Ch i n a In s i g h t Fostering Business and Cultural Harmony between China and the U.S. VOL. 8 NO. 8 www.chinainsight.info SEPTEMBER 2009 Events Students from Loudi No. 1 Page 3 Middle School visit Eden Prairie High School By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer

Mall, Murphy’s Landing, St. Paul Capitol Tour, Minnesota Museum of Art and Como Zoo. They were also guests at a luncheon hosted by the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce held at the Eden Prairie City Hall and a breakfast hosted by the Eden Prairie chapter of the Rotary where they participat- ed in an open discussion moderated by Eden Prairie Schools Superintendent Melissa Krull. They also had the option to attend Hello Dolly which was being performed at the Minnetonka Fine Arts Center. The 11-day visit concluded with a dinner Travel in China and presentation of certificates of achieve- Page 9 ment presented to the visitors from Loudi and certificates of appreciation to the host families at Grand City Buffet which was attended by about 100 people. Fred and Jen-

Students continues on Page 8

Host families greet visitors from Loudi at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Photo by Grace Stewart Export trends catch Moon Fong n spite of concerns about the H1N1 Page 16 flu, 16 students from Loudi No. 1 Middle School, Hunan PRC along up to employment Iwith their principal and two other adult chaperones were greeted by their host families at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Inter- trends national Airport on the evening of July 16, Minnesota Quarterly Export Statistics: 2009. Although the 11-day visit started off Data on Manufacturing Industries for First Quarter 2009 with a delayed flight from Chicago, this did n response to the global economic Exports Fall To All But Four Top 10 not deter them from embarking on a trip they downturn, Minnesota’s exports Markets have been vying for with hundreds of other from manufacturing industries * Minnesota businesses increased sales students during the past year. for the first quarter of 2009 fell to to four of the state’s top 10 export countries: This group of students is the second that I US$3.4 billion, a decline of 19.4 percent Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Australia. has visited Eden Prairie. The first group (or US$813 million) compared to the first With other markets facing downward trends, came in 2007 as the result of an accord that quarter of 2008. However, Minnesota’s Australia moved up to ninth from 13th in the both schools signed in 2006 establishing a exports fared slightly better than U.S. manu- first quarter of 2008, fueled by strong growth sister school relationship that incorporated factured exports as a whole, which dropped in transportation equipment and especially an alternating educational/cultural exchange 22 percent. railway-related goods. at each other’s school. Students from Eden * Sales to Ireland jumped 80 percent to Prairie High School visited Loudi in 2008 US$307 million, driven by strong gains in and are scheduled again in 2010. medical-related exports, which accounted There was very little time for the group for 72 percent of exports to this country. from Loudi to recoup from jet lag since Exports of electrical equipment grew they were scheduled to meet at Eden Prai- strongly, from US$1.2 million to US$23.1 rie High School early the next morning to million between the first quarters of 2008 commence a varied schedule of activities. and 2009. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Over the course of their stay, the visitors * The state’s steady export gains to from Loudi stayed with host families who Belgium were based on increased sales of dropped them off each morning at the high Despite the overall decline for the first machinery and miscellaneous goods, while Announcements / 2 school, picked up each evening during the quarter, three manufacturing sectors in Min- those to Germany were fueled by increased Events / 3 week and shared with them how it was to nesota experienced some growth. Quarterly demand for computer and electronics prod- Culture / 4 & 13-15 live as a typical American family by sharing exports increased for Minnesota manufac- ucts. what a normal family does in the evenings Community / 5 turing industries involved in miscellaneous * Exports decreased the greatest to Education / 6-8 and weekends. (including medical) products, petroleum Canada (down US$350 million) and the Travel / Their planned activities included a tour products and apparel. Philippines (down US$124 million). Other 9 of Eden Prairie High School, Minnesota In contrast, from a nationwide perspec- countries to which exports fell by US$50 Trade / 10 History Center, University of Minnesota, tive, exports from all U.S. manufacturing million or more were the Netherlands, Ja- Business / 11 &12 China Center, Wells Fargo Bank Museum, industries contracted. pan, China and France. Culture / 13 - 15 Arboretum, Mill City Museum, Lock and Celebration / Dam Tour, Stone Arch Bridge, Walker Art 16 Sculpture Garden, WCCO Tour, Nicollet Exports continues on Page 10 PAGE 2 > SEPTEMBER 2009 announcements www.chinainsight.info New Minnesota laws passed Ch i n a In s i g h t Publisher: Gregory J. Hugh for consumers seeking natural [email protected] care Editor: Jennifer Nordin The new law means that consumers registered naturopathic doctor, that practi- [email protected] will have access to a qualified provider of tioner is a professional who has graduated acupuncture, if they have a condition that is from an accredited four-year naturopathic Manager of Operations/ covered by their medical insurance. Previ- medical school and is one who meets federal Circulation: ously, acupuncture provided by a licensed and state regulations.” Richard He acupuncturist was not covered by most The legislation clarifies the use of the [email protected] insurance plans. title “Naturopathic Doctor,” and defines the Bonnie Bolash, American Association of scope of practice for naturopathic doctors, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Legis- and what conditions they can treat. It also Production Editor: lative Committee chair, said, “Hopefully this provides professional oversight for practic- Dawn Murphy [email protected] Two recent bills signed into law by the will spill over into other areas of coverage ing naturopathic doctors, and demonstrates Minnesota Legislature will have a signifi- and discussion in Minnesota and nationally. lawmakers’ support of access to safe and cant impact for consumers seeking acupunc- My hope for the future in health care is that effective natural medicine. Marketing: ture treatments and care from naturopathic there will be continued discussions which Northwestern Health Sciences Univer- Connie Mei Ledford practitioners. focus on wellness care that incorporates sity offers a wide array of choices in natural [email protected] choices such as acupuncture, chiropractic, health care education including chiropractic, Equal Access to Acupuncture Act homeopathy, massage, naturopathy and Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic Artist/Intern: Signed Into Law other natural healing options.” massage and human biology. The University Lauren Hugh A huge victory for acupuncture and has nearly 900 students on a 25-acre campus natural health care was realized in May, Minnesota Passes Registration Law for in Bloomington, Minnesota. For more infor- 2009, as the Equal Access to Acupuncture Naturopathic Doctors mation about Northwestern Health Sciences Staff Writers: Act was signed into law by the Minnesota Naturopathic doctors who graduated University visit www.nwhealth.edu. Greg Hugh legislature. It was a giant effort that was from four-year naturopathic medical schools [email protected] years in the making. will now be required to register with the The legislation was previously intro- State of Minnesota, according to a law that Albert Leung duced in 2002, 2003, 2008 and again in took effect July 1, 2009. The registration is [email protected] 2009, when it finally passed. The bill was similar to licensing required by other health care practitioners. sponsored by the Acupuncture and Oriental Jennifer Nordin Medicine Association of Minnesota and was What does this mean for consum- [email protected] dedicated in the honor of Edith R. Davis, the ers? According to Amrit Devgun, ND, a pioneer acupuncturist who passed away in naturopathic practitioner at Northwestern’s 2008. Many Northwestern staff and students Natural Care Center at Woodwinds, “It helps Mike Xiong worked hard to help get the bill passed. consumers recognize that when they see a [email protected]

About Ch i n a In s i g h t

Ch i n a In s i g h t is a monthly English language newspaper fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the U.S.

Ch i n a In s i g h t is a Member of The Minnesota Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).

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Editor, Ch i n a In s i g h t 6520 South Bay Drive Minnetrista, MN 55331 Tel: 952-472-4757 Fax: 952 472-6665 In s i g h t [email protected] Letters to the Editor become the Guaranteed property of Ch i n a In s i g h t and may be edited for length and published. YES you could run to the Articles will not be published without store and pick up a copy, but the express consent of the author. did you know you can have NOTICE TO READERS: The views Ch i n a In s i g h t delivered directly epressed in articles are the author’s and to your mailbox? not neccesarily those of Ch i n a In s i g h t . A subscription costs a mere Authors may have a business relationship with the companies or $24 and brings a full year (11 businesses they discuss. issues) of new understand- ing about today’s China, from language to business oppor- tunities. Copyright 2008 Ch i n a In s i g h t , Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.chinainsight.info events SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 3 ENCOUNTERS: THE PAST RE-CONFIGURED at the Nash Gallery

through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Parking to the history of Chinese art and aesthetic is available in the 21st Avenue Ramp. thought, and the ways in which they have been influenced by the Western tradition About the Artists in art. Many contemporary Chinese artists Liu Xuguang has been teaching at the are experiencing a newfound freedom of Beijing Film Academy since 2004 where expression that allows the treatment of cul- he is the course director for the New Media tural history as subject matter and critique. Lab in the Fine Art Department. He is a These works function as a dialogue with a 2004 graduate of Qinghua University where heretofore-closed historical narrative and he received a Ph.D. in Fine Art. In 1996 he provide subject matter for discussions on the taught at Tokyo University of Art as a tutor culturally imbedded ideas of craftsmanship, at the Contemporary Art Studio. He also narratives, and image content. University CERTIFICATE OF studied abroad in Tokyo. of Minnesota Professor Joseph Allen from ASSUMED NAME Li Shuan graduated from the China the Department of Asian Languages and STATE OF MINNESOTA (R) Lui Xuguang and (L) Li Shuan Central Academy of Fine Arts where he Literature will direct these discussions. Al- ______studied painting. He currently works for the len is a scholar whose research focuses on Minnesota Statues Chapter 333: 1. The assumed name under which the business is The Katherine E. Nash Gallery is hon- Professor and Vice Dean of the Department the use of history in the present, the images or will be conducted is ored to present ENCOUNTERS: THE PAST of Painting at the Beijing Film Academy. used to represent history, and the ways that Websites, LLC RE-CONFIGURED an exhibition of paint- He also acts as a member of the Chinese visual arts are used historically as a tool 2. The street address of the principal place of ings by Li Shuan and Liu Xuguang. The Fine Arts Association and is a member of in the creation of a cultural and national business is or will be: 3462 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406- exhibitions open on Sept. 8 and runs through the Beijing Oil Painting Society. narrative. 2625 Oct. 8, 2009. A panel discussion with the Both artists have extensive and impres- ENCOUNTERS: THE PAST RE-CON- 3. The name and street address of all persons featured artists: CONTEMPORARY ART sive exhibition records. They have had FIGURED is sponsored by the University of conducting business under the above Assumed IN CHINA will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 exhibitions across Asia and have had some Minnesota and the Beijing Film Academy Name. Name Street Address p.m. at In-Flux Space, Regis Center for Art. exposure in the West. as part of the ongoing program of scholarly, Websites LLC, 3462 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapo- The moderator will be Wang Chunchen, ENCOUNTERS: THE PAST RE- artistic and teaching exchanges. lis, MN 55406-2625 curator and professor, Central Academy CONFIGURED is a part of the University The faculties of both institutions have Philip L.M. Vaughan, 3462 Minnehaha Ave, Min- of Fine Art. A public reception has been of Minnesota’s continuing development of contributed time and resources to the suc- neapolis, MN 55406-2625 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, from 6-8:30 collaborative exchange with the Beijing film cess of this project and are committed to certificate and I further certify that I understand p.m. All events at the Nash are free and Academy, and represents the interest both building on the strengths of our respective that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the open to the public. institutions have in broadening international programs. penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 The Nash Gallery is located in the Regis outreach and cooperation in the creation of Sponsored by the Consortium for the as if I had signed this certificate under oath. DATED: September 1, 2009 Center for Art, 405 21st Avenue South, on new educational opportunities for students. Study of the Asias, CLA Dean’s Office, the (Signed) Philip L.M. Vaughan, Owner the west bank campus of the University While in residence at the University, the art- Dept. of Asian Languages and Literatures. (September, 1, 2009; October 1, 2009) of Minnesota. Gallery hours are Tuesday ists will discuss their work, its connections 

