AFSI Trip to China in September 2011

[AnnieS]

You're invited to join Master Sang on our 5th AFSI trip to China!

You'll enjoy 12 glorious days of world-renowned sites including 6 cities around Shanghai, including 2 express train rides and many gorgeous shows in three different styles. Feast on exotic local foods whilst staying at 4 star hotels. Are you ready to pack your bags and fly to Shanghai's Pudong International Airport to let this once in a lifetime experience begin?

It's not too late to register! You can make a deposit by mail or by calling our office at (626) 571-2757.

After one night in Shanghai, we travel to Wuxi to visit two modern temples: Lingshan Grand Buddha & Fan Gong Palace and end the day with a beautiful performance of 'Auspiciousness Ode.'
The second day in Wuxi we'll visit Turtle Head Park, sail on Lake Taihu and Xihu Park.
A morning express train takes us to the well- known city of Nanjing to visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, the Yantze River Bridge and Zhonghuamen City.
After breakfast a motor coach takes us to Huangshan to visit Song Street in Tunxi. The day concludes with an evening show of 'The Rhythm of Huizhou.'
The following morning we'll take a cable car up Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Be sure to pack your hiking shoes for this part of the trip to be able to enjoy the breathtaking views that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries and also the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. We'll stay the night on the mountain, so early risers can have a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the sunrise from Huangshan.
After leaving Yellow Mountain, we'll travel to visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hongcun Village & Zidi Village ending with the magnificent 'Impression West Lake Show' in Hangzhou.
In the morning we'll visit Xixi National Wetland Park and then take China's world famous high speed train back for dinner in Shanghai.

On the Shanghai city tour we'll visit the most well-known modern buildings in the city, including the 101 story Shanghai World Financial Center, which is the largest commerce and financial center in China.

Next is a visit to the main structure of the 2010 World Expo, the gravity defying China Pavilion. We'll end the day with a visit to the Pudong Lujiazhou area and Tianzifang. You'll have two nights free to enjoy Shanghai's world-famous nightlife.
Our last day includes a visit to one of Master Sang's Feng Shui projects in Pudong!

Now is the time to send in your tour deposit... Book your airline ticket; Renew your passport; Get your China Tourist Visa & start packing... for this magnificent tour with Master Sang.

Travel dates: September 18 - 29, 2011
If you're interested, contact us at [email protected]
or call our office at (626) 571-2757

Deposit: USD$500.00 is required to start all the trip reservation.

This trip isn't limited to AFSI Students. So, bring your best friend, spouse, significant other or your neighbor who has always wanted to go to China...


Detailed Information below...

Sept. 18, 2011
DAY 1: Depart for SHANGHAI

Shanghai

Sept. 19, 2011
DAY 2: Arrive SHANGHAI (meals on your own)
Arrival in Shanghai Pudong International Airport, transfer to hotel on-your-own for check-in. Depending on time of arrival a group transfer maybe arranged.
Overnight in Shanghai Holiday Inn Vista Hotel or similar 4 Star hotel

Sept. 20, 2011
DAY 3: SHANGHAI – WUXI (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Coach transfer to Wuxi (appox. 2 hrs).
After lunch, visit the Lingshan Grand Buddha, Fan Gong Palace, and along with the performance of Auspiciousness Ode. Vegetarian dinner.

Wuxi, dubbed the "Little Shanghai", referring to its massive development in economy, is a city with a history of 3,000 years. When two fugitive princes found this area, where the tin deposits were abundant, they called it Youxi, meaning “has lots of tin”. After the tin mine ran out in 25 A.D., it got the present name Wuxi, meaning “no more tin”.


Wuxi

In Ming and Qing dynasties, Wuxi was already an agricultural center and a significant national rice market for the dynasties. With continuous development, Wuxi became a hub of the textile industry, both light and heavy industry in early 20th century until after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Now the city’s gross domestic product index is ranked at the 9th among 659 major Chinese cities and at the second in Jiangsu Province, even exceeding the GDP of the provincial capital, Nanjing.
Acknowledged as an arts and cultural center, you would never forget Wuxi’s clay figures and Yixing Teapot, specialties of Chinese arts. Of course, you would never forget its beautiful mountains and lakes, including Lake Tai (or Lake Taihu).

