Day 3

Mystic Island

Qiushan Valley

The Shandong Peninsula is the cradle of East Asia’s wine industry: the first modern vineyard, Changyu Winery, was established in 1892. Explore lush vineyards and the picturesque landscape, where you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and its transformative role in China’s agricultural and economic development. Today, amid efforts to build a “new socialist countryside,” local officials envisioned creating China’s own “Napa Valley,” even as economic and political tensions with the United States loomed and the Communist Party intensified its anti-corruption campaigns. Can they succeed?

At Mystic Island Winery, founded by Dartmouth alum Kung Kuo Chuan and his partner Rita Cheung, you’ll delve into the intersection of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Through seminar discussions and a dinner reception, they’ll share their journey of transforming Shandong’s terraced landscapes into a thriving boutique winery that harmonizes with the region’s natural beauty. Engage in dynamic conversations about rural development, the complexities of doing business in China, and the evolving landscape of global trade relations. This is a unique opportunity to explore how local initiatives reflect broader economic and geopolitical trends, offering insights into China’s future on the world stage.

Itinerary

Time	Activity	Notes
8:00 AM	Breakfast at hotel
10:11 AM	Travel to Yantai	G2104/G2101 train from Qufu East Station to Yantai South Station
2:08 PM	Arrive in Yantai; transfer to Mystic Islands Winery
4:00 PM	Guided tour of vineyard and Qiu Shan Valley	Reflect on the visit and discuss the history of wine business in China.
6:00 PM	Discussion session at the vineyard	Discuss political economy of rural China, effects of urbanization.
7:00 PM	Dinner reception	With Dartmouth alum, Kung Kuo Chuan
9:30 PM	Return to hotel	Rest and prepare for the next day.

Readings

• From Beijing Jeep to ASC Fine Wines: The Story of an American Family Business in China¹
• The perils of investing in a boutique winery in China²
• Introduction: China’s Gilded Age³

Footnotes

1. William C. Kirby and Erica M. Zendell, “From Beijing Jeep to ASC Fine Wines: The Story of an American Family Business in China,” March 2014.

2. Eleanor Olcott, “The Perils of Investing in a Boutique Winery in China,” Financial Times, August 2023.

3. Yuen Yuen Ang, China’s Gilded Age: The Paradox of Economic Boom and Vast Corruption (Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2020), 1–22.