AS more young people born in the 1980s begin to marry, the formerly widespread belief in duozi - duofu (more children - more happiness) diminishes. To today's urban youth, establishing a career is a far more press...AS more young people born in the 1980s begin to marry, the formerly widespread belief in duozi - duofu (more children - more happiness) diminishes. To today's urban youth, establishing a career is a far more pressing priority than having children. 'I don't have time,' is 27-year-old Jing Du's answer to her husband's repeated suggestion that they have a child. She is not alone. Many married couples prefer to展开更多
IT was at the beginning of the 1950s that Chairman Mao Zedong decided to develop heavy industry in China＇s northeastern provinces of Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning. Soon. with the guidance and supervision of expert...IT was at the beginning of the 1950s that Chairman Mao Zedong decided to develop heavy industry in China＇s northeastern provinces of Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning. Soon. with the guidance and supervision of experts from the Soviet Union, a host of automobile, heavy-dury machinery, petrochemical and other industrial giants were up and running in China. The next few decades saw a prosperous Northeast, as state-owned enterprises provided millions of jobs, as well as housing for employees and schooling for their children. Upon retirement, workers were also entitled to a state pension.展开更多
Asky densely dotted with kites is one of China's most joyful sights. As you. approach Tian'anmen Square and observe colored points among the clouds you might feel puzzled as to what exactly is going on. Then y...Asky densely dotted with kites is one of China's most joyful sights. As you. approach Tian'anmen Square and observe colored points among the clouds you might feel puzzled as to what exactly is going on. Then you see the people holding silk strings, faces upturned, and everything is explained: you have come along on a great day for kite flying.展开更多
CHINA, its customs and traditions changed little throughout the millennia leading to the early 20th century.Then, after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, revolutionary changes occurred in all areas of Chinese ...CHINA, its customs and traditions changed little throughout the millennia leading to the early 20th century.Then, after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, revolutionary changes occurred in all areas of Chinese life, particularly in courtship and marriage rituals.展开更多
WHEN speaking of ""red lantern streets,""what's the first thing that comes to mind?Sordid alleys, haunted by ladies of the night? While ""red lantern districts"" both in the...WHEN speaking of ""red lantern streets,""what's the first thing that comes to mind?Sordid alleys, haunted by ladies of the night? While ""red lantern districts"" both in the East and the West have something in common, pleasures here in China are purely gastronomical in nature.展开更多
I often think that Chinese women are wiser than we in the West, as they generally don't adopt their husbands' names upon marrying. There could be something in the Chinese belief that the name given at birth de...I often think that Chinese women are wiser than we in the West, as they generally don't adopt their husbands' names upon marrying. There could be something in the Chinese belief that the name given at birth determines the fate of its bearer.展开更多
IT is still possible, though rare,to see elderly Chinese ladies with impossibly small feet,walking along with a slightly staggering gait, with the help of at least one stick. These nonagenarian women, remnants of the ...IT is still possible, though rare,to see elderly Chinese ladies with impossibly small feet,walking along with a slightly staggering gait, with the help of at least one stick. These nonagenarian women, remnants of the millennial tradition of foot binding unique to China, become fewer every day. There will soon be no trace of the long-standing custom that still prevailed during their childhood.展开更多
THE Chinese attitude to age and aging is quite different from that in the West. The age of 60 in China marks the start of a brand new life, a belief based on the Chinese “horoscope,” which encompasses five astrologi...THE Chinese attitude to age and aging is quite different from that in the West. The age of 60 in China marks the start of a brand new life, a belief based on the Chinese “horoscope,” which encompasses five astrological cycles of twelve years each.展开更多
It was at the London premier of Bravo China! that I first saw her. She was performing Soul of the Peacock and it seemed to me not an artist but a bird - a graceful peacock with a small elegant head and proud gait - th...It was at the London premier of Bravo China! that I first saw her. She was performing Soul of the Peacock and it seemed to me not an artist but a bird - a graceful peacock with a small elegant head and proud gait - that danced before me, Four years later I met Yang Liping, arguably the most famous folk dancer in China, in person, She is of the Bai ethnic minority that lives in southern Yunnan Province.展开更多
CHINESE people like to say that there are three main treasures in their country一cuisine,medi-cine and martial arts.One of the world's most famous martial arts places is the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province.I r...CHINESE people like to say that there are three main treasures in their country一cuisine,medi-cine and martial arts.One of the world's most famous martial arts places is the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province.I recently went there to see it with my own eyes.On the way to the monastery,I stopped off at the rela-tively unknown Chenjiagou Village.展开更多
