[Jason O'Connor]

Our journey to China began in Beijing. It was truly an extraordinary opportunity to visit this vibrant capital city. One of the most important areas that we visited was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In reflecting on our time visiting these areas a few things struck me. The sheer number of people standing in line to pay homage to Mau. People flocking from all over to come to this central place of power surrounded by cultural and political centers, but all pointing to one central theme, Mao's image still reigns supreme in the national construction of the People's Republic of China. The various monuments dedicated to the Cultural Revolution and the ubiquitous CCTV's all over the square still demonstrate the domination of the State over its people. It would have been quite intriguing to go in and see the History museum across the square to see how the history of the CCP is presented in China, and how this memory has helped shape the individual and society in the area. The Forbidden City was a cultural gem, the sheer magnitude of the space, architecture, and design was magnificent to behold. Yet, despite its beauty, its history, for the most part, has been lost, its treasures gone with voices from the past erased. I felt that we were walking through an open cemetery lauded for its beauty and majesty as traces of the past are lost to current and future generations who grow up with a certain historical version of China.  

[Jason O'Connor]

Since part of the theme of our program is about business models in China and Taiwan and interesting article to read is about the potential trade war  between the United States and China:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/critical-us-china-trade-talks-end-in-beijing/articleshow/64039864.cms 

 

[Jason O'Connor]

Some of the top places to visit in Beijing: more to follow. Are there any topics you are interested in that I could look up?

The Forbidden City (The Imperial Palace) - The Forbidden City is a massive, 15th-century palace complex that once served as the royal residence of 24 Chinese emperors. 

Tiananmen Square - 

Summer Palace

Lama Temple - A series of beautiful pavilions comprise this Mongolian-Tibetan yellow-sect temp, which features an impressive fifty-four high Buddha carved from one piece of Tibetan sandalwood. 

Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum- Originally built in 1302 and used as a place for sacrifices to Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, this former temple lost its religious function during the "bourgeois revolution" in 1912 and currently houses the Capital Museum. 

Beijing Capital Museum - 5  floors of unique Chinese art

Beijing Botanical Garden

National Art Museum of China

China Aviation Museum

An interesting place to potentially visit: Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War 

Temple of Heaven 

Outside of Beijing: Great Wall

 

 

 

[Jason O'Connor]

Hi everyone. My name is Jason O'Connor. I teach at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Florida. I teach IB History, Honors World History, and Honors Comparative Government. I am also a Ph.D. student in the Comparative Studies program at Florida Atlantic University. I am very excited about the program in China and Taiwan. I have never been to either country. I have taught about the history and government of the PRC for many years, however, would love to learn more by experiencing the history and culture of China. Our school has a boarding program for international students, and many of my students are from China so it will be a great opportunity to share my experience in the country. I really am looking forward to meeting you during the trip. 

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