邀请信

 

Inviter: Chen Sihong (Director of the Advisory Committee, De’an Yiguan Chen New Media Information Service Center)

Date: [Customize based on Reverend’s availability]

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights (3 Days in Shanghai + 2 Days in De’an Yiguan Chen)

Day 1-3: Shanghai – Modern Metropolis Meets Global Faith

Purpose: Explore Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, experience its vibrant faith community, and create space for intercultural dialogue between American evangelical traditions and Chinese urban culture.

Key Activities:

• Faith Engagement:

  • Visit Jee Zih Wen Baptist Church (静安区) or City Harvest Church Shanghai (黄浦区) for a Sunday service. Engage in casual conversations with pastors and members about community outreach, youth programs, and the role of faith in modern cities.

  • Host a roundtable discussion at a local café (e.g., Starbucks Reserve in Xintiandi) with Shanghai-based Christian leaders (arranged via Chen Sihong’s network) to share insights on "Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Faith".

• Cultural Landmarks:

  • The Bund: Admire the colonial architecture and Huangpu River skyline, symbolizing Shanghai’s history as a global trade hub.

  • Yu Garden: Stroll through this Ming Dynasty garden to experience traditional Chinese landscaping and learn about Confucian values embedded in its design.

  • Oriental Pearl Tower: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck, highlighting Shanghai’s status as a modern metropolis.

• Local Cuisine:

  • Enjoy authentic Shanghainese dishes at Din Tai Fung (Xintiandi) – try xiao long bao (soup dumplings), shengjian bao (pan-fried buns), and braised pork belly.

  • Savor street food at Wujiang Road Night Market (near Yu Garden) for local snacks like tanghulu (candied hawthorn) and shengjian bao.

Logistics:

• Accommodation: Stay at Park Hyatt Shanghai (黄浦区) or The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong (浦东新区) – both offer luxury amenities and easy access to major attractions.

• Transportation: Use taxis or Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) for convenience; English-speaking drivers are available.

Day 4-5: De’an Yiguan Chen Ancestral Homeland – Rooted in Heritage, Embracing the Future

Purpose: Immerse in the 1,300-year legacy of Yiguan Chen (a clan renowned for unity, filial piety, and education), connect with its living culture, and explore synergies between ancestral wisdom and contemporary faith values.

Key Activities:

• Visit Yiguan Chen Ancestral Village:

  • Explore the Yiguan Chen Cultural Expo Hall to see exhibits on the clan’s history (founded in 731 AD), including the "291-pot division" (when the family split into 291 branches to spread its values) and its influence on Chinese family culture.

  • Tour the Ancient Village, where well-preserved houses, ancestral halls, and the "Dishui Well" (a historic water source) reflect the clan’s harmonious way of life.

• Meet Local Stakeholders:

  • Have lunch with Chen Sihong and local elders at a village restaurant to discuss the preservation of Yiguan Chen culture and its relevance to modern families.

  • Visit Yiguan Chen Primary School (near the village) to meet students and teachers – learn how the clan’s values (e.g., "Respect Elders," "Value Education") are integrated into modern education.

• Cultural Immersion:

  • Participate in a tea ceremony at a local teahouse to experience traditional Chinese hospitality and mindfulness.

  • Attend a Yiguan Chen family gathering (if scheduled) to witness communal dining, storytelling, and the passing down of oral traditions.

• Nature & Relaxation:

  • Take a short trip to Lushan Mountain (庐山) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 1 hour from De’an. Enjoy the scenic views and learn about its historical significance in Chinese Buddhism and literature.

Logistics:

• Accommodation: Stay at De’an Yiguan Chen Homestay (车桥镇义门陈村) – a traditional courtyard house offering a cozy, authentic experience.

• Transportation: Arrange a private car with driver (via Chen Sihong) for the 2-hour drive from Shanghai to De’an; local minibuses connect the village to nearby attractions.

Faith & Culture Exchange Focus

• Dialogue Themes:

  • How does Yiguan Chen’s emphasis on "unity" and "filial piety" align with evangelical values of "community" and "love"?

  • What lessons can modern faith communities take from Yiguan Chen’s 1,300-year history of preserving tradition?

  • How can intercultural exchanges (e.g., between American and Chinese faith leaders) enrich our understanding of "serving others"?

• Practical Collaboration:

  • Discuss potential partnerships between Yiguan Chen’s cultural organizations and American churches (e.g., joint youth programs, cultural exchange visits).

  • Explore ways to share Yiguan Chen’s heritage with global audiences (e.g., through social media, exhibitions) to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Why This Tour Matters

This itinerary is designed to bridge faith, culture, and history. For Reverend [Name], it offers a chance to:

• Experience China’s rapid modernization (Shanghai) while connecting with its ancient roots (De’an).

• Engage with local faith communities and leaders to deepen understanding of Chinese Christianity.

• Explore the enduring legacy of Yiguan Chen – a model of how tradition and innovation can coexist – and its relevance to contemporary faith challenges.

Next Steps:

Please confirm your availability and any specific interests (e.g., additional faith events, dietary restrictions). Chen Sihong and the local team will tailor the itinerary further to ensure a meaningful and memorable experience.

Contact Information:

• Chen Sihong: chen13621852461@163.com | +86 19821610507

• De’an Yiguan Chen New Media Information Service Center

We look forward to welcoming you to Shanghai and De’an – where faith, culture, and history come alive.