Living Stone Gateway to China
a nation that changed the world in one generation
“Like old friends meeting up after many years”(Yi Jian Ru Gu)
The fulgurate rise of China can not be explained on the basis of purely materialistic or even ideological factors. From the historical and cultural context its impulsive boost of energy is clearer. The Confucian tradition and the love of learning are crucial for the steep economic rise. But different views on respect for market rules and international labour norms, expressing themselves in inappropriate behaviour of some Chinese enterprises. Tied up with these and other values is the ‘pilgrimage’ of generations Chinese in search of a new identity negotiating between tradition and change, spirituality and ideology, consumerism versus thrift. Living Stone Gateway is a thrilling confrontation with the Chinese culture in all its ambiguity.
In 2012 VKW walked the talk of Chinese philosopher Kǒng Fūzǐ ("master Kong", latinized as Confucius, 551-479 BC). Kǒng Fūzǐ developed the concept of the gentleman, 'of the man who does as much trouble to find out what is right and just, as an inferior man does to discover how much something will make '. The term jūnzǐ today is particularly influential in Chinese society. Confucianism is not only an official target but also a balm for the Chinese society under intense stress and conflict, because of rapid changes. Programme features included:
- Lecture: the Forbidden City reflecting thousands of years Chinese values, symbols and Feng Shui practice
- The knowledge society: campus visit in Jinan (Shandong)
- How China can charm in all its ambiguity, dinner talks with Belgian expatriates (slideshow)
- How to overcome poverty? Visit farmers cooperative and lecture drs Li Zhao (HIVA KULeuven).
The trip is not over yet, it just started
MRC DE KEGEL's BLOG, October 2010 (Accenture Alumni)
"Our trip started in Beijing, went on to Chongqing, the Three Gorges Dam, and then on to Shanghai. Sightseeing, group discussions, presentations, meetings with locals a well as expats, were well balanced and made the trip at the same time a voyage in space – a voyage in time and a voyage in mind. ..... Is everything so good then about China ? For sure it is not. In one of the newspaper articles I read during my stay in China I observed increasing critique as to the gradual loss in cultural traditions. There is also the question of the corruption as a result of the intertwined power of the party and the political system. There is the issue of the environment, the problem of human rights, the challenge related to food production, the issue of intellectual property rights, etc… In concluding I would say : this trip is not over yet, it just started!" Marc De Kegel, Gateway to UAE 2009 and recidivist to China 2010.
Book in confidence
Indicative price incl. VAT for the above mentioned program including the services of a facilitator and local guide: €3800 pp.
Logistics by Joker n.v., licence A1679 (www.joker.be)
Please contact our Customer Service for individual or group travel arrangements or co-creating your own programme.