VOL XXIX

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»China's Democratic Parties • More Light Industry • The Jinuos—Newest Nationality CKiiia Articles of the Month

DEMOCRATIC PARTIES IN CHINA t isl i. il Do the democrotic parties still have a function lit socialist China? Leaders of two talk about their parties, the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese PUflLISHED MONTHLY IN ENGLISH, FRENCH. Kuomlntang ond the China Democratic League. SPANISH, ARABIC, GERMAN AND PORTUGUESE BY Page 2 THE CHINA WELFARE INSTITUTE (SOONG CHING LING, CHAIRMAN)

VOL XXIX NO. 2 FEBRUARY 1960

CONTENTS

Democratic Parties Find New Role Revolutionary Committee of the Kuomlntang — Inter view with Qu Wu Tan Manni 1 The Democratic League and Chinese Intellectuals — Interview with Prof. Wen Jiasi Wei Xiutang MORE LIGHT INDUSTRY The Democratic Parties 9 Light industry producb Light Industry Exhibition . Qiu Jian 10 are being made in places m Night View of the Yanzhou Coal Base (color photos) 13 they never were be Huge Yanzhou Goal Base in Shandong Jin Ruowen 17 fore, OS shown In a na New Start for Literature and Art 19 tional exhibition, part of Xia Yan — Difficulties and Prospects efforts to improve peo Yang Hansheng — Rebirth of the All-China Federation ple's life and get quick of Literary and Art Circles copltal for moderirrzation, Page 10 Winter Sports in Jiiin (color photos) 25 Olympic Plans 27 Clifna's Environmental Protection Law (Extracts) 28 PROTECTING THE Protecting the Environment Qu Geping 28 n ENVIRONMENT UN Environment Activities in China Li Jinchang 31 The Grape Harvest Peng Xianchu 33 What's China doing Treasures and Wonders of Wuyi Mountain Xia Wei' 34 and what are her prob Paving the Way for Deeper Understanding — Two weeks lems, plus a rundown on activities of the with the Old Vic Ylng Ruocheng 40 Berlin Orchestra and von Karajan Acclaimed Zhao'Jinglun United Nations Environ 42 ment Progrom in China. Performances from Abroad Brought Cultural Springtime Page 28 In Autumn 44 The Black-Necked Crane Wang Huaixin 46 'China Reconstructs' in My Classroom Shirley Deane (Canada) 48 Chinese Cookery: West Lake Vinegar Fish (XI Hu Cu Yu) ELECTING COUNTY 50 PEOPLE'S DEPUTIES Our Postbag 51 Electing County People's Deputies Zeng Shuzhi 52 For the first time dep The iinuos —China's Newest Nationality • Zhi Exiang 55 uties to county people's m congresses were chosen Excursionlng out of.Beijing Liu Hongia 62 by direct election: how The TV Tube — China's Biggest University Hong Mlnsheng 65 Chinese History— XVII it was done. Song Dynasty: 2 — Uprising and Reform in Northern Page 52 Song jiao Jian 66 Archeoiogicai Briets: Tomb of a Tangut Emperor: Puppet and Game from Ancient Graves 68 JINUO —CHINA'S Language Corrrer; NEWEST NATIONALITY Lesson 14: Visit to Yu Garden 70 The social history and Stamps of New China 72 customs which moke the COVER PICTURES: 10,000 Jinuo people In the remote mountains Jade-CM Peak, scenic spo. Front: Two schoolgirls of the Jinuo nationality (see story on p. 55) of Yunnan province a distinct nationality. Back: Skating rink in Beijing. Zhang Shuicheng Liu CJicn Page 55

