MiracleText by Tan Xingyu

Transcription

CHINA
A Window to the Nation
VOL.736
画报
A Welcome to the World
P I C TO R I A L
OCTOBER 2009
The Progressing Style of a
Progressive Nation
The Great Hall of the People: 50-Years-Young
A Look Inside a Beijing Mosque
Changbai Mountain: Forever White
Sayram: Hidden Mountain Jewel
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CHINA
PICTORIAL
OCTOBER 2009
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CON
Snapshot
Features
The Great Hall of the People: 50-Years-Young
Architectural Miracle
Commercial Success of a Political Icon
People’s Artifacts in People’s Hall
Focus
The Progressing Style of a Progressive Nation
Interview with Li Xin, a Matron of Chinese Fashion Design
People
Raising the Flag
Lifestyle
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A Friday Ritual 34
Do It Yourself 42
A Look Inside a Beiing Mosque
Industry
Surrounding Shanghai Expo
Destination
Forever White - Changbai Mountain
Natural Wonders of the Desert
A Kingdom of Happiness
Sayram: Hidden Mountain Jewel Kaleidoscope
Traditional Festivals on the Recovery The Arts
Art Amongst the Grass
State of the Arts
Floating Through History
Info
Front Cover:
A replica of Venus de Milo wearing traditional Chinese dress at the
798 International Industrial Design Show. The work by Lin Jiayang,
a world-renowned designer and professor at Tongji University, infuses classical Western art with Chinese style. by A Jing/CFP
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August 25 – The woman-like robot fascinates a shopper as it introduces jewelry.
August 28 - A girl at the exhibition. CFP
Greenpeace Ice Sculptures
Greenpeace continues their mission — this time using symbolism to highlight
the impact of water shortages. To mark 100 days until the start of UN climate talks
in Copenhagen, Greenpeace sponsored the creation of 100 ice sculpture statues of
children, which were placed at the Temple of Earth in Beijing on August 28.
As the children melt and shrink away, the symbolism will be hard to miss. The
future of more than 1 billion people in Asia is similarly disappearing because of
water shortage caused by changing climate.
Robotic Jewelry Sales
Customers visiting a Qianmen Area jewelry shop in
Beijing recently have been surprised to find a woman-like
robot helping in the shop. According to human shop assistants, the robot is available for purchase and made to
order, but the price isn’t cheap, at 400,000 yuan.
A visitor enjoys ice sculptures
at the ice bar of the hotel. IC
Hotel Aquarium
A water-themed hotel recently opened in
Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Enjoying a
breathtaking view, the hotel is hidden inside
a huge rock which is 300 meters in width and
70 meters in height. To get to the hotel lobby,
guests must walk along a glass corridor and
then through a waterfall. It is the first waterthemed hotel in China.
Augus t 2 0 - C h e ri e B l a i r
poses with Chinese readers
while promoting the Chinese
version of her autobiography in Beijing.
Speaking for Herself
Cherie Blair, wife of former British Primer Minister Tony Blair, recently launched a Chineselanguage version of her autobiography at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
When presenting Speaking for Myself in person, Blair introduced a special preface she wrote
for the Chinese edition, including her experiences in China, as well as extra pictures that help give
a more complete account of her life.
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September 1 - A primary school student has his temperature checked before entering his Shanghai school. CFP
First Lesson: Flu Prevention
The topic of first lessons of the semester for many Chinese students was flu prevention as the nation prepares to battle the
growing risk of an A/H1N1 flu epidemic.
All teachers and students have their
temperatures checked before entering
school grounds. Entry is refused if body
temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius.
Recent cases of group infection have illustrated the growing risk of a flu pandemic in
China.
Shaking hands with Spider Man.
3D Paintings
Recently, 3D paintings of Spider Man, Swan Lake, and other well-known cartoon images
went on display on sidewalks in Chaoyang District, Beijing. The 3D paintings use the propylene for pigment, so they can be touched and stepped on while retaining their color.
Fun at the beer festival. IC
Beer Festival
Two ladies with body paintings. IC
Human Canvas at West Lake
The annual Qingdao International Beer Festival concluded at the end of August in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Samples from all over the world were served to eager
visitors, including brews from Asia, Europe and North
America.
The annual event attracts crowds of tourists, both domestic and foreign, to the seaside city, famous for its beer.
Recent visitors to the Hangzhou’s famed West Lake have found the opportunity to receive gorgeous body paintings. West Lake scenery has long been a popular subject for painters, but using the human body as canvas is new. Artists require
about 30 minutes for each painting.
C H I N A P I C T O R I A L
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Cartoon USB
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August 27 - Cartoon USB featuring
ethnic Chinese costume designs. CFP
Recently, USB flash drives featuring cartoon images have been
appearing in Beijing malls. The delightful colors and cute designs
of the USB drives have made them a hit with customers.
Fine Arts Exhibition
Audiences enjoy the exhibition. by Wang Dongmei
To commemorate the 60th birthday of the People’s Republic
of China, the “60 Years of Chinese Fine Arts” Exhibition opened
on August 21 at the Beijing-based National Art Museum of China
(NAMOC).
Sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and hosted by
NAMOC, the exhibition ended on September 14.
Playing with the dogs. CFP
Dog Amusement Park
A pet-themed park recently opened in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. The park
is the first of its kind in the city, and admission is only charged for dogs, so accompanying human masters can enter for free. Annual passes are 100 yuan for each dog, or just ten
yuan for a one-time visit.
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Walking on a crosswalk painted
with Qin Opera masks, Xi’an. IC
Groundbreaking ceremony of the reverse osmosis program. by Chen Jian
Eye-catching Crossings
Recently, crosswalks painted with Qin Opera masks debuted in the
streets of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. A popular local art form, Qin Opera is one of the oldest Chinese opera forms and its masks have great
influence on face make-up of Peking Opera. A total of nine crossings,
adding strong local flavor, were painted in Xi’an.
Agui Miaoshan Tunnel. by Chen Jian
Tunnel Break-Through
On August 18, after nearly two years of digging, Agui Miaoshan,
the longest tunnel of the Bayan Ul-Xinqiu Railway finally saw light
from both sides. Construction of the tunnel, with a total length of
2,960 meters, began on November 15, 2007. It is the longest local track
sponsored in part by private investments. The Bayan Ul-Xinqiu Railway covers about 480 kilometers and is expected to start operation by
the end of 2010.
Reverse Osmosis Film Program
A water filtration program, largest-scale now in China, began
construction in Beijing on August 24. Jointly developed by China National Blue Star Group and Japan’s Toray Industries, which invested
a total of 530 million yuan, the program engages in producing, sales,
import and export of reverse osmosis film. Operations of the facilities
are expected to commence in phases beginning in 2010.
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The Great Hall of the People:
50-Years-Young
Text by Tan Xingyu
T
owering on the west side of Tian’anmen Square, at the heart
of Beijing, is a 171,800-square-meter massive building with
distinct marble columns, yellow-and-green glazed-tile roof,
and most notably, a huge national emblem across the front.
The Great Hall of the People is the iconic meeting venue for China’s
highest organ of state power, National People’s Congress (NPC), making it not unlike Washington’s Capitol Hill and London’s Palace of
Westminster.
Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the hall’s completion
in 1959. Over the half century, many important events and dramatic
changes were born under the roof of the Great Hall, and as it helped
facilitate China’s development, the building itself evolved with the passage of time.
In August 1958, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government planned con-
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struction of 10 massive buildings at various locations in Beijing. This
undertaking not only ignited construction of the Great Hall, but also
the Chinese History Museum, China People’s Revolution Military
Museum, and National Agricultural Exhibition Center among others.
Many of them serve multiple functions, and visitors familiar with the
sheer magnitude of the buildings can understand why they are considered masterpieces of modern Chinese architecture. Of these structures,
the Great Hall of the People is undoubtedly the most spectacular.
Construction commenced on October 28, 1958, and remarkably ended
only 10 months and 14 days later – a miracle of architectural history,
especially considering its gargantuan size and the simultaneous construction of other buildings.
As was characteristic of the era, forces from all branches of society joined in tackling the daunting mission. Local governments from
virtually all provinces and municipalities throughout China joined in
fulfilling Beijing’s needs for material and expert assistance. More than
10,000 workers, military officials, teachers, students, and civilians from
30-plus Beijing organizations joined with construction companies
from 17 provinces and municipalities in volunteering their hands in
construction of the Great Hall. Necessary building materials came
from 23 different provinces and municipalities. The project gained such
widespread support that only the most outstanding, reputable workers
could hope to participate, recalls a Beijing resident lucky enough to
join construction. Joining the project was considered a great honor at
the time.
The new political system of the country created the need for an
auditorium capable of accommodating a capacity of 10,000. According to the Constitution and relevant laws, The National People’s Congress is the highest body of state power, composed of delegates elected
by provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and military. In the
March 28, 1988: NPC deputy Huang Shunxing releases a counterpoint at the First Session of the Seventh
NPC, an unprecedented move marking a step forward in building political democracy in China. CFP
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August 8, 2008: Great Hall of the People against the backdrop
of the Beijing Olympics fireworks. On the right is the National
Center for the Performing Arts which opened in July 2007. CFP
early 1950s, no buildings existed in Beijing capable of housing such
a massive group in a single place for the NPC annual session. Such a
building appeared to be a crucial necessity for the young government,
so the task gained urgency and importance.
After dedication of the Great Hall, the highest-ranking group of
the NPC, the Standing Committee, officially relocated to the southern end of the building. The Second Session of the Second NPC first
convened in the Great Hall on March 30, 1960, making it a permanent
home ever since. Additionally, NPC Standing Committee meetings and
Committee chair meetings are also held at the hall, making it an icon
associated with NPC.
The highlight of the first floor is a traditional-style 550-squaremeter State Reception Hall, where state leaders meet with distinguished guests and welcome foreign diplomats.
Due to its great importance to the Central Government, the Great
Hall has been the site for countless key historic events and developments. It was there that then U.S. President Richard Nixon met Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972, a landmark event in the rebirth of
relations between two of the world’s most powerful countries. Not long
after, Japan’s Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka made an official visit to
join Zhou in signing the Joint Communiqué between the two neighboring countries. Several years later, Brit- Electronic vote-counting devicish Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher es equipped at the Great Hall
greatly reduce time needed for
made her historic 1982 visit to Beijing to tallying ballots during elections.
discuss the Hong Kong issue, yet another
event which drew worldwide media attention.
As the country has grown, so has
the frequency of activities hosted at the
Great Hall. Considered a “luxury parlor”
of the people, the building is constantly
upgraded with the latest technology. In
1990, the traditional voting system of
“show of hands” was replaced by an
electronic voting system, the largest such
in the world, which makes voting results
more precise and timely. Technology
also replaced the need for the traditional
wooden ballot box used for secret votes.
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In past decades, each round of voting in general elections required a
two-hour wait as a group of abacus experts gathered to perform the
arduous task of vote counting, explains Liu Shuisheng, director of the
Administrative Bureau of the Great Hall of the People. To boot, the
slightest error would require the process to be repeated. “Because of
the long process of ballot counting, we had to prepare considerable
refreshments as members waited for the results,” Liu grins. Since the
electronic vote counting system was installed, results are delivered in
20 minutes.
As a grand representation of typical Chinese design in the 1950s,
the Great Hall of the People has remarkable artistic, cultural, and architectural value. Because of the key political significance of its original construction, planners hoped to showcase advantages of the Chinese socialist system, the heroic spirit of the Chinese people, the grand
nature of Chinese culture and architectural art, and the productivity
of the young government after its first decade.
The design itself combined work from 34 Beijing-based architectural design institutes and more than 30 noted architects from 16 provinces and municipalities to bring diverse and open concepts. Dozens
of design proposals were submitted, including a traditional Chinese
“grand roof,” a Western-style “square box,” and even a modernist
“glass-only” design. Under supervision from Beijing’s Municipal Government, the proposals were all carefully reviewed, studied, evaluated,
debated, and optimized.
The ultimate design fused essences of Chinese and foreign architecture, while featuring plentiful Chinese elements in the decoration.
The front portico integrates typical approaches for massive buildings
used in both Chinese and foreign structures. The eaves exhibit a concise, light style contrasting with the oppression and gravity of traditional architecture, while the base features an elevated platform which
supports the majestic weight of the building. Meanwhile, the building
exhibits practical humanistic elements such as gently-sloping staircases
and a light-colored exterior to juxtapose the dark red of older buildings which reminded people of dynastic oppression..
The interior decoration has more all-inclusive character, with a
wide range of displays with rich meaning, historical or cultural significance, and national image. For example, a traditional iron screen featuring images of Mount Huangshan’s famous “Guest Greeting” pine
March 13, 2009: Clicking cameras accompany a marching piece
played by the PLA band at the Great Hall of the People. CFP
February 21, 1972: Premier Zhou Enlai escorts
US President Richard Nixon and his wife to a
welcome banquet at the Great Hall. Xinhua
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Hostesses prepare the meeting hall for
an impending session. by Wang Lei
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trees in the State Reception Hall lobby not only symbolizes the hospitality of the Chinese people, but also showcases its beautiful landscapes. Most of the patterns adorning the Great Hall feature a similar
duality, such as lotus flowers coupled with peonies, connoting integrity
and unity.
A hostess sneaks a text message while taking a break from her duties. by Xu Xun
March 12, 2009: Joyful girls, honored to be chosen as ceremonial hostesses for the annual NPC and CPPCC sessions, celebrate
the completion of their tasks outside the Great Hall. CFP
Security is taken seriously and permission is required
for each person entering the Great Hall. by Wang lei
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1958: Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai,
and other Central Government
leaders review the design plans
of Tian’anmen Square and the
Great Hall of the People. Courtesy of the Great Hall of the People
Architectural
Miracle
Text by Tan Xingyu
Photographs courtesy of Zhao Qingwei
I
n August 1958, the Chinese Central Government made a deperfect and returned with suggestions for improvement, which were
cision to build the Great Hall of the People to the west of
subsequently made. In total, in less than one month, these architects
Tian’anmen Square. A month later, on September 5, a preparaworked out 84 plane drawings and 189 three-dimensional proposals.
tory body was established in Beijing to begin plans for its conThere were controversial issues surrounding the design and construction.
struction of the Great Hall of the People. Firstly, whether it should
Soon after the initial decision to build was made, the Municipal
be located near to the Zhengyang Gate on the south side of the
Government of Beijing (then called “The People’s Committee of BeiTian’anmen Square or to the west of Tian’anmen Square instead.
jing”) and the Architectural Society of China jointly invited architects
Secondly, whether it should be taller than Tian’anmen Gate in height.
from across the nation to gather in the capital and discuss a design
Thirdly, whether it should be 350, 400 or 500 meters away from the
plan for the Great Hall of the People. Yang Tingbao, director of the
Museum of Chinese Revolutionary History on the opposite side of
Architecture Department of Nanjing Institute of Technology, and
the square. There were also many other disputes among the architects,
Jiang Yilin, vice president of Nanjing Institute
such as whether or not the Great Hall of the
1959: Kang Keqing (center), a highof Architectural Design, were two of the archi- ranking leader of the state, joins
People would have a huge roof and whether the
the construction work of the Great
tects on the prestigious list. Before heading to Hall of the People as a volunteer.
