The Dalfram Dispute 1938

Free Film Screening: Finding Mr. Right

2

President's Report

I had a most fantastic and inspiring experience which I

would like to share with all our members. Most of you

would have heard the news that Chinese billionaire Jack

Ma, founder of Alibaba, donated $26 million to the

University of Newcastle. Thanks to Judy Morley, I was

privileged to be present at the Newcastle ceremony when

the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program was

announced. For those who do not know the story, Ken

and Judy Morley went with their young family to visit

China in 1980 on an ACFS tour. In Hangzhou, Jack Ma, a

young schoolboy, used to go to a park to improve his

English by talking to tourists.

Jack and young David Morley became pen friends, and

over the years Ken took over the friendship. In 1985, Ken

arranged for Jack to spend his summer vacation in

Newcastle, and as Jack said, those 29 days changed his

life and made him the Jack Ma of today. In gratitude to

Ken for helping and supporting him, and mentoring him in

life values, Jack wanted to help others achieve their

dreams. The Ma and Morley Scholarship Program will

help not only smart students but those from Indigenous

and disadvantaged families become 'ambassadors for

responsibility, courage and wisdom'. David Morley, in his

speech on behalf of his father Ken who died in 2004, and

the Morley family, mentioned me and the Australia China

Friendship Society NSW, saying that if it were not for

ACFS, the connection would never have been made nor

the ongoing legacy celebrated here today.

Every member should feel proud and honoured to be part

of our Society.

For those who would like to hear the speeches by the

Premier of NSW, the University of Newcastle staff, David

Morley and Jack Ma, please email me

(mjyk@bigpond.com) and I will forward the Newcastle

Herald link. It is a truly wonderful tale of friendship and

generosity.

Other events attended were:

CHAA's Marilyn Sue Dooley talk 'The Year of the Rooster'

at the Museum of Sydney. As always Marilyn gave a very

interesting and enjoyable presentation. We look forward

to her 2018 talk on the Year of the Dog!

The Confucius Institute talk at the University of Sydney by

Dr Michael Paton on Feng Shui, Cities and Southern

Culture. I was absolutely surprised and thrilled to hear my

uncle, Vivian Chow Yung, being one of the three

Australian men mentioned in the talk for their

contributions to China..

Tap Gallery Art Exhibition of works on Chinese rice paper

by three Chinese Australian women artists, Lilian Lai,

Kang Ning (Connie) Wang and Lucy Wang. Guest speaker

Dr Richard Wu gave a most interesting talk on the

Importance of Classical Chinese Ink Painting in the 21st

Century. For those who missed it, we hope Dr Wu will

give this talk at one of our future ACFS meetings.

The Opening Ceremony and Concert of the 2017 China-

Australia Year of Tourism at the Concert Hall of the Opera

House was a splendid affair. The majestic music of the

China National Opera & Dance Drama orchestra and the

beautiful landscapes and cities of China shown by video

on a huge screen behind, made me and I am sure all the

Chinese in the hall feel nostalgic and proud.

The next evening, the City Recital Hall hosted the same

orchestra in a Chinese New Year Concert 'Treasures of a

Nation', with a different program. The orchestra, playing

mainly Chinese traditional musical instruments, delivered

some beautiful music which transported us to another

world.

Another exciting CNY event was Music Under the Moon, a

Sydney Symphony Orchestra concert conducted by

celebrated Chinese conductor Tan Dun. This performance

was supported by the University of Sydney Confucius

Institute. Especially interesting was Tan Dun's 'Nu Shu:

The Secret Songs of Women - Symphony for 13 micro

films, harp and orchestra.

The Australia-China Institute for Arts and Culture (ACIAC)

Chinese New Year Celebration reception on 15th

February at their facilities at the Western Sydney

University Parramatta campus, was most enjoyable.

There was an art exhibition in their Gallery by Shen

Wednesday, an improvised music performance by

Professor Bruce Crossman and student Joseph Tatua, and

a fashion show by Australia First Chinese Style Creative

Studio featuring traditional Chinese Han Fu costumes.

The last event to be reported is our own CNY Yum Cha

lunch at the Eight Restaurant. Sincere thanks to the 41

people who came to celebrate the Year of the Rooster

and made it such a huge success. The food was delicious,

the company so warm and friendly, and the fun raffle

raised some much needed funds for the Society.

As many events are being organised by other

organisations, we are not holding our own meetings in

March, but I hope to meet up with some of you during

the month.