Edileilal Offlcflt Wal Wen Butlding, Beijing (37). Chino, Cable: "CHIRECON" Beijing. Ocneral Distributer: CUOZI SHUD1AN. P.O. Box 399. Beijing, China. ••V VM11 -

with the democratic parties while policies are tural revolution. Many of their members suf being formulated, and the parties' reflecting fered wrongs and false accusations- and de opinion in their circles. Tbe organizational mocracy in China was severely undermined. means set up for this are the People's Political After tbe downfall of the gang the Communist Consultative Conferences at all levels of dele Party's policy of long-term coexistence and gates from the democratic parties and other mutual supervision was restored. The democratic groups which are held from time to time. parties have gradually resumed their normal The democratic parties have continued to activities. They have been particularly helpful make a contribution in the period of socialist in the recent period in gathering information, transformation and socialist construction. How soliciting opinions, helping redress wrongs made ever, they were unable to function for ten in gang-of-four days and mobilizing their mem years because of the ultra-Left line pursued by bers to work for China's modernization and ef m'f' Lin Biao and the gang of four during tbe cul forts to bring Taiwan back to the motherland.

Revolutionary Committoo of the Kuomlntang mk — Interview with Qu Wu

TAN MANN!

Delesales to the conventions of ibe democratic parlies and tbe All-China Federa Xinhua tion of Industry and Comnrerce being greeted by Te Jianying, Deng Xiaoping, Li to disgraceful demands made on Xiannian and some other Communist Parly and ^tate leaders during the conven The Revolutionary Committee of tions. the Chinese Kuomlntang is China at the Versailles peace con one of the biggest of China's ference, Qu Wu, a student in his Qu Wu democratic parties. Speaking of its native Shaanxi province, and an current tasks, its vice-chairman, other representative of the Shaanxi Qu Wu, said, "We have two: One students came to Beijing and with council. Qu Wu later married the is to bring forth the initiative of other students pleaded with tears latter's daughter. our members and those people who in their eyes before president Xu have historical roots in the Kuo- Shichang to stop the signing. When IN 1926 the Kuomintang and the Democratic Parties Find New Role mintang Party •— to serve China's the answer was no, Qu Wu banged Corrununist Party had agreed to modernization: the other is to pro his head against the wall so that cooperate to overthrow the im mote the return of Taiwan in order blood poured from it. perialist-backed warlords and Sun to realize the unification of our The incident brought his name Yat-sen led in reorganization of the CHINA'S eight democratic parties held na Representatives of these parties, along country." to the attention of the whole na Kuomintang for this purpose. Qu tional conventions in Beijing last October. with those from the Communist Party and peo Eighty-one-year-old Qu Wu has tion, including Sun Yat-sen, leader Wu, then 27 and a student at Bei Two thousand five hundred delegates attended ple from all walks of life, participated in the spent almost his entire adult life of China's 1911 Revolution which jing University, was elected a these and a meeting of the National Federa Chinese People's Political Consultative Con working for democracy as a overthrew the Qing dynasty member of the executive committee tion of Industry and Commerce which was held ference in September 1949. At it they proclaim member of the Left wing of the monarchy and set up the Republic of the reorganized Kuomintang concurrently. ed the establishment of a people's democratic Kuomlntang Party. He recalled the of China. In 1914 Dr. Sun had central committee. The next year The close cooperation between these parties government, the People's ^public of China, two periods of cooperation between founded the Kuomintang Party to he went to the Soviet Union to and the Chinese Communist Party has its and adopted the Common Program of the • the Kuomlntang and the Chinese continue the fight for democracy. study. There he and his wife be roots in China's particular historical circum CPFCC. The latter, expressing the will of Communist Party and pointed out Sun sent Qu .Wu as his personal came close friends with one of stances. With members in their early days people from all walks of life to build China their lessons for today, representative to Shaanxi to win their classmates, Chiang Ching-kuo mainly from among the national bourgeoisie, into a socialist country under the leadership of support for his proposal to con (son of Chiang Kai-shek, presently upper strata of urban petty bourgeoisie, in When the patriotic anti- the Chinese Communist Party, served as a pro vene a national people's congress. head of the Taiwan authorities). tellectuals of these groups and other patriotic visional constitution until 1954. imperialist May Fourth Movement Another person who thought high In 1927 when the National people, they played an important role in Thus the Communist Party defined Us rela rose in 1919 to stop the northern ly of Qu Wu was Yu Youren, a Revolutionary Army, made up of China's new democratic revolution which tion with them as one of long-term coexistence warlord government from agreeing both Kuomintang and Communist culminated in the establishment of the Peo and mutual supervision. The latter is exercised veteran Kuomintang member who ple's Republic of China in 1949. mainly in the Cdmmunist Party's consultation TAN MANNI is a staff reporter tor had been president of the Kuomin Party members, was advancing China Reconstructs. tang government's supervisory successfully against the northern

