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Issue 1 /2013
1
Eureka!
A
s the research gap with the USA closes, China has the potential, money, and talent to be the world’s factory for scientific advancement. It’s not always easy to talk about science in China—you can run into a lot of paranoid bureaucrats, social issues, not to mention an unhealthy dollop of superstition. But if China is serious about leading the planet on the scientific front, then it’s time to start asking hard questions and using the scientific method to answer them. Ginger Huang takes a look at the men and women pioneering China’s way into space in “How to be an Astronaut” (see page 28). The training, conditioning, and downright torture involved in going into space can be brutal; candidates need the brains, brawn, and breeding it takes to be crushed by g-force one minute and weightlessness the next. The country’s march toward space has been steady, but it takes serious guts to get in the capsule. “Robot Fight” (see page 36) from Tasharni Jamieson discusses China’s competitive robots. Before our robot slave masters inevitably rise up against us and put their cold metal boots on our necks, it’s important to teach them soccer. China, while not at the top of its game, is making steady progress in the robotics field. From the first Chinese humanoid robot— complete with a crotch cannon—to robot fish competitions, China has a colorful and growing competitive robotics scene. Delving into genetics can be controversial. For the past few decades, evidence that all humans came from Africa has been startlingly clear, but, there are still some holdouts, superstitions, and confusions. China has a special relationship with the legendary Peking man, and Yuan Ren gives us the low down in “The Peking Man Delusion” (see page 42). A few media reports put China’s groundbreaking research into hybrid viruses in the spotlight. But, the real story isn’t just the controversy of human-to-human bird flu transfers; it’s biosecurity. Chinese biology geniuses and ethical worries are at the forefront of a world preparing for pandemics. Check out more in “Hybrid Hype” (see page 48). Besides all that, we have reports on traveling to the top of the world for legendary caterpillar fungus with “In Search of Tibetan Gold” (see page 62) and learning how to parkour your way through Beijing (see page 70). Our Dragon’s Digest section is taking a different tack; instead of an up-and-coming author, we’ve got short stories from a century ago (see page 12). Our resident Agony Ayi is back with some harsh advice (see page 94), and stop by Street Talk (see page 11) for tips on how to speak geek. All that and more is inside. Remember to spare a thought for scientists and researchers around the world. You use their technology and ideas every day.
Managing Editor Tyler Roney 1
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COVER STORY
HOW TO BE AN ASTRONAUT 航天员是怎样炼成的
What exactly does it take to be an astronaut? Well, you need the brains, brawn, and breeding of a super human.
THEME STORY
THE PEKING MAN DELUSION
THEME STORY
Illustrations
by
Gao Fei
ROBOT FIGHT 机器人的对决
谁是我们的祖先？
If China doesn’t take over the world, the robots will. Robotics competitions here and around the world are inspiring a whole new generation of robot aficionados.
The origins of man are often played out as a battle: creationism vs. evolution. In China, patriotism may play a part too.
THEME STORY
HYBRID HYPE “超级病毒”大揭秘
China is building hybrid avian flu viruses that can transfer between mammals. Why? Because the science is awesome, that’s why. 3
GALLERY
THE METER'S RUNNING “面的”往事 An artist uses nostalgia and creativity to divine a world of old and new, a changing China in a new perspective
ON THE ROAD
SOCIAL CHINESE
THE WAY OF THE SNOB 怎样装文艺青年
Feeling a bit low on the totem pole? Well, this piece will help you shame your rich buddies, hate on blockbusters, and convince your friends you appreciate the finer things
CHI LE MA CHILLY, CHILI CHICKEN 口水鸡 A bit of spice, a bit of ice, and you’ve got mouth-watering chicken from China's Sichuan Province
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IN SEARCH OF TIBETAN GOLD 冬虫夏草的经济学
Natalie Thomas travels from Beijing to the top of the world to learn more about TCM’s famous caterpillar fungus and the world it comes from
SAVING CHINA FUTURE OF THE MOON BEARS 拯救月熊 Bear bile is booming business, but these ursine tales of woe will, hopefully, spur you into action
Photograph
by
Natalie Thomas (Chongcao)
THE EDGE
THEY RUN THESE STREETS 跑酷一族
Youngsters scale walls, flip on bike racks, and ride handrails; parkour in Beijing is just getting started
WANT MORE LIKE THIS? You can find more written, visual and audio content on our newly revamped website, www.theworldofchinese. com, which is updated daily with recipes, travel tales, language lessons and more!
5
MISHMASH
DOUBLE NINTH NOMS Chongyang Cake (重阳糕) is, funnily enough, traditionally eaten during the Chongyang Festival, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (Oct 13 this year). It’s a rice flour cake that is usually decorated with an assortment of sweet, often seasonal, delights, such as almonds, chestnuts, jujubes and, just to be sure you get your fix, sugar. And, if you are a feeling a tad literary while you are devouring this treat, there’s even a wistful Tang Dynasty (618-907) poem to celebrate Double Ninth Day:
九月九日忆山东兄弟 ［唐］王维 独在异乡为异客， 每逢佳节倍思亲。 遥知兄弟登高处， 遍插茱萸少一人。
This poem, “Double Ninth, Missing My Hometown Brothers” by Wang Wei (eighth-century poet) is a great way to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with a handful of Chongyang Cake. - CARLOS OTTERY
BOOK REVIEW Canadian journalist Mitch Moxley has wrote his China memoir, Apologies to My Censor: The High and Low Adventures of a Foreigner in China. Somewhere in it, Moxley writes, “Living in China at times felt like being a spoiled child who was allowed to run rampant.” While he ought to get a few points for self-awareness here, the problem is that, at times, this is exactly how the author comes across. Straining a little too hard to be the Hunter. S. Thompson-type that he obviously isn’t, Moxley focuses on the massage parlors, the boozing, and rather hum-drum expat “bad-boy” behavior. As a journalist, one might have expected a little bit more on Chinese society and where it is all going, but while he touches on these things, he would rather riff on the quotidian nature of expatriate life. Gonzo, this is not. - C.O.
6
GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR SCAM Mars One, the Dutch non-profit organization set up to pursue the, arguably fanciful, goal of establishing a human colony on Mars by 2023, has had to hurriedly deny that they are not, in fact, a giant scam. The rumor, which made Mars One look like a dodgy Nigerian prince with a laptop, found that up to 10,000 Chinese had been swindled out of $11 each, which they honestly gave in the hope that they may one day have a shot at traveling to the red planet. The truth, according to Mars One, is that it is a very serious project and that by 2022 four people will be carefully selected to go on the epic trip. The planned method for this careful selection process? A reality TV show. Not even a planet named after the god of war should have to put up with that. - C.O.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, PANDA! The Chinese love their pandas, make no mistake. The government use them as diplomatic gifts to bond with other nations or simply loan them out at up upwards of a million USD a year. Now, the love of the panda has ended where all things end, TV, Panda TV in fact. For those that need their fix of the shy mammal on an hourly basis, the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding has teamed up with China Network Television to bring us the Panda Channel. Yes, that’s right, 28 HD cameras and a team to train their lenses on the animal’s every waking—and presumably sleeping—move. It sounds a bit like one of those horrific reality TV shows, with the exception being that these are contestants that you could conceivably like. The World of Chinese has already spent several hours checking out these furry mammals, and you can too at ipanda.com. - C.O.
GO TO MARS? YES OR NO
7
WEIBO WHEELCHAIR BOMBER
Disgruntled petitioner Ji Zhongxing set off a bomb from the confines of his wheelchair in July. Fortunately, though not for him, he only injured himself. Bravely—or perhaps in a fit of madness—Ji warned innocent bystanders away from him so as not to injure others. Ji is believed to have been protesting against an attack upon him by heavy-handed security guards from Shandong who, allegedly, left him paralyzed. 傲霖华霏：我可以豪言地说：这又是我们菏泽人干 的！山东人民的英雄楷模！一个残疾人，三十出 头，选择以这种方式引起高层重视。没有天大的冤 屈，谁不珍惜自己的生命。蝼蚁尚且偷生！菏泽人 民的骄傲！如果再不彻查菏泽黑幕，我想以后会有 更多！
I am very proud to announce: This is done by one of our Heze (a city in Shandong) people! He is a heroic model for all Shandong people! A disabled person in his early thirties tried to get the attention from the authorities in this way. If there was no injustice, no one would ignore their own safety like this. Even ants value their lives! He is the pride of the Heze people! If there’s no thorough investigation of his case, I think there will be more (incidents)!
杜海燕：对社会不满，也不能伤及无辜啊！
Even if he is discontented with society, it’s no excuse to endanger innocents!
TURTLE BURGER A Chinese citizen amused many around the globe by attempting to smuggle a tortoise aboard an airplane in Guangzhou by disguising the reptile as a hamburger. On being asked to inspect his luggage, the man, surnamed Li, said, “There’s no turtle in there, just a hamburger,” which instantly aroused a certain degree of suspicion. Sure enough, on further inspection, a tortoise was found hidden inside a hamburger. Netizens were divided as to whether Li was insane or merely a wayward man much in love with his pet.
8
khuntoria：太萌了，主人 是好心啊！
Too cute, the owner is wellintentioned!
爱水美超人：真是太有 才了！（p.s. 你考虑过乌 龟的感受吗？）
Super talented! (p.s. But did you consider the feelings of the turtle?)
华信科智：虽然违反了 民航规定，但是DIY的精 神可嘉！
Although it is a violation of civil aviation’s regulation, his DIY attitude is commendable!
WHACK 周林林: 警察大院养鹅， 老百姓还指望养警察防 盗？还是养鹅吧，比警察 敬业。 赵炎炎: 在新疆养鹅不是 防盗的，而是预警暴徒 的。了解一下背景再说好 吗? 新疆每年都会发生暴 徒冲击边远公安局和派出 所的恶性事 。暴徒们抄 起家伙就去袭击警察。养 鹅的防御效果很好，你们 是站着说话不腰疼!
Using geese to protect police stations？Well, then there’s no point expecting the police to guard against theft. Why don’t we just keep geese; they are more professional than police. These geese in Xinjiang don’t guard against theft, but guard against the mob. Understand the background then make a comment, okay? Every year in Xinjiang, there are incidents at public security bureaus or police stations in rural areas suffering vicious attacks from mobs. Rioters would attack the police with weapons. Using geese for defense is very effective. It’s easy for you guys to make random comments!
江海方舟：上海五法官 集体招妓是有苦衷的： 他们是带着肉体被摧残 的无畏精神去深入调 研；他们苦口婆心规劝 失足妇女从良，并给她 们带去精神食粮和物质 帮助；他们送去司法的 普及，他们送去了领导 的无尽关怀和慰问！
The five judges have their own intentions: In order to conduct in-depth research, they had to torture their flesh with fearless courage; they earnestly endeavored to free these women from their degenerate lives. Also, they brought spiritual and material assistance to these women; they promoted knowledge of the law, and showed their endless care and sympathy as leaders!
189鸽子：事物总是有两 面性的。通过此事，可 以警示那些仍然深藏不 露的腐败分子：至此打 住，再伸手，就拍下来 曝光你！同志们，拿起 你手中的手机、相机， 勇敢地拍下丑恶和肮 脏，大胆地曝光！
Everything has two sides. This event serves as a warning to corrupt official who are well-hidden: Stop! Or else, we will film and expose you! Comrades, pick up your cell phones and cameras and shoot these ugly and dirty deals. Be brave, expose them!
GOOD FOR THE GANDER An Urumqi police station is now using geese (as opposed to dogs) in their police work. Director of Dongwan police station, Hang Gang, said, “Keeping geese is common at police stations in rural areas… We used to keep them for their eggs and meat, but in June we were told to buy more of them and let them guard the station.”
