China: An Incomparable Journey is a series of more than 20 lectures, seminars, studio arts classes, performances, and local tours that celebrate and illuminate the past, present, and future of China.
REGIONAL
RICHES: CHINA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Sat., May 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This tour across 3,000 miles and centuries of history reviews some of China’s
greatest cultural and religious sites, from the ancient capital of China’s
first imperial dynasty to Sichuan province and its mixture of old and new.
THE
RELIGIONS OF CHINA: VISIONS OF THE WAY
Sat., May 17, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This lecture explores basic assumptions underlying the Chinese religious worldview,
and then presents the three major religions of China: Taoism, Confucianism, and
Buddhism.
ARCHITECTURAL
OLYMPICS IN BEIJING
Sun., May 18, 2 p.m.
World-class athletes aren’t the only star attractions at the upcoming Beijing
Olympics. The National Stadium (the “Bird’s Nest”) and the
National Aquatics Center (the “Water Cube”) are sure to draw a lot
of attention during the games.
CHINESE
EXPORT PORCELAIN
Sat., June 7, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shirley Ganse examines Chinese export porcelain’s exquisite
and often amusing designs for different countries; its evolution from mass-market
to custom-made objects; its impact on world markets; and collectors’ considerations
of quality, condition, and the current market.
CHINESE
ART AT THE FREER AND SACKLER GALLERIES
Wed., June 11
Enjoy a tour of the exhibition Yellow Mountain: China’s Ever-Changing
Landscape (May 31–Aug. 24) with curator Joseph Chang,
followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s world-renowned conservation
lab.
BEIJING:
ANCIENT CITY, MODERN OUTLOOK
Sat., June 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This seminar introduces participants to the history and culture of Beijing. Participants
look behind the excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympics to the richness
and complexity of one of the world’s great cities.
HONG
KONG: CITY BETWEEN WORLDS
Mon., June 16, 6:45 to 9 p.m.
In illustrated presentations, Leo Ou-fan Lee offers an insider’s view of his hometown,
from its first days as a trading port to its current status as a special administrative
region of the People’s Republic of China.
CHINESE
ART AT THE FREER AND SACKLER GALLERIES
Tues., June 17
Enjoy a tour of the exhibition Yellow Mountain: China’s Ever-Changing
Landscape (May 31–Aug. 24) with curator Joseph Chang,
followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s world-renowned conservation
lab.
THE
ROAR OF THE CHINESE LION! WITH TAI YIM KUNG FU SCHOOL
Wed., June 18 at 10:15 a.m.
Leo is back, by popular demand! This giant golden parade lion dances in the aisles
and pounces onstage to devour the special lettuce that makes him sleep. With
three Chinese acrobatic dancers inside, Leo brings good luck for all.
ANCIENT
CHINA REVEALED: RECENT DISCOVERIES IN ARCHAEOLOGY
Fri., June 20, 6:45 p.m. and Sat., June 21, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
This seminar brings together eminent scholars and archaeologists who work in
different regions of this vast country and whose discoveries give us a broad
picture of Chinese beginnings from the Paleolithic period through the Bronze
Age.
CHINESE
ART AT THE FREER AND SACKLER GALLERIES
Thurs., June 26
Enjoy a tour of the exhibition Yellow Mountain: China’s Ever-Changing
Landscape (May 31–Aug. 24) with curator Joseph Chang,
followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s world-renowned conservation
lab.