CHINA BECONSTRX;^^ FEBRVART 1880 its central people's government warlords, Chiang Kai-shek turned tary-General of the Sino-Soviet lowed, they were active in the against the revolution and began Friendship Association. A book he people's democratic revolution led and all the members of the KMT massacring Commimists. In August wrote, On the War Between Soviet by the Chinese Communist Party negotiation delegation were that year 22 members of the Kuo- Union and Germany, was highly and, due to their efforts, other appointed to responsible positions. mintang central committee issued a regarded by world strategists. patriotic forces in the Kuomintang They were also among those declaration stating that they were Although there was an did too. elected to the central leadership of against this sabotage of Kuomin- agreement for cooperation in By the spring of 1949 the the Revolutionary Committee of' tang-Communist cooperation and the Chinese Kuomintang. fighting the Japanese invasion, a Communists had liberated all of the splitting of the revolution. Qu group of die-hards inside the Kuo Wu signed this paper. China north of the Changjiang mintang, of whom Chiang Kai-shek tU WU returned to Xinjiang Recalling this episode Qu Wu (Yangtze) River. This situation was chief, was pursuing a policy after the negotiations. He said, "I was always for Sun Yat- forced Chiang Kai-shek to step of passively resisting Japan and down from the presidency and the united key figures in the local sen's policy of alliance with Soviet actively fighting the Commimists. Russia, alliance with the Chinese Kuomintang to agree to negotiate government and army there and The democratic wing of the Kuo with the Communistrled forces. Qu with the aid of Kuomintang Commimist Party and support for mintang, of which Qu Wu was a the workers' and peasants' move Wu, then a member of the Kuo General Tao Zhiyue brought about member, struggled against this mintang government of Xinjiang a peaceful liberation. Recalling ments. That is why, from the idea. They tried to influence the stand of a Kuomintang member, 1 (Sinkiang) province and Mayor of that period, Qu Wu told this re upper echelons of the Kuomintang Dihua (now Urumqi), was adviser porter, "In that situation in which opposed Chiang Kai-shek's be to move Chiang more in their to the Kuomintang delegation to defeat was certain, the Nanjing trayal of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's prin direction. ciples and suppression of the the, negotiations in Beiping government should have accepted (Beijing), the peace agreement, • If it had Communists." The second period of cooperation In 1937 the resistance to the Representatives of the two done so, the damage and casualties between the Communist Party parties reached an agreement, but resulting from fighting in the Japanese invasion began. Chiang and the Kuomintang came to an it was rejected by the Kuomintang south could have been avoided and Dctegales from the RCCK pay respects to Dr. Sun Yat-seo at the Sun Tal-sen Kai-shek was forced to allow the end soon after the victory over Memorial Hall la Beijing. Photos by Xue Tiejun government in Nanjing. Eventual Taiwan wouldn't have been split Kuomintang to cooperate with the Japan when Chiang Kai-shek, with ly all the members of this delega Communist Party for a second off from the rest of the country U.S. imperialist backing, flying in tion refused to support Chiang as it was. The Taiwan.authorities time. In 1938 Qu Wu graduated the face of the people's longing for two previous occasions. Why can't munist-Kuomintang cooperations. Kai-shek. When the Political should consider this." from a Soviet mUitary academy peace, launched all-out civil war. they cooperate a third time for the His son works at the Ministry of Consultative Conference which •Qu Wu spoke with animation on and returned to China, going to Patriotic democrats in the Kuo good of the country?" Foreign Affairs and