GEEK SPEAK mi2 osh` Chinese gamers lik e to use the term 秒杀 when they defeat the ir enemies in a ma tter of seconds, similar to “pwnd” in English geek speak. This ter m has gained newfo und popularity through the realm of online shopping. When go ods are advertised at below-market prices and sell out in secon ds, it’s a seckill.
秒杀
f` nq i1 ng
STREET TALK
I
t’s found in pretty much every corner of the world. You’ve got your gamers, science geeks, trekkies, leet speakers, and more, all chattering their seemingly unintelligible jargon. In China, you have a little bit of an overlap with international terms like “afk” and “lol”, but for the most part, to speak “geek” in China, one has to trek into the übercool kingdoms of the internet and delve deep into respective geek tribes. Or, you could just check out our handy guide to geek speak basics here. We’ve got a little bit of everything to get you started on your journey into geek-dom. May the force be with you (愿原力与你同在 Yu3n yu1nl# y^ n@ t5ng z3i) and live long and prosper (生 生不息，繁荣昌盛 Sh8ngsh8ng b& x~, f1nr5ng ch`ngsh-ng). - BY NICOLE SY, RESEARCH BY ALICIA ZHANG (张华阳)
翻墙
The American sitcom The Big Bang Theory depicts the lives of four lovable geeks and their friends. Second only to the cult of Friends, the popular show has hit new heights of fandom in China. The Chinese have particularly taken to Dr. Sheldon Cooper and his catchphrase, “Bazinga!” A translation in Chinese would be 逗你玩儿, which means "just teasing".
In English, this homophone translates to “vegetable bird”. But be wary of anyone calling you 菜鸟 because that means that you, son, are a newb.
On the flip side of being a newbie, there are the knowbies—the pros. In Chinese, this translates literally to “big prawn”. 大虾 has a similar pronunciation to 大侠 (d3xi1), which means “hero” in Chinese kung fu novels or films, the original knowbies.
Illustration
by
Tang Huiqin
On the Chinese ma inland, it’s no se cret that the state authorizes some matters on the internet to be unsafe for public consumpt ion. What is considered un safe ranges from access to Facebook to porn ography. Dubbed the “Great Firewall of China ”, internet users have found ways to scale the wall and tweet ab out really important matte rs and current ev ents, like what they had for lunch. Climbing over the wall is 翻墙, and not be ing able to do so in China basically render s the internet us eless.
11
DRAGON'S DIGEST
TALES OF THE MARVELOUS Chu1nq!
传奇 Pei Xing (裴 ) was known as a pioneer of short fiction in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), largely because of his work Tales of the Marvelous (《传奇》), a three-volume collection of short stories. Each tale focuses on an individual, often involving immortals, fairies, magical beasts, and dazzling heroes. Little is known of the author’s life, except that he was appointed the deputy governor of Chengdu in 878. Chuanqi became a literary genre unto itself, and eventually served as the inspiration for operas, folklore and later literature. Only 31 stories remain, the rest lost to history; here are three such tales.
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by
eating. Depressed and deeply lost in thought, he recalled a poem: “By chance, I visited the top of Pengshan, where I was met by a pair of bright eyes; the moon was hidden in a palace behind a half closed red door, where it shines on qiongzhi (a jade-colored mushroom) with beauty and sorrow.” But no one understood Cui’s troubles. A Kunlun (an ancient name for indigenous people in South East Asia who were often hired or bought as servants in the Tang Dynasty) slave named Mole asked Cui: “What’s troubling you? Why don’t you tell your servant?” Cui answered: “People like you will never understand. How dare you even ask!” But Mole insisted: “Just tell me. I’m confident I can make your every wish come true.” Surprised by his words, Cui told him his tale of woe and love. “That’s no problem. Why did you torture yourself and not let me know sooner?” Mole asked. Cui then questioned him regarding her gestures. Mole said, “How was that difficult to understand? It meant that there are 10 courtyards in the house and that she lives in the third one. Flipping a palm three times is 15 fingers in total, meaning 15 days. The mirror means the full moon. She asked you to visit her in 15 days under the full moon.” Cui was overjoyed, “Can you help me make my dream come true?” Mole laughed and said: “Tomorrow night is the 15th night. Dress in fitting clothes of black silk and come with me. The minister uses dogs to guard his concubines in
Illustrations
D
uring the Dali Period (766-779) under the reign of Emperor Daizong in the Tang Dynasty, there was a young nobleman named Cui. His father was a prominent official who befriended a first-class minister. Cui himself only held the honorary title of royal court guard. When the minister was ill, Cui was sent by his father to sit at his bedside. Young and handsome, Cui was a righteous person with a serene bearing and a refreshing manner of speech. The minister asked his concubine to roll up the blinds and invite Cui into the inner court. Cui delivered his father’s regards. The minister appreciated Cui’s manners, asking him to sit and have a chat. All three concubines-inwaiting were exceedingly beautiful, all holding golden containers featuring cherries soaked in syrup. The minister asked a concubine dressed in red silk to serve Cui. Shy in front of women, Cui refused the offer, but then the minister insisted that the concubine feed Cui cherries with a spoon. Cui relented, opened his mouth, and noticed a smile on the concubine’s face. Cui bade farewell to his host, and the minister said: “You must visit me in your spare time; don’t forget this old man.” The concubine in red silk saw him off. Outside, Cui turned to see the concubine extend three figures and then flip her hand three times. She pointed to the small mirror on her chest and said: “Remember!” Cui reported back to his father and returned to school, but he was lovesick for his lady in red, rarely speaking or
W a n g X i n xi
The Kunlun Slave