MILLIONS of Chinese people start their summer's day with a fight-a battle,that is,for a place in the shade in the local park.The 72-year-old Bai Yixu is one of them.Every morning,she rises at 6am,drinks down a vog...MILLIONS of Chinese people start their summer's day with a fight-a battle,that is,for a place in the shade in the local park.The 72-year-old Bai Yixu is one of them.Every morning,she rises at 6am,drinks down a vogurt with a small cake,and rushes to her local common to perform her daily exercises.There she meets dozens of her peers,all competing for that spot in the shade that will protect these health enthusiasts from the blazing sun.Summertime temperatures in Beijing soar well above the 30s,even in the morning.展开更多
WHEN looking at the map of China,its shape appears uncannily similar to that of a rooster.Its head is in the Northeastern provinces,its magnificent tail includes Xinjiang and Tibet and its wings spread over the resour...WHEN looking at the map of China,its shape appears uncannily similar to that of a rooster.Its head is in the Northeastern provinces,its magnificent tail includes Xinjiang and Tibet and its wings spread over the resource-rich basins of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers.The belly of this cockerel is in the southeast,and Hainan and Taiwan islands are its feet.展开更多
CHINESE buildings,windows,bowls and dishes often bear a motif that might seem strange to the Western eye-that of the bat.The Chinese perception of this flying mammal contrasts sharply with its sinister Western associa...CHINESE buildings,windows,bowls and dishes often bear a motif that might seem strange to the Western eye-that of the bat.The Chinese perception of this flying mammal contrasts sharply with its sinister Western associations of darkness and vampires.展开更多
BEFORE I came to China I'd never even heard of this game.But it has no shortage of enthusiasts in China,evidenced by the fact that even the most insignificant,junior level tournament is likely to be broadcast on T...BEFORE I came to China I'd never even heard of this game.But it has no shortage of enthusiasts in China,evidenced by the fact that even the most insignificant,junior level tournament is likely to be broadcast on TV.The game I am referring to is go,or weiqi in Chinese.Some Europeans mistakenly believe the game to be Chinese chess,but that is entirely different.展开更多
SITING in a Chinese park or garden is the opportunity to indulge one's senses in the sight and fragrance of peach,plum and cherryblossom,the sound of softly sinuous erhu music and the delicate flavor of green tea ...SITING in a Chinese park or garden is the opportunity to indulge one's senses in the sight and fragrance of peach,plum and cherryblossom,the sound of softly sinuous erhu music and the delicate flavor of green tea sipped from a delicate porcelain cup.Gardens in the Kingdom of Heaven are exquisitely miniature without being fussy.展开更多
IF,one evening at the theater, you are seated at a table, rather than in a row of seats, and sipping tea and eating peanuts as your neighbors stamp their feet and shout their approval, the chances are you are watching...IF,one evening at the theater, you are seated at a table, rather than in a row of seats, and sipping tea and eating peanuts as your neighbors stamp their feet and shout their approval, the chances are you are watching a Peking Opera performance.展开更多
WHEN I think of everyday life in China,the first thing that comes to mind is a pair of chop-sticks,those unobtrusive,functional eating implements that you so quickly get used to.During my last visit to my home city of...WHEN I think of everyday life in China,the first thing that comes to mind is a pair of chop-sticks,those unobtrusive,functional eating implements that you so quickly get used to.During my last visit to my home city of Minsk.a friend invited me along to a popular cafe whose specialty was dumplings,The dumplings were really tasty,but I fell that something was not right,and soon realized it was because we were eating with forks instead of chopsticks.展开更多
CONFUCIUS said that food is,the masses'“heaven.”This observation was made at a time when food was less plentiful than now,but the Chinese people nonetheless approach food with respect bordering on reverence,and ...CONFUCIUS said that food is,the masses'“heaven.”This observation was made at a time when food was less plentiful than now,but the Chinese people nonetheless approach food with respect bordering on reverence,and eat with passion.展开更多
LIQUOR was originally a main feature of ancient ceremonial rites in China.As to drinking habits,Chinese people regard moderate tippling as good for the health.There is a tradition of soaking traditional Chinese medici...LIQUOR was originally a main feature of ancient ceremonial rites in China.As to drinking habits,Chinese people regard moderate tippling as good for the health.There is a tradition of soaking traditional Chinese medicine in liquor in order to achieve a better effect,and its success in this respect has been proved.Alcohol has also been the preferred remedy for keeping out the cold for thousands of years.展开更多
文摘AS more young people born in the 1980s begin to marry, the formerly widespread belief in duozi - duofu (more children - more happiness) diminishes. To today's urban youth, establishing a career is a far more pressing priority than having children. 'I don't have time,' is 27-year-old Jing Du's answer to her husband's repeated suggestion that they have a child. She is not alone. Many married couples prefer to
文摘IT was at the beginning of the 1950s that Chairman Mao Zedong decided to develop heavy industry in China＇s northeastern provinces of Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning. Soon. with the guidance and supervision of experts from the Soviet Union, a host of automobile, heavy-dury machinery, petrochemical and other industrial giants were up and running in China. The next few decades saw a prosperous Northeast, as state-owned enterprises provided millions of jobs, as well as housing for employees and schooling for their children. Upon retirement, workers were also entitled to a state pension.
