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National USCPFA Convention
September 16, 17, 18, 2011
Holiday Inn Plaza, One East 45th Street, Kansas City, MO
 
 
Pre-Convention Activities, Friday, September 16, 2011

 

Visit to Arabia Steamboat Museum (Kansas City’s Best Kept Secret)
Leave Holiday Inn at 9:30 am to drive to the Museum. Price of $20 includes admission and transportation. Lunch will be “Dutch treat” in the River Market area. Return in time to go on the afternoon excursion listed below. 

 

Visit to the National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial
Hotel Shuttle will leave at 1:30 for the first trip to the Museum. Transportation will be available later for those who cannot be there that early. Admission is $12 ($10 seniors) which includes a visit to Liberty Memorial Tower. Shuttle returns to Holiday Inn at 5:00.

 

          
National Convention Program

 

Friday Evening, September 16

 

Welcome by Kansas City Chinese Association Drum Rollers

 

6:00 Opening Session:  Welcome by Kansas City Mayor, National USCPFA President Bob Sanborn, and Midwest Consul General of PRC. Introduction of Chinese Ambassador, Youxie, Consulate Guests, National Board, Convention Committee
Dinner followed by Speakers and Entertainment:   “US-China Relations” and “China Today”
                Chinese Ambassador to the US (invited), Visitors from Youxie including Madam Li (invited)
Chinese Dancer and Artist, Zhang Li
            Official Photograph of Conventioneers, Ambassador, Youxie delegation and Consulate Guests

 

9:00 Dessert and Mid-autumn Festival around the pool 
               Moon cakes, moon gazing, visiting with friends and enjoying Chinese dances and lanterns

 

Saturday, September 17

 

8:00 Continental Breakfast in the Meeting Room

 

8:30 National USCPFA Plenary Session, Robert Sanborn, President and Barbara Harrison, Past President, presiding

 

10:30 Transfer to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (walk or by hotel shuttle)

 

11:15 Presentation:  “Highlights of the Chinese Collection at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,” Colin Mackenzie, Senior                 Curator of Chinese Art in Atkins Auditorium
12:00 Half of the Delegation will go to lunch in Rozzelle Court while the other half tours the Chinese Exhibits with a                     docent. Tour groups will be small so everyone can see and hear easily. 
                One tour will be conducted in Mandarin.      

 

1:00 Procedure will be reversed for the other half of the Delegation.

 

2:00 Presentation: “Laurence Sickman, Marc Wilson and Chinese Paintings in Nelson-Atkins Museum,” Colin Mackenzie
 
3:15 Return to Holiday Inn for power point presentation on “China’s Lost Girls” by John Kennedy, University of Kansas
 
4:15- 6:00 Continuation of National Plenary Session, Barbara Harrison presiding

 

Saturday Evening, September 17

 

7:00 Dinner with Speaker:  “China’s Great Leap into the 21st Century”
New Ear’s musical presentation, “China Rising”
USCPFA Awards, Bob Sanborn, National USCPFA President
 
Meet The Past: “Interview with Edgar Snow” DVD presentation filmed at the Edgar Snow Symposium, October 2010

 

Sunday Morning, September 18

 

8:00 Working Breakfast: Each region will meet to discuss issues and make reports.
 
9:30 Panel Presentation: How can USCPFA and Confucius Institute work together to promote US-China Friendship?  The                 University of Kansas Confucius Institute
 
10:15—12:00 Closing Session:  Voting, Final Resolutions: Barbara Harrison, National USCPFA presiding
 
12:30 Optional Dim Sum Lunch, Bo Lings Restaurant, cost is not included in Convention fee.  Reservations needed.
 