the courtyard. Raised by Menghai, the rebellious hero in Caozhou, these dogs are alert and ferocious. No one except me can deal with them, and I will kill them for you.” With gratitude, Cui treated Mole to wine and meat. Around midnight, Mole set out with a hammer on a chain. He returned and informed Cui: “The dogs are dead; the obstacle is clear.” Cui, dressed in black, was carried on Mole’s back. In this manner, they traveled over more than 10 walls before reaching the concubines’ courtyards, stopping at the third door, which was—as expected—unlocked. Light shone through the window. They heard a deep sigh and found the lady in red sitting on her bed, as if she was waiting for someone. She looked lovely, even without any makeup or jewelry, but she seemed sad and anxious. She lamented: “I hear a nightingale singing in this deep cave and can’t help feeling bitter toward the man who has left. In secret, I gave him my earrings as a token of love, but he sends no message, leaving me waiting.” The guards were sound asleep, and silence fell. Cui lifted the door’s curtain and entered the room. It took a while for the lady to come to her senses at such a surprise. She jumped off her bed, grabbed Cui’s hands and said
happily: “I knew you were smart enough to understand my gestures, but what magic did you use to get in here?” So, Cui told her about Mole, his slave. She asked Cui, “Where is he right now?” “He is outside,” Cui said. She then invited Mole into the room and treated him to wine in a golden cup. The lady told Cui: “I was born to a rich family in the north, but the minister forced me to be his concubine. It is to my great shame that I have not ended my life. Though I wear beautiful makeup, my heart is in pain. Despite the luxury, I feel like a prisoner. Since your servant is so talented, is there anyway he can get me out of here? I’m willing to die or become your maid if my wish is granted. What do you say?” Cui did not answer, but Mole said: “If my lady insists, to me it is a small matter.” The lady was pleased beyond measure. For the first three runs, Mole carried the lady’s belongings. When that was done, he told them: “I’m afraid that dawn is almost upon us.” Then, he put the couple on his back and went over the walls, all without alarming any of the guards. After reaching the outside, they hid in Cui’s school. At dawn, the minister’s household noticed the dead dogs and the missing concubine. The minister was appalled, and said, “With such a well-guarded house, it would have taken a powerful warrior to leave without a trace. Stay silent about the incident to avoid further trouble.” Cui kept the former concubine for two years, until they took a tour of Qujiang. She was recognized by one of the minister’s staff, and Cui was therefore summoned by the minister. Cui, frightened for his life, told the minister everything, blaming it all on Mole. “It’s the fault of that concubine!” the minister shouted. “But since she has served you all these years, I will spare her. However, the servant must be punished for the benefit of the public.” He ordered 50 armed soldiers to surround Cui’s house to capture Mole. Dagger in hand, Mole leapt over the high walls of the estate, light as a feather and swift as an eagle. As arrows rained down on him, he remained unharmed, disappearing into the distance. Cui’s entire household was struck with panic and the minister was embarrassed and afraid. Every night for a year, the minister ordered a heavily armored patrol to guard his house, fearing reprisals. Over a decade later, someone from Cui’s family reported seeing Mole in the city of Luoyang, selling medicine. They claimed that he looked exactly the same as he had 10 years earlier. 13
Wei Zidong
D
uring the Zhenyuan Period (785-804) in the Tang Dynasty, there was a man named Wei Zidong who valued valor and loyalty above all things. He once traveled to Taibai Mountain and stayed in General Duan’s mansion; the general knew him to be vigilant and courageous. While overlooking the valley, one day, they noticed a small path. “Where does that path go?” Zidong asked. General Duan answered, “There used to be two monks living on the mountain top, where you can find a magnificent temple, trees, and sweet spring water. The temple was built by Master Wanghui’s disciples during the Kaiyuan Period (713-741). Its uncanny workmanship is mythical. Woodsmen tell me that the monks were eaten by monsters and that they haven’t been seen in years. Other people say that the monsters rule that mountain now, and that no one dares to set foot in the area.” Zidong was outraged by the statement and said angrily: “To fight evil and keep peace is my purpose. What kind of monsters are they? How dare they eat humans! Tonight, I will bring you their heads.” The general tried to dissuade him, saying, “That is as risky as fighting beasts without a weapon or crossing a river without a boat. Why lose your life over this?” Zidong ignored him, picked up his sword, and left. “He will only have himself to blame!” General Duan exclaimed. Swinging on vines and jumping from stone to stone, Zidong climbed to the mountain top. He reached the temple, but found no one. The doors to the monks’ bed chambers were wide open. Their shoes and rods were all present and their beds made. But, everything was covered with a thick layer of dust. Young grass grew from the cracks of the main hall floor. Zidong also found signs indicating that giant beasts lived there; the wall was covered with the fell of boar and black bear. There were leftovers of cooked meat, alongside pots and some firewood. The woodsmen’s words proved true. While the monsters were away, Zidong pulled up a planted cypress about the width of a bowl, cutting all the branches and leaves off, making it into a spear. He then pushed a stone figure of Buddha in place to hold the door. That night, the moonlight shone so bright that it almost turned the dark night into day. By midnight, one of the monsters returned with a dead deer on its back. 14
Upon discovering the disturbed door, the monster flew into a rage, roaring and banging the door with its head. When the stone figure fell, Zidong swung the spear at the monster’s head and killed it. He dragged its body inside. Later that night, he killed the second monster in the exact same way. Knowing the danger was over, he closed the door and cooked the deer for his dinner. By dawn, he had cut off the monsters’ heads, taking them to General Duan along with the leftover deer meat. Duan was stunned, saying, “You are just like Zhou Chu, the slaughterer of tigers and dragons!” So, they cooked the deer meat and drank to celebrate. Visitors rushed to catch a glimpse of the hero. In the crowd, a Taoist priest bowed to Zidong and said: “I have a sincere request, may I ask it of you?” Zidong replied: “Why not? My goal in life is to protect people.”