Today, Wuxi is recognized as the "Most Aspiring City of Prosperity and Civilization in the Southeast of China", and is one of cities with thriving economy and frequent exchanges with the outside world.

Lingshan Grand Buddha Located in the Maji Mountain area, the Lingshan Grand Buddha is one of the most renowned attractions in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, together with the nearby historic Xiangfu Temple, a thousand-year old Buddhism temple. With more than 80 meter high, the Grand Buddha is a bronze Sakyamuni standing Buddha and was built at the end of 1996.


Grand Buddha

Lingshan Grand Buddha lies in the Small Lingshan named by the famous Great Monk Xuanzang in Tang Dynasty. The Buddhas are made of tin, bronze, created, and completed according to the record of the Buddhist Scriptures Tathagata 32 Images.

Standing solemnly at the site of famous Tang Dynasty Xiangfu Temple, the Grand Buddha is pleasing to tourists, widely looking at all the living creatures. The left and right hands have hand print with "wish", wishing the world happy and welfare and the character on the Buddha's front chest represents solemnity and virtue. With the nearby Lake Taihu and a beautiful range of hills, the Lingshan Buddha is a symbol of Wuxi and attracts visitors nationally and internationally.

During Spring Festival, travelers from around the world come to Xiangfu Temple to listen to the tolling of the bell, believed to bring good luck. The bell, at 3.5 meters high and weighing in 12 tons, is the biggest in South China.

Fan Gong Palace built two years at the foot of Lingshan Mountain to host an international forum on Buddhism. It is made of gleaming white marble and features woodwork and other elements crated by over 1,500 artisans from around the world. The local governments reportedly spent 1.6 billion yuan (US$240 million) to build the palace.


Fan Gong Palace

The tower hall in the center of the palace is so beautiful that words barely do it justice. Feitian, or Sky Gods, appear to soar along the rafters in the form of three-meter-tall sculptures. The palace has 34 of these standing in various poses, such as poised on clouds or playing flutes. Three-dimensional frescoes add to the effect.

The origins and development of Buddhism are depicted in oil paintings on the wall throughout the hall. At the end of the hall, a pure gold Buddha keeps watch. The shrine, called Lotus World, is decorated with tiny fragments of opal and jade. In Buddhist culture, the lotus flower is equated with virtue.

When leaving the palace, remember to visit the statue of Sakyamuni, which is the symbol of Lingshan Mountain. Due to its elevation (88meteres), you need to take a chairlift up for a closer look. Many visitors come to clasp the Buddha’s feet, as Chinese widely believed this will bring them good luck.

According to Buddhist legend, Sakyamuni was able to walk and speak as soon as he was born. Lotuses grew everywhere he stepped and dragons would appear in the sky and pour water from their mouths to clean his body.

In front of Sakyamuni, a statue of a golden child hidden in a huge lotus flower illustrates the legend more vividly. In tune with music, the petals of the lotus gradually open and the child Buddha rises up from within. At the same time, the statues of nine dragons spray water as high as 10 meters to wash his body. After this, the phoenixes around the fountain also begin to jet water. This is claimed to be holy water blessed by Buddha, which will bring good luck and peace to you and your family. This show repeats four times daily – 10am, 11:30am, 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

Overnight at Wuxi Wanda Sheraton or similar 4 Star hotel

Sept. 21, 2011
DAY 4: WUXI (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Visit Turtle Head Park and also take a seven sail boat riding on the Lake Taihu.
After lunch, visit the Xihui Park.


Wuxi

Turtle Head Park – Wuxi is often called the "Pearl of Lake Taihu," and the best place to see the beauty of the lake is from the Turtle Head Islet Park and its nearby islands. The name of the Park literally means "the Head of the Dragon-Turtle", since its shape stretches into the lake having the appearance of a celestial turtle raising its head to look afar.