Monument to the People’s Heroes should be
Beijing, the vice governor of Jiangsu Province
flanked by two structures or four structures.
instructed them to do their best work on behalf
When the design project was still pending,
of Jiangsu people, and also bought them air
some young architects were recruited into the
tickets and accompanied them to the airport. In
design team, and thanks to their fresh ideas, a
just a few days, more than 30 architects (the ortotally new blueprint was soon drafted. Accordganizers only expected 20), some of whom were
ing to this plan, released by the Beijing Municiworld-renowned specialists and scholars, made
pal Bureau of Urban Planning, the foundation
their own journeys to the capital, and began
of the Great Hall of the People would feature
work on the project immediately upon arrival.
a T-shaped layout, and from north to south
On September 15, they completed the first draft
would be the Banquet Hall, Great Auditorium
of the design blueprint. Then, on September 20,
and the official buildings of the Standing Comthe second draft was produced. The third draft
mittee of the National People’s Congress. The
was submitted to Chinese leaders for approval
three sections were connected by the Central
on September 26, but it was not yet considered
Hall. The Banquet Hall was placed on the sec-
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Due to a lack of modern equipment, the groundwork during the
construction of the Great Hall was largely performed manually.
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Russian experts provided technical support for the construction of the Great Hall.
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ond floor, while the Great Auditorium was situated a little west of
the central axis of the entire building complex. It was to be a design
that won majority support.
After countless revisions, the
final plan featured a building area
more than two times larger than
that of the original plan. The layout of Tian’anmen Square was
confirmed: The Museum of Chinese Revolutionary History and
the Great Hall of the People were
located to the east and west of the
square, respectively, both adopting
colonnade architectural features.
These two impressive structures,
together with the Memorial Hall
of Chairman Mao constructed
a number of years later, create
a magnificent atmosphere on
Tian’anmen Square. In April 1997,
at the Sino-Japanese Designers Forum held in Beijing, Arata Isozaki,
a renowned architect from Japan,
said that “Tian’anmen Square is
truly great. Such an absolutely magnificent national square cannot be
found in Japan which is scattered with countless skyscrapers.”
The preparatory work for the construction of the Great Hall of
the People began when its design plan was still under discussion. On
October 28, 1958, the construction work officially commenced. More
than 10,000 workers from around the nation were involved in the
building work.
Zhang Baifa, who later became vice mayor of Beijing, was one
such worker. At that time, he led a youth squad and worked in three
shifts around the clock. “The whole nation was mobilized to ensure
that the construction was completed on schedule,” Zhang recalls. One
time, 5.6-meter-long rolled steel was urgently needed, so Zhang made a
phone call to the Angang Steel Company, which cut steel into 5.6-meter-long blocks itself before sending the materials to the construction
teams. When some locals of Guizhou Province heard that the Great
Hall project needed dozens of cubic meters of camphorwood, they
took out the very best from their own homes and threw them onto the
trucks, without asking for a single penny in return. In addition, many
Beijing residents voluntarily joined in the construction of the Great
Hall of the People. Those who worked together with Zhang’s squad
were volunteers from Xinhua News Agency. When the transportation
of building materials required additional assistance, more than 200
journalists from the news agency came to the construction site to offer
a hand.
Indeed, there were many obstacles that needed to be overcome.
One day, a worker dug out several cobblestones at the southwest corner
of the construction site. At first, this did not attract much attention.
However, more and more cobblestones were excavated until an ancient
riverbed was uncovered. According to historical geographer Hou Renzhi, the Yongding River used to flow here during the Liao (907-1125)
The foundation site of the Great Hall, with
Tian’anmen Gate in the distance as the backdrop.
and Jin (1115-1234) Dynasties. The problem with erecting a building
on the soft riverbed was that the foundation of the structure would
sink, thus resulting in an inestimable loss. The construction project was
therefore halted. Through careful discussions, experts finally worked
out a solution: Box foundation would be adopted to ensure the safety
Many skilled senior artisans participated in the construction of the Great Hall.
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1959: The nearly-completed Great Hall of the People.
of the buildings. And so they still stand today.
By the end of August 1959, the construction of the Great Hall of
the People was completed, taking only 10 months in total. On September 10, a grand ceremony marked the occasion.
Zhao Qingwei is a collector with the largest library of old photographs in Beijing, amounting to 300,000 in total. Many of these record
the construction of the Great Hall of the People, and reveal the hardships suffered by the workers. “The documents I collected reveal also
that strict quality monitoring was implemented during the construction
process,” Zhao says. “It has been 50 years since the Great Hall of the
People was completed, but the structure remains as solid as ever. Think
about it: A massive structure completed in only 10 months has survived
the test of time. This has proven the building is a miracle.”
Construction site
of the Great Hall
after snowfall.
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Back in the 1950s, cranes were
rare construction machines.
Construction site of the Great Hall.
Installing lamps.
A rare picture of the Great Hall in the 1970s, among the numerous old pictures collected by Zhao Qingwei. by Wang Lei
A model of the Great
Hall of the People.
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1982: Citizens at a social dance
at the Great Hall. by Li Xiaobin
Commercial
Success of a
Political Icon
Text by Tan Xingyu
E
news that Beijing organizers would stage
ach March, at the annual “Two
the show at the Great Hall of the People
Sessions” hosted by the Great
made choosing Beijing much easier. And
Hall of the People, deputies
this was not an isolated case. When the
to the National People’s Constage supervisor of the Irish step-dancing
gress (NPC) and members of the Chinese
extravaganza Riverdance chose the Great
People’s Political Consultative ConferHall as their performance venue, he did
ence (CPPCC) gather to discuss the govso because of the building’s association
ernment work report and determine the
with honour and grandeur. The stage
government budget. During this season,
had to be customized of course in order
the Great Hall of the People becomes
to meet the demands of the high-energy
the focus of attention, glowing with an
dance performance. Beginning in 2004,
unparalleled atmosphere of grandeur
the Great Hall has hosted many more
brought about by the most important
1980s: After the Great Hall of the People reopened to the public, international art events, including perpolitical event in China.
it attracted thousands of visitors. by Li Shuande, Yu Pengfeng
formances from Andrea Bocelli, the Israel
But the Great Hall also serves other
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta, the musical Chipurposes. With the development of a market economy in the country,
cago, and the Turkish dance show Fire Dance.
this supposedly solemn building, normally imbued with political flavor,
As a matter of fact, although the Great Hall of the People was
has shown strong potential for commercial success.
originally designed as the seat of the NPC, and hosts the annual NPC
To numerous performing troupes, the hall has become synonyand CPPCC sessions, it was initially constructed to serve multiple purmous with a box office hit. On April 27, 2004, the famous Broadway
poses. On October 2, 1964, Chinese song and dance epic The East Is
musical Cats made its China debut in the prestigious hall. All 5,000
Red successfully debuted at the Great Hall of the People, followed by
tickets for the opening night were quickly snapped up, and as the 43
a number of symbolic artistic performances in celebration of National
cats poured onto the stage from all corners of the auditorium, the auDay and the anniversaries for the establishment of diplomatic reladience burst into thunderous applause.
tions. Those performances, while enthusiastically received by discernEarlier, when the producer of Cats hesitated over a choice between
ing audiences, also held political significance. According to a manager
Shanghai and Beijing as the destination to debut the classic musical,
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1967: Song and dance epic The East Is Red staged
at the Great Hall of the People. by Chang Suqin
of a performance company, the auditorium is too big to ensure perfect
audio and visual effects for performances, but both organizers and artists are more than happy to perform here, simply because of its “prestigious allure.”
Unlike any palace of past feudal dynasties, the Great Hall of the
People was particularly designed to highlight consideration and care for
“people.” After it was completed, the building was open to the public
one day a week until the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) period, when
civilians were blocked by a guard line and the building served only the
activities of the Party and state leaders. After the Cultural Revolution,
the policy was questioned: “Is the Great Hall of the People still of the
people?” On January 21, 1979, after 15 years in the wilderness, the annual Spring Festival gala resumed at the Great Hall, and during the
night’s events, state leaders announced that the building would reopen
to the public once again, with an admission price of 0.2 yuan. Visitors
were also allowed to take photos in front of the giant traditional Chinese painting This Land So Rich in Beauty for an extra fee.
As China furthers its reform and opening, the Great Hall of the
People has also furthered its role in “serving the people.” It has been
widely recognized that the Great Hall should not only be restricted
to serving state politics, but could also serve the market economy of
the country. Commercial activities will help increase funds and reduce
the financial burdens of the state. The Administrative Bureau of the
Great Hall of the People submitted a reform proposal to its managing
authority, suggesting a trial period for opening the building to commercial performances.
In 1999, Li Zhiqi, then 33, established a PR firm named after
himself. The next year, Li’s company joined with a foreign telecom
company to promote the entry of its products into the Chinese market.
Li conceived an industry seminar as a promotional event, but when he
reviewed the name list of distinguished guests to be invited, he found
the name of a government minister. “I must select a venue that befits
his status,” he considered, “and where security can be ensured.” He immediately thought of the Great Hall of the People as the perfect venue.
Taking advantage of his extensive social network, and upon completion of a series of formalities, Li finally rented a conference hall with
more than 100 seats at a price of 40,000 yuan for half a day. The event
was a great success. “The clients were delighted, because they had not
expected their entry into the Chinese market to be held at such a prestigious place,” Li recalls. “The minister was equally satisfied, thinking
that the company must be powerful to hold an activity in such an eminent venue, and that his appearance matched the occasion.”
Besides powerful foreign-funded companies, more and more stateowned enterprises, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, and some
local governments beyond Beijing have all chosen the Great Hall as the
ideal venue for press conferences or product promotion. According to a
rough estimate from Li Zhiqi, one-third of the companies partnered with
his firm chose to hold their promotional events at the Great Hall.
After 2004, the Great Hall of the People has seen increasing commercial activities, a development which has also attracted some criticism. On September 22, 2006, a pop duo comprising Kangta (Ahn Chil
Hyun) from South Korea and Vanness Wu from Taiwan staged a con-
December 31, 2008: Members of BBC Philharmonic
Orchestra rehearsing for the 2009 New Year’s Day Concert to be staged at the Great Hall of the People. CFP
The prestige of the Great Hall of the People makes
the building ideal for local governments outside Beijing to host political and commercial activities. CFP
Traditional Chinese painting This Land So Rich in Beauty,
a popular site for taking souvenir pictures. by Xu Xun
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cert at the Great Hall, but the show was halted only 50 minutes into
the performance. The reason: Some over-excited fans began dancing
on the tables. Media coverage of this episode immediately provoked
controversy. Some wondered how the meeting venue for state affairs
could also double as a raucous disco; how tables upon which crucial
political deliberations were made were now a dance floor for the feet
of crazy pop fans. Should the Great Hall of the People continue to be
open to commercial activities? The question was widely discussed and
became a hot issue.
Finally, the Administrative Bureau of the Great Hall of the People
2000: A 21st century wedding takes place
at the Great Hall of the People. CFP
drew up three guiding principles: Firstly, commercial activities must not
impact the normal political functions of the Party and the state, and in
the event of any conflict, commercial activities should be canceled or
postponed. Secondly, to ensure the safety of the Great Hall, each person entering the venue must be subject to a strict security examination.
Thirdly, all commercial activities should be healthy and positive, and
must not negatively affect the political reputation of the Great Hall.
“The function of the Great Hall is to serve the Party and the state’s
political activities, serve all the local governments at the provincial level,
the ministries, commissions, and governmental institutions, and finally
serve the people,” affirms a member of the Administrative Bureau of
the Great Hall of the People. “This function has
never changed, but simply expanded its scope.”
In the era of the market economy, the Great
Hall of the People is faced with unavoidable
competition. Since the National Center for the
Performing Arts, to the west, opened for business in July 2007, it attracted numerous domestic
and foreign performing groups, offering perfect
acoustics and visual facilities. Art performances
at the neighboring Great Hall thus saw a decrease.
In addition, five-star hotels and international
convention centers have sprung up across the city,
gradually encroaching on the market share of the
Great Hall. But Li Zhiqi remains optimistic about
the business prospects of the famed building:
“Whether from a historical or modern perspective,
the Great Hall is truly unrivaled as a venue, offering a unique atmosphere and an unmatched sense
of grandeur.”
May 8, 2008: Premiere of the film Maimaiti’s 2008 at the Great Hall of the People,
attended by many Chinese leaders. CFP
22
OCTOBER · 2OO9
People’s
Artifacts
in People’s Hall
Beautiful West Lake, a large
wood sculpture in Zhejiang Hall.
O
Text by Tan Xingyu
Photographs by Wang Lei
ne day in March 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong passed
“Guest-Greeting” Pine. The Great Hall of the People was nearing comthrough the Forbidden City. He gazed at the luscious red
pletion, and each province was preparing the decoration of its allocated
walls and glazed golden tiles of the Hall of Supreme Harhall with symbolic and unique artworks. Anhui Province decided on
mony, the ceremonial venue which once served the Ming
two special pieces, one depicting the “Guest-Greeting” Pine on Huangand Qing emperors. Mao turned to the then Chinese Premier Zhou
shan (or Yellow Mountain), and one representing the local tradition of
Enlai and exclaimed, “In the future, we’ll build a luxury ‘living room’
Wuhu Iron Painting. Then, the Provincial Party Committee of Anhui
that belongs to the people.”
decided to combine the two by creating a huge iron painting with the
A decade later, his promise came true. On Guest-Greeting Pine, an iron screen painting from
“Guest-Greeting” Pine as the subject.
September 24, 1959, on the eve of the 10th Wuhu, Anhui Province, decorating the Reception Hall.
After Wang finished his painting,
National Day of the People’s Republic of
60-year-old artist Chu Yanqing together
China, the Great Hall of the People was ofwith eight apprentices and dozens of
ficially completed and opened its doors. Preworkers began the task of designing the
mier Zhou ordered that its meeting rooms be
final iron painting, using Wang’s work as
named after China’s provinces, municipalithe blueprint, at a workshop in the Hefei
ties and autonomous regions, and each area
Modeling Plant.
would then furnish its own hall with works
Chu Jinxia, the daughter of Chu
that best represented the beauty and range
Yanqing, is a fifth-generation inheritor of
of its local arts and crafts.
the Wuhu Iron Painting techniques. At
Iron Pine
One day in 1959, Wang Shicen, a renowned artist in Anhui Province, was working on a painting at home when he received
an assignment to create a traditional Chinese
painting based on the motif of the famous
A detail of Guest-Greeting Pine.
age 15, she assisted her father in making
the painting. The entire piece needed tens
of thousands of thin iron needles, but no
two of them were the same in shape. “An
artist can draw a pine needle on paper
with one stroke,” recalls the now 65-yearold Chu Jinxia, “but to make an iron
23
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pine needle, we needed to hammer it 100 times,
then cut a groove and cast flowers and burrs on
it. A branch of a tree needed 60 to 80 such pine
needles. It was such an arduous job. After half a
day’s work, I was too exhausted to even lift my
chopsticks to eat dinner.”
After two months of painstaking effort, and
requiring 200 kilograms of iron in total, the masterpiece was finally completed. Soon after, the
Guest-Greeting Pine was delivered to the Anhui
Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Premier
Zhou himself once praised it as “symbolizing the
longevity of our motherland, and conveying the
hospitality of Chinese people.” According to the
Premier, it demonstrates both “political majesty
and artistic charm, representing a perfect combination of beauty and power.” Later, the iron
painting was relocated to a more prominent position outside the gate of the Reception Hall.
Flying Apsaras, a wooden
sculpture in Zhejiang Hall.