Best wishes for the rest of the Year of the Rooster.

Margaret Yung Kelly

President, February 2017

3

Dates for your Diary:

ACFS Regular Activities

Qigong: Every Wednesday, 10am, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, exercise class $15. Call

Miranda Ho on 0402 918 383

Mandarin: Every Tuesday. General Language class 10.30am-12noon in our ACFS Rooms, $17. Contact Mark Seeto,

ph. 0417 691 988 or email: mseeto@bigpond.net

The ACFS Bulletin is

kindly sponsored by:

CTS Australia

Ph: 1300 764 224; email: ctstours@chinatravel.com.au

Opening Ceremony

and Concert of

2017 Year of China

and Australia

Tourism, at the

Opera House

DONATIONS:

Thanks to the

following for their

generous donations:

Barry Whang, Thomas

Kwok, Josefa Green -

Barbara Otton; NB &

WR Capper; WG Lee -

KR James

ALSO

Janice & Phil Anderson

& Judy Morley - $200

‘in appreciation of the

Long March Tour’

Celebrating Chinese

New Year with

Australia-China

Institute for Arts

and Culture at

Western Sydney

University with

Vice-Chancellor and

Director Professor

Barney Glover and

Director of ACIAC

Professor Jocelyn

Chey

Our Margaret Kelly with Jack

Ma, CEO of Alibaba and

China’s richest man at the

launch of the ‘Ma and Morley

Scholarship’ at Newcastle

University, a scholarship

thanks in part to the role

played by the ACFS NSW of

people-to-people diplomacy.

4

ACFS Celebrating Chinese New Year of the Rooster

Lots of fun, good

food, good

company….and

good friendships

forged….

5 Billionaire to give $26m to Newcastle University

Scott Bevan - 3 Feb 2017,

[Ken Morley, a long-standing ACFS member and

wharfie, first met young Jack Ma on a tour to China

with the ACFS and became his mentor and friend

and helped Jack to learn English over a period of

many years. Their friendship grew and Ken’s son,

David, and Jack are still friends to this day].

A close friendship between a Chinese billionaire

and a Newcastle family has led to the largest

ever donation to the University of Newcastle.

Jack Ma, the founder of the internet company

Alibaba, will give US$20 million, or more than

Australian $26 million, to fund a scholarship

program. Mr Ma has travelled to Newcastle to

announce the scholarship program in a

ceremony late Friday afternoon.

“That he views this as so significant, so important

to him, that he would personally come to be

here is a really strong symbol,” the University of

Newcastle’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline

McMillen, said.

The donation by the man estimated by Forbes to

be worth US$28.4 billion, or more than AU$37

billion, is to honour his friendship with

Newcastle’s Morley family, who he met as a

teenager in his home city of Hangzhou in 1980.

He approached a boy about his age, David

Morley, to practise his English, and from there a

bond with the family grew

The Morleys brought Jack Ma to Australia in

1985 for his first visit. Mr Ma has credited the

father, Ken Morley, with being an influential

figure in his life, and he has returned to

Newcastle to see the family several times,

including a visit to an ailing Mr Morley prior to

his death in 2004.

“I am very thankful for Australia and the time I

spent there in my youth,” Mr Ma said in a

statement before the ceremony. “The culture,

the landscape and most importantly its people

had a profound positive impact on my view of

the world at that time.”

“To honour the experience and the special

relationship I

formed with

the Morley

family, the

Jack Ma

Foundation is

delighted to

announce The

Ma & Morley

Scholarship

Program that

will inspire,

educate and

cultivate

tomorrow’s leaders.”

Professor McMillen said the university had been

working with the Jack Ma Foundation for about a

year to shape a program “that really represents

the quality of that friendship, that really unique

friendship, between Jack Ma and Ken Morley”.

When The Ma and Morley Scholarship Program

reached full capacity, it would support 90

students a year.

Professor McMillen said the recipients would

include students from financially disadvantaged

backgrounds and indigenous scholars.

“At the heart of this philanthropic commitment is

the most remarkable story of friendship,”

Professor McMillen said. David Morley said his

father “would be moved to tears” by Jack Ma’s

donation, and the reasons behind it.

