Tag: Dispatches from China

06/26/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (Cultural Differences: Appearance)

A fellow classmate recently came to me very upset after being called “too chubby” by a Chinese native. Long story short, the value of physical appearance is very much rooted into the Chinese culture. While the younger generations in China are trying to overcome the existing biases permeating throughout the society, others may still hold appearance in high regards.

Aside from weight, Chinese will sometimes judge a person based on the clothing that he or she might wear. Some Chinese may look down upon those wearing clothes that are ripped or have holes (the torn jean look is not very popular in China!) and favor those who wear scholarly or business attire (a suit and a pair of glasses wouldn’t hurt!).

Appearance expectations for women is particularly strict. Some Chinese women feel that they must maintain white colored skin (an outlook that likely diffused into China from western culture). Thus, women often wear layers or long pants and shirts even in scorching summer weather. Some women also tote umbrellas and parasols to block out the harsh rays of the sun, a personal choice which they believe will keep their skin young and free from blemishes. The desire to appear ‘pale’ has also spawned a fad of using a myriad of beauty products such as skin whitening creams.

Generally speaking, Chinese in larger cities are usually more tolerant of ‘foreign’ dress styles, while those who live in villages outside the city may have more conservative expectations. That said, one will not have to change their sense of style to survive in China. However, if blending in better is a goal, utilize the wisdom of the ancients: “when in Rome do as the Romans do” or as the Chinese expression goes “rùxiāngsuísú”. Something that tends to work for me is to first research what the policies and customs are for the places that I will visit to ensure smooth sailing. Also, it should go without saying that one should try to respect and understand the social environment.

As for the rare rude remark you get from the occasional native speaker, one should also pay note to the tone of the comment. Sometimes, comments about appearance are used to tease and poke fun, or may be an unfortunate communication gaffe.

Anyway, I hope this sheds light on the issue of appearance. See you next time! 再見!

06/20/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Wuzhen: Top 5)

The Chinese have a saying: 上有天堂，下有苏杭. The saying translates as “Heaven is the paradise above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou are the paradises on Earth.”

The quote may sound a bit like an exaggeration at first, but after visiting both places, I think that there is definitely some truth to the saying. Hangzhou and Suzhou are quite beautiful, and much of the natural landscape has been carefully preserved.

This top 5 list of sites is arranged in no particular order, as I believe that all the sites are worth seeing.

1) Xi Hu (West Lake, Hangzhou)

Xi Hu is known for its picturesque aura, and is notably the location which is most closely associated with Hangzhou. Known to inspire painters and poets throughout the ages, the lake is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 2011. Much of the natural area surrounding the lake has been preserved, and essentially untouched by modernization. The best time to visit is in the spring, when much of the flora found near the lake is in bloom. Economical boat tours that cross Xi Hu can also be arranged if one would like a better view of the surrounding temples and landscape.

2) Shizi Yuanlin (Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou)

Along with various other classical gardens in Suzhou, Shizi Yuanlin is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The classical gardens are often regarded as the finest examples of Chinese garden design. Shizi Yuanlin includes many pavilions and halls, all exemplary of Chinese architecture. Each pavilion and hall also has interesting names. My favorites are “Standing in Snow Hall” and “Pavilion for Greeting Plum Blossoms.”

3) Yunyansi Pagoda (Tiger Hill Pagoda, Suzhou)

China’s “leaning tower of Pisa” was completed in the second year of the Song Dynasty, thus predating the tower in Italy. Rising to a height of roughly 154 feet, the seven story tower has gradually tilted to one side due to natural reasons. Although it is presently forbidden for people to enter the pagoda, the surrounding garden is equally majestic, with various bridges, halls, and religious rooms for one to enjoy.

4) Wuzhen

Wuzhen is a bit like the Chinese version of Venice. Having roughly only 60,000 residents, Wuzhen would otherwise be a quaint and quiet scenic town – except for the fact that tons of tourists pour in when the weather is nice, as Wuzhen is relatively close in proximity to Hangzhou. Wuzhen has a rich craftsmanship culture, and one can buy or admire the sculptures or artwork from the various stands sprinkled throughout the town. Many stone bridges link the pathways of Wuzhen together, much in the same way that stone bridges link pathways in Venice. Also, one can pay for a short boat ride down Wuzhen’s Canal. It may not be as romantic as being in a gondola, but it’s still a relaxing way to see Wuzhen.

5) Song Cheng (Hangzhou)

For those wondering what sort of theme parks China has, you may like to visit Song Cheng, a east-meets-west type of amusement park. Everything in Song Cheng looks “real” (as in looks ancient) at first glance, but is essentially “artificial” – constructed for the enjoyment of the modern person. There are no roller-coasters or rides of any sort, but you will find live performances (some require an extra fee aside from the entrance fee), a haunted house, a street full of stalls that contain optical illusions for photo ops, a house of mirrors, a Buddhist cave-like area (“Buddha Mountain”) where one can experience ‘mental illusions’, and lots of overpriced food. Some consider Song Cheng to be an eyesore, but others find it to be wholesome family fun – it all depends on perspective.

That’s all for now! I hope you look forward to the next article in my series! 再見!

06/12/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (Modernization and the Environmental Impact)

In China’s ever continuing quest to modernize, many cities – especially ones undergoing rapid development – have become increasingly polluted. This is especially true in Nanjing, as the city continues to work simultaneously on several large-scale projects – the largest of which would arguably be the construction of various commuter subway lines. The Nanjing Metro system currently operates two main lines but anticipates the opening of a third line within two years, another six lines within three years, and a total of 17 lines by 2030. Moreover, many shopping complexes and buildings are in construction or renovation in and around the city’s center (Xinjiekou) as of publication of this article. These projects are all efforts to further Nanjing as an economic power in China.

The accumulation of the many construction projects in Nanjing has many residents worried about the air quality. The presence of PM2.5 is an issue many local Chinese residents grapple with. The EPA defines Fine particle pollution or PM2.5 as “particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller – 1/30th the diameter of a human hair.” Wang Jian, a professor at Nanjing University notes, “The PM2.5 levels for each city in China change daily, and even by the hour. There are websites that monitor where each city ranks in terms of air quality.”

PM2.5 became a notorious topic last October, after Beijing’s weather forecast station and the US embassy in Beijing released conflicting air quality reports. Since then, the Chinese government has begun monitoring air quality levels in various provinces and cities across the nation including Beijing, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

The EPA also notes that “Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases and have been linked to effects such as: cardiovascular symptoms; cardiac arrhythmias; heart attacks; respiratory symptoms; asthma attacks; and bronchitis.” PM2.5 is also correlated to cancer and metal poisoning. It is believed that PM2.5 levels are higher in areas where construction work is present.

Of course, students studying abroad in China need not worry too much about the air quality. However, it should go without saying that those with asthma or allergies should bring appropriate medication and prepare as needed.

That’s all for now. 再見!