The Causes, Consequences and Costs of China's Breakneck Modernization

Join me on a Study Tour in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou

How did China achieve its meteoric rise from ruinous foreign invasion, civil war, famine, and chaos to become, in the course of one lifetime, a high-middle-income power and the world’s second-largest economy? How did China emerge as a technology and advanced manufacturing powerhouse? How does the Chinese leadership plan to maintain its momentum and address the many problems that breakneck modernization has created? What is the leadership’s vision for the China of tomorrow?

In a one-week study tour from October 20 to October 26, Ed Sander of Tech Buzz China and I will immerse you in modern China and tell the story of its unprecedented transformation — from its decline and fall from the height of imperial splendor through its arduous climb from its mid-20th-century nadir to the hypermodernity of the cities you’ll explore with us. You’ll emerge with a better understanding of China’s recent past, its complex present, and its possible future.

The study tour will include morning lectures by me and my good friend Ed Sander. Ed has extensive experience leading study tours of China and lived in Xi’an, where he volunteered with non-governmental organizations from 2011 to 2013. Since 2012, Ed has written extensively about Chinese internet technology and is currently a research editor for Tech Buzz China.

Our interactive lectures will be followed by bespoke excursions related to the themes discussed. We’ve got an amazing lineup of events, including great company visits to some of China’s most iconic companies.

• Beijing will include a visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City (if we can manage tickets!), Tencent, and Baidu — with robotaxi rides between the two companies!

• Shanghai will include a Shanghai bike tour and a visit to The Bund and Pudong’s skyline.

• Hangzhou will feature a visit to the countryside, exploring storied West Lake, and a tour of China’s leading live commerce agency.

Travel between cities will be by high-speed rail. And, of course, we’ll be eating in high style, sampling different regional cuisines each day. Finish off each evening by taking in some of the amazing nightlife China’s cities have to offer!

Seats are limited to 18 individuals, so book now. Registration closes on September 1. For more information and to register, click here!