We're in China!

We're in China! Our group arrived around 11 o'clock last night, and despite the length of the journey, the trip was actually not too bad. Once we arrived in Beijing, I was very surprised how easy the customs process was and how quickly we were able to get our bags. Once we had everything, we proceded outside, where we were greeted by a University of Notre Dame sign that pointed toward our bus to the hotel, The Grand Milennium in the Chaoyang District.

I must say, our hotel is awesome. Not only is it located in one of the nicest areas of Beijing, it has every gadget you can imagine, including power window shades, a flat screen tv and this computer that I am typing on right now!

After a good nights sleep, we were back on the buses, ready for our first trip of the day. The first stop was the Great Wall of China. According to our tour guide, there are three main areas that tourists go to see the Great Wall in Beijing. We went to the site in Mutianyu, which is about a 1/2 hour drive from our hotel. I did not know what to expect (beside what I had seen on tv), but found myself amazed at how massive the structure is up close. To get to the top, we rode a sky bucket which flew us up the mountian side to one of the wall's towers. Once at the wall, we were able to walk along the structure, going between the diffrent towers.

We had about an hour to explore the area, then loaded back ont the bus for a trip back to the hotel to meet with our first speaker, James Hexter, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company in China. Some of the key take aways from this discussion include the transformation China is experiencing and how that momentum is to look going forward. At the end of the presentation, students were able to ask questions about sustainability, leadership structures in Chinese management and a host of other questions. Mr. Hexter was able to draw upon his years working in China, as well as the research he has conducted as a writer.

After our meeting with James Hexter, we were able to see some more of ancient China, including the Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420, this area was used by the Emperor for seasonal sacrifices to the gods. At the center of the grounds, there is a circle where it is believed that those who stand on it will be able to absorb the energy of the place, so it was comical to see everyone trying to push their way to the middle of the spot.

Our last stop of the day was to the shopping district, where we were able to buy everything from pearls to leather bags. Negoiation was key in this market, and often times we were able to talk the vendors down to 40% of the orginal asking price. I was able to pick up a new suitcase, which will come in handy as we visit more shops during the visit.

I think that pretty much covers the main things that we were able to experience today. Tomorrow I will try to upload some pictures to give you a better perspective.