Explore China with the Greater Des Moines Partnership
Greater Des Moines (DSM) is full of diverse cultural backgrounds. We are fortunate to get exposure to international cuisine and culture regularly on our doorstep during events like the World Food & Music Festival, the Latino Heritage Festival and CelebrAsian. While these provide a little insight into different ways of life, it does not compare to spending time traveling a country and experiencing all that it has to offer.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is offering a once-in-a-lifetime cultural trip exploring China. Pack your bags, grab your passport and join us for the 10 day Best of China Trip setting off Oct. 10, 2018. Get a glimpse of Chinese local business culture in style and comfort with stops in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to in each city:
Beijing
With beautifully preserved palaces, tombs and relics, Beijing is China’s fascinating capital city steeped in history and with a treasure trove of wonder. Noted for its rich heritage, it is rare you will find a landmark here that holds no historical significance. From the Great Wall of China to the Forbidden City, Beijing is boundless with culture.
Travel by rickshaw to explore the ancient alleyways lining the city. See where emperors of a time long ago prayed for good harvest and where today their descendants practice their morning exercises at the Temple of Heaven. Explore the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics and the famous Olympics Bird’s Nest & Water Bubbles buildings. To cap it off, you will then tour the Summer Palace, an ancient royal palace built by the Dragon lady in the last dynasty. No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall, where you will spend the day exploring its majesty.
Xian
Regarded as the birthplace of Chinese civilization, Xian was the capital city of 13 imperial dynasties under 70 emperors, the most for any city. As a result, many ancient structures can be found throughout. Xian is also the capital of the Shaanxi province and the start of The Silk Road.
Notably, Xian is home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an archeological discovery of more than 8,000 life sized Terracotta statues — each with distinctive physical features. Our Xian trip will also feature a visit to explore the nooks of the Ancient City Wall, one of the largest and best preserved Chinese city walls.
Shanghai
As China’s largest city of 14 million, Shanghai is a paradise for adventure and excitement. Shanghai is a multi-cultural hub integrating both modern and traditional Chinese features. The city is the hotspot for Chinese industrial technology and serves as one of the country’s most important seaports and commercial centers.
Our trip will take us down the riverside boulevard, known as the Bund, which showcases Shanghai’s renowned high-rise architecture. You will also tour the classical Yu Garden, which has survived since 1559, and learn about traditional Chinese trade at a silk weaving workshop.
While these are some of highlights you can expect, much of the experience of this trip is in the unexpected discoveries you will make during the leisurely free times. In a country filled with fascinating historical and cultural significance, you never know what you will find.
Interested Members can download the full itinerary and learn more information on our Best of China Trip events page. The registration deadline is Wednesday, July 18.
Meg Schneider
Meg Schneider is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, an invitation-only organization for senior-level executives in successful nonprofit organizations.