Lake Taihu

Lake Taihu (Lake Tai or Taihu Lake) is the 3rd largest freshwater lake with an area of 2,250 km2. It is a shallow subtropical lake with an average depth of 2 meters. Many islands, about 90, some as tiny as a few feet long, some as large as several miles, are scattered across the lake. A number of rivers originate from the lake such as the Suzhou Creek. Its splendid natural beauty made it well known in various legends and myths in China’s history.

The lake is linked to the Grand Canal in the northwest and its lake shore is characterized by shallow, sandy beaches and rocky shores. The limestone rocks forming the lake’s basin are the special materials for construction of Chinese traditional classic gardens. Lake Taihu separates Wuxi City into two halves flanking its north and most of western and eastern part, and its neighboring city Suzhou and Zhejiang Province border the remaining southeast and southwest, respectively. Parts of the surrounding region make up one of China’s largest grain-producing bases.

The lake includes 48 inlets with diverse sizes, 72 peaks and peninsulas along the lakeshore. The best location to view its loveliness is on the Turtle Head Islet located in Wuxi, which extends into the lake. With dotted parks and gardens, the lake is one of the best tourist attractions.


Xihui Park consists of two hills, Hill *beep* and Hill Xi, separated by the Lake Yingshan. Both hills are 75 meters high and the Dragon Light Pagoda is atop of the Hill Xi towering over seven stories.
Within the park, there are 18 major historic and cultural sites with national, provincial or municipal reputations, including the famous Second Best Fountain named by the Emperor Qianlong, Jichang Park left by the Ming Dynasty, Huanggong Ravine created in the Warring States, Foolish Old Man Valley, and more. Months from May to October have always been the best time for tourists to take part in festivals and night celebrations.
Overnight at Wuxi Wanda Sheraton or similar 4 Star hotel

Sept. 22, 2011
DAY 5: WUXI – NANJING (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Take morning express train to Nanjing, visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, Yantze River Bridge, Zhonghuamen City, dinner at local restaurant.

Nanjing or “Ning” in abbreviation, the capital of Jiangsu Province of China, is a city with a history of 2,500 year, tracing back to the Warring States Period in the Chinese history.


Nanjing

The name of Nanjing in Chinese language refers to "Southern Capital", in comparison with "Northern Capital" of Beijing, China's current national capital. The city has served as the capital of China for ten Chinese dynasties and the Republic of China, and is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals amid Chinese cities. The ten dynasties includes: Wu Kingdom, Song, Qi, Liang, Cheng, Southern Tang, Ming, Taiping Kingdom and Republic of China.

Situated in the downstream of Yangtze River Drainage Basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing has always been a national center of commerce, education, research, transportation and tourist in the East China region, preceded only by Shanghai.


Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum

Covering an area of 80,000 square meters (about 20 acres), Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum is located in the Zhong Mountain Scenic Area in the east suburb of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. As the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China, it is considered the Holy land of Chinese people both home and abroad. With deep historical significance, magnificent architecture and beautiful scenery, it is a must see when traveling in Nanjing.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) was a great forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution and led by Dr. Sun the Chinese people brought down the corrupt rule of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and ended 2000 years of the feudal monarchy system, which led the Chinese peoples in to a new age.
The majestic mausoleum’s construction was started in 1926 and completed in 1929. The whole Mausoleum Scenic Area represents an alarm bell as seen from the air, symbolizing the noble spirit and heroic efforts of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s devotion to the Chinese people, fight of oppression and wining the independence of China. Facing south, the structures, along with the mountain ascends gradually along with the central axis line running from south to the north and is regarded as the most outstanding mausoleum in Chinese modern architectural history.
Traveling along the marble road, firstly you will arrive at half-moon square in the south of the Mausoleum. It is understated and modest, while endowing grandeur to the Mausoleum. Then at the entrance to the mausoleum stands the great marble Paifang (memorial archway) on which is written ‘Bo Ai’ meaning ‘love’. Through Paifang there is a Passway of 480 meters (about 1574 feet) long and 40 meters (about 131 feet) wide, on both sides of which stand orderly pine and cypresses trees.
Continuing forward to the end of the Passway, there is the Frontispiece, standing some 16.5 meters (about 54 feet) high and 27 meters (about 88 feet) wide. The Frontispiece has three archways, each of which has a pair of symmetrical enchased copper gates. Four Chinese characters are inscribed on the lintel over the doorways written by Dr. Sun Yat-sen meaning ‘The World Belongs to All’, which fully explains the cause he struggled for during his life. Through the Frontispiece is a pavilion made of marble, in which a great stele, 9 meters (about 29 feet) high and 4 meters (about 13 feet) wide, was erected by Kuomintang in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. On the stele there are carved just 24 Chinese characters and no epitaph as people think that there are no words capable of representing this giant of modern China.