Philanthropist: Billionaire Jack Ma is honouring

his friendship with Newcastle's Morley family by

funding a university scholarship program

6

MATTHEW JAMISON | 10.02.2017 | WORLD

Three Cheers for President Xi

A turning point has been reached in world

affairs. With the election of Donald Trump as

President of the United States and the decision

by the United Kingdom to quit the European

Union, the Western political order of the last

few decades is in serious convulsions and may

never be the same again.

It is hard to say what will happen over the next

four years and what the standing of the United

States will be in global affairs by the end of

President Trump's first term in office or what

will happen in Europe with the withdrawal of

the UK from the European Union. But, to

quote the former British Prime Minister Tony

Blair after 9/11: «The kaleidoscope has been

shaken. The pieces are in flux». In many ways

historians may look back at the ascension of

Donald Trump to the White House as the

moment when the extent of American decline

became graphically visible to the West and an

inflection point with no return. Historians

could also see it as the moment when the 21st

century was confirmed as the Chinese century.

It was Henry Luce, publisher of Time magazine,

who coined the term «American century» in an

essay in 1941 to describe the period in world

affairs from the middle of the 20th century

onwards as the «American century» much as

the period 1815-1914 had been described by

British historian Ronald Hyam as «Britain's

Imperial Century».

Alongside the election of Mr. Trump and Brexit,

two of the greatest political earthquakes to

shake the foundations of the Anglo-American

led Western international order, a speech

given by the President of the People's Republic

of China at the World Economic Forum in

Davos during January 2017 can be seen as the

beginning of the emergence of the “Chinese

Century”. I have little doubt that the 21st

century will indeed be China's century with it's

amazing and inexorable return to superpower

status after an extremely difficult 20th century.

President Xi's speech to the World Economic

Forum was remarkable and typical of a great

visionary statesman and wise, responsible

political leader. It was a brilliant speech and

one perhaps only a Chinese leader could have

crafted and delivered rich in deep

philosophical human insight which is the hall

mark of the supremely erudite and cultured

Chinese.

Westerners, particularly Americans and Britons,

are often quite ignorant of China's unique

place in the history of the world and a cradle

of human civilization. Unlike America or Britain,

China has existed as a unified single state for

more than 2000 years and Chinese civilization

has been in existence for roughly 5000 years.

In his Davos speech President Xi rightly

identified many of the problems afflicting the

world as regional in nature and a result of

regional problems and regional circumstances

rather than a product of globalization. Yet, as

is so often the case with visionary leaders,

President Xi was able to articulate the whole

picture without throwing the baby out with

the bath water: “It is true that economic

globalization has created new problems, but

this is no justification to write economic

globalization off completely”. One line in

particular struck me as something which

British policymakers, politicians and the public

should take fully on board: “Whether you like

7

it or not, the global economy is the big ocean

that you cannot escape from. Any attempt to

cut off the flow of capital, technologies,

products, industries and people between

economies, and channel the waters in the

ocean back into isolated lakes and creeks is

simply not possible”. This is why ultimately

enterprises like Brexit or President Trump's

travel ban will fail. It was heartening to hear

President Xi quote the founder of the Red

Cross Henry Duant: “Our real enemy is not the

neighbouring country; it is hunger, poverty,

ignorance, superstition and prejudice”.

In an implicit rebuke to the protectionist

doctrine outlined by President Trump in his

Inauguration speech President Xi said: “We

must remain committed to developing global

free trade and investment, promote trade and

investment liberalization and facilitation

through opening-up and say no to protection-

ism”. Who would have ever thought it would a

Chinese President defending an open, free

trade, liberal economic global order and an

American President railing against such an

order. Likewise, President mounted a robust

defence of the Paris Climate Change accords

how the pieces of the global kaleidoscope are

indeed in flux. In just a little over thirty years

since «Opening and Reform» China has

achieved the most rapid development in

human history becoming the world’s second

largest economy, on course soon to become

the world’s first economy and has lifted out of

poverty some 700 million of its people.

What the Chinese people have achieved under

the wise and mature leadership of the Chinese

Communist Party has been nothing short than

one of the greatest economic and social

revolutionary achievements in the history of

humanity. Thus, the world should offer the

extraordinary President Xi and the equally

extraordinary Chinese people three cheers for

their astonishing comeback.

President Trump and Prime Minister May pale

in comparison with the visionary statesman-

ship on display from President Xi at the World

Economic Forum. Both Mr. Trump and Mrs.