The 11th annual Minhua Chorus & Minnesota Center Chorale present MN Hai Hwa Table A Rainbow across the Pacific Minhua Chorus and Minnesota Center Tennis Tournament Chorale present A Rainbow across the Pacific in collaboration with CAAM CDT, The gym will be open for practice 1 p.m. – MCDT, Muzige Children’s Chorus, Chinese 1:30 p.m. The competition will start at 1:30 Music Gallery, Carleton College Chinese p.m. (Registration will be cancelled if not Music Ensemble, Center for Chinese Opera checked in by 1:15 p.m.) The registration and Culture Exchange, and Minnesota Chi- fees are: Open Singles and Women’s Singles nese Day Care & Learning Center. - US$6 per person; Open Doubles - US$6 The performance will feature Chinese per team. To register, contact Zhongshu and American folk songs, Chinese folk Tan at 651-736-3951 or Biing-Huei Su by dances and Chinese instruments: pipa, e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at guzheng, and erhu. The conductors are Lei The 11th annual MN Hai Hwa Table 651-733-9827 Li and J. Michele Edwards. The artistic Tennis Tournament will take place on Sun- This event is sponsored by the Min- director is Qian Xu. day, Sept. 13, 2009. Players can compete in nesota Chinese Cultural Services Center. The performance will be Saturday, Oct. Open Doubles, Open Singles and Women’s It is cosponsored by the 3M Table Tennis 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy at Singles. (Only the first 32 registrants will be League, the Chinese American Academic & the College of St. Catherine, 2004 Randolph accepted for the Open Singles. Each person Professional Association in MN, the Min- Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. can register for no more than two competi- nesota Chinese Veterans Association, and Tickets are US$15 and can be purchased tion categories.) China Tribune. The Operation Committee by calling 651-714-4040, 651-335-6899, The tournament will be held at the Capi- is: Zhongshu Tan, Paul Wang, Lii-Perng Minhua Chorus for A Rainbow across the 651-206-3043. For more on Minhua Cho- tol City Adventist Christian School Gym, Liou, Simon Fan, and Biing-Huei Su.  Pacific rus, visit www.minhuachorus.org. 1220 McKnight Road South, Maplewood, The activity is made possible, in part, by MN 55119. The competition will include: a grant provided by Metropolitan Regional 1. First Round – Group Round Robin Advertisers Arts Council through and appropriation by 2. Second Round – Single Elimination Your potential customers are reading Ch i n a Insight. Shouldn’t you be bringing the Minnesota State legislature. 3. 11 Points/Game, Best 3 of 5 them in the door with an ad? Our readers are: 4. Trophy awards for the top three in each - Well-traveled - Opportunity-seeking ASIAN BLOOD DONORS NEEDED - Entrepreneurial - Open-minded category Call 1-800-59-DONOR toll free Registration is required (No walk-ins - Excited about understanding China will be allowed). The deadline to register Rates are highly competitive. Contact Greg Hugh (952-472-4757, ads@ for more information. to compete is Thursday, Sept. 10 at noon. chinainsight.info) or visit www.chinainsight.info for more advertising information. PAGE 4 > SEPTEMBER 2009 culture www.chinainsight.info Old and new meet in a Beijing hutong By Li Yahong, China Today

Jin Xin, the young owner of the Pass By boulevards and high-rises. There are now the Pass By Bar begin to gleam, casting celain, to notebooks wrapped in ox hide, to Bar, looks calm and detached as he talks, only 1,300 of the old lanes still intact. soft light on the old wooden signboard, decorative crafts. angling his head. The Pass By was the first NLGX was once home to many celebri- making people feel warm, comfortable and Situated in a small siheyuan, Art At bar to open on Nanluoguxiang (NLGX), a ties and officials. Sun Yat-sen, founder of at home. Home sells Chinese embroidery, featuring hutong now packed with bars and cafés in the the Chinese Republic, and Chiang Kai-shek, flowers, birds, fish, insects, and sometimes old part of Beijing. Since 1999, the lane has long-term head of the Kuomintang, both Blend of Tradition and Modernity female figures in an old Shanghai style. been trans- lived here for a time. Among the 1,000 Up the street, a young British man formed from courtyards in this area, there are several named Dominic Johnson Hill operates a fa- a quiet resi- hundreds well-preserved structures featur- mous T-shirt shop called “Plastered 8.” His dential area ing traditional entrance gates and screen T-shirts feature unique designs encapsulat- into a popular walls. Although the archaic buildings today ing everyday aspects of Beijing life, like old place for so- appear less stately than they once did, the subway tickets, bus stops and street signs, cializing and exquisite architectural carvings still convey as well as slogans from yesteryear such as buying tradi- a sumptuous ambience. The culture and “Weida de Maozhuxi Wansui” (“Long Live tional Beijing atmosphere of old Beijing lend a special Great Chairman Mao”). Dominic Johnson cultural prod- flavor to the bars and cafes here Hill fell in love with Beijing when he came ucts. In 1999, the Pass By Bar was situated in here 14 years ago, and decided to settle The 800- a 40-square-meter house. Now it has a new down and run Plastered 8. From his point meter long home in a typical Beijing siheyuan, and has of view, Beijing has many special and latent north-south opened a second branch nearby. beautiful aspects, so he used these as inspira- The Pass By, the oldest bar on hutong is just Like many of his customers, owner Jin tion when he began to design his unique T- the street few kilome- Xin is a travel-crazy backpacker, and the shirts. As he remarks, “Those slogans make ters from the rear of the Forbidden City. “A Pass By’s décor reflects his passion. A huge people feel nostalgic with warmth.” decade ago, it was like a girl who never used goat’s skull is suspended from the building’s In front of a Chinese opera mask, six makeup, but now she abuses it a little bit,” roof beam, a souvenir Jin Xin carried back Korean students dressed in hip hop ap- comments Jin Xin. from Tibet. On the wall hang straw sandals, parel demonstrate their street dances. Some horsewhips and a map, while the book- people find the mix of traditional Chinese Old Times shelves are stacked with travel magazines. siheyuan and bars a strong cultural shock. Established in the Yuan Dynasty (1271- In 1998, Jin Xin was lured to Beijing by the A bar converted from an old courtyard The number of visitors to NLGX is 1368), NLGX used to be called Luoguoxi- city’s attractive cultural atmosphere. “At house steadily growing. Even during the December ang. In the 15th year of Emperor Qian that time, several friends of mine hung out at mid-winter off-season, there are still lots of Long’s reign (1750), the name was changed different places, having drinks and talking,” NLGX is a blend of tradition and modern tourists and locals visiting the bars and cafés. to its present moniker. Today NLGX remains recalls Jin Xin. “Travelers need a cultural fashion, attracting more and more merchants The local sub-district office estimates that one of the best-preserved hutongs featuring place to take a rest and communicate.” The to sell local-style items. While many of the during the peak season, the daily number of traditional Beijing architecture – an oasis of Pass By Bar was thereby established. In cafés and bars are decked out in traditional tourists coming here is almost 1,000. traditional buildings in a sea of demolition choosing a location, he deliberately kept Beijing styles, many serve non-Chinese Reading between the lines, Jin Xin and building sites. away from the hustle of Beijing’s older bar cuisine. The Pass By Bar specializes in vari- seems to have some worries about NLGX’s Beijing was once riddled with thousands strip in the eastern embassy zone. “I wanted ous Western-style dishes with an emphasis future. “The Pass By used to be a bar, but it of “hutong,” or lanes, dissecting the old city a quiet place and hoped to attract different on Italian cuisine. It’s especially known for has now become my lifestyle. Perhaps one like a maze. The Names of Beijing Streets customers.” its milk tea and pizza. Many expats and day, we won’t be able to persist because the and Alleys published in 1986 states that “Walking into this lane with its grayish overseas visitors come here to talk, drink lifestyle here totally changes.”  at that time there were 6,104 hutongs in bricks, I feel at ease, and I like the soft and coffee and enjoy the food. Beijing. As modernization and economic lingering music coming out of the shops and Besides the Pass By Bar, about 115 Reprinted by permission of China To- development have quickened, the hutongs bars,” said tourist Lu Man. In the evening, domestic and overseas shops are gathered day. www.chinatoday.com.cn have rapidly disappeared, replaced by wide the red lanterns hanging at the entrance of here, selling everything from exquisite por- China encourages Internet addicted overseas students becoming younger

