great wall of china restoration project

China is a fascinating country with a rich legacy and promising future. With over 1/5 of the world's population, China's roots are over 4,000 years old making it one of the world's oldest civilizations. The Great Wall of China, one of the world's most important historical landmarks, can be found spanning thousands of miles of China's landscape. Construction began on this impressive structure over 3,000 years ago in an effort to protect China from nomadic tribes in the north. Construction on various sections continued over hundreds of years into the 15th and 16th centuries.

Now, after years of exposure to conflict, the elements and even tourism, the World Monument Fund considers the Great Wall among the "World's 100 Most Endangered Sites." Visitors to the Wall have left litter and graffiti, scrawling initials into the rock or removing pieces for souvenirs. Some of the Wall has crumbled, either demolished for new roads or hauled away as building materials for village structures. There are few restored sections, usually where tourists visit most. Hundreds of miles lie in ruins.

Volunteers have a unique opportunity to help rebuild this important monument in sections that have lain in disrepair for hundreds of years. Individuals will join in efforts already underway to clean and repair sections of the Wall. In addition to working and learning the history of the Wall, there is also an opportunity to take hikes along sections of the Wall while visiting several villages and interacting with local Chinese communities.

Eligibility:

World Endeavors requires that at least two volunteers at a time participate in this program. If you wish to enroll in this program, but you are not submitting an application with a friend, please contact us to inquire about dates when spots for single participants may be open.

Volunteers must have:

• Flexibility
• Self-motivation
• An openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn
• Willingness to live with a Chinese family

Pre-Departure Information: Before participants embark, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their experience abroad. In addition to the guide, participants may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Food: Authentic Chinese food is provided once a day in the morning. Participants will need to budget for extra meals outside of the home stay. Food in China is reasonably priced.

Activities:

During time off from volunteering, hikes will be organized to follow the path of the Great Wall and stay in local villages as guests in Chinese homes.

Potential sites for service learning and or hikes are:
1. Huang Huacheng Great Wall area
2. MuTian Yu Great Wall area
3. Simatai Great Wall area

Program Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Beijing
Day 2/3/4: Orientation, crash course in Chinese, visit to the Forbidden City, trip to Tiananmen Square
Day5/6/7: Hike and volunteer clean up of the Great Wall
Day 8/9: Rest in Beijing, seminar on the history of China and Conservation Efforts for the Great Wall
Day 10/11/12: Hike and volunteer clean up of the Great Wall
Day 13: Visit to Wangfujing shopping street and free time
Day 13: Overnight train to Shanghai
Day 14/15: Tour of Bund, Shanghai Museum, Xiangyang market, Yu Garden
Day 15: Leave for home

Not Included:

• Round-Trip airfare to the China
• Visa expenses and airport taxes
• Personal expenses