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Tianshui

One of the original cities of the Tang Dynasty, Tianshui is steeped in fascinating culture and also prides itself on flourishing industries in textiles and handicrafts. It is a popular tourist destination of the ancient Silk Road.

Several delegations from China have visited Bendigo over the past 15 years and a number of groups have travelled to Tianshui from Bendigo.

Local artists have travelled to Bendigo to share ancient creative traditions.

Gansu International Study Fellowship Program

Two Bendigo residents, Yvonne Bahen and Tim Gerber, were selected to participate in the Gansu International Study Fellowship program.

This involved Yvonne and Tim spending three months in China in the Gansu Province, from 1 Sep to 23 Nov 2009.

They spent most of their time in Lanzhou, although they travelled throughout the Province.

The program's aim is "to promote Chinese culture and increase further development between China and delegate countries."

Gansu Fellowship Group 2009 with delegates from all over the world at Lanzhou.

Tim at China's 60th National Celebration in Gansu province

Tianshui visit by Bendigo delegation and China Study Tour 2004

In 2004 the Bendigo Sister Cities Committee in conjunction with the Asia Network Unit at La Trobe University, Bendigo embarked on a 14 day study tour of China. Included in the tour was a visit to our sister city Tianshui, in Gansu Province.

The tour was designed to enable the 37 participants from local government, the Sister Cities Committee, business, education and the general community to:

Experience China's unique culture and to develop business, educational and cultural links with leading Chinese professional and local government officials
Develop stronger links with the city of Tianshui

Delegates travelled by train or coach and enjoyed the country and city landscapes.

Itinerary

Shanghai

Visits and presentations to:

Australian Studies Centre and Shanghai Academy of Social Science
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Primary and Middle School visits
Yu Yuan Gardens, Silk factory, Oriental Pearl Tower and the famous water village Zhou Zhuang

Beijing

A visit to a Comprehensive School
Discussions with the owner of the "Reward" group of companies and a tour or his factory and central office
Site seeing at Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the majestic Great Wall.

Xian

Visits to Middle School and Primary School
Site seeing at Dayan Pagoda, old City Wall and gates, Terracotta Warriors, Quin Temple and Tang Arts Museum

Tianshui

Tianshui, with its population of 3.4 million and area of 14,300 square kilometres, is the centre of farming, agriculture, machinery production, electronics, building, electrical appliance production and light industry.

It is recorded that Emperor Fuxi was born in Tianshui and local temple commo rates that the poet ancient Du Fu wrote many poems during a short stay in the area.

The Bendigo delegation participated in a local government symposium with formal presentations and discussions with the Assistant Mayor and Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Culture, Tourism, Business and Trade of Tianshui.

During the Tianshui study tour members enjoyed:

A welcome and departure dinner
A tour of the business and city centre of Tianshui
A tour and Kung Fu demonstration at the Normal University
Visits to primary, middle and vocational schools
A countryside tour including the famous Maiji mountain grotto
A visit to the agricultural regions around Tianshui and new agricultural research facility

Some pictures of our time in Tianshui