               Post Convention Activities
    
Sunday Afternoon, September 18

 

Adjustments of time and location may be made according to participants' needs and agreement.
*National Board and some Regional Boards meet at Holiday Inn
*Visit Kemper Contemporary Art Museum—across the street, free admission, on your own      
*Visit Sister Cities Bridge and Xi’an Warriors/Shopping/Dinner on the Plaza – walk or hotel shuttle, on your own.
*Visit Truman Library & Home, transportation and admission $20. Reservations needed. Dinner on your own.
*Visit to Union Station, Railroad Experience, Crown Center and Diastole. Transportation $12. Dinner at Crown                         Center/Plaza, individual pays, Reservations needed. Questions? Call Joyce Cox, 816-942-6307

 

Monday, September 19

 

*Morning Walking Tour of the Plaza $10, reservation needed. Lunch on the Plaza, on your own
*Day Tour of Independence, MO: Truman Library, Three Trails Museum, Jail, Old Court House. Reservations required.   $12 plus admission to chosen attractions and lunch in Independence. Email joycecox@att.net for more         information or call 816-942-6307.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Rooms:
 
$99 per night, 2 queen size beds, good for 3 days before and after the Convention.  
Reservation block expires August 16. 
To register online go to US China Peoples Friendship 2011 Annual Reservations  (control + click.)
To register by phone, call 816-753-7400, the group code is USC. Super Shuttle from airport to hotels, $18 one way/$32 round trip/taxi cheaper for 2. 
(To save on hotel taxes, bring your checkbook to the Convention to pay USCPFA-KC for your room costs.)
Questions? Call Joyce Cox, 816-942-6307

 

Registration Fee:
Early Bird $195 if made by July 16th, Regular $210 by August 16th and Late $220 after August 16th.  Covers 5 meals, materials and program fees.
 
Registration Form
USCPFA National Convention
September 16, 17, and 18, 2011
Holiday Inn, One East 45th Street, Kansas City, MO
 
Name(s) ____________________________________________USCPFA Region? Western, Midwest, Eastern, Southern
Address _______________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________
Email address ___________________________________ Telephone _______________________

 

Registration Fee: 
Early $195/Regular $215/Late $235 x number of attendees ____ equals  $________
Choice for Lunch at Museum of Art:  Chicken Salad on Croissant ____ Vegetarian Salad ______                           
Do you plan to go to Dim Sum Lunch on Sept. 18?           No        Yes -- number of people ______ 
Special Needs?     Vegetarian     Trouble walking    Need Wheelchair    Other_________________
 
Pre/Post Convention Activities
*Registration: Visit Steamboat Arabia, Friday, Sept. 16, 9:30 --$20 x ___number of people $ ________
*Registration:  Visit WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial, Fri., Sept. 16.        Yes         No
*Registration: Truman Library, Sunday afternoon, Sept. 18, $15 x number of people ____ $ ___
*Registration:  Visit Union Station, Rail Road Experience, Crown Center, Diastole,Sun. afternoon, Sept.18.  Reservations required $10 x number of people going ___                             $ ________
*Mon., Sept. 19 Morning Walking Tour of Country Club Plaza, $10 x number of people going _____ $  
*Mon., Sept. 19 Full-day Tour of Independence, MO:  Truman Library, Old Homes, Three Trails Museum & more.
Pay at door for attractions visited. Transportation & Trolley, $12 x number of people ____       $ ________
Total amount enclosed, check made out to
USCPFA-KC:      
                                                                                                                $ ________
Mail with check to USCPFA National Convention, c/o Teresa Chien, 12101 Pawnee Lane, Leawood, KS 66209
 
USCPFA National Tour – October 14-25, 2011
China’s Heart and Heartland
APPLY BY July 14, 2011
 
MORE INFORMATION, REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE TOUR LINK OF WWW.USCPFA.ORG
 
China’s civilization began around the Yellow River, which flows between Shanxi & Shaanxi provinces in northern China.  After visiting important cultural & historical sites in Beijing, travel by train to visit this heartland area and several of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 
 
In the north of Shanxi near Datong, see two 1,500-year-old sites: the impressive Yungang Buddhist sculpture caves and Xuankong hanging temple, suspended on a sheer cliff-face of sacred Hengshan mountain. 
 
In Taiyuan, see the Jinci Temple and the court ladies of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Because Taiyuan is sister city to Nashville, TN, we’ll also visit friends and meet city officials. Just south of Taiyuan, visit two sites with impressive Ming architecture—the Qiao Family Courtyard where Zhang Yimou filmed Raise the Red Lantern, and the town of Pingyao, where narrow lanes lined with houses are enclosed by an intact city wall, built in about 1370 AD. 
 
