes. Finally, you will be taken to airport for boarding flight back to States.

B refers to breakfast, L refers to lunch and D refers to dinner

Estimated Cost

The Cost of the trip depends on the number of people going on the trip. Prices listed here are for the travel package, which includes local travel, inter-city travel, hotel accommodations, listed meals, local guide, and entrance price for the various sites visited. Travelers will be responsible for international airfare, international travel insurance, tipping (not common in China), visa expenses, and personal expenses. Below is an Estimate of cost. Estimate is subject to change. Travel Package: Double occupancy room Single occupancy room 15-19 travelers $3440 per person $3960 USD per person 20+ travelers $3180 per person $3700 USD per person

Note: The cost also includes the cost of the Confucius Institute guide who will accompany travelers the entire duration of the trip and assist in any problems one may encounter on the trip, and the expenses that OLLI occurs in organizing the trip. The Confucius Institute and OLLI does not have any additional charges.

International Airfare: The cost of international flights to China are not included in the travel package, but are the responsibility of each traveler. The Confucius Institute will assist in arranging through a travel agent a block of seats on a specific flight and will be given instructions on purchasing seats, but travelers will pay for themselves. Cost of international flights vary depending upon many market factors. Typically, flights to China range between

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$1400 and $2000, averaging $1600. Since we will be purchasing tickets months in advance and it is not a major peak season, the cost are likely to be on the lower end of this estimate. Chinese Visa: The cost of a visa for the People’s Republic of China are the responsibility of all travelers. All non-Chinese citizens must apply for a tourist (L) visa and must be done before arrival in China. Chinese visas are easy to obtain, and the Confucius Institute will arrange for a broker to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese consulate in Houston, TX and help in filling out the form. The cost of the visa application is approximately $224 ($140 visa fee, $79 broker fee, $5 shipping). The Chinese tourist visa is valid for 10 years for individual stays of 30 days each. If you already have a valid Chinese tourist visa, then you do not need to apply again for a visa. Passports are the responsibility of each traveler. International Travel Insurance: Travelers are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. The cost of international travel insurance varies depending on provider and plan. A typical plan that covers things like trip cancellation, emergency medical, baggage loss, etc. cost around $250. There are cheaper plans available, but as expected, they provide less coverage. Personal Expenses: Personal expenses for things like snacks, drinks, souvenirs, individual meals not a part of the tour group, and other items and services travelers wish to purchase are the responsibility of individuals. Cash is always accepted. US dollars are generally not accepted outside the hotel, but dollars can be exchanged for Chinese RMB at the airport when arrive at a reasonable rate (not recommended to exchange currency in the US). Chinese RMB can also be withdrawn from ATMs in China with major US bank debt cards if you enable your card with your bank for international withdraws. You may incur international transaction and exchange fees. Consult your bank for more information. US credit cards are also commonly accepted in China at major shopping centers and hotels if you enable international transactions with your credit card company. Fees may apply. Tipping: Tipping for services is the responsibility of travelers. Tipping is not commonly practiced in China in restaurants, cabs, and local services etc.; however, places that are used to international travelers from the US, such as hotels, bellhops, airport porters, and various tourism services often expect to receive a tip. A reasonable tip for a service such as bellhop or porter would be about 20 RMB. Tour guides and bus drivers should also be tipped at about 30-40 RMB per day per person.

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Tentative Timeline

November 4, 2019 – Online Registration for China Trip Open and Paper Registration Accepted. January 20, 2020 (5:00 PM) – Registration deadline Registration closes and all applicants should have submitted their registration forms, passport information, and paid $500 deposit. Applicants are encouraged to seek their doctor’s advice on immunization for travel to China. If the trip is cancelled due to insufficient number of travelers, registered participants shall be notified within one week and deposit checks will be destroyed. February 17, 2020 (5:30 – 6:30)– visa application information session We will help travelers with filling out their visa application, answer questions, and give instructions on the trip. February 24, 2020 – Submit Chinese visa application deadline March 9, 2020 – Chinese visa are expected to be returned March 16, 2020 – Payment for travel package and Purchase International Flight May 4, 2020 (5:30 – 7:00) - Pre-departure Information Session May 12, 2020 – Assemble at airport. Exact time and location depends on flight.

For more information, contact Liz Khalil or Chris Heselton. Liz Khalil [email protected] (402) 472-5370 Chris Heselton [email protected] (402) 472-5024

To Register, Go to www.confuciusinstitute.unl.edu/chinatrip or fill out the attached form on the next page and mail in $500 security deposit.

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Registration Form Registration opens November 4, 2019 Closes January 20, 2020

First and last name(s) as listed on your Passport Date of Birth

Street Address Gender

City State Zip

Home Telephone Cell Telephone Email address

Accommodation Desired (check):

Single Occupancy ($3440-3960 USD per person) Double Occupancy ($3180-3700 USD per person)

For shared accommodation, I would like to share a room with:

Please identify any health concerns or limitations that should be shared with the tour organizers:

Please identify any dietary restriction for medical, ethical, or religious reasons:

Emergency Contact (name, phone, address, and relationship):

Deliver this reservation and $500 check deposit per person made payable to the University of Nebraska: The Confucius Institute at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln W205 Nebraska Hall PO Box 880542 Lincoln, NE 68588-0542

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