iChina 2008 DEC Issue

iChina

DECEMBER 2008

Eyeing China with My Angle

30 Ye

ars o

f Refo

rm

Church Guide China Cuts Rate

in China

s to Boost Eco

nomy

Taste Christma s China and the A Chinese Wife

in China

Global Financia

is Like a Fortun

l Crisis

e Cookie

China Plans 10 th as Fiscal, Mo Major Steps netary Policies Ease A Century of E volution in We dding Photo Fashion

to Spark Grow

Photo by Tao Wei

Published by iChina Media Group & KF Publishing Company Group, U.S.A

2008 A Look Back at

The Letter from the editor -

It is night and I am walking down a street in our neighborhood. Every house is covered with Christmas lights. Even though the air is cold, the warmth of the holidays surrounds me. I always love the holiday season!

This is not only a time to celebrate, it is also a time to look back, meditate and review.

The year 2008 is an unusual year for China. As a Chinese living in the US, among the many events in China this year, six are the most unforgettable for me.

1. March 14, 2008 Violence in Tibet I read about this event in the online news about China.

It was chaos. Quite a few schools, hospitals, and banks were robbed and destroyed.

The Chinese government called this event a riot organized by the Dalai Lama. However, it was seen as a positive sign of Tibetan protests in the reports from the Western media.

Who is right? It is hard to tell. As always, people are being directed by the media and politics. But one thing is for sure: Only peace and unity can bring us all a better life.

Chinese need to focus on developing their country and they can’t allow any attempts to pull them back.

2. April 9, 2008. The Olympic Torch Relay in San Francisco In early April, I received a friend’s email. He was calling on every Chinese living in America to protect the safety of the relay in America.In fact, the email that I received was one among the millions of emails and messages that were being exchanged all over in various Chinese communities.

This passionate claim was from the response of the Western media, which poured more criticism on the Chinese government. Americans might be used to criticizing their government, but China is different. There is only one political party in China. To a Chinese, when you say country, nation, government or race, they all mean the same thing. When you criticize the Chinese government, many Chinese feel that they personally have been offended.

3. May 12, 2008. The Magnitude 8.0 Earthquake in Sichuan On that day, an American colleague of mine told me about this tragic event. Very soon after I was informed, reports and pictures flooded the internet. For those Chinese living in America, the best we could do is to provide financial support to those in need. We discussed the best ways to facilitate online donation. Even when we chatted with close friends, one of the first sentences we’d utter would be, “Have you donated?”

There were some who criticized how the Chinese government responded to this tragic event. However, when

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we were facing this natural disaster, what we saw mostly was love - love between relatives, lovers, friends, and even strangers.

4. August 8, 2008. The Olympic Game Began in Beijing Suddenly, Beijing appeared on many TV channels across America. Though people were amazed by the astonishingly splendid opening ceremony, negative news about faking also made the stage. However, even more frustrating was the attempt to cover up this news. The negative messages were blocked by Chinese websites.

In fact, every individual, society, and government has its own merits and defects. The coexistence of praise and criticism is only the normal way of life. It is now the 21st century. China has made great achievements and it is time to be honest with ourselves and the world. We have had successes and failures. No matter what, we still love China.

5. September 2008. Melamine in Milk Powder One of the largest brands of milk powder – Sanlu - was diagnosed as having melamine in their products. This chemical causes kidney stones and other illnesses in babies that were fed it. Everyone criticized the cold-blooded businessmen who supposedly let these tainted products reach the market.

However, we should all think more about how to improve food laws and our administrative system. In Chinese culture, people expect morality to play a key role in guiding people toward being good. This expectation has a fatal weakness, because it has little power of enforcement.

Business exists for profit. Coffin businessmen may hope that more people die and jewelry dealer may pray that more people get a fortune. Can you say who the more moral one is?

6. October 2008. The Financial Crisis from Wall Street Expanded to China My friends and family back in China started complaining that the value of their stocks is shrinking. It is not that bad yet. Chinese people working in America suffer from much more pressure. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been laid off. No one knows if they will be next.

Even in the cloud of economic depression, the holiday lights still shine. The year 2008 is passing into history.

There are many other good and bad memories beyond the above six events. However, no matter the happiness or sadness, 2008 must be left behind. Tomorrow is another day. It is time to plant the seed of hope and work hard to nurture it. In 2009, I wish for a fruitful year for us all!

(By April Zhang)

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The Spirit of Tea...

Beijing Laoshe Teahouse is named after

the famous stage drama The Teahouse , a masterpiece of the renowned artist and playwright,Laoshe . Since its opening, Laoshe Teahouse has become a special showcase of Chinese theatre and tea culture, as well as Chinese food and tea. Visited by millions visitors every year including leaders from over 80 countries, Laoshe Teahouse is welcoming everyone to Beijing.

If you have the time to visit only one teahouse in China, Laoshe Teahouse is the one to go, because you will not only sip fresh brewed teas, but also enjoy traditional culture. If you need a place for a conference, a wedding, a birthday party, or a family gettogether, Laoshe Teahouse has everything for you.

Please visit http://www.laosheteahouse.com for further information.

iChina is published monthly by iChina Media Group and KF Publishing Company Group.

Editor in Chief April Zhang azhang@ichinamag.com Managing Editor May Ouyang mouyang@ichinamag.com Associate Editor Stacy Liu sliu@ichinamag.com Qinqin Schoser qqschoser@ichinamag.com Kevin Atkinson katkinson@ichinamag.com Elizabeth Steiner esteiner@ichinamag.com Assistant Editor Lihua Wu lwu@ichinamag.com Michael Smith msmith@ichinamag.com Copy Editor Rebecca Stout rebecca.stout@gmail.com Art Director Jiangling Wu jwu@ichinamag.com Photographer

Jing Fu jfu@ichinamag.com ----------------------------------Marketing Director Xiaowen Bao xwbao@ichinamag.com Advertisement Director Wei Yuan wyuan@ichinamag.com Circulation Director Sicheng Liao sliao@ichinamag.com

December 2008 FOCUS

ARTS

03 Human Rights Achievements Undeniable in China 04 My Thirty Years - Born in 1978

20 Drawing with Light 23 Pure Winter is Comming to Bashang Grassland

ECONOMY 06 China Cuts Rates to Boost Economy 07 China Plans 10 Major Steps to Spark Growth as Fiscal, Monetary Policies Ease 09 China's Stimulus Lesson for America

CULTURE 10 A Century of Evolution in Wedding Photo Fashion 12 Creative Wedding Photography -Predestined marriage over three generations 13 Funny Wedding Photography - Marriage is our amusement park 14 A Chinese Wife is Like a Fortune Cookie 16 A Distinctive Marriage Style: Married, but Living a Single Life 18 A New Style of Chinese Wedding Dress

Public Relations Director Yan Zhang yzhang@ichinamag.com Advertisement Manager Joanne Zhou jzhou@ichinamag.com Zhuo Li

Advisor

For advertisement or subscription information, contact: Phone: 312-233-2087 Email: marketing@ichinamag.com www.ichinamag.com

PEOPLE 24 Haier America relys on its People --Interivew with Mr.Kan

TRAVEL 28 Qiao's Compound 34 Church Guide in China

FOOD 44 Taste Christmas in China 48 Homemade Peking Duck

ENTERTAINMENT 42 44 45 46 47 48 49

The Essentials Jokes The Stories of Chinese Wisdom Astrology & Fortune Learning Chinese Survey and Subscription Readers' Feedbacks

Notoe: If you believe that your work has been reprinted in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please contact iChina's Copyright Agent: copyright@ichinamag.com for more information.

FOCUS China's 30 Years of Reform

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hina is preparing to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of its policy of reform and its opening up to the world, launched in 1978 by then leader Deng Xiaoping. This policy has fundamentally changed every aspect of China, and also influenced the greater world order. We would like to share two people's stories with our readers about their experiences as witnesses to this reform, over the past thirty years.

Human Rights Achievements Undeniable in China

By Sun Yuqing hina has been blamed, and to some extent stigmatized, by some organizations as a notorious violator of human rights, examples of which include the largest number of death sentences or the one child per couple policy. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of China's reform and its policy of opening up; in respect of such a milestone, a historical, realistic and holistic reflection of the social and economical developments over past three decades may offer a counterpoint to these criticisms.

No country of China's size has been able to make such massive progresses and marked achievements in such a short time, especially in establishing reforms that newly protect a broad range of human rights for the everincreasing population. Of course, though, there are still some major problems according to Western standards.

It is intellectually challenging, perhaps nearly impossible, to provide a full picture of China's human rights situation in a short article. Instead, I would like to build upon my personal life experiences and share my observations, in the hopes of opening a small window for rights activists to critically (rather than emotionally) understand China .

Many times during my youth, my parents told me about the extreme poverty of the country thirty years ago, saying that even dogs today would not eat the food they fought for at that time. Now, in my small hilly village in eastern China's Shandong Province, every family has

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TVs and other home appliances, and this summer I was able to talk through webcam with my parents, thanks to the computer owned by a disabled shop owner. Young people either study or go to work in the big cities, of their own free choice. More interestingly my mother, nearly 60 years old, and other older people have begun to find new career opportunities by working in agricultural processing plants. As a result, my father has had to prepare dinner, a big change with regards to the traditional role of women.

Today, the village leader is not appointed by higher officials, but rather elected in a democratic election. "The candidates worked hard to win votes by visiting us and speaking nice words," my mother said.

Similar political and social changes happen all over China, from the well-developed costal areas to the relatively under-developed inland regions, increasing people's access to information and awareness of their own rights. Those changes certainly can be understood and interpreted within the framework of human rights.

At the individual level, it is progress when people don't need to go to sleep hungry, when the right to existence and security is guaranteed, and when children have access to a free nine-year education. It is an achievement when a home owner in Chongqing is able to force the usually arrogant real estate developers to stop evictions, with the help of Internet. On the state level, it promotes human rights when China amendeds its constitution to include formal guarantees of human rights and private property.

It is undeniable that because of thirty years of China's human rights advocates' efforts, millions of Chinese people enjoy more rights that are now enshrined in the international human rights law system. People can easily find examples of such progresses, even in the most remote areas.

It is also a fact that China still has a long way to go with regards to protecting human rights for its citizens, who number one fifth of the world's population.

Advocates face the most difficult human rights protection project in existence, and pose a huge challenge to the Government's administration. Spending time in my home town allows one to easily recognize the various social problems already emerging out of this country's enormous social transition. Right in front of the local government office, I met retired soldiers staging a sit-in protest to voice their dissatisfaction with the country's welfare policy. In many public places, one can see the large slogans that say "treat boys and girls equally" or "having less children to get rich quickly." On the other side, however, human rights in China have improved, step by step, with regards to comprehensive considerations of practical situations, and not just in idealist and politically-motivated realms.

There is an example that peasants in my home town were compensated after their crops were destroyed by polluted water damaged by a nearby biological company.

The Beijing Olympics served as both a test and confirmation of China's reform and policy of opening up.

Browsing the news reports concerning the influence of the Olympics on human rights in China, I was shocked by the sharp contrast between the conceptualizing and

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framing of those issues by Chinese scholars, and by their Western counterparts. Western scholars tended to discuss the Olympics under a Cold War ideology, believing that Communist Party of China wanted to use the Games to showcase its achievements and increase its international and national legitimacy, turning a blind eye to the basic fact that the CPC (Communist Party China) has already changed from a close and revolution-centered party to a ruling and reform-focused party in China. The most unbearable part of this biased interpretation is that these news sources rarely reported how the Chinese people thought of the Games. The Chinese opinion leaders often quoted in Chinese newspapers emphasized that the Olympics represented the Chinese people's Beijing Forum on Human Rights dream of better engaging with the world community, and the Olympics made Chinese people more tolerant, open, and selfconfident on the international stage, leaving a rich spiritual heritage, and particularly promoting the development of a civic society (mostly referring to the volunteers). In my opinion, the growth of civic awareness is the most valuable thing China gained from the Olympics, since it will provide the necessary environment for human rights development, which cannot be forced by international pressure but only from internally-born aspirations.

The main purpose of this short article is not to sing an ode to the Chinese government, though it indeed deserves the world's appreciation for its effective leadership of the planet's largest developing country. As China reflects on its thirty years of development, the international community, particularly the various human rights organizations, also need to reflect on their approach and strategies used to advocate their agenda.

A good start may come from an understanding of China 's history, specific world situation, social systems and cultural diversities, so we can at least let go of stereotyped assumptions and poorly founded condemnations of China, and instead have constructive and realistic dialogues leading to further protections of human rights. For the Chinese government, it may be a good idea to actively introduce new achievements to the world through human rights terms and perspectives, and to openly admit the difficulties the country has faced in changing Western dominance of human rights discourses.

My Thirty Years - Born in 1978

By Wang Wei was born in 1978, the year China implemented the policy of reform and opening up. Recalling all that I have experienced as I have grown, I feel that great changes have occurred over these 30 years. It seems to me that China's reform and opening up has gone through four identifiable phases:

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Red Guards, the Badge of Chairman Mao and Quotations from Chairman Mao

1978 to the early 1980s: The early stages of reform and opening-up After crushing the "Gang of Four," China entered a five year transitional period, also known as the "Post-Mao Era," in which the country was ruled by Hua Guofeng. I was not conscious of these major events because at the time I was just ten months old.

However, during my childhood I can still recollect some "old things" – for example, strong impressions of the military and paramilitary presence near my home. Today really is a "paradise" when compared with the past.

Late 1980s: The second revolution begins in the rural areas In the fall of 1985, I enrolled in a village-run elementary school. I have the impression that the village has changed steadily

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since those days, though at that time I did not understand the significance of those changes for my future life. Changes in my father's career brought a steady improvement to our standard of living.

My father returned to the farm from his demobilized military unit on the eve of the implementation of the reform policies. I had to look after my little brother when I was only four; my mother and father seemed to spend their whole day working in the fields. In the early 1980s, together with his comrade-in-arms, my father founded the first collective enterprise in our community, where my parents donated their time when they were able. In due course he began to get rich, with an income of over ten thousand yuan – a rare achievement in our community. As well as earning a wage, my family enjoyed some extras for the first time, such as an electronic watch and clothing from the village-run factories, items that were previously unthinkable.

The desire to escape poverty and live in prosperity inspired my father to make a bold decision – to leave the village with a small number of other farmers in pursuit of outside labor – which launched his 20-year career as a migrant worker. At first he worked on the railways, and later as Some of peasants are leaving home a construction worker in road building. The first time we ate green, plasticpackaged instant noodles at home, not recognizing the instructions on this new type of food, we put ten bags in the pot; the result was an unheard-of delight. In due course we were able to buy furniture and other items: a cabinet, a full-size bed, a sofa, television sets, tape recorders, and so on. My father was promoted from laborer to supervisor, and day by day our life improved.

After 1997: China's transient population

Recurrent Population

China's reform and policy of opening up was a major milestone for Chinese decision makers. One of the results was the creation of a floating population.

I played with other village children at my elementary school; like farmers going to a town fair I got along with children from the whole town at my junior high school.

At high school I associated with children from the whole county, much like attending a county-level market fair. It was not until I enrolled at university in 1997 that I experienced city life, communicating with other students from the whole country. I also felt the embarrassment of sitting on a toilet for the first time, upon a visit to my classmate's home.

It seems to me that the salient characteristic of this period was fluidity – on one level through people like migrant workers and students, and on another level through exchanges of goods and information. Only by breaking through the boundaries between urban and rural areas and arbitrary administrative divisions could there be a genuine reform and opening-up.

In the new century: reflections and choices I graduated from college and joined adult society in 2001, ready to start making my own decisions. I was one of the first graduates following the implementation of the "dual track" – where the state no longer took responsibility for providing students with jobs. At first I could not find work, in spite of many visits to the job-hunting markets. But finally I found employment in my home town of Zhangjiakou, through China's special policy of supporting poverty-stricken areas.

Marriage followed and soon I had a daughter, but her health was problematic. She needed an antibiotic drip for the first time when she was 10 months old – now she is two and a half years old and has been through the process three or four times, costing almost 1,000 yuan on each occasion. Gradually I realized that this was not just a personal issue, but that our society was exposed to epidemics – the outbreak of SARS in 2003 being an example of a turning point. While we were acutely aware that this was a crisis, we understood that we were also being exposed to issues of changing ideas and practices. The pressure of our environment and our developing prospects forced us to reflect, and this reflection in due course provided the context for such ideas as the concept of scientific development.

Career Fair

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hina announced its biggest interest rate cut in 11 years, extending efforts to prevent an economic slump after unveiling a stimulus package.

China Cuts Rates to Boost Economy

ECONOMY

By Caijing Chief Economist Shen Minggao, and staff reporter Zhang Huanyu, from Caijing Online

China's central bank

announced its biggest interest rate cut in 11 years on November 26, as its latest effort to stimulate domestic spending and growth amid the global economic slowdown.

The People's Bank of China cut its key one-year yuan lending and deposit rates by 1.08 percent, to 5.58 percent and 2.52 percent, r e s p e c t i v e l y, b e g i n n i n g o n November 27th. This is the third deposit rate cut since early October.

The bank said it will also cut the reserve requirement ratio from December 5th by one percent for large banks, and by two percent for small and mediumsized banks.

Three weeks after the unveiling of a four trillion yuan stimulus package, the recent rate cut is China's largest since the Asian financial crisis a decade ago, highlighting the government's concern about the economic slowdown.

The cuts are aimed "at ensuring sufficient liquidity in the banking system and to promote steady loan growth so that monetary policy can play an active role in supporting economic growth," the bank said in an official statement.

The cut in the deposit rate is hoped to boost domestic spending, and a reduction of the lending rate will cut financing costs for enterprises, encouraging investment, but the

effect will rely on the market's confidence in the economic outlook. Many analysts think that China may need further rate cuts to prevent the economy from declining.

Gao Shanwen, Chief Economist for Essence Securities, forecasts that the central bank may further lower interest rates by one to one-anda-half percentage points, because rate cuts are an effective method of boosting the sluggish property market, seen as a key driver for China's economy.

Ha Jiming, Chief Economist for China International Capital Co., said that because it was threatened by economic slowdown and deflation, the central bank would reduce interest rates by as much as 2.16 percentage points over the next year, and cut the reserve requirement ratio by 3.5 to 5.5 percentage points. "But future rate cuts will not be as sharp as this time," said Ha. G u a n We n s h e n g , h e a d o f t h e China research department at Barclays Capital Asia, predicted that the central bank will further reduce interest rates by 0.54 percentage points and 0.81 percentage points, in December and the first quarter of 2009, respectively.

The easing of monetary policies, along with the recent stimulus package, should encourage bank lending and alleviate capital pressure on enterprises.

7 But Ma Xutian, deputy manager of ICBC's financial markets department, said that "it won't help if enterprises are already in bad shape and unable to service existing debt."

The rate cut has lowered the one-year yuan deposit rate to 2.52 percent, which may encourage Chinese consumers to spend rather than save. But lower deposit rates only encourage short-term increases in consumption.

Aiming to boost long-term sustainable consumption, the government also issued policies to increase citizens' stable property incomes, such as by expanding the corporate

bonds market.

Beyond easing monetary policies to revive market confidence and prevent economic slowdown, China also needs more effective financial policies, such as tax reductions, to stimulate rural consumption and accelerate the development of the service industry.

ChinaZs economy has slowed due to distressed growth in exports and property investment. The GDP growth dropped to 9 percent in the third quarter from 10.1 percent in the second, its slowest pace in over five years.

China plans 10 major steps to spark growth as fiscal, monetary policies ease Here are the 10 major steps:

encouraged to settle down. *Rural infrastructure: Speeding up rural infrastructure construction.

Roads and power grids in the countryside will be improved, and efforts will be stepped up to spread the use of methane and to ensure drinking water safety. This part of the plan also involves expediting the

ECONOMY

*Housing: Building more affordable and low-rent housing and speeding the clearing of slums.

A pilot program to rebuild rural housing will expand. Nomads will be

North-South water diversion project.

Risky reservoirs will be reinforced.

Water conservation in large-scale irrigation areas will be strengthened.

Poverty relief efforts will be increased.

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hina will take 10 major steps to stimulate domestic consumption and growth as it turns to an "active" fiscal policy and "moderately easy" monetary policy, an executive meeting of the State Council reported on Sunday.

*Transportation: Accelerating the expansion of the transport

network. This includes more dedicated passenger rail links and coal routes. Truck railways will be extended and more airports will be built in western areas. Urban power grids will be upgraded. *Health and education: Beefing up health and medical services by improving the grass roots medical system. Accelerating the development of the cultural and education sectors and junior high school construction in rural western and central areas.

More special education and cultural facilities. *Environment: Improving environmental protection by enhancing the construction of sewage

and garbage treatment facilities and preventing water pollution in key areas. Accelerating green belt and natural forest planting programs.

I n c r e a s i n g s u p p o r t f o r e n e rg y conservation and pollution-control projects. *Industry: Enhancing innovation and industrial restructuring and supporting the development of the high-tech and service industries. *Disaster rebuilding: Speeding

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reconstruction in the areas hit by the May 12th earthquake. *Incomes: Raising average incomes in rural and urban areas.

Raising next year's minimum grain purchase and farm subsidies. Increasing subsidies for lowincome urban residents.

Increasing pension funds for enterprise employees and allowances for those receiving special services. *Taxes: Extending reforms in valueadded tax rules to all industries, which could cut the corporate

tax burden by 120 billion yuan (about 17.6 billion US dollars).

Technological upgrading will be encouraged.

*Finance: Enhancing financial support to maintain economic growth. Removing loan quotas on commercial lenders. Appropriately increasing bank credit for priority projects, rural areas, smaller enterprises, technical innovations and industrial rationalizations through mergers and acquisitions.

These 10 moves are expected to have positive effects on the cement, iron and steel producers and facilitate a boom in infrastructure investment. Commercial lenders will benefit as loan ceilings are abolished, and medium-sized and small companies are likely to benefit from preferential policies.

China and the Global Financial Crisis

By Albert Keidel

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espite China's strong current financial and economic position, a focus on China must highlight China's secondary role in the current global turmoil and necessary actions to manage it. The current global crisis is best understood as another historical opportunity for progress in the evolution of the world's advanced governance systems. So argues Albert Keidel in a new essay, which demonstrates that China appears poised to perform well going ahead, largely unharmed by the crisis. China has a financial system that, while immature, is commensurate with its level of development, and it is equipped both to withstand domestic contagion from the international crisis and to inject stimulus spending in strategic sectors and locations. Its capital account, while not closed per se, is adequate for handling the vagaries of speculative inflows and capital flight. Furthermore, China's economic growth is principally the result of domestic demand, not exports. Blaming it for the current crisis, although fashionable in some quarters,

9 ignores a basic fact: while the American housing bubble began in 2000, China's oft-criticized trade surpluses did not become significant until the end of 2004. In reality, the crisis has its roots in four developments: (1) growing income inequality in the United States, (2) lobbying influence that prevents American politicians from imposing adequate regulatory oversight in the financial sector, (3) proliferation of complex but poorly regulated financial instruments in recent decades, and (4) imprudently sustained monetary policy injecting excessive liquidity into the U.S. and hence global economies after 2001.

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hina's economy is too small to be a major factor in the needed global recovery, but it can help -especially if its import growth can remain strong. China should also lighten up its criticism of the West for causing this crisis. Such crises are the way the world's systems improve, in a learning-by-crisis effort at the frontier of institutional modernization. Only in several decades will China finally be at a stage in its modernization when it will need to study the lessons of this crisis. Until then, its major job is still catch-up in both economic growth and institutional sophisitication. Its current healthy status indicates it can do a very good job of such catch-up in the immediate future and for a long time to come.

Albert Keidel joined the Carnegie Endowment in September 2004, after serving as acting director and deputy director for the Office of East Asian Nations at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. His work at the Endowment focuses on issues relating to China's economic system reforms, macroeconomy, regional development, and poverty reduction strategy. Š 2008 CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States. Founded in 1910, Carnegie is nonpartisan and dedicated to achieving practical results.

ECONOMY

he lessons to be learned from the turmoil of recent months apply far more to the world's advanced economies than they do to China, which is still at an early stage of its economic and political modernization. For the United States and other mature industrial powers, this crisis is an opportunity to take further steps forward in improving the functioning of a competitive and democratic capitalist system. These steps include better regulatory systems and better insulation for democratic processes from excessive influence on the part of wealthy special interests. Details of the recovery plan are also important. The current U.S. program of recapitalizing banks without diluting the value of existing ownership stakes is an invitation to a repetition of irresponsible risktaking down the road. Current plans to inject liquidity into the world financial systems followed by significant deficit-financed spending in the real economy are the way to go. The question is whether the political actors involved have the will to deliver the appropriate scale and structure of such disbursements. Given the severity of the financial "trigger" for this crisis, the greatest danger is of a downward "Keynesian spiral" whereby declining consumption and declining investment reinforce each other. The United States cannot afford to make the mistakes of FDR and his Congress in the 1930s, which could not escape popular emphasis on so-called

"budgetary responsibility." The United States government is not a family sitting around the kitchen table. The world's effective money supply has collapsed. Only largescale financial infusions and deficit spending can preempt a prolongued downturn.

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A Century of Evolution in Wedding Photo Fashion

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Chinese wedding album is an elaborate book of pictures that became a part of Chinese weddings in the late 20th century.

The album usually consists of many pictures of the bride and groom, taken at various locations and in many different costumes. These costumes often include wedding costumes belonging to different cultures, including Arab and Japanese wedding costumes.

In contrast to Western wedding pictures, the Chinese wedding album usually does not contain pictures of the actual ceremony or the wedding itself. In Hong Kong, however, pictures of the ceremony and wedding are taken and added to the album, as well.

Traditional Chinese wedding apparel consists of long gowns and mandarin jackets for men, and red silk Qipao (or cheongsam) for women, a one-piece dress embroidered with elaborate gold and silver designs. The bride may also wear a tiara-like accessory made of gilded silver and decorated with feathers and pearls. The color red was considered auspicious and strong enough to ward off evil spirits, and thus became the dominant color for traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies.

"Because of this tradition, few Chinese people liked western-style wedding gowns in the beginning, but wedding photos immediately caught their attention when cameras and photography were first introduced into China during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.) Gradually, wedding photos and family photos became fashionable," said an employee at a wedding photograph studio in Hangzhou.

Rise of Wedding Photo Fashion in Late Qing Dynasty During the Qing Dynasty, the first group of photography studios emerged in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Canton. Photos taken during this time period were mostly family photos of government officials or businessmen.

Later on, more and more people began taking photos of important occasions, including wedding ceremonies and family gatherings. Most people looked

serious and did not smile in the photos. Because many people were superstitious, few wanted to be photographed alone during this period, because such photos reminded people of ancient ceremonies of criminal punishment.

The 1930s: from Group Wedding Photos to Couple Wedding Photos Some overseas Chinese students were influenced by Christianity and chose to wear white wedding gowns at their wedding ceremonies. In the 1930s, Western wedding dresses began to catch on throughout the country.

Wedding ceremonies became gradually more grandiose and the bride, groom, best man and bride's maids all began to wear extravagant gowns and take wedding photos together. After the 1940s, couples' wedding photos became more popular than group wedding photos.

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The 1950s-1970s: Wedding Photos in Army Uniforms After the founding of the People's Republic of China, wedding photos were still popular. Dedication to the Chinese revolutionary cause led people to choose army

white veil over her head. The groom would wear a black suit with a white shirt and black cravat. He would often hold a black hat and wear white gloves.

Individualistic Wedding Photos in Fashion

In large cities like Shanghai, white wedding gowns stayed in vogue. Brides would wear a gown, carry a bridal bouquet in her hand and wear a five to six meter long

final shoot.

Because she chose w h a t underwear to wear and what poses to take, she thinks the photos s h o w the deep emotional attachment she enjoys with her fiance.

uniforms or plain farmer's clothes over traditional wedding gowns or Western suits, and to pose for their wedding photos before they were married. Wedding pictures were often hung on the wall in each family home to show that the couple was married, and from that point forward would be known as husband and wife.

The 1980s-1990s: Unrecognizable Wedding Photos

CULTURE

In the 1980s, white wedding gowns became fashionable again and the trend lasted into the 1990s. Because of heavy makeup, couples were often unrecognizable in their wedding photos, looking more glamorous than in their daily lives.

Nowadays people pursue individuality and emphasize their differences.

Newlyweds are no longer satisfied with the routine poseand-snap procedure, and have begun to pursue creatively themed wedding photos. Some wedding photos challenge conventional ideas. Many wedding photos are funny, sexy, scary or even show naked bodies of the newlyweds.

Ms. Zhu from Zhejiang province is about to get married. Referring to her recent wedding photos, she said she chose to take naked wedding photos because all the photos she had seen were similar to one another and not romantic at all. She and her boyfriend prepared a lot before the

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Creative Wedding Photography --Predestined marriage over three generations

Pictures provided by Xie Jingyi

The photo story describes a modern couple who designed their own creative wedding photos.

Readers might find it surprising that this couple acted much like three couples married in different times before them: the 1920s, the 1960s and in the 2000s.

CULTURE

In the 1920s On the old and yellowed pictures, a college student in a Chinese tunic suit meets a graceful girl in a cheongsam. They fall in love, and then get married.

In the 1960s

This was a pure time: a white skirt, white shirt, and a bicycle‌ It was the fashion for wedding pictures at that time for people to wear the badge of Chairman Mao Zedong and hold the marriage certificate that fulfilled: Quotations from Chairman Mao.

In the 2000s A boy and a girl are working in thea same office building. They occasionally meet in an elevator, a hallway, orand on the road, and then the stor y started‌

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CULTURE

Funny Wedding Photography - Marriage is our amusement park

Taking funny wedding photos is a new trend among young couples in China.

Pictures provided by Yan An Photography

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A Chinese Wife is Like a Fortune Cookie

By Christopher David Haynes Chinese wife is like a fortune cookie: sweet and cute on the outside but on the inside they have something to say that can change the direction of your life.

Joy and I have been together for a year and a half. That means a year and a half of being called lao gong (husband), a year and a half of hugs that cut off the circulation, and significantly, a year and a half of little fluffy things in the shape of animals, that appear for countless purposes. These cute things have, more than anything, made me realize how differently we think.

You see, I have a habit of using logic to make my decisions, and she has a habit of picking the cutest thing off the shelf, whether she needs it or not. "Look how cute this is! Lao gong, can we

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relationship is common values.

Urban Canadians are used to the idea of a white man and an Asian woman getting together, but most Chinese people we know have trouble fathoming it.

They ask questions like, don't you two have insurmountable cultural barriers? Don't you have continual miscommunications?

How is it that two people of such different backgrounds can get together? The answer is always no. As differently as we think, we share the most important values.

We have even decided how many kids we would like, and what sex we want them to be (but I'm not going to tell you!).

buy it?" "We already have a garden hose, Joy." But this cuteness spills over into everything, and she gives me presents like none that I have ever had before. Take a look at photo 1, and tell me my wife is not an adorable Chinese woman. Yes, she made it herself. (Sorry.

What's inside is private!)

But differences in thinking are not a problem for us. The key to any

In fact, we agree on so many things that I do not think of her as being from a different culture. I think of her as family. So does the rest of my family, even though none of them except my dad, who came to China for the wedding (see photo 2), has met her.

At the wedding, I met Joy's family. I had heard of large Chinese extended families, but I had yet to see one. They filled the conference hall. I have trouble using up all my

15 fingers when counting the people in my family; Joy's family must number at least two hundred. They thought that, being a Canadian, I was surely wealthy, and therefore we did not need any hong bao (lucky money), so we missed out on that tradition. But I do not get angry at the big things - only the little ones. And Joy is there to put up with me every time.

My mother (who, remember, has not met her yet) says that Joy must be very easy going to put up with a strong-minded brute like me. I have tested this hypothesis every day we have been together. The yin to my yang, whenever I get angry, Joy smiles and speaks softly to me. When I get angry at her, she laughs. When I growl like a bear because I'm truly angry, and she cracks up laughing at me.

How has Joy changed the direction of my life? I have the perfect reason to learn more about China and learn more Chinese. Now I can communicate with my extended family. If not for my wife, I would not be bringing China with me when I left. Because of Joy, I will always have a connection to this country, and always return to spend time with my Chinese family. I can't wait to see my fortune cookie wife's big bright eyes when we come back for Chinese New Year.

– The first essay competition sponsored by iChina

With the trend of globalization and the 30-year policy of opening up in China, the prevalence of cross-cultural relationships has increased dramatically. What are the real obstacles for men from Western countries to marry Chinese women? What are the special stories that can be written and shared with others? As to this interesting cultural topic, iChina is now calling for your contributions of special stories.

Submissions will be accepted from now until March 31, 2009. Entries should focus on the theme of My Chinese Wife—the good times and bad times in your inter-cultural relationship. Submissions should be no longer than 3000 words, and the inclusion of photos is encouraged.

Exceptional submissions will be featured in iChina from January to April, 2009. In May, winners will be announced with one first prize, two second prizes, and three third place winners. The first prize winner will enjoy a free trip to China with his spouse. The second and third prize winners will also receive amazing gifts. We are waiting for your contributions.

Please email your submission to: sliu@ichinamag.com.

For more information, please visit www.ichinmag.com.

(All submissions become the property of iChina. Award selections are final and are at the sole discretion of iChina.)

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My Chinese Wife

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A Distinctive Marriage Style K

nocking off at five p.m., Xiao Li went shopping with her best friend instead of rushing back home to prepare dinner. It might seem to some that she must be single, but actually she has been married for three years.

Xiao Li represents a group of people who are married and never hide their married status, but still live single lives. Some people agree with their choice and consider this phenomenon an inevitable result of social development, while others hold a contrary view.

'Single couples': "We won't be bothered by everyday chores, but cherish the time we spend together."

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Living Separate Lives Some 'single couples' may live together, but retain their own lives. They may be regulars at the gym or go to their friends' parties separately. Other 'couples' may live separately and date regularly. They may take a walk in the park or go on a trip together, just like they did when they first fell in love. They never cook at home, but dine out at various restaurants. They keep their own living habits and daily routines, but never hide their married status.

Being married for two years, Xiao Bao, an employee in a foreign company, has never stopped partying and meeting men. To her, the only difference between single life and married life is that she now lives with her husband. She and her husband retain their own lifestyles and social circles.

Li Fang, a journalist for a newspaper in Beijing, lives in her own apartment. Her husband lives in his. This living situation is more convenient for them to commute to work. They meet each other on weekends and holidays.

Only One Choice Li Fang's husband works in a state-owned enterprise located in the suburban area of Beijing. He has been living in a dorm near his office since before he got married. It is very convenient for him to walk to work and eat at the cafeteria. Therefore, he has decided to stay there, and Li Fang has never thought about moving to the suburbs to live with her husband.

Many 'single couples' share the same situation as Li Fang.

Guo, a policeman in Beijing, lives with his wife but seldom gets to chat with her. Guo said, "As a policeman, I usually work overtime till midnight. When investigating serious cases, I usually have to work for a whole week without going home. However, my wife is a morning bird.

She goes to work early and I don't even know what time she goes out to work sometimes."

'Single couples': "I'm not fond of single life. Actually I used to plan to be a traditional wife before I got married.

However, we have to face the reality."

Is it a temporary period for the marriage?

Some 'single couples' are quite content with their life style. Xiao Li described her relationship with her husband as more of a 'roomie.' It sounds incredible, but Xiao Li doesn't think there is a problem between her and her husband.

"We won't be bothered by everyday chores, but cherish the time we spend together" she said, emphasizing her traditional concept of marriage. "Marriage changed

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-- Married, but Living a Single Life

By Wu Xi

(Photo by KPHOTO.US)

me psychologically. I don't feel lonely any more."

Li Fang said that retaining her single life after getting married required the couple's trust and understanding toward each other. She argued that this status should be a temporary period, something endured while both halves of the couple concentrate on their respective careers. The period should end when they have children or when one person in the couple is willing to return to the family.

The change of life style and social values reflected in marriage "'Single couples' are a product of social development," Chen Yang, a psychologist, analyzed. "The traditional concept of marriage has been challenged by modern society."

"Many marriage problems are caused by the burden that marriages bear. The traditional concept of marriage was proper in the old times when people lacked money and opportunity. It was necessary to bundle two people together to fight against difficulties, and to provide a sense of safety for each other. As time goes by, the traditional marriage has become difficult for modern people." Chen believes that social development has persuaded people, especially the younger generation, to pursue more

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freedom. When the generation who were born in the 1980s enters marriage, they will likely bring their own lifestyles and values to their marriages. Therefore, the status of 'single couples' will probably become one of their choices.

Chen explains that the younger generation grew up with memories of their parents' marriage problems. They saw their parents' marriage problems clearly, and therefore will not pursue the permanence of marriage, but instead focus on protecting each other. The living status of 'single couples' is also a choice of self-protection.

Although people like Chen Yang have to have a lot of understanding and tolerance in order to live the phenomenon of 'single couples,' many other people still hold a contrary view of the viability of such a situation.

Ms. Wang, a retired teacher, said that she could not agree with those couples who intend to continue living single lives. She believed that in a marriage, couples offer each other not only responsibilities, but also love.

A NEW STYLE OF CHINESE WEDDING DRESS

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ARTS

T

he word "photography" comes from the Greek "phos" (which means light) and "graphis" or "graphe," together meaning "drawing with light." The light through a photographer's lens is just like a brush in a painter's hands. Photographers generally avoid camera motions in order to get sharp pictures and forget about "painting" with their lenses.

They forget that light can result in startlingly impressionistic, evocative images.

Instead of presenting the particular details of a scene, such as a tree or a leaf, these light-painted pictures "focus" on the patterns and texture produced by light and color.

With the identifiable objects hid by the movement of the camera, the inner beauty of the land, sky or seasons can be fully appreciated.

In a world of light and color, the beauty of an image is not defined by any visible object in the picture, but distinct from the rest of the world by having shapes and shades presented.

Drawing with Light...

Photo by Shao Kenan

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Pure Winter is Comming to The Bashang Grassland...

T

ARTS

he Bashang(坝上) Grasslands have long been regarded as the most fertile prairie land in China. Flowers, rivers, woods, grass, clouds, all of these have melded together to create the unique landscape, making this area a definitive destination of tourists and photographers.

Bashang is the nickname of the Saihanba plateau (which is Mongolian for beautiful hills); it covers over 6,000 square miles, is at an average of 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level, and is part of the Inner Mongolian Plateau.

The plateau is covered mostly by vast natural grasslands, dotted with hills and lakes. Some say it is a place that should only exist in dreams. Bashang offers endless views and recreation opportunities; abundant wildlife, outdoor adventures like skiing and horseback riding, camping, Mongolian yurts, farm vacations and friendly, down to earth people make visitors feel right at home.

June through September is the best time to visit. The end of September is the best time to photograph the autumn scenery of the prairie.

The winter landscape in Bashang is very attractive too. Hongshan Junmachang（红山军马场） and Jixie Linchang（机械林场,) seven hours north of Beijing, are the two places most often visited by photographers because they are simply closer to the most scenic/photographic spots.

(Photo by Shao Kenan)

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PEOPLE Haier America relys on its People --Interivew with

by Stacy Liu

Mr.Kan

Mr. Shariff Kan was recognized as among the 50 Most Outstanding Asian American Businessmen in 2002 and is the current Executive Vice President of Haier America.

To Chinese people, Haier is a familiar brand name, as GE is to Americans. With its huge success in China's market, Haier has looked to make further inroads in the North American market by moving into the fullsized refrigerator market. In 1999, Haier America was founded by Michael Jemal. As the first Chinese company to conduct business in a foreign market, Haier America has a lot to share, including everything from the initial culture shocks they have experienced to the secrets behind all their terrific success.

From the interview with Mr. Kan, readers cannot help but see that a company's success is essentially determined by its employees.

Mr. Kan is a smart, confident and charismatic businessman who makes me believe in a bright future for Haier.

Stacy: What first made you come to work for Haier America? And what then made you stay with Haier America for so many years?

Kan: I think it was coincidence. Before I came to Haier America, I did not know about Haier.

But I do know one person—Michael Jemal; he is the President of Haier America. Before I came over, I had known Michael Jemal for more than 10 years. He described to me the opportunity and the vision he had for Haier America, and I thought I was ready for a change.

Then it is just like starting a family.

You start dating, then you get married and you decide to stay with your family (Haier America).

S: Haier America is part of Haier Group, which is based in China; have you ever been to China for any kind of business trip? If so, what was your first impression of China?

K: So many times, I have lost count. But

I remember that there was a year where my wife told me, "This year you spent 126 days away from home, and I would like to know what it is going to be?" I have been with Haier for almost 10 years now; I will not calculate [how many times I have been to China]. I can tell you that this year I went to China six times. Sometimes I go there for one night or just the day, and then I come back.

10 years ago my impression of China, honestly, was very mixed. I'm ethnic Chinese, but I had never been to China before. So that visit was my first time entering China. Since my childhood, I had read a lot of things about China. That was my first actual experience. I saw things that I was disappointed with, I saw things that I was shocked about, and I saw things that I would have never imagined happening in China. If I close my eyes now, that kind of very mixed feeling is still fresh.

After 10 years of experience though, I consider myself a Chinese. I know how to go to the [local] airport. I know how to get a good room in a Chinese hotel. I can do a lot of things there now. And now I have a multiple-entry Chinese visa. So I think I passed the test.

S: What do you like the most about China? What is your least favorite thing about China?

K: I'm not sure about my favorite thing because there are a lot of things I like. But I'm really amazed by the

25 pace of modernization and the change I see every time I go. When I go to Qingdao or Shanghai, I feel like it's the first time I'm there, because [there is] always new construction, markets, roads, bridges and buildings. It's not something that I see in places like New York City.

I don't want to offend fellow Chinese people, but there are things I consider very offensive. People like to talk very loud in public spaces, and they like to cut in line.

Those things are very difficult for me, and will be for anyone who first visits China.

PEOPLE

10 million units per year. If you really understand the industry, the 10 million units are all "Made in China." So our competition is not "Made in China." Our competition is really the established brands that have been here for the past 75 years, if not more. Even the younger competitors have been here for the past 30 years. The way to win those competitions is by having differentiated products and a comprehensive line of products. Because we are a sales company, we have three faces in the sales process: before, during and after. Part of Haier America's success is that we are very thorough in our sales process

Haier Awards S: If someone is asking you for tips or suggestions for his or her business trip to China, what would you tell them?

K: I do not know how relevant this is, but every time before I go, I definitely get my flu shots and bring medicines. I will go to a doctor, just to be sure. Other than that, I think if you visit China, particularly a major city like Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, it is very difficult for you to get lost as long as you speak English. They have streets signs in English, business places with English names, and a lot of people speak at least some English.

S: "Made in China" is still a big concern for Americans, especially after all those toy recalls and food safety issues of late. China still has a long way to go to build a good quality reputation for its products.

I understand that Haier America has its "Made in America" refridgerators, but they are actually a Chinese brand. How much do you think those negative news stories about "Made in China" products will affect Haier America? What is your strategy for minimizing their negative influence?

K: "Made in China" definitely has a long way to go to be recognized as a sign of high quality, a good value or a status symbol. However "Made in China" products are actually familiar to consumers and to the public.

I remember that someone wrote a book not too long ago about living without "Made in China" products for a year, and how miserable it could turn out to be. So the popularity of "Made in China" products is actually considered an advantage for us. We have done well despite of some inherent challenges. We just have to manage that.

I will give you one example; we make air conditioners that occupy a 20% share of the AC market in the United States. The total number in the overall AC industry is

throughout the before, during and after phases.

S: Some people say that Haier America will follow the strategy Lenovo used: merging with or acquiring an American company to somehow get better brand recognition and utilization of each side's resources.

Because Haier America and Lenovo are both pioneer Chinese companies, opening up the foreign market, some people assume that you may use the very similar strategies to grow. What's your opinion on that assumption?

K: It's hard to comment on others' speculations. What I can share with you, not in direct answer to your question, is how we have done it as a Chinese brand and become successful. I'm not familiar with Lenovo's approach at all, other than what I have read in the newspaper. From my understanding of that published knowledge, Haier is very different. Haier is a very different company with serious aspirations to become global. In the American market place, step one for us was to form a joint venture company (Haier America), followed by staffing and managing that company as if it was a local company. So from day one, Haier America was run the American way and was staffed

by Americans. Haier China is very good in terms of articulating what they expect out of Haier America. And Haier China is excellent in terms of supporting the efforts made by the American management and staff. I think this is how we got where we are. Those are the real reasons.

S: As a result of the financial crisis, consumers are cutting spending, and companies are going out of business. Circuit City has just filed for bankruptcy; does that have any impact on Haier's strategy? What are some suggestions for companies coping with the global economic downturn?

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PEOPLE K: This is a heavy question. If anyone can find a may to be immune from this [crisis], I would like to know it and learn from them. Of course, we are subject to this environment and we surely have to be prepared to deal with it to minimize the side effects and to gain more opportunities.

We are in the process of finishing our budget for 2009.

What I can tell you now is that our budget for 2009 will be no less than what it was for 2008. In other words, we are projecting growth even in this economy. How are we going to do it? It takes confidence and the ability in this type of down economy to identify where the opportunities are and to go after them. You know even in good times, there are companies that fail. In bad times, there are companies that grow. And we have the confidence to grow.

S: Since Haier America embraces both Chinese and American cultures, have you ever felt any culture shock?

What do you think are the most important parts of Haier America's culture?

K: Culture is not something you can really manipulate.

I believe culture is something which makes use of your ability to adapt. As to Haier America and Haier China, if you ask both parties in the joint venture, both sides have experienced conflicts in values, as well as misunderstandings now and then. They are totally different cultures. It is a work in progress. We don't deny that there are things we take for granted. It will be a painstaking process to get them fully understood. And we also agree that there are certain things they take for granted. Then we shake our heads and say "How come?" But since we are a business, when you put the business into the context of a process, then you can find that point of entry for that efficiency in order to accomplish the business goal. Every now and then, we do need to put the culture business aside, but after 10 years, we do understand one another better.

How Haier America got into the market and became successful is that we realized that running a local company the local way is a good formula for Haier Group, in terms of becoming global. Another reason that Haier America is strong is because we have two very distinct generations of the company. We have one generation who has less experience; anywhere from fresh out of college to around five years of business experience, and we have another generation of industry veterans who have at least 20+ [years of] experience. That's why we can very quickly get results.

We have a pool of managers with a tremendous amount of business experience and contacts.

Talking about cultures, I think we have a challenge to develop another generation of managers having less than 20 years of experience, but more than eight years of experience who understand both sides, because they already either had the onsite job training or have experienced another part of the world, culturally speaking or from the source outside and all that. That is our challenge, which we are working on now.

S: I know that the president of Haier, Zhangruiming, has set a goal to open another 15 branches overseas by 2010. Based on Haier America's performance over the nearly completed year 2008, and the not-so-good global economic environment, do you think Haier America is doing well and is going to hit its goal by 2010?

K: Yes, I do think so. With all the things we have done throughout the year, we have prepared for growth.

Economy is definitely a factor to be dealt with, but you have to believe someone is going to do well in this economy, and that one has to be Haier America or Haier Group. I will give you an example. Many Chinese people know of companies more famous than Haier in China.

They all have been here [in America] and some of them are still here. But most of them, they come here for a year or two and then retreat. Then they come back in after another two or three years, and then they retreat again. I'm not critical of their strategy. If there is one company who has the determination, the staying power and the ability to roll, it is Haier. We did not say that. Our customers said that.

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I

f you are interested in traditional residential architecture of China, You don’t want to miss Qiao’s Compound.

Qiao’s Compound is a typical landlord manor of the northern part of China in the period of feudal society.

I. The Compound The compound was first built in 1756 in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.) and renovated twice and enlarged once. When people first saw the compound, they were astonished to find that the complex was so large and magnificent; however, few knew that the value of the compound was less than one percent of the family’s (fortune) asset. Situated in the central part of Qiao Town, Qi Xian County in Shanxi Province, it occupies an area of 8,274 square meters (about two acres) with a construction area of 3,870 square meters (about one acre). It consists of six main courtyards, twenty smaller courtyards and 313 rooms. The family built the complex like a castle for safety considerations, as well as to create tranquil surroundings in which to relax and be away from the furious competition of the business world. With three sides facing the street, it has ten-meter (about 32 feet) high parapet walls (a kind of wall as high as the house, used to keep the yard safe). Some girls in large families could not resist the temptation of the outside world, so they managed to climb up the high wall to look at the

outside world that was forbidden to them. Gradually, this kind of wall became known as ‘Nv’er’ (daughter) wall.

The exquisite design and meticulous craftsmanship make these walls unrivalled.

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II. The Qiao Family History Family tree I.Qiao Guifa II.Qiao Quande II.Qiao Quanyi III.Qiao Zhiyuan IV.Qiao Changrong IV.Qiao Chaowu II.Qiao Quanmei III.Qiao Zhiguang III.Qiao Zhiyong (had six sons) IV.Qiao Jingdai IV.Qiao Jingyi V.Qiao Yingxia (adopted by Qiao Jingyi)

Wax Figures: Qiao Guifa

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The prosperity of the Qiao Family originated with Qiao Guifa who was an orphan and made a living as a servant during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1711 - 1799) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.) He first started a business when he met his business partner, Qin. Initially, they sold fodder, bean sprout and bean curd. Several years later, they had become very wealthy. The ‘golden age’ for this family was under the instruction of Qiao Zhiyong who adopted the principles of being industrious, modest and generous.

The family fortunes began to decline due to the large amount of money offered to the Qing Army and the spoliation of the Japanese army.

Layout

Architectural Layout

Floor Plan

Viewed from above, the Qiao Compound looks very much like the double Chinese character of ‘xi’, which means happiness and luck. As one enters through the main gate, an eighty-meter (about 262 feet) long paved path leads to the main hall. At the western end of which, is the ancestral temple of the family. This path divides the compound into two parts: the Southern Yard and the Northern Yard. The Southern Yard is further divided into three sections respectively called the Southeast Yard, the South Yard and the Wax figure of Qiao Zhiyong.

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New Yard

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The three subdivisions of the Northern Yard are respectively called the Old Yard, the Northwest Yard and the Study Yard.

The given names reflect the location of the yards within the compound. Another important feature of the compound is the fact that the roof of every house is connected. This makes it easier for guards to protect the yard. What’s more, the 140-plus chimneys on the roof all vary from each other in their design. The Qiao Compound gained its renown not only for its large scale but also for the exquisite craftsmanship reflected in the brick carving, woodcarving and murals.

Brick Carving Brick carvings can be found on the wall and balusters, depicting various subjects such as flowers (traditional propitious pictures in the culture of Shanxi Province). For example, the carving on the corbie-step doorstep of the third yard shows Kylin (a mascot in Chinese culture) carrying a son to a mother figure. They caved this picture in the hope of having more male offspring.

31 birds, railway lines, railway stations, clocks, etc. Although exposed to the wind and sun for hundreds of years, they are still shining!

Tablets There are many tablets in the compound, two of which are most valuable.

1.The tablet ‘ren zhou yi fu’ displays the handwriting of Li Hongzhang (1832-1901, a famous general in Chinese history during the Qing Dynasty). At the time when the Qing Army was at war with the invaders, the Qiao Family donated 400,000 taels of silver (705,479 ounces) towards a warship. Li wrote this tablet in praise of their patriotism.

2.The tablet ‘fu zhong lang huan’ was presented to the Qiao Family under the verbal instruction of the Empress Dowager Cixi(1836-1908) who made her escape after

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Wood Carving The wood carvings are widely praised for their extreme vividness For example, the caving of the three gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity can be found on main gate of the second yard. These three gods represent all human desires, so they are very popular in China.

Murals Beautiful gold murals are located under each eave of the compound. Some of these paintings portray fables and others present more prosaic subjects such as flowers,

the Eight Powers Allied Army seized Beijing. When she arrived in Shanxi Province, the Qiao Family donated 400,000 taels of silver (705,479ounces) to pay for her journey. In 1985, the local government set up the Folk Art Museum of Qixian County, exhibiting 5,000 objects of folk custom in the compound grounds. These objects concern folk art, agricultural custom, clothes, foods, shelter and means of travel. Many films were also shot here, among which the most famous being ‘Raise the Red Lanterns’ featuring Li Gong. Therefore, information and materials on these films are exhibited, too.

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FOCUS Ping Yao

L

ocated in the central part of the Shanxi Plain, Ping Yao City, 108 km away from Taiyuan city (the capital of Shanxi Province) is famous for its ancient streets, ancient residences, ancient city-towers and buildings identified as historical and cultural world heritage by United Nations. The city was formed in 827 AD, and was renovated at the original site in 1370 BC. It is square in shape. Outside the City, 6 Wengchengs (city-towers) around were being formed into shape of a tortoise. So PingYao has another name: Guicheng (tortoise city) which means to exist for a long time.

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n the end of the Ming and the beginning of the Qing Dynasties, Ping Yao city was one of the commercial centers of the state. It started the first draft bank (deal in drafts, or bills of exchange, payable in towns and cities) of China and set 45 branches in 17 provinces of the country. Their business scope went as far as New York, San Francisco of America.

Those businessmen who got rich by draft banks competed for building mansions and shops here, so the city had been once prosperous and had a name of small Beijing.

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he main view-spots of Ping Yao are as follow:

Ancient Walls: The enclosing wall of the City is 6157.7 meters in circumference and 6-7 meters high. On which, there are 72 watchtowers. Outside the wall, there are moats around, 3 meters wide and deep. There are 6 suspension bridges in front of each gate of the city.

Ancient City-Tower: The three-story-tower is located on the south street of Ping Yao. It is 18.5 meters high, wooden structure and the Qing-construction-style. You will have a birdeye view of the city if you stand on it.

Rishengchang Draft Bank: It is located on the west street where a great number of draft banks gathered. Rishengchang with a history of 100 years, it was the biggest draft bank at that time and had been famous for "Hui Tong Tian Xia" (Business Connecting the Whole World).

Dachengdian Temple: Located in the southeast of Ping Yao, it is the only Confucian Temple built in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1126 A.D.) and renovated in 1163 BC. It has a history of over 800 years.

Ancient residences for common people: Most residences in Ping Yao that have the traditional Chinese construction style were built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.) and most of them are Siheyuan (a compound with houses around a square courtyard). Because of arid climate in Shan Xi and the fact that they hadn't been destroyed by wars, 400 residences of the city have almost kept in good condition. It is rare in the world that the residences have a history so long and have been preserved so completely.

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A

part from these spots, you may visit some others in the city. For example, the Qingxuguan Compound, S h u a n g l i n s i Te m p l e , Zhenguosi Temple, and so on. All of those spots have a history of over hundreds of years.

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he climate: Four seasons here are clearly distinguishable. In January, it is very cold and the temperature is usually 44-46 ยบF. The lowest is 91 ยบF below zero. In July, it is very hot, usually 77-86 ยบF. The highest is 102 ยบF. ransportation: If you want to visit here, you can take trains: Take Taiyuan-Chengdu route, or Taiyuan-Baoji route, or Taiyuan-Yuncheng route, or Taiyuan-Fenglingdu route, and get off at the stop Ping Yao. You also can take the coaches of Taiyuan-Ping Yao directly.

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East Beijing Church (1655 A.D.):Located

TRAVEL

on the east side of Ba Liancao, outside the Dongan City Gate, is the East Beijing Church.

The church was first built

by Luigi Buglio (16061682AD), and was known as St. Joseph's church.

The building is of Roman style, with many Christianthemed paintings inside. It burned down in 1807, was rebuilt, and burned again in 1900 (on June 13). It was rebuilt again in 1904.

Nowadays, the church is known as the Catholic Church of Beijing.

(Photo By Aaron Huang)

Visitors who come to China may be worried about finding churches for Christmas Eve. In fact, the Christian faith has a significant presence and a longer history in China than many would expect.

The construction industry has been booming in China for about three decades now. More and more buildings spring up along the city's skyline every year. Many of these edifices were designed by Western architects. There're the Water Cube, the Bird's Nest, and Jinmao Tower, to name a few. Amid this flurry of construction, most people have overlooked the fact that the earliest Western architectural works in China were places of worship. These religious centers have endured exceptionally well over the centuries.

Chongwenmen Chuch: The Chongwenmen Church of the Beijing Christian Council was first established in 1870; it was then called Asbury Church.

It was the first church constructed by the American Methodist Church in northern China. The scale of this church was smaller than its present size. It was originally designed to hold 400 to 500 people. Although the church now appears aesthetically similar to what it did back then, its current seating capacity is 2,000 people. As the number of believers increased, the Methodist church began reconstruction of the building, which was completed in 1882. During the Yihetuan movement (the Boxer Rebellion) of 1900, the church burned down. In 1902, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.) government appropriated money to rebuild the Asbury Church, which was completed in the spring of 1904. This is the main structure we have here today. (Photo by Aaeon Huang)

35

Church Guide in China Xishiku Catholic Church, also known as

the N orth Church, is the location of the Beijing Cardinal Bishop's office.

The church was originally located at Xipancanchiguo in Zhongnanhai, opposite to the former Beijing Library, and was built on land bestowed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, which is commemorated by a calligraphic plaque and couplets dedicated to the building. Opening on 9 February 1703, it was officially named Saviour Church.(Photo by Aaeon Huang)

Beijing Church is located at 141 West Front Gate Street, and is the oldest Catholic Church in China. It was originally built in 1605 by Matteo Ricci, to serve as a small church in Xuan Wu Men. Later, Johann Adam Schall von Bell, the German missionary, took over as the priest for this church. In 1650, the church was expanded to be the biggest Catholic church in Beijing city. The first king of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.,) visited and consulted with von Bell 21 times during his reign. In 1775, the temple was destroyed by a fire. Emperor Qian Long (1736-1796AD) rebuilt the temple at a high cost. On June 14, 1900, the church burned down again, and was rebuilt in 1904. The entire church is 40 meters long, 20 meters wide and 15 meters tall. In the east and west wings there are two tablets that contain the history of the church and the biographies of Matteo Ricci and von Bell. The communist Chinese did a good job of keeping up the church. Currently, it is the main Catholic church in the Beijing district..(Photo by Aaeon Huang)

TRAVEL

South Beijing Church (1605): The South

36

TRAVEL

Shanghai Xujiahui Catheral:

Xujiahui Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in Shanghai, was constructed at 158 Puxi Road in 1910. It is of French Gothic architecture, with two belfries that tower up into the sky. The outer walls are made of red bricks, and the eaves, gates and windows are of Gothic design. The church is richly ornamented with marble sculptures. The high rising and slender structure creates a mysterious illusion of what heaven might be like.(Photo by Tang XiaoJing)

Shanghai Moore Memorial church:

The building was started in 1921 on a former school site since the church moved here and was finished in 1931 by a famous Hungarian architect Ladislaus Hudec. Covering an area of 1,347 sq. meters, it boasts beautiful woodwork, stone arches and impressive galleries. (Photo by Tang Xiaojing)

37

built by the Germans in 1934, and has an area of 2,470 square meters.

This grand building, which is 60 meters tall, has become an important landmark in Qingdao, in the Shandong province of China.China. (photo by Ma Huiwu)

Cizhong Catholic Church:

A Roman Catholic church by the Lancang (Mekong) River at Cizhong, Yunnan Province, China, was built by a French missionary in the mid 19th century, but it was incinerated during the anti-foreigner movement in 1905. It was rebuilt in the 1920s. The church's members are mainly Tibetans.

Since the region is very ethnically diverse, the congregation also consists of six other ethnic groups such as the Han, Naxi, Lisu, Yi, Bai and Hui. (Photo by Zhu Qian)

TRAVEL

St. Michael's Cathedral was

FOOD

38

Boucherie Michel Texas Restaurant Here at Texas restaurant, you will have a genuinereal taste of Texas. Owned by Americans, thise restaurant not only preparesd genuine Western American food, but it also has homey, Texas-style decorations (if you are thinking about cowboy boots or a Llone Sstar, you are on the right track).

Time: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Telephone: (0991 ) 2810025 Address: Xiaoqu, Nanmen Mashi （天山区南门马市 小曲，人民路电脑城对面） Tianshan District, Urumqi, 830002

If you want to enjoy a meal at home, Boucheries Michel will help you set up your dining table. Here you can find traditional, homemade roasted turkey, ham (in a variety of flavors), stuffing and dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and so forth.

You can choose to pick up your food, or have them deliver it toed at your door.

Hours: 9 am – 8:30 pm Telephone: 010-64170489 Address: Jiezuo Building, Xingfucunzhonglu（朝阳区幸福村 中路55号杰座大厦） Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027

Map of Christmas Feasts

By Rebecca Zhang

As the old Chinese saying goes, the oranges grown in the south will turn to tangerines when planted in the north. Although Christmas has been widely celebrated by many Chinese, it barely follows the usual Western traditions. In China, companies hold their annual parties on Christmas Eve; lovebirds treat Christmas as a second Valentine's Day; shopping centers get prepared to drive people into new shopping frenzies; restaurants and hotels create a variety of 'gala dinners with entertainment' that can easily cost one an arm and a leg. Christmas in China is not family oriented, but rather is more like a luxurious party. If you miss a traditional Christmas dinner, but do not feel like cooking yourself or spending four figures, don't worry. Take the following eatery map with you, and you will find the perfect destination.

Grandma’s Kitchen The Grandma’s Kitchen is renowned for its authentic American food, and it definitely won’t let you down on Christmas. From the restaurant’s decorations to itsthe tasty food, Grandma’s Kitchenit will give you thea true feeling of a conventional Western Christmas.

Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Telephone: 028-85242835 Address: Fl. 2, Caribbean Plaza, # 143 North Kehua Road （科华北路143号蓝色加勒比广场2楼） Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610000

La Peine Restaurant Francais As the one and only one Michelin Red Guide credentialed three-star French restaurant in Xi’an, La Peine offers tasty food as well as a superior atmosphere for your Christmas.

Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Telephone: 029-87266688, 87215155 Address: Fl. 5 Fuhao Plaza, # 59 South Ave. (near Kaiyuan Plaza) （碑林区南大街59号富豪大厦5 楼，近开元商城） Beilin District, Xi'an, 710001

39

Kranzler's Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch The Kempinski Hotel Beijing provides a great assortment of culinary delights, as well as the season’s favorite dishes. Live Jazz performances, all resident clown, and a lucky draw will assure you a wonderful Christmas Day. Price: RMB 398/person (subject to 15% surcharge), including complementaryfree flow of beer, sparkling wine, white and red wine, juices and soft drinks.

Time: 25 December, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Telephone: 010 6465 3388 ext. 4075 Address: Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100125

The Spot Restaurant & Bar

Greenery Restaurant & Bar

Baby. O Steak House From turkey to ham, from seafood soup to lobster, you can eat what ever you want at thise Christmas buffet. Plus, the buffet includes a complementaryyou will be offered Caesar salad and signature cocktail for free on Christmas Eve. Price: RMB 188/person Time: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Telephone: 020-38330905 Address: Fl. 6, Grandview Plaza, Tianhe Road # 228 （天 河路228号正佳广场6楼） Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510620

Here you can always find a large servings at a reasonable prices. House specialties (e.g., turkey) will be served on Christmas.

Reservations in advance areis recommended.

Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Telephone: 027-82450197 Address: Fl. B1, Grand Ocean, 890 Zhongshan Ave.（中山大道890号大洋百货B1楼） Hanjiang District, Wuhan 430022

FOOD

The Spot on Tongren Lu serves up a fixedset Christmas menu that includesing a glass of wine or Prosecco, and three3 cChoices from aof four4 course set menu to choose from.

Price: RMB 248/person Time: 5:30 – 11 pm, 24 & 25 December Telephone: 13524290135 Address: 331 Tongren Lu, near Beijing Lu (铜仁路331号， 近北京西路) Jing’an District, Shanghai 200040

FOOD

40

Homemade Peking Duck

by Nina Liu

Photogragh by Xiaotao Guo, Yan Ma

I

t's the most wonderful time of the year again - friends and families are getting together, having a drink, fixing the tree, unwrapping gifts, and don't forget, preparing a big Christmas dinner. As the tradition goes, turkey, cranberry sauce, corn and squash will always find their place on the Christmas dinner table. But why not try something unconventional this year? How about Peking Duck?

Peking Duck is a famous duck dish from Beijing that has been served since the Yuan Dynasty (1271~1368 A.D.) The dish is prized for its thin, crispy skin. Authentic versions of this dish serve mostly the skin and very little meat, sliced in front of the diners by the cook – almost the same way the traditional Western turkey is served.

Eating Peking roast duck, however, is way more fun and flavorful. Wrap the duck skin and meat, along with slivers of spring onions and cucumber, dabbed with sweet sauce (tian mian jiang), in a slice of thin pancake. It sounds yummy, right? Moreover, research shows that Peking duck can help protect against cancer and heart disease. If you opt for a healthy yet savory dish for the whole family on Christmas, we have just the recipe for you.

It may look difficult to make Peking Duck yourself, but Christmas is all about fun, and so is the cooking process.

When you enjoy these delicious rolls with your family, you will know that it is worth the effort.

Peking Duck Recipe Ingredients (serves 4-6): one 5-6lb Duck, 40 Chinese pancakes, 6 spring onions (scallions), ½ cucumber, sliced, 2 red chillies, and hoisin sauce.

Coating: 1 tablespoon malt sugar, honey or molasses; 1 teaspoon corn flour; 1/2 teaspoon vinegar.

Sauce: 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon Chinese yellow wine.

Method: 1.

Clean the duck, removing and discarding any excess fat in the cavity.

2.

Tie a piece of string around its neck, and pat dry.

3.

Bring 25 cups of water to boil and turn off the heat.

4.

Put the duck in the water and turn it backwards and forwards for about 1 minute. Remove.

5.

Bring the water to a boil again, and repeat the previous step.

6.

Do this twice more (for a total of four times).

7.

Hang the duck in a cool, drafty place for

about 5 hours.

8.

Mix the coating ingredients with 10 tablespoons of hot water, and brush the duck all over with the mixture.

9.

Hang to dry for a further 4 hours, and apply a second layer of coating.

10.

Pre-heat the oven to 450°F / 230°C. 11.

Put a roasting pan in the oven with a wire rack in it, making sure that there is a space of about 5cm between the rack and the pan base.

12.

Place the duck on the rack, breast side up, and roast for 8 minutes.

13.

Turn the duck over using a towel, not a

41

FOOD

fork, and roast for a further 8 minutes.

14.

Reduce the temperature to 350°F / 180°C, and turn the duck breast side up again.

15.

Roast for 20 minutes.

Lower the temperature to 250°F / 120°C, and roast for 10 minutes.

16.

Increase the heat again to 450°F / 230°C, and roast the duck for about 10 minutes.

17.

At this point you have to watch carefully to make sure the skin of the duck does not burn.

18.

Turn off the heat once the skin has turned a rich, deep red.

19.

While the duck is roasting, prepare the Chinese pancakes. Refer to the Chinese pancake recipe for ingredients.

20.

Cut the spring onions into 5cm lengths, shred the tip of each piece and put them in ice water for 10 minutes.

Cut the cucumber into similar lengths.

21.

Decorate each piece with a red chili ring.

22.

Blend the sauce ingredients together over a low heat.

23.

Carve off the skin on the back of the duck.

24.

Hold the knife horizontally, and carve the skin and meat from the breast and legs, cutting at an angle of 15°.

25.

Arrange the skin and meat on a large plate. Diners place one pancake flat on their plate, and put a piece of duck in the center. They then dip a spring onion (scallion) into the sauce and put it on top of the duck, wrap it up and enjoy!

Chinese Pancake Recipe Ingredients (makes about 40 pancakes): 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ cups of boiling water, 1 tablespoon sesame oil.

Methods: 1.

Place the un-sifted flour in a mixing bowl.

2.

Make a well in the center and add the boiling water, stirring rapidly with a fork.

3.

Knead the dough thoroughly on a lightly floured surface, until it is smooth and firm.

4.

Return the dough to the mixing bowl, cover and leave to stand for 1 hour.

5.

Knead the dough briefly on a lightly floured surface, and roll into a sausage, 4cm in diameter.

6.

Pull it apart with your fingers to make about 40 equal-sized pieces.

7.

Roll the pieces between your hands to make smooth spheres, making sure that they are all the same size.

8.

Lightly oil your fingers and the palms of your hands, and flatten each sphere until it is 5mm thick.

9.

Brush the top with sesame oil.

10.

Place one piece of the dough on top of another, with the oiled sides facing, and roll out into a pancake about 15 cm across.

11.

Heat the frying pan and brush the bottom with sesame oil.

12.

Add the paired pancakes to the skillet, one at a time.

13.

Cook over a medium heat for 30 seconds, turn and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

14.

Pull the paired pancakes apart with your fingers to make two thin pancakes.

15.

Place them on a large piece of foil, one on top of the other, oiled side up.

16.

Wrap them in the foil and steam for 30 minutes.

17.

Serve as an accompaniment to Peking Duck.

18.

Any pancakes left over can be wrapped in foil and kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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The essentials

ENTERTAINMENT

Concert: KylieX 2008

The Kylie Minogue 2008 Concert is a show not to be missed. The KylieX 2008 Tour is an enormous US$16 million production that has already traveled to more than 21 countries across the UK and Europe. Over half a million people have seen the show and been wowed

by Kylie’s performance, her first class production and her dazzling Jean Paul Gaultier wardrobe. Quoted by Kylie, “The eclectic mix of sounds on X has afforded me the opportunity to explore and develop a new live show that is fresh, exhilarating and innovative.

After two years of celebratory tours, KylieX 2008 is a look to the future but definitely includes favorites alongside the new.” Now it is time to immerse yourself in the music wonderland brought by Kylie!

11/29/2008 Shanghai: Hongkou Soccer Stadium (Tickets now available at : http://www.emma.cn/event_en_1502.html) 12/1/2008 Beijing: Beijing Workers’ Gymnasium (Tickets now available at http://www.emma.cn/event_en_1453.html

Movie: Forever Enthralled (Mei Lanfang) Forever Enthralled, a biopic about the titular 20th century Chinese opera legend Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), is expected to be the first box office hit of this holiday season. Directed by Chinese helmer Chen Kaige and starring Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai, Forever Enthralled is an effort to capture the great master at three periods in his life: first, as he defeats a predecessor and gains fame as the darling favorite of the day; then as he conducts a romance with a female star who impersonates male roles, played by Zhang Ziyi; and last, when he defies Japanese invaders and refuses to perform. Forever Enthralled opens in theatres across China on December 5th.

Peking Opera: Red Cliff The Peking opera Red Cliff will be launched from December 22 to December 29, 2008. Original and heroic, the large-scale opera is produced by the NCPA and coauthored by the NCPA and the Peking Opera House of Beijing. At the same time, serving as the closing event, this opera will serve as a magnificent conclusion to the Sixth Beijing International Theater & Dance Festival, in which the essence of Chinese culture will be embodied by the different examples of Peking opera.

This grand Peking opera will bring to life the historic war where the Three Kingdoms fought for predominance. From a completely different perspective, the opera gives a faithful and flawless representation of wartime, leaving a fresh, thought-provoking and lingering impression with the audience.

Dates: December 22 - 29, 2008 19:30 December 27 - 28, 14:00 Venue: Opera House National Center for the Performing Arts No.2 West Chang’an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing,100031

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Book: Business Republic of China: Tales from the Front Line of China’s New Revolution, by Jack Leblanc Jack Leblanc’s book Business Republic of China: Tales from the Front Line of China’s New Revolution provides superb coverage of the challenges, mysteries and sources of success or failure for foreigners doing business in China. Covering a period of almost two decades, it also gives some insight into ways in which business in China has grown up, or failed to grow up, during that time. This is a light and entertaining book that I would recommend to anyone thinking about doing, or just observing, business in China.

There are two threads that run through Leblanc’s book. One is very intentional and in the forefront, discussing the vast cultural and practical differences that exist between business in China and business in more developed countries. The other thread, one that is much more in the background, underlines what happens when you turn a substantively socialist country upside down and desperately try to hold some of the pieces in place.

In short, there are two ways to do business in China. Be smart, or use connections (Reviewed by Larry Mongoss).

Today the Art Museum is pleased to invite Liu Heung Shing, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and editor of the book China, Portrait of a County, to curate a photographic exhibition under the same title, showing how the Chinese people have endured and blossomed in spite of previous decades of extraordinary hardship. As an Asian American, Liu offers viewpoints of both an outsider and an insider to China, and has a mixed perspective on China. The exhibition presents a visual chronicle of modern China since 1949. Accompanying a significant amount of research, more than 120 valuable

Children & Family: Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes Every little girl loves the Disney princesses: Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and Mulan. The only problem is trying to choose a favorite – but now your little princess doesn’t have to choose, with the new Disney on Ice show Princess Wishes. Tinkerbell serves as the mistress of ceremonies, guiding the audience through the enchanting stories of each Disney princess as she glides her way into making her wishes come true. Take your little darlings to this spectacular ice show and lose yourself in the wonder of Disney on Ice. Time: 2008/12/30-2009/1/3 Venue: Shanghai International Gymnastic Center No. 777 Wuyi Road, Shanghai 200051 Tickets now available at: http://www.culture.sh.cn/english/product.asp?id=5526

photos by 88 Chinese photographers will be presented in the exhibition, mapping out the remarkable road that China has traveled to rejoin the international community and refine its relationship with its global partners.

Duration: 4th - 20th December, 2008, 10:00am – 5:00pm Venue: The 4th floor exhibition hall of building No. 1 Today’s Art Museum 32 Baiziwan Rd, Chaoyang district , Beijing 100022

ENTERTAINMENT

Photographic Exhibition: China, Portrait of a Country

Having Cake A man was very hungry, and went to buy cakes at a snack b a r. W h e n he finished a cake, he found he wasn't full, so ate a second one. He felt so hungry that after eating six cakes in succession, he still hadn't satisfied his hunger.

Not untill the seventh cake was eaten, did he feel satisfied. Then, suddenly, he regretted his gluttany.

"Ah, if I had known this before, I would have eaten the seventh cake first and that would have been enough! There would have been no need to eat those six others!"

The Comfort of a Good Book A Scholar rented a room from a monastery to use for his studies.

Though, he wasted time instead of studying.

One afternoon, he suddenly came back and called the page boy to fetch him a book. At first, the page boy

fetched the Liang Dynasty Analects.

He looked at the book and said,"too low." The page boy then brought the scholar the classic History of the Han Dynasty, but the scholar again answered "too low." Finally, he brought a third famous classic, the Records of the Historian, but the answer was still "too low."

A monk, very astonished by this, confronted the scholar. "Generally, if a person masters one of these great books in a lifetime, he is considered well-learned. Why do you say these classics are low books?"

"I'm trying to find a book that's just the right height to use as a

pillow," the scholar replied. "These are all too low."

Fair Judgment When Duan Guangqing served as a county magistrate, he was known for his honest, upright nature. One d a y, w h i l e passing a grain shop, he saw a crowd of people who seemed to be quarreling about something. Upon inquiry he learned that a country fellow had trampled a chick to death, and the boss of the grain shop had asked for nine hundred coins as compensation.

Duan Guangqing asked, "Why does a chick cost nine hundred coins?"

The fellow from the country answered, "The boss said the chick, which was of fine quality, would weigh nine jin after a few months.

The current price for a chicken is one hundred coins per Jin, so he asked me to pay nine hundred coins for the loss."

Hearing this, Duan Guangqing asked the boss, "Is that true?"

The boss of the grain shop nodded. "Yes, that's the way I calculated it."

Then Duan Guangqing brought the case to a conclusion. "It seems that nine hundred coins is not too much. You pay him that much. If you don't have enough, I'll make it up."

The onlookers all complained behind his back that the judgment was unfair. The countryman dared not protest and had to pawn some of his clothes for six hundred coins.

With these and three hundred coins volunteered by Duan Guangqing, the man paid the boss for the chick.

S e e i n g t h e m o n e y, t h e b o s s was full of glee. He took the coins and was about to go when Duan Guangqing said hurriedly, "Wait a moment; listen to me, please. There is a saying 'dou grain, jin chicken.'

That is to say, to gain one jin of

weight, the chick will have to eat one dou of grain. Now that the chick has died, the nine dou of grain have been saved, haven't they? It is only fair for you to give the nine dou of grain to the countryman."

Hearing this, the boss was agape and tongue-tied. He could do nothing but give nine dou of grain.

The countryman went away happily with his grain. All the people unanimously praised Duan Guangqing for his fair judgment and uprightness.

Three Sentences Spoiled a Banquet A rich man invited four friends to a banquet to celebrate his birthday.

By noon, only Zhang, Wa n g a n d L i h a d come; his friend Zhao had not appeared, even though he was very late.

The rich man said anxiously, "Why isn't the one who should have come here?"

His friend Zhang, an impetuous person, was very much upset at his words and said to the rich man, "If the one who should have come isn't present, then I am the one who should not have come. All right, good-bye."

And with that, he went away in a huff.

The rich man then said, even more anxiously, "The one who should not have left has left."

These words aroused Wang's suspicion, so he said, "You said the one who should not have left has left. Does that imply that I am the one who should have left? All right, I have to say good-bye too."

The remaining friend, Li, advised the rich man goodheartedly, "You should learn what to say and what not to say; otherwise, you will annoy your guests and send them away without your wishing it."

The rich man, hearing this, said, "Those two are too suspicious and misunderstood my words. I didn't

Ancient Chinese Joke

ENTERTAINMENT

44

45 mean them."

Now it was Li's turn to flare up. "So it is I who should not have come! It is also I who should have left." And with this, away he went. <From asianjoke.com>

The Snipe and the Clam Have a Quarrel

Yugong was a ninety year old man who lived north of two high mountains, Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu.

Stretching over a wide expanse of land, the mountains blocked Yugong's way, making it inconvenient for him and his family to get south.

One day Yugong gathered his family together and said,"Let's do our best to level these two mountains.

We shall open a road that leads to Yuzhou. What do you think?"

All but his wife agreed with him.

"You don't have the strength to cut even a small mound," muttered his wife. "How on earth do you suppose you can level Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu? Moreover, where will all the earth and rubble go?"

"Dump them into the Sea of Bohai!" said everyone.

So Yugong, his sons and his grandsons started to break up rocks and remove the earth. They transported the earth and rubble to the Sea of Bohai.

Now Yugong's neighbour was a widow who had an only one child who was eight years old. One evening the young boy eagerly offered his help.

Summer went by, and winter came. It took Yugong and his crew a full year to travel back and forth just once.

On the banks of the Yellow River dwelled an old man much respected for his wisdom. When he saw their back-breaking labor, he ridiculed Yugong saying, "Aren't you foolish, my friend? You are very old now, and with whatever remains of your waning strength, you won't be able to remove even a corner of the mountain."

Yugong uttered a sigh and said, "A biased person like you will never understand. You can't even compare with the widow's little boy!"

ENTERTAINMENT

The Stories of Chinese wisdom

How the Foolish Old Man Moved Mountains

"Even if I were dead, there would still be my children, my grandchildren, my great grandchildren, my great great grandchildren. My descendants will go on forever. But these mountains will not grow any taller. We shall level them one day!" he declared with confidence.

The wise old man was totally silenced.

When the guardian gods of the mountains saw how determined Yugong and his crew were, they were struck with fear and reported the incident to the Emperor of the Heavens.

Filled with admiration for Yugong, the Emperor of the Heavens ordered two mighty gods to carry the mountains away.

There once was a river clam who climbed up out of the water to summon himself to the shore. Along came a snipe, who thought that the clam's pink meat would make a very good lunch. The snipe stuck his long beak into the clam's open shell, but before the snipe could reach the meat, the clam snapped his shell shut very hard, trapping the snipe's beak inside.

The snipe began to regret having ever tried to eat the clam, but he pretended that he didn't care, saying "You idiot! By holding me like this, you can't go anywhere, either! If it doesn't rain within the next couple of days, you'll certainly dry up and die!" But the clam very coldly answered, "If I hold your beak until tomorrow, you will surely die of hunger!" And so they continued, each refusing to give in, until a fisherman came by and snatched up the both of them.

Thus, the adage "The Snipe and the Clam Have A Quarrel" is used to refer to a situation where two parties have a quarrel and refuse to compromise; in such cases it is usually a third party who benefits.

46

Chinese Astrology Forecast for the Month Edited by May Ouyang

ENTERTAINMENT

T h e R a t : December will leave a strong note at the end of your 2 0 0 8 . Yo u w i l l gain much praise, meet new friends, and develop a romantic relationship.

You may encounter some problem when communicating with your coworkers, but you will resolve the problems eventually. You will have great opportunities to make money, as long as you make the right choices and set a long-term plan.

The Dragon: T r y t o be more proactive, and you will have more chances to make progress. You will be regarded as a leader, and people around you will support you. You need to improve your communication and negotiation skills, and respect other people who have opinions different from yours. You may treat your friends to a dinner to express your appreciation for their help and support.

The Monkey: You need to spend more time with your family and friends, because you have been too busy with your w o r k . Wi t h t h e support of your supervisors and coworkers, you will make great strides in your performance and have the chance to get a promotion.

Yo u m a y s u f f e r from illnesses due to the changing weather conditions and busy business trips.

T h e O x : Yo u will be faced with a series of challenges in your job and daily life.

Take it easy, and let go of the past.

If you are going on a business trip, try to get as much rest as you can. Do not stress yourself out. Even though you will have some great investment opportunities, do not rush into any decisions. Instead, ask your friends for advice.

The Snake: This is a busy month for you. You need to learn to delegate so that you will not be overwhelmed. Things may not go the way you wish, but they will work themselves out eventually.

You may have a crush on someone, but you need to spend more time getting to know him/her. If you have investments in the stock market, you will be better off learning from the experts.

The Tiger: Focus your attention on the most important things, and figure out solutions to your problems one by one. You may need to make some tough decision regarding your relationship. Get over the past and move on. Do not push yourself too hard, or try to satisfy everyone's needs. Take a break if you can, and sort out your priorities.

The Horse: If you are single, you may make some changes to your daily outlook that will turn the page to a new story. You have a lot of work on hand. Complete your projects by the end of this year, and have a better plan for the new year. Your innovative thinking will lead you to making more money, but do not take any risks in unknown fields.

The Rooster: As long as you try your best, you will achieve your goals. Even though you may disagree with your loved ones, your efforts to build positive relationships will pay off. You may be bothered by differing opinions from business partners. You need to look at the big picture and bear in mind the similar vision you share. Take caution regarding investments and avoid any undue risk.

The Rabbit: Express your feelings to your loved ones, and you will receive positive feedback.

Follow your heart and chase your dreams. You will get support from your supervisors and co-workers, and things will go pretty smoothly. You will meet some great people who will help you with your work and investments.

The Goat: Do not get into any relationships until you have a clear idea of what you want and need. Otherwise, you will simply hurt yourself and others.

You may have conflicts at work, and you need to improve your communication skills to avoid any misunderstandings. Even though it is good to be ambitious, you need to slow down and take one step at a time.

T h e D o g : Tr y to control your temper, no matter how irritated or frustrated you are.

Stay away from those people who are always on the fence. You need to work hard on building up networks with others, but do not rely too much on them.

The Boar: You will greatly improve your relationship with your partner if you can spend more time with him/ her. Your devotion to work will lead you to greater success, and you will have more opportunities for further development. You may spend a lot of money this month, but you will make it up in revenue from smart investments.

48 GIFT SAMPLES

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Call for Articles

Publish your own book!

Dear Readers: The next issue of iChina will be out in January 2008.

Do you have a piece of news, an opinion or a comment on China-related activities or events? Do you have any stories to share with our readers? Are you an expatriate working in China? Are you involved in a project that would be of interest to our readers?

Then please accept our invitation to have your article printed in the only monthly publication talking about Chinese in the U.S., iChina magazine. Topics vary from politics, economy, and technology to culture, tradition, and lifestyle—or anything else related to China.

Please send your article with accompanying pictures as separate files to nliu@ichinamag.com.

We look forward to your contributions!

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Feedbacks from Readers Please let us know what you liked, didn't like, stories you would like to see covered, favorite topics, etc. Also, please let us know about any error you found in our pages. Thanks in advance for your responses!

Associate Editor: Liu Na, nliu@ichinamag.com

Hi, Editor: I couldn’t wait to shoot you an email when I read the article about Chinese beauties. I don’t know any of the ladies selected by the Chinese citizens, but I read that all of them are actresses. Personally, I think the standards used to evaluate an actress are different from those for average people. Take Sandra Oh (Well, my friend just told me that Sandra is Korean, and not Chinese. I have a hard time identifying Chinese from Korean, Japanese, or Singaporeans). She is really a great actress, although she may not be the best looking one.

Can you share with us pictures of an average Chinese woman, just as the sartorialist does in the US (but you may focus more on people’s faces than their apparel)? I think it will be fun!

- Sharon, Los Angeles, CA -------------------------------------------Dear Wu Di: I want to thank you for brining the beautiful scenery in Tibet to us! I have been there once, and your article and pictures just reminded me of the great time I had there. I stayed there for two weeks, and visited most of the places you mentioned. I was most impressed by the divine atmosphere, breath taking scenery and friendly local residents. I also met a little girl there, similar to the little girl in your picture, dressed in the traditional costume and smiling like a flower. She was really sweet, and she even taught me some Tibetan, but I don’t remember it. I heard that there are more and more visitors to Tibet, especially with the opening of the ChengduLhasa railway services, and I hope sometime in the near future to revisit Lhasa by train.

Hi, Editor: I learned about the tainted milk scandal in China from the news, and I felt really concerned about the product safety standards in China. Even though the importers are partially responsible for the poor quality of “Made in China” products, I think the root cause is the lack of regulations and laws. It was ironic to see what happened right after the Beijing Olympics, where harmony was the main theme throughout the event. I don’t think any country can achieve real harmony with manufacturers producing poisonous or fatal milk powders and not suffering any legal remedy. I am sad for the families whose babies were fed tainted milk. May God bless them. And I hope the Chinese government has learned a good lesson from the incident, and will set a higher bar for product quality.

- Angie, Austin, TX -------------------------------------------Dear Editor: I am a big fan of contemporary arts, and I loved Yang Ge’s artwork in the November issue. I think we all are daydreamers from time to time, but sometimes we are too busy to dream, let alone to express it. Yang’s works allowed me to take a break and explore the fairyland in my heart, and I enjoyed it! I used to do oil paintings myself, but I wasn’t as talented as Yang Ge, so I ended up working in a non-arts industry. Hopefully Yang Ge will keep chasing his dreams and creating great works in the future.

- Robert, New York, NY

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