ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE 3rd ISLAMIC CIVILSATION TOUR

9D/8N GUANGZHOU & KUNMING YUNNAN, CHINA

2011
PROGRAMME ITINERARY

assyakirin@assyakirin.mosque.org.sg Web: www.assyakirin.sg

Assyakirin Mosque 550 Yung An Road Singapore 618617 Tel: +65 6268 1846 Fax: +65 6268 9725

Assyakirin Mosque 550 Yung An Rd S pore 618617

Page 1

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China
13 Dec - Day1 (Dinner) Arrive in Guangzhou city Check into Sha Xing Hotel. Dinner.

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Guangzhou, previously known as Canton, is the third most popular metropolitan area in Mainland China. Next to Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou was the earliest foreign trading port in China. Guangzhous lovely weather with almost no winter offers tourists a comfortable condition to travel there. Guangzhou is the center of politics, the economy, culture and transportation in southern China, as well as being a city of national historical importance. With its long history, Guangzhou possesses many places of interests. 14 Dec - Day 2 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Visit Maqam Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas, the first Muslim to spread Islam In China.He is believed to have buried there and a tomb was built in his memory near the Huaisheng masjid. Saad ibn Abi Waqqas was one of the 10 Sahabas promised Jannah. He fought valiantly at key battles such as Badr and Uhud. He was one of the Sahaba responsible for bringing Islam to China. He is buried in Guangzhou and his son built the first masjid in China.

Guangzhous Huaisheng Mosque (also named Guangta Mosque) which was built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) is believed to be the earliest mosque built in China. The meaning of Huaisheng in Chinese can be understood as "devoted to the Prophet", or else "devoted to the sage (Sad ibn Waqqas)" who is supposedly buried there. However, the name may have originally been a direct translation of the Arabic word for "Companions of the

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 2

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Prophet" (huai "to cherish" for the Arabic "sahabah"). The steel unearthed in the Huaisheng Mosque attributes the style of the Light Tower of Huaisheng Mosque to central Asia. It was said that Nabi Mohammed (saw), sent his four disciples to China to introduce Islam during the reign of Emperor Gaozu (618-626). One of the disciples came from Persian Gulf and built Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou over 1,300 years ago. The Huaisheng Mosque, having once been burned to the ground, was rebuilt in the thi rtyfourth year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, and has a total area of 2,966 m. The southwest corner of the mosque gate is the location of a famous Minaret. Watching Moon Building is in front of the gate and the Prayer Hall faces east.

Next visit the Yuexiu Park. It is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. Covering an area of 860,000 square meters (212.5 acres), the park is made up of three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain; hence the name Yuexiu Park. Yuexiu Park is a perfect combination of cultural relics and ecological tourism, reputed for its pretty water and hills as well as cultural relics. The main places of interest include the

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 3

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

stone sculpture of the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Square Cannon Site. The Five-Ram Sculpture is one of the most famous structures in Guangzhou. It has become the emblem of Guangzhou City. Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, Guangzhou was a barren land with people who despite hard work were suffering from famine. One day five immortals in five-color garments came riding on five rams, playing their legendary music. The rams held sheaves of rice in their mouths. The immortals left the sheaves of rice for the Guangzhou people, gave blessings to the city and left. The rams turned into stone and the city of Guangzhou became a rich and populous place. Guangzhou got the name of the City of Rams and the City of Ears. Zhenhai Tower, better known among the locals as the Five-Story Tower, is one of the landmarks of Guangzhou city. An interesting historical record has it that Zhu Liangzu, Yongjia Marquis of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), saw yellow and purple air rising over Yuexiu Mountain and was told by a sorcerer that it was the omen of a new emperor. To subdue this omen, Zhu Liangzu ordered this tower to be built in 1380. Over the past 600 years, the tower has been destroyed five times and set up five times. Now it is the Guangzhou Museum, housing relics and documents showing Guangzhou's history over 2, 000 years. Known as the first tower in Lingnan (South of Nanling Mountain) Area, Zhenhai Tower now is 28 meters (91.9feet) high and 16 meters (52.5 feet) wide. The striking contrast of green glazed titles and red walls makes the tower elegant.

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 4

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China
15 Dec Day 3 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Great Shopping DayVisit the pavilions of the Canton Fair where the varieties of goods displayed will make you shop until you drop.

