Suzhou (three days and two nights)
 Suzhou, historically one of China’s most important cities, was named China’s first model city of the 21st century due to the city’s combination of historic preservation and leadership in the rapid development of high-tech industries. Although only a forty-minute train ride from Shanghai, central Suzhou offers a strong contrast to super-modern Shanghai. The center of Suzhou, within its 2,500 year-old moat, retains its historical flavor and architecture and is home to the celebrated Chinese Classical Gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounding classical Suzhou are development zones, one of which has experienced an annual GDP growth of nineteen percent over the fifteen years of its existence. “Historic” Suzhou is now one of China’s five richest cities as measured by per capita GDP. The contrasts in Suzhou will reveal much about China today.
Students will stay in the homes of Suzhou high school students and see the city and its major attractions with them. |
One of the reasons that the area around Shanghai has been the most prosperous in China for over 1,200 years is the easy water transportation made possible by the dense network of canals in this delta of the Yangzi River. In the past, before expressways and railroads, the cities here were often “water towns” where the main streets were canals and only narrow passages between buildings were on land. Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town dating back 1,700 years, and because Gezhi High School has a special relationship with Zhujiajiao High School, students from the local school will show our students their city and introduce them to local specialties at lunch. 
Shanghai, in the long tradition of World’s Fairs and World Expositions, will use Expo 2010 to display its exceptional development to the world. The Expo’s theme of “Better City, Better Life” explores “the full potential of life in the 21st century. ” Located in the heart of Shanghai and not far from Gezhi High School, exotic pavilions and dramatic displays of 191 countries and some 48 international organizations will showcase the most advanced ideas and models for an eco-friendly, sustainable urban lifestyle. Perhaps because it’s in Shanghai, this will also be the largest World Exposition ever staged and will, it is hoped, generate the largest number of visitors–estimated at 70 million. 