Lacquer Lions
In 1959, a number of guests from home
and abroad were invited to the Great Hall of the
People to celebrate the 10th National Day of the
People’s Republic of China. At the entrance to
the Reception Hall, Premier Zhou Enlai walked
toward a pair of bronze-colored lion sculptures,
each standing about two meters tall, and asked
his guests, “Do you think I can lift one with my
bare hands?” Before they could reply, he picked up
one of the lions without any effort. The guests were
astonished. “It is not that I have superhuman strength,” Premier Zhou
explained with a smile. “The lions aren’t made from bronze. They are
bodiless lacquer wares from Fuzhou.”
In the second half of 1959, the Fuzhou Art and Craft Institute
undertook a mission to design the interior decorations for the Fujian Hall, Reception Hall and Banquet Hall of the Great Hall of the
People. The project was assigned to a design studio comprising three
young artists who, after great discussion, decided to utilize lacquer
craftworks because lacquer is extremely durable, as well as being the
most representative artwork of
Fujian Province.
One of the artists, Zheng Yikun, was taught by Li Zhiqing,
A pair of bodiless-lacquered
who was a prestigious lacquer
lions in Fujian
Hall. Courtesy
artisan in China. “Have you
of the Great Hall
seen the lions in front of the
of the People
entrance to the Banquet Hall of
the Great Hall of the People?”
asks Zheng. “They’re designed
by the hands of my teacher Li
Zhiqing.” Zheng reveals that
Mr. Li drew inspiration from
the pair of stone lions in front
of the entrance to the Kaihua
Temple.
24
OCTOBER · 2OO9
After months of work, the bronze-colored
bodiless lacquer lions were completed and delivered to the Great Hall of the People. The lifelike
lions appeared as if they were quite heavy, but
actually could be moved by just a single finger.
For this reason, they were very popular with the
workers responsible for installing them. Besides
these two lions, there are also many other exquisite bodiless lacquer works displayed in the Fujian Hall, including the Golden Fish Decorative
Dish, also made by Zheng Yikun.
Porcelain Painting
In 1959, Wang Xiliang, then 37 years old,
won himself unprecedented fame for the porcelain painting Jinggang Mountain—Cradle of
The Chinese Revolution which he created for the
Jiangxi Hall. This massive masterpiece measures
more than a meter in height and over three meters in width. With the mist-shrouded Jinggang
Mountain as the background, and a precipitous
road with the passes of Tongmuling and Zhushachong as the foreground, it depicts the new look
of Ciping (the scenic core of Jinggang Mountain), creating a timeless ambience.
It was during the reigns of Emperors Kangxi
and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
that some government kilns in Jingdezhen Town
began to produce porcelain wares decorated
with traditional Chinese paintings. It is actually
very hard to combine traditional Chinese painting
with porcelain wares because painting is a graphic art usually drawn
on paper, but porcelain is a three-dimensional object. Furthermore,
the drawing materials and techniques used in porcelain painting are
different from those used in traditional Chinese painting. In his own
porcelain work, artist Wang uses deep-colored pigments, which produce a strong contrast against the white porcelain background, so the
landscapes appear more vivid with a multi-layer visual effect just like
traditional Chinese paintings. After Wang’s Jinggang Mountain piece
was completed in the Jingdezhen Artistic Porcelain Factory, it was sent
to Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi Province, where it stirred up
much debate. “All the other artists applauded my work when it arrived
in Beijing,” Wang recalls, laughing. “My work was the only porcelain
painting accepted by the Great Hall, while others were all denied. Perhaps this was because my work represented an innovative spirit and
creative techniques.”
Such art masterpieces are found in every chamber of the Great
Hall of the People. Today, some have been replaced by new works due
to limited retention periods, and some have become even more valuable after the passage of time. Since July 15, 1979, the Great Auditorium and the halls of some provinces and municipalities have been
open to the public, and since then the Great Hall has received 3,0004,000 visitors each day. Thus, the public now has the chance to admire
the art masterpieces on display there. In fact, a visit to the Great Hall
of the People is an ideal way to receive a lesson on the magic of contemporary Chinese art and crafts.
A bodiless lacquer vase featuring peony designs in Fujian Hall.
Narcissus, a large double-sided embroidery in Fujian Hall.
The Pavilion of Prince Teng, a gilded relief in Jiangxi Hall.
Dragon Boat Racing, a copper relief in Guangdong Hall.
Tips for visiting the Great Hall:
Open Hours:
December - March: 9:00 – 14:00
April - June: 8:15 – 15:00
July - August: 7:30 – 16:00
September - November: 8:30 – 15:00
Extended hours on legal holidays
Admission:
Price: Adults 30 yuan, Students 15 yuan (discounts available for
tourist and student groups)
Ticket window located just east of the South Gate of the Great Hall
Notice:
* ID (passport or Chinese ID card) is required for all visitors
* Bags are not allowed (locker available east of the South Gate),
and any dangerous articles are strictly prohibited
* Respect public property, please keep the area clean (no litter)
* The hall will close for large political activities such as NPC and
CPPCC sessions, and CPC National Congress
Services:
* Inexpensive fast food available at the Banquet Hall from 10:30
to 13:30
* Guides available on site
* Ideal photography locations are indicated along the tour route
The beautifully decorated gate of Zhejiang Hall.
25
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The
Progressing
Style of a
Progressive Nation
Interview with Li Xin, a Matron of Chinese Fashion Design
Text by Wang Dongmei
Photographs edited by Wang Lei and Wu Lei
1957: An elegantly-dressed mother and her child. by Tang Zunyi
26
OCTOBER · 2OO9
B
orn in 1946, Li Xin was among China’s first group of senior
fashion designers at state level. Li was founder of the Brother Cup Fashion Design Contest, a nominee for the Golden
Dragon Prize for Outstanding Achievements in China’s
Fashion Design, chairperson of the judge's panel at the 15th China
Cup International Fashion Design, honorary president of the Jiangxi
Garments Technology Institute, and an honorary consultant of the
Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was cited as China’s Meritorious Service Figure for Fashion Design, and she is a fashion educator
with several lucky students.
In correlation with the 60th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China, China Pictorial interviewed Li Xin, who has
witnessed the progression of the clothing and fashion industry in the
country.
Dress: Evolution of Individuality from
Conformity
China Pictorial: China has experienced a
dramatic social change since the founding of
the New China, which can be seen in people’s
way of dressing. Do you agree?
Li Xin: Yes.
In the early years after New China was
founded, the nation was stricken by poverty,
and many people hardly had enough to eat,
Li Xin, one of China’s
not to mention nice clothes. For men, highfirst fashion designers and educators.
class attire was a Chinese tunic suit – standup collar with four pockets – popularized by images of Chairman
Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. Typical woman’s clothing was
a “Lenin dress,” a kind of diamond cloth double-breasted suit with a
cowl collar, typical for female government staff, popularized by Deng
Yingchao, former chairwoman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Kang Keqing, former vice president of the All-China Women's Federation. The only chance for ordinary citizens to wear such clothing was at their wedding. The popular
dressing-style for students was white shirt with blue trousers for boys
and white shirt with suspender skirts for girls.
The most common material was cotton in blue, black, and gray,
and most clothes were hand-sewn. Wear and tear in clothing would
result in mending, and things would never be discarded until years
of repair left no further space to fix the article. At that time, all kids
longed for Spring Festival, usually the only opportunity to get a new
dress; and little girls dreamed of having new colorful clothes. Some
boys would even dress in clothes passed down from their older sisters,
just for the opportunity to wear colorful attire.
It was luxurious for a family to have a sewing machine, and those
with clothes sewn by a machine were very proud. It was not hard for a
tailor to open a business if he could make shirts, school uniforms, onepiece dresses, and qipao, or cheongsams.
When China suffered from a three-year natural disaster during
the late 1950s, the government implemented a cloth-rationing policy.
Dressing became a big problem: because cloth was rationed, no extra
was available, and money didn’t work. Many housewives took to quilt-
ing clothing from small scraps of available fabric, matching them up
into clothes in “creative styles” – saving material and featuring unique
characteristics.
Things were better by the mid-1960s, but people cared too much
about others’ opinions on their way of dressing. Some could afford
cotton-padded jackets made of silk and satin, which were believed
to be appropriate only for weddings. Women loved to show them off
even on mundane occasions, but they would not risk being perceived
as someone with “bourgeois ideas.” Therefore, many women covered a
pretty jacket with outer wear, shorter a bit on the sleeves and the edge
to catch others’ attention.
CP: What about changes since China’s reform and opening-up?
Li Xin: It all happened after 1978 when China implemented its
economic reform and opening-up policies. Since the country opened its
door wider to the outside world, more foreign films were introduced,
knocking down the door of China’s fashion. The most popular foreign
film on China’s mainland in the late 1970s was Harvesting Apples from
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and in the early 1980s,
“Doubt about Blood,” a Japanese TV drama, was widely popular.
The dress of leading characters in the films and TV dramas prompted
a follow-suit soon after showing, finally ending the fashion-reign of
military uniforms – the consequence of the Cultural Revolution (19661976). Some tailors instantly found big business in replicating shirts
1950s: Colorful dresses, known as bulaji in Chinese (a transliteration of Russian) were very popular after the introduction of colorful
cloth from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. by Wang Fuzun
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Typical Cultural Revolution style. China Pictorial Archives
1965: The most typical dress of young
people, answering the call of the
Central Government by going to work
in the countryside. by Zheng Xueyi
1980s: Curious customers examine a newly-displayed style. Fotoe
because people liked to give full play to their favorite outfit during
worn by Satiko, the leading lady in “Doubt about Blood,” whose style
tough economic conditions. Today, people are happy to dress properly
could soon be seen almost everywhere on the streets.
to match the occasion and their mood.
Looking back in history, yellow was once only used for emperors’
CP: What’s the biggest change in dressing over the last six decades?
dragon robes. Any attempt to wear even a similar color could be a fatal diLi Xin: Underwear. In the past, people cared less about what to
saster. However, during the early period of reform and opening-up, yellow
wear underneath. Many would take it for granted to wear a shabby,
skirts became hot on the streets. Later on, new designs often found overhole-filled undershirt, and some even wore nothing underneath. Today,
night success and instantly became the latest rage upon release.
we see that everyone is particular about underwear in terms of quality,
It was not strange to see people dressing the same because they
material, and design; and many even take into account body beautifiwere used to following others. One design could fix all. Nobody was
cation and health. At home, people choose proper dress for different
embarrassed to see others wearing the same clothes. On the contrary,
activities: home dress for housework, casual wear for strolling, and
they were very pleased to be amongst those familiar with the most
pajamas for sleep.
popular fashions.
Many materials, such as Dacron and nylon, were uncomfortable,
but allowed a feeling of freshness. Nobody wanted to lag behind when
it became affordable. When oversized sunglasses, bell-bottomed pants,
and jeans first came to China from abroad, many people, particularly
CP: What else can you tell us about China’s fashion industry?
the young, wasted no time in wearing them, some even wore sunglasses
Li Xin: The Golden Scissors Prize was the beginning of fashion
bearing a trademark because it was a sign of foreign goods.
contests in China. It focused on practical and good-looking designs. I
CP: When did people begin to dress in individual styles?
used to work at the Chinese Center for Fashion Design and Research
Li Xin: The individuality movement started in the early 1990s.
(CCFDR) and served as a judge when I noticed that many creative
More foreign films and TV dramas flooded in, showcasing more colordesigns were being ignored. It was a pity because I believe that only
ful clothing through movie stars. People learned to dress in different
creative ideas can be ground-breaking.
ways, and some preferred to dress in their own style to better repreIn 1993, representatives from the Japanese Brother Company
sent themselves. Quite a number of bulk garment producers, such as
came to the CCFDR, seeking for cooperation in a fashion design conthe Beijing No.1 and No.2 garment factories, were shut down, giving
test. I was really excited and took it as a chance for me to showcase
rise to many small privately-run garment plants for small amount of
my ideas as well as for creative designers to fully flex their talents. “It’s
clothes with larger variety of design. In department stores, the sales of
time to make a difference,” I said to myself. I even suggested organizmass-produced garments dropped dramatically while those of more
ing an international contest since the
unique designs started selling at an
country had opened its door wider
accelerated pace.
1980s: A street tailor. by Zeng Xiangmin
to the rest of the world. Participants
CP: Was there great change in
were encouraged to break from the
dressing for specific occasions?
long-standing cotton tradition and
Li Xin: Yes. In the past, many
choose any material for designs, alpeople would not change clothes for
lowing ideas stretching as far as their
a long time no matter where they
imaginations could reach.
were. Take the Western suit for exDuring the Brother Cup contest,
ample. When it first became popupieces decorated with strings of a
lar in China, people would wear it
violin and rosewood furniture captifor almost every occasion: traveling,
vated everyone in attendance. I made
cooking at home, even climbing the
another suggestion to the Brother
Great Wall. It was understandable
Fashion Contests:
From Single Form to Diversification
28
OCTOBER · 2OO9
1986: A fashion show in front of the
Tian’anmen Rostrum. by Wang Wenlan
Cup that any design similar to a previous contest should be eliminated
because I believe that original creation is the soul of fashion design.
CP: Can we say that Brother Cup opened a new page of international fashion contest in China?
Li Xin: Absolutely. The Brother Cup gave birth to many excellent
Chinese fashion designers including Wu Haiyan, Ma Ke, Zou You, Wu
Xuekai, and Wu Xuewei, who walked away with the titles at these contests, making them known and recognized at home and abroad. They
brought a vast expanse of creative ideas to China’s fashion business,
gave inspiration to many famous brands, and quickened the pace of
the country’s fashion industry.
Later, I was invited to judge the China Cup Fashion Design Con-
1980: Sunglasses were very popular among
fashionable youngsters. by Wang Wenlan
test in Shanghai, with the goal of making fashion design practical in
daily life and valuable market-wise, with hopes that young designers
could get involved in business soon after graduation. Not long after
the China Cup held in Shanghai, more diverse fashion contests started
appearing, specializing in children’s wear, casual wear, underwear,
swim suit, and wedding dresses.
CP: When did Chinese models begin to appear on the international
stage?
Li Xin: It was in 1994 that China organized its first Model Star
Competition, attracting attention from international fashion circles.
In 1995, Shanghai held the China Cup Fashion Design Contest, which
drew the first group of foreign fashion models. Some of the Chinese
1986: Generation gaps are transcended at
Longtanhu Park, Beijing. by Wang Wenlan
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June 24, 2003: Chinese youths dance
at a promotion for a gym reopening
after the SARS epidemic subsided in
Beijing. Andrew Wong/Reuters
Outdoor exercise. by Xu Xun
Modern young ladies. CFP
A bar at Houhai. by Wang Lei
30
OCTOBER · 2OO9
Modern fashion photography. by Juan Zi
Shopping in Hong Kong. Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
contestants won prizes. The first group of Chinese models to stand out
might have been Chen Juanhong, Guo Hua, Ye Jihong, and Qu Ying.
CP: What’s the influence of Chinese fashion in the world?
Li Xin: During the early 21st Century, oriental fashion used to be
very popular. Many Chinese faces, such as Lu Yan, frequently showed
up representing world famous brands, such as Dior; and many commercials contained the elements of Chinese culture, such as China Red.
In early 2003, some Chinese fashion designers, such as Ye Wenbo,
began to make their fashion show debuts overseas, particular in Europe and America. In July 2008, for instance, Ma Ke’s series design,
Useless, was displayed during the Paris Fashion Week; and Elle magazine called her Paris debut "brilliant... one of the great moments of the
season."
Vintage, retro style: A foreign visitor, in Lijiang, Yunnan
Province, wears a Cultural Revolution-era hat. CFP
31
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“I
t is 138 steps from the Golden Water Bridge in front of
the Tian’anmen Gate to the flagpole itself. Then, push
the button, raise the national flag, salute, and eyes to
the front for exactly two minutes and seven seconds
without blinking …” It has been 15 years since he last participated, but
Zhao Xinfeng still remembers every procedure for the raising of the
national flag. As the eighth leader of the National Flag Squad of the
Tian’anmen Square Guard Division, Zhao considers the Chinese flag
not just a symbol of the nation but also a defining aspect of his life.