Beijing Xinhua August 20, (Reporter users didn’t to return Zhang Jian), recently the findings of the na- have a com- Li Yuanchao, a senior Chinese official, tional primary school netizen special survey puter at home. called for more Chinese students studying were published for the first time. The phe- In addition, overseas to come back and set up their own nomenon that primary school children were boys become business as a way of reciprocating the coun- addicted to the Internet had appeared. 7.1% addicted to try when he attended an overseas student’s of primary school children are addicted to the Internet forum on Aug. 17. the Internet and an additional 5% have the more easily than the girls. The children Li’s hope echoed with China’s nation- Internet addiction tendency. whose parents disagree with them surfing wide plan called “one-thousand-talents The survey was jointly carried out by the Internet or those who agree to let them go scheme” which promises top salaries and the China Youth Association for Network to Internet cafes are more likely to become trust and give free rein to returned talent. attractive funding to elite researchers who and the Communication University of China addicted to the Internet. Preferential policies will be further modified are working overseas and willing to return to Research Institute survey. The survey started Director Ke Huixin of the Communica- to help them solve difficulties encountered the country with the aim of boosting China’s with Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan primary tion University of China Research Institute in life and work. innovation capability. school students at the age of 6-12 and their survey said that, in the past year, the num- He suggested that the organizer of the It’s not China’s first plan that encourages parents, compiling 2,400 valid samples. ber of Internet users under 10 in [China] forum, Chinese overseas students associa- Chinese overseas students to come back. In the survey, 80% of primary school has increased to 3 million. Increasingly tion of the western returned students’ as- In the past 15 years, the country has at- children had contact with the Internet before younger age of the Internet addicted and the sociation, should introduce the scheme to tracted more than 4,000 researchers, mostly the age of 9. The Internet has become the entertainment permeability of the young has more Chinese overseas students and keep at postdoctoral or associate-professor levels, second most popular media after TV. caused concern. In the survey, about 30% of in touch with them so as to better connect to work in the country through the Chinese “Watching animation and film, down- the parents think that “online games are the the country with overseas talent. Academy of Sciences’ 100-Talents Scheme loading music and playing Online games” primary cause of addiction to the Internet”. Nearly 100 student representatives said and the Ministry of Education’s Yangtze are the main attractions of the Internet. There is hope that Internet entertainment the scheme had excited many overseas River Scholar Scheme. Online games have been the main cause that can be combined with education. Chinese students.   During the forum, Li Yuanchao said that has made primary school children addicted Source: China Daily Online / People’s China’s current modernization drive was to the Internet. Most of the Internet addicted Daily Online thirst for overseas talent. China will fully Source: People’s Daily Online www.chinainsight.info community SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 5 James Hong-Hollywood Walter James, icon returns home to Minneapolis for Central , Chinese High School Class of 1947 Minnesotan of Note By the Advisory Committee of the Chinese Heritage Foundation reunion the entire Chinese community in the Twin Chinatown to a nerd master in Nerds in Cites, families of restaurant owners, waiters, Paradise. students and graduates of the University of James Hong’s first stint in show business Minnesota among them. was performing in a nightclub comedy duo In addition to serving the needs of Chi- with his partner, Don Parker. His flair for nese families, James also foresaw the need comedy led to a spot as a contestant on You to promote mutual understanding with the Bet Your Life, where his impersonation of greater Twin Cities community. These two host Groucho Marx earned him a contract goals thus became the mission of the Chi- at a popular San Francisco club, Forbidden nese American Club, which he founded in City. After college, he did work at a Los 1949. These goals remain those of its suc- Angeles civil engineering job for a while. He cessor organization, the Chinese American quit the instant he was cast into three feature Association of Minnesota (CAAM). films, the first with Clark Gable in Soldier James’ charitable activities extended Walter James of Fortune and the third one being the 1955 well beyond the Chinese community in Min- nesota. He was the first Chinese member of hit Love is a Many Splendored Thing with Walter James was born in 1892 in Olym- James Hong the Twin Cities Rotary Club, and served on William Holden and Jennifer Jones. pia, Washington into a family of modest the advisory board of the Salvation Army. James Hong will be going home to Min- James Hong’s recent films include:The means. His father was an oyster worker He was a longtime member and generous neapolis, MN for Central High School’s Day The Earth Stood Still (James plays and the family lived in a houseboat to be donor to the local YMCA.Through his Class of January and June 1947 Reunion for opposite Keanu Reeves) and the animation near him. Walter C. James Foundation he gave gen- Everyone is 80 (or almost) Celebration! The blockbuster Kung Fu Panda. James is cur- James’ adventurous spirit showed itself erously to many charitable organizations 1947 Class reunion celebration is scheduled rently finishing work on the sequel toKung very early. As a child he and a friend played in Minnesota, Chicago and Hong Kong. for Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Fu Panda, Kaboom Of Doom, reprising his hooky from school often until they were In founding the Chinese American Civic the Jensen’s Supper Club on 3840 Sibley role as Mr. Ping, Po’s dad (Jack Black). finally caught. At the tender age of 9 he went Council of Chicago, he hoped ‘to promote Memorial Highway in Eagan, MN 55122. to China with a family friend and stayed in better citizenship, to strive for freedom and James Hong was born in Minneapolis. his father’s home village of Taishan for two equality of all persons, to work for the civic His father, Frank W. Hong, emigrated from and a half years. When he returned he re- and economic development of Chinese com- Hong Kong to Chicago through Canada and joined his family and spent his teenage years munities, and to foster the well-being of citi- was a restaurant owner while his grand- around Tacoma Seattle, and Yakima. He did zens and residents of Chinese extraction.’ father’s ancestral homeland was Taishan, odd jobs here and there, including manag- During WWII he was instrumental in China. For his early education, Hong moved ing a Chinese restaurant and working as an raising large sums of funds for starving to Hong Kong, and returned to the United interpreter for the U.S. Immigration Service. families in China. Yet throughout all these States at age ten. He studied civil engineer- In the latter role he visited many Chinese activities he preferred to stay in the back- ing at the University of Southern California, steamboats that came into the Tacoma har- ground. In a wide-ranging interview that he but later became interested in acting and bor. He got to know many of the Chinese granted to Him Mark Lai et. al. * in 1970, he trained with Jeff Corey. Mr. Hong, widely sailors on board and soon was trading with said, “What I feel is most important is that known by his nickname, Jimmy or Hong- them, buying silk handkerchiefs and other you have to be ethical in whatever business ster Prongster in High School, was a road merchandise from them and reselling them. you are undertaking. And you must be civic- engineer for Los Angeles County for 7 1/2 James Hong as Lo Pan in Big Trouble in His budding entrepreneurship took a step minded. A person must be broad-minded, years, acting during his vacations and sick Little China forward when he was offered a position by a not small.” days. He finally quit engineering for good restaurateur from Chicago. He moved there On the origin of his name, he said, to devote himself to acting and voice work James said: “if you love Kung Fu Panda, in 1913, but did not like the city. He soon “People used to call my father James, from full time. you’ll go crazy for the sequel. I can tell when moved to Minneapolis and opened his first his Chinese name Yim Dune. Well, back James Hong, Writer/Director has had I’m voicing the goose father. I love going to Chinese restaurant, Canton, there. In 1919 then everybody was a Jim or James or some- over 500 feature movies and TV roles and is work at Dreamworks.” he opened his second one, Nankin Café, in thing. So James became our surname. My still going strong. Mr. Hong has entertained James completed work earlier this year downtown Minneapolis. Chinese given name was Wah; so I became millions as Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little in Thailand as the character Faleaka in the Nankin was a grand operation that fea- Walter James.” China, the voice of Chi Fu in Mulan, and ap- action, adventure feature film The Lost tured antique Chinese furniture as well as The Chinese Heritage Foundation hon- peared opposite popular stars like Harrison Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone. a western orchestra. James created his sig- ors Walter James for his pioneering spirit, Ford in Blade Runner and Jack Nicholson in The film is scheduled for release in 2011. nature dish, Nankin Chow Mein, early and foresight, deep caring for the nascent Chi- Chinatown and The Two Jakes. His televi- James will be working on a second feature it became very popular, well known far be- nese community in Minnesota, shepherding sion credentials include Kung-Fu (both past to be shot in Thailand December of 2009. yond Minnesota. The restaurant was highly its growth, and for setting a tall example in and present), Hawaii 5-0, Seinfeld, Chicago Visit: www.jameshong.com, www.imdb. successful, becoming a magnet for the local philanthropy for all who come after him. Hope, and scores of others. Versatility has com/name/nm0393222/ for more info on Chinese community, as well as a landmark *Chinese America: History and Perspec- been James Hong’s trademark throughout James Hong.  for the city of Minneapolis. Throughout the tives, Journal of the Chinese Historical his nearly fifty-five years as an actor and ensuing decades generations of Chinese im- “Wherever you go, go with all your Society of America, volume 9, 1995  entertainer. His film roles have ranged migrants and students worked there. It was heart.” ...Confucius from Faye Dunaway’s ominous butler in a rite of passage that they all wore (and still do) proudly as a badge of honor. Many of the immigrants went on to own and operate their own restaurants successfully. James viewed all who came through his restaurant as his charges and doted on them. When he noticed that the growing families needed social activities he, together with his good friend Stanley Chong, converted part of the Nankin into clubrooms and organized social and cultural activities for them. He also worked with the Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis to offer English and Chinese classes to immigrants and their families. In addition he began hold- ing open houses at his farmstead on Howard Lake. Those gatherings soon achieved a legendary status, attended by seemingly Mr. James at his 80th birthday party PAGE 6 > SEPTEMBER 2009 education www.chinainsight.info Confucius Institute has educational opportunities for everyone Classes for children, families, adults and businesses among varied offerings The Confucius Institute at the Uni- Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m. versity of Minnesota has a number of fall September 30–December 2, 2009 classes for those individuals (and families) Fees: interested in learning about Chinese culture US$200 for each participant and Mandarin Chinese language. Family Chinese, Kung Fu, Beginning Chinese for Chinese Rehab Adults, Continuing Chinese for Adults, Chi- Does your Chinese need to go to rehab? nese Rehab, Put Away the Picture Menu!– This is an informal conversation group for Understanding China’s Food Culture, and adults who want to restore their Chinese HSK Test Prep are held at the University language skills. If you have lived in China International Center, 331–17th Avenue SE, or studied Chinese in the past, this group can Minneapolis, MN 55414. To register, or help you bring zhongwen back into your life. for more information visit http://confucius. Refresh your memory and practice having umn.edu, call 612-625-5080 or e-mail con- conversations around a topic of your choice [email protected]. with our instructor and others like you. Attend one or all of the sessions offered! Family Chinese You pay only for the ones you attend. Are you looking for fun family learning Schedule opportunities? Explore Chinese language Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. and culture together with your children, September 28–November 30, 2009 ages 6–10. Together you will learn Chinese Fees language through lessons, songs, rhymes, US$15 for each class attended. This is and games that are enjoyed by children in a drop-in class. China. Schedule: Put Away the Picture Menu! – Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Understanding China’s Food Culture September 29–December 1, 2009 Are you a foodie? When you sit down at Fees: a Chinese restaurant, do you know what to US$150 for one parent and one child do? This class will help you read a Chinese US$50 for each additional parent or menu, follow Chinese culinary customs child and introduce China’s regional cuisines. Students will put their skills to the test dur- Kung Fu ing the final session, when we meet for a Kung Fu is a popular term used to banquet at a Chinese restaurant. describe various forms of Chinese martial Schedule arts. The instructor will lead students in Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. traditional martial arts exercises to build September 30–October 21, 2009 skill and endurance. Fees Note: a University liability waiver will US$100 for each participant need to be completed and signed on the first day of class. HSK Test Prep Schedule: The Confucius Institute is the only Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. institution in Minnesota to offer the Hanyu September 28–November 30, 2009 Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Chinese Proficency Fees: Exam. This course will help you prepare US$150 for each participant to succeed on the next test, offered at the Confucius Institute on Sunday, November Beginning Chinese for Adults 8, 2009. Interested in learning Chinese, but don’t Schedule: know where to start? This course offers Tuesdays, 5:00–6:00 p.m. a basic introduction to speaking, reading October 13–November 3, 2009 and writing in Chinese. Students will learn Fees: greetings and introductions as well as basic US$60 for each participant conversational vocabulary. This course will also introduce students to the history of the Resources for Business Professionals Chinese writing system China is an immense market for U.S. Schedule businesses and an important supplier to Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m. U.S. manufacturers and consumers. The September 29–December 1, 2009 key to navigating the complex and often Fees: ambiguous business network in China is to US$200 for each participant not only follow the current business trends, but also develop an understanding of the Continuing Chinese for Adults subtle cultural and language aspects at play After pinyin and ni hao, there is a long in interactions with China. way to go. This course aims to build upon Have you ever asked yourself the fol- your preliminary knowledge of Chinese and lowing questions? strengthen your speaking, listening, reading, Why wasn’t my e-mail returned? and writing skills. This course will also Why won’t they just say “no”? include cultural lessons and conversational Who is really in charge? topics to help you sound less like a laowai What did the interpreter tell them? (foreigner). Why were they so offended? Schedule: Opportunities continues on Page 9 www.chinainsight.info education SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 7 Lessons learned by Government studying in China scholarships By Ben Hayes Before going to China, I had been study- support ing Mandarin Chinese for two and a half years at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. I would not have been at Trinity, Mandarin Chinese studying something that I had come to enjoy, without my parents’ foresight in making me take Chinese in high school. In high school I saw my studies as a nuisance which language study garnered an intense dislike of the language, By Heidi Chun except I was good at it. In my senior year of high school, I stopped taking Chinese. The break from learning made me realize that Chinese was, in fact, something that I enjoyed and something that I wanted to continue studying at a higher level. Trinity University became the place for me. Along with studying the Chinese language, I took several classes on the his- tory, religion, and art of China. I figured I was more than prepared for what China was going to throw at me, and I was right… for the most part. Going from Minneapo- Indiana University’s STARTALK teachers and students at the conclusion of their Chinese Performance Night. The national STARTALK initiative funds summer programs for students lis, to Seattle, to Tokyo, and after nearly Ben Hayes at Tianeman Square twenty-four hours spent in either an airport to study Mandarin Chinese and K-12 Mandarin instructors to further their professional or airplane, I finally arrived in Beijing. I development. Photo by Shine Rominger One of the highlights of my trip was go- was studying at the University of Inter- The United States government rec- in April or May 2010. ing to the Olympic Stadiums in Beijing like national Business and Economics (UIBE) ognizes Mandarin Chinese as a “critical The NSLI also funds two other notable the Water Cube and the Birds Nest. I went by Jingmao Daxue with a program based out language” for the 21st century. However, short-term opportunities for Mandarin myself and spent almost half a day walking of Chicago called The Beijing Center for many people are left wondering how the study. The National Security Language around, taking pictures of the architecture, Chinese Studies (TBC). U.S. government’s interest in U.S.-China Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) awards merit- and also taking pictures with many Chinese Studying abroad for five months requires relations translates into scholarships and in- based scholarships to high school students people. I probably had my picture taken with a lot of packing, but I did a bit too much tensive language study options for American for a summer, semester, or academic year over 40 different people, the reason this was before my flight. What I should have done students. Highlighted below are Mandarin abroad studying intensive Mandarin in Chi- so unique to me is because all the people that was just take fewer things and purchased language and culture immersion options na or Taiwan. Students live with homestay I met were not typically from Beijing but more in China because now you can find made possible by the U.S. government’s Na- families and receive extensive linguistic from other parts of the country. This was, your basic essential items, with few excep- tional Security Language Initiative (NSLI), and cultural training. Upon returning to the for many of them, their first time to Beijing tions, rather than having to purchase them the Language Flagship program, and the United States, they are advised on how to and they wanted to see the buildings that in the U.S. and then burden yourself taking Chinese and Taiwanese governments. continue their language and culture studies were on display for the whole world during them over. Regardless of how packed my For K-12 students looking to explore through university coursework and other the Olympics. Native Beijing people don’t bags were, I was going to China--something Mandarin Chinese over the summer, the NSLI programs. really think too much about the National that I had been planning on doing since my U.S. government’s STARTALK Initiative U.S. undergraduate students may ap- Stadium, to them it is just another place on freshman year in college.The application funds numerous summer study opportunities ply to for grant-funded summer language the map but to others they are symbol of na- process took several months, but eventually across the United States. Non-residential study through the NSLI Critical Languages tional pride and seeing a foreigner, probably all the red tape had been cut away. Some- Chinese language and culture institutes Scholarship program. These scholarships for the first time, was icing on the cake. thing that seemed like a dream two years ago are emerging nationwide. These programs are awarded on a competitive basis, but re- My language skills progressed very was finally here. I was cleared for takeoff; I experiment with innovative methods of cipients win a summer of all-expenses paid rapidly while I was in China, for obvious was finally going. teaching Mandarin, and they provide low- study in China. In 2008, the program hosted reasons. Besides my language progression TBC had a very diverse group of stu- cost or free short-term instruction for K-12 participants in Harbin and Suzhou. I also had a hands-on experience with the dents coming to study in China. There participants. Residential programs, such The Language Flagship, another move- culture that has held my curiosity for many were many students who had never learned as Concordia Language Villages’ Chinese ment supported by federal funding, takes a years. A thought that still perplexes me is any Chinese before, which takes courage camp in Minnesota and Beloit’s College’s different approach to providing intensive what it must have been like to be one of the because learning the language is not an Summer Language Schools in Wisconsin, Mandarin study to American students. The first foreigners let in after the death of Mao easy task. These were the students who offer generous STARTALK scholarships Language Flagship aims to help students Zedong and to have witnessed the progress were very ready to embrace everything to encourage high school students to study develop a professional fluency in the Chi- that has been achieved from then until now. that they saw. Additionally, there were Mandarin. For students wishing to try out nese language and a deep understanding The progress, to me, is just astounding. I people who had already studied with TBC Mandarin Chinese or build upon their cur- of Chinese culture. The movement first fo- get stares in this day. What was it like back for a semester and had fantastic language rent skills, the STARTALK programs offer cused on creating 2-year graduate programs then? Beijing is an immensely large city that skills. We had a wide group of people, with an excellent opportunity to do so. for advanced language study, but it later is continuing to grow. What was striking different language skill levels, and we were In addition to providing language and expanded to incorporate K-12 language to me was how “modern” the people are able to connect. China gave us this initial culture instruction for students, many STAR- study and undergraduate programs. and how progressive the city looks. I was relationship which established everyone’s TALK programs offer grant-supported sum- Through the support of the Language expecting it to be much less so. We always friendship. mer teacher development programs for K-12 Flagship initiative, public school systems talk about China as a rising power but in Being on a study abroad program, like instructors. While programs cater to different in both Oregon and Ohio are currently Beijing, the seat of the CCP, there is no such TBC, is extremely different than being at a groups of language educators, including experimenting with long-term language thing as rising any longer. I hope to go back university in the U.S. Because there were bilingual teachers, elementary teachers, curriculums that link elementary, middle, to China in the future and see how much it only 96 of us, we were only there for one, and secondary teachers, they all emphasize and high school language study. School has changed yet again. or in some cases two, semesters and we  pedagogical research, performance-based districts are working directly with the Uni- were not Chinese. Since there were so few learning, and classroom immersion. Some versity of Oregon and Ohio State University Editor’s Note: Ben Hayes is a senior at- of us, everyone knew everybody’s name. programs such as Indiana University’s Chi- to implement strong and innovative lan- tending Trinity University. He began his My friendships abroad progressed at a rapid nese Pedagogy Institute and DePaul’s Uni- guage programs in their K-12 schools. The study of Mandarin Chinese at Minnetonka pace because I was there for such a short versity’s Chinese Language Academy have ultimate goal of these programs is to help High School as a freshman in 2003 and period of time, when compared with my teachers try out their innovative teaching cultivate cohorts of high school graduates continued his study of Mandarin while he friendships at my home university which ideas with students enrolled in concurrent with strong Mandarin Chinese proficiency attended Trinity before he took his first trip have been established over the course summer language courses. This interac- and deep understanding of Chinese culture to China from January until May 2009. the past few years. Finally, because I am tion results in lively classrooms, plenty that may bring their studies to a superior Look for additional articles in future issues not Asian, people on the street would stare of student-teacher interaction, and active level in college. of Ch i n a In s i g h t about his experiences with at me, especially when I would go to a place learning on both sides. The STARTALK Chinese language and culture. that would be unexpected, for example the 2010 program list will be available online bank. Language continues on Page 10 PAGE 8 >SEPTEMBER 2009 education www.chinainsight.info Reflections on hosting Loudi students By Jane Kuhn and Rick Benesh ing hours), and loved chatting with their they also fondly referred to the niece as Horseback riding with other students. friends. Maybe not as typical was their “Crazy Amanda,” when they discovered she interest in United States history – including ate an entire container of ice cream! questions as to why NYC is referred to as Perhaps the most interesting (and ex- the “Big Apple” or why the Liberty Bell is hausting) evening was hosting a dinner for cracked and not fixed. three other host families and students. The Jason and Jackie were open to a variety night before the big dinner was spent at an of different experiences. We introduced Asian market for ingredients, followed by them to baseball – as we said, it was a huge the quintessential American experience – part of American culture. They enjoyed McDonald’s. The food prep started at about watching our nephew’s state baseball 5 p.m. for the dinner, with the students prep- “Family” pose – (L to R) Jane Kuhn, tournament, having the opportunity to see ping, chopping, frying, etc., in preparation Jason, Rick Benesh, and Jackie – a couple games. For them, it wasn’t just for the dinner consisting of at least 6 (we horseback riding about the sport – it was seeing the family lost count) different menu items – ranging involvement and the concessions - more spe- from spicy noodles to tofu soup to seaweed he opportunity to host two cifically, the red, white and blue popsicles soup. It was nice to see the students work- Chinese students was an un- – (again, a huge part of American culture). ing together to prepare the food and proudly forgettable experience. When In particular, Jackie was rather concerned serve their cuisine. For them, it was their TRick and I volunteered for when his mouth turned blue, but was quickly opportunity to share their culture with us. this chance, we really didn’t know what to reassured that it would be gone soon (after Looking back on the experience, we are expect or what we could give to these teen- only a bit of good-hearted teasing). This grateful that we volunteered for this oppor- agers. Looking back at it, we truly received was an example of what we took for granted, tunity, as we now have two more friends more than we gave, learning about their realizing that these were opportunities for across the globe. We’ve stayed in touch culture, enjoying new experiences together, teaching, as well as learning. through e-mail and hope to stay connected Fishing on Lake Mille Lacs (and all and having a lot of laughs. Other highlights of their stay included as they complete school and attend college. dressed up in their U of M attire) We hosted Chenqi Li and Zhuo Liu. a visit to the Mall of America (in particular Who knows, maybe they’ll become “Golden Fortunately for us (after having difficulty the Nike store and any sports store selling Gophers” and we’ll have even more oppor- with the pronunciation), they wanted to use NBA jerseys), horseback riding with other tunity to connect!  American names of their choice – so they students and parents, bowling, trips to Target became Jackie and Jason for their visit. (another Minnesota tradition), a few trips to Enjoying popsicles at the game. Having the two boys was great, as they Dairy Queen, and a visit “Up North” to fish, could help each other with language transla- swim, and experience the “Land of 10,000 tion and they never felt alone. We quickly Lakes.” Additionally, they spent time with learned that they were typical teenagers my brother’s family, so they had the chance – they loved electronics (Jason bought an to have two host families, not just one. Time Apple laptop on his first evening), enjoyed with the Kuhn family included playing pool, Enjoying America’s game – baseball. (L to surfing the web (Jackie until the early morn- Yahtzee, and Texas Hold’em. Of course, R) – Jason, Nathan Kuhn, Jackie, Amanda Kuhn.