Yantze River

Yantze River Bridge was built in the 1970s. It is the 2nd bridge over Yangtze River after Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge. The bridge is a double-decker combined with a double-track – highway and railway – system. It is 6,772 meters long and 160 meters wide, which can take 15 minutes to cross during regular traffic time. The Chinese nationalities are very proud of the bridge that was constructed by the nation itself without external engineering assistance. The bridge is the longest of its kinds in China and is a landmark for Nanjing.
Zhonghuamen City (Zhonghua Gate and Nanjing Ancient City Wall) In general, most of Chinese cities had its own city wall that defends against enemy invasions. Nanjing, a prestigious city and sometimes a capital, has its city wall, most of which was built in the Ming Dynasty but was demolished or dismantled later in natural disasters, wars or political turmoil.

The surviving section of the wall is now protected by the municipal government. It spans 33.5 km in length and is in good shape. The gates, left almost intact, include Zhonghua Gate, Yijiang Gate, Xuanwu Gate and Zhongshan Gate.

The city wall is 12 meters tall and usually 7.62 to 12.19 meters thick. The brick used to assemble the wall weighs roughly 15 to 20 kg and was carved with dates and names, which indicated when, where and by whom the brick was made.

On the Zhonghua Gate, about 2000 pillboxes were built and they were used to defend against enemy attacks. There are 27 hidden spaces built into the wall, which were sophisticated in design and had a capacity to hide more than 3,000 soldiers in total. This structure has been found as the largest one of its kinds in China. Zhonghua Gate is well known for its well protected structure and many attachments of the gate become historical relics.

Overnight at Nanjing Romada Hotel or similar 4 Star hotel

Sept. 23, 2011
DAY 6: NANJING – HUANGSHAN (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Morning motor coach to Huangshan, visit Song Street in Tunxi, evening enjoy the show of "The Rhythm of Huizhou"


Song Street

Song Street in Tunxi. Huangshan is a prefecture-level city in southern Anhui Province. Huangshan means Yellow Mountain in Chinese and the city is named after the famously scenic Yellow Mountains which cover much of the city's vast geographic expanse. The prefectural city of Huangshan includes three urban districts and four counties. The urban center of Huangshan was originally the city of Tunxi, and is now called Tunxi District. Many locals still call the city Tunxi to distinguish urban core from other parts of Huangshan.

Huangshan's history dates back to the time of the First Emperor. The city's current jurisdiction covers much of the historical and cultural region of Huizhou, which together with Anqing formed the name of Anhui Province.


Huangshan

Huangshan (literally means "Yellow Mountain"), is a mountain range in southern Anhui province. The area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, peculiarly-shaped granite peaks, Huangshan Pine trees, and views of the clouds from above. Huangshan is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and l8iterature, as well as modern photography. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s major attractions.

Overnight Tunxi International Hotel

Sept. 24, 2011
DAY 7: HUANGSHAN (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Taking cable up to Huangshan in the morning
Upon arrival at the terminal of the cable car, you still need to walk along the winding path and steps for a distance before getting to the hotel. Enjoy the view of the Beginning-to-Believe Peak, the Peach Blossom Valley, the Lion Peak, the Flying-over Rock and the Bright Summit. You can also observe the pines and rocks at a short distance and take a deep breath of the fresh air along the way. Tonight you will stay at the best hotel on the mountain.