“I have devoted myself to the study of Taoism and alchemy for a long time,” said the Taoist. “A few years ago, I obtained help from an immortal to develop an elixir. I am on the verge of success, but demons disturb me constantly. They damage my equipment and ruin my efforts. I was hoping to find a guard to protect my endeavors with his sword. There will be rewards when I succeed. What do you say?” Zidong jumped to his feet and cried, “That’s exactly what I want!” The journey with the priest was arduous and dangerous as they traveled to the highest peak of Taibai Mountain. A hundred steps into the cave, there was an alchemist chamber with only one disciple there. “Please guard the entrance with your sword starting in the early hours of tomorrow morning,” said the priest. “Strike down any demon you see.” “I will do as you say,” Zidong replied. Zidong lit a candle and waited. Soon, a python—meters-upon-meters long—appeared with flashing golden eyes, snow-white teeth, and surrounded by a thick poisonous smoke. Zidong struck its head to prevent it from entering the cave. The beast turned into a light fog and faded away. After a eating his meal, a stunning young woman appeared holding lotus flowers. She slowly stepped close. Zidong didn’t hesitate in slashing her with his sword. Again, the woman faded to fog. At the next meal, an unfamiliar Taoist priest arrived on a crane, flying with clouds. His attendants seemed to be well disciplined. He greeted Zidong: “The demons are gone and my disciple’s work is almost done. I am here to witness his success.” The priest hovered in the sky until sunrise. He congratulated Zidong: “I’m delighted that the elixir is done. I have a poem for you: ‘For a long time you prayed to the immortals, then I came to provide the recipe. With the elixir, your mortal bodies will be saved and live forever in the magic mountain among the clouds.’” Pondering the meaning of these words, Zidong inferred that this mysterious figure was the immortal he was told of. He put down his sword and bowed. Immediately after, he let the immortal into the cave, the stove exploded with a bang and the elixir was ruined. Realizing he’d been tricked, the real priest entered and broke into tears. Zidong was tortured with deep regret. They decided to wash the container that held the elixir with spring water and drink it. From then on, Zidong grew younger in appearance. He traveled to Hengshan Mountain where he was never heard from again, along with the Taoist priest. Today, in the mansion of General Duan, the skulls of the monsters still remain.
Nie Yinniang
N
ie Yinniang was the daughter of Nie Feng, the General of Weibo (an area in modern day Hebei Province) during the Zhenyuan Period of Emperor Dezong’s reign in the Tang Dynasty. She was only 10 when a Buddhist nun came to beg for alms. Fond of Yinniang, the nun asked the general: “Will you give me your daughter and allow me to educate her?” General Feng was angered by this, rejecting and reprimanding her. The nun, however, remained stalwart, threatening the mighty general: “Even if you put her in an iron locker, I will still take her away.” The little girl disappeared that very night. Astounded and dismayed, the general ordered a search of the area for his missing daughter, but to no avail. Thoughts of their missing daughter haunted the general and his wife for years to come. Five years later, the nun returned with Yinniang. “Her training is finished, and it’s time for her to return home,” the nun explained. As the girls’ parents celebrated the return of their daughter, the nun vanished in an instant. The family wept with joy. When asked about her years of training, Yinniang simply replied: “It was just reciting scripture at first, nothing else.” With disbelief, her father asked again, Yinniang replied: “I don’t know what to do. You wouldn’t believe me, even if I told you honestly.” General Feng reassured her, encouraged her to speak. Yinniang began her tale: “When I was first taken, in the dark, I had no idea how far I had traveled with the nun. At dawn, I found myself in a large cave. There were no people outside, only a thick forest that housed many apes and monkeys. There were already two girls in the cave, both 10 years old as well. They were beautiful and smart, but I never saw them eat. They bounced around the steep mountain cliffs like apes in the trees and never fell. The nun then made me swallow a mysterious pill and handed me a two-foot long sword. It was so sharp that you could cut a hair in half by blowing it toward the blade. I learned mountain climbing with the two girls. Gradually, my body became lighter and lighter. After a year of sword practice, I was able to hunt apes. Later, I switched my target to beasts such as tigers and leopards. Every time I tried, I cut their heads off with ease. Three years later, I could stab eagles in the sky. By this time, my blade had worn down to only six inches, but I could still attack birds easily. “In the fourth year, the two girls stayed back to guard 15
"YOU CAN HIDE A DAGGER IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD, LET ME SHOW YOU. IT WON’T HURT."
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the cave while I was taken to the city. I had no idea where I was, but the nun pointed to a man in the crowd, explaining his sins and crimes in great detail, then she said: ‘Cut his head off for me when his guard is down. He will be as easy a target as a bird.’ She then passed me a three-inch dagger. In broad daylight, on a bustling street, I decapitated him without raising any attention. I stuck his head into a bag and brought it back to the cave. Later, the nun used potions to turn the head into water. “In the fifth year, the nun assigned me another assassination. She said: ‘That official is sinful. Many innocent people have died at his hands. Go to his room in the night and cut his head off.’ So, I went with my dagger and snuck into the house through an unclosed door. I hid on a beam as the official played with his child, and I didn’t do the deed until daybreak, bringing his head back to the nun. The nun was in a thundering range and asked why I was so late. I told her: ‘I saw the official playing with his child. It was so lovely that I couldn’t bring myself to kill him.’ But the nun snapped at me: ‘The next time that happens, you kill the child first. Kill his loved ones before you end his life.’ At that lesson, I could only bow. “Then, one day, the nun said, ‘You can hide a dagger in the back of your head, let me show you. It won’t hurt. And, now you can draw it out whenever you need it.’ Amazing as it seems, the nun did as she said, continuing: ‘Your training is coming to an end. You can go back home.’ When we were parting, she also told me that she would see me again in 20 years.” Yinniang’s strange tale struck fear deep into her father’s heart. Later, Yinniang was discovered to be disappearing into the night, only to reappear in the morning. General Feng was too scared to inquire as to her whereabouts. But with this fear, his love for her began to diminish. One day, a mirror polisher was passing by Yinniang, and she told her father: “That young man can be my husband.” Feng didn’t dare to refuse and married Yinniang to the young man. Yinniang’s husband had only one skill—polishing mirrors, nothing else. So General Feng provided generously for the couple but kept both of them at a distance.
