"A Busy Monday" - Tom Triplitt

The China-in-Depth group had its busiest day yet on Monday, May 17. After an early breakfast, we went to SUDA for a morning lecture from Kate Kaup and Professor Xu Qinggen on Understanding The Politics of China Today. We learned about the key changes in individual's lives under Mao and the successive rulers of China.

Coleman Shouse at Breakfast

Lecture with Professor Xu Quinggen

For the afternoon, we took about a 40 minute bus ride out into the countryside to the ancient river town of Zhouzhaung, a town that has been there for over 1000 years. We had another HUGE lunch and then walked through the town. There were many interesting sights, sounds and SMELLS.

In Zhouzhang

Streets of Zhouzhang

We returned back to our hotel and had about 20 minutes to freshen up before departing to be treated to dinner by Dean Lu from SUDA at Shuixianglou restaurant. We were joined by two young Furman alums Chris Campbell, and our admissions person in China, Martha Kimmel.

Visiting with Alumni Working in China

We then took a river cruise around the citadel that protected the original city of Suzhou that featured traditional Chinese folk music.

Traditional Folk Music