x Study visit of the Alumni Association of the Swiss Graduate Institute of Public Management provisional programme Beijing– Shanghai – Xi’an October 2017 19/20 to 28 October 2018 Beijing, the capital Evidence of human ancestry dating back to 700,000 years ago has been found in such places as Zhoukoudian in the southwest part of Beijing, where the remains known as 'Peking Man' were found. Beijing is the nation’s political, cultural and educational center. It is home to the headquarters of most of China’s largest state-owned companies and is a major hub for the national highway, expressway, railway and high-speed rail networks. The Beijing Capital International Airport is the second busiest in the world by passenger traffic. In economy, Beijing is among the most developed cities in China. Beijing has 41 Fortune Global 500 companies. There are also over 100 of the largest companies of China in Beijing. Beijing is also the city which has the largest number of universities in China, with more than 60 colleges and universities, such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and many research institutions. In Beijing, old Beijing alley (“Hutong”) is not only the context of the city, it is also the important stage of the evolution of the historical and cultural development. Partner of the study visit: Renmin University Shanghai, a modern metropolis Shanghai literally means the city by the sea. The city is divided into two parts by the Huangpu River: Puxi (west of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (east of the Huangpu River). Puxi is the older part of the city and hosts the majority of shops, restaurants and museums. Pudong is the modern part and is recognized for its rather unusual yet extremely impressive high-rises such as Shanghai's tallest buildings, the Shanghai International Financial Center, Jinmao Building and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The Huangpu River is the mother river of Shanghai. Nanpu Bridge, Yangpu Bridge and Oriental Pearl TV Tower compose a huge picture scroll. The Bund is the cultural section of Shanghai that best represents the blending of ancient and modern influences. This renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. Local people honor the Huangpu River as Mother River, and as you view the lights and spectacle from the deck of your evening cruise you will understand why. Between the stately colonial edifices along the Bund, the glittering skyscrapers on the eastern shore of Pudong, and the unceasing river traffic, there is plenty to keep your eyes from ever resting. Partner of the study visit: Shanghai University of Sport Xi’an, the history Xi'an, is the capital of Shangxi Province. One of the oldest cities in China, Xi'an is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals, having held the position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Sui, and Tang. Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Bell and Drum Tower is a landmark in Xi'an. Located in the city center, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are opposite each other. This ancient property owned by a Ming dynasty official is the only Ming garden in the northern part of the Old City. Built in 1559, the 2- hectare garden boasts over 40 ingeniously conceived, well laid out ancient buildings, which have interesting names like Iron, Panther, Moon Tower and Hearing- Waves Pavilion. With its pavilions, artificial mountains and ponds, it is widely advertised as a gem of classic Chinese gardening and an oasis of calm marooned in the urban bustle. Partner of the study visit: Northwest University .