Years later, Feng passed away. By then, the Commander of Wei had heard of Yinniang’s skills, hiring her and her husband as his close officers. This went on until the Yuanhe Period (806-820) under Emperor Xianzong. One day, the commander found himself an enemy—the Governor of Chenxu, Liu Changyi. The commander sent the couple to collect Liu’s head. This time, things did not go so smoothly. As they set out, Liu foresaw their coming, and gathered his officers: “Wait at the north of the city tomorrow morning; you will see a man and a woman riding a white donkey and a black donkey respectively. The man will try to shoot a magpie with a slingshot and miss. The woman will grab the slingshot and hit the magpie with a single shot. Bow and inform them that I sent you there to greet them.” Everything went exactly as Liu said. The surprised couple said: “Governor Liu is an amazing prophet. How else would he know we were coming? We wish to meet him.” When Liu arrived, the couple bowed and apologized: “We deserve the punishment of death for such malicious intent!” Liu replied: “No, you were only carrying out orders. I wish to hire you. Please stay here and trust in me.” Yinniang realized that her old master could not compare to Liu and agreed: “My governor, we are convinced by your talents and are happy to serve you.” When Liu asked about compensation, the couple said, “Two hundred bronze coins per day will be more than sufficient.” Their demands were met. Later on, Liu found out that the couple’s donkeys were missing. He ordered a search, eventually finding a pair of paper donkeys in a bag, one white, the other black, causing the great governor to infer that—as well as having considerable martial powers—Yinniang and her husband possessed powerful magic. A month passed and Yinniang told Liu: “Our former commander does not know we now serve you. He will send others. Cut some of your hair and wrap it in red silk. I will put it on his pillow to let him know our loyalties have changed.” Liu did as she said, returning early the next morning, saying: “The message is sent. The commander will order an assassin named Jingjinger to kill me and collect your head in the early hours of the morning, but don’t worry, I will find a way to defeat him.” Liu was relieved and showed no signs of fear, but he did light candles during the night and remained alert. At midnight, a red flag and a white flag magically appeared, floating and seemingly fighting with each other around his bed. Suddenly, a head and a body fell from thin air. Yinniang appeared, triumphant:
“Jingjinger is dead.” She dragged the corpse outside and turned it into water with the potion the old nun used, consuming even the corpses’ hair. Yinning later issued Liu a warning: “There will be another assassin named Kongkonger early tomorrow morning. His skills are mysterious and magical. No human has ever lived to speak of his power, even ghosts can’t track him down. He will sneak in without so much as a shadow. I am no match for him. This time, you will have to depend on luck. Please wear Yunnan jade around your neck and cover yourself with blankets. I will turn into a small insect and hide in your intestines—the only place I won’t be discovered.” During the night, Liu did what Yinniang suggested. With eyes closed, he lay on his bed. Suddenly, a loud noise rang from his neck. Yinniang jumped from Liu’s mouth to congratulate him: “You are safe! Like an eagle, the assassin only strikes once and flees. He is deeply ashamed by the failure and will be hundreds of miles away in a few hours.” Later, Liu checked the jade and found a deep dagger mark. In gratitude and amazement, he awarded Yinniang and her husband with handsome gifts. In the eighth year of the Yuanhe Period (813), Liu was transferred from Chenxu to the capital. Yinniang did not wish to go with him. She said: “I will travel to various mountains and lakes to visit the saints. All I ask is that you give my husband a small position.” Liu agreed and gradually lost contact with her. When Liu passed away, Yinniang arrived at the capital on her white donkey and grieved at her former master’s memorial. During the Kaicheng Period (836-840) under Emperor Wenzong, Liu’s son, Liu Zong, was on his way to report for duty as the Governor of Lingzhou. On an old plank road in Sichuan, he ran into Yinniang, whose appearance hadn’t changed a bit; she still rode upon a white donkey. At the reunion, Yinniang gravely told Zong: “I see a great disaster in your future, you should not be here.” She gave him a pill and asked him to swallow it. “Quit your position next year and go back to your hometown of Luoyang. It’s the only way to avoid this disaster. My pill will only keep you safe for one year,” she said. Though Zong had his doubts, he thanked her and offered colorful silk as a gift. Yinniang refused and disappeared. Sadly, Liu’s son did not heed her words, and—after one year—Zong kept his position. He died mysteriously in Lingzhou. That was the last time anyone ever saw Yinniang, the great female assassin. - TRANSLATED BY LIU JUE (刘珏) AND TYLER RONEY
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MADE IN CHINA
HISTORY’S EYE ON SPACE
A
Chinese imperial astronomer made routine observations in the eastern sky early one morning in 1054. His primary job was to revise the calendar based on the movements of the sun, moon, and other planets so as to guide farming across the country. He was looking at a previously charted area when an anomaly caught his eye—a shining celestial object with white and red rays suddenly appeared near a star now known as Zeta Tauri. It was so bright that it could be seen in broad daylight. Continuing to glow for 23 days, the object began to dim, though it remained for two years before eventually disappearing. The imperial astronomer documented this curious celestial object as a “guest star” (客星 k-x~ng). Along with 90 other accounts of guest stars in Chinese astronomical records, it did not draw any attention until the early 20th century. The Crab Nebula—an oval shaped glowing cloud formed by strings of gas and dust in the Taurus constellation—has long been an object of fascination. First spotted by English doctor and astronomer, John Bevis in 1731, the Crab Nebula was named by Lord Rosse in 1844 who thought the nebula had a tentacle-like structure resembling a crab. Later in 1921, having compared two photos of the nebula taken 11 years apart, astronomer John Duncan found that the nebula was expanding. It was not long before astronomer Edwin Hubble pieced together all the evidence; given the expansion rate calculated from Duncan’s observation, the nebula must have originated about 900 years ago from a single source. It was most likely created by a stellar explosion, and—by cross referencing time, location, and historical records— he established the catalyst for the Crab Nebula was first discovered by that imperial Chinese astronomer in 1054. Today, we know the Crab Nebula as the remnant of a supernova—the brutal end of a star in the form of a cataclysmic explosion, all accompanied by a dramatic increase in luminosity, which in the case
