Beijing -Yangtze - Shanghai
10 to 22 October 2010
Hardly two decades after opening up to the world, China is already the third largest trade power. Since 1980 this enormous country recorded a growth rate of an average of 9% per year. Enormous because its population is larger than the USA, the EU, Japan and Russia altogether. The People’s Republic now ties up with its rich past as the world’s largest empire in the history. China's sudden emergence appears upon closer examination no that dissimilar to older political traditions. Also the real engine behind the Chinese Wirtschaftswunder is culture, shaping economic and political decisions and determining how it all happens.
Intercultural learning
Cultural differences reveal themselves in language, symbols and heroes, hospitality and pleasantries – that wonderful Chinese trait. During the trip, we try to give a meaning to our perceptions. E.g. Chinesese place high value on relationships and strong leadership. But there are 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. All of which can explain the fulgurate rise of China as the next super power.
Travel programme
We propose an intensive 2-week travel experience for a small group based on a fixed canvas:
- Beijing: intensive introduction in Chinese language and culture, learn about the organisation of life and work
- Yangtze river & Three Gorges Dam: confrontation with China's hunger for water and energy
- Shanghai: experiencing China's burning ambitions in Expo 2010.
Within this canvas, focus and intensity of formal and informal encouters will be discussed with the participants. The Living Stone network in China enables flexibility and access to selected, most valuable counterparts.
Accompanied by Chinese intercultural coaches and experts, we approach Chinese entrepreneurs, employees and officials withan open mind, respect and with curiosity. Belgians on the spot let us look at behind the scene and feel how China can charm in all its ambiguity. In Shanghai, there'll be a visit to Expo 2010, adrenaline shot garantueed.
DOWNLOAD here the Gateway to China, October 2010 program.
We welcome your interest in 'LS Gateway to China'. Please contact our customer service for more ample informations - info@lscoop.com
SHANGHAI EXPO: Chinese private entrepreneurs present their new image to the world. Gateway travelers head for the Puxi area to visit the 'Dynamic Matrix', the Hall of Fame of16 China's 'first class' private entreprises. The 'first class' concept is fascinating. They stood the test of the market economy with Chinese characteristics and represent the Chinese dream with emblematic leaders such as Ma Yun of Alibaba Group (e-commerce), Guo Guanchang of Fosun Group (the largest private conglomerate) and Zhou Chenjian of Metersbonwe (counterpart of GAP & Zara). We can learn about their business models, brand strategies, corporate responsibilities .. The concepts of 'balance and development', socialized enterprises' and 'economy elite promoting social development' will make us rethink the sources of Western wealth creation and welfare.
More on http://en.expo2010.cn/