Born into a farmer’s family in Shandong Province in 1970, Zhao
Xinfeng joined the army in 1989. At the time, many saw joining the
local army as a wise career choice, as there was seen to be less competition and more opportunities for promotion. “But I wasn’t really
thinking about getting ahead,” recalls Zhao. “I just wanted to come to
The national flag raising ceremony at Tian’anmen
Square in 1989. On the left is Zhao Xinfeng.
Raising the Flag
Text by Yin Xing
Photos courtesy of Beijing Xinfeng Flag Cultural Center
Beijing, the beating heart of China. I believed I would be more needed
Square to watch the raising of the flag. Besides flag raising and lowerthere.” After several rounds of a selection process, Zhao was recruited
ing, the Flag Squad members also stand guard under the flagpole yearinto the Tian’anmen Square Guard Division.
round, motionless for two hours, after which
After a series of basic drills, Zhao’s outstandthey are rotated. “There were foreign visitors
ing performance helped him become one of the
who thought we were statues,” remembers Zhao
seven soldiers of the prestigious National Flag
proudly. “When we rotated, they were stunned to
Squad. “Diligent and hardworking, I had exhibfind us able to actually move. They were amazed
ited high military quality in the drill. I was lucky
by our strong willpower and complimented us as
enough to be chosen,” says Zhao today.
the most disciplined soldiers in the world.”
In June 1989, Zhao’s new life in the National
Back then, every day, Zhao would receive
Flag Squad began, with responsibilities for raisletters expressing gratitude and greetings from all
ing and lowering the national flag at Tian’anmen
over the nation. The station where the National
Square and standing on permanent guard under
Flag Squad resides was always visited by unexthe flagpole. But the work was slightly different
pected guests: hairdressers, doctors, and pedicurto other military branches, since the National
ists… who would all spontaneously provide free
Flag Squad does not have a fixed daily schedservices for the soldiers. On festive occasions,
ule. The national flag is raised and lowered to
people would bring food and snacks like dumpcoincide with the sunrise and sunset, and so the
lings and moon cakes. During one hot summer,
time for Zhao and his fellow soldiers to get up
when Zhao was standing watch, a group of local
and dress would vary according to the season.
pupils, seeing him drenched in sweat, collected
Tough drills repeated regularly ensured their
their pocket money together to buy him a cold
orderly movements no matter the time. Zhao has
drink. Since he could not take it (for he was
no complaints: “Compared to the responsibility
forbidden to move), the kids waited until he was
of our task, I don’t really think our training was Zhao Xinfeng in training in 1992.
off duty and then sent the drink to the station.
that arduous. We paid a great deal of attention
“When I finally got it, it had become warm,”
to accuracy and regularity. The endless training could sometimes be
laughs Zhao. “But I was extremely touched all the same. The public
boring, but every time the national flag rose and the national anthem
entrust their love for the national flag upon us, which makes me feel a
sounded, I felt all our efforts were worth it. They made me better unstronger sense of responsibility and honor.”
derstand the meaning of the national flag and country.”
On April 15, 1991, the 22-meter-high flagpole at Tian’anmen
To attend the national flag raising or lowering ceremony has beSquare was taken down and replaced by one 30 meters high. Then, on
come a must-see for tourists to Beijing, particularly during holidays.
May 1, 1991, the Tian’anmen Square National Flag Guard Team, now
On the 2003 National Day, about 250,000 visitors flooded Tian’anmen
comprising 36 soldiers instead of three as before, began their duties.
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Zhao Xinfeng was the first squad member to use the new flagpole, and
was the first head of the National Flag Guard Team. He remained in
this position until he retired from the army in late 1993.
Cherishing his special attachment to the national flag, Zhao decided to make national flag cultural promotion his new career. When
in the army, Zhao and his fellow squad members often gave talks to
citizens about national flag culture in their spare time. So at first, Zhao
had great confidence in the new career plan he intended to pursue, but
it was to be more difficult than he had imagined. “My first problem
was that I could not find the target market,” explains Zhao. “Back
then, citizens didn’t know much about national flag culture. The second problem was funding. There was no special body for the promotion of national flag culture, so there was no special fund for such a
project. At that time, I had just retired from the army, and barely had
any money of my own.” But after seven years of unremitting efforts,
on September 13, 2001, Zhao finally set up the Beijing Xinfeng Flag
Cultural Center. It provides flag-raising training and standardized national flags and flagpoles. In 2004, Zhao established a website with the
Chinese national flag as its theme. “I believe my experience in the National Flag Squad has built my character and strengthened my mind,
and taught me to never give up,” he reveals. “It has also made me realize my life mission: to guard the national flag.”
The first National Flag Guard Team in 1991. The fourth
soldier from the right on the front row is Zhao Xinfeng.
Zhao Xinfeng teaches pupils the standard national flag raising procedure.
Zhao Xinfeng in his office. by Duan Wei
Zhao Xinfeng trains
the students for national flag raising ceremony at the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games.
Zhao Xinfeng and his twin sons.
Zhao Xinfeng trains the students who are responsible
for national flag raising at
the University of Science
and Technology of China.
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A Friday Ritual
Text and photographs by Mai Tian
A pious follower.
A Normal Jumu’ah Day
it was functionally built on the west side of
the mosque. According to Islamic praying
tradition, one should kneel to the ground
and point himself in the direction of Mecca,
which lies to the west of Beijing. The large,
exquisitely constructed hall is the most important part of the mosque, and its arched
gate is decorated with script from the Koran and religious poetry.
On a typical July Friday, just past noon,
69-year-old Yang Chongqing arrives at the
Niujie Mosque, Xuanwu District, in southern Beijing. Yang is a Niujie native. After
being born and raised nearby, he’s lived in
Beijing’s largest Muslim community his entire life. With the mosque
already conveniently located near his home, after his retirement Yang
has been able to attend religious rituals even more frequently. “Visiting the mosque is an indispensable part of my life,” he explains. “My
Before long, the main hall is packed, with an overflow of worshipgrandfather and father went to pray at the Niujie Mosque throughout
pers waiting outside. As routine, mosque staff members begin arrangtheir lives, and my children are doing the same now.”
ing praying mats specifically for the ritual in the yard outside so that
Following Islamic tradition, Muslims go to the mosque every Frino one is left out. Minutes before the prayer, even more people appear,
day to participate in Jumu’ah, a congregational prayer. Because of its
requiring even more outside mats to accommodate all the last-minute
widespread recognition, Niujie Mosque attracts not only local Musworshippers.
lims, but followers from other districts of Beijing and even other areas
The mosque’s spiritual leader, Imam Haji Ibrahim Xue Tianli,
of the country.
doesn’t enter the main prayer hall either. He performs his religious ritAs usual, the mosque is already sprinkled with followers long beuals in another smaller hall to the east. Also a Beijing native, 76-yearfore the service begins. Some simply relax and meditate in the serene
old Xue is the president of the Beijing Islamic Association. “On most
atmosphere, others pray individually, and many use the time more
days, I see about 200 followers come to the mosque,” points out Xue,
socially, chatting playfully about public fig“and the Friday prayer usually attracts more
Prayer in the mosque’s smaller hall.
ures and daily life in pairs or small groups.
than 1,000.”
“Many senior Muslims use the time before
At 1 p.m. sharp, the congregational
the praying specifically to catch up with old
prayer commences with a young imam delivfriends,” a member reveals. Often, those who
ering the Friday sermon. This time, the topic
once lived in Niujie use Friday’s tradition as
is the connection between Koran and natuan opportunity to re-connect with old friends
ral science. The passionate imam explores
and neighbors. Adding to its allure to visirelationships between Islam, scientific develtors, the building’s strategic design allows
opment, and world harmony, while covering
the sanctuary to bathe in afternoon sunshine
diverse issues such as world water supply,
under towering trees filled with sparrows and
human embryo development, even touching
magpies, creating a remarkably tranquil aton geology before relating it all back to the
mosphere.
human soul.
By 12:50 p.m., almost 1,000 followers of
The sermon goes on for about 30 minIslam have arrived at the mosque, already nearutes before the imam leads followers to their
ing the capacity of the main prayer hall. With
knees for prayer. They chant verses of the
the ritual’s commencement imminent, Muslims
Koran while repeatedly bowing to Allah.
in the surrounding yard begin removing their
The praying continues for about 20 minutes,
shoes and entering the building in an orderly
bringing the service to an end around 2 p.m.
manner.
As most of the congregation slowly files out
One can guess the primary function of
of the hall, some remain in the sanctuary for
the main prayer hall, so it’s no surprise that
individual private praying.
The Gathering
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Followers pray in front of
the mosque’s minaret.
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Every Jumu’ah attracts crowds of
worshippers at the Niujie Mosque.
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Niujie’s Jumu’ah features not only Muslims from China, including people of the Hui and Uygur ethnic groups, but also foreigners
currently living in Beijing, including natives of Indonesia, Malaysia,
Germany, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. “Although Chinese Muslims and
I don’t share the same native tongue, we both say salaam (‘peace on
you’) to each other, sharing a common Muslim greeting,” a Kazakhstani Muslim grins. “We are all brothers and sisters.”
As the last of the worshippers disappear, the staff packs away the
carpets and mats from the sanctuary’s yard, marking the end of the
day’s events.
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A young imam delivers his sermon.
A f o re i g n M u s l i m p ra y s
amongst his Chinese friends.
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Removing shoes before entering the main prayer hall.
Visiting the Niujie Mosque is a tradition of many nearby Muslim families.
For many, attending services at Niujie
Mosque is an indispensable part of life.
Old friends chat before the prayer begins.
Life in and out the Mosque
Presently, several imams at the Niujie Mosque are qualified to preside over the Jumu’ah. Among them, Imam Yin Guofang, a mosque
veteran of 22 years, provided services for Muslim athletes at the Olympic Village during the 2008 Beijing Games. Along with another Niujie
imam, Yin worked in the Games’ Islamic religious center. One administrator joined a total of 15 imams in providing comprehensive services
for Muslim athletes. “Our job was to provide a suitable place for Muslim athletes to read the Koran and to lead them in prayer when their
schedule did not allow them time to visit the mosque,” Yin illustrates.
While time-honored religious ritual is practiced inside the mosque,
busy secular life bustles outside. A stroll down the streets of the Niujie
Community reveals that the Islamic architectural style of the mosque
blends well with the surrounding classical Chinese style. Muslim markets, restaurants, schools, and nursing homes are all available in the
community. “All kinds of Muslim foods are available in the markets of
Niujie,” insists Imam Xue Tianli.
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Overlooking the Niujie Mosque. IC
Bustling market in the
Niujie Community. IC
A Muslim supermarket in the Niujie Community. by Li Wen/Xinhua
Islamic style chinaware displayed at a supermarket, Beijing. CFP
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Beierhuan Rd.
Xierhuan Rd.
Palace Museum
Chang'an Ave.
Guang'anmen Bridge
Niujie
Temple of Heaven
Nanerhuan
Dongerhuan Rd.
Beihai Park
Niujie Mosque at a Glance
Niujie, located in southern Beijing, is home to the city’s
largest Muslim community, although the Niujie Mosque is a
more renowned landmark than the surrounding community
itself.
One of the most magnificent and oldest mosques in Beijing, Niujie Mosque enjoys world-wide fame and state-level
protection. An undoubtedly important historical relic, the
structure is more than a millennium old, and was designated
as a mosque in 1474.
Records show that after being built by an Arabic scholar
in 996, it was expanded and renovated in the Yuan (1271 –
1368), Ming (1368 – 1644), and Qing (1644 – 1911) dynasties,
gaining more symmetry and stability through its evolution.
It is a unique mixture of Islamic and Chinese cultures, as the
exterior has heavy evidence of Chinese architectural influence
while the interior features more Islamic style.
Today, the ancient mosque serves as a major religious
venue for Beijing Muslims. In 2002, the government expanded
and renovated the landmark to the tune of 20 million yuan.
Current floor space stands at 8,900 square meters, almost double the previous area of 4,700 square meters, ensuring more
and more Muslims can experience this jewel of Beijing.
Rd.
Muslims in the Niujie Community celebrate the Feast of Fast Breaking. IC
A Muslim restaurant. IC
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Text by Zhao Yue
Colors of relaxation and vigor can be found at Wei and
Hu’s new home. by Wei Yao
Young Couple vs. Plain Apartment
provement practices with which most Westerners are familiar. Instead,
most work goes through contractors. Since labor is cheap, it often
After nearly two months of often backbreaking work, Wales Wei
makes much more sense to hire skilled workers to make necessary and
and his wife, Juju Hu, both 27, can finally rest. The work seems to have
basic installations and improvements.
paid off, however, because when discussing their new home, the couple
However, recent years have witnessed a rising tendency of young urban
can’t hide their joy and excitement. “We engineered an elaborate CIY
Chinese homeowners to improve the property themselves. Just this March,
(create-it-yourself) and DIY (do-it-yourself) plan, following a specific
with its familiar bright orange signs and employee aprons, B&Q, the British
theme, before starting any work,” explains the husband. “When I say
home improvement giant, opened a new-generation flagship store in Shanghai,
theme, don’t get carried away. I don’t mean elaborate decorations and
its first such store in China since coming here ten years ago.
props. Think more in terms of simple colors, shapes and materials.”
Although a relatively small group now, some young Chinese couWei and Hu married earlier this year. With help from their parples, especially those with limited floor space, are trying to put more
ents, the newlyweds bought a 57-square-meter apartment in western
personality and individuality into their otherwise indistinguishable
Beijing. They decided on the spring season as their decoration theme.
homes. “One of the most exciting and daunting tasks a new homeTherefore, they chose light blue wallpaper, white flooring, and a sofa
owner faces is furnishing the new home,” Wei claims. “Actually, the act
set in light white tan, complemented by lemon yelof making the choices becomes a sacred moment
A peek into a room of Wei and Hu’s
low-colored stripes. For a centerpiece, they chose new home. Framed pictures are neatly
similar to a painter readying a canvas, and beginon the wall, complemented
a glass-topped wooden table with an unfinished arranged
ning work that reflects a particular personality
by colorful flowers. by Wei Yao
modern abstract design. “As you can understand
– that is the moment when a house begins transby now, we are putting together the colors of
forming into a home.”
spring with a hint of earthy and woody tones,”
Typically in their late-twenties and early-thirthe couple proudly illustrates.
ties, most young Chinese first-time homebuyers
But as they continue, their claims become
have some but not yet much disposable income,
even more impressive, “We furnished most of the
especially when the majority of their budgets
house by ourselves, except some installations we
have been exhausted on other move-in costs, long
were not really able to handle.”
before furniture comes into question. Thus, giving the home a much-needed unique personality
can only happen within the confines of a budget.
One of the starkest differences between
The current DIY home improvement trend
Western home improvement consumers and their
in China can sometimes be more aptly abbreviatChinese counterparts is the condition in which
ed CIY. Potential customers at furnishing stores
Chinese homeowners purchase homes. In China,
can consult an interior decorator while viewing
most homes are not much more than empty shells
potential results as three-dimensional images
of concrete upon purchase. The owners themof their virtual home on a computer screen.
selves must address issues of insulation, plumbThe decorator will hire contractors for the dirty
ing, tile, and paint, among others.
work, with the only requirement being that a
As The Guardian once reported, traditional
certain percentage of materials be purchased
culture in China does not fit with DIY home imthrough that store.