Xian, in Shaanxi Province, was China’s capital for many dynasties, beginning with the first emperor, Qin ShiHuangdi, who unified China during his rule (246-210 BC). Visit the TerraCotta Army Museum, built over the pits of clay soldiers & horses that were to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb. See the Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house the Buddhist scriptures brought from India by Monk Xuanzang. (Xuanzang’s journey is immortalized in the epic Journey to the West, in which the Monkey King protects the travelers.) Another religion—Islam—came into China from Central Asia through Xian; visit the Muslim area near Xian’s city drum tower.
 
China is not only an ancient land and culture, but also a current home to 1.3 billion people, 20% of whom are younger than 15 years. Education and children are close to China’s heart. To learn about China’s education system, this tour will visit K-12 schools at all levels—primary, middle, and high school—plus a vocational school, a university that trains teachers, and an after-school enrichment program—the Children’s Palace.
 
This tour ends on China’s southeast coast, in fantastic Shanghai, a cultured pearl on the Huangpu River.
 
Questions? Contact Barbara Cobb, USCPFA National Tour Coordinator, by Email (Barbara.cobb@juno.com) or 615 833-9512.  
To apply for this tour, send completed application and $300 tour deposit (check payable to USCPFA National Tours) to: Barbara Cobb, USCPFA Tours Coordinator, 496 Ellenwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. (www.uscpfa.org)
 
China’s Heart and Heartland – October 14-25, 2011
USCPFA National Tour – www.uscpfa.org
 
Oct. 14 Fri Depart USA
Oct. 15 Sat  Arrive Beijing. Exchange money at airport, upon arrival. On the way to the hotel, stop for photos at 2008 Olympic venues, if time permits. Hutong hotel: Beijing Courtel
Oct. 16 Sun Beijing: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City. Temple of Heaven, & shop at Hongqiao Pearl Market. Evening: Walking tour of Wangfujing Night Market.
Oct. 17 Mon Beijing: In Dong Ba Village outside Beijing, visit Lantian Primary School for the children of migrant workers. Continue on to Mutianyu section of Great Wall (with roundtrip cable car).  Welcome dinner hosted by Youxie.
Oct. 18 Tues Beijing-Datong: Visit Beijing Normal University to learn about teacher education & training. Afternoon train to Datong (K177 1:12/7:25pm)
Oct. 19 Wed Datong: Yungang Caves & Hanging Temple; drive or train to Pingyao.
 
Oct. 20 Thurs Pingyao-Taiyuan: Walking tour of Pingyao, a Ming walled town; visit Shuanglin Temple. Drive to Taiyuan, with a stop at Qiao Family Courtyard/Folk Museum. Dinner with officials or family.
Oct. 21 Fri Taiyuan: City tour. Visit a primary school & a middle/high school (Affiliated High School of Taiyuan). In the afternoon, visit Jinci Temple. Hot Pot dinner. Overnight train #2669 to Xian (9:50pm/7:46am).
Oct 22 Sat Xian: Arrive 7:46 am & have breakfast. Visit Emperor Qin tomb/ TerraCotta Army Museum (3 pits, bronze chariot hall, & circle-vision film), Shaanxi Provincial Museum, & Big Wild Goose Pagoda.  Evening: Tang Dynasty show & dumpling dinner.
Oct 23 Sun Xian-Shanghai: City wall; Bell/Drum tower; walk & shop in Muslim area.  Lunch at Muslim restaurant.  Afternoon flight to Shanghai (2:00/4:05 pm).
Oct 24 Mon Shanghai: Visit Shanghai Cao Yang Vocational School. Tour Yuyuan, a classical garden; walk & shop in Old Town. Lunch with a local family.  Afternoon: Free time to relax, explore, and/or shop. After dinner, cruise on the Huangpu River.
Oct. 25 Tues Shanghai-USA:  Visit China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace (enrichment program). If time permits, visit the Shanghai Museum to learn about China’s history, culture, & ethnic minority peoples. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to USA.
Itinerary is subject to change.
 
Tour cost: $1,050 plus airfare between home city & China.
 
This tour will be especially appropriate for teachers and others interested in China’s education system, and for those interested in Shanxi Province and its capital of Taiyuan, which is sister city to Nashville, TN.
Tour size: 6 passengers minimum, 9 maximum (plus 1 tour leader).
 