May could learn a thing or two from such an

exceptional leader as President Xi or indeed

other incredible Chinese leaders such as the

great Deng Xiaoping. One of the strengths of

China is that it has been open and humble

enough to learn from the West. Now the West

should demonstrate the same courageous

open mindedness and starting learning from

China.

Under President Xi's leadership China has

become even more outward looking, open and

internationalist. Unlike what some Western

anti-China propagandists and smear artists

suggest has become a more nationalistic and

authoritarian turn under President Xi's leader-

ship, the Chinese Government has taken brave

and commendable steps to root out and stamp

out official corruption ensuring the party and

Government remain committed to their

number one objective, serving the Chinese

people for the betterment of China as a whole.

If only we had a leader as brave and

conscientious as President Xi in Britain who

could clean up a deeply corrupt British

establishment.

And rather than become more aggressively

nationalistic under President Xi's leadership,

China has been constantly reaching out the

hand of friendship internationally attempting

to strengthen and build even better diplomatic

relations with countries such as Britain under

the Golden Age; becoming an engaged,

responsible actor in the international arena on

subjects such as Climate Change; helping to

achieve the P5 + 1 historic Iranian nuclear

agreement and constantly stressing,

promoting and sticking to a policy of mutual

respect and mutual trust for win-win global

cooperation even in the face of egregious and

hostile threats, abuse and lies such as the case

recently with President Trump's deranged

rantings regarding the One China policy or the

situation in the South China Sea. The world is

extremely fortunate to have such a mature,

responsible and wise leader in President Xi

Jinping

8

Australia China Friendship Society 澳澳澳澳 中中中中 友友友友 好好好好 協協協協 会会会会 NSW INC.

Invites you to join our ACFS-Silk Road Discovery tour, the 27 nights, and 28 Days tour retrace the steps of Marco Polo along the legendary Silk Road of China, from Xi’an to Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, Minfeng, Kuche, Korla, Turpan, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Lanzhou and Xiahe. We have been able to obtain for members and friends this specially priced tour, organized by

CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE (AUST.) PTY. LTD. (Licence No. 2TA001849) The tour will depart from Sydney on 14 October 2017 and arrive back in Sydney on 10 November 2017. Please complete the attached booking form and return to Ms Amy Rae, China Travel Service (Aust) Pty. Ltd Sydney Office, Level 1, Suite 3 -7, 650 George Street, Sydney 2000 as soon as possible to secure your place on this fabulous tour.

Please make cheque deposit of $500 payable to CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE

The balance of the tour costs is payable by 02 August 2017 and a meeting of tour members will be held about two weeks prior to departure. Travel Insurance is essential. CTS Amy Rae (Tel: 02 9372 0081. Email:amyrae@chinatravel.com.au) can arrange it

at special minimal cost or you can make your own arrangement. Book as soon as possible

DON’T MISS OUT!! Tour Leader is ACFS Committee member Dr Peter Weitzel

Tel: 0402 385 481 Email: peterweitzel@hotmail.com

Tour Inclusions: Tour Exclusions:

*Twin share room at 4-5 star hotels *Travel Insurance *Fully inclusive tour with breakfast, lunches and & dinners *Personal expenses *Transfers, tours including admission fees *International & domestic flights with airport taxes and fuel surcharges *National English speaking escort *Local English speaking guides / *Tipping / *Travel bag

Tour Cost: $7800 per person on twin share

Single Room Supplement: $1,420

ACFS – Silk Road Discovery Tour 14October-10 November 2017 (27 Nights/28 Days)

Day 01(14 Oct): Sydney / Beijing

Fly from Sydney to Beijing with Air China on an overnight flight CA174 @ 2040.

Day 02(15 Oct): Beijing / Xi’an (D)

Arrive in Beijing at 0530, connect to flight CA1231 @ 0735 to Xi’an. Upon arrival into Xi’an, you will be greeted by CTS guide

and transferred to your hotel. You will have the rest of day at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local

restaurant. Hotel: Titian Times Hotel (5*)

Day 03(16 Oct): Xi’an (B/L/D)

Morning tour to the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, where more than 2,000 year-old Terracotta Warriors

were interred with the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The visit also includes the Circle Vision Movie and Bronze Chariot. During the

evening, you will sample a Xi’an dumpling dinner. Afterwards, you will experience the magnificent Tang Dynasty Show.

Hotel: Titian Times Hotel (5*)

Day 04(17 Oct): Xi’an (B/L/D)

This morning, we will visit the Ancient City Wall and Shaanxi Museum.