A Growing Trend
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
Tips courtesy of China Pictorial interviewees
for DIY and CIY beginners:
Tip 1: Get the measurements right.
Don’t begin by browsing through catalogs. Before considering
any of the thousands of available options, have your dimensions
ready so you will know which designs will fit in your bathroom and
which won’t.
With the help of their designer, the
new lemon-yellow self-built kitchen
becomes a reality. by Wei Yao
Tip 2:
Individual preference matters.
Usually, the decision will be made jointly by the couple, or (in
many cases) by the wife. Couples should browse through existing
designs together to get a feel for each others’ ideas. If respective
partners have drastically different taste, the couple must learn the
crucial marriage concept of compromise. It’s a mistake to begin any
improvements before ironing out differences, as the entire process
will surely be hindered by disagreements.
Choosing a piece to fit a new home
at B&Q, Beijing. by Branden Chen
After the hired workers make basic installations, the rest of the
work is left to the customer. Otherwise laborious work such as painting and wallpapering become the easy, and making decisions becomes
the hard part. Thousands of available paint hues and faux finishes can
make sorting through available options a daunting task, let alone keeping confidence in the ultimate decision. “We fight and quarrel throughout the process. But when we can finally look at our new stylish home,
transformed from previously nondescript walls, I feel all the trouble
was worthwhile,” beams the wife.
Asserting Individuality
After putting more personal energy into a small home than did
their fathers in houses double the size, these young adults exhibit attitudes and behavior stressing individuality, breaking from more traditionally plural cultural norms and philosophies of yesteryear. Prior
generations prided themselves more often on uniformity and conformity in their attitudes and consumption. Modern improvements in previously uniform mass production have led to increased uniqueness in
products around the world, and young modern Chinese people can be
seen as “in-the-know” by aligning with worldwide individuality trends.
Young Chinese already heavily express uniqueness in their clothing and hairstyle choices, and as more members of the new “individuality” generation grow old enough to buy a home, DIY home-improvement should see increased popularity. The younger Chinese generation
has already been flexing its economic biceps as consumer trends have
changed drastically from decades past, and the gradual maturity of the
generation will only bring more economic development in relatively
new industries.
Recent years have witnessed an expansion
of the British-based B&Q Home Improvement
warehouses in China. by Branden Chen
Many DIY fans find inspiration in home
furnishing retailers featuring affordable
simple modern style, such as IKEA. Typically, smaller homes are most suitable
for DIY and CIY. by Branden Chen
Tip 3:
Settle on a particular style, theme, or motif.
Settling on a preferred style can make decisions much easier.
For instance, for the “simple modern” look, a single visit to
IKEA can bring you extremely close to your goal.
Picking a table lamp. by Wei Yao
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Text by Yu Lili
Photographs by Tang Tao
W
hen the 2008 Beijing Olympics brought thousands of foreigners to the area, interest grew in other
nearby cities and attractions as well as Beijing. The 2010 Shanghai World Expo will bring similar
focus to the South, and Shanghai has its share of spectacular surrounding cities, such as those in Jiangsu
Province.
Potential visitors to the Shanghai Expo are already showing growing curiosity for cities in places like Jiangsu, and desire to know which specific locations are worth visiting. The cities of Nanjing, Changzhou, and Suzhou are already popular
destinations for many Chinese tourists, but foreigners may not yet be familiar with the breathtaking attractions these historically and culturally rich cities have to offer.
Nanjing: A peek through the ancient Ming-Dynasty
city wall reveals a new horizon of high-rises in Nanjing.
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Nanjing
As the provincial capital of Jiangsu, Nanjing shares traits with
typical southern China metropolises: long, narrow, well-kept, zigzagging streets, covered with trees and greenery, and decorated with
ancient poetry passed down for generations. The city is well-designed
and comfortable compared to other cities, contrasting the diverse and
sprawling Beijing, compact and vertical Shanghai, and small, delicate
Hangzhou.
Nanjing is a city of rich history, packed full of artifacts like ancient ruins and temples. The construction of the city wall behind the
Jiming Temple hearkens to descriptions of the Tang Dynasty (618-907)
by poet Wei Zhuang. Standing on the wall, one can see Zhongshan
(Bell Hill) to the east, Jiming Temple to the west, Jiuhua Pagoda to the
south, and Xuanwu Lake in the north.
Qinhuai River has been a notable romantic locale for millennia,
especially for gifted scholars and beautiful women. When night falls it
transforms into a bustling shopping district serenaded by melding melodies of traditional Chinese musical instruments and modern guitar.
As capital of China during the Republic of China (1912-1949),
Nanjing is particularly important to that era of Chinese history. Dr.
Sun Yat-sen has been resting in his mausoleum in Nanjing since 1929.
Builders placed the mausoleum facing south on a reclining mountain
slope, along with Linggu Temple to the east and Xiaoling Mausoleum
of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the west. Dr. Sun’s mausoleum
resembles a palace with three archways and a marble statue of Sun
gracing the main hall.
No Chinese will soon forget that Nanjing was the site for one of
the bitterest events in modern Chinese history, and visitors are frequently drawn to the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre. Built
underground in shades of gray and black, the memorial illustrates the
catastrophic invasion of the city within context of the history of the
Chinese nation. Its unique design arouses thrill and grave sobriety.
Scenes of the atrocities give visitors chills even in the hottest summer
days. The tour ends with large, bold Chinese characters meaning “For-
Nanjing: Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum.
Nanjing: Xiaoling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty.
givable Yet Unforgettable,” a profound motto inspiring positive human
progress in the wake of such a disaster.
Other notable Nanjing tourist attractions include the world’s
seventh-tallest building and Amity Press. Greenland Square Zifeng
Tower (or Purple Peak Mansion), 480 meters and 89 stories tall, is a
symbol of modern Nanjing. Amity Press, which specializes in supplying the world’s religious texts, is a publishing powerhouse. In addition
to millions of printings of Buddhist sutras, Amity has published over
50 million copies of The Bible, more than anywhere else in China.
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Nanjing: A night view of the Qinhuai River.
Changzhou
Sandwiched between Shanghai and Nanjing, Changzhou is a
relatively small city, less bustling than Shanghai and more serene than
Nanjing. “Our city may be small,” remarks a local official, “but our
lives are easy.”
Although it garnered the nickname, the “City of Dragons,” because it is home to the largest diPlate carving is still used
nosaur museum in China (40 hectto print such works as The
Bible and Buddhist sutras.
ares in area), Changzhou’s most
popular tourist attraction must be
Tianning Pagoda, which features
over 1,000 jade pagodas. The two
nine-dragon pillars at the southern
end of the pagoda are legendary.
Each one measures 20 meters tall,
3 meters in diameter, and weighs
200 tons. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the building,
which contains an exquisite ceiling
painting and a 15-ton bell, hanging over a golden vault, known as
the “tallest bell in China.”
Changzhou: The China Dinosaur Garden.
Nanjing, a juxtaposition of ancient and modern.
Nanjing: Amity Press is widely-accepted to be China’s
largest printer of The Bible.
Suzhou: A classical garden.
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Suzhou
Suzhou: The Shantang Street Reserve.
Suzhou’s position on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River
makes it typical of South China’s water-centric towns. In the Shantang
area, small bridges and houses adorn the flowing water and locals
enjoy a largely traditional way of life. Boats shuttle along water alleys
crowded by shops lined in neat rows, while locals use the river to wash
vegetables and clothes.
In 2008, Suzhou earned a place amongst the Urban Best Practices
Area of Expo 2010, a high honor given to notable individual world cities. The protection and preservation of the ancient town was deemed
particularly impressive as its chessboard arrangement is almost 1,000
years old, whisking visitors back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Suzhou is the only Chinese city to receive such an honor.
Although the scenery of Shantang is decidedly ancient and tranquil, the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) and its numerous high-rises,
shopping malls and industrial centers is a highly-modern development
that has earned Suzhou a new place on the world stage. Much of the
success of SIP can be attributed to a Sino-Singapore cooperation model, which brought a fresh side to ancient Suzhou, and provided a solid
blueprint for other historically-rich Chinese cities to continue modern
development while retaining their ancient charm.
Suzhou: Chongyuan Temple amidst the Suzhou Industrial Park.
Nanjing: The private garden of
Gan Xi (1797-1852), a famous
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) scholar.
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Beijing Happy Valley
to present its Fourth
Happy Halloween Carnival
Haunting Night—Frightening Fun
Haunted Tour: The X-Space, Castle of Living Dead, Haunted Jungle, Inferno and Fear Island are
visited by a variety of ghosts and devils on this Halloween night. Do you dare come in?
Escape of the Devils Ceremony: When darkness falls, the gates of hell open, and all manner of devils and monsters flood out…
Hades’ Kingdom: Desolate castles, mysterious tombs and Beijing’s largest haunted house guarantee
both terror and excitement.
Fairy Kingdom—Halloween Symphony
Fairy Kingdom: In the mysterious Fairy Kingdom, come meet performers dressed as bugs and
pumpkins.
Halloween Show: Come enjoy the exotic and colorful Hallow’s Eve performances.
Dark Music Party: Avant-garde music and video games are on show at this atmospheric party. In
addition, a dozen top Chinese bands, including Brain Failure and New Perfume, will be performing at
the Beijing Happy Valley.
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Happy Halloween Ticket Price:
CNY ¥60.00/person
(entry after 6:00 p.m.)
Scary Scream—Horrific Adventures
Awesome Adventures: Crystal Wings, Asia’s only flying roller coaster, Apollo Wheel, Asia’s largest
swinging hammer… These are not for the feint of heart. Get ready to scream!
Terrible Voices from the Underworld: What terrifying secrets are hidden underground? As the clashing of axes and hammers draws closer and the gusts of chilly wind blow stronger, await the unveiling of
mysteries…
Dreadful Catastrophe in Maya: A careless intrusion into the forbidden territories of the Mayans
invites punishment from the Gods. The earth will shake and a flood will strike…
Halloween Party—Trick or Treat
Halloween Masquerade Ball: Dress up like a devil and rock out to the wild, mysterious music.
Halloween Night Parade: An army of ghosts will attack tonight. Are you ready to fight back?
Halloween Fairy Parade: Pumpkin fairies, magic fairies, witches and clowns dance along the road,
and you are invited to join the grand parade.
Lord of Darkness Party: Dress up and join the night party of the Lord of Darkness. Who will be
the prince and princess of the ball?
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hour: Trick-or-treat games including bobbing for apples and blowing the
flour promise much hilarity.
Golden Mask Dynasty—Endless Excellence
After a hair-raising Halloween tour, come enjoy a soul-stirring visual feast at the Golden Mask Dynasty opera. Every afternoon at 5:30 p.m. at the OCT Great Theater, this creative masterpiece, inspired
by the ancient, mysterious Sanxingdui civilization, will present a moving romantic legend.
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Forever White
Text by Yin Xing
Photos courtesy of Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve Administration
Heaven Lake. by Lu Xiaolu
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ell-known as a summer resort, Changbai Mountain
boasts a fantastic crater lake, as well as a pristine
waterfall, alpine garden, virgin forest, and numerous
valleys and springs. It has quickly become a first-class,
year-round tourist destination, offering seasonal specialties such as
spring hiking, autumnal leaves and winter skiing.
Located in the southeastern part of Jilin Province, on the border
between China and North Korea, the Changbai Mountain Nature
Reserve covers a total area of 149,474 hectares. Baiyun Peak, at 2,691
meters above sea level, is its highest summit and the highest in northeast China. The name “Changbai” means “perpetually white” and
is perfectly apt to describe the mountain, covered in snow and white
pumice rock.
Changbai Mountain is actually a dormant volcano with a total
of 16 peaks exceeding 2,500 meters and an abundance of crater lakes
in various shapes. Located within the caldera atop the mountain is the
most famous of these, known as Heaven Lake. Heaven Lake is elliptical and covers 9.82 square kilometers with an average water depth of
204 meters, 373 meters at its deepest. In total it holds 2.04 billion cubic
meters of water, 60 percent of which comes from atmospheric precipitation while the remainder is made up of groundwater. Heaven Lake is
also the source of the Songhua, Tumen and Yalu rivers and acts as a
boundary lake between China and North Korea. It resembles a beautifully crafted piece of jade embedded in the Changbai Mountain range.
An old folk story goes that Heaven Lake was once a magical mirror in the heavens which could only ever tell the truth, much like the
mirror in the fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. At this time,
it is said that there were two sisters in the heavens who were both exceptionally beautiful and nobody could decide who was prettier. The
elder sister was so proud and conceited that she believed it must be
her, but she wanted definite proof. On the occasion of a special gathering, the magical mirror announced “the younger sister is the fairest in
the land,” and the elder sister, in a wild rage, threw the mirror down
to Earth, where it remains today. Adding to the legendary aura of the
lake, there are tales of a resident lake monster much like Loch Ness,
but despite several reported sightings it remains only an intriguing
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Changbai Mountain in autumn.
Yalu River Valley.
mystery.
Water flows north out of Heaven Lake, and near the outlet there
is a 68-meter waterfall, which is the highest and tallest crater-lake
waterfall in the world. Besides plentiful rivers and lakes, Changbai
Mountain Nature Reserve is also rich in natural springs, both hot and
cold. Hot springs include Changbai, Hubin, Jinjiang and Tiyun. Cold
springs in the area are Jinxian and Yujiang. Among these, the Changbai Spring is the largest, with more than 200 springs, whose water
temperatures range from 37 to 82 degree Celsius. At the high end, it is
possible to boil an egg, but perhaps due to the effects of certain chemical elements, the yolk miraculously boils before the egg white. These
chemical elements include calcium, potassium and radon, which can
assist in the cure of heart and vascular diseases, as well as diabetes and
arthritis, helping the Changbai springs become known as “magic waters.” Often wreathed in mist, the springs steam to produce a magical
world, especially in winter when they are surrounded by pristine snow.
Songhua River Valley of Changbai Mountain.
Water flows north out of Heaven Lake,
and near the outlet there is a 68-meter
waterfall. It is the highest crater-lake
waterfall in the world. by Lu Xiaolu
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Round Lake. After running three kilometers, the waters flowing from
Heaven Lake form a tranquil lake bordered by a birch forest to the
north. This green lake is referred to as Round Lake. by Lu Xiaolu
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Travel Tips:
Transportation
Take a train from Beijing to Antu City and then a bus to
Erdao Baihe, a town at the foot of Changbai Mountain. There
are also flights from Beijing Capital International Airport to
Changbai Mountain Airport.
Accommodation
A family hotel in Erdao Baihe Town costs about 100
yuan per night. A better hotel is about 200 yuan. A hotel room
within the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve charges about
400 yuan per night. In peak season, prices are much higher.
Food
Manchu and Korean foods as well as Changbai Mountain local produce such as mushrooms and ginseng come highly
recommended.
Changbai Mountain – a skiing paradise. by Sun Zhi
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve boasts rich spring
resources, both hot and cold. In the winter, snow compliments the springs steam to form a magical world.
Changbai Mountain in autumn.
Changbai Mountain Skiing Festival in June. by Sun Zhi
Also located nearby are mineral deposits formed over thousands of
years, which appear in different shades of red, yellow, blue and green,
like precious porcelain.
There are many valleys to explore in Changbai Mountain Nature
Reserve, among which the Changbai Valley and the Yalu River Valley are the most famous — both natural taphrogenic belts formed
when the volcano erupted. Changbai Valley is 300 meters at its widest
but spans only a few meters at its narrowest, with a total length of 60
kilometers and an average depth of 150 meters.