Questions? Contact Barbara Cobb, USCPFA National Tour Coordinator, by phone (615 833-9512) or by Email (Barbara.cobb@juno.com).  To apply for this tour, send completed application and $300 tour deposit (check payable to USCPFA National Tours) to: Barbara Cobb, USCPFA Tours Coordinator, 496 Ellenwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37211.  Apply by July 14, 2011. If fewer than 6 passengers apply by July 14, the tour will be reconsidered; if tour is cancelled, deposits will be refunded. 

 
Friendship Cities Conference and Friendship Forum

September 2010

 
Shanghai, Nanchang, Lushan and Jingdezhen
 
A fourteen-member delegation led by USCPFA Robert Sanborn met in Shanghai for the China International Friendship Cities Conference, hosted by Youxie  (Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries or CPAFFC).  The delegation, selected by application, was composed of members of USCPFA at chapter, region and national levels.  From September 7-17, the delegation participated in meetings, discussions, panels, and friendly discourse over many delicious meals and also toured the northern part of Jiangxi Province, the cradle of Chinese revolution.  The ten days included taking part in the Friendship (Sister) Cities Conference in Shanghai from September 7-10, flying to Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi Province for the Fourth Friendship Forum on September 11, and touring Jiangxi Province from September 12-16.
 
Text by USCPFA Secretary, Diana Greer - Richmond
There are many photos taken by Linda Hanley accompanying this travelogue.  They can be viewed on the USCPFA National Website of www.uscpfa.org
 
With the theme “Better Cities through Cooperation,” the China International Friendship Cities Association (CIFCA) convened at the Shanghai International Convention Center on September 8. Madame Li Xiaolin, Vice President of the CPAFFC which co-sponsored the conference with CIFCA, presided over the opening ceremony beginning with remarks by Chen Haosu, President of CPAFFC.  Among those who gave brief opening remarks was The Honorable Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States.
  
Many weeks before the Friendship Forum, the U.S. delegation members realized that Jimmy Carter would be in Shanghai as a guest speaker at the conference.  Officials at The Carter Library encouraged USCPFA national board members to go forward with award plans to honor Mr. Carter in Shanghai.  On the morning of September 8 at the Shanghai Conference Center, the USCPFA delegation was whisked away in a van to an undisclosed location for security reasons.  There USCPFA President Robert Sanborn, on behalf of all USCPFA members, presented Mr. Carter with an engraved USCPFA medallion and a special certificate in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in U.S.-China relations.  Mr. John Hardman, CEO and President of The Carter Center, witnessed the occasion, as did Madame Li Xiaolin, who also presented a beautiful work of art created by the Chinese people to Mr. Carter and The Carter Library.  At right is Former President Jimmy Carter and USCPFA President Robert Sanborn.
              
USCPFA delegation with The Honorable Jimmy Carter, Former President of the
United States  and John Hardman, President of The Carter Center
(front row kneeling) Mary Warpeha, Elena Lu, Linda Hanley
(middle row)  Joe Lau,  Rose Mary Thompson,  Mary Ruth O'Connell, Jimmy Carter,
Mimi Lau, Diana Greer,Suzanna Lin
(back row) Joyce Cox, Stanley Yon,  Daniel O'Connell, Robert Sanborn, Edward
Lin, John Hardman
 
The USCPFA thanked Mme. Li Xiaolin, Vice President of CPAFFC and CEO John Hardman of The Carter Center for making it possible to meet and honor Mr. Carter in Shanghai.  With assistance of members of the USCPFA Atlanta Chapter, Tour Coordinator Barbara Cobb, and others, USCPFA finally was able to honor Mr. Carter for his untiring efforts in building friendships between the People’s Republic of China and the United States.  On meeting Mr. Carter, one is reminded of how humble and gracious he is and how deeply he has endeared himself to so many people, and especially to the people of China and the United States.  This was quite an auspicious occasion for all and one that those present will never forget.
 