Students from Page 1

Group photo of Loudi students and host families

nie Hsiao donated the dinners for the Loudi sure that this group. The group concluded their visit to visit took place the United States with stops in Boston, New and would be an York and Washington, D.C. before they re- experience that turned home. All travel arrangements were everyone would handled by CIAC Travel. remember and The staff at Eden Prairie Schools did an that the sharing amazing job of organizing this event for its of cross cultural sister school. Superintendent Melissa Krull Right, Eric and Claudia Lindberg receiving exchanges could and EPHS Principal Conn McCartan capa- Certificates of Appreciation be experienced bly implemented the program organized by by all. The gen- Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Executive recognition for volunteering to be the parent erosity of host Director of Educational Services along representative during this visit. families is espe- with her assistant Barbara Johnson. Thanks Ch i n a In s i g h t and its China affiliate, cially important also to Becky Hudlow, Director of Health Global Learning Alliance was honored to in such an ex- Left, Student from Loudi receiving Certificate of Achievement from Conn Services, for being available for any medi- assist Eden Prairie Schools and Loudi No. change so much McCartan, Principal of EPHS, Richard He, President of Global Learnin- cal emergencies; fortunately her services 1 Middle School in coordinating this visit. thanks to all that gAlliance and Melissa Krull Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools were not needed. Eric Lindberg, the father Richard He, President of Ch i n a In s i g h t and opened their of two adopted Chinese girls, also deserves Global Learning Alliance is originally from homes to our visitors from Loudi, China. Loudi City and was determined to make  www.chinainsight.info travel SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 9 Now is the best time to visit China By Melody Zhou, CIAC Travel eople looking for a once in a which are all accompanied by the circulation The easiest and most convenient way wait until the last minute. lifetime trip on a budget are of many stories and legends. Visiting impor- of traveling at a reasonable price is to join • Avoid traveling at night. in luck. Now is the best time tant historical landmarks can help people a small tour group, consisting between 6 to • Should you hire a car (not recom- Pto visit China. There are the to begin to understand the Chinese culture. 18 people. The travel agency will arrange mended in China), remember to get hold of spectacular attractions such as the Great Historic relics in China can be classified everything, including a detailed travel itin- a copy of the contract. Pay 60 to 70 percent Wall and the Forbidden City, natural won- into three groups: holy places of religious erary, lodging, meals, events and entertain- first and pay the balance upon returning ders, fascinating people, culture and some culture, rock paintings and grottos, and ment. In a group tour visitors will share one the car. 5,000 years of history that draw visitors any famous historical and cultural cities. To see comfortable tour bus with a licensed driver • Keep calm if you have an emergency. time of the year. But, also, fall weather is the holy place of religious culture, visitors and a knowledgeable tour guide. • Always be alert. pleasant, hotel rates have dropped since the will get to know how the three of the larg- Regardless of the starting time of the Airfare from Minneapolis to China at Beijing Olympics and airfares are reason- est religions in the world developed in the tour, a guide will meet all the members upon record lows. Many airlines are offering ri- able. country, as well as China’s native Taoism. arrival. The guide will then accompany the diculously good deals for fall travel to China The rock paintings and grottos are the gems group for the whole duration of the tour in due to empty seats and bad economy. Air- The Best Season to Visit China and the symbols of ancient Chinese art and China. Queries can always be directed to the lines such as Northwest Airlines and United Early autumn (September to early Oc- treasures. China has over 100 historical and guide throughout the conducted tour. Airlines are offering round trip tickets from tober) usually has the most comfortable cultural cities, many of which have a history Minneapolis to Hong Kong or Shanghai, in- weather. During this period, temperatures of over 1,000 years. Strolling in these cities Tips for group tour: cluding taxes and fuel surcharges, for under are reasonable throughout China (about 50- allows visitors to feel themselves slowly • Listen to the tour guide when navigat- US$800 during the slow season. 72 °F) with a limited amount of rain. Sep- flowing back in time to days long past. This ing any of your stops in China. Please be tember is the only month in the year when is the only way to fully experience their aware that some guides may induce you Local travel expert to China – CIAC the ancient and valuable paintings of the glorious culture and long history. to shop excessively. Travel Beijing Palace Museum are displayed be- China is made up of a big family of 56 • Always stay with the group. If you To check the special deals to China, you cause it offers the proper climate conditions ethnic groups, all of whom differ in tradi- need to leave the group, please inform your can call CIAC Travel Inc., the only autho- of low humidity and proper temperature. tional culture and life styles. Dai People, guide in advance. rized tour operator to China by NTA (Na- who mainly live in Xishuang Banna in • Always have the hotel contact number tional Tour Association), USTOA (U.S. Tour China Tour Attraction Overview Yunnan Province, hold the Water-Splashing and the contacts of the guide in case of an Operator Association), and CNTO (China China is rich in unbelievable visitor Festival each year. On this day, people will emergency. National Tourism Office) in Minnesota. The attractions. Nature has endowed it with chase and splash water on each other as they • Tipping is not compulsory in China; Web site is www.bestchinaholidays.com and spectacular views during its 5,000 year think water is the symbol of luck and hap- different travel agencies will have different information hotline: 952-881-1810. long history and the 56 ethnic groups which piness. Nadam Fair is Mongolians’ annual requirements. make up the country’s people are amazingly pageant which is held between July and • If you feel any discomfort while travel- Opportunities from Page 6 diverse and colorful. China attracts millions August. On this important festival, sport ing, inform the guide immediately. These questions (and maybe some of tourists from home and abroad every year activities such as horseracing, wrestling, • Always choose a reliable travel agen- you hadn’t thought to ask) are the fo- for these reasons, plus its unique music, tug-of-war and ball games are played, which cy! cus of the programming available to drama and world-renown delicacies. attracts many of the local people to take business professionals. The Confucius China’s tourist resources can be primar- part and visitors to watch. By participat- Individual Tour: exciting, set your own pace Institute at the University of Minnesota ily divided into three parts: natural land- ing in these vibrant activities, visitors will Individual tours may be suitable for partners with the University of Min- scape, human landscape and folk customs. learn from the people even more about the regular travelers to China, independent trav- nesota China Center to provide culture The vast areas along the coastline have diversity of China. been blessed with magnificent and colorful elers, travelers with plenty of time, travelers and language instruction with a business landscapes. There are gorgeous canyons, Choosing a Tour exploring a variety of cultures and customs focus to help you, your coworkers, and as well as steep mountains and even an ev- At the present, China’s tourism market within China. employees bridge the cultural gap. ergreen tropical rain forest. Snow-covered Traveling China on your own is chal- is comparatively large, with great potential Available Programs mountain ranges, desolate deserts, as well and amazing growth. Thanks to China’s lenging, but it will provide the most flex- Business cultural and Chinese lan- as crystal lakes all make up China’s natural unique charm, more visitors are attracted ibility and freedom. Without any prear- guage programs are designed to fit into beauty. All major terrain types in the world every year to explore its inexplicable beauty rangement, it’s all on your schedule. It may your work day. They can be run on-site can be found in this scenic land. Visitors can and mystery. be time-consuming but challenging enough at your business in the morning before appreciate the wild beauty at Qinghai-Tibet What is the best way to see China? In- to offer more chances to get close to see the the day starts or over the lunch hour. Plateau which shows the toughness of life. dividual or Group Travel? Many Americans authentic China and her people, as well as Basic Chinese cultural training Visitors can appreciate the majestic beauty have a difficult time making this decision. It their everyday lives. (1.5 hours) at the Himalaya Mountains, which show all depends on what kind of experience you It is highly recommended to conduct Includes an introduction to the the limit of man and the world. Visitors can would like to have and the kind of traveler research before departing to China. Always Chinese communication styles, role appreciate the elegant beauty at the wind- you are. Listed are some of the advantages remember to book accommodations and play, explanation of institutional and ing rivers which wind through tender water for each type of tour. tours with a reliable source before arrival. towns in southern China. Extreme caution should be used when book- individual hierarchy, protocol tips, and The long history of China and its Group Tour: comfortable, safe, ing through the Internet. Call the hotel or an examination of the role of guanxi in splendid culture have left countless sites guaranteed tour company to confirm the booking if you the development of networks. US$675 of historic interest. The industrious ancient Group tours may be suitable for older make a booking online. Basic Business Chinese (1.0 hour Chinese laborers have created innumerable and female travelers, travelers with children, per day for 15 days over 3 weeks) world wonders such as the Great Wall, the first timers to China, and those who may Tips for individual tour: An introductory Mandarin course de- Terra Cotta Warriors and the Forbidden City, have time constraints. • Book your hotel in advance; do not signed to build learning Chinese around vocabulary useful for business interac- tions. US$1,200 Custom Programming Custom programs can be designed to more closely fit the needs of your company. Combine advanced cultural training, or language classes with lec- tures on current economic or business trends. Call 612-625-5080 for pricing. 