Beginning-to-Believe Peak & Peach Blossom Valley


Lion Peak on Huangshan Mountain


Flying-over Rock


Bright Peak and Heavenly Capital Peak


Overnight at Huangshan Beihai Hotel

Sept. 25, 2011
DAY 8: HUANG – HANGZHOU (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
*Option – for early risers to view the sunrise on the summit of Huangshan.
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Take cable car down to the foot of the Mountain.
Transfer to visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites - Hongcun Village & Xidi Village in Yixian County, Both are ancient village with graceful scenery of mountains, lakes, rivers & bridges.
Continue motor coach drive to Hangzhou. Evening enjoy Impression West Lake Show


Hongcun Village

Hongcun Village has a 900 year history, in Anhui province, located near the southwest slope of Mount Huangshan, in China. It was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and was a location where the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was shot. There are ponds in front and inside the village, the reflection of the old buildings on the mirror-like pond was really impressive.
Xidi Village is a village in southern Anhui province (Yixian County), in China, which was declared a part of the Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, along with the village of Hongcun. It was first built during the Huangyou era (1049-1053) in the reign of emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty and was originally called Xichuan (West River), because of the water courses which flow through the village.
The rise of the village was closely tied to the fortunes of the Hu family. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) members of this family began to act as merchants by 1465, which gave rise to the construction of major private buildings and public infrastructure. By the middle of the 17th century, the influence wielded by members of the Hu family expanded from commerce into politics. The prosperity of Xidi peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, at which time the village comprised about 600 residences.
The street pattern of Xidi is dominated by a main road which runs in East-West direction and is flanked by two parallel streets. These major streets are joined by many narrow alley ways. Small open spaces are confined to areas immediately in front of the main public buildings, such as the Hall of Respect, the Hall of Reminiscence, and the Memorial Archway of the Governor.
Today, the major attractions are 124 well preserved wooden residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties with beautiful carvings. Many of the residences are open to the public.
Declared by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world”, China’s modern city of Hangzhou is the capital city of the Zhejiang province, located a stone’s throw southwest from Shanghai (around 100 kilometers to be precise). The picturesque Hangzhou is one of the most modern and prosperous cities in China. As one of China’s several ancient capitals, it sits at the southern end of the Grand Canal.
The breathtaking beauty of the areas surrounding West Lake need to be seen to be believed. West Lake covers an area of some 6km aquared and is surrounded by historic pagodas, cultural sites and two causeways across the lake.
Performance of Impression West Lake, is a unique metropolitan out-door performance staged on the wavy, mellow and changing West Lake. The performance appears vivid and natural. Contented with the myths and legends of the West Lake, the show leads you to a sweet thousand-year dream. The special concealable auditorium provides a wide and bird’s-eye view. Each seat is a wonderful place to enjoy the panoramic view of the West Lake even without watching the show. The pioneering individualized sound system, combined with the sound-oriented system, is surely to offer a surprising musical enjoyment.

Overnight at Hangzhou West Lake Golden Plaza Hotel or similar 4 Star hotel

Sept. 26, 2011
DAY 9: HANGZHOU– SHANGHAI (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Morning Visit Xixi National Wetland Park, afternoon take high speed train back to Shanghai, dinner


Xixi Wetland

Situated in the western part of Hangzhou, less than 5km from West Lake, Xixi National Wetland Park is a rare urban wetland. With rich ecological resources, simple natural landscape and profound culture, Xixi is known as one of the Three "Xi's" along with Xihu (West Lake) and Xiling (the Seal Engravers' Society). It is the first and only wetland park in China combining urban life, farming and culture. Xixi has not only broad open views, but also a variety of water views. Warm and humid, the area enjoys a comfortable climate featuring abundant precipitation and four distinct seasons.


High-Speed Passenger Rail Line

China's latest new high-speed passenger rail line was reduced the travel time to 45 minutes between Hangzhou and Shanghai.

Overnight in Shanghai Holiday inn Vista hotel or similar 4 Star hotel

Sept. 27, 2011
DAY 10: SHANGHAI (Breakfast & Lunch included / Dinner on your own)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
City tour includes: Shanghai World Financial Center, China Pavilion, Pudong Lujiazhou area and Tianzifang.
Dinner on your own.

Shanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level status.

Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew to importance in the 19th century due to its favorable port location and as one of the cities opened to foreign trade by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. The city flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became a multinational hub of finance and business by the 1930s. However, Shanghai's prosperity was interrupted after the 1949 Communist takeover and the subsequent cessation of foreign investment. Economic reforms in 1990 resulted in intense development and financing in Shanghai, and in 2005 Shanghai became the world's largest cargo port.

The city is a tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund and City God Temple, its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower, and its new reputation as a cosmopolitan center of culture and design. Today, Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and has been described as the "showpiece" of the world's fastest-growing major economy.


World Financial Center

The phenomenal and unabated pace of change and growth of Shanghai is an engine driving the economy of China. In the heart of this mega city is the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in the Pudong New Area. Since its establishment in 1990, the Zone has grown into a leading international financial center under the visionary guidance of the Chinese government and is today the home to not only the Shanghai Stock Exchange but also financial institutions and hotels from around the world and international conference facilities.
Shanghai World Financial Center is located in the center of the Zone. With 101 floors above ground level and soaring to a height of 492m, this project embodies Mori Building's original “Vertical Garden City” concept and incorporates the company's vast know-how and experience. Offering office space with cutting-edge specifications and all the functions expected of a world-class international financial center, Shanghai World Financial Center is a hub of culture and information, and boasts state-of-the-art security, standard-setting hospitality and superb urban facilities including world's highest observatory, sophisticated retail space and elegant conference facilities and a five-star luxury hotel.


China Pavilion

China Pavilion The main structure of the China Pavilion, "The Crown of the East," has a distinctive roof, made of traditional dougong or brackets, which date back more than 2,000 years. The dougong style features wooden brackets fixed layer upon layer between the top of a column and a crossbeam. This unique structural component of interlocking wooden brackets is one of the most important elements in traditional Chinese architecture. Dougong was widely used in the Spring & Autumn Period (770 – 267 BC).


Pudong

Pudong Lujiazui area officially known as Pudong New Area, is a district of Shanghai that enjoys sub-provincial administrative status. It is named "Pudong" because of its location on the east side of the Huangpu river, on the opposite of Puxi, the west side. After its merger with Nanhui District in May 2009, the Pudong New Area comprises the majority of land in eastern Shanghai.

Since the beginning of its development in 1990 when plans were first announced, Pudong has become a New Open Economic Development Zone, and has emerged as China's financial and commercial hub. Pudong is home to the Luijiazui Finance and Trade zone, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and a skyline that includes the symbolic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Building, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the under-construction Shanghai Tower, reflective of Shanghai and China's rapid economic development.

Tianzifang was originally a typical lane factory of the 1950s made up of five factories including Shanghai Food Industry Machinery Plant and Shanghai Zhongsu Accessories Plant. In the 1990s, their economic benefits declined year by year because of industrial restructuring, and some workshops were left idle for many years.

In May 2000, with support of Shanghai Economic Committee and the district government of Luwan, Tianzifang was reconstructed. During the reconstruction, more than 20,000 square meters of old factories were developed. By far, Tianzifang has attracted over 70 enterprises from 18 countries and regions, and formed industrial features centering on interior design, visual arts and industrial arts.

Tianzifang is popularly known as the “SOHO of Shanghai.” Walking down the narrow lane of Tianzi Fang at Taikang Lu ('Art Street'), you'd be wondering if you were really in cosmopolitan Shanghai. At a glance, Taikang Lu features a mix of old and refurbished brick houses. However, do not be fooled by the traditional old lanes or wet clothes hanging on bamboo poles above your head. Taikang Lu sure deserves a second look. These days, many artists and local designers have set up boutiques and laid-back cafe is that have been drawing crowds of yuppies, fashionistas, designers and expatriates.

Overnight in Shanghai as per above mentioned

Sept. 28, 2011
DAY 11:SHANGHAI (Breakfast & Lunch included / Dinner on your own)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Travel by motor coach for Feng Shui reading in Pudong in the morning, after lunch day at leisure.
Dinner on your own.

Overnight as per above mentioned

Sept. 29, 2011
DAY 12: depart SHANGHAI for HOME (Breakfast included / Lunch & Dinner on your own)
After breakfast at hotel restaurant…
Group transfer from hotel to Pudong International Airport for flight to Los Angeles
If your return flight is at another time, transfer to airport is on your own.


