Xizhou, China …The Linden Centre, after years of careful restoration, will officially open to the public in October 2009 in one of southwest China's most important historic villas. The Centre is a base for theme-oriented programs and short-term cultural immersions. It is located on the former Southwest Silk Road, which currently serves as the main overland route between the popular tourist destinations of Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan Province. Yunnan Province was a natural choice for such a project, with its staggering ethnic diversity and rich cultural fabric.
The Linden Centre offers guests a private and exclusive glimpse into China's Dynastic past. Its fourteen guest rooms are decorated with a carefully selected array of antiquities and fine art. The four courtyards contain private gardens, libraries, restaurants, a cafe, fitness center, and conference/ meeting rooms.
Known in Chinese as “Xi Lin Yuan” (short for Xizhou Garden Center for art and literature), the Linden Center is the passion and creation of Brian and Jeanee Linden, who have over two decades of travel, business, and networking experience throughout Asia. They have been coming to China since the early 1980s, first as students, then as executives and consultants, and later as partners in their fine art and antique galleries in the US.
However, all these visits were only fuel for a dream, explains Brian Linden. “My dream had always been to create an avenue dedicated to learning, sharing, and exploring the culture and history of China. The opening of the Linden Centre is the first step in the realization of my dream.”
It took the Lindens over four years to gain unprecedented access to one of China’s most heralded examples of regional architecture. Years were spent reviewing architectural drawings for the renovation of the complex, conferring with China’s cultural and preservation ministries, and most importantly developing trust and solidarity with the local people.
Restoration was completed in the spring of 2008. Their inaugural pre-opening guests were a group of just over 30 American painters who lived at the Centre for almost three weeks while delving into the artistic traditions of the region in a very hands-on way.
Since this group, the Lindens have refined their center and programs, and they have become even more in touch with the local villages – town elders to hard working farmers. They have based the Centre on a philosophy of intercultural exchange. As an example, they offer weekly “English Corner,” where the local children (and interested parents) can take free, interactive English “classes” (games) with Brian, Jeanee, their two sons (Shane nearly 14 and Bryce now 10) and hotel guests.
The Centre offers daily excursions to timeless villages, tea plantations, alpine lakes, Taoist and Buddhist sacred mountains and temples, and colorful ethnic markets.
Guests can choose to stay for short-term all-inclusive immersion packages starting at $150/night or 2- to 3-week intensive cultural programs directed by leading experts in their respective fields.
The Fall 2009-Spring 2010 program schedule, just announced, includes the following themes:
• Plein Air Painting South of the Clouds - Oct. 15-29, 2009
• Echoes of Marco Polo and Flying Tigers - Nov. 3-14, 2009
• Adventures in Chinese Cuisine - Nov. 17-30, 2009
• The Spirituality and Temples of Dali - Dec. 3-15, 2009
• An Art and Antique Discovery - Jan. 14-25, 2010
• Photography in the Middle Kingdom - Feb. 2-18, 2010
• Health and Wellness in Yunnan - Mar. 17-29, 2010
• Adventures in Chinese Cuisine - Apr 6-17, 2010
• Plein Air Painting South of the Clouds - Apr 22-May 6, 2010
Prices including international airfare from the West Coast, domestic transportation, touring, meals and accommodations for these programs start at $4100 per person/double occupancy (depending upon program, mentor, number of days and date). This is based upon 20 participants. Detailed itineraries, specific pricing and program mentor background information can be found on the newly launched website: www.linden-centre.com at the link: http://www.lindens.cn/
The Linden Centre is dedicated to:
• Preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of Asia’s timeless villages
• Creating and inspiring experiential learning opportunities
• Developing partnerships to build innovative, cultural programming
• Providing an elegant and unprecedented environment for our guests
Please visit www.linden-centre.com for more information.
Note to Media:
High Resolution Images Available.
Interviews with Brian Linden and select program mentors welcomed.
