The Smithsonian Associates announces an exciting series of educational programs that explore the many facets of China yesterday, today and tomorrow, from its ancient culture to its popular arts and cuisine to the much anticipated Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. "China: An Incomparable Journey" will run from March 26 to late June and will feature more than 20 individual presentations, workshops and events.
This impressive series is a collaborative effort among local, national and international partners to bring together renowned scholars, performers and distinguished personalities from China and the United States. Program participants can view Chinese acrobatics and dance performances at the opening event; delve into the history of imperial dynasties and the major cities of Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai; learn about the evolving China-American relations from a panel of political and economic experts; and preview the preparation behind the forthcoming Beijing Olympics.
"We are extremely pleased to present this comprehensive series, which will give Washington audiences a better understanding of a country that is emerging toward the forefront of international influence," said Barbara Tuceling, director of The Smithsonian Associates. "We have created an incomparable group of presentations that could only be achieved through the collaborative efforts of all partners involved. We are grateful to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for their invaluable support and guidance."
"On behalf of my government and the people of China, I thank The Smithsonian Associates for creating this series," said Zhou Wenzhong, ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United States. "Celebrations such as these enrich our peoples, create better understanding and contribute to enhancing the more than 200 years of friendship between China and the United States."
The China series is made possible by the support of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Boeing Company and Air China.
"Mandarin Oriental is delighted to support The Smithsonian Associate's 'China: An Incomparable Journey,'" said Wolfgang Hültner, CEO of the Americas, Mandarin Oriental Management, USA. "We share the program's aim to deepen the appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Asia."
For tickets, information and a complete listing of programs, contact The Smithsonian Associates at (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.
China Series Program Highlights
Celebrate China Opening Event
Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m.
The audience enjoys a delightful performance by the China Acrobat and Music Troupe, a branch of the Arts Theatre of the China Coal Industry, established in 1947. The troupe has produced and presented numerous award-winning programs. This evening the troupe performs a colorful and lively variety of musical, dance and acrobatic acts. A reception follows the performance.
Location: Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Baird Auditorium
Tickets: Resident members, $30; General admission, $40
The 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This free annual event features kite displays, demonstrations and handmade-kite competitions. This year's festival celebrates the art and history of Chinese kites and includes demonstration booths by Chinese kite makers, diplays of Chinese kites and a special opening ceremony.
Location: National Mall Grounds
Tickets: Free, open to the public
U.S. and China Relations: Looking Ahead
Thursday, April 3, 6:45 p.m.
Timely topics, from trade and finance to regional and global security, are candidly discussed by a panel of experts. Panel speakers are Wenzhong; Charlene Barshefsky, former U.S. trade representative and current WilmerHale senior international partner; and J. Stapleton Roy, former U.S. Ambassador to China, Singapore and Indonesia and current Kissinger Associates vice chairman. Walter L. Cutler, former U.S. Ambassador, serves as moderator.
Location: Smithsonian's S. Dillon Ripley Center
Tickets: Resident members, $18; General admission, $28
Wildlife of China: Endangered Treasures
Thursday, April 17, 6:45 p.m.
In an illustrated lecture, William McShea, wildlife ecologist and research scientist for the Smithsonian National Zoological Park Conservation and Research Center, relates his explorations and the result of his large-mammal surveys across the national and provincial Sichuan reserves. Using rare photos, he provides a glimpse of China's diverse wildlife and discusses the current research on the giant panda.
Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center
Tickets: Resident members, $15; General admission, $20; Students, $10
Inside the Rings: The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m.
This informative lecture focuses on all the athletes, fames, training and preparation behind the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, as well as some of the emerging sports superstars of China. Lecturer Lisa Delpy Neirotti has studied the Olympic movement for 20 years and has attended 13 consecutive Olympic Games. A light reception follows the lecture.
Location: Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 2300 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Tickets: Resident members, $40; General admission, $50. No tickets sold at the door. Ticket and photo ID required to be admitted to the Embassy.
Beijing: Ancient City, Modern Outlook
Saturday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Beijing has been a center of power, culture and commerce since the 10th century and now symbolizes the national aspirations and collective conscience of the Chinese people. In this all-day seminar, participants look behind the excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympics to the richness and complexity of one of the world's great cities. Instructor Robert Daly is the director of the Institute for Global Chinese Affairs at the University of Maryland.
Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center
Tickets: Resident members, $85; General admission, $131
Ancient China Revealed: Recent Discoveries in Archaeology
Friday, June 20, 6:45 p.m. and Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
This weekend seminar brings together eminent scholars and archaeologists whose discoveries provide a broad picture of Chinese beginnings, from the Paleolithic period through the Bronze Age. Presenters are Victor Mair, professor of Chinese languages and literature at the University of Pennsylvania; Robert Thorp, professor emeritus of Chinese art and archaeology at Washington University; Sari Miller-Antonio, professor of anthropology at California State University; and Lynne Schepartz, professor of anthropology at Florida State University.
Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center
Tickets: Resident members, $88; General admission, $123
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