The USCPFA delegation rejoined the conference to hear speeches on important topics including the impact of the global financial crisis, energy conservation, emission reduction, new energy resources, and urban environmental protection.  Speakers discussed urban infrastructure relating to public transport and cultural and sports facilities, as well as new city brand building.  That afternoon Mr. Li Jianping, Vice President of CPAFFC presided over the Signing Ceremony for Newly-Twinned Friendship Cities.  Those cities included Xi’an, Shaanxi Province & Cuenca City, Ecuador;  Jinzhong, Shanxi Province & Hoi An City, Vietnam;  Jincheng, Shanxi Province & Cacadu District, South Africa  and Jiading District, Shanghai & Hauraki, New Zealand.  After a formal welcoming dinner hosted by CPAFFC and CIFCA, the delegations were invited to take a cruise tour for a night viewing on the Huangpu River.   This proved to be a memorable day for the USCPFA delegation members and the trip had just started!
 
On September 9, delegations left at seven o’clock in the morning to board buses to go to the Shanghai Expo.  Poised high in the sky like a regal red abstract pagoda, the China Pavilion was a breathtaking sight with its unusual trapezoid design.   Our hosts took us straight into the building without any waiting.  The section titled “National Treasures” exhibited an amazing 130-meter wall of people, animals, water and things moving digitally on a recreated ancient landscape painting called “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” by artist Zhang Zeduan of the Song Dynasty.  It was unbelievably beautiful and enchanting with its pulsating movement of people, flickering lanterns and rippling waters.  
 
Heading back to the convention center, smaller groups attended separate regional friendship cities sessions, divided into four regions.  The four regions included China and the U.S., Russia, Africa, and Latin American/Caribbean.  Mary Warpeha, Co-President of the Minnesota Chapter, gave an excellent PowerPoint/lecture on People-to-People Exchanges and the Minnesota Chapter’s Role and Involvement over many years of developing friendship with the Chinese people.  We learned much about what Minnesota is doing presently and also what they have accomplished since 1982, when they began formal sister-province relations with Shaanxi Province.  Examples of planning and creating a Chinese garden to a Dragon Boat Festival to sessions on disaster response plus lectures, cultural exchanges and many other activities demonstrated how Minnesota Chapter is an extraordinary role model for other chapters, as well as a vital friendship bridge between the U. S. and China.  Mrs. Warpeha’s presentation was very warmly received.  After lunch, we returned to the Shanghai Expo to visit the U.S. Pavilion and an exhibition “Better Cities Through Cooperation” organized by CPAFFC and CIFCA.
                 
On September 10, during the closing ceremony for the Friendship Cities Conference, Mme. Li Xiaolin announced the winners of the Friendship Awards.  Many awards were given to Friendship Sister Cities representatives in different categories, such as communication, cooperation with China and special contributions.  Many celebratory speeches were given by representatives from all over the world with closing speeches by Mr. Tang Dengjie, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Han Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Chen Haosu, President of CPAFFC.
 
The final speech was by Mme. Li Xiaolin, Vice President of the CPAFFC, who announced that the next Friendship Cities Conference would be in Chengdu in 2012.  Between China and 125 countries, the new total of 1721 twinned friendship cities was flashed across the screen.  The USCPFA delegation members thank CPAFFC, CIFCA  and the Shanghai City leadership for hosting us.  For some of us it was our very first Friendship Cities Conference; one never to be forgotten.  Friendship Forum delegations departed for Hongqiao Airport for Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi Province for the second part of the journey.
 
Fourth Friendship Forum - Nanchang
 
The Fourth Friendship Forum took place in Nanchang, provincial capital of Jiangxi Province.  Nanchang  is a center for politics, science, culture and economics and is known for the Communist Party’s uprising in 1927, which led to the founding of its army.
 
Delegations invited on the tour of northern Jiangxi Province included Tonga, Australia, Canada, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Maori, United States, Guyana, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago.  Arriving in Nanchang, all checked into Jiangxi Hotel, enjoyed dinner and a few even had a soothing swim in the outdoor pool.  In the morning leaders, hosts, and delegates gathered for a group photo on the steps of the famous Jiangxi Hotel.
 