In the afternoon, we walk through the lively Muslim Quarter and market to visit the Great Mosque, the best-preserved Islamic

mosque in China; there are about 30,000 Chinese Muslims in Xi’an. Hotel: Titian Times Hotel (5*)

9

Day 05(18 Oct): Xi’an/Urumqi (B/D)

After breakfast, you are free at leisure until transferred to the airport for flight CZ6965 @12:30 to Urumqi, the capital of

Xinjiang, China’s huge western region. In Urumqi, take a city tour if time permit, which gives you a glimpse of the major sights

of this northwestern city. Populated by Uyghur, Han people and thirteen ethnic minorities, Urumqi is quite different from the

usual Chinese street scene. Here you can see nomadic Kazakhs, a Middle Eastern bazaar, a jade-carving centre and more.

Hotel: Luxemon Xinjiang Yin Du Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 06(19 Oct): Urumqi (B/L/D)

After breakfast, Visit Shan Xi Mosque and Xinjiang Museum. Afterwards, we will go to Erdaoqiao Bazaar to explore the local

goods. Hotel: Luxemon Xinjiang Yin Du Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 07(20 Oct): Urumqi (B/L/D)

After breakfast, drive to Tianchi Lake (Lake of Heaven), nestled in the Tianshan Mountain range. Take a boat ride and enjoy

breath-taking views of a crystal clear lake (if the weather permits). Hotel: Luxemon Xinjiang Yin Du Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 08(21 Oct): Urumqi/Kashgar (B/L/D)

Free till transferred to the airport for flight CA1477 @13:30 to Kashgar, a key hub on the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival,

transfer to your hotel. After lunch, we will visit Id Kah Emin Mosque, one of the largest in China, the Old Town and the Tomb

of the Fragrant Lady. Hotel: Qinibagh Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 09(22 Oct): Kashgar (B/L/D)

After breakfast, head directly to the Great Bazaar, alive with storybook scenes: thousands of merchants haggling over camels,

carpets and other native goods; imams on donkeys and veiled women in their black robes. Also visit the old city. It an amazing

day. Hotel: Qinibagh Hotel (4*)

Day 10(23 Oct): Kashgar-Kalakuri Lake-Kashgar (B/L/D)

After breakfast, head directly to Kalakuri Lake for a full day excursion tour. It's the biggest alpine lake in the world located on

lower altitudes. The lake has 2 basins separated by a peninsula. It is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau, near the junction of

the Pamir, Tian Shan and Kunlun mountain ranges. Surrounded by mountains which remain snow-covered throughout the year,

the three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7,546 m), Kongur Tagh (7,649m) and Kongur Tiube (7,530m).

The lake is popular among travellers for its beautiful scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges

from a dark green to azure and light blue. There are two Kirgiz settlements along the shore of Karakul lake, a small number of

yurts about 1km east of the bus drop-off point and a village with stone houses located on the western shores.

Hotel: Qinibagh Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 11(24 Oct): Kashgar-Khotan (B/L/D)

After breakfast, travel by coach to Hotan (around 550km/8 hours). On the way, visit the Tomb of Yarkant King and Yingisar

Knives City. Upon arrival in Khotan, check in at your hotel. Hotel: Hotan Hua Yu Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 12(25Oct): Khotan (B/L/D)

Khotan, also transliterated from Chinese as Hetian, is a major oasis town in southwestern Xinjiang. The oasis of Khotan is

strategically located at the junction of the southern (and most ancient) branch of the Silk Road joining China and the West with

one of the main routes from ancient India and Tibet to Central Asia and distant China. It provided a convenient meeting place

10

where not only goods, but technologies, philosophies, and religions were transmitted from one culture to another. We will visit

the local Bazaar, Old City, Jade & Carpet Factories. Hotel: Hotan Hua Yu Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 13(26 Oct): Khotan (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will visit Malikwat Ruins and Rewake Temple Ruins.

Melikawat Ruins is located on the western bank of the Yurung-kash River, 25 kilometres to the southwest of Khotan City, in an

area about 1400 metres long from south to north and about 800-900 metres wide from east to west. It is a large site that was

of significance in the ancient Kingdom of Khotan, with large government buildings and monasteries. In about the fourth

century CE, Khotan had more than 5,000 Buddhist temples and monasteries. The site is buried under several metres of silt,

built up over centuries from the Yorungkash / White Jade River. What is seen today is only the tops of the largest buildings.

