OSSN China International Conference
by Jeff Grieder

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More than 90 OSSN Members flew halfway across the world to experience an amazing history dating back thousands of years. From the Forbidden City to The Great Wall and beyond, we had a lot to see and learn in a short amount of time. But, no matter how short the trip, it was one we will never forget.

Though it was very smoggy during our stay in Beijing, we did not let that dampen our spirits. We were off and running the first morning as we set off to tour Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, home of the Chinese Emperors for hundreds of years. After lunch, we took in the beauty of the Temple of Heaven where the Emperors came to pray. Today, many of Beijing's residents enjoy the grounds with activities such as playing cards, singing, dancing, and tai chi. The day concluded that evening with the "Legend of Kung Fu" Broadway-style show.

Day two was exciting as OSSN Members visited The Great Wall of China. More than 4,000 miles long with a history dating back more than 2,000 years, some of its sections lie in ruins. However, its historic appeal still attracts travelers from all over the world with its agricultural significance. On the way to lunch, we were treated to a tour of a cloisonne factory, where we watched the creation of this beautiful metalworking technique from start to finish. After lunch, we strolled the Long Corridor of the Summer Palace in awe of its amazing murals and lavish gardens.

On day three, OSSN Members met with executives of China Travel Service to learn more about selling and promoting China. OSSN Members learned more about China including many unique itineraries and regions of the country they did not get to see. China Travel Service presented the many different opportunities available for your clients in order to experience China's best cities and beyond. After lunch, it was time for the exciting pedicab tour of the Hutongs. Away from Beijing's modern society lies this quaint old town with narrow streets where we got acquainted with a local family. That evening, the Beijing Tourism Administration hosted a Farewell Banquet as our time in Beijing came to a close.

However, OSSN was not through with China yet. Though our International Conference in Beijing came to a close, more than 80 OSSN Members continued on to visit the great cities of Xi'an and Shanghai. While in Xi'an, we toured the Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Bell Tower. We also visited the Archaeological Museum, home to the terra-cotta warriors that were found after local farmers were digging a well to irrigate their crops. It is still believed that many others of these life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses have yet to be uncovered. Our evenings in Xi'an ended with captivating shows about the Tang Dynasty that captured the customs and dances of the era.

Our last stop was Shanghai. Not only is it the country's shopping capital, it also showcases modern China. A metropolitan city with its high skyscrapers and exciting night life! OSSN Members got their choice of many things to do in Shanghai. Some took in the history of the Shanghai Museum. Others took a stroll through the Yu Garden and enjoyed bargaining with vendors at the Old Shanghai Bazaar. And most of us took a tour of The Bund and enjoyed a walk through the high-end shopping of Nanjing Road. Shanghai was the perfect city to end our exciting trip to China.

OSSN would like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors for making our 2008 Spring International Conference such a success: China National Tourism Administration, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism Administration, Xi'an Tourism Board, Shanghai Tourism Board, and of course China Travel Service (an OSSN supplier member!). And, an extra-special thanks to OSSN Vice President Melody Fee for her hard work on putting this stunning International Conference together!

Jeff Grieder -- the owner of ASAP Cruise Vacations in Houston, Texas - serves as OSSN's Midwest Regional Manager. He's also the director of the OSSN Houston Chapter. You may contact him at jeff@asapcruisevacations.com.

(Credits: Jeff Grieder)