16 Dec - Day 4 (Breakfast / Dinner) After Breakfast, pack and prepare for departure at 1.40pm flight to Kunming. Be at the airport by 11.40am as Guangzhou is a vast airport just like Spores terminal 1.2.3 combined size. At 11am board the bus to airport. Lunch will be served on board the plane. Arrive in Kunming by 4pm. Drive to Yu Xi Town. Check into Hong He Hotel. Dinner. Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers blooming all year long with a history of more than 2,400 years. Today it is the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China.

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 5

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China
17 Dec Day 5 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Visit a Town in Yuxi, where a little Hafiz school located in a masjid. Many are orphans sent by poor families who could not afford an education for their children.

Then proceed to Ta bai yi masjid for prayers and lunch. Visit a madrasah up a hill Tian bai Mu for silaturrahim. Overnight in hotel at Yuxi Town 18 Dec - Day 6 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) After breakfast, visit a Muslim preschool followed by Cheng ho Memorial Park. Check into Weilong Hotel.

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 6

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China
17 Dec - Day 7 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

After breakfast visit Jiuxiang Limestone caves to explore the beauty of this unique underground limestone fantasy. Jiuxiang is a major Kunming tourist attraction famous for its limestone caves. In fact, this wonderful spot even has an underground waterfall and a breathtaking gorge. "The Field of the Gods" is one of the cave's main attractions. Water flows down from a hole in the cave here and is split into two at the spot where it falls. Local people liken the two spurts of water to a husband and wife and have crafted a story to describe the sight. Outside the cave is a 700 meter long gorge, covered on both sides by thick vegetation and trees. We recommend spending at least three hours to enjoy this sight to the full. Next, visit the Stone Forest, located 126km South-east of Kunming, one of Chinas Nature Wonder. The area, covering 350 square kilometers, is the highest karst terrain in the world and a national scenic area in China. Scientific research has shown that what is now the Stone Forest was 270 million years ago an ocean bed with a vast stretch of limestone sediment formed over the years on the seafloor. As a result of the earth movement, the seabed rose gradually and a large piece of land was thrust out. Exposed to rain and wind, eroded by the elements, limestone ranges were shaped through time into towering peaks of bizarre shapes soaring to the skies, looking like a vast forest of stone, hence the name "STONE FOREST

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 7

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China
20 DecDay 8 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Visit Ethnic Cultural Park where u see the customs, traditions and houses of 25 minority groups. The village acts as a good shortcut to understand the social customs of the ethnic groups in Yunnan. It has a natural sun-bathing area where you can escape from the heat of summer. Twenty-five ethnic nationalities have their respective villages and conduct many activities to present their unique folkways and beautiful clothes. Watch their performances, have a taste of the local dishes and buy pretty handicrafts.

Visit a silk factory, then watch a tea ceremony.

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 8

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

21 Dec - Day 9 Visit the famous Flower Market

Also the coffee and Souvenir Market Dinnerthen depart to airport for 10pm flight back to Spore.. Details of accommodation. Guangzhou Sha Xing Hotel: Address Near Tel : 81 Shahe Hengma Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou : Tianhe Sport Center, Tianhe City, Guangzhou East Railway Station : 020-61009008 (Bookings: 800-2682918)

Hotel Name in Chinese: (

Sha Xing Hotel was newly refurbished in 2010. The hotel is located at the heart of Tianhe Distrcit. It is only about 10 minutes walk to the Guangzhou East Railway Station and 10 mintues run by subway to Xingang East Subway Station. Sha Xing Hotel is only about 10 minutes drive to the Pazhou Complex and it is near the Tianhe Sport Center and Tianhe City.

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 9

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Yuxi Town Address

: Honghe Hotel : No.13 Lower Section Longma Road, Hongta District, Yuxi 653100, China

KUNMING Address Tel

: Weilong Hotel: Address: No: 42 Yanhe Road : Wuhua, Kunming, Yunnan, China, 650032 : 0871-3616688

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 10

ASSYAKIRIN MOSQUE ISLAMIC CIVILISATION CENTRE 3rd Islamic Civilization Tour 9D/8N Guangzhou and Kunming Yunnan, China

13-22 DECEMBER 2011

Hotels may be changed if at time of confirming there may not be so many rooms available but the standard quality will remain. Flight Schedule 1 CZ 354--13DEC 2 SINCAN Dept 1325pm /Arr. 1725pm/Terminal 1 2 CZ340716DEC 5 CANKMG Dept 1340pm /Arr. 1555/ Guangzhou Airport 3 MU5093-- 21DEC 3 KMGSIN Dept 2200pm/Arr 0200am 22DEC 4/Terminal 3

Assyakirin M osque 550 Yung An Rd Spore 618617

Page 11