All photos provided by CIAC Travel PAGE 10 > SEPTEMBER 2009 trade www.chinainsight.info

Exports from Page 1 and Belgium. * Machinery: Major product areas that Except for Miscellaneous Products, recently had strong export growth declined, Exports from Most Major Industries such as centrifuges, filters and related parts, Decrease Sharply liquid- or sand-dispersing machinery, parts * The miscellaneous (including medical) for lifting equipment and pumping ma- products industry was the only major indus- chinery. try to experience an increase in exports be- * Transportation equipment: Weaker de- tween the first quarters of 2008 and 2009. mand prevailed in most major areas such as * Sales of miscellaneous products (pri- motor trucks, small passenger vehicles (such marily medical products for Minnesota) as snowmobiles), public transportation increased 19 percent, driven by sales to vehicles and recreational boats. However, Ireland, which grew 114 percent (or US$117 sales of aircraft-related goods rose 3 percent million) to US$220 million. Belgium, the to US$73 million, while those of railway second-largest market for these goods service vehicles jumped from US$2 million from Minnesota businesses, also had strong to US$23 million, between the first quarters growth (up 18 percent to US$48 million). of 2008 and 2009. * Petroleum-related exports grew 65 Minnesota Quarterly Export Statistics percent to US$25 million, driven by growth is the most current resource available for to Canada. tracking the state’s manufactured export * Demand for the state’s computer and trends and is prepared for the Minnesota electronics products fell US$234 million (or Trade Office (MTO) by the Department 23 percent), largely due to weaker exports of Employment and Economic Develop- to the Philippines, where sales dropped 81 ment’s (DEED) Analysis and Evaluation percent to US$29 million. The one bright Office (Thu-Mai Ho-Kim, 651-259-7180). spot was Germany, where demand (for Past issues may be viewed at www.export- largely computer components) jumped 35 minnesota.com/itradestats.htm and results percent to US$115 million. from manufacturing conditions surveys are located at www.deed.state.mn.us/facts/ Export Growth in Medical-Related manufacturing.htm on DEED’s Web site. Products Continues Exports by state (and by North American * Optic Equipment, Medical Instru- Industry Classification System industries) ments: Strong sales growth in worn or are collected by the U.S. Department of carried medical devices and orthopedic Commerce (USDOC) and are distributed by joints and parts -- up 53 percent to US$343 the World Institute of Social and Economic million, -- was driven mainly by exports to Research (WISER). Other export data based Ireland. Sales of medical and surgical instru- on the Harmonized Tariff System (Schedule ments saw a steady uptick of 6 percent to B) are collected by the USDOC and dis- US$227 million through exports to diverse tributed by the Global Trade Information markets, the largest being the Netherlands Services.