his daughter- proclaimed the People's Republic the benefits of cooperation, "Both Chongqing. He became a member mintang set up several organiza of China and set up the new "The Communists don't forget in-law is an English interpreter of the Kuomintang government's sides think that China should be tions in an effort to oppose those who have done something to government met in September unified and it is better to unify with the ministry. legislative council headed the Chiang's dictatorship and selling 1949, members of this delegation benefit the people,"' Qu Wu added. advisory department of its military sooner than later. It should be out of the country, and to work were part of it. They shared in "Every time Chairman Mao saw committee and taught at a Kuo for independence, democracy and talked over. Let both sides speak Returning to the banquet for drawing up its Common Program. me he would mention my efforts delegates from the democratic mintang military school. At one peace. These organizations were out their demands. In the interests After the people's republic was of national unity, the Communist for the peaceful liberation of parties, Qu Wu pointed out, "Vice- time during Kuomintang times he federated into the Revolutionary set up in October 1949, Li Jishen, also headed the construction de Party has made it clear that after Xinjiang," Premier Deng Xiaoping said he Committee of the Chinese. Kuomin Chairman of the Revolutionary partment of the Shaanxi provin tang on New Year's Day, 1948, in the country's unification the social After liberation Qu Wu held an hopes that the democratic parties cial government and was Secre Committee of the Kuomintang be system and present situation in important position as Deputy Hongkong, In the years that fol came one of. the vice-chairmen of will put forward suggestions and Taiwan will be respected; nothing Secretary-General of the State criticisms concerning state policies will be done to lower the living The recent meeting of the Fifth National Congress of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang. Council. Despite his age he is still fearlessly and with a sense of re standard of the people of Taiwan. active as a deputy to the National sponsibility. In this way we can Vice-Premier Deng Xiaoping said People's Congress and a member of run the country.well together." Qu in his speech to a banquet for dele the Standing Committee of the Na Wu felt that the delegates were gates to the democratic party con tional People's Political Consulta greatly encouraged by this stand. ventions that he hopes the Taiwan tive Conference. In 1978 he made "Even those who don't usually authorities will link hands with us an extensive tour of the south drink had some wine in celebra and take the road of unification," eastern coast area of Fujian prov Qu Wu said that the Communists tion, The possibilities were so have treated the Taiwan authori ince and in 1979 went to Japan exciting that some couldn't go to ties as equals, even though Taiwan with a delegation. His wife Yu Zhi- sleep that night," has a population of only 17 xiu, who died in 1969, was a mem Meetings in which Communist mill million, not even half the number ber of the Political Consultative Party leaders consult with repre of Communists on the mainland, Conference of the city of Xi'an. sentatives of the democratic and that he believed they were Qu Wu lives in a new parties on state affairs, which had ready to make concessions. But comfortable apartment in Beijing stopped during the cultural revolu the Taiwan authorities insisted on with his grandson who works at tion, were resumed as preparations refusing to talk, he said. "I just the Institute of Iron and Steel Re were made for the second sessions i can't see the reason for it. The two search, He is engaged in writing of the Fifth National People's parties were able to cooperate on his reminiscences of the two Com- Congress and the Fifth National

