Building on the success of the May 2014 ICMA International Regional Summit and study tours in Yangzhou, China, the ICMA China Center is organizing a comprehensive study tour package to six cities in April 2015.
The study tours are scheduled in conjunction with the annual Foreign Experts Conference of the China State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs (SAFEA) in Shenzhen April 18-19. The conference is China’s only event oriented entirely toward foreign professionals, and ICMA members who participate can explore opportunities to provide technical expertise and form partnerships in China. ICMA Executive Director Robert J. O’Neill Jr. will present a keynote address.
The full study tour package includes visits to six cities, including Hong Kong, so members can enrich and extend their conference experience with visits to historical and cultural landmarks.
The study tour will also provide an opportunity for interaction with professional local government officials in the cities. ICMA is excited to offer this opportunity, because one goal of the ICMA China Center is to help integrate the talents of ICMA’s members with China’s future development.
Comments from Participants in the May 2014 Study Tours
|
Pre-Conference Tour in Hong Kong, April 16-17
Before the conference in Shenzhen, we will begin the adventure in Hong Kong, a former British Colony and now a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
Hong Kong is known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbor, and our visit will include a day exploring Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, and Victoria Peak, with a local dim sum lunch. The next day includes a tour of Wang Tai Sin Temple and the Avenue of Stars—and a half day of leisure to explore Hong Kong on your own.
Foreign Experts Conference, Shenzhen, April 18-19
From Hong Kong we will go to Shenzhen, China’s first and one of the most successful special economic zones, to attend the SAFEA Foreign Experts Conference.
Post-conference Itinerary: Guangzhou, Changsha, Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie, April 20-28
After the conference in Shenzhen, we will travel to Guangzhou in Guangdong Province, visiting the Chen Family Clan, Five Ram Park, and Dr. Sun Yet Sen’s Mausoleum. On this part of the trip you can also enjoy an authentic Cantonese dinner. On the last day, you are free to explore Guangzhou at your own pace.
Then we will visit Hunan Province, the hometown of Chairman Mao. After arriving in Changsha we will visit Yuelu Mountain and the Yuelu Academy. On the following days, we will meet with local officials and go to Zhangjiajie National Park, Huanglong Cave, Furong Ancient Town, and Phoenix Ancient Town, where we will have a free day. Next we visit the birthplace of Chairman Mao, Shaoshan Mountain, before returning to Hong Kong for flights home.
Additional Professional Opportunities
In addition to visiting cultural and historical sites during the tour, participants will hear from and interact with representatives of local governments, other organizations, and special economic zones, such as the following:
- Attend a forum with Qianhai administration leadership to discuss district planning, service innovation, and low-carbon construction
- Visit Shenzhen's international low-carbon city
- Attend a forum at Sun Yat Sen University to learn about China’s local governance status, challenges, and countermeasures
- Visit the first chairman of New China Mao Zedong's hometown—Shaoshan—and learn about the town’s characteristic development and employment opportunities
- Talk with government officials in Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie about the development of tourism and the preservation of the cultures of these ancient cities.
ADDItional information
The cost of the entire tour package is $3,445 (includes single or double room hotel occupancy, meals, and internal transportation; does not include international flight, visa, and travel insurance).
For additional information and a formal registration form, please contact Berna Oztekin, boztekin@icma.org by Friday January 30, 2015.