TOUR PRICE QUOTATION excluding airline tickets

Double Occupancy (shared rooms):
$1480.00 USD per person

Additional fee for Single Occupancy:
$390.00 USD per Single room.


INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS:

The above quotation includes:
* Air-conditioned local transportation
* English speaking local guide in each city
* Admission fees to all the sightseeing spots as per mentioned in the itinerary, such as: Great Buddha in Lingshan, the performance of Auspiciousness Ode in Fan Gong Palace, seven sail boat riding on the Lake Tai, ticket for the Rhythm of Huizhou, cable car to Yellow Mountain, ticket for the Impression of West Lake…..etc.
* Local meals, mostly in Chinese cuisine at local restaurant as per schedule above.
* Double sharing hotel accommodation, including government tax and service charges, accommodation with hot buffet breakfast
* First class train ticket from Wuxi* to Nanjing by high-speed train
* First class train ticket from Hangzhou to Shanghai by high-speed train
* Private transportation and tours in each city as indicated above

The above quotation excludes:
* International air ticket and airport taxes to/from China
* China VISA
* Accident insurance, AFSI recommends members to obtain their own suitable travel insurance to cover unforeseen interruptions, cancellations, transportation delays, personal baggage loss or medical emergency during the trip.
* Gratuity to guides, drivers and hotel staff.
* Personal expense during the trip

DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICIES

$500 USD per person DEPOSIT due on/or before June 20th 2011 is required to start all the trip reservation.

Additional $500 per person payment is due on/or before July 15th 2011 – all or part of space cancelled will be subject to a cancellation penalty equivalent to 30% of the tour cost base on $1480.00 USD per person.

BALANCE is due on/or before August 15th 2011 – all or part of the space canceled will be subject to a cancellation penalty equivalent to 85% of the tour cost base on $1480.00 USD per person.

On/or after August 16th 2011 – All or part of the space cancelled will be subject to 100% of the tour cost.

Any give-ups on site by passengers or no show will subject to NO refund.


INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKET FROM LOS ANGELES TO SHANGHAI

Please contact Jessica of IEXpress Travel LLC for airline tickets.
phone: (650) 443-1165

Non-Stop Flight Schedules from Los Angeles, LAX to Shanghai, PVG
(Please note that on return 9/29/11, seats are very critical, we have the price but no guarantee to get the seats.)

Option1: China Eastern Airline
MU: $1031 class available as of today, including fuel charges and tax.
MU 586X 18SEP LAXPVG SS1 1230P 530P+* SU/MO E
MU 583V 29SEP PVGLAX SS1 100P 1005A * TH E

Option2: United Airline
UA: $1091 class available as of today, including fuel charges and tax.
UA 877K 18SEP LAXPVG SS1 1254P 545P+* SU/MO E
UA 878W 29SEP PVGLAX SS1 810P 444P * TH E

+* Both inbound flights to Shanghai arrive on SEPT. 19th.


Regards,
AFSI Staff

[Kartar Diamond]

Hi all,
I posted in another forum about the upcoming China Trip, but I also found out I can post here as well.

I want to encourage all our on-line students to think about coming on the China trip. And think about it real fast! AFSI extended the deadline, but I don't know how much longer they can extend it.

I had one of the best times of my life, literally, on the first China trip in 1999. Aside from the trip being very efficient, fun, organized, and amazing, traveling with Master Sang is wonderful.

We got many off the record Feng Shui tips and insight into things we never could get in the class room. So the cost of the trip includes culture, history, spiritual sites, shopping, great food, some amazing Feng Shui case studies, and great company.

I am really looking forward to this trip and I hope we can do it.
It would be a lovely chance to meet some of you in person, who I have been corresponding with on line for several years now.

This is a special trip and I don't know how many more opportunities we will have to travel with Master Sang and his wife Salina too!

Kartar Diamond
www.FengShuiSolutions.net

[AnnieS]

We are sad to announce that the China Trip in September 2011 is officially canceled due to insufficient number of registrants.

We hope you all enjoy your summer.

Regards,
AFSI Staff