INTRODUCING THE YEAR 9 BIG EXPERIENCE
China: Ancient and
Contemporary
What is it about?
China is a Big Experience destination because of its importance in the region
and to Australia’s future prosperity. China is home to almost 20 percent of
the world’s population, 1.4 billion people, making it the largest country in the
world today. Students will gain an awareness of the diverse cultures and
living standards that exist within this populous nation, and the consequences
of rapid economic growth. The China Big Experience models and extends
the elements of the CUE program most successfully.
The trip starts in Beijing, and with visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden
City and the Great Wall, students will come to understand the country’s
significant and relevant history. Witnessing modern cityscapes alongside the
ancient and sacred is the Beijing experience. Another highlight will be a visit
to the Terracotta Warriors in Xian before the opportunity to view this city with
a bike ride along the best preserved city walls in all of China. After completing
the village experience just outside Dali, a cruise up the Li River from Guilin to
Yangshuo will provide students with spectacular mountain views and insight
into the villages dotted along the shoreline. The trip ends in Shanghai, where
students will witness the old versus the new China as they stand on the Bund
and gaze at the European Concessions and across the river at the futuristic
skyline of the Pudong district.
Students will observe life as a local in a village near Dali, Yunnan Province.
This picturesque and mountainous area borders Burma, Laos, and Vietnam.
It is home to the richest variety of ethnic groups in China with 24 of its
registered minorities accounting for 34% of the population. Farming is vital to
the village. This is also the scene for the Great Race. Students will navigate
themselves and undertake challenges and tasks to claim the glory of the
winning team.
.
The trip to China will enable students to experience a culture different from
their own. China is one of the major drivers of global economic growth and
one of Australia’s major trading partners. It is at the center of environmental
sustainability issues currently facing our planet. Our students will develop an
appreciation for what this means to them and for the generations that follow.
How will students travel?
The group will fly to Beijing with China Eastern Airlines. In China, there will be various modes of transport – bus, train,
boat, rickshaw, bike and plane. Most internal flights will be with China Eastern Airlines. The flight from Kunming to
Guilin is with China Southern Airlines.
What about accommodation?
The accommodation will be in comfortable hotels and hostels of approximately 3 star standard. Students will have access
to teachers at all times.
Cost
This year a deposit of $2500 was included in the year 9 term 2 fee statement for the Big Experience. The balance for this
trip will be in the range of $3900-$4200 with the exact amount being confirmed in a letter once final numbers are in. The
final amount owing will be added to the term 3 account. This is fully inclusive of most meals, accommodation, tours,
insurance, taxes and transportation. Visas for Australian and New Zealand passport holders are included in the tour fare,
but there will be an extra charge for holders of passports from other countries. For most international passport holders,
the fee will be approximately $150 except for US holders which is an extra $207.50, subject to change.
Students will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
Planned itinerary
Day 1
Flight – Melbourne to Beijing. Meet tour operator and transfer to hotel for a light supper.
Day 2
Explore the capital and visit The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Day 3
Travel to the Summer Palace and visit the Temple of Heaven. Spend the evening at Wangfujiang
arts and shopping street.
Day 4
Hike a section of the Great Wall of China, followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a rickshaw
ride through the Hutong backstreets.
Day 5 -
Flight Beijing – Xian. Scale the ancient city wall of Xian Enjoy cruising around the wall on a bicycle to
take in the hustle and bustle of the people below. An evening on the old Silk Road, Hui Muslim
Street.
Day 6
Visit the Shaanxi Aiding center for children of incarcerated parents to assist with the daily jobs and
work with the young children who live there.
Day 7
Flight Xian – Kunming. Visit the tombs of the Terracotta Warriors. In the evening we take our flight to
Kunming.
Day 8 & 9
Travel to Dali to visit a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Gain an understanding of the daily life for
locals; we visit ethnic minorities and learn of their peculiar customs, see tie dying, bike ride into the country
side and take a row boat to Erhai Lake. Complete the Great Race. We will also take part in our Service
Learning Project, visiting a local school, playing sports, helping with English classes and assisting with daily
jobs.
Day 10
Flight – Kunming to Guilin. We travel by bus to Kunming and take in some of the sights of this town that
sits at 2,000 meters above sea level. An evening flight to Guilin, where we can indulge in the local
delicacy of horse hotpot.
Day 11
Guilin to Longsheng. A drive to the beautiful Longsheng Mountains. We take an electric cart ride to the
highest village on the mountainside, see the amazing Longsheng terraced rice fields, then a beautiful
4 hour return trek and a visit to a unique 600 year old cobblestone village. Gain an appreciation for the
rich culture and people whose lifestyles have changed very little over the centuries.
Day 12
Longsheng – Guilin. We depart Longsheng for Guilin. We have the opportunity to explore Guilin on foot,
including the lively Pedestrian Street. An evening to stroll around Rong Lake, lit up with coloured lights
and full of history.
Day 13
Travel to Yangshuo with a boat cruise along Li River and witness 300 meter high karst peaks, some of
the most amazing scenery in China. On arrival, tour the fascinating town before dinner in the vibrant
restaurant district.
Day 14
Yangshuo. Participate in an early morning market tour and cooking lesson. Enjoy a ride on the Yulong
River on a bamboo raft, seeing spectacular mountain backdrops and pastoral scenes.
Day 15
Flight Guilin – Shanghai. Travel back to Guilin for an excursion to the Silver Cave, famed for odd shaped
karst formations. Flight to Shanghai, China’s showpiece city.
Day 16
We explore Shanghai, taking in its landmark buildings and spectacular architecture. Visit Yuyuan
Garden, the Temple of City God and wander down glistening Nanjing Road.
Day 17
Flight Shanghai – Melbourne. Visit the French Concessional region and the Oriental Pearl Tower before
transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Day 18
Arrive in Melbourne mid morning.
Please note that final details of this Big Experience may be subject to minor changes