The Yalu River Valley extends 20 kilometers from
south to north with an average width of 200 meters and a depth of 170 meters. On the cliff face
grow ancient trees, moss and mushrooms.
Skiing has become a new tourist draw of
Changbai Mountain. By May every year, ice and
snow has melted in most parts of China, but the
snows of Changbai Mountain are still suitable for
skiing. Long winters in this temperate mountain
environment produce great volumes of high quality snow from mid October to mid June. It can
become as deep as four meters with an average of
about two. In December 2007, Changbai Mountain Natural Ski Park opened, and was the first
skiing park built with natural snow in China. It is
also the largest of its kind in Asia.
The forest coverage in Changbai Mountain
Nature Reserve is about 85 percent, covering five
vegetation zones and displaying vibrant ecosystems
and abundant plant resources. About 1,225 species of wild animals inhabit the reserve altogether.
Both the Korean and the Manchu ethnic groups of
China consider it the place of their ancestral origin,
and these peoples still inhabit the areas surrounding Changbai Mountain along with the Han. They maintain their own distinctive ethnic
traditions and customs, and live peacefully like a big family.
55
Valley of Graduation Cap.
Natural Wonders
of the Desert
Text and photographs by Chen Jian
Creative examination of the map of the People’s Republic of China can
reveal an eagle-shaped region, spanning much of the northern border of the
map. The area is the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, famous for attractive grasslands, ancient ruins, deserts, lakes, forests, and folklore.
A typical Yadan land formation.
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
The ravine.
Water from the Sacred
Wa te r C a ve i s b e lieved to cure infertility.
n the Mongolian language, Alxa literally means “wild steed.”
The name seems to fit nicely with Alxa’s unbridled natural geography. The Alxa area of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region stands at an average altitude of 1,400 meters. Nestled in the
westernmost tip of the Region, Alxa covers an area of 780,000 square
kilometers including three large deserts: Badain Jaran, Tengger, and
Ulan Buh.
A cradle of ancient civilization, Alxa has provided traces of humanity dating back to the Old Stone Age. The 6,000-year-old murals
on Mt. Mandela vividly depict the life and culture of the region’s forefathers. Although now in ruins, ancient Heicheng (Black City) was a
place of military importance during the Han (206B.C.-A.D.220), Tang
(618-907), and Yuan (1271-1368) Dynasties as well as an important
thoroughfare along the ancient Silk Road. Descriptions of ancient
Alxa can be found in the work of Wang Wei, a famous Tang-Dynasty
poet, as well as in stories related by Marco Polo.
Another name, Aolunbulage, means a “place of numerous
springs” in Mongolian. Located in the northeast of the Alxa Left
Banner, Aolunbulage is surrounded by Hetao Plains to the east, Ulan
Buh Desert to the south, Alxa Plains to the west, and the Yinshan
Mountain Range to the north. Spanning 4,789 square kilometers, diverse topography of Aolunbulage features deserts, marshes, lakes, hills,
plains, and pieces of the Gobi Desert. The Grand Dream Canyon,
well known in Western China, is located in Aolunbulage, 60 kilometers
from Bayannur City and some 300 kilometers from Bayan Hot.
The canyon extends five kilometers in length, including land formations known as Yadan and Danxia, created through millions of
years of wind erosion and geological movement.
Frequent powerful winds fueled by very dry weather have led wind
erosion to be extremely influential on the land formation in Alxa. Deposits from dried rivers and lakes, after weathering, intermittent washing, and erosion, are left as parallel mounds with grooves in the direction of the wind. Fissures and joints in the rocks grow with the beating
of sandstorms over the years, eventually becoming earthen pillars and
mounds. Some walls of the Grand Dream Canyon have been naturally
painted in endless maroon. A relatively brief 90 million years ago, this
area was scattered with sandy sediment, rigid and thick.
Tectonic plate movement in the Himalayan region some 23 million
years ago caused a sudden elevation change in the Alxa region. Intermittent lifts over the centuries continuously change the topography
dramatically, causing diverse geological formations such as cliffs, cubic
rocks, walls, pillars, steep ravines, stone alleys, and caves. The similarity with the canyon’s name and the immensely famous American landform is not just a coincidence. Many visitors call it the “Grand Canyon
of China;” and many artists find great inspiration in the location.
I
Decorated piles of stones.
A small Tibetan
Buddhist temple.
57
A Kingdom
of
Happiness
Text by Tan Xingyu
O
n a winter day in 1639, a single traveler, with a skinny
horse as his only companion, trekked across the rugged
mountains of southwestern China and eventually arrived
at a densely-populated town featuring rows of tile-roofed
residences, stone-paved roads, and numerous bustling markets. The
town is today’s Lijiang City on the plateau of Yunnan Province, but at
that time the intrepid traveler was astonished at what he had stumbled
upon, since he never expected such a thriving town so deep in the
middle of nowhere. Lijiang was actually a major distribution center
and transport hub along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and the Southwestern Silk Road, and played host to numerous trade caravans carry-
ing tea and other goods across snow-capped mountains to their destinations far away. The traveler, Xu Xiake, one of the most renowned
explorers in Chinese history, was utterly captivated and attempted to
record his discovery and research of Lijiang as best he could for the
benefit of future generations.
Xu was the first scholar to study Lijiang and the Ancient TeaHorse Road and some three centuries later, a group of experts have
gathered in Lijiang to start a new round of research into this extraordinary area. On August 3, 2009, the China Tea Culture Research Center (CTCRC) and the China Ancient Tea-Horse Road Research Center
(Preparatory Group), both under the jurisdiction of the Chinese LitThe front entrance to Chateau L’Act Hotel. by Yang Jie
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
erature and Art Society, were officially founded in Lijiang, and a grand
ceremony was held to celebrate the event. It was accompanied by an
academic seminar, at which experts exchanged their views on the study
and development of tea culture in China, and all participants showed
special interest in the Ancient Tea-Horse Road through Lijiang. According to the CTCRC general secretary, Yang Jie, the research center
is designed to inherit and develop Chinese tea culture by promoting
Sino-foreign exchange in tea culture and introducing it to more and
more foreign countries.
The seminar was held at Chateau L'Act Hotel near to the south
gate of the Ancient Town of Lijiang. Historical records reveal that
here lay the Fuguo Temple, the first place traveler Xu visited when he
arrived in Lijiang. But even when Xu laid eyes on it, the temple had
already been much ruined by the tides of time. The atrium of the hotel, which now stands on the spot, is named Xu Xiake Square to commemorate the noted traveler, and outside the hotel conference room
stands a stone statue of Xu Xiake, adding to the cultural ambience.
Chateau L'Act Hotel is imbued with a strong classical and luxurious atmosphere. Ms. Zhao Lianying, the hotel’s board chairperson,
says that with the investment of Yunnan Chateau L'Act Investment
Co., Ltd., it is designed to provide five-star accommodation integrating
holiday relaxation, business, sightseeing, entertainment and shopping.
The hotel covers two hectares and has 12 ancient-style buildings, with
a floor area of more than 10,000 square meters. It features a courtyard
design and a multi-layered landscape, combining exquisite bridges,
running streams and ancient trees with classical Chinese architectural
elements. All components of the complex, such as archways, screen
walls, courtyards and towers, demonstrate the traditional architectural
style of Lijiang. However, the interior decorations reflect diverse styles
other than Chinese, including Japanese, Korean and other such influences. Through the windows of the hotel’s presidential suite, one can
overlook the entire city and observe Yulong Snow Mountain in the
distance. Each detail of the hotel — design, interior decoration and
furniture — reflects its cultural aesthetics.
Surprisingly, the hotel’s board chairperson, Zhao Lianying, comes
from a rural family living amidst the remote mountains of Yunnan
Province, and received only seven years of formal education. Zhao told
me that she quit early due to poverty, and today’s success is attributed
to her tireless efforts over the years. She made herself an important
figure in her local real estate business 10 years ago. Then, in 2003, she
made her way to Lijiang, where she spent five years establishing the
five-star Chateau L'Act Hotel. “I didn’t get a good education,” she
says herself, “but I’m confident about my feelings for art. I designed
the hotel myself and I paid great attention to the implementation of
my design concepts during the course of its construction. Any mistake
and we would simply do it again, no matter how much it cost. I always
do my best once I decide to do something. That is my character.”
Roaming around the Xu Xiake Square, I lost myself watching
the clouds drifting in the sky and listening to the murmuring of the
stream. It seemed as if the hotel had existed together with the ancient
town of Lijiang for many years, but for the attendants in neat uniforms
who reminded me that I was firmly in the modern world. After one
day’s exhausting traveling around this beautiful ancient town, I believe
it must be a special thing to settle down for a pleasant sleep in this
comfortable and equally special hotel.
The founding ceremony of the China Tea Culture Research
Center is held at Chateau L’Act Hotel. From left, the fourth
person is Zhao Lianying, the hotel’s chairperson. by Feng Jin
Performances in celebration of the founding of the China Tea Culture Research Center are held at the hotel’s atrium. by Feng Jin
The first conference of the China Tea
Culture Research Center. by Feng Jin
59
Chateau L’Act Hotel features many incarnartions of
classical Chinese architecture. by Yang Zhensheng
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
A Tibetan-style luxury
suite. by Tang Xinhua
Chateau L’Act Hotel at
night. by Tang Xinhua
A statue of Xu Xiake. by Yang Jie
A zigzagging artificial
stream. by Tang Xinhua
61
A corner of Chateau L’Act Hotel. by Yang Jie
A guestroom in the traditional
Chinese style. by Tang Xinhua
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
Tips:
Transportation: Chateau L’Act Hotel is located near
the south gate of the Ancient Town of Lijiang, a World
Cultural Heritage site. It is about 25 minutes drive from
Lijiang Airport, from which tourists can take an airport
bus to the hotel. A taxi costs 80 yuan.
The lobby of Chateau L’Act Hotel. by Tang Xinhua
Catering Facilities: The hotel is equipped with diverse
catering facilities, including a Chinese-style restaurant, a
Western-style restaurant, a café, a teahouse, the Wine and
Cigar Bar and the Lobby Bar.
Additional information:
1. Guestrooms are available from 2:00 p.m. on the
day of arrival, and the checkout time is before 12:00 p.m.
on the day of departure. If the guest checks out between
noon and 6:00 p.m., the hotel will charge an extra 50% of
the daily room rate; and in case of late checkout after 6:00
p.m., the hotel will charge an extra 100% of the daily room
rate. Reservations will be kept valid until 6:00 p.m., unless
the guest can specially guarantee a booking, or requests
an extension in advance.
2. Credit cards accepted in the hotel include: American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners, JCB, and UnionPay.
Address: 198 Guyou Lane, South Gate of the Ancient
Town of Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China
Tel: +86-888-5337777
Fax: +86-888-5337666
Website: www.clhotellj.com
63
Sayram, lying along the Silk Road, west of the Tianshan Mountains, is the largest highest-altitude alpine
lake in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The lake is fed from the snow melting on mountain caps in the distance. As the sun rises, clusters of clouds cast silhouettes on the mountains.
m
a
r
y
Sa
Hidden
Mountain Jewel
Text and photographs by Sun Qijiang and Zheng Xin
64
OCTOBER · 2OO9
In ancient times, the beautiful landscapes of
Sayram stunned visiting scholars and poets, inspiring considerable classical poetry and prose.
Peacefully nestled high in the mountains of the Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang rests Sayram, the largest,
most scenic alpine lake in the region. Historically known by such
names as “Milky Sea” and “Heavenly Pond,” Sayram claims a surface
area of 458 square kilometers at an altitude of 2,073 meters, with an
estimated water volume of 21 billion cubic meters, its deepest point
reaching 92 meters below the surface. In addition to being China’s
largest high-altitude farm for freshwater fish, Sayram was designated
as a national scenic resort by the State Council in 2004.
After departing from Wenquan County seat, a car taking us to
the lake weaved through mountain peaks for nearly two hours before
arriving at the northern entrance to Sayram. We left the car parked
below a giant telecom tower resting atop a peak, swaying in the strong
wind, and preceded to climb the rest of the summit towards Sayram by
foot.
Heavy cloud deposits brought poor visibility causing our initial
wide shots to be less than ideal. We countered by circling the lake
along its 90-km path for closer shots. At 4 p.m. we headed back to the
Mongolian tents provided by Bortala Hotel at the east gate, where we
rushed a meal and a nap before resuming photography at 8 p.m. We
resumed circumnavigating the lake, but after only 10 kilometers, snow
began falling, quickly turning the landscape silver. Sayram’s water
turned dark and surged like ocean waves, beating the modest banks of
the lake.
We were consumed by disappointment due to our inability to capture enough satisfactory photos, but a 10 p.m. visit from Ren Chunsheng, head of the Tourism Administration of the Bortala Mongolian
Autonomous Prefecture, eased the pain. Ren drove from Bole City,
some 90 kilometers away, to meet us for dinner and share the legend
surrounding the naming of Sayram.
In January 2004, China’s State Council designated 1,300 square kilometers as the Sayram Lake Scenic Resort, including the lake, meadow,
forest, mountains and their local wildlife. The resort’s feature attraction,
Sayram Lake, sits 2,073 meters above sea level, with a surface area of
458 square kilometers, and a maximum depth of 92 meters.
65
A pastoral scene.
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
In ancient times, Sailimu began as a small, pristine mountain
spring, surrounded by weeds and a desolate shoal. Herders in the area
treasured the source of water, especially when the area was struck by a
harsh drought, causing all the crops to dry up. Each day the regional
people would rise before dawn to pray for the arrival of rain, but with
little success.
One morning during the drought, a shepherdess named Saili and
her brother, Saimu, came to the spring for water. Upon seeing the
desperation in the hearts of their fellow herders, the pair vowed to do
everything in their power to help the people overcome the disaster.
Suddenly, images of two white swans appeared as reflections in the
water, beating their wings while prophesying, “Go home, shepherdess.
Your sincerity has moved God, so in two days time your people will
be blessed with limitless spring water. However, in exchange for this
gift tomorrow morning He requires the sacrifice of a virgin male and
female.”
Saili and Saimu carried the water home and related the fantastic
tale to their father, Saibake, who was fittingly concerned. The next
morning, the pair returned to the spring for water and proclaimed,
“God, we are willing to give ourselves to provide a happy life for our
fellow villagers.” In an instant, the small spring transformed into a giant blue lake, swallowing them up.
When the children did not return, Saibake searched tirelessly
without success. Tears consumed his eyes so much that he eventually
67
became blind. Soon after, two islets emerged in the lake, which, according to legend, are believed by locals to be incarnations of Saili and
Saimu.
Having been deeply moved by the string of events, the Goddess
of Heaven proceeded to take off a hairpin and point it at the lakeside,
creating flowers and grass all around the lake, thus completing the
beautiful mountain scene we have today. Local herders named the lake
Sailimu (its traditional name) in honor of the brave shepherds Saili
and Saimu.
We awoke the following morning to a scene of astonishing beauty.
Beneath the azure blue sky, a green grass carpet adorned with blossoming flowers perfectly decorated the pristine water, with varying
shades of color at varying depths. Framing the image were distant
snow-capped peaks and thick green forests. Combined with the lakeside meadows, orderly arranged idyllic tents on mountain slopes and
roaming flocks of cattle and sheep gave the environment an almost
euphoric aura.
Although our short 30-hour visit to Sayram Lake was largely
dominated by extreme weather conditions of wind, snow, and chill, the
ultimate serenity allowed us to capture the most enchanting images to
grace our lenses.