The opening ceremony of the Fourth Friendship Forum began with a brief introduction by Mr. Qing Boming, Deputy Director General of the Department of American and Oceania Affairs, CPAFFC.  Mr. Sun Gang, Vice Governor of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government and President of Jiangxi Provincial Friendship Association gave the welcome speech, followed by Mme. Li Xiaolin and HRH PRINCESS SALOTE  Pilolevu Tuita, Princess of Tonga.  Robert Sanborn, President of US-China Peoples Friendship Association,  chaired the first of three sessions of the day, followed by the presidents of Australia-China and New Zealand-China friendship associations.  Representatives from each of the delegations present gave speeches recognizing and describing important friendship events, cultural ties and economic gains  made collaboratively between their country and China.  Mr. Bill Willmott, former President of New Zealand-China Friendship Society summarized the speeches of the day, with closing remarks by Mr. Qing Boming.  The full day of speeches and presentations emphasized the importance of building friendships and increasing cultural understanding to create a better world.
 
In the evening each delegation was asked to share in a “performance” which would be fun, entertaining and help build camaraderie.  The USCPFA delegation gave a rendition of the Chinese folk song “Kang Ding Qing Ge,” with translation by Ed Lin, read by Dan O’Connell and sung by the delegation led by Diana  Greer.  Soon everyone in the room was singing and good spirits abounded.
 
Historic Tengwang Pavilion, located on the bank of the Ganjiang River, was originally built in 653 AD during the Tang Dynasty.   After being destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, it was finally rebuilt in 1989 with concrete and in an architectural style reminiscent of the Song Dynasty.  It was named after King Teng who was then governor of Nanchang.  Tang poet Wang Bo memorialized the pavilion in his famous work “Preface to Tengwang Pavilion.”  With sunny, clear weather, and exquisite views of the river, city and surrounding luscious, green gardens, picture-taking was a must.
 
As the tour group with police escort, headed towards Jiujiang City in northern Jiangxi Province, delegations visited Best Solar Co., Ltd. in Nanchang High-Tech Zone.  Best Solar has two sites, located in Suzhou and Nanchang, and is one of the world’s largest producers of solar panels for thin film solar modules.  With the company goal of creating the highest quality product at the lowest cost and allied with the leading solar equipment provider Applied Materials, Best Solar is able to make use of the most advanced technology in the thin film solar market.  The group also toured a modern day assembly-styled garment factory, filled with young people, hard at work, sewing coats.               
 
Jiujiang City
The delegations visited a building where a small-scaled model of a new Gongqing City was on exhibit.   DigiEcoCity, designed for a population of 100,000, is being built to address China’s rapid urbanization complexities.  Based on ecological principles, DigiEcoCity was designed with innovations in housing, transportation, water, and infrastructure, emphasizing environmental and sustainable growth solutions.  
 
An afternoon visit to rural  Zifang (Xingfang) Village (population 188 with 46 families) brought out many families, curious to see and meet the people from all over the world who had descended upon their village.  The friendly and courteous people welcomed us warmly as we toured various homes, cultivated areas and other sites throughout the village. Designated as a Biogas Project, the De’an County village boasts two centralized bio-gas tanks and 20 individual tanks with bio-gas available in over three quarters of the households.   Cotton is an important crop in the area.
       
Rural Zifang (Xingfang) Village
 
After leaving the farm village,  the tour group came to the Tianmu Hot Springs Hotel, located in the beautiful and mountainous area of Xingzi County to spend the night.  This was quite a lovely place to stay, where the mist in the mountains seemed to cover the alluring hills and the waters of the springs seemed so inviting.
 
Mt. Lushan
 
Departing for Mt. Lushan, the entourage wound up the narrow, curvy roads, where often there was only room for one lane of traffic with views of sheer cliffs and no shoulder room at all.  Situated between the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake,  graceful  Lushan Mountain is widely acclaimed for its extraordinary beauty and ancient historical sites.  Many breathed a sigh of relief when all arrived safely at Xihu Hotel located on lovely Ruqin Lake.  Excited travelers found walkways and hidden paths to follow all around the lake and the picturesque town close by was often enveloped in clouds and mist.
 
Later that day the group visited Hanpokou (mouth that swallows the Poyang Lake) on scenic Hanpo Mountain.  One could see tiny cable cars in two rows traversing the valley up to the mountain and sweeping breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, mist and valleys.  It actually started to mist at Botanical Gardens, so some went ahead to view the flowers and some turned back.
                 