Language from Page 7 at least a high-school degree. The China The majority of the Language Flagship Scholarship Council grants beginning-level programs are implemented at American Mandarin Chinese students the Chinese universities. These programs help ensure Government Scholarship for one to two that students gain superior levels of pro- years of in-country language study. The ficiency in Mandarin Chinese during their Taiwan Ministry of Education awards non- undergraduate years. Flagship program native speakers of Mandarin at all levels of students take intensive language classes fluency the Ministry of Education Huayu alongside their other coursework. Over Enrichment Scholarship for three to twelve summer breaks, they study in Qingdao to months of language study at intensive lan- accelerate their language study. When they guage study centers in Taiwan. Both govern- are ready for their capstone experience, ments also provide grants to U.S. citizens students directly enroll for a semester or to obtain degrees and conduct research at year at Nanjing University. Finally, students local universities. complete an internship in China relevant Mandarin studies are more than just to their professional interests. Universities the latest fad–they represent a permanent with Language Flagship programs may change in the United States education sys- be excellent choices for highly motivated tem. The relations between Asia and the students who wish to go into a career where United States are becoming more and more superior proficiency in Chinese is desired. crucial to the development of international A complete list of these undergraduate pro- relations and the world economy. Moreover, grams is available on the Language Flagship the intriguing nature of the Chinese language Web site. and unique perspectives offered by Chinese Finally the Language Flagship also culture ensure that student interest will re- sponsored the development of two-year main strong well into the future. Consider graduate programs in Mandarin Chinese at taking advantage of the emerging study and Ohio State University and Brigham Young travel opportunities and get a taste of why University. These programs help college Mandarin is attracting so much attention in graduates achieve professional levels of flu- the United States and worldwide. ency in Mandarin Chinese before entering their chosen careers. Their graduate studies Web sites: include one year of upper-level language STARTALK Language Initiative: studies in America, a semester of studies at http://www.startalk.umd.edu Advertisers a Chinese university, and a semester-long Language Flagship Program Your potential customers internship overseas. For college graduates http://www.thelanguageflagship.org/ National Language Security Initiative for are reading Ch i n a Insight. aiming to work in international relations, business, or other realms where a superior Youth (NLSI-Y) Shouldn’t you be bringing proficiency in Chinese language and culture http://www.nsliforyouth.org/ them in the door with an is ideal, these two graduate programs are Critical Language Scholarships excellent options. https://clscholarship.org/home.php ad? China Scholarship Council Contact: Greg Hugh The Chinese and Taiwanese govern- ments also offer scholarships for Americans http://en.csc.edu.cn/ (952) 472-4757 to study Mandarin overseas. These scholar- Taiwan Scholarship Program Email: [email protected] ships are available to U.S. citizens who hold http://english.moe.gov.tw/  www.chinainsight.info business SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 11 Huntsman sworn in as U.S. ambassador to China Utah Governor Huntsman was elected governor of Utah Jon Huntsman re- in 2004 and reelected in 2008. He served as signed on [Aug. U.S. ambassador to Singapore during the 11] to become new administration of President George Bush U.S. ambassador to and as deputy U.S. trade representative dur- China. Huntsman, ing the administration of President George 49, was sworn in W. Bush. as ambassador to Huntsman attended the University of China in Salt Lake Utah and received a bachelor’s degree in City, capital of business from the Wharton School of the Utah Governor Jon Utah, shortly after University of Pennsylvania after transfer- Huntsman his resignation as ring to that school. He can speak fluent governor. Utah Lieutenant Governor Gary Mandarin Chinese. Herbert immediately took control of the His predecessor, Clark Randt, resigned state although he did not take an oath of on Jan. 20 when the new administration office until later [that day]. was sworn in. Huntsman, a moderate Republican, was Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye, AmCham Shanghai confirmed as top U.S. diplomat to China have seven children, including a girl adopted by the Senate [Aug. 7]. He was appointed from China. by President Barack Obama to the position Hosts U.S. in May. Source: Xinhuanet Secretary of Minnesota helps Commerce Gary China establish Locke AmCham Shanghai and the U.S.-China and the application of it abroad would pres- Business Council were pleased to host ent a win-win situation for workers in China radio reading United States Secretary of Commerce Gary and in the U.S., the Secretary emphasized. Locke at a breakfast event on July 17 at However, Secretary Locke added that the Portman Ritz Carlton Hotel. Secretary along with our dependency on fossil fuels, Locke’s four-day trip to China, alongside the U.S.-China trade relationship has to service U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, was evolve as well. The trade imbalance between Project will serve up to three million blind or visually impaired people in China focused on engaging Chinese officials on the two countries cannot be sustained and the global economy, discussing ways both China should allow a free-floating Yuan. A Minnesota State Services for the Blind’s “To be able to see and experience differ- countries can respond to the issue of climate market based currency would speed recov- (SSB) Radio Talking Book (RTB) is helping ent things in China and to improve services change and promoting U.S. green technol- ery of the global economic crisis. China establish its own radio reading service to the blind is the chance of a lifetime,” ogy companies. Most importantly, more needs to be that will serve as many Andrews said. The development and production of done to protect intellectual property rights, as three million blind or This effort is con- clean energy may be the greatest eco- stressed Secretary Locke. Protecting IPR is visually impaired persons sistent with Minneso- nomic opportunity of the 21st century, said an essential component of developing the in that country. ta’s China Partnership, Secretary Locke at [the] event. Secretary clean energy sector and both countries need SSB chief technology a collaborative of pub- Locke’s speech focused on the importance to work together to improve intellectual officer David Andrews, lic and private organi- of bilateral cooperation in the development property enforcement. who has 30 years of expe- zations throughout the of energy efficient technologies and the Secretary Locke expressed confidence rience with various radio state that promotes all responsibility the U.S. and China share in that the U.S. and China would be able to reading and other infor- facets of Minnesota’s nurturing the clean energy sector in order bridge their differences and focus on their mation access services connections with Chi- to address an increasingly serious global common interests and “intertwined fates”. around the country, is na, including trade and climate threat. The U.S. and China have an obligation to serving as a consultant to investment, science According to Secretary Locke, the U.S. work for the betterment of people around the a new nationwide radio and academia, arts and and China are uniquely positioned to create world, and only through collaboration and reading service for the culture, and friendship the energy the world needs, and furthermore, cooperation can both countries address the blind being sponsored by and humanitarian en- the only way both economies will achieve problem of climate change, he said. China-based TCL Elec- deavors. sustainable growth while preventing the Formerly the governor of Washington tronics and the China RTB is a closed- catastrophic effects of global warming is if State, Secretary Locke was the first Chinese- Charitable Federation (CCF). circuit reading network broadcasting 24 both countries tackle the problem of climate American state governor in U.S. history. “We are proud that Dave Andrews is hours daily to more than 7,500 handicapped change together. Locke strengthened economic ties between able to contribute leadership and expertise persons in Minnesota and South Dakota. The U.S. and China are the two biggest Washington State and China during his two to this important international project,” said Through satellite distribution, thousands emitters of greenhouse gases, and both terms in office, doubling the state’s exports Department of Employment and Economic of listeners throughout the country receive countries still get nearly three-fourths of to China. After leaving office in 2005, Locke Development Commissioner Dan McElroy. RTB broadcasts via their local radio reading their energy from fossil fuels. In order to joined the Seattle office of the international “The Radio Talking Book has improved the services. Receivers are available on loan change this, the U.S. and China need to law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, co- quality of life of blind and visually impaired without charge to those who are eligible encourage entrepreneurs to develop more chairing the firm’s China practice. On March Minnesotans, and we hope it will have the and who want to keep current with the lat- clean energy technologies, free from trade 26, 2009, he was appointed by President same impact in China.” est newspapers, magazines and best-selling barriers, said Secretary Locke. Developing Barack Obama as the 36th Secretary of Andrews will help CCF and TCL learn books. energy efficient technologies will be profit- Commerce, becoming the first Chinese- about radio reading services and advise them SSB, located within the Minnesota able in the long run and Secretary Locke American Secretary of Commerce in U.S. as they move forward with the project. Department of Employment and Economic mentioned the six vast wind farms China is history. CCF intends to establish a nationwide Development, provides programs and ser- building, the largest in the world, that hold For more information about the U.S. service using the same technology and ra- vices for Minnesotans of any age who have incredible job-creating potential. Department of Commerce, please visit their dios developed for the RTB and serve from a vision loss that creates a barrier to their Because U.S. companies employ hun- Web site www.commerce.gov.  200 to 500 cities. The CCF will fund and vocational or personal independence.  dreds of thousands of Chinese workers, the Source: AmCham Shanghai operate the service. development of clean technology at home www.amcham-shanghai.org PAGE 12 > SEPTEMBER 2009 business www.chinainsight.info Peking University undergraduate interns for Minnesota companies By Albert Leung, Staff Writer For many college students, summer va- and bound for the Midwest for the first time cation is a time to drop all the books and en- where she was to work for and stay with joy some fun in the sun. But for one Peking Patrick Dean and his family. University undergrad, this summer took her “I had never been to or heard of Minne- across the globe from her native China to sota before this opportunity,” Jilil said. “My the small city of Lake Elmo, Minn. supervisor at Daimler Chrysler, where I was Through an exchange program offered interning, had attended the U of M, though. by the International Exchange of North She told me what to expect and described America (IENA), 23-year-old college stu- what Minnesota is like.” dent Aygul Jilil spent eight weeks in Minne- Jilil, who is majoring in advertising sota where she helped two local companies and economics, used her degree teachings expand into the Chinese market. and language skills to translate installation Once learning of this opportunity manuals, brochures and Web sites for both from the U.S.-China Business Connection companies. She also researched potential Group (UCBC) a year ago while at Peking partner companies in China for Trench N’ University, Jilil was immediately excited Edge and Stonewall Select, as well as up- of the prospect of gaining worldly and loaded company instructional videos onto professional experience at an American Chinese sites similar to YouTube. company. She submitted her application in “I’ve enjoyed my life here,” Jilil said. the spring of 2008 but thought she was not “I am lucky to be in Minnesota where it is accepted because she received no response. beautiful and where I can help [Trench N’ Unexpectedly, she received a phone call this Edge and Stonewall Select] go into Chinese past May from local business owner Patrick markets.” Dean with an offer to come to Minnesota “It has been a quick eight weeks since for the summer. she arrived. She has helped us gain a lot of “At first I didn’t know he was asking for headway into the Chinese market through me so I asked him to describe to me who he her hard work,” Patrick Dean said. was looking for and I’d help him locate that Minnesota is Jilil’s second international individual,” Jilil said. “Then I realized that internship experience. In the summer of he was reading off of my resume and finally 2008, she interned in New Zealand for realized that it was referring to the program three months. Before returning to China I applied for last year.” from Minnesota, Jilil is visiting a number The college undergraduate was offered of colleges on the east coast while weighing the chance to work in Minnesota for com- her options after graduation. She hopes to panies Trench N’ Edge, a manufacturer either find full-time employment or to attend of irrigation and landscape trenchers, and graduate school. retaining wall producer and installer Stone- Trench N’ Edge and Stonewall Select wall Select. Both companies are owned by have been selling their solutions to coun- Patrick and his wife Debbie. A few weeks tries including Taiwan and Japan as early after receiving the offer, Jilil was packed as 1994. Anybody can e-mail in Chinese with Chinglish Mail Send e-mails in Chinese without knowing the lan- guage – ChinglishMail.com launched August 3, 2009 CULEMBORG, Netherlands (U.S. Translated within seconds Asian Wire) -- August 3, 2009 --- A new It works like this: After registering, send email application allows users to write an a message to ChinglishMail.com from your email message in English and then forward preferred private or business e-mail ad- it with Chinese and English text side-by- dress. The e-mail is returned to you within side. This solves the language barrier with seconds, professionally formatted, with the China and sets a new standard in e-mail Chinese and English text side-by-side for communication. easy reading. All you have to do next is The Chinglish Mail tool links China to forward the e-mail to your contact(s). the rest of the world in a time when the eco- Chinglish Mail uses state-of-the-art ma- nomic crisis forces entrepreneurs to explore chine translation software and is convenient new markets and trade leads. This bilingual for quick online dictionary lookups. It also email solution is ideal for initiating contact links users to a community of Chinese- or for language learning purposes. It opens English speaking language professionals, up a potential market of over 40 million offering a useful tool for those who need Chinese small and medium enterprises, additional translation or proofreading help many of which are individuals with limited or who want to improve their Chinese or English language skills. English language skills.  www.chinainsight.info culture SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 13 China’s ethnic minorities We continue our series on China’s 55 ethnic minority groups. This month features the Hui, Jing, and Jingpo ethnic minorities. We continue our series on China’s ihui culture began mainly during the Yuan their tradition of concentration by setting 55 ethnic minority groups. This month Dynasty. up their own villages in the countryside or features the Hui, Jing, and Jingpo ethnic Warfare and farming were the two sticking together in suburban areas or along minorities. dominant factors of this period. During their particular streets and lanes in cities. The westward invasion, the Mongols turned dislocation of military scouts dating from The Hui ethnic minority people from Middle Asia into scouts and the Yuan Dynasty had enabled the Huihuis to Population: 8,612,000 sent them eastward on military missions. extricate themselves gradually from military Major areas of distribution: Ningxia, These civilians-turned-military scouts were involvement and to settle down to farming, Gansu, Henan, Hebei, Qinghai, Shandong, expected to settle down at various locations breeding livestock, handicrafts and small- Yunnan, Xinjiang, Anhui, Liaoning, Hei- and to breed livestock while maintaining scale trading. Thus they established a new longjiang, Jilin, Shanxi, Beijing, Tianjin combat readiness. They founded settle- common economic life among themselves, Language: Han (standard Chinese) ments in areas in today’s Gansu, Henan, characterized by an agricultural economy. Religion: Islam Shandong, Hebei and Yunnan provinces During the initial stage of their eastward and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. exodus, the Huihuis used the Arab, Persian They later were joined by more scouts sent and Han languages. However, in the course from the west. As time went by they became of their long years living with the Hans, and ordinary farmers and herdsmen. Among the especially due to the increasing number of Islamic Middle Asians, there were a number Hans joining their ranks, they gradually of artisans and tradesmen. The majority of spoke the Han language only, while main- up their personal wealth. They used this these people settled in cities and along vital taining certain Arab and Persian phrases. to invest in land properties and engage in communication lines, taking to handicrafts Huihui culture originally had been charac- exploitation through land rents. The imams and commerce. Because of these activities a terized by influences from the traditional gradually changed themselves into land- common economic life began to take shape culture of Western Asia and assimilation lords. Working in collaboration with secular among the Huihuis. Scattered as they were, from the Han culture. However, due to the landlords, they enjoyed comprehensive they stuck together in relative concentration introduction of the Han language as a com- power in the religious communities, which With a sizable population of 8.61 mil- in settlements and around mosques which mon language, the tendency to assimilate they held tightly under their control. They lion, the Hui ethnic group is one of China’s they built. This has been handed down as the Han culture became more obvious. The left routine religious affairs of the mosques largest ethnic minorities. People of Hui a specific feature of the distribution of Hui Huihuis began to wear clothing like the to low-rank ahungs. origin can be found in most of the counties population in China. Hans. Huihui names were still used, but Han The last stage of the Ming Dynasty and and cities throughout the country, especially The Huihui scouts and a good number names and surnames became accepted and the early years of the Qing Dynasty (1644- in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and of Huihui aristocrats, officials, scholars and gradually became dominant. 1911) saw the emergence of a new system Gansu, Qinghai, Henan, Hebei, Shandong merchants sent eastward by the Mongols of religious aristocracy among the Huis in and Yunnan provinces and the Xinjiang Islamic Religion were quite active in China. They exercised Hezhou (today’s Linxia in Gansu Province). Uygur Autonomous Region. The Islamic religion had a deep influ- influence on the establishment of the Yuan It came into existence as a result of intensi- ence on the life style of the Hui people. For Dynasty and its military, political and eco- fied land concentration which exceeded the History instance, soon after birth, an infant was to be nomic affairs. The involvement of Huihui boundaries of one single religious com- The name Hui is an abbreviation for “Hu- given a Huihui name by an ahung (imam); upper-class elements in the politics of Yuan munity. This made certain imams rulers ihui,” which first appeared in the literature wedding ceremonies must be witnessed by Dynasty in turn helped to promote the devel- of a whole series of religious communi- of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). ahungs; a deceased person must be cleaned opment of Huihuis in many fields. ties, turning them into Islamic aristocrats. It referred to the Huihe people (the Ouigurs) with water, wrapped with white cloth and Generally speaking, the social position They were deified. Kiosks were erected in who lived in Anxi in the present-day Xinji- buried coffinless and promptly in the pres- of Huihuis during the Yuan Dynasty was their cemeteries for Muslims under their ang and its vicinity since the Tang Dynasty ence of an ahung who serves as the presider. higher than that of the Hans. Nevertheless, jurisdiction to worship. Their position was (618-907). They were actually forerunners Men were accustomed to wearing white or they were still subjected to the oppression seen as hereditary. They enjoyed a series of the present-day Uygurs, who are totally black brimless hats, especially during reli- of Yuan rulers. After going through the hard- of feudalistic privileges as well as absolute different from today’s Huis or Huihuis. gious services, while women were seen with ships of their eastward exodus, they contin- authority over their people. The system During the early years of the 13th cen- black, white or green scarves on their head ued to be in the hands of various Mongolian had been in existence, however, only in tury when Mongolian troops were making -- a habit which also derived from religious officials, functioning either as herdsmen or some of the Hui areas in Gansu, Ningxia their western expeditions, group after group practices. The Huis never eat pork nor the as government and army artisans. A fraction and Qinghai. The Huis in hinterland China of Islamic-oriented people from Middle blood of any animal or creature that died of them even were allocated to Mongolian had always functioned under the religious Asia, as well as Persians and Arabs, either of itself, and they refuse to take alcohol. aristocrats to serve as house slaves. community system. were forced to move or voluntarily migrated Being people who came to China from These taboos originated in the Koran of the into China. As artisans, tradesmen, scholars, places where social systems, customs Muslims. The Huis are very particular about Contribution to Chinese Civilization officials and religious leaders, they spread and habits differed from those in the east, sanitation and hygiene. Likewise, before The Huis are an industrious people. to many parts of the country and settled the Huihuis began to cultivate their own attending religious services, they have to Their development and progress have been down mainly to livestock breeding. These national consciousness. This was caused observe either a “minor cleaning,” i.e. wash facilitated, however, by adopting the Han people, who were also called Huis or Hu- also by their relative concentration with their face, mouth, nose, hands and feet, or a language and living with the Hans. Since the ihuis because their religious beliefs were mosques as the center of their social activi- “major cleaning,” which requires a thorough Yuan and Ming dynasties, large numbers of identical with people in Anxi, were part of ties, by their increasing economic contacts bath of the whole body. Hui peasants joined the Hans and people of the ancestors to today’s Huis. with each other, by their common political Islamism also had great impact on the other nationalities in reclaiming wasteland, Earlier, about the middle of the 7th fate and their common belief in the Islamic political and economic systems of Hui so- farming and grazing in the hinterland and century, Islamic Arabs and Persians came religion. ciety. “Jiaofang” or “religious community,” along border regions. Hui artisans were to China to trade and later some became It was during the Ming Dynasty (1368- as once practiced among the Huis, was a famous for their craftsmanship in making permanent residents of such cities as Guang- 1644) that the Huihuis began to emerge as religious system as well as an economic incense, medicine, leather and cannons, zhou, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Yangzhou and an ethnic group. system. According to the system, a mosque as well as in mining and smelting of ore. Chang’an (today’s Xi’an). These people, Along with the nationwide restoration was to be built at each location inhabited Hui merchants played a positive role in the referred to as “fanke” (guests from outlying and development of the social economy in by Huis, ranging from a dozen to several economic exchanges between the hinterland regions), built mosques and public cemeter- the early Ming Dynasty years, the distri- hundred households. An imam was to be and border regions and in trade contacts ies for themselves. Some married and had bution and economic status of the Huihui invited to preside over the religious affairs between China and other Asian countries. children who came to be known as “tusheng population underwent a drastic change. The of the community as well as to take responsi- Hui scholars and scientists made outstand- fanke,” meaning “native-born guests from number of Huihuis in Shaanxi and Gansu bility over all aspects of the livelihood of its ing contributions to China in introducing outlying regions.” During the Yuan Dynasty provinces increased as more and more members and to collect religious levies and and spreading the achievements of Western (1271-1368), these people became part of Huihuis from other parts of the country other taxes from them. A mosque functioned Asia in astronomy, calendars, medicine and the Huihuis, who were coming in great submitted themselves to the Ming court and not only as a place for religious activities a number of other academic and cultural numbers to China from Middle Asia. joined their people in farming. but also as a rendezvous where the public developments. These helped to promote the The Huihuis of today are therefore an Other factors contributed to their disper- met to discuss matters of common interest. wellbeing and productive activities of the ethnic group that finds its origins mainly sion: industrial and commercial exchanges, Religious communities, operating quite people of China as a whole. Chinese history with the above-mentioned two categories, assignment of Huihui garrison troops to independently from each other, had thus has seen not a few outstanding Huis repre- which in the course of development took various areas to open up wasteland and become the basic social units for the widely senting their people in the fields of politics, in people from a number of other ethnic grow food grain, nationwide tours by Huihui dispersed Hui people. Following the devel- economy and culture. groups including the Hans, Mongolians officials and scholars, and especially the mi- opment of the Hui’s agricultural economy During the Yuan Dynasty, the astrono- and Uygurs. gration of Huihuis during peasant uprisings. and the increase of religious taxes levied It is generally acknowledged that Hu- They still managed, however, to maintain on them, some chief imams began to build Minorities continues on Page 14 PAGE 14 > SEPTEMBER 2009 culture www.chinainsight.info