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
Sayram is a paradise for birds, frequently attracting
a variety of ducks, cranes, and other water fowl.
69
K A L E I D O S C O P E
Zongzi, or glutinous rice dumplings, traditional food for the
Dragon Boat Festival. CFP
Traditional
Festivals
On the Recovery
Text by Jing Xiaolei
A
t the subway exit, Liu was holding a bunch of deep red
roses in his arms as crowds of passengers walked out of
the station into the dwindling light of the sunset. It was a
beautiful setting for such a romantic day: the Qixi Festival,
or as many Chinese people often call it, Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Falling on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year,
the Qixi Festival is said to commemorate the legendary lovers — Niulang, the Cowboy, and Zhinu, the Fairy Seamstress — who are said to
meet on a Bridge of Magpies amid the stars of the Milky Way.
Half an hour passed and Liu’s sweetheart still did not show up.
But Liu, who is in his thirties and works at a state-owned company in
Beijing, seems to be a man of great patience. He became curious about
dozens of boys and girls nearby dressed in ancient Chinese costume.
Having struck up a conversation with one of them, Liu discovered that
they were fans of Hanfu (the clothes which were historically worn by
the Han people).
“We Hanfu fans are gathering to commemorate the traditional
Qixi Festival, hoping to make more Chinese citizens aware of some
of our ancient customs,” said a girl dressed in a green gown which she
claimed dated back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Not long after, Liu’s girlfriend appeared among the romance-seeking crowds. “Qixi is a special day for lovers to express their feelings for
one another,” believes Liu. “In this sense, it’s not dissimilar to Western
Valentine’s Day.”
Traditional Festivals Never Fade
Liu noted that it was not until recent years that he began to pay
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
attention to the traditional Qixi Festival, saying: “We seem to make a
big thing out of the Western Valentine’s Day, but why do we neglect
our own festivals?” He now gets the best of both worlds, celebrating
the lover’s days of both Chinese and Western cultural traditions.
After China introduced the reform and opening-up policy some
30 years ago, and began increasingly to embrace the outside world,
Western culture poured in like floodwaters. Many Chinese became fans
and followers of Western culture and seemed to pay less attention to
the traditional home-grown festivals with which they had been raised.
But things began to change in recent years as more people questioned
the sudden shift to imported cultures.
“We Chinese should have more confidence in our own culture,
which I think deserves the same attention as its Western counterpart,”
said one of the Hanfu gathering participants. They had walked to the
opposite side of Beijing’s Houhai Lake, where they mimicked an ancient ceremony to cherish the moon. During one part of the ceremony,
when they bowed to the moon in worship holding the lanterns in their
hands, the leader of the group began explaining the origins of the
festival to onlookers, and what the ancient Chinese used to do on this
particular day. After the worshipping ceremony, girls had a small competition to thread needles, once a must-learn skill in times gone by.
China has many traditional festivals throughout the year besides
A mother makes wonton, a kind of dumplings that
are popular in some parts of South China, and a food
especially eaten on New Year’s Eve. by Jing Xiaolei
the Qixi Festival. There is the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated on the
fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and featuring exciting dragon boat races. A special treat during this celebration
is zongzi, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling. It is eaten to commemorate the ancient patriotic poet, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the
Miluo River to protest government corruption. Later, local fishermen
scattered rice across the water in an attempt to appease the fish, so as
to preserve the body of Qu Yuan, as well as the memory of his heroic
deeds.
Other important traditional festivals include the Mid-Autumn
Day and the Spring Festival. Mid-Autumn Day is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, around the time of the autumn
equinox. Traditionally, Chinese family members and friends would
gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon
cakes and other food together.
The Spring Festival is probably the most important festival for
Chinese people and an occasion when all family members get together.
It traditionally begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this end day is called the Lantern
Festival. Chinese New Year’s Eve is known as ChúxU. It literally means
“Year-pass Eve.” Over a period of thousands of years, these festivals
have survived the test of time and are carried down through generation
after generation.
Joint Efforts Are Made
In 2007, ten scholars from the prestigious Peking and Tsinghua
Universities made a joint declaration calling for Chinese people to boycott Christmas Day, believing the Chinese craze for Western festivals
reflected the absence of China’s own cultural roots, which needed to
be restored before it was too late. Though the Christmas-boycott news
proved to be radical and controversial, the spotlight was successfully
directed to the issue of restoring China’s seemingly-fading traditions.
It is through the process of China’s reform and opening that the
minds of Chinese people are also widened and deepened. Traditions,
as many agree, develop gradually over centuries and keep on developing. They are a spiritual and cultural dynamic growing out of the
endeavors, sacrifices, experiences and trials of a people who possess an
inborn sense of their ancestry, religion, social customs, language, literature, etc. It is these traditions that make different groups of people
unique and indispensable to the whole tapestry of human civilization.
Thus experts are zealously appealing for more attention to be paid
to traditional Chinese values. The media is repeatedly calling for everybody to be more aware of the precious old-fashioned customs that we
tend to neglect. The government is also paying more attention to the
protection and improvement of historical heritages.
On May 20, 2006, the Dragon Boat Festival was listed as one of
China’s first state-level Intangible Cultural Heritages. In 2007, the Dragon Boat Festival, along with Tomb-Sweeping Day and the Mid-Autumn
Festival, was added to the list of Chinese public holidays, a measure designed to preserve and protect traditional culture for future generations.
In this context, it is encouraging to see people like Liu begin to
celebrate the Qixi Festival and come to the conclusion that traditions are not merely something outdated and useless. Hanfu fan clubs
are emerging in more cities other than metropolises like Beijing and
Shanghai. For every of the Hanfu fans activities, they deliver handmade pamphlets to the citizens to let more of them know about
Girls of a Hanfu club in Beijing participate in a small competition to thread the needle as part of activities to celebrate the
traditional Qixi Festival alongside Houhai Lake. by Jing Xiaolei
Citizens in Yichun City of Jiangxi Province fly lanterns to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. CFP
China’s precious cultural heritage. As the leader of the Beijing Hanfu
Club said, “We don’t just sit there to observe our traditions. We try to
pass them on at the same time.”
Commercial motivations can never be ignored. With the introduction of Western festivals like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, credit
should be given to the businessmen who promoted such occasions in
order to make a profit, and the same can be said for the increasing
popularity of traditional Chinese festivals. Unlike fans of Hanfu, most
young people like Liu celebrate both Western and domestic festivals.
“For us, culture is just a small part of what a festival is,” he reveals. “The
fact that I am not a Christian doesn’t prevent me from celebrating
Christmas. In this busy life, it is just important to be able to find any
excuse to relax and have fun.”
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, celebrates the Lantern Festival, which
falls on the 15th day of the first
month in the Chinese calendar. CFP
August 24, 2009: A flower shop
prepares for the coming Qixi Festival - Chinese Valentine’s Day - in
Xuchang City, Henan Province. CFP
71
T
H
E
A
R
T
S
Performers from diverse Asian countries present
audiences with a feast of arts at the opening
ceremony party for the 11th Asia Arts Festival.
Art
Amongst the Grass
Text and photographs by Liu Haile
I
n August, the Inner Mongolian grassland, the ancient homeland
of Genghis Khan, looks at its most resplendent, and welcomes
countless visitors who come to admire its breathtaking beauty.
From August 18 to 26 this year, numerous ambassadors, culture
ministers, artists and tourists from various Asian countries gathered in
Ordos, a rising city in the western part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to witness the 11th Asia Arts Festival, which celebrated
the theme: “Auspicious Prairie, Blissful Asia.”
A Pageant of Arts
A banner guard at the Ordos Nadam Fair.
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
On the night of August 18, the opening ceremony party for the
11th Asia Arts Festival was staged at Dongsheng Theatrical Square
in Ordos, and produced quite the spectacle. According to Yang
Dongsheng, director-in-chief of the festival, this year’s party aimed to
exemplify the “glamour of Asia, the majesty of China and the special
characteristics of Inner Mongolia.” It consisted of six parts in all, concentrating performances by 300 artists from all over Asia.
The opening ceremony was supposed to start at 8:30 p.m., but
was delayed by an hour due to unexpected rain. Despite this, the outdoor theater, which can accommodate 60,000 people, was still filled to
capacity. Urtiin Duu (Mongolian long-tune folk songs), Korean drum
dances, Pakistani classical dances… Within the 90-minute theatrical
performance, nearly 300 performers in total from 19 art troupes presented an artistic feast that displayed the unique folk arts of a variety
of nations across the Asian continent.
The following night, a parade along the streets around Tiexi Park
in Dongsheng District attracted even more eager crowds. After dinner,
Baritu, together with his wife and daughter, came to the park expecting
to find somewhere with a good view, but both sides of the street were
already overflowing with people. He could see enough to be filled with
excitement as performers in national clothes from Asian countries including D.P.R.K., Vietnam, India, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, and Sri
Lanka filed past him. “I had only ever watched foreign performances
on television before, but it is even better in real life,” Baritu added.
According to the organizers, street performances would also take
place in other Inner Mongolian cities such as Baotou, Hohhot and
Archery performance at the Ordos Nadam Fair.
Horse riders at the Ordos Nadam Fair.
73
T
H
E
A
R
T
S
Wuhai, so that more people would have the chance to enjoy the spectacle of ethnic arts. Upon completion of the festival, the outstanding
performers of the Ordos Ulan Muqir Troupe and those from Inner
Mongolia would also be touring other Asian countries.
A Gathering of Cultures
This is the first time that the Asia Arts Festival has been held, not
only in the western regions of China, but also in any Chinese region
mainly inhabited by ethnic minorities. The 11th Asia Arts Festival
therefore emphasized the various minority cultures in China, especially
that of the Mongolians.
Ordos boasts some of the best-preserved traditional Mongolian
culture. The Nadam Fair, which is typically held in July or August, is
the oldest sport and cultural gala in Inner Mongolia and the Ordos’
own Nadam Fair became another important event during the 11th
Asia Arts Festival, beginning on August 19 at the Genghis Khan Tomb
Tourist Resort.
Chris Lowery, an American who had been living in Ordos for only
one month, was amazed at the wonderful exhibition of traditional
Mongolian sports, such as archery, wrestling and stunt horse riding.
“I rarely have a chance to enjoy such cultural variety in America,” he
says. “The local culture [of Inner Mongolia] can be quite simple, but it
is also colorful and full of vigor.”
The Exhibition of Chinese Minorities Intangible Heritages, held
in the Ordos Culture and Art Center, is also a major event of the 11th
Asia Arts Festival. On display are traditional costumes, handicrafts,
folk arts, festivals and folklores of 55 ethnic minorities in China.
“Against the backdrop of globalization, it is essential for China to
Performers from diverse Asian countries present
audiences with a feast of arts at the opening
ceremony party for the 11th Asia Arts Festival.
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OCTOBER · 2OO9
inherit and protect the ancient cultures of its ethnic minorities, and
set a good example,” comments Erden Batu, a member of the cultural
delegation of Mongolia.
From August 17 to 26, One World One Home — The 4th Exhibition of Artworks from Foreign Embassies in China — was held in the
Ordos Bronzeware Museum. The exhibition featured more than 350
art items donated by 48 foreign embassies in China, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and handicrafts. Chinese Vice Minister
of Culture Zhao Shaohua addressed the opening ceremony, praising
the exhibition as a “feast of arts and a demonstration of friendship between nations around the world, which will deepen our understanding
of foreign cultures. It not only enriches people’s cultural life, but also
promotes Sino-foreign cultural exchange.”
The introduction of the Asia Cultural Ministerial Round-Table
Meeting also made this year’s arts festival stand out from previous ones. On the morning of August 19, hospitable Mongolian girls
presented hadas (long silk scarves used as greeting gifts) to cultural
ministers from 17 Asian countries, including China, Japan, Mongolia,
Singapore and D.P.R.K., in front of the meeting room. At the meeting
itself, the ministers exchanged their views on how to face the opportunities and challenges of the current global financial crisis, and signed
the Ordos Proposal that aims to promote the cultural development of
Asian countries.
As the earliest international art gala sponsored by the People’s
Republic of China, the Asia Arts Festival has been held 11 times since
it was first held in Beijing in 1998. To date, the gala has become a renowned international festival in Asia and an important platform for
exhibiting the arts and cultures of Asian countries.
Tree of Life, a Mexican sculpture
displayed at One World One Home
— The 4th Exhibition of Artworks
from Foreign Embassies in China.
Bulgarian dolls and a wooden cask
displayed at One World One Home.
An Oroqen old woman sews gowns with roe skin at the
Exhibition of Chinese Minorities Intangible Heritages.
A Mongolian man demonstrates how to
make harnesses at the Exhibition of Chinese Minorities Intangible Heritages.
Japanese handicrafts displayed at One World One Home.
Singers perform Mongolian long-tune folk songs at the
Exhibition of Chinese Minorities Intangible Heritages.
August 19, 2009: The Exhibition of Chinese Minorities Intangible Heritages is unveiled in the Ordos Culture and Art Center.
Pictured are garments and adornments of ethnic minorities.
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A discussion between high school students and painter Ma Baozhong on
his work The Flower Blossoms and Wilts.
Text by Wang Yugeng
Photos Courtesy of Wang Yugeng
I
nk paintings, blue and white porcelain dogs, and Chinese hieroglyphic characters at war with each other are only some of the
pieces on display at “Speak & Describe,” the 2009 Cross-Straits
Contemporary Art Exhibition. The Chinese art exhibition has
been thrilling visitors to the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC)
in Beijing since July 23 of this year.
During China’s rapid development in recent decades, Chinese contemporary art gradually emerged as a new and unique form, quite different from familiar forms of classical and modern art. In terms of artistic
expression, the genre places less emphasis on realism and more focus on
the artist’s individual personality. The relatively new form has already
developed several sub-genres due to its close relationship with varied
Western art forms such as cubism, futurism, surrealism, abstract art,
pop art, and hyperrealism. As an avant-garde form quite contrasting to
widely-known traditional Chinese art, there is still doubt as to whether it
has yet been accepted or understood by the majority of Chinese people.
Plans for the exhibition started back in October 2008, when the
curator of the NAMOC met with the curator of the Taichung-based
Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts to plan a joint exhibition of Chinese
contemporary art, ultimately producing “Speak & Describe” from the
collaboration. In June 2009, the exhibition first opened in Taichung,
where it attracted big audiences and critical acclaim for its widely-
76
OCTOBER · 2OO9
varying pieces.
The work The Gate of Festivity is notable for its heavy traditional
elements, while The Flower Blossoms and Wilts depicts historical
events, highlighting social transitions in China. Two different featured
works, Vagus and Travel in City, both examine past childhood bliss
contrasted with the confusion of maturity in the modern era. Xu
Hong, a researcher at NAMOC and co-planner of the exhibition
claims that despite slight variances in characteristics of works from
the respective sides of the Straits, both share a common cultural
background, full of vitality to this day. No barrier can stop audiences
on either side from understanding and appreciating each other.
Unlike most art exhibitions, Speak & Describe features some
pieces that not only encourage audience interaction, but
require it. Some Day is an exhibit featuring digital cell
phone photography coupled with Internet transmission.
Visitors read the instructions when approaching the
work and the fun begins. A participant takes away a printed copy of
a previous participant’s picture,
and digitally transmits a picture
from their own phone to be printed
and fill the empty slot in the piece.
The art work will change hundreds of
times over a few days.