There were only two days left to see Jiangxi Province.  We followed the Flower Path where long ago  blooming  peach blossoms enticed poet Bai Juyi to write on his way to Dalin Temple:
 
All flowers have withered outside
But the peach flowers at the mountain temple have just begun to bloom
I’d felt sad that spring had gone.
I had not expected to meet it here.
 
Climbing Brocade Path was so invigorating.  Many were able to make the steep trek and were greeted by more fabulous panoramic views of dizzying heights versus extreme lows, rugged cliff features with tiny, fragile wildflowers.  The treat was getting to see the Immortal’s Cave on the pathway and feeling like maybe here one could really become immortal as clouds float by mystically in the sky.  The legend tells of Lu Dougbin living in that cave, becoming an immortal before he joined the seven others to cross the sea.                            
 
Lushan has many villas which were built by foreigners eager to see the financial advantages of the beautiful area.  The Meilu Villa belonging to Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling was also visited by Mao Zedong on his first stay in Lushan.  Mt. Lushan is also known for the Lushan Conference in 1959 where Mao exerted his influence which empowered him to implement the Great Leap Forward.  We visited the Lushan Museum which encompassed Mao’s sprawling house and exhibited much of the original period furniture.  We were sightseeing at Mao’s villa when a thunderstorm surprised us.  All of a sudden we saw festive, multi-colored umbrellas everywhere dotting the landscape.
 
We visited the family summer home of Pearl Sydenstricker, later known to the world as Pearl Buck.  The family escaped the sultry summer temperatures and enjoyed the coolness of the Lushan resort area.  Having recently visited Pearl Buck’s birthplace in Hillsboro, West Virginia, it was coincidental to be here following her journey to China and then being in the place she lived as a child in the setting where her writing had its origins.
                 
Jingdezhen City
 
The group bade farewell to Mt. Lushan as we departed for Jingdezhen City and checked in to Zijing Hotel.  Jingdezhen City is world-renowned for its long history of making porcelain.  While on the grounds of the Museum of Porcelain History, tour members were able to see porcelain objects from different historical periods, architectures of Ming and Qing dynasties and hear music played on porcelain instruments.  We saw first-hand a group of ancient kilns and walked inside one that is still fired once a year.  Master potters and painters making practical and decorative porcelain creations were at work while we toured.  On the last day of the tour, the delegations also visited the Porcelain Museum which housed many expensive and priceless works.  The nearby ceramics market featured all kinds of porcelain objects in myriad colors, shapes and sizes from which to choose.  Wanting to take more treasures  home, each traveler wondered how they would meet the luggage weight requirements and still bring back another porcelain gift.
 
The time came for us to fly out of Jingdezhen Airport on the eve of Thursday, September 16.  Some went to Shanghai and Beijing; others continued on separate journeys.  Many new friendships were started;    many old friendships were renewed.  One is silver and the other is gold.
 
Again, the USCPFA Delegation sincerely thanks the CPAFFC, CIFCA and Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government and all of those who made our stay in China such an amazing journey.  The kindnesses shown to us will always be remembered.
 
Diana Greer, Tour Leader

 
 
