CHINA Pavilion
With World Expo festivities now well into their third month of operation, Shanghai has begun to comfortably adapt to the excitement that has swept the city. Even within the sprawling grounds of the Expo it appears as though organizers and visitors alike have adjusted to the explosive scale of the fair and its record breaking crowds, making a day at the Expo feel like a walk in the park.
Picturesque weather in recent weeks has provided a seemingly surreal backdrop for the many unique pavilions that represent each country. The vivacious juxtaposition of the world’s many colors on display in accompaniment with one another provides a multitude of food for thought, shedding light on distinctive styles, flavors, and customs ranging from food and drink to architecture, fashion, and technology. While each pavilion adds something special to the fair, a few notable structures stand out from the rest. Continue reading →
Mother Tattoos Son's back
When the State of Jin, in north of China conquered the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD) and took Emperor Qinzong and his father Huizong prisoners, the country fell into a state of great confusion. A rebel army tried to seize power and asked Yue Fei, a man skilled with both pen and sword, to join them. Yue Fei’s Mother tattooed the words “Remain loyal to and die for the country” on Yue Fei’s Back in order to remind him to be a loyal subject forever. When the Song Dynasty was restored, Yue Fei led an army that crushed the Jin invaders, but was executed due to the machinations of the Song Prime Minister, Qin Hui, who was jealous of his success. The story of Yue Fei’s Mother tattooing his back to ensure his loyalty became popular and was handed down from generation to generation.
Remember those bone chillingly brisk winter winds that kept even the bravest of us from venturing into the great outdoors, away from the comforting warmth of our coveted heaters? Spend ten minutes walking one of Beijing’s mega blocks today and you’ll find yourself searching desperately for the nearest shopping mall fully equipped with central AC in a fruitless attempt to even minutely recreate the wispy winds of winter. Ok, that may be a bit of an over exaggeration, but summer has officially arrived, and in China that means its time to break out the paper fans and umbrellas. Undoubtedly the most popular summer accessory, the umbrella is the ideal combatant for any and all extreme weather conditions that plague summer skies. Whether shielding immaculately milky complexions from the sun’s blistering rays or providing shelter from unpredictably abrupt monsoon rains, a faux Burberry umbrella is a must have for a wet, hot, Chinese summer. Continue reading →
Few archaeological discoveries compare to the Terracotta Army that was uncovered in Xian’s eastern suburbs in 1974. Following this abundant discovery, archaeologists began to reveal and preserve the mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin, the self-declared first emperor of China. Researchers learned that the army of more than 8,000 soldiers, infantrymen and cavalry were constructed to serve as Qin Shi Huang’s army in the afterlife. Continue reading →
Few leaders in history invoke as much national pride as Chairman Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China. His influence is everywhere, looming especially over the largest public square in the world, Tiananmen Square. Modern China owes all that it is to their beloved leader, coming in droves daily to the Mausoleum where his body has been laid to rest to continue to pay their respects. I felt compelled to do the same but as one of the very few westerners in the long line to the building, I was definitely aware that I stood out. Perhaps it was paranoia but I felt as though I kept receiving looks of curiosity, possibly suggesting that I did not belong there, that the accomplishments of this great man were not for me. Continue reading →
Days ago when I was visiting the Summer Palace, I came across a T-shirt that made my guests and I laugh. The t-shirt showed an image of President Obama dressed as Chairman Mao, referencing an image that is deeply imbedded in many westerners’ minds. I found it very entertaining to see Obama wearing the traditional communist clothing and hat. The idea of these two very different men as one in the same spans time and creates an image that would make many people think. Actually the concept of westerners wearing communist clothing is not unheard of though. One westerner in particular, Norman Bethune, was known for this. Continue reading →
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu, commemorates the life and death of Qu Yuan, a historic scholar who served under the King of Chu during China’s Warring States Period. Qu Yuan enjoyed a favorable sitting with the king until his wisdom and judgment were scrutinized by his fellow officials within the court, leading to his abrupt removal from power. Continue reading →
At Bund,Shanghai,May 15
I just finished the tour of the Delegation from University of Arkansas,Fort Smith, USA. It was a 12-Day Trip that we visited 5 cities in China. From working on the paper works for all of these travel details to escort the whole trip, it made me know the reality and to ensure the tour quality. I had great time with these young, energetic American. I want to say THANKs for all of them for making this trip happened. Also, I want to say THANKS to Professor Peerbolte and Professor Wu that I had wonderful time of working with you!
Finally, I wish everyone the best and wish to see you again in the future! Continue reading →
Matteo Ricci
In August 1582, the third Italian, Matteo Ricci who was born in 1552 in Macerata, today a city in the Italian region of Marche, arrived at Macau, a Portuguese trading post on the South China Sea coast where he learned Chinese language and customs.
In 1601 Ricci was invited by the Emperor Wanli（1563-1620）to become an advisor, he was the first Westerner to be invited into the Forbidden City. After his predictions of solar Eclipses, which were significant events in the Chinese world, Ricci was given free access to the Forbidden City, and granted a generous stipend that helped the Jesuits in China. However, he never met the reclusive Wanli Emperor.
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