CHINA is home to 37 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and countless temples, palaces and tombs. Its ultra-modern cities are not far from quaint and picturesque rural villages. Places such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the terracotta warriors of Xi'an and the Ming tombs, all conjure up images of a land filled with rich ancient culture. Yet today industrialization, rapid urbanization, acid rain, air and water pollution threatens many of China's historic monuments and have created a host of related social and environmental problems. Straddling both ancient and modern, China cannot afford to be ignored!

SAGE OFFERS you an unforgettable journey to discover the ancient world while unearthing today's modern China. Not only will you experience the rich historical sites, but you will meet with unforgettable people as we examine the environmental, cultural and social issues facing the world's largest population. You will venture off the beaten path and go trekking to remote areas of the Great Wall, learn about water issues associated with the controversial Yangtze River dam projects and assist at breeding centers of the endangered Giant Panda. Students will have the opportunity to improve their Mandarin, teach English to Chinese children, work at an orphanage, plant trees and get involved with Panda preservation.