文摘Asky densely dotted with kites is one of China's most joyful sights. As you. approach Tian'anmen Square and observe colored points among the clouds you might feel puzzled as to what exactly is going on. Then you see the people holding silk strings, faces upturned, and everything is explained: you have come along on a great day for kite flying.
文摘CHINA, its customs and traditions changed little throughout the millennia leading to the early 20th century.Then, after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, revolutionary changes occurred in all areas of Chinese life, particularly in courtship and marriage rituals.
文摘WHEN speaking of ""red lantern streets,""what's the first thing that comes to mind?Sordid alleys, haunted by ladies of the night? While ""red lantern districts"" both in the East and the West have something in common, pleasures here in China are purely gastronomical in nature.
文摘I often think that Chinese women are wiser than we in the West, as they generally don't adopt their husbands' names upon marrying. There could be something in the Chinese belief that the name given at birth determines the fate of its bearer.
文摘IT is still possible, though rare,to see elderly Chinese ladies with impossibly small feet,walking along with a slightly staggering gait, with the help of at least one stick. These nonagenarian women, remnants of the millennial tradition of foot binding unique to China, become fewer every day. There will soon be no trace of the long-standing custom that still prevailed during their childhood.
文摘THE Chinese attitude to age and aging is quite different from that in the West. The age of 60 in China marks the start of a brand new life, a belief based on the Chinese “horoscope,” which encompasses five astrological cycles of twelve years each.
文摘It was at the London premier of Bravo China! that I first saw her. She was performing Soul of the Peacock and it seemed to me not an artist but a bird - a graceful peacock with a small elegant head and proud gait - that danced before me, Four years later I met Yang Liping, arguably the most famous folk dancer in China, in person, She is of the Bai ethnic minority that lives in southern Yunnan Province.
文摘CHINESE people like to say that there are three main treasures in their country一cuisine,medi-cine and martial arts.One of the world's most famous martial arts places is the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province.I recently went there to see it with my own eyes.On the way to the monastery,I stopped off at the rela-tively unknown Chenjiagou Village.
基金INESA PLESKACHEUSKAYA is the Beijing bureau chief of the Belorussian national newspaper Belarus Today and the National TV channel ONT
文摘MILLIONS of Chinese people start their summer's day with a fight-a battle,that is,for a place in the shade in the local park.The 72-year-old Bai Yixu is one of them.Every morning,she rises at 6am,drinks down a vogurt with a small cake,and rushes to her local common to perform her daily exercises.There she meets dozens of her peers,all competing for that spot in the shade that will protect these health enthusiasts from the blazing sun.Summertime temperatures in Beijing soar well above the 30s,even in the morning.
文摘WHEN looking at the map of China,its shape appears uncannily similar to that of a rooster.Its head is in the Northeastern provinces,its magnificent tail includes Xinjiang and Tibet and its wings spread over the resource-rich basins of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers.The belly of this cockerel is in the southeast,and Hainan and Taiwan islands are its feet.
文摘CHINESE buildings,windows,bowls and dishes often bear a motif that might seem strange to the Western eye-that of the bat.The Chinese perception of this flying mammal contrasts sharply with its sinister Western associations of darkness and vampires.
文摘BEFORE I came to China I'd never even heard of this game.But it has no shortage of enthusiasts in China,evidenced by the fact that even the most insignificant,junior level tournament is likely to be broadcast on TV.The game I am referring to is go,or weiqi in Chinese.Some Europeans mistakenly believe the game to be Chinese chess,but that is entirely different.
文摘SITING in a Chinese park or garden is the opportunity to indulge one's senses in the sight and fragrance of peach,plum and cherryblossom,the sound of softly sinuous erhu music and the delicate flavor of green tea sipped from a delicate porcelain cup.Gardens in the Kingdom of Heaven are exquisitely miniature without being fussy.
文摘IF,one evening at the theater, you are seated at a table, rather than in a row of seats, and sipping tea and eating peanuts as your neighbors stamp their feet and shout their approval, the chances are you are watching a Peking Opera performance.
文摘WHEN I think of everyday life in China,the first thing that comes to mind is a pair of chop-sticks,those unobtrusive,functional eating implements that you so quickly get used to.During my last visit to my home city of Minsk.a friend invited me along to a popular cafe whose specialty was dumplings,The dumplings were really tasty,but I fell that something was not right,and soon realized it was because we were eating with forks instead of chopsticks.
文摘CONFUCIUS said that food is,the masses'“heaven.”This observation was made at a time when food was less plentiful than now,but the Chinese people nonetheless approach food with respect bordering on reverence,and eat with passion.
文摘LIQUOR was originally a main feature of ancient ceremonial rites in China.As to drinking habits,Chinese people regard moderate tippling as good for the health.There is a tradition of soaking traditional Chinese medicine in liquor in order to achieve a better effect,and its success in this respect has been proved.Alcohol has also been the preferred remedy for keeping out the cold for thousands of years.