Hotel: Hotan Hua Yu Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 14(27 Oct): Khotan-Minfeng (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will drive to Minfeng (around 240 km/3.5 hours). Upon arrival, we will visit Niya Museum and the Desert

First Village. Check in at your hotel. Hotel: Minfeng Dihuang International Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 15(28 Oct): Minfeng-Kuche (B/L/D)

Today, we will drive from Minfeng to Kuche(around 732km/8 hours). On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Taklimakan

Desert, the second largest desert of the world. Upon arrival in Kuche, check in at your hotel. Hotel: Kuche Grand Hotel (4*)

Day 16(29 Oct): Kuche (B/L/D)

Today, visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, the Old City and Kuqa Palace.

The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves sit on the cliffs on the northern bank of the Muzat River, 7 kilometres (4.34 miles) southeast

of Kizil town. Cut the third century to eighth or ninth century, it is the earliest Buddhist art treasure trove in China, even one

century earlier than the famous Mogao Grottoes. Currently there are 236 coded caves preserved, which are divided into west

and inner valley and rear mountain areas extending to over 3 kilometres (1.86 miles). On June 22, 2014, it was included in the

World Heritage List.

Kuche Royal Palace is located in downtown area of Kuqa. In 1759, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty ordered to build a

palace for Uygur leader E Dui who made a great contribution to put down rebellion of Senior and Junior Hojars. This palace

was built with the architectural style of Han Culture and Islam. Hotel: Kuche Grand Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 17(30 Oct): Kuche (B/L/D)

After breakfast, tour the Keziliya Grand Canyon and Dragon Pond.

Hotel: Kuche Grand Hotel (4*) or similar

The Keziliya Grand Canyon, also known as Kuqa (or Kuche) Gorge, was discovered in summer of 1999 by a young Shepherd. In

2003, due to its unique scenery, it was elected as one of the Top Ten Beautiful Canyons in China. UNESCO has organized

experts to observe and study the gorge twice. Hotel: Kuche Grand Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 18(31 Oct): Kuche-Korla (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit Subashi Ruins, the ruins of the Subashi Temple, located 23 kilometres (about 14 miles) northwest of Kuqa

County. It was added to the World Heritage List on June 22, 2014. The Subashi Ruins occupy a relatively large area, divided by

Kuqa River into eastern and western areas. The extent of the ruins reflects the temple's past brilliance. Subashi Temple

witnessed the development and the height of splendor of Buddhism in this land. The temple was built in the first century and

reached its peak during the sixth to the eighth centuries in the Sui and Tang dynasties. During later years, the temple had over

10 thousand monks and many hierarchs came from the interior of China to promote and develop Buddhism.

Afterwards, drive to Korla (around 300km/3 hours). Upon arrival, visit Bostern Lake, one of the largest inland freshwater lakes

in China. Westerners sometimes refer to Bosten Lake as the “Oriental Hawaii of Xinjiang” because of its unique lush scenery

surrounded by the harsh Gobi Desert. Hotel: Silver Star Hotel (4*) or similar.

11

Day 19(01 Nov): Korla-Turpan (B/L/D)

In the morning, visit Tiemen Pass. Then, transfer by coach to Turpan (around 400km/4 hours). Upon arrival in Turpan, visit

Turpan Museum, local bazaar and Jiaohe Ancient City, where large fragments of actual streets and buildings remain. Check in

at your hotel and stay for 2 nights. Hotel: Turpan Huozhou Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 20(02 Nov): Turpan (B/L/D)

Today sightseeing features Gaochang Ancient City, the ancient walled capital of the Uighurs, which flourished between the

7th and 14th centuries. We will also visit Grape Valley, in lush contrast to the desert surrounding it, and the amazing 2,000-

year-old Karez Irrigation Tunnels, which brought water from melting snow on the mountains to this parched city. Then visit

the Flaming Mountains, named for their vibrant color and Suliman's Minaret. Hotel: Turpan Huozhou Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 21(03 Nov): Turpan=Dunhuang (B/D)

Transfer to the railway station, take the bullet train from Turpan to Dunhuang, an important stop along the Silk Road which has

a history of over 2,000 years. It has been important for thousands of years because it used to be the start point of the Ancient

Silk Road. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Afterwards, we will be taken on a

camel ride through the “Singing Sand Dunes” in the desert. Hotel: Dunhuang Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 22(04 Nov): Dunhuang (B/L/D)

