University of Notre Dame EMBA Programs 2009

Waiters and waitresses, dressed in colorful peasant dress of the Northeast, sang and recited poem for visitors during lunch.	The spouse group later went to Shanghai Museum; while the main academic group visited Shui On company - the developer of Xin Tian Di district and surrounding area - with presentation from Mr. Charles Chan, Director of Shui On.
At night, we had dinner together with local University of Notre Dame alumni in Shanghai. In the picture, Chris Runckel is introducing some of the alumni.	The next day, the academic EMBA group listened to a presentation by Andy Rothman on "China 2009: The Financial Crisis, Multiple Stimulus and the Outlook Going Forward"; followed by Expatriate Panel Discussion: How to set up your own business, how to expand your business, and how to find your market in China.

Dinner and Cruise - both groups relaxed and dined on a chartered boat on the Huangpu River, enjoying the bright lights of riverside Shanghai.

The next day, EMBA academic group went to Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone (ETDZ) of Zhejiang Province' including factory visits there.

The spouse group visited Suzhou, a city nearby Shanghai, and toured silk factory in Suzhou.

Beijing, China
The group departed Shanghai for Beijing; then the EMBA group visited the new U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

The students, spouse/companion and alumni visited the Great Wall at Mutianyu.

Then, stopped by the National Stadium (the Bird Nest-the venue for the Opening Ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games) and the nearby Water Cube Swimming Center.

The next day, the EMBA group went to the Beijing Center for Chinese Studies (TBC) at the University of Business and Economics (UIBE) and listened to various lectures including from Jack Perkowski.

The spouse/companion group went to Beihai Park

Then, had lunch at the Empress's dinning room...

..with fancy bathroom

Evening came and we had dinner at the famous Peking Duck restaurant, Quanjude.

The group, then, walked around the newly restored ancient Qianmen street at the south of Tiananmen Square (restored as part of the Olympic celebration). The street was the a famous commercial street during the late Quing Dynasty.

The next day, spouse/companion group visited the Art College for teachers and met with Professor Liu Cun Hui. Prof. Liu has gained recognition throughout China for his effort to promote general art appreciation in China where his program on the art of brush painting is routinely aired on the Beijing TV Channel "Golden Hours" program.	We visited Prof. Liu's art studio and watched a live demonstration of Chinese brush painting and calligraphy.
Soraya joined in the demo..	..and John gave it a try, after a quick course with Prof. Liu
Our dinner at Dongyange Restaurant with local University of Notre Dame alumni in Beijing. In the picture, Professor Jerry Langley, professor in the program and who also co-led the trip, gave a welcome speech to the alumni.	The next day, the group visited Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Then, had lunch at the Backstreet Club, the former Xufangyuan Club inside of Jingshan Park. In picture above are Tom Dowd, who co-led the EMBA group, the owner of Xufangyuan Club and Chris Runckel.
A Special Night: Special farewell dinner at the Great Hall of the People. The Great Hall of the People is the political hub of Beijing and home of the National People's Congress.	Special menu and wine were served, with traditional Chinese music.
Some of the group members with the musicians at the Great Hall of the People.	At the head table.
Mr. Dowd thanked Runckel & Associates team	Chris Runckel at the Great Hall of the People
Some of the people in the group continued on the optional tour to Lijiang. Departing Beijing, to Yunnan province.	The group toured the Black Dragon Pool, the Palace of Family Mu and Dongba Cultural Museum of Naxi Nationality. The next day, to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Lijiang Old Town	Lijiang group picture, taken with our wonderful guide, Mr. Wu (first-left in the picture)