News is what "is supposed" to be news..?!

Reported by Reuters today:

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday launched a campaign to rid the country's sprawling Internet of "unhealthy" content and make it a springboard for Communist Party doctrine, state television reported.

With Hu presiding, the Communist Party Politburo -- its 24-member inner council -- discussed cleaning up the Internet, state television reported. The meeting promised to place the often unruly medium more firmly under propaganda controls.

"Development and administration of Internet culture must stick to the direction of socialist advanced culture, adhere to correct propaganda guidance," said a summary of the meeting read on the news broadcast.

"Internet cultural units must conscientiously take on the responsibility of encouraging development of a system of core socialist values." Read more

.. The power I believe in is the power of arguments. "Good night and good luck"

media, china, politics

The English corner at Ren Da (People's University) :

How many Chinese already speak English and, if so, on what level, is a tough question to answer (eg. discussion). However, I would say that it is relatively safe to say that the proportion is increasing rapidly. Chinglish is under constant attack, even though far from being doomed anytime soon (a) for the obvious difficulties of learning a language that is completely different from one's own and b) for the foreigner in China's implicit wish that Chinglish may persist, since it can spice up daily life quite a bit ;))

Yesterday I happened to walk into one of the manifestations of the, especially younger, Chinese's considerable drive to learn English: the 人大英语角, the "English Corner" of the People's University. Every Friday night starting at 6pm people interested in improving their English while speaking, meet up at the east gate of Ren Da and get going. Even blackboards are provided for. I was impressed not only by the event itself, but also it's popularity. The square was packed, conversations agitated and, as it turns out, also their BBS is rather bustling: 6635 registered users!

Curious as I was I started asking questions regarding the reasons for the corner's obvious popularity. While learning the language connecting you to the world and international business seems to be the number one driving force, a secondary function seems to be just as important: "6:00 every friday night.. if you wanna participate this action, why not together with me?" says duqiangatom on the RUCEC BBS. Hehe, yep, the English speaking corner is a bit like AIESEC in that it's "side effect", "getting to know" (special) people (...) is very attractive and efficient.. ;)

Well then, if more people try to find their partner in life like this then the number, and may be even proportion, of people speaking a foreign language in Mainland China is soon going to be higher than the one in countries such as the US, etc. ;)

Great institution (also for the deliberative and learning effect of it.. ;) !


fun, language, China, education

I love to get stuck in traffic :

Beijing traffic has incredible potential to wreck ones nerves. The number of cars increases dramatically while the infrastructure tries to keep track. However, the latter is not only loosing the race but also suffers the legacy of some insane errors of construction (little example: the offramps of the ringroads are just about 100meters AFTER the onramps..). Public transport (except the two existing subway lines I would say) exists and is relatively cheap but is chaotic and inefficient (since there is no such thing as separate lanes for public transport, etc..). Furthermore, the collective action problem also harms China: is there a small gap on the other lane potentially advancing you individually, there is no doubt everyone ceases it, disregarding the fact that the resulting chaos slows everyone down.. Well, well, this situation is likely to continue until the new subway lines are opened and public transport becomes a valid alternative to private transportation or then until the drastic policy measures for the Olympic games kick in (to help very temporarily)..

Don't get me wrong: I looove this situation for two reasons.

First, cruising through the city on my "dove" (Chinese bike brand (yep, I think it's one of these few homegrown brands.. ;)) is adventurous and opportunities to ring my bell (brandnew. At least 20 years newer than all the other parts of my bike) numerous. Secondly and more importantly, I have plenty of time to listen to podcasts. My may to work: just enough for an episode of "International" (Excellent program on international affairs done by DRS, Swiss radio station) or "From our own correspondents" (News from around the world presented with English wit and insight. BBC) or then half of an episode of my current favorite: the podcasts of the Carnegie Council, the "Voice for Ethics in International policy". My way to Chinese classes: just enough for another episode of Chinesepod, a morning show from Shanghai helping foreigners to get fit in Chinese, the fun way. These are only some of the great resources out there. Especially interesting also the course ware put online by institutions such as MIT.

This, and a bit of Britney Spears in between (sheit, Christine K. got me on this one ;) really helps not only to stay sane in Beijing traffic, but even do so with a smile ;)

transportation,
beijing, podcast, learning, media

Spring feeling

"Das Jahr wird älter und täglich jünger. O Widerspruch voll Harmonie!"

I like this citation and the poem ( Erich Kästner - der April) that comes along, since it expresses spring feelings very well and reminds me of a very special person - Pli - who is going to enjoy numerous autumns more feeling and enjoying most beautiful spring feelings, I am convinced!

Everyone, enjoy the energy of spring, the young and fresh green (that even conquers Beijing), these great feelings in the stomach region we all cherish ;) and claim the outdoor playground! Rodney Mullens does it. Check it out. Wicket!!

