Chamber plans to lead group on tour to China

China is our second largest export market. 

Already the world’s largest market for cars, cell phones and seafood, it is the fastest-growing market for luxury goods, air passengers and nuclear power. China has the most internet users and online game players, the longest high speed rail network and the busiest port. There are well over 100 cities in China with a population of more than one million and, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the economy will grow at rates of about eight percent per annum for the next decade. In China’s case, seeing is believing.

I was very fortunate that I had the opportunity to travel to China recently with other regional Chamber of Commerce Directors and I can tell you it was the most enlightening trip I have ever had. I would love to share that same opportunity with you by inviting you to make the same trip in October of 2015.

You will travel to Beijing where you will be met by an English speaking tour guide that is with you the entire trip.  In the Beijing area you will visit the famed Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven that was built in 1420 A. D.  Later you will visit the Forbidden City, home of past emperors that has 9,999 rooms. You will also see the Summer Palace known for its features such as The Long Corridor, Runming Lake, Longevity Hill, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge as well as the Marble Boat.

Later you will visit the Great Wall of China. The 2,000 year old construction is said to be the only man made structure visible from the moon. I can tell you first-hand how fun it is to be able to tell people that I have climbed the Great Wall!  You will also visit the Ming Tombs and have a special Peking Roast Duck Dinner (remember the duck from the movie A Christmas Story!)

During the trip you will visit the cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou on your way to Shanghai. Suzhou is known as the “Venice of China” for its beautiful canals, gardens and bridges. In Hangzhou you will visit a centuries-old Lingyin Temple that is like nothing you have ever seen before. Absolutely beautiful grounds and majestic buildings. You will also visit a green tea plantation, which is much like visiting a vineyard, and learn the traditional tea ceremony using Emperors Tea.

Your final city will be Shanghai, a thoroughly modern and very cosmopolitan city.  

Did I mention shopping? All along the way you will have opportunities to shop for jade, pearls, silk, amazing embroidery, carpet, ceramic and lacquer ware and more. My favorite was the bazaar, which is much like a mall with amazing prices on everything and bargaining is expected! Have you seen my phone case I got for less than $1.50?

All of your meals are included. Each morning you will eat at the hotel with a large American breakfast buffet with some great Chinese food treats if you’re feeling adventurous. All of your accommodations will be in four and five star hotels, some of the nicest I have ever stayed in.

The trip includes your airfare from Seattle, hotels, expert tour guide and bus, all your meals and admission to all of the attractions you will visit for $2,499 per person. My airfare to Seattle was only about $200 extra. 

I can tell you from my own experience that this is an amazing trip at an amazing price.

We will be holding an information session on Monday, Feb. 2 at 5pm at Flathead Lake Lodge. The owner of the tour company, Citslinc, will be there to offer more information about the tour and I will be there with my own personal stories and photos of the trip.

If you are interested in attending the info session or are ready to sign up for the trip, please call me at the Chamber office 406-837-5888 or email me at chamber@bigfork.org

I look forward to sharing more of my China stories with you all!

Burnham is the Executive Director of the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce.