MOSAIC APRIL 2014
PIECING THE F.A.C.T.S TOGETHER
Win!
a pair of scoot tickets to tianjin!
+
ASIAN JACKSON The spirit of Michael Jackson lives on in Yuan Zhi Qian
Youths on
Marriage the pressures of finding the one
Taobao Street
a must stop shopping paradise!
TIANJIN SPECIAL
Contents TRAVEL / APRIL 2014
+ ON THE COVER
Find out more about this passion dancer, Yuan Zhi Qian also known as Michael Yuan, as he inspires others through the music of Michael Jackson (pg.12)
3 5
MORE THAN JUST CENT-IMENTAL
3
Discover hidden gems from ancient times at thrift stalls.
RIVER FLOWS IN YOU
What you can expect to see at the well-known Hai He.
OLD FASHIONED LANES 6 GOOD Find some of the best buys from Taobao Jie.
8
TREASURES & TRINKETS
Love souvenirs? Here’s a list of things you have to get.
IN A BIG CITY 9 ESCAPE Find rest in Tianjin’s Shui Shang Park.
10 12
MOULDING A GIFT FOR TOMORROW
10
Sun Xiaofeng preserves ancient culture by making clay sculptures.
WANNA BE STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’ Yuan Zhi Qian inspires others through the song and dance of Michael Jackson.
VOWS 14 ETERNAL Is marriage really all stardust and glitter?
16 18
THE BIG DREAM
Enterpreneurship is a new option for students to succeed.
A SWEET AND SOUR LIFE
Sugar painting is literally how it reads - painting with sugar.
SWEET TREAT 20 SOUP-ER Find out more about this delicious snack.
21 22
14
START THE DAY RIGHT!
Breakfast is the most important meal, especially if you’re in Tianjin.
TAKE YOUR PICK!
Be spoilt for choices when it comes to the local food you can find at Shipin Jie.
24 A STROKE OF GENIUS
There is more than meets the eye in calligraphy.
20
Editor' s Note Greetings travellers! Let’s be real. Be it travelling to somewhere exotic like the Maldives (say hello to relaxing on beaches), or somewhere close to home (Malaysia food adventure, anyone?), discovering a new place is always exciting and fun, especially if you’re on your own. No waking up early for group tours, or parents dragging you to somewhere boring. The charm of being in a foreign country just infuses you with energy. This edition of MOSAIC, encompassing Facts, Arts, Culture and Travel (F.A.C.T) brings you to Tianjin, China, a municipality just 30 minutes away via bullet train from China’s capital, Beijing. Start your day right with hidden breakfast gems (pg 21), before exploring stories on Tianjin’s Youths and their thoughts on marriage and business (pg 14-16). Escape from the city to Shuishang park (pg 9), and find out where to pick up some quirky souvenirs (pg 8). Learn more about the passion for dance of Michael Jackson dancer Michael Yuan (pg 12) and last but not least, head over to Haihe (pg 5), Tianjin’s famous “mother river”, for night scenery that is definitely a sight to behold. You might not be able to go to Tianjin any time soon, but don’t worry, because we’re bringing Tianjin to you.
VanessaYeo
TEAM Editor
Vanessa Yeo Deputy Editor
Rachel Yeo
Photographer
Vinice Yeo
Sub Editors
Tammy Lui Elizabeth Goh Designers
Marcus Khoo Sxuann Sim mosaic | 2
TRAVEL
More Than Just
Cent-imental
With thrift shopping becoming more popular and common in Singapore MARCUS KHOO takes a trip to the thrift shops in Tianjin, to see what’s noteworthy. Photos courtesy of Vinice Yeo.
mosaic | 3
TRAVEL to 4pm but the ideal time to visit is after 12pm. If you truly want to immerse yourself in the huge crowds and be spoilt for choice, Thursday is definitely the day to stop by as more thrift stalls choose to open on that day. Ms Chi Yuan, 24, a Science student at Tianjin University of Technology says that prices at the market vary, from as cheap as two yuan (S$0.40) for old novels to up to 1600 yuan for a jade pendant. However, she warns that some of the goods may be fake and that you’d need to be an expert to determine the actual price if you want to make your purchase worth your buck.
Love vintage stuff? Then this place is definitely a place you can’t afford to miss!
Old Chinese military uniforms, second-hand watches, musical instruments and other hard to find antiques make up the stretch of thrift stalls at Tianjin Shen Yang Dao Antique Market (Tianjin Shenyangdao Guwu Shichang 天津沈阳道古物市 场). Veiled behind the tall buildings and skyscrapers, this peaceful street is simply perfect for those who love collecting vintage treasures. Lay your products on top of a plain piece of cloth and you’re ready to open for business; this is a common practice for most of the store owners who set up shops here. Mdm Li Cui Mei, 56, a retiree, is one of those entrepreneurs who chooses a more informal way to sell her antiques. As she interacts with her customers, you can clearly see how passionate she is when she talks about her antiques.
mosaic | 4
“It’s not about the money, it’s more about the culture,” she says. The fact that she has been collecting these antiques for over two decades, shows that they have become more than just products, but there are even memories and stories behind these products. “One of my friends gave me this jade necklace as a gift, and now that that friend has passed on, it’s time I let it go too,” she recalls. “I had this jade necklace for almost 22 years but never really felt the need to wear it out.” It was then that it dawned on me that the things sold on this street had more meaning than the things we shop for at the malls. Don’t be surprised if you see store owners packing up as early as 4pm for this is only normal! Most thrift stalls here are usually open from 10am
Ms Chi Yuan adds, “The stuff sold here is worth buying despite it being slightly expensive as you can’t find it anywhere else.” She also commented on how antique collectors from places like Japan and South Korea come down to buy and seek for things. According to Gucn.com, this street has been through several changes since it’s beginnings in 1987 to be the country’s largest distribution center for ancient artifacts. “Some of these shop owners have been here for as long as two decades,” says Mr Liu, 52, shop owner of an antique store. “The street, however, looks nicer than it was before as it used to have run-down buildings and the streets were dirty, as the roads were filled with dust.” makes this place worth a visit for it’s own vintage heritage. Despite all that, Mr Liu still has says with a smile, “Business is still the same as local customers and overseas customers patronize my stall every now and then. I’ve even seen Singaporeans here too.”
RIVER
FLOWS IN YOU VINICE YEO sets out on a journey to discover the significance of activities done at Hai River for visitors. Photo courtesy of Vinice Yeo.
There lies a glistening river that convergers into 5 smaller rivers in the north of China. After a stressful escape from Tianjin’s busiest station, Tianjin Railway Station (Tianjin Zhan 天津站), you will be greeted by a magnificent view of the mother of all the rivers, the Hai River (Hai He 海河). The river, which stretches for 72km, flows through the heart of the bustling city and into the Bo Hai Sea (Bo Hai 渤 海) at Tanggu (Tanggu 塘沽) of Binhai New Area (Binhai Xinqu 滨海新区) in Tianjin. The Hai River marked the turning point of Tianjin back in 1816 when Tianjin and its main tributaries were built along it. It soon grew from a shipping centre to a place of attraction, relaxation and pleasure. As people relax while waiting for their trains, you will notice some of the various activities that people do along the Hai River. Regardless of the season, people young and old alike enjoy taking long strolls along this scenic location. You may even bump into old folks singing their hearts out, performing Chinese opera in the morning. You can find people of all ages fishing at the river. Some fearlessly stick their legs out beyond the railings while waiting for a catch, so habitual by now that they no longer find it dangerous.
TRAVEL With a faint smile, a man sitting at the edge of the river shares how fishing at the river is his favourite hobby and way to escape from his taxing job as a driver. “I’ve been coming here for 50 years,” says the 62-year-old Tianjin native who prefers to be referred to just as Mr He. “Even though there are fewer fish now compared to the past, I’ll still continue to come.” If fishing is not your cup of tea like it is to Mr He, why not take the river cruise down the scenic river instead? The best time to visit the river is during the spring when blooming flowers line the sides of the river. However, that does not mean one should skip the cruise ride for the rest of the seasons. The daily night time river cruise is widely recommended and not one to be missed. Be dazzled by the illuminated river while cruising along brightly lit bridges and infrastructures. For about 50 minutes to one hour, you will get to enjoy the enchanting sights along the river. Be enthralled by one of the highlights of the cruise - when it passes under the Tianjin Eye, the world’s only ferris wheel built on a bridge. Besides being a scenic attraction and a place of relaxation, the Hai River is also a momentous location to many. Some parents even bring their children along to spend quality time with them. “This river is significant to me because I remember being here for the first time with my mother, whom I rarely see nowadays,” says Ms Yue Lu, 24, a student studying management at the Tianjin University of Technology. She was ecstatic that she could spend time exploring
this area with her mother who had just arrived in Tianjin for the first time that night. Families also flock down to the Hai River on the weekends for family outings to spend time with loved ones.
“Seeing my son smile and being able to spend quality time with him makes me the happiest,” said Mdm Liu Hai Cheng, 32, a teacher at 29 Middle School. Mdm Liu has been bringing her five-year-old son out to the Hai River. The Hai River has been their favourite place to go to spend time together since last year. Whether you are a local or tourist, the river is sure to leave a lasting impression in your heart.
FANCY A CRUISE?
With three different cruising routes that depart from three ferry terminals, the river cruise is highly recommended for taking the “snapshots” that can leave memories. River cruise ticket prices (includes return trip) Daytime – 80 yuan (S$16)/person Nighttime – 100 yuan/person 1. Tianjin Railway Station Terminal Daytime Boating Time: 010:00-16:00 Nighttime Boating Time: 19:30-20:30 2. Dabei Temple Terminal Daytime Boating Time: 09:30-15:30 Nighttime Boating Time: 19:30-20:30 3. Ancient Cultural Street Terminal Daytime Boating Time: 09:00-16:30 Nighttime Boating Time: 19:30-20:30
mosaic | 5
TRAVEL
Good Old Fashioned Lanes The boom of online shopping can be daunting, but TAMMY LUI visits Taobao Street to uncover why the old methods of shopping are still the best.
Photos courtesy of Vinice Yeo.
Tucked away in the far, southeastern part of Hedong District (Hedongqu 河 东区), Taobao Street (Taobaojie 淘宝 街) is not easy to find. Despite sharing its name with China’s leading online shopping platform, Taobao.com, the two have absolutely no relation to each other at all. In fact, they could not be more dissimilar. Only 120 kilometres northeast of China’s capital Beijing, Tianjin is just a stone’s throw away – a quick 30minute ride by bullet train. Tianjin’s strategic location along a series of rivers is the second largest commercial centre in China. Don’t be fooled by Taobao Street’s small exterior, for this is a mere facade to hide the seemingly neverending lane of stores. Upon stepping into the street, you may find yourself lost. Shops that do not fit nicely in the lane simply spill onto the narrow
walkway, their owners perched on stools, shouting out sale prices at the top of their lungs amidst the sea of curious customers. This is Taobao Street on a Sunday. Set up seven to eight years ago, Taobao Street houses close to 1000 stores. Busiest during the weekends and the 12-4pm lunch period on weekdays, it is best to pop by from Monday to Thursday if you want to steer clear of the crowd. This labyrinth of stores provides a great selection of items, from pieces of clothing to a small trinkets you can bring home as gifts. Prices vary as you continue down the street. You may find a jacket for 300 yuan at one store, and three tops for 10 yuan at the next. At such crazily low prices, it is a
wonder that people still want to bargain for less. Finding a nicely made denim coat with distressing detailing for 95 yuan (S$19) is something you don’t normally see on most online stores, let alone get to touch and try on. Such a find is rare and a must buy for avid shoppers. Tianjin-native student Nancy Ma, however, disagrees. “Make it 80 (yuan),” she says, head held high and tone assertive. The storeowner scowls, but Nancy is not moved. She stands her ground and isn’t going to back down.
“Never pay for anything more than 100 yuan,” Nancy calmly advises, proudly holding onto her new denim outerwear.
“You can get these prices in shopping malls in the city area! Always ask for less if you can, and if they don’t wish to deal, walk away.” Taobao Street is occupied largely by storeowners driven just to make a living. But if you were to meet 30year-old Yu Yuan Yuan, you’d find that there’s more to it than just making money. “Talking to and making friends with customers who share similar interests as I do is probably the best part about my job,” the jovial storeowner of street fashion store Nuer Faner (Nüer Faner 女人范儿) expresses with a grin. A wide array of clothing apparel can be found in Taobao Street, get ready to be dazzled at beautiful shirt prints at affordable prices!
Yuan Yuan is one of the many younger storeowners you can meet as you venture further down Taobao Street, who are motivated more so by their passion for fashion. If you want to talk to them about fashion tastes and trends, they are bound to be enthusiastic. Walking along Taobao Street is definitely not for those seeking relaxation. It takes great stamina and persistence to struggle through on crowded days and even more to haggle. After two hours, you may find your mind and body completely exhausted. Despite all this, the prices are what have many hooked and back for more. The thrill of getting a good bargain and emerging victorious is so enticing. Ultimately, these lanes will never die.
Looking for a nice hat, snapback or cap? Be spoilt for choices as you take a look around the many headwear shops there.
--- Taobao Street is located at 59 Jintang Road (Jintanglu 津塘路), Hedong. You can find your way there via the subway, the closest one to Taobao Street being Zhigu Station (Zhiguzhan 直取站) on Line 9. The street is open from 10am to 5pm daily.
WHAT A STEAL! Here are some brilliant finds from Taobao Street you can get even when you only have S$20 in your pocket! Green Velvet Skirt 20 yuan (S$4) Assorted Sports Shoes 50 yuan (S$10) (female sizes) 60 yuan (S$12) (male sizes) Blue Midi Skirt Original: 150 yuan (S$30 Bargained: 70 yuan (S$14)
For as little as S$10-S$12, it would be such a waste if you did not buy any shoes in Taobao Street.
mosaic | 7
TRAVEL
TREASURES &
TRINKETS RACHEL YEO finds out what are the unconventional souvenirs you can find in the heart of this charming city.
Photos courtesy of Rachel Yeo, Vinice Yeo and chinadaily.com.cn
Something Bizarre:
‘Hairy Monkey’, or Maohou ‘Hairy monkey’ would be the direct translation of maohou (maohou 毛猴) but it has nothing to do with monkeys covered in hair! Made from dead cicadas and magnolia plants, these are also widely used for Chinese medicine. This is one controversial type of keepsake that can stun bug haters.
“A good choice of gifts for the adventurous, be wary of buying these for the faint hearted!” says Mr Joel Ng, 17, an exchange student.
Something Engaging:
Ocarina, or Taodi
The ocarina, more commonly known as taodi (taodi 陶笛) here, is a wind instrument made of clay. Available in many designs, it sounds strikingly like a typical recorder. It comes with scores of simple songs like ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ for amateurs to pick up their wind blowing skills. It’s a souvenir worth having to display and also learn around with, engaging everyone from all age groups. “Anyone can master it, even a 4-year-old kid!” says shopkeeper Mr Liu Tian Xiang, 26 with a firm shrug.
mosaic | 8
Something Well-Crafted:
Inner Paintings, or Neihua An unusual form of Chinese art, inner paintings or neihua (neihua 内画) are created with specialized thin brush painted inside a glass bottle through the neck of the bottle. These paintings take a whopping amount of patience and concentration to create. “Most people from all age groups choose to buy them because they see the extraordinary of this traditional art and they appreciate them for it”, says Mr Wang Xin Ju, 51, an inner painting artist.
TRAVEL
Escape in a
Big City
Amidst the constant hustle and bustle of city life, ELIZABETH GOH sets out to find a quiet place of relaxation in a beautiful park. Photo courtesy of Rachel Yeo.
It’s sudden, like the pause button has been hit. One step into Tianjin Shuishang Park, (tianjin shuishang gongyuan 天津水上公园) and it’s as though the volume dial on bustling city life has been turned down sharply. The change of atmosphere is immediate. The beeps of vehicles and steady stream of chatter on crowded streets grinds to a halt. Faint strains of traditional Chinese music are heard instead, and laughter drifts over the wind. A cool breeze shakes tree leaves gently towards the ground. It’s then that it dawns on me that this isn’t the city anymore. This is a whole different world. On a chilly Sunday morning, I embark on my escapade to Tianjin Shuishang Park. Officially opened in 1951, this park is situated north of Beijing, in Tianjin city. My aim – to find a scenic place of relaxation away from the crowds, a respite from busy city life. Stepping through the main gate, you will glimpse of a vast expanse of sprawling fields and pathways, and park benches are dotted into the horizon. With 125 hectares of land to relax in, you can drink in the sight of elderly people enjoying themselves. Serene groups exercise in a Taiji Quan (taijiquan 太极拳), while playful shouts ring from another group kicking a football around. Athough the park is extensive, it wasn’t fully developed until seven
years ago. Pathways and roads were created, new rides were installed, and a swimming pool that used to be the haunt of many students was demolished. Mr Jiao Chuan Liang, 70, a retired university lecturer, grew up with this park, and comes here everyday to practice Taiji. Cocking his head thoughtfully, he says that he loved running to the East Lake at 7am for a morning swim in his teens.
“The water was freezing during winter, but I loved it. You get used to the cold. I taught my grandson how to swim here when he was young, too,” Mr Jiao chuckles. Next up – the amusement park. Despite its distance from the entrance, the stunning view makes the trek worthwhile. And if you get tired, why not hop on a 5 yuan (S$1) tram to take you around the park? Advancing deeper into Shuishang Park, you’ll see sunlight glinting off the West Lake. Here, you can rent paddleboats at 30 yuan, and the city skyline paints a marvelous backdrop for an afternoon row.
If you come here during the weekend, you’ll see the park in full swing. Children dash around with parents in tow; candyfloss and sausages are sold, and rides spin wildly. Jiang, 24, an undergraduate, animatedly describes the gondola ride. Although it looks old, it holds plenty of meaning for him. “I was terrified of the gondola ride but my mum insisted; she took a photo of me when I was about to cry. I still have that photo!” he laughs fondly. Folding back its beautiful surface reveals unique charm, rich in history and childhood memories. Young and old, this park welcomes people from all walks of life to create their own special experiences. Strike up a conversation with any of the locals here, and they’ll readily tell you about their experiences in this park. If you feel tired of shopping in the city, why not come down for a picnic, or a boat ride? It is perfect for a breath of fresh air. I’ve found rest in a bustling city, here at Tianjin Shuishang Park. Did you know?
Tianjin Shuishang Park used to be named “Green Dragon Pond” before 1951, why? The son-in-law of the King Dragon, Green Dragon, was invited to his party. He encountered a village that encountered a drought on his way, and created rain for them. When King Dragon found out, he was furious as the village was his, not Green Dragon’s. He ordered the beheading of Green Dragon. When his head was chopped off, a stream of water poured from it and a pool was formed near the village. This came to be known as Green Dragon Pond, which forms Shuishang Park today!
mosaic | 9
arts
Moulding a Gift for
Tomorrow
Delve into the life of Sun Xiao Feng with TAMMY LUI and find out how this master clay sculptor plans to keep this art around for many more generations. Photos courtesy of Tammy Lui and Vinice Yeo.
mosaic | 10
A realistic clay sculpture of a man is being created, under the hands of Master Sun.
He gets 40 days a year off right before the Spring Festival, a well-deserved break to rest his tired eyes and over-worked hands. But instead of resting, 57-year-old Sun Xiao Feng is preparing to head off to a summit to make clay sculptures as gifts for the nation’s leaders. Clay sculpting is one of China’s antique folk arts. Tianjin’s very own “Clay Figure Zhang” (nirenzhang 泥人 张) is one of the two branches of clay figurine art, alongside “Wuxi Huishan Clay Figurine” (Huishan Niren 惠山泥人). Master Sun decided to risk it all and quit his job as a mechanical engineer around 15 years ago and make his hobby of clay sculpting his profession. He opened a studio at the Drum Tower (Gulou 鼓楼) for two to three years, before moving to a spot at Ancient Culture Street (Guwenhuajie 古文化街), which is found along Gongbei Avenue of the Nankai District. Today, with 25 years of experience in this field, Master Sun runs his stall with his wife 57-year-old Qi Huanzhen, a retiree for 7 years, as his assistant. Now, Master Sun may not be able to whip up a sculpture of a customer in a minute, but might be able to in five. His usual pieces are small ceramic busts which costs 300 yuan (S$60) if completed on site. What sets this Tianjin-born artist apart from his fellow clay sculptors is that he is also a ‘performer’ of his art. Working in an open-air stall for all to see, people crowd around and watch
Master Sun uses various tools to create miniscule details for his art.
in wonder as with just a few pinches and kneading, he transforms a palm full of clay into a face. People from all over China know of its reputation. But there is a distinct difference between knowing something and really taking a keen interest in the subject. Sad to say, majority of the new generation of Tianjin locals do not share Master Sun’s sentiments and love for clay sculpting. To that, Master Sun heaves a long sigh and says, “The way people think has changed. Everyone is just so eager to make money quickly...
...Hardly anyone from this new generation wants to spend years like I did practicing the art.” The heartbreak is evident in Master Sun’s eyes. People from all over China know of its reputation. But there is a distinct difference between knowing something and really taking a keen interest in the subject. In spite of this, this fervent master of the art is not going to stop trying to pass on his legacy. Sun has taken it upon himself to train apprentices to serve as the new generation of clay sculptors. One of the lucky ones Master Sun has agreed to take under his wing is his
nephew, 26-year-old Sun Zhong An. Full of spirit, this youth is one of the rare few that still values the importance of this age-old art form. “My master is the most remarkable person I know, and I’m not saying this just because he is my uncle,” Zhong An says with a slight chuckle. “It is truly admirable how he devotes so much time into preserving the art. I only wish I can be like this in future.” Passionate Master Sun has also ventured out of Ancient Culture Street and has taken part in art competitions, where he took home a bronze medal at one for his piece called “Min Jian Yi Ren” (minjian yiren 民间艺人). Regardless of all his experience and achievements in the field, Master Sun humbly acknowledges that he is far from perfect and that there is still so much for him to learn about clay sculpting. He is no longer at his prime, and yet, he continues to man the stall everyday from opening time at 9am to 5pm, regardless of circumstances. Master Sun’s eyes and hands are dry and exhausted from constant working. But, incredibly, this master still has no regrets of the path he has taken. Master Sun explains, “With each day, I love this even more; I learn something new about the art everyday...
...As long as my body permits, you’ll see me here doing my craft for a long time more.” mosaic | 11
ARTS
WANNA BE
STARTIN’SOMETHIN’ Michael Jackson may not be around anymore but he has inspired many others around the world with his music and dance moves, like Yuan Zhi Qian. MARCUS KHOO finds out more. Photos courtesy of Rachel Yeo and Vinice Yeo.
It was just an ordinary school day for 13-year-old Yuan Zhi Qian when his friend gave him a cassette tape consisting of Michael Jackson’s songs. He didn’t know it then, but in due time the late King of Pop would change his life forever. When he first listened to the songs, Zhi Qian felt that Michael Jackson’s music was unique yet eccentric, nothing like he had ever heard before. However, he grew so fond of this new tune that he just had to rush online and look up Michael Jackson’s music videos. That was the beginning of his love for Michael Jackson’s dancing. What started out as an unusual pastime for young Zhi Qian, also known as Michael Yuan, now 24, has led him to fame.
“If it weren’t for that cassette tape that my friend gave to me, my life would most likely be so idle and boring,” he says. Zhi Qian’s parents, on the other hand, did not support the idea of him dancing as they felt that listening to such music in China was irrelevant and pointless. In spite of this, Zhi Qian still persisted. He went with his gut and continued to dance. In time, when the fruits of his labour showed, his parents finally realised and accepted how Michael Jackson’s dance moves has made their son happier. mosaic | 12
Zhi Qian taught himself how to dance like Michael Jackson just by his watching music videos online with zero background knowledge in dance. He started off trying to imitate Michael Jackson’s famous move, “The Moonwalk”, but was terrible at it. Despite this, he did not quit. Zhi Qian knew he wanted to dance like Michael Jackson, and knew that eventually, he would. Hoping to improve, Zhi Qian took up dancing classes when he was in junior school. However, this did not improve the situation. His dance teacher looked him in the eye and told him,
“You are not fit to dance. At this rate, you will never be able to dance well.” Many would take such criticism badly. But this criticism empowered Zhi Qian even more. Since then, he would practice every night without fail in attempt to master every Michael Jackson move. Some moves took him two years just to learn, not master. “It was a long and difficult process because the moves were too fast for me to even catch,” Zhi Qian reminisces. “but I just kept practising to make it look like what Michael Jackson did in the video.” Zhi Qian didn’t just stop at making a name for himself. Not many people actually know that this humble dancer is the founder of his own dance group in Tianjin University of
ARTS
Technology, where he teaches students in the campus how to dance like Michael Jackson too. Just like how Michael Jackson sparked his interest in dance, Zhi Qian’s goal is just to do the same - to spark the interest in others through Michael Jackson’s music. With regards to how Zhi Qian is like when he teaches, he thinks he is doing fine so far. He aspires to live up to Michael Jackson’s good reputation, incorporating his values such as kindness and respect. “Besides teaching the dance moves, I make it different by infusing the values that I get from his songs and how these values can move and affect the world,” he adds on excitedly. As some of his group members start to practise on their own while Zhi Qian gets ready, one of his group members, Wang Jia Wei, 22, says that, “What sets Zhi Qian apart from most dancers would be the fact that he can dance and teach. Most dancers can only perform but when it comes to teaching it’s something completely new to them. He is an exception”. Another one of his group members, Zhou Qin, 20, adds that in the dance group created by Zhi Qian, he can be himself. Zhou Qin is able to connect with the people through dance. Most importantly, what this 20-year-old admires the most about his dance coach Zhi Qian is that he teaches them how to love and respect people for who they are inside, not what’s on the outside. Alas, Zhi Qian is out of the changing room. Decked in his sweatpants and hoodie, he is finally ready to start practicing with the rest of his group. “I feel as though I’m on cloud nine whenever I dance so I’ll never give up and even more so when I teach others. I’ll remain enthusiastic about dancing and hope I can really make a career of it and impact the world like how Michael Jackson did.”
mosaic | 13
culture
Eternal Vows Accompany SXUANN SIM as she uncovers the one of the glaring issues, faced by the youths, buried beneath Tianjin – marriage. Photo courtesy of Vinice Yeo.
mosaic | 14
culture Number one – do not be skinny. Number two – study. Number three – get married. These are rules you have to follow to honour your family name. Known for its serenity and friendliness, Tianjin is a perfect getaway if you happen to be in Beijing. However, beneath all that kindness, youths in Tianjin are under the constant pressure to settle down. “Marriage is about tolerance and accepting one another; one should not look for alternatives like divorce after making that commitment,” says Xing Yu Long, 25, an undergraduate. Marriage is a lifetime vow and is definitely not a matter to be taken lightly. Family values are heavily embedded in Chinese culture and it’s a norm for youths here to feel pressurized to find their significant other in order to do their family proud. Eight out ten youths agreed that they feel the continuous need to hunt for their partners. Family and peer pressure are just some of the reasons as to why youths in Tianjin are so anxious to find their lifetime partner. According to CBCnews, youths located in other parts of China also encounter this problem. With the growing pressure from family members to find a partner, most individuals dread family gatherings during festive seasons such as the annual Chinese New Year. “Why don’t you have a girlfriend, you’re not young anymore!” mimicked Cui Hong Yin, 24, an undergraduate. Hong Yin, being the only single man in the family mentions how his relatives persistently question if he’s seeing anyone. Many other youths likewise agree they fear family gatherings. “They think it’s a must for the man in the family to get married, it’s not even a personal affair, it’s a family matter.” Despite the fear, skipping family gatherings may not be the best solution either. Youths face the anxiety to find the right one even when hanging out with friends. Most of them tend to stay in hostels located in school for convenience, which means they are with their friends most of the time. Being constantly surrounded by friends who are either attached or married, it’s no doubt one will feel the immense pressure to search for their Mr or Mrs Right. From the seas of people, how can you truly tell who your Mr or Mrs Right is? The pressure is so apparent in Tianjin that a ‘matchmaking street’ is set up to cater to those who are looking for a partner. Individuals leave their
particulars there hoping to find “The One”. For those who are interested, they’ll exchange their contacts and start sharing more intimate information about each other. If unsuccessful, the whole cycles repeats until he or she finds the suitable one. More impatient parents have also resorted to setting up their children on blind dates. Wang Long Hui, 25, an undergraduate, recalls having two dates back-to-back daily for a month.
“I went only to please my mother. She’d drag me out of bed and buy me new clothes to ensure I’d be presentable for my date,” Long Hui shares. Now happily married, Long Hui says it’s all worth it. “It took me about 60 dates to find the one for me,” he jokes. Furthermore, youths stated that having a wide social network is one of the key factors to getting yourself attached. To achieve that, students will join more than one curriculum activity to widen their connections. They’ll also have large gatherings and mini vacation trips organized by people from different faculties.
“I prefer to take my time though. I think youths should explain why they don’t want to get married to their parents instead of hurrying it,” says Xu Weo Yun, 23, an undergraduate. Not all youths can afford to be like Weo Yun with such understanding parents. A lot of the families located in Tianjin are still relatively traditional. The luckier ones will have their parents’ blessing while the not so fortunate ones will try to satisfy their parents by finding the right one. Blind dates and expanding their social life as mentioned earlier on are just some of the methods taken by the youths to handle the pressure. Marriage is a sacred eternal vow; one must definitely choose wisely. mosaic | 15
culture
Big With a big part to play in a city with big potential for growth, RACHEL YEO looks at just how much passion Tianjin’s youths have in the world of business. Here is a success story of a youth who has battled through all the problems most budding young entrepreneurs face. Jeremy, 22, has been successfully managing his own luxury goods online business for over a year. Unlike majority of the youngsters here who believe that money, good grades and experience are the key to successful entrepreneurship, Jeremy disagrees wholeheartedly. “As long as you know what you’re doing outside, you don’t have to attend pointless classes just to come up with a good grade. Starting a business is a much greater challenge than doing well in school,” Jeremy says candidly. As for money, 90 percent of the business funds come from Jeremy’s parents. Jeremy now works part time in a junior high tuition centre to earn pocket money for himself and to repay his parents. “I’m thankful to have my parents support me and I want to show them that their son will repay them with gratitude,” muses Jeremy. Of course, Jeremy is one of the luckier kids who had succeeded with the help of his parents. He also has more unconventional beliefs compared to the majority of the youths of Tianjin. The young locals know that big dreams may be easy to envision, but difficult to realise.
mosaic | 16
For one, starting a business requires capital and not many possess it. With money woes, at least 60 percent of the youths in Tianjin prefer studying for good grades before even thinking about getting enough money to start their own business. However, no matter how many difficulties there are, big business dreams are still apparent in Tianjin’s youths. Out of 10 youths in Tianjin, 7 youths do wish to start a business of their own. Hu Yuan Wei, 24, a student in Tianjin University of Technology, has taken a huge interest in starting his own food and beverage company in the future. Affectionately known as Storm, he has already pictured his big dream from the beginning.
“I want to be my own boss. Freedom and independence mean a lot to me and I want to use that potential opportunity to challenge and improve myself,” shares Storm. The positive aspect for many of the youths in Tianjin is that they love to take charge of their future to achieve
their dreams. Sun Kai Hua, 29, has been successfully managing his own education-training centre since March 2011. This has been a lifelong dream for him, and he has worked his fair share in other part-time jobs to earn enough to start a full-time company. Sun was born in Henan province and has been living in Tianjin for three years. He had plans to start his own business but it wasn’t an easy journey, and he was faced with countless challenges – one of which was to prove to his skeptical kin that his company had what it took to succeed. His company did exceptionally well under his leadership. With an annual profit of a seven-digit sum and at least 60 people now working under him, Sun proved his family wrong. Plus, he achieved his dream.
“Looking at my company now and thinking back of the challenges I faced does not matter anymore,” Sun reasons. “I’m just really happy that I challenged myself and it turned out so well.” Nothing is impossible and dreams can be a reality, as proven by the youths of Tianjin.
food
A
Sweet
& Sour Life He is an artist. His canvas is a slab of marble, his paintbrush is a bronze spoon, and his paint is melted cane sugar. With clever twists of his wrist, he paints a sticky sweet picture. This is his craft, and he knows every minute detail of every picture. He is an artist, not just on paper. Ge Jin Ming, 59, a local sugar painter, has a stall beside a row of other small booths in Ancient Cultural Street (Gu wenhua jie 古文化街), a popular tourist destination in Tianjin. There are usually crowds surrounding this little kiosk, especially on Saturdays. People peer over other’s shoulders, jostling around for a better look. This comes as no surprise, really, for what he does is beautiful and intricate. Master Ge scoops melted cane sugar into a ladle, and pours it onto the marble slab in varying lines to create a picture. The warm, liquid sugar which acts as paint hardens into solid candy
mosaic | 18
Jobs come in all varieties, but for Ge Jin Ming, his unique job is more than just a source of income. ELIZABETH GOH finds out how his sugary work has become a passionate way of life for him. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Goh and Vinice Yeo.
after a few minutes. For just 30 yuan (S$6), a stunning phoenix, larger than a person’s head can be crafted. From amber liquid to solid candy, this is sugar painting. Sugar painting gained popularity during the Qing Dynasty and designs were updated with auspicious animals like monkeys. Sugar painting garnered sudden attention in Tianjin as well from 1981-1989, with stalls set up on bridges for all to patronise. When the crowds disperse in the late afternoon, Master Ge takes this chance to take out a pack of cigarettes. Rolling one between his calloused hands and lighting it, he squints at the smoke and adjusts his cap. “Whenever I make a mistake while making a sugar picture, I eat the whole sugar painting. No, I’m just joking,” he chuckles, his eyes crinkling. Albeit a strange conversation starter, humour does seem to come naturally to him.
He stretches out his legs and begins to talk about how he got into sugar painting. From Scrap Paper to Signing Contracts The year 1988 was when Master Ge started to pursue his passion of sugar painting. Of all the career choices to make though, this seemed like a strange one.
“I could have been a teacher, but I chose this because I love drawing and traditional things. Also, I have a sweet tooth,” he muses. Master Ge’s love for drawing began from a tender age of five years old,
food this progressed till when he was in primary school. Coming from a modest family, he didn’t have much money to invest in his artistic flair. He decided to do the best he could and practiced drawing animals with scrap paper and a pencil. This flair for the arts never died out, even though Master Ge eventually ended up signing a contract to work in an electrical engineering factory when he was a young adult. It was only in 2003 when he became bored with his mundane lifestyle that he began to crave something more. His passion for the arts surfaced where it had been buried for a few years, and he made up his mind to pursue what he always loved – sugar painting. Problems and Publicity “You know, I’ve been lying. I’m only in this job because I need the cash,” he chuckles. I balk, and he laughs even harder. “Just kidding. I love doing this.” His sense of humour really is what keeps him going even when he faces difficulties, which there were many of when he first started out as a sugar painter. Passionate to learn more about sugar painting, Master Ge went on a search for a sugar painting master in Beijing whom he mastered techniques from. He soon became one of the first two sugar painters to set up shop in Ancient Cultural Street, an area with over 600 years of history. Though this was a great milestone in his life, he faced one problem – constant harassment from security guards who would demand he produce his operator’s license, and even rental fees, even though having a shop there required neither. Eventually, they stopped troubling him after he gained more popularity.
active part in preserving culture, as well as sponsorships to perform sugar painting in countries like Korea and America. Thoughts Behind Besides his perseverance and talent, there is one other driving factor behind Master Ge’s passion for sugar painting – himself. Usually, people enjoy doing things for others, as they feel happy when others do. Master Ge has a whole different approach to this situation, though. “I do sugar painting for myself.
I don’t care about what other people think because as long as I do a good job, I’m happy,” he says, pausing to flick the ash off the tip of his cigarette, “happiness comes from yourself. If you rely on others to be happy, you will never truly be content because the happiness can be taken away from you.” Overcoming all these difficulties is definitely something to be proud of. If there were ever liquid courage, this would be the epitome of it.
Master Ge paints a Smurf to suit the tastes of younger audiences.
Master Ge has on his face a steely gaze, before uttering, “My generation; we’re able to ‘chiku’ (chiku 吃苦), which means we can bear and withstand trials. If you love something, you keep at it no matter what.” Not only difficulties plagued Master Ge though, as he has had his fair share of accolades and experiences. Being such a dedicated individual, he managed to grab the attention of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). They awarded him the prestigious title of Folk Industrial Artist; someone known for taking an
mosaic | 19
food chatang makers fled the Qing court due to the Boxer Rebellion. Some of the makers settled in Tianjin, like Mr Ma’s great-grandfather. “My great-grandfather passed on the chatang making tradition to my grandfather, who then passed it on to his kids. My father then passed it on to me,” says Mr Ma, 30, as he is preferred to be addressed. He now owns a tea soup shop at Nanshi Food Street (Nanshi Shipinjie 南市 食品街), where he has worked at for 10 years.
SOUP-ER SWEET TREAT
an amazing water pouring feat.
VANESSA YEO investigates the uniqueness of the dessert deemed the “First National Chinese Snack”.
This 28-year-old chatang seller has been selling the sweet dessert at Tianjin’s Ancient Cultural Street (Gu Wenhua Jie, 古文化街) for 3 years and counting, and learnt the art in just a week by watching some other masters at work.
It is not tea. Neither is it soup. It’s a bowl of ‘tea soup’, or chatang (chatang 茶汤) as it is commonly known as, that actually has no relation to either of the two things.
Mr Liu Cheng, 35, a chatang seller, says, “Anyone can learn how to make chatang. Practice makes perfect. I had to deal with many burns for two years while I was apprenticed to another master who also worked at Ancient Cultural Street.”
Photos courtesy of Vinice Yeo.
Chatang is actually a bowl of baked millet and glutinous millet flour mixed with boiling water, which creates a smooth, consistent paste. Brown and white sugar is added in, and various toppings like melon seeds, raisins, peels, hawthorn and sesame seeds garnish the dish. This creates a sweet, piping hot dessert perfect for a cold winter’s day. With a sweet, nutty flavour that warms your tongue slowly, chatang is normally taken during a cold winter’s day or the passing of the New Year. “More foreigners try chatang. They come from many different places, like Singapore or even the United States. Locals do consume chatang though,” Mr Xiang Yi says. He stirs a bowl of chatang with vigor, before performing mosaic | 20
Liu makes a bowl of ‘oil tea’ (youcha 油茶), one of the original and most popular flavours of chatang, for a waiting customer.
“There weren’t as many flavours in the past as there are now. We even have modern flavours like chocolate!” He reminiscences. Chatang was once a royal refreshment served during the Ming dynasty. Near the end of the Qing dynasty, many
Compared to other local Tianjin desserts and snacks like the deep fried dough sticks(mahua 麻花) and fried cake (zhagao 炸糕), chatang is not fried. It is also a healthier option because it is made of millet, a type of grain similar to rice. As to what he thinks keeps him afloat in the chatang business, Xiang Yi replies, “Be honest with people. Do not cheat them of their money. Use good quality ingredients.” At only 8 yuan (SGD$1.60) a bowl, it’s a unique dish you must try at least once while you’re there. “When I see people eating the chatang that I make so happily, I myself am filled with a sense of satisfaction. To see them enjoying the dish I put effort into preparing makes it a worthwhile job.” Xiang Yi adds.
WHERE TO
FIND? This special delicacy is available at Ancient Cultural Street (Guwenhuajie 古文化街 ) which is located on the West bank of the Hai River at the Nankai district (Nankai 南开区), Tianjin, China. You can also find chatang shops at Nankai Food Street (Nankai Shipinjie 南开食 品街）and at the Drum Tower (Gulou 鼓楼 ) .
START YOUR DAY right!
VINICE YEO heads out to see what locals eat to start their day right. Photos courtesy of Vinice Yeo. At 7am, you’ll find the streets full of working adults, students and the elderly all crammed around temporary street food stalls having their breakfast; bowls of steaming tofu, fried dough sticks and other munchies to kick-start their morning. This is how they start their day to feel energized. Despite living such fast-paced lifestyles, it’s the norm for locals to wake up as early as 5.30am to have their breakfast and for street food stall owners to set up their tents and crockery. In almost every neighbourhood, there will be a few street stalls selling various kinds of breakfast dishes that Tianjin locals love to eat. Signature dishes recommended by locals here are Chinese pancake (jianbing guozi 煎饼果子), crispy rice dish (guobacai 锅巴菜) and ‘tofu brains’ (doufunao 豆腐脑). Chinese pancakes are savoury pancakes coated with eggs, with cilantro and sesame seed garnish and fermented bean sauce and chilli paste. You can choose between a fried dough stick or a crispy fritter, to be wrapped in the pancake. They are the heart and substance of this dish. “People eat this dish because it is fast, healthy, filling and convenient,” says Mr Zhang Gui Qiao, 49, owner of a shop house which sells over 500 pieces of Chinese pancakes a day. The price ranges from 3 to 5 yuan (S$0.60 - S$1) per piece, depending on the flavour of the pancake skin.
These Chinese pancakes come in many different flavours depending on the main ingredient used for the soft, chewy skin. According to five stalls part of the Dong Ji Jian Bing (Dongji Jianbing 董记煎饼) chain, a brand famous for their Chinese pancakes, their best selling items are the black rice (zimi jianbing 紫米煎饼) and green bean (lüdou jianbing 绿豆煎 饼) flavours. For youths, try the black rice pancake, the most popular one amongst students for its chewy and sticky outside. If you’re part of the older crowd, the green bean pancake is more traditional and will better suit your taste buds more. ‘Tofu brains’ (doufunao 豆腐脑) may sound horrifying, but it is one of the most ordered dishes for breakfast here in Tianjin. The speciality of Northeastern China is the savoury tofu brains. This soupy tofu dish is topped off with coriander, sesame sauce, peanut butter and soy sauce.
“My favourite dish would of course be the tofu brains!... ...I don’t feel like my body is clogged up with oil and I feel energized after breakfast,” says Mdm Zhang Qing, 50, while slurping on her bowl of steaming tofu brains. Decked out in her sports attire, the healthy and active housewife will do her morning exercise in a park after after eating breakfast. Tianjin locals may not have a common favourite breakfast snack, but they do have common tastes in food. “Locals love to eat food which are saucy and salty. People used to eat at home but now they are too busy so they eat out. Plus, soupy dishes takes a long time to prepare,” says Mr Tong
Jing Hua, 37, owner of a street stall that sells spiced beef, while tending his morning customers. Crispy rice dish (guobacai 锅巴菜) is the epitome of a both salty and saucy dish. This traditional street food is made of mung bean and millet pancakes that are cut into thin slices and cooked in a thick broth made of sesame oil, chopped ginger, soy sauce, preserved bean curd and green onion. Ask any local about Tianjin’s unique food and this crispy rice dish will be the most common response. Mung bean and soy are often used for breakfast here in Tianjin because they have lots of health benefits. They provide you with fibre, protein and nutrients that one needs in order to start their day right. For example, mung bean has folic acid that helps to lower risks of heart diseases and soy reduces the risks of osteoporosis, a bone condition. Though time may not always be on the side of these locals, there will always be time for a nutritious breakfast everyday. Getting up to have breakfast is routine to them; it just happens naturally.
“A good breakfast always equals to a good day. That was what my father always told me,” says Mr Wang Lei, 29, as he smiled radiantly. This office worker has been eating breakfast everyday faithfully since he was a child. Ultimately the saying really is true You snooze, you lose.
mosaic | 21
food
Take Your
Pick! Pamper yourself with SXUANN SIM as she takes you on a journey to discover the goodness of Nanshi Food Street. Photos courtesy of Vinice Yeo.
mosaic | 22
food
You’ll be able to enjoy the piping, sizzling hot Chinese pancake at only 10 yuan (S$2).
As the saying goes, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food is definitely one of the more important factors when it comes to travel. In Tianjin, be assured that Nanshi Food Street (Nanshi Shipinjie 南市食品街) will do the job of satisfying your taste buds. Tianjin is known for its ‘Big Three’, which includes the Go Believe buns (goubuli baozi 狗不理包子), fried dough sticks (mahua 麻花) and fried cake (erduoyan zhagao 耳朵眼炸糕). However, besides the top three, Tianjin also has other delectable snacks and local delicacies. Ask any of the locals where to get the big three and other notable snacks and they will probably direct you to one of the more well-known food streets, Nanshi Food Street. Being a renowned food street, Nanshi Food Street caters to both locals and foreigners, some of whom are artistes from Beijing. When asked to recommend the best out of the ‘Big
Three’, three out of five of the locals agreed that the Go Believe buns are definitely a must-try for foreigners. The gravy soaked Go Believe buns certainly do leave a more unique aftertaste in your mouth. According to Ms Li Xue, 23, an undergraduate, Chinese doughnuts and fried cake are usually less popular among the locals because they’re “too sweet”. Naturally, there are other foods that will make your mouth water besides the prominent three. One of them, for instance, is the Chinese pancake (jianbing guozi 煎饼果子) and smelly tofu (chou doufu 臭豆腐).
While pancakes are normally served at our breakfast table, the Chinese pancake is a crepe wrapped with many other ingredients including cabbages and fried dough (youtiao 油条).
The smelly tofu store, on the other hand, is located at the entrance beside McDonald’s. With more than 30 years in the business, you’ll be guaranteed both the quality and quantity of the smelly tofu from this store. In contrast to the ones we have in Singapore, the smelly tofu in Tianjin is dipped with their specially concocted sauce. For those who are looking for a more proper and filling meal, you can head up second and third levels, where you’ll find a vast number of restaurants. Prices ranges about 20 yuan to 30 yuan for a regular dish. After a leisurely 15 minute walk from Dongnanjiao Station (Dongnanjiao zhan 东南角站) two stops away from Tianjin Station (Tianjin Zhan 天津站), you’ll reach this marvellous food paradise. Bear in mind that it may get a little crowded during lunch hours, roughly around 12pm to 2pm, as well as during the weekends. If you’re stuffed with food and can’t stomach another bite, you can always come back to spend another day at this place filled with a mix of aromas. With a contented tummy filled with delicious food, you’ll definitely have a lovely night of dreams.
mosaic | 23
A
Stroke of Genius Master the art of calligraphy in 4 steps!
1
It is important for the ink to be wet, not lumpy and sticky. Especially for writing, fresh, liquid ink would be best to produce nice, smooth strokes.
3
Here, soft, delicate strokes are made to create the word ‘eternal’ (yong 永), Try to keep your hands steady.
mosaic | 24
2
Photos courtesy of Tammy Lui and Sxuann Sim
Besides writing, Chinese calligraphy also includes painting. These are the basic strokes to making an orchid stalk, which falls under the category ‘Flower & Bird Art’ (huaniaohua 花鸟画).
4
Making strokes requires great patience and determination. Practice is key to becoming a good calligrapher.
A Comprehensive
Guide to
Tianjin NATIVE’S TALK
Heading to Tianjin anytime soon? Here are some things to look out for when you are there, and pick up on some slang words unique to this municipality!
逗你玩 [dòu nǐ wán]
倍儿 [bèi r]
Just joking;
Very; much
verb
adjective
The saying after you tease or joke with a person.
Used as a substitute for 很.
嘛
介 [jiè]
[mà] Let’s take a look at what’s special about pronoun the way the locals in What; Tianjin speak. Used as a way to start a question.
DO’S Call your drivers “master” (师父) instead of “driver” (司机先生). This is because many of the drivers in China are older and deemed more wise and experienced, thus the term “master”.
pronoun
This; Used as a reply to questions with 嘛 .
DOnt’S Never use your finger to call people there as fingers are used to call for animals. Try waving instead.
Do bargain politely at tourist shopping areas like Taobao Street, as retailers tend to set their prices higher for tourists.
Do not call the women here “miss” (小姐)! Here, the friendly term actually means calling them a prostitute.
Always take whatever your Chinese hosts offer you, because it is seen as rude if you don’t.
Never be rude, majority of the people here are approachable and friendly if you are polite to them!