Pictures of amusing moments frozen in time contrast with
images of trivial matters of daily life within the larger frame of the big
picture, and when constantly changing, the theme of the work is poignant and clear. It is not only a work of art, but a platform for communication. Although it easily attracts throngs of younger visitors,
the exhibit inspires enough curiosity in some of the older generations
to get them to send a personal photo to the artist. Visitors are happy
when their pictures are selected by the artist, but even happier to see
their images taken away by another person.
Vagus-Ⅱ , an art work by Lu Ming-Te.
Ink Space, an art work by Liu Ming.
The exhibition also seeks to highlight the close relationship between contemporary art and daily life. In keeping with the dynamic
nature of the event, NAMOC arranged a forum between a group of
high school students and painter Ma Baozhong. Students engaged Ma
in a two-way discussion about his painting The Flower Blossoms and
Wilts. After all the students’ questions for the artist were exhausted,
they themselves were asked to paint their own interpretations of Ma’s
theme under the title Growing-Up Diary – Workshop on the Journey of
Self-Discovery. A particularly musically-inclined student produced a
warmly-received depiction of his growing-up experience with vividly
dancing notes and instruments.
Even local communities participated in the event, adding unprecedented freshness to the exhibition. More than 60 locals from 24
households living in the Jingshan area near NAMOC were invited to
participate in the creation of Building Up Your Beautiful Homeland.
Each participant was asked to create an interpretation of the paintings Moving Scenery by mainland painter Xu Xiaoyan and Lushan
Mountain by Taiwan painter Hung Tien-Yu. The residents’ neighborhood, Huangchenggen, was chosen as the subject, so the participants
were asked to bring old and recent photos, paintings, and written
manuscripts relating to Huangchenggen. The collected materials were
posted at various points along a five-meter-long wall mural featuring
an image of the area. Using map coordinates, each piece was placed at
the precise location where it was created. This method proved to be a
riveting way for the development of Huangchenggen to be recorded by
its residents. The unique historic story-telling earned considerable support from the audience.
When discussing the development of Chinese contemporary art,
Xu Hong is optimistic. “Contemporary art is closely aligned with the
everyday lives of the people,” she insists. “This exhibition proves that
contemporary art can be accepted by mainstream audiences. We will
work to continue strengthening the bond between the art and the audience.”
Vigorous and Lithe, a sculpture by Liu Po-Chun.
Blue and White Dog, a sculpture by Hung Yi.
77
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Final assembly.
Floating
Through
History
Varnishing a nearly-completed boat.
W
ith roots several thousand years old, Hubei Province’s
historically rich custom of building hand-carved wooden miniature model ships is quite traditional, but certainly not dull, as its popularity continues to this day.
A 1973 excavation of an ancient tomb in Phoenix Mountain in
Jiangling County of Hubei unearthed hand-carved wooden boats dating back to Western Han (206 B.C.-A.D. 25) and Eastern Han (25-220)
dynasties. The crafts grew in popularity over the centuries, achieving
nationwide adoration by the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Historical records of the era reveal the brilliance of craftsman Zhang Zhongyan,
remarking, “The length of his boats is only a little more than one inch,
which overwhelms all other craftsmen.”
The ideal materials to carve such sailboats are cedar, boxwood,
and rosewood because of the excessive precision used in carving them.
Artists follow the Hubei form, which uses relief, hollowed-out patterns,
and other complicated techniques in creating tiny pieces that can be
assembled and disassembled easily. Due to the elegant craftsmanship
and rich historical tradition, Hubei wood boat carving is now listed as
one of China’s national intangible cultural heritages.
Dragon Boats to Order
On a sunny afternoon in the autumn cool, an ideal time to visit a
friend, we dropped into the home of 71-year-old Long Congfa in Hanyang District, Wuhan. Long is considered a national master of woodcarved boats. Boat Racing in the Dragon Boat Festival, a work he cocreated with his late father, is housed in the Hubei section of the Great
Hall of the People in Beijing.
Long’s two-bedroom home is packed with plentiful wood-carved
art. Even the intercom and entry buzzer are laid beneath a delicate
wood cover. One wall is decorated with hollowed-out patterned wood,
even with spaces for power switches placed artfully. A wooden chair in
the living room featuring exquisite patterns bears the mark of the master. “These are all my works,” Long muses. “I am an old carpenter and
I make everything myself.”
But the old carpenter is anything but ordinary. As one of only
365 people designated as national masters of arts and crafts in China,
78
OCTOBER · 2OO9
Text by Guan Jing
Photographs by Zhou Chao
Long is regarded as a national treasure.
As a native of Yichang in Hubei Province, Long has been immersed in the art of wood-carved boats his entire life as it has been
passed down by his family. His father, Long Yunhua, was considered
one of the best wood boat craftsmen in Wuhan during the Republic of
China period (1912-1949), and in 1956 he was designated as a Hubei
Folk Artist by the provincial government.
As the only son in the family, Long Congfa bears responsibility for
passing the craft and its secrets down to future generations as he learned
them from his father. At age eight, he began working alongside his father. “My childhood toys were tools —
odd and eccentric — from my father’s
work box,” Long recalls. Remarkably,
his father was both hearing and speechimpaired, so he had to use gestures to
deliver the messages. To give feedback
when the son completed a good piece,
his father gave a simple “thumbs up.” To
punish bad behavior or in response to
poor work, his father would gently knock
on his head with bent fingers. “My old
man was strict with me,” he remembers.
In 1959, Long accompanied his fa- Various tools for carving boats.
ther on a trip from Yichang to Wuhan
with a primary purpose of making a
piece for the Hubei Hall of the Great
Hall of the People, under consignment
of the Hubei Provincial Government.
Boat Racing in the Dragon Boat Festival
was the senior Long’s final work, and it
is still kept as a national treasure in the
Great Hall of the People. “The work is
gorgeous, but I pity the fact that I never
saw it again after my father and I finA small saw made by Long
ished the job and delivered the piece,” with thin wires. The saw is used
to craft boats’ roofing eaves.
Long laments. Although he has visited
Beijing several times over the decades, and visited the Great Hall of
the People, Long hasn’t seen the work since.
An Old Carpenter
His father died soon after delivering the piece to the Great Hall
of the People, and Long went to work at a crafts factory. In the mid1970s, disaster struck when he was transferred to a fireworks factory.
“I am only good at carving wooden boats. Fireworks? You’re kidding
me!” he sighs. Over the years, Long grew anxious, fearing he would
never be able to carve boats again. In 1979, Long resigned from the
factory and requested to be transferred back to the crafts factory as an
ordinary employee.
After returning to the craft-carving factory as he wished, Long
was soon appointed head of design. Since then, his career has been
on a steady rise. The following year, he created a pair of “Dragon and
Phoenix” boats, which were later purchased at an impressive price by
an American collector. “They are made of rosewood, and on the back
of the dragon and phoenix is Yellow Crane Tower, the architectural
symbol of Hubei,” he describes vividly. “I spent nearly six months
working on that great piece.”
A crucial element of the Hubei style of wood-carved boats is that
each work represent an existing historical vessel. As routine before he
begins any new work, Long researches a particular boat extensively, digging into history to study original shapes, building techniques of the era,
equipment, and even local customs and traditions. In 2005, to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Chinese Ming Dynasty explorer Zheng
He’s groundbreaking sea voyages, Long planned
a replica of the adventurer’s treasure boat. However, studying historical records to get a feel for the
structure and details of the boat took him several
months. To meet his deadline, he had to work tirelessly for days on end. After painstaking efforts
and countless sleepless nights, Long’s Zheng He’s
Treasure Boat was finally completed and publicly
displayed. Featuring a magnificent bow, grand hull
decorated with dragons and phoenixes, and towering masts, the carving vividly portrays the expedition six centuries ago. While admiring Long’s work,
images of the great navigator leading his massive
fleets as far as Africa come to mind. “Sometimes, I
feel like I am riding on ancient boats and shuttling
between the ages,” Long beams.
Hubei wood-carved boats require particular
emphasis on raw materials to carve such an intricate replica. For example, boxwood trees grow
extremely slowly, typically only a millimeter in
width for each annual ring. In a dry year, a tree
not only stops growing, but even shrinks or dies. Boxwood trees must
grow 30 to 40 years before they can be used for Hubei carved boats.
Once cut, the wood must be dried naturally for an additional 10 years
before carving can begin. “It is not simple at all to make a gorgeous
piece. It requires skills, patience, and perseverance,” insists the master.
Fair, now known as the China Import and Export Fair,” Long explains,
“our wood-carved boats are quite warmly embraced by foreign buyers.”
Although Long’s works have been deemed quite valuable by collectors for decades, some concerns still weigh heavily on him. As it has
historically been passed down from generation to generation, the timehonored craft could now face extinction with few possible mastercaliber successors.
During the past decade, Long trained nearly 60 students, including his own son and daughter. However, none of them perfected the
ancient craft well enough to enjoy substantial financial gains in today’s
world. “Times have changed. Young people don’t want to waste time
on something they think can’t bring in money,” he laments. “I feel
ashamed that such a rich art that embodies the wisdom and efforts
of my family for generations could possibly die out in my own hands.
How can the craft acquire new development if my own children are
not willing to learn?” When confronted with such harsh realities of the
modern era, Long doesn’t sugar-coat his concerns.
Although the craft factory where Long worked for years closed
in the 1990s, he hasn’t given up carving to this day. Although a recent
100,000 yuan grant donated by the Qikou District of Wuhan provided
him with a new studio to continue his work, much of the old carpenter’s present concentration is focused on finding a successor. “If I am
lucky enough to find the right ones, I will happily teach my students
everything I know.”
It takes more than two months to carve such a
boat. The elegant pieces sell for 20,000 yuan each.
Carving patterns.
Passing Down the Craft
In the 1980s, Hubei carved boats began gaining notable popularity
in overseas markets. “At many trade fairs including the renowned Canton
79
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Gloria Hotels & Resorts’
“2009 Roadshow”
Approximately 165 corporate clients, tour operators,
MICE organizers and media personnel participated
in Gloria Hotels & Resorts’ “2009 Beijing Roadshow”
which was being held in picturesque Dragon Spring
Hotel Beijing. The objective of this roadshow, which
is known as also a Thank You Party, is aiming at expressing appreciation and recognizing the supports of
clients, showcasing its 16 properties, updating its new
products and services as well as optimizing the relationship with the clients. Every client has enjoyed the
special performances paraded to them with attractive
giveaways received from the hotels. The entire Thank
You Party had finally closed its curtain after a short
tour conducted to Jietai Temple on the following weekends’ morning.
New Happy Hour @ the Swiss Deli
The Swiss Deli is located in the first floor of Swissotel
Beijing, Hong Kong Macao Center, it offers an extensive range of cakes, bakery items, freshly prepared
sandwiches; stop, pick up your choice and take your
favorite coffee to go.
Treat yourself form Monday to Sunday, and special
discount on our fresh pastries and bakery items.
16:00-17:00 20% off
17:00-18:00 30% off
18:00-21:00 50% off
Still hesitating? It is such a
good choice whether you invite your friends or business
partners to enjoy the happy
hour at Swiss Deli.
Hurun Report
Names Shangri-La's Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing
Winner of Top Awards
Bradford H. Rice Appointed
General Manager of Intercontinental Beijing
Financial Street
The Hurun Presidential Awards has been granted to
Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing in the categories
of Top Presidential Suite, Top Executive Suite, Top Executive Club Lounge and Beijing’s Best Swimming Pool.
The award presentation ceremony was held on 21 August
2009 at MOMA, where Mr. Johnson Wong, general manager of the hotel, and Ms Sor Hoon Lim, director of sales
and marketing, proudly received the award trophies and
certificate. The elite of the Beijing luxury hotel industry
as well as some of China’s richest entrepreneurs attended
the event.
25th August 2009 Beijing, Bradford H. Rice is
appointed General Manager of InterContinental
Beijing Financial Street with effect from 19th August 2009. With this appointment, Bradford will
overlook the operations including rooms, sales &
marketing, food & beverage, human resources of
the hotel and is responsible for the hotel’s overall
financial performance.
Bradford joined IHG (InterContinental Hotels
Group) in 2004 as the director of Front Office of
InterContinental Hong Kong. His
recent role prior to this appointment was resident manager of
InterContinental Beijing Financial
Street. Bradford’s previous hospitality experience included various
management positions with St.
Regis and Le Meridien hotels in
the United States.
High Tea@The Point
Shanghai Food Promotion
at The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel Beijing
Indulge a relaxing afternoon with the authentic High
Tea at The Point, the majestic lobby of Sofitel Forebase
Chongqing.
You memorable experience is starting from your every
first sip of our secret English tea and mini Sandwich…
Sofitel Forebase Chongqing
From 2:30PM to 5:30PM every day
Hotel 2F The Point Bar
Tel: 023-6863 9999
No.137, Keyuan Road,
Jiulongpo District,
Chongqing
For reservation, please
call 023-68639999
The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel Beijing would like to
take you on a gastronomic journey through Shanghai
on October 15th - November 15th at the 21st Floor
Chinese Restaurant. Our guest chefs from the renowned 71-year-old Shanghai Meilongzhen Restaurant
are proud to present their signature dishes to you and
your friends.
Don’t miss the fresh Hairy
Crab from its best origin,
the Yangcheng Lake!
Come and enjoy the spectacular 360° view of Beijing at our 21st Floor Restaurant while indulging in
the scrumptious Shanghai
dishes we prepare for you.
Call us at Tel: (10) 6590
5566 ext. 2295 to reserve
your table now.
“Olympic Experience” National Day
Package at Marco Polo Parkside, Beijing
Loong Palace Hotel & Resort: Mid-Autumn
Festival & National Day Family Package
For more information:
(86 10) 6553 2288 ext. 2127
The Huai Yang Delight
This October, Chef Chau Oi Fang, Shang Palace’s
Executive Chef, invites you to experience the light,
fresh and sweet flavours of Huai Yang cuisine. Huai
Yang cuisine is characterised by stewing, braising, and
steaming over a low fire for a long time. Expose your
palate to a wonderful array of flavours with dishes as
such as Braised Pork Spare Rib with Cloves and Shang
Palace Pork Meat Ball.
Available from 5 October
to 30 October at Shang
Palace of Shargri-La Hotel Beijing.
For enquiries or reservations, please call Shang
Palace on 6841 2211 ext.
6732.
80
OCTOBER · 2OO9
From September 28th to October 11th 2009, stay
in the Superior Room of Marco Polo Parkside and
get 2 complimentary tickets to the nearby National
Stadium “Bird Nest”.
Rates start from RMB585 + 15% surcharge per room
nightly. Benefits include but not limited to daily buffet
breakfasts, late check-out till 6:00pm and shuttle bus
transportation from the hotel to the National Stadium.
Located in the Olympic centre of Beijing, Marco Polo
Parkside is within minutes’ away from the Olympic
Park, the famous “Bird Nest” and ”Water Cube”.
For more information or reservations, please call
Te l. (86-10)
5963-6688 or
E-mail to resv.
prk@markop o l o h o t e l s.
com.
To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and National
Day with double cheers! Loong Palace Hotel & Resort
brings you a pleasant and super-valued holiday family
package only @ RMB 618 from Sep 28th to Oct 9th,
you will enjoy: one night accommodation in superior
room with garden view; buffet breakfast for two persons at Palm Terrace; late check-out till 16:00; 15 minutes massage in “My Spa”; free use of swimming pool,
gym and sauna; welcome gift bag per room per stay,
including RMB 100 credit for Moon Cake purchasing.
Rate is subject to 15% service charge.
For more information or reservations, please call:
(8610) 8079 9988 – 77057 or 77058
E-mail: reservation@loongpalace.com
81

MiracleText by Tan Xingyu

Transcription

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