Today, we will visit the Mogao Grottoes, the World's richest treasure trove of Buddhist manuscripts and art. It began in 386AD

and was added to over the next 9 centuries. The grottoes total over 45,000 square metres and boast over 2,000 murals and

sculptures. Then, visit Dunhuang Museum. After dinner, enjoy a very special local performance ‘The Grand Ceremony of

Dunhuang’. Hotel: Dunhuang Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 23(05 Nov): Dunhuang-Jiayuguan (B/L/D)

Drive to Jiayuguan, historically a small township engaged in local trading, catering to the needs of the military garrisons

stationed at the fort in 1372. Visit Jiayuguan Pass built during the Ming dynasty to protect the last frontier of the Chinese

empire. Hotel: Jiayuguan Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 24(06 Nov): Jiayuguan-Lanzhou (B/L/D)

Transfer to the railway station and take the bullet train from Jiayuguan to Lanzhou, an important stop along the Silk Road

which has a history of over 2,000 years. It has been important for thousands of years because of the Hexi Corridor, or

"Corridor West of the Yellow River", where early Chinese civilization began. We tour White Pagoda Hill, Iron Bridge, Water

Wheel and Five Springs Park. Tonight you will sample the famous “Hand Stretched Noodles Banquet”.

Hotel: Lanzhou Legend Hotel (4*)

Day 25(07 Nov): Lazhou-Xiahe (B/L/D)

Today we drive to Xiahe through the scenic Mountain Pass. On the way, visit Bingling Grottoes by boat. Upon arrival in Xiahe,

check in at your hotel.

Bingling Grottoes or Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves is located on the Small Jishi Hill in Lanzhou City. Being one of the very

noted four caves in China, it is the second to Mogao Caves in respect of artistic value and was added to the World Heritage List

on June 22, 2014. Bingling means 'ten thousand Buddhas' in the Tibetan language. The starting construction time of Bingling

Thousand Buddha Caves dates back to the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). In the following dynasties, the caves were

excavated many times. There are now 183 niches, 694 stone statues, 82 clay sculptures and some 900 square metres' (about

1,076 square yards') of murals, which are all well preserved. Hotel: Xiehe Civil Aviation Hotel (4*)

Day 26(08 Nov): Xiahe (B/L/D)

Xiahe County is a melting pot of Chinese, Middle Eastern and nomadic cultures, and is home to one of the six great

monasteries of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) Sect. The highlight today is to visit mystical Labrang Monastery and Sangke

Grasslands. Hotel: Xiehe Civil Aviation Hotel (4*) *If Xiahe is closed to visitors by local authority, we will revise the itinerary

accordingly.

Day 27(09 Nov): Xiahe-Lanzhou/Beijing/Sydney (B/L)

Drive back to Lanzhou Airport for flight CA1272 @15:30 to Beijing. Arrive at 17:45, connect to flight CA173 @ 00:50 to Sydney.

Day 28(10 Nov): Sydney Arrive at 15:30pm.

If undeliverable return to: ACFS NSW Inc. Suite 524 368 Sussex Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

PP No 235387/00014

The Australia-China Friendship Society is a non-profit organisation, run completely by volunteers. It was founded in the early 1950s to promote friendship and understanding between the peoples of Australia and China.

In keeping with that objective we engage in the following activities:

� We hold regular meetings each month at which we hear speakers who have expert knowledge about China. � We organize tours to China and other countries, at the lowest possible cost. � We host delegations from China. � We conduct classes in the Chinese language and organize language, painting, cultural and other specialist tours

in China. � We organize excursions and social occasions for members and friends. � We raise money to support the education of disadvantaged children in China’s poorer areas.

Membership is open to anyone who supports our aim of promoting friendship and understanding between Australians and Chinese.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in articles published in the Bulletin are not necessarily those of the ACFS.

Australia-China Friendship Society NSW Membership Application Form

To renew your membership or to join, please complete this slip and send it in with your cheque. Donations welcome!

$30 Individual member

$35 Family

$25 Concession (pension/student)

Donation $________________

Post to the Secretary, ACFS, Suite 524, 5th floor, Pacific Trade Centre, 368 Sussex Street, SYDNEY, NSW 2000 Direct Deposit: Commonwealth Bank BSB number 062 099; Account Number 1021 3918 – Please make sure you indicate your name!

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