西安 Xī'ān - ancient warriors in the contemporary "mist"

Xi'an, in Shaanxi province is a city of great historical and cultural importance. It is situated in the South West of the "Northern Capital" (34°16′N 108°55′;)) and figures just below the latter on the check list of numerous China travellers. While it took me 9 months to finally see the Forbidden City from the inside (yep, I live in Beijing..), I, last week, and after 17 months in China, set out to tick yet another one of these reportedly "must do" destinations off my “to see” list. Well then, is Xi'an a "must do"?

CELEBRATE CHINESE TRAINS - Chinese trains may still be relatively slow (however, the average speed has just been raised, I forgot by how many km/h, by the central authorities) but they provide a great, insightful microcosm. The 11.5 resp. 15 hours (depending on which train one takes) it takes to Xi'an can provide you with plenty of interesting encounters (some interesting (eg. the seemingly average Chinese neighbour telling you about his missions in Europe and Africa) some challenging (eg. the human chainsaw sleeping just below you or the seemingly delicate lady whose morning hygiene almost causes the train to derail), some bewildering (eg. the charming guy met in the restaurant wagon who, after downing a couple of Baijiu (and still thinking I am German) would like to seal the new friendship by drinking on Hitler),..) while enjoying the comfort (I recommend you to choose “hard-“ or “soft sleeper” for trips above 8 hours) of Chinese trains. Hence, first reason to travel to Xi'an (even though this selling point applies to just about every destination in China with a train station and should probably be reformulated: don’t miss out on Chinese trains! ;)

CONDENSED CHINESE HISTORY - Xi'an was on the ancient Silk road, figured among the most wealthiest cities of the Middle Kingdom, was, on and off, the capital for 13 dynasties (including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang) and is, therefore, home to some quite remarkable monuments. One among them is the city wall, which had been built between 194 and 190 BCE, was re-constructed in the Ming Dynasty and renovated just recently. Today the city wall, enclosing the ancient city (which was modernized and looks just about like any other Chinese city today (eg. below)) is a rather beautiful monument that is wide enough to ride a bike on.

Looking at the city from up there while cruising once around it (it took us (was great to catch up with Jessica and Winston) about an hour (some singing and Cannon moments included..)) is definitely worth it - especially during days when only the thick layer of smog separates you from the sun..

While the city wall was renovated in style (I won't discuss the chrismaslike lights decorating the wall at night), Hua Qing Chi (home and bathing place of Yáng Guìfēi, the Xuanzong emperor's most beloved consort) can only be recommended to fans of the Chinese approach to mass tourism: the place has been, I adventure to say, totally rebuilt, including discolights in "antique" roofs", big posters announcing the evening show of "The Chinese Romeo and Juliet", tons of tour groups including customized caps so as not to loose anyone. Furthermore one of the farmers who discovered the Terracotta warriors nearby sits in a room and gives you an autograph, for 10RMB and, if you insist, a picture with him; for an additional 10RMB. Thus: save the 70RMB entrance for a good dinner..

TERRACOTTA ARMY- Had the ego, ideas and projects of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China (from 221 to 210BC) been less colossal, the famous Terracotta Army would have never been built, let alone discovered by local farmers and unearthed in 1974. 8099 life size horses and warriors, originally buried with Qin Shi Huang so as to help the latter rule another empire in the afterlife, have been surfaced. They are not only imposing in number but also rich in detail and beautiful in features. I could have stayed there a whole lot longer and enjoy the memories of the past they evoke.

They are definitely worth seeing, even though the museum built next to them disqualifies itself claiming to be one of the best museums in the world; not only not exactly modest but, in my humble opinion, not true (even though the exhibited picture of the visiting former Chinese capo de tutti capi evoked my interest (eg. position of his trouser.. ;)).
I would recommend skipping the museum and spending more time at the warriors.

MOSQUE AND MUSLIM QUATER - One more site worth a detour are the manifestations of muslim influence in Xi'an, dating back to at least the Tang dynasty. The Great Mosque's architecture is completely Chinese in style, and, except for some Arabic script, also in decoration. Minarets are missing. However, the place is a well frequented place of worship, especially by the Hui people and going there during a prayer is worth it; not only for situations such as captured below. "Small brothers are watching you".. ;)

Other than that Xi'an seems to be somewhat the victim of Chinese modernisation which is characterized by a relative lack of architectural creativity and enormous pollution. The latter is rather impressive and flat out nasty since it even and easily tops the already considerable pollution in Beijing. We have made out some solar panels and take it as an indicator for the will to improve the situation. I hope that these efforts will not only be kept up but seriously increased so that my overall recommendation can be kept up: for a weekend trip, Xi'an is definitely worth it, even though not only its ancient warriors are suffering from the contemporary "mist".. ;)

Touristily yours.. Dom ^^

xian, china, travelling, mainland tourism, terracotta warriors