Minorities from Page 13 Mengcun of Hebei Province. In addition, vancy works and mechanized farming. Hui artisans in producing such traditional there are three other autonomous counties They also have made efforts to fight special handicrafts as carved ivory, cloisonne, mist Jamaluddin compiled a perpetual jointly set up by Huis with people of other drought, waterlogging, soil salinization Suzhou embroidery, carved bricks and carpets calendar and produced seven kinds of as- ethnic groups. The right to ethnic equality and erosion and sand encroachment of have been carried on and developed. troscopes including the armillary sphere, and autonomy has thus been realized among farmland as well as natural calamities. Medical and public health establishments the celestial globe, the terrestrial globe and the Hui people. In Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and have been widely set up in Hui-populated the planetarium; Alaowadin and Yisimayin Officials from the Hui ethnic minority Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture of areas. Hui medical workers have been trained led the development of a mechanized way occupy an appropriate percentage in the Gansu Province, irrigated farmland has in large numbers. In major cities like Beijing of shooting stone balls from cannons, which organs of autonomy at all levels. Most lead- been increasing year by year as a result and Tianjin, where the concentration of Huis exercised an important bearing on military ing positions in the power organs as well of the construction of large-scale key is relatively larger, special hospitals have been affairs in general; the architect Yehdardin as leading positions in various executive water control projects at Qingtong and provided for them. Mobile medical teams learned from Han architecture and designed departments and professional bodies are Liujia Gorges on the upper reaches of the have been organized in some places to tour and led the construction of the capital of the taken up by outstanding Huis. Emphasis Yellow River and a series of reservoirs the countryside and mountainous areas where Yuan Dynasty, which laid the foundation for has been laid on the training of Hui office and irrigation canals. Stripe-shaped fields the Huis live. Many of the local epidemic the development of the city of Beijing. executives, professionals and technical suitable for tractor-ploughing, irrigation diseases either have been put under control or During the Ming Dynasty, the Hui personnel who are competent in their work and drainage have appeared in quite a few eliminated. This, coupled with the improve- navigator Zheng He led massive fleets in and politically progressive. All Hui officials, places. The fields will serve as a founda- ment of economic and cultural life among making as many as seven visits to more than executives and professionals are expected tion for the construction of commodity the Huis, has greatly raised the general level 30 Asian and African countries in 29 years. to work for the advancement of industry, grain production bases. of their health. This unparalleled feat served to promote agriculture, animal husbandry, culture and To improve the situation in the Liupan the friendship as well as economic and cul- education in accordance with local condi- Mountain area plagued by serious water The Jing ethnic minority tural exchanges between China and these tions. Considerable attention has been paid shortage almost every year, the central Population: 18,700 countries. Zheng He was accompanied by to the various Hui autonomous areas in government has allocated funds for the Major area of distribution: Guangxi Ma Huan and Ha San, also of Hui origin, terms of investment in capital construction construction of pumping projects. These Language: Jing who acted as his interpreters. Ma Huan gave and of manpower, material resources and are in Tongxin, Guyuan and Haiyuan and Religion: Buddhism and Taoism a true account of Zheng He’s visits in his technology. will extract water from the Yellow River book Magnificent Tours of Lands Beyond Huis that live scattered across the coun- and life it step by step onto the age-old the Ocean, which is of major significance in try have the similar right to enjoy ethnic dry lands. The projects are expected to the study of the history of communication equality and to direct their own affairs. Their solve the problem of drinking water and between China and the West. Hui scholar identity as members of an established ethnic irrigation water among the broad masses Li Zhi (1527-1602) of Quanzhou in Fujian group is respected. The political status of of Hui and Han peoples. Province was a well-known progressive the Hui people has been greatly raised. An Mechanization of farming has pro- thinker in Chinese ideology history. appropriate number of representatives have gressed in Hui villages. Farming methods A number of outstanding politicians been elected from the Huis to take part in and cultivation techniques, too, have un- emerged among the Huis. Sayyid Ajall National People’s Congresses. People’s dergone marked improvements. Sham Suddin (1211-1279) of early Yuan Congresses held at lower levels also have The Hui people as well as people of Dynasty was one of them. During his late Hui representation. Hui officials work in other ethnic groups in Ningxia have ac- years when he was serving as governor of government departments at central and lo- cumulated rich experience in checking Yunnan Province, he laid stress on agricul- cal levels. sand erosion by means of afforestation ture, setting up special areas for peasants The majority of Huis [are Muslim]. in the course of their protracted struggle The 18,700 people of this very small to reclaim wasteland and grow food grain. Their religious freedom, customs and against desertization. In 1978, the central ethnic minority live in compact communi- He advocated the harnessing of six rivers habits are respected and guaranteed. Since government decided to build a large-scale ties primarily in the three islands of Wanwei, in Kunming, capital of the province; estab- 1979, the policies on ethnic minorities and shelter-forest that would run across the Wutou and Shanxin in the Fangcheng Multi- lished communication posts extensively for religion have continued in Ningxia Hui length of the autonomous region. The for- ethnic Autonomous County, the Guangxi couriers to change horses and rest; initiated Autonomous Region and elsewhere in the est belt, when completed, will help control Zhuang Autonomous Region, near the Sino- teaching in Confucianism and made strong country after disruptions caused by the the sand and thus change the climate and Vietnamese border. About one quarter of them efforts in harmonizing relations among Cultural Revolution (1966-76). By May other natural conditions of Ningxia. This live among the Han and Zhuang ethnic groups various nationalities. All these benefited 1984, 1,400 mosques had been restored in turn will speed the modernization of the in nearby counties and towns. political, economic and cultural develop- in Ningxia. This has made it possible for region’s agriculture. The Jings live in a subtropical area with ments in Yunnan, helping to bring closer Muslims throughout the autonomous region Since the founding of the People’s Re- plenty of rainfall and rich mineral resources. relations between the province and the to normalize their religious activities. An public in 1949, elementary education has The Beibu Gulf to its south is an ideal fishing central government. institute for the study of Islamic scriptures on the whole been made universal among ground. Of the more than 700 species of fish Hai Rui (1514-1587), a politician of was established in 1982. It takes in students the Huis. In Hui-populated areas, the Hui found there, over 200 are of great economic the Ming Dynasty, was upright throughout from among the ahungs every year. An Is- people have set up their own primary and value and high yields. Pearls, sea horses and his life. He had the courage to remonstrate lamism research society also was set up to secondary schools in their communities. sea otters which grow in abundance are prized with Emperor Jiajing about his fatuousness conduct academic and research activities on Their children are able to attend schools for their medicinal value. Seawater from the and arbitrariness that brought the nation Islamism. In recent years, many young Huis close to their homes. They also have their Beibu Gulf is good for salt making. The main and the people to calamity. Hai also lashed have made efforts to learn Islamic classics in own professors, engineers, doctors, sci- crops there are rice, sweet potato, peanut, out at what he considered to be the evils Arabic. Patriotic figures from Islamic circles entists, writers, artists and specialists. In taro and millet, and sub-tropical fruits like of the court and inept ministers. Later dur- have attended Chinese People’s Political 1958 the first college was founded in the papaya, banana and longan are also plentiful. ing his term of office as roving inspector Consultative Conferences and People’s autonomous region. Today, specialized Mineral deposits include iron, monazite, tita- directly responsible to the emperor and as Congresses at various levels. Many of them personnel of Hui and other ethnic groups nium, magnetite and silica. The large tracts of chief procurator of Nanjing, Hai enforced have taken up leading positions in govern- are being trained at Ningxia University, mangroves growing in marshy land along the discipline, redressed mishandled cases and ment organs. Ningxia Medical College and Ningxia coast are a rich source of tannin, an essential checked local despots in a successful at- The social and economic situation among Institute of Agronomy. Ending 1982, the raw material for the tanning industry. tempt to boost public morale. the Hui people has undergone fundamental autonomous region had more than 5,000 The Jing people had their own script Since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, changes during the last three decades. The schools at various levels with a student which was called Zinan. Created on the basis a great number of established Hui poets, Democratic Reform in the early 1950s and population of about 800,000. of the script of the Han people towards the end scholars, painters and dramatists emerged. the subsequent socialist transformation put Numerous fetters that had been forced of the 13th century, it was found in old song These included Sadul, Gao Kegong, Ding an end to the system of class oppression upon Hui women over the years have been books and religious scriptures. Most Jings Henian, Ma Jin, Ding Peng and Gai Qi. within the ranks of the Huis. This made gradually removed as a result of improved read and write in the Han script because they have lived with Hans for a long time. They Life in the 20th Century it possible for them to join hands with the education. Secondary and primary schools other ethnic groups of China in embarking for female students have been established speak the Cantonese dialect. After 1949, the Chinese government on the road of socialism. in some of the Hui-populated areas. An The ancestors of the Jings emigrated from has carried out a policy of regional ethnic The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region increasing number of Hui women are Vietnam to China in the early 16th century autonomy in Hui-populated areas. Because has established a number of modern indus- attending evening schools and schools and first settled on the three uninhabited lands Huis differ from place to place, such self- tries, covering such fields as coal, power, arranged during slack winter seasons. since the neighborhood had been populated autonomy has taken on various forms. Along machinery, metallurgy, chemicals, light in- Having acquired education at varying by people of Han and Zhuang ethnic group. with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, dustry, petroleum and electronics. Industrial degrees, many of them are now skilled Shoulder to shoulder with the Hans and the Linxia and Changji Hui Autonomous and agricultural production in the region has workers, and more are officials of various Zhuangs there, they developed the border prefectures in Gansu Province and the Xin- risen continuously since 1979. levels, as well as actresses, doctors, teach- areas together and sealed close relations in jiang Uygur Autonomous Region came into The production and livelihood of the ers and engineers. their joint endeavors over the centuries. existence. Also six Hui autonomous coun- Huis in the countryside have improved Mass literary, artistic and sports activi- The Jings, who were all illiterate before ties were established in Zhangjiachuan of continuously. Considerable progress has ties have been spreading among the Huis, 1949, are now going to school, and many Gansu Province, Menyuan and Hualong of been made by the Huis in farmland capital resulting in the emergence of outstanding young people have moved onto college edu- Qinghai Province, Yanqi of Xinjiang Uygur construction, construction of water conser- artists and sportsmen. The skills of veteran Autonomous Region and Dachang and Minorities continues on Page 15 www.chinainsight.info culture SEPTEMBER 2009 > PAGE 15