2009 USCPFA NATIONAL CONVENTION
http://www.uscpfa-mn.org/USCPFA_photofiles/MN%20DELEGATION%202009.JPG
ABOVE:  Wen Li, Mary Warpeha, Consul General Cao Zhansheng, Barbara Harrison, James Grantman
Four  Minnesota Chapter Members attended the National Convention of USCPFA held in Septemberin San Francisco.  The theme was: 60 Years of Independence and 30 Years of Normalization. 
The San Francisco Chapter arranged a wonderfully informative program which included, a DVD entitled Autumn Gem (chronicling the life of the first feminist in China, Qiu Jin), a presentation by author Jana McBurney-Lin entitled MY HALF OF THE SKY, Gary Hicks detailing African American poets on China, Al Sargis on Carlson’s Raiders,  report on the past and changes in China by Barbara Harrison, John Marienthal, and Bart Trescott.  The keynote speaker was Dr. Ling-Chi Wang addressing the 60/30 of Socialist Reform in China.   
Minnesota Chapter Board Member convened the Annual Meeting Plenary Session.  Minnesota Chapter Co-President was honored with a volunteer award for service. 
BELOW: Midwest attendees at the National Convention,    Wen Li and James Grantman not shown
 http://www.uscpfa-mn.org/USCPFA_photofiles/nationalconvention/P1150403.JPG
 ________________________________
MOON FESTIVAL IN MINNESOTA
A HUGE success
Minnesota Chapter of US –China Peoples Friendship Association
hosted this event on September 12, 13, 2008
          in St. Paul and Minneapolis
SEE DETAILS ON THE 2008
HIGHLIGHTS PAGE
________________________
The 18th  Washington Seminar on US-China Relations
April 17 & 18, 2008 - Thursday and Friday - 9:00-8:00pm 
www.uscpfa.org
Purpose:  To provide a forum to consider issues relevant to relations between the United States and China through interaction with experts at the leading edge of US-China relations.
 Topics and Speakers include:
+Managing US-China Relations by Dr. Quansheng Zhao, Professor & Division Director of Comparative & Regional Studies and Director of Center for Asian Studies at American University in Washington, DC, and Research Associate at the Fairbank Center for East Asian Research of Harvard University
+China’s Current ‘Journey to the West'— Recent Developments in its Adoption of a Contemporary Commercial Framework  by Preston Torbert, Partner and a Founder of the China Practice of Baker & McKenzie, International Law Firm in Chicago
 +New U.S. Practice of Assessing Penalty Countervailing Duties on Goods Exported from Subsidized Chinese Companies (working title) by Deputy Assistant Secretary Stephen Claeys, International Trade Administration
+Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in China and WTO Action by U.S. (working title) by Susan Anthony, Attorney Advisor, & Tim Browning, Office of Intellectual Property Policy and Enforcement, United States Patent and Trademark Office (pending)
+Reconciling Coal with Environmental Protection in China by Kelly Sims Gallagher, Ph.D, Director of Energy Technology Innovation Project, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and Adjunct Lecturer, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University
+Migration and China's Urban Transformation by Dr. Weiping Wu, Associate Professor, Urban Studies and Planning & International Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University
+China Briefing at the U.S. Department of State
+National Archives: Rotunda tour (founding documents) & discussion of Chinese immigration from Archive records (pending)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photos from the October, 2004 Midwest Region Conference
Left to right:  Charles Petersen, Barbara Harrison, Consul General Xu Jinzhong, Scott Stuart (Nelson Atkins Museum of Art), and Mary Warpeha
Kansas City Conference Coordinator Joyce Cox welcoming Conference attendees
Left to right:  "Women in China:  Change and Challenges"  presenters Liu Meiyan and Carolyn Kadel 
Robe and table available for purchase at FaFa Gallery, host of a tea reception following Museum tours
Kansas City Chinese Ensemble entertained an attentive audience with their accomplished performances on the erhu, gaohu, zheng, yang qin and accordion
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Photos from the National Convention
Minnesota attendees posed with Consul General Xu Jinzhong from left:  Wen Li, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Mary Warpeha, Xu Jinzhong, Barbara Harrison, Charles Petersen,  Judith Swanholm
Consul General Xu Jinzhong offers a promise of assistance in developing a Northern-style Chinese garden  to Minnesota Garden Committee members Barbara Harrison and Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Committee Chair
Minnesota Chapter prize winning T-shirt and peasant painter cards were sold 
Saturday Banquet speaker and Minnesota Region Chair,  Robert Sanborn, with Dr. Keith Krasemann, National Convention Chair, looking on
Consul General Xu Jinzhong at the Saturday evening banquet
click to enlarge
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Three photos of the USCPFA and Beijing sponsored traveling exhibit of Western China
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USCPFA National will host a traveling exhibit of the effects of Soong Ching Ling.  The initial exhibit (one of several being planned)  was displayed at the Southeby's Gallery  in Downtown Chicago.
Barbara Harrison, National Chairperson,  accepts an embroidered reproduction of the diadem displayed on the Soong Ching Ling fashion.  The embroidery was presented by Curators from the Soong Ching Ling Museum and Dr. Charles Li, volunteer and exhibit liaison in the United States.  
Photo of Soong Ching Ling from the traveling exhibit.
Watch for a notice of the exhibit arrival in Minnesota
 
 
 
 
USCPFA Minnesota Chapter
info@uscpfa-mn.org
Copyright 2003