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of our supernova from 1054 (known as SN1054), some 500 million times brighter than the sun. Further studies revealed a fast spinning neutron star in the center of the nebula. This chain of events, first documented by a Chinese astronomer almost a millennium ago is incalculably valuable in understanding the evolution of stars. Scientists have been able to glean a great deal by poring over the work of ancient Chinese astronomers. In 185, a guest star (later identified as SN185) suddenly appeared and lingered in the sky for eight months. Recorded in the Book of the Later Han Dynasty (《后汉书》H7uh3n Sh$), it is widely regarded as the first supernova documented in history. Combined with later observations and data, the origins of the explosion and expansion were explained by NASA scientists in 2011. Modern scientific understanding and human history are barely a blip in the world of astronomy. Ancient Chinese historians’ records have helped us, time and time again, in our understanding of stars today. The Orion constellation has a star, Betelgeuse, on his right shoulder. It is known as a red giant that could become a supernova at any moment. However, the same star was recorded as yellow some 2,000 years ago in the astronomical section of the Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》 Sh@j#). Before dismissing this as a simple error, it should be noted that such a change is entirely possible. Near its end, a star burns up its hydrogen fuel and begins to expand with increased luminosity and a drop in temperature, all causing its color to change from white to yellow and then to red. If the Chinese historian’s account is accurate, what we are witnessing is a new phase in a star’s evolution. Of course, it’s not just supernovas that can be found in the annals of Chinese history. Chinese astronomers also took notes on comets, meteor showers, sun spots, and other astronomical phenomena, some that could lead to new discoveries. From the 3rd century B.C. to 1910, all 24 visits of Halley’s Comet have been recorded in China. Stargazers in the northern hemisphere may well have
The catalyst of the Crab Nebula, pictured here, was first seen by ancient Chinese astronomers
enjoyed the magnificent Perseids meteor shower. Active from late July to late August each year, this famous view in the summer sky was first recorded by Chinese astronomers in 36 A.D.. The earliest record stating, “Over a hundred small meteors were seen gliding in all directions.” Up until 1906, a total of 32 cases were identified in various history books and local chronicles. As amazing as these records sound, it is not an entirely rosy picture for today’s scientists. In the case of the guest stars, the term actually referred to a wide range of phenomenona, including supernovas, novas, comets, meteors, and, occasionally, the aurora borealis. Records can be confusing and cause their own set of problems. In the mid 20th century, a few scientists used records of two eclipses (that could only have been observed in Australia) to claim that the Chinese traveled to Australia in the 3rd century B.C.. On correcting the year “17” to “seven”, and “October” to “July”, they found the
new dates were in fact connected to two other eclipses that could only be seen in Shandong Province. However, there is an even more serious problem with these ancient records; astronomy and politics were tightly connected. People believed astronomical events were the gods’ judgments on the emperor’s reign. Zhu Jin, the curator of Beijing Planetarium says, “Because of the connection between politics and astronomy, imperial astronomers occasionally may have omitted or fabricated documents. Modern astronomers should take precaution to distinguish this, and repeatedly assess their accuracy in using these records.” Imperial astronomers sometimes made subjective decisions or were influenced to produce false records. For instance, solar eclipses were seen as bad omens, and rulers were not pleased if they were reported. Obviously, this politicization of astronomy puts a bit of a dampener on some of the grander discoveries claimed in Chinese history books; but, with centuries of study, there’s a lot ot be learned. - LIU JUE (刘珏) 19
KALEIDOSCOPE
UNBELIEVABLE UMBRELLAS A look at a man, his craft, and an obscure art 依照古法，使用兰竹、棉纸和天然 桐油，经过八十六道纯手工工序， 最后由画家妙手点睛，一柄诗意浓 浓的油纸伞终于制成了
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O
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHANG TAO AND NOEMI CASSANELLI TEXT BY NOEMI CASSANELLI
f the myriad of inventions from antiquity that have forged their way into the modern day, the umbrella is one of the few to have retained its shape, function, and beauty. Known to many ancient civilizations, the umbrella has garnered mythological, religious, and social connotations, and the ancient craft of traditional umbrella making in China is still popular. Beijing boasts a variety of shops selling uniquely-crafted umbrellas. In the historic Dashilanr ( ) business street area, Chang Tao’s Qinfenghanyue Craft
JINO ELDERS PERFORM ON THE BUGU, A BAMBOO PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT USED TO RALLY THE HUNTERS FOR BIG GAME SUCH AS OXEN, BOARS, OR RED DEER—ALL FOR TOURISTS CLOUDS OF UMBRELLAS ARE STRUNG UP TO DRY AFTER THE APPLICATION OF TUNG OIL IN MR. CHANG’S FACTORY
Shop (秦风汉月油纸伞) is one of the many places where this craft is still a lifestyle. Mr. Chang is a master of this art and has perfected his technique and aesthetic with years of devotion. A fervent sentinel of traditional Chinese culture, Mr. Chang—painter, poet, and umbrella maker—was born in 1978 in Guangxi Province. Early in his career as a painter, he was tasked with decorating a tea house and decided to incorporate the traditional handmade umbrellas he remembered from his childhood in rainy Guangxi. But, he realized that none of them equaled the beauty or quality of the ones his grandfather made. As such, he established a small studio in Guangxi combining modern techniques with a love for the
art of umbrella making. Artists in Guangxi and Beijing now work under his watchful guidance, meticulously following his 86 steps to making a single umbrella, a process that sometimes takes 20 days. The bamboo is harvested from the wilds of Guangxi for processing the following year. The bamboo to be used in the umbrella’s construction is soaked in water, steamed, dried in the sun, polished, and carved. One of the most complicated steps is the umbrella’s skeleton, which is stretched, assembled, glued, and dried. The paper is a thin cotton, brittle during the work process; it is soaked in tung oil ( t5ngy5u) for nine days to harden and waterproof it. The final step is adding calligraphy or painted scenery to give the umbrella its traditional look and artistic identity. 21
TWO WORKERS DELICATELY CARVE BAMBOO THAT WILL SOMEDAY MAKE UP THE SKELETON OF AN UMBRELLA
THE FIRST UMBRELLA 22
Chinese legend has it that, during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.–476 B.C.), the wife of the famous carpenter Lu Ban (鲁班) built the first umbrella to protect him from the elements as he worked. This progenitor to the modern device was assembled from split bamboo and covered with the pelts of local animals.