Minorities from Page 14 the Jingpo people have started publishing The basic unit of Jingpo society was the No r t h Am e r i c a n Translations cation. Each village now has a clinic, and newspapers, periodicals and books in their small family of husband and wife. Some Your one-stop source for pre- paramedics have been assigned to each own language. “shanguans” and rich peasants practiced cise technical translations be- polygamy. The family was headed by the fishing vessel. tween Chinese and English. Jing people like antiphonal songs which History father. A family with only daughters might According to local legends and historical We specialize in legal, financial, are melodious and lyrical. Their traditional have a son-in-law to live with it, but the records, Jingpo ancestors in ancient times instruments include the two-stringed fiddle, son-in-law did not change his surname and engineering and medical trans- inhabited the southern part of the Xikang- flute, drum, gong and the single-stringed his children would take his surname instead lation work. Tibetan Plateau. They gradually migrated fiddle, a unique musical instrument of of that of his father-in-law. A childless fam- south to the northwestern part of Yunnan, the ethnic group. Folk stories and legends ily could adopt a son, who was required to west of the Nujiang River. The local people, Our high-quality serice is com- abound. Their favorite dances feature lan- support his foster parents and had the right together with the newly-arrived Jingpos, petitively priced. Contact us terns, fancy colored sticks, embroidery and to inherit their property. Elderly people were called “Xunchuanman,” who lived dragons. without children were usually looked af- today to get your free quote. mainly on hunting. Jing costume is simple and practical. ter by their relatives. The Jingpo family During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Phone: 612-799-5415 Traditionally, women wear tight-fitting, retained the system of inheritance by the the imperial court set up a provincial ad- Fax: 612-643-3498 collarless short blouses buttoned in front youngest son. While the eldest son would ministrative office in Yunnan, which had plus a diamond-shaped top apron and broad set up a separate family after marriage, the Email: the Xunchuan area under its jurisdiction. black or brown trousers. When going out, youngest son would remain to support his As production developed, various Jingpo [email protected] they would put on a light colored gown with parents and inherit most of their property. groups gradually merged into two big http//www.natranslations.com narrow sleeves. They also like earrings. The youngest son had a definitely higher tribal alliances -- Chashan and Lima. They Men wear long jackets reaching down to the status than his brothers. Women had a low were headed by hereditary nobles called area. The Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous knees and girdles. Now most people dress status in Jingpo society. “shanguan.” Freemen and slaves formed Region was established in 1953 (changed themselves like their Han neighbors though The Jingpos practiced a hierarchical another two classes. Deprived of any per- to an autonomous prefecture in 1956). The a few elderly women retain their tradition intermarriage system, that is, intermarriage sonal freedom, the slaves bore the surname Jingpo people elected their own represen- and a few young women coil their hair and between “shanguan” families and between of their masters and did forced labor. tatives to the leading bodies of the autono- dye their teeth black. common peasant households. While young During the early 15th century, the Ming mous region. In addition, the Jingpos have Many Jings are believers of Buddhism people could freely socialize, their marriage, Dynasty (1368-1644), which instituted a deputies to the Provincial People’s Congress or Taoism, with a few followers of Catholi- often involving many betrothal gifts, was system of appointing local hereditary head- and National People’s Congress. cism. They also celebrate the Lunar New arranged by their parents. Bride snatching men in national minority areas, set up two To fundamentally change the conditions Year--Spring Festival -- and the Pure Bright- was a common occurrence. When people area administrative offices and appointed in Jingpo areas, the central and local govern- ness Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival and died they were buried in the ground except Jingpo nobles as administrators. In the Qing ments helped the Jingpos get organized for the Mid-Autumn Festival like the Hans. for those who died an unnatural death. They Dynasty (1644-1911), the area inhabited cooperative production shortly after libera- Fish sauce is a favorite condiment the were without exception cremated and their by Jingpos was under the jurisdiction of tion. Measures were taken to do away with Jing people use in cooking, and a cake pre- ashes buried. prefectural and county offices set up by the class exploitation […]. pared with glutinous rice mixed with sesame Jingpo people lived in thatched cot- Qing court. Since 1950, the Jingpo people have is a great delicacy for them. tages of bamboo and wood except a few Beginning from the 16th century, large transformed virgin forests into tea planta- There used to be some taboos, such as “shanguans” and headmen, who had houses numbers of Jingpo people moved to the tions and orchards, and reclaimed barren stepping over a fishing net placed on the of brick and tile. The cottages, oblong in Dehong area. Under the influence of the mountain slopes into terraced fields. They beach, sitting on a new raft before it was shape, had two storys. The lower floor, Hans and Dais, who had advanced produc- have built tractor stations, reservoirs and launched, and stepping on the stove. But about one meter above the ground, is for tion skills and practiced a feudal economy, power stations. Their grain production and many old habits that hampered the growth keeping animals, while the upper floor, usu- Jingpos began to use iron tools including income from sideline occupations have of production have died out bit by bit. ally partitioned into four to ten rooms with the plough, and later learned to grow rice bamboo walls, is the living quarters for fam- increased. in paddy fields. This learning process was ily members. In the middle of every room Industry, which was nonexistent in The Jingpo ethnic minority Jingpo areas before liberation, also has Population: 119,300 accompanied by raised productivity and a is a fireplace, around which people sleep. developed. The autonomous prefecture has Major area of distribution: Yunnan transition toward feudalism. Slaves revolted Every seven or eight years, cottages have to built a number of small and medium-sized Language: Jingpo or ran away. All these factors brought the be rebuilt. Rebuilding, having the help of all enterprises including a power plant, a motor Religion: Buddhism slave system to a quick end in the middle villagers, is completed in several days. factory, a farm tools factory and a factory The Jingpos, numbering 119,300, live of last century. Rice is the staple food, although maize is producing daily-use chemicals. mostly in the Dehong Dai-Jingpo Au- more important in some places. Vegetables, There has been progress in other re- tonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Pre-1949 Life beans, potatoes and yams are grown in cot- Before China’s liberation in 1949, there spects. Highways have been built on the together with tage gardens. Jingpos also gather wild herbs were primitive commune vestiges in Jingpo formerly inaccessible Jingpo Mountain. the De’ang, and fruit as supplementary food. society. An area ruled by a “shanguan” High-tension power lines extend to many Lisu, Achang Jingpo men usually wear black jackets was a rural commune. Each village in the places, while a wire-broadcasting network and Han peo- with buttons down the front and short and commune was headed by a tribal chief who covers almost every Jingpo household. ples. A few loose trousers. Elderly people have a pigtail assisted the “shanguan” in administrative Brick houses have begun to replace thatched of them are tied on top of their head and covered with a affairs. Even though private ownership had cottages. Formerly poor peasants now have found in the black turban. Young people prefer white tur- taken root, the waste land and mountain enough grain and different clothes for dif- Nujiang Lisu bans. Jingpo men going out invariably wear slopes within the boundaries of the rural ferent seasons. Some more affluent peasants Autonomous long knives on their waist or take rifles with commune belonged to all its members, who have bought radios, sewing machines and Prefecture. them. All carry elaborately-embroidered had the right to reclaim a piece of land and new hunting rifles. An increasing number of The Jingpos mainly inhabit tree-covered bags containing items such as areca and would forfeit it if left in waste again. Paddy small hydroelectric stations have made elec- mountainous areas some 1,500 meters above tobacco. Jingpo women usually wear black fields, however, were either privately owned tricity available to many Jingpo villages. sea level, where the climate is warm. Count- jackets with buttons down the front middle or tilled permanently by certain people. Of- The ruling classes before 1949 estab- less snaking mountain paths connect Jingpo or front left. Matching the jacket is a color- ten, noblemen or headmen, taking advantage lished no schools for the Jingpo people, villages, which usually consist of two-story ful knitted skirt and a woolen shinguard. of their privilege to allocate land, gradually resulting that very few people were literate. bamboo houses hidden in dense forests and Women like wearing silver ornaments. gained more paddy fields for themselves, or Now, however, there are middle schools in bamboo groves. Jingpos are good singers and dancers. even took paddy fields away from village every county and primary schools in every The area abounds in rare woods and Group dancing, their major dancing form, members by force. This was followed by community. Central and local ethnic minor- medicinal herbs. Among cash crops are reflects their life, work, war and sacrificial the selling, buying, mortgaging and leasing ity institutes have trained group after group rubber, tung oil, tea, coffee, shellac and silk rites. It sometimes involves more than of paddy fields. At the time of the libera- of Jingpo officials and professionals. cotton. The area’s main mineral resources 1,000 people, their singing reverberating in tion of the Jingpo areas in 1950, landlords Violent epidemics, especially malaria, are iron, copper, lead, coal, gold, silver and nearby mountain valleys. Jingpo musicians constituted one per cent of total Jingpo used to ravage the area. Since 1950, clinics precious stones. Tigers, leopards, bears, use wooden drums, “elephant-leg” drums, households, and rich peasants two per cent. have been set up in key Jingpo communities pythons, pheasants and parrots live in the gongs, cymbals and bamboo flutes. The two groups had possession of 20 to 30 and many medical workers of Jingpo origin region’s forests. Jingpos used to practice fetishism, percent of all paddy fields and 20 per cent of have been trained. Efforts have been made to The Jingpos speak a language belong- believing that spirits live in the sun, moon, farm cattle. Of the common Jingpo peasants, improve environmental hygiene and drink- ing to the Tibetan-Myanmese family of the birds, animals, boulders and trees, bringing only 15 percent owned some paddy fields ing water. There has been a marked decrease Chinese-Tibetan language system. Until fortune or misfortune to human beings. As a and farm cattle, while the majority were in disease incidence. Formerly rampant 70 years ago, when an alphabetic system result, superstition dominates their lives and poor laborers with little land and few farm epidemics such as cholera and the plague of writing based on Latin letters was intro- taboos abound. Sacrificial rites accompanied cattle and tools. Apart from being exploited have been stamped out, and malaria, the duced, the Jingpos kept records by notch- sowing, harvesting, disease, weddings, fu- in the way of land and cattle rent, usurers’ most serious threat to local people’s health, ing wood or tying knots. Calculation was nerals and combat. interest rates and ultra-low pay, poor peas- brought under control. The once desolate done by counting beans. The new system ants each year had to pay a certain amount Jingpo Mountain is beginning to enjoy a of writing was not widely used, however. Post-1949 Development of “official rice” to their “shanguan” and do prosperity it has never known before. After 1949, with the help of the government, In 1950, liberation came to the Jingpo  three to five days of corvee. Source: People’s Daily Online PAGE 16 > SEPTEMBER 2009 celebration www.chinainsight.info Moon Lan Fong unveils her book, Reflections, her philosophy of life through calligraphy By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer by her family. Moon Lan Fong is the matriarch of the Fong family that includes siblings David Fong, Yin Simpson and Stephen Fong. Many likely recognize the name of David Fong to which David Fong’s Restaurant located in Bloomington, Minn. is attributed. That restaurant is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. During the reception guests were able to visit with Moon and obtain a copy of her Moon Fong (holding book), Son David book. Although the book was not for sale, it Fong, Niece Man Le, Daughter Yin, Son was suggested that a contribution be made Steve Fong that would be split between two of Moon’s favorite organizations: The Chinese Heritage n Aug. 16, 2009, Moon Lan Foundation and the Chinese Senior Citizens Fong unveiled the publica- Society. While the initial printing has been tion of her book titled Re- completely exhausted, a second printing is Oflections at an exhibit and contemplated and availability can be veri- reception held at The Marsh in Minnetonka, fied with Yin Simpson at 952-934-45646 or Minn. This occasion also marked another e-mail: [email protected]. Moon’s Calligraphy Scrolls exhibit at the Marsh milestone for Moon as she also celebrated A brief program during the celebration her 95th birthday. was conducted by Scott Simpson, Yin’s As noted in the preface of the exhibit husband, during which there were acknowl- program authored by Ruth Stricker, founder edgements and some musical performances of The Marsh, “This exhibit is so much more including a touching rendition of the song than it appears to be. It is one exceptional Moon River. woman’s calligraphy expressing her values, The combined celebration of Moon’s dreams, tenets and wishes for her family birthday and book unveiling was organized and friends. It is one woman’s life journey by Moon’s daughter Yin with whom Moon from joy and hardship in China to reframing lives. Although Yin was instrumental in a life in this country and leading her family much of the planning, she acknowledges of four generations into a modern world in that this event could not have been possible a foreign land.” without the assistance of other friends and Leila and Jarrelle played duet music of flute Reflections was originally intended to relatives which are appropriately acknowl- and guzheng be a calligraphic legacy for her family but edged in the book. She especially appreci- has now been published for all to enjoy. ated the translations provided by Pearl The book contains many messages of good Bergad and her brother Stephen’s technical wishes, common Chinese poems, basic help in the production of the book. principles of life and pleasure from nature. According to Yin, “It was heartwarming Her theme is that discipline and cultiva- to have a capacity crowd attend my mom’s Alex Ewald, singing Moon River tion of the mind and skill can be achieved unveiling of her book Reflections and show regardless of age, education or background. their support for the exemplary life that she Also contained in the book are photos and has lived. My mom really appreciated the messages from friends and family members support and is honored that she can share, in along with Moon’s biography as translated a small way, the fruits of a very full life.”  Wei Ming Lu, Bruce Dayton, Ruth Stricker Dayton, Ming Tchou

Pat Hui, Bruce Dayton, Ruth Stricker Dayton, Paul Kwok

Moon with youngest Great Grandson Da- vid Fong the 3rd and his parents Amy and David Jr

Yin Simpson, Pearl Bergad

Above, left- Grandaughter Stephani and Moon thanking everyone with Yin All photos courtesy of Nancy Chakrin Grandson Ben with their Mother Yin and Thank you for reading Ch i n a In s i g h t guests, right, Son-in-law Scott Simpson wel- come and thank guests with Moon and Yin