Chinese architecture: Beijing and Shanghai

China is not only the strongest emerging  world  power on the planet but also a country that has undergone a transformation  in recent  years.  It  has made its mark in architecture; its  economic  growth is reflected in the rise in construction. In this trip you will discover the chinese architecture through different styles and eras in different places around the country.

The 2008  Olympic  Games  in   Beijing   and  the  2010  Expo  in  Shanghai  have   increased  activity  in  architectural   study   for  teams   like   Herzog & de Meuron and OMA.

Others like  Toyo  Ito,  Massimiliano  Fukas,  Richard Rogers and Dominique  perrault  have made   their   proposals   for   the   area   of Pudong.

Beijing is considered the cultural, political and social heart of China, while Shanghai is the country’s economic capital. We will visit both with a focus on the cultural contrasts of these 2 cities in constant movement. Traditionandmodernityuniteinthisever-evolvingcountry.

INCLUDED

– Preparation of itinerary and tours guided by an architect throughout the trip
– Internal flight Beijing- Shanghai
– Local guides on designated visits
– Lodging in 4* hotel in double room
– Breakfast
– Transfer to/from airport
– Private bus for excursions, according to program
– Basic travel insurance

DAY 1 – BEIJING (Flight)

Flight from country of origin.

Overnight flight and morning arrival in Beijing. Foster Airport Terminal.

 DAY 2 – BEIJING

Transport to hotel and check in.

Morning tour of the Forbidden City with the Imperial Palace, World Heritage Site. Afternoon visit to Summer Imperial Palace. From the hill of Jingshan we will see everything from up high.

Night in Beijing.

 DAY 3 – BEIJING​

We will begin our tour of the old city, walking the Hutong streets finding “Siheyuan” houses with patios. We will visit the Tibetan Temple and the iconic Tian’anmen Square. Also the Temple in the Sky (Tian Tan), and the Yongue Palace lamasery.

Also, the ovoid National Theater for the Performing Arts by Paul Andreu and the gardens of Gong Palace.

Night in Beijing.

DAY 4 – GREAT WALL EXCURSION​

Great Wall of China excursion (Mutianyu sector), 70 Km from Beijing. UNESCO Heritage Site, snakes along 5,000 km through mountains and valleys. In the Mutianyu sector of the Great Wall there are 22 watchtowers, 6-7 meters tall, 4-5 meters wide. This is a must visit to do if you want to appreaciate the the chinese architecture.

Trips to Ming Dynasty tombs and return. Night in Beijing.

DAY 5 – BEIJING​

Tour of 2008 Olympic Games building complex: National Swim Center (Cube) by Peddle Thorp, National Stadium (nest) by Herzog & De Meuron, the Walker and Digital Beijing by Pei-Zhu, the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium which appears to be made of bamboo and the tennis center. Walk through Olympic Park by Qi Xiu.

Night in Beijing.

 DAY 6 – BEIJING

Visit to Sanlitun: Hotel “Opposite house” by Kengo Kuma, CCTV by Rem Koolhaas OMA and the Jianwai Soho by Yamamo- to, housing complex and financial district office by Chaoyang en Gumao.

Tour of CAFA, Central Art Academy, by Isosaki, residential and office complex by Dang Dai, Moma by Steven Holl.

Night in Beijing.

 DAY 7 – BEIJING – SHANGHAI​

Free morning. Check out of hotel in Beijing, baggage pick-up and transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai. Flight duration: approx. 2 hours.

Arrival, transfer to hotel and check in. Night in Shanghai.

DAY 8 – SHANGHAI​

Walk down pedestrian street Nanjin, full of shops. Visit the old town, pier over the river Huangpo, and Yuyuan Garden.

Visit Shanghai Museum and People’s Square. Visit Shanghai World Financial Center observatory in the financial center, Lu Jia Zhui in the Pudong district and Jin Mao tower by Skidmore, Owings & Mer- rill.

Night in Shanghai.

DAY 9 – SUZHOU TRIP​

Trip to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”, 2 hours away by bus. Visit Tiger Hill, the tilting Pagoda, the Leaning Tower of China, Master of the Nets Garden, and Lingering Garden.

End with a visit to the Institute of Embroidery and museum with copies of the imperial clothes from the Ming Dynasty.

Night in Shanghai.

DAY 10. SHANGHAI​

Visit Shanghai Planning Exhibition, Shanghai Center of Oriental Arts by Paul Andreu in the district of Pudong.

Museum of Science, Shanghai Sculpture Space by Bau and Z58 (Zhongtai Box) by Kengo Kuma. Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, POS Plaza (Silver Crown Tower) by I.M. Pei / Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and Jiushi Headquarters by Norman Foster.

Night in Shanghai.

DAY 11. SHANGHAI AND RETURN​

Free morning.
Check out of hotel in Shanghai, pick up luggage and travel to airport for return flight.

Notes:
-Ideally, you would arrive in one city and return from another. If this is not possible, the internal flight has to be round-trip.
-Possibility to extend trip, for example a day in Xian or Hong Kong.

End of the trip “Chinese Architecture”.