A MAN SEPARATES BAMBOO RIBS, THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE UMBRELLA’S SKELETON
AN EMPLOYEE DYES COTTON SHEETS THAT WILL MAKE UP PART OF THE UMBRELLAS
A WOMAN APPLIES COLORED SHEETS OF COTTON TO NEARLY COMPLETED UMBRELLAS
OIL FROM ANTIQUITY It is obtained by pressing the seeds of the indigenous Vernicia Fordii or tung oil tree (油桐树 y5ut5ngsh&). Characterized by its desiccative qualities, the Chinese have depended on this oil to waterproof boats and weatherize umbrellas since antiquity. Marco Polo is said to have brought back a sample of this oil after his first visit to China. 23
DECORATIVE PATTERNS ARE ADDED TO THE DELICATE UMBRELLAS BY HAND
BRIDAL UMBRELLA In addition to resisting deluge and sweltering heat, umbrellas are used in some traditional Chinese marriage rites. When the bride arrives at her new house, she is often accompanied by a woman who claims a red umbrella as a symbol of protection against evil spirits and the obstacles that the new couple will face. 24
CHANG TAOÂ PAINTS A NEW FLORAL MOTIF FOR HIS UMBRELLAS
DELICATE AND FUNCTIONAL, THE COMPLETED UMBRELLA IS READY TO FACE STORMS AND STOREROOM WINDOWS
STATUS SYMBOL
In China, the umbrella was initially used during important ceremonies as a symbol of elegance, prestige, and power. Highranking officials were escorted with umbrellas built with very elaborate fabrics of fine yellow, which symbolized royalty in China. Officials of lower rank had blue or red umbrellas. 25
THE SPIRIT OF INVENTION 草根发明家们的杰作
INFINITY AND BEYOND The folks in China’s heartland love making their own airplanes. It is estimated that no less than 25 rural Chinese people are on the road to making an aircraft with their own simple, ingenious methods. Most inevitably fail, but occasionally a triumph of aerodynamic ingenuity is seen in rural China. This light-weight aircraft, named No. 3 Douqiang and invented by Zhang Dousan (张斗三), is such an example. It can fly more than 500 kilometers at a speed of 100 kilometers an hour, reaching heights of 3,000 meters. Best of all (and perhaps most dangerous of all), his plane wasn’t that difficult to make, so many others are following suit.
I, ROBOT FAMILY “I am a robot, and I pull the rickshaw,” says Wu No.32, his eyes shining brightly. “My dad is Mr. Wu Yulu (吴玉禄). If he wants to go shopping, I can take him in the rickshaw. Thank you.” Wu No.32 is just one of the many humanoid children in the Wu Family. His dad, Mr. Wu, a 51-year-old robot inventor, began making his robot kids in 1978, and they all live happily together in Huoxian Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing. Members of the Wu robot family are all individuals. Wu No.3 likes rock climbing, Wu No.7 has six feet so he can walk on uneven roads, and Wu No.8 can even do somersaults. Mr. Wu is currently “pregnant” with his 60th child, who will supposedly to be able to mimic human movements. 26
TO BOLDLY GO NOWHERE
Illustration
by
W a n g X i n xi
They won’t get off the ground, but they’re still pretty cool. This saucer shaped aircraft was invented by Du Wenda (杜文达) from Anhui Province. Du, now 47, has dreamt of owning a flying saucer since he read about them in the science fiction magazines of his youth. Great minds in aviation have toyed with the ideas and physics of flying saucers, usually coming up with nothing, but Du is determined to figure it out via trial and error. So far, he has made seven saucer shaped aircrafts: “They are all still in the experimental stage. Even if they could fly, they’d soon get damaged beyond repair. However, I will not give up,” Du says, full of confidence. “Although I have no idea of how to land it when it finally flies, I still want to lift off. I believe I will make the best saucer shaped aircraft in China.”
In 2009, a submarine was found hidden inside the Qinglongxia reservoir, in a northeastern suburb of Beijing. The submarine weighed in at about 800 kilograms, and measured 6.5 meters in length. The main body was constructed out of five petrol cans welded together, complete with a waterproof probe that can rotate 360 degrees. The simple submersible can dive to a depth of six meters and can stay under for 10 minutes. The submarine’s creator, 39-year-old Tao Xiangli (陶相礼), says, “I rarely use the internet and I’m not really in the habit of reading either. I just did it with all kinds of experiments.” Tao, who only made it to grade five, explains he found most of the parts and accessories in a junk yard. “With a bit more money, I could make it dive better. I like operating it under the water,” Tao says enthusiastically. “It’s quiet.”
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C O V ER S T ORY
HOW
BE AN
TO
ASTRONAUT BY GINGER HUANG (黄原竟)
You have to suffer for the best view in the solar system
Illustration
by
Gao Fei
航天员是怎样炼成的？
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