China & East Asia
of tea ceremonies at the world’s largest outdoor tea house. This Fellowship, developed with Ronan MacRory , a graduate of Oxford University, gives our scholars the opportunity to learn about urbanization, infrastructure development, and the balance between tradition and progress. BRINGING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT XI’AN Xi’an was one of the great ancient capitals of China, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Today it is a crucial crossroad in China’s vision for the future—the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a grand strategy to rekindle and expand upon its ancient trade routes. The formidable Terracotta Army is a silent testament to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s timeless ambitions, and the ancient city walls echo with tales of traders, scholars, and warriors who once tread the same path that today’s modern traders aspire to navigate. Xi’an’s streets are alive with tradition, from the intricate art of shadow puppetry to the flavorful dance of its famed hand- pulled noodles. C
BEIJING
SEOUL
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JAPAN H
XI’AN
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CHENGDU
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SHANGHAI
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YUNNAN
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SHENZHEN
VIETNAM
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Fellowships 2024-25
THE BIRTHPLACE OF TEA YUNNAN Yunnan, a province in southwestern China, is the birthplace of tea, including the famous Pu-erh tea, and features breathtaking natural landmarks such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The journey begins beneath its snow-capped peaks, in the winding cobbled streets of Old Lijiang that shimmer with the pristine waters of mountain streams. This picturesque town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site & stands as the cultural epicenter of the Naxi people, whose unique matriarchal Dongba culture intricately weaves shamanism with a distinctive pictographic language. Then journey to the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge, visit the Black Dragon Pool & Ancient quarter, explore the Jade A
Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred mountain for the Naxi people, before heading on to our second stop, Kunming. In the “City of Eternal Spring,” students delve into vibrant markets, marvel at the Stone Forest, and immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural and culinary traditions, with a tea ceremony at the end. Designed with Wendy Lin , a graduate of Cornell who grew up in Beijing, this Fellowship intrigues with a unique blend of cultural traditions, ancient trade routes, and stunning scenery. SAVORING SICHUAN CHENGDU Beyond the irresistible charms of pandas, B Chengdu exhibits a rare blending of old and new China. Home to the world’s earliest irrigation system as well as the earliest form of
paper currency, Chengdu attracted many world- famous writers and famed poets like Li Bai and Du Fu, who lived in the city for a significant period of their lives. Students can learn of its old history from gold masks reminiscent of the Qing Dynasty, explore Sichuan’s distinct cuisine, learn about the intricacies of Sichuan opera, and engage in the ancient tradition
Detail of the Terracotta Army, Xi´an
By joining the Xi’an Fellowship, you’ll immerse yourself in China’s rich historical and cultural heritage and gain insights into the nation’s modern-day aspirations that are tethered to its storied past. Designed with Omar Knio , a Fellow with a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago, our scholars access historical sites and museums, have inspiring conversations with local artists and pay visits to the key driver
of the city’s economy today— the new energy industry. In the heart of China, you’ll witness the nexus of history and future ambition, offering a unique perspective into the country’s evolving global vision. INNOVATION WITHIN TRADITION SHANGHAI Shanghai is a fountain of ambition where D
the past and future are in constant dialogue. This metropolis, home to over 26 million, is a testament to deliberate vision, policy design, and human ingenuity. From the iconic skyline of the Bund, where colonial architecture stands proudly amidst a backdrop of futuristic skyscrapers, to the tranquil serenity of Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden that has stood the test of time,
Shanghai offers a unique opportunity to witness the coexistence of the old and the new. As they journey deeper into Shanghai’s corporate landscape, students gain insights from industry leaders and cultural experts who are at the forefront of blending traditional values with modern business practices. Students also engage in discussions that bridge theory and practice at the
Fisherman in Lijiang
124 BARET SCHOLARS
125 REGIONS & FELLOWSHIPS
East Asia Fellowships are in the process of planning and finalization.
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