FEBRUARY 1980 ,0 People's Political Consultative Con State Council. Many suggestions "The Chinese Communist Party west Associated University went agents he knew to be present- ference in March 1978. Qu Wu made bj delegates from the demo has helped' and urged the dem on a general strike in protest "You can shoot one revolutionary, observed that ke had attended cratic parties were incorporated ocratic parties to take the social against civil war and dictatorship but you can never kill' them all. meetings presided over by into the report. ist road and do things to benefit and the Kuomintang authorities Hundreds of successors will rise to Chairman Hua Guofeng to discuss Grass-roots units of the the people, while the democratic attacked it, killing four and wound continue their cause. Justice can nominations for members of the Revolutionary Committee of the parties have been a factor in ing 60. The people were infu not be killed because the truth is State Council and other govern Chinese Kuomintang solicit opin helping .the Communist Party riated. Prof. Wen Jiasi recalled always with us!" ment positions. He had later been ions of the members about foster democracy and strengthen "More than 300,000 came out to After the fimeral service Wen at meetings which discussed the government policies and their legality," Qu Wu said. "This is pay homage to the martyrs. Wen Yiduo talked to the press. On draft of the 30th-anniversary re implementation. The leaders bring an important aspect of the policy Yiduo, Wu Han and Chu Tunan his way home he was shot port that Chairman Ye Jianying these opinions to bimonthly get- of 'long-term coexistence and walked at the head of the funeral dead by a secret agent, and his was to present on behalf of the togethers attended by leaders mutual supervision' formulated in cortege. Thousands of people came elder son was seriously wounded. Party Central Committee, the from the Communist Party, the the 1950s under the guidance of pouring into the streets." Wen Jiasi was then in Beiping Standing Committee of the Na democratic parties and the the late Chairman Mao Zedong and In January 1946, as per previous (now Beijing). When he heard tional People's Congress and the government. Premier Zhou Enlai." • agreement between the Kuomin the news- he wrote, "My dear tang and the Communist Party, the brother was a devoted scholar with Political Consultative Conference no gun in his hand, yet he was was convened in Chungqing. The killed by a secret agent. ... The democratic league was one of democratic movement is a force The Democratic League several parties that participated created by the will and enthusiasm along with the two major parties. of countless persons with demo The conf^ence passed agreements cratic ideals. The death of one or Wen Yiduo and Chinese Intellectuals in varying degrees advantageous two cannot kill the whole cause, it to the people and disadvantageous only serves to deepen the indigna In November 1947 the Kuomin to Chiang Kai-shek's reactionary tion and hatred of the people and tang government declared the — Interview with Prof. Wen Jiasi rule. They concerned peace and cause the democratic movement to- China Democratic League illegal. national reconstruction, govern grow because of broader support ment organization, calling a na and sympathy among the masses.'" The plenary session of the league's WEI XIUTANG central committee early in 1948 tional assembly and military Within a few days a movement had to be held in Hongkong. That affairs. of protest at the secret agents' meeting declared its support for On February 1 a big meeting of atrocities had spread through the After the Fourth National fight Chiang Kai-shek's planned the Chinese Communist Party and Chongqing people was held to whole Kuomintang-controUed area. Congress of the China Demo capitulation to the Japanese in the overthrow of the Kuomintang celebrate the success of the Politi cratic League in October 1979 I vaders. These groups soon came Thus the China Derhocratic League reactionary rule. It supported the cal Consultative Conference. Guo- visited Professor Wen Jia,M, a together in the China Democratic Wen Jiasi Huo Jtanying became a thorn in the side of the call of the Communist Party in standing committee member of its League, with headquarters in Moruo, who had presided over the reactionaries and a close ally of the May 1948 to hold a new-political central committee, and Acting Chongqing, the Kuomintang gov meeting, and Li Gongpu, an Communist Party. consultative conference and to set Chairman of its Beijing Municipal ernment's wartime capital in the of Southwest Associated Univer executive member of the China "Wen Yiduo, Wu Han and many up a democratic coalition govern Committee. Prof. Wen is a na southwest. It represented the sity, combining Beijing, Nankai Democratic League's Central Com other professors in the democratic ment, and attended the preparatory tionally famous specialist in political demands of the national and Qinghua universities, which mittee were wounded by Kuomin league attracted to it highly- meeting for the conference in June French literature who has trans had moved there from north bourgeoisie and upper strata of the tang thugs. Hearing of it, Zhou qualified intellectuals in the cul 1949. In September it took part lated books by Stendhal, Hugo petty bourgeoisie. Its members China. The Kunming group, the Enlai sent his car to rush them to tural, educational and scientific in the conference itself, and the and others and written many first of those which later be were very active in the anti-Japa hospital and later went to see fields. It gradually became a dem founding of the People's Republic himself, He talked about the nese democratic movement. came part of the democratic league, them. ocratic party composed of intel of China and the Central People's contribution that members of Prof. Wen Jiasi recalled how he_ was an important force in the lectuals," Wen Jiasi observed. Government. Zhang Lan, Chair his party, which embraces main himself had come to join its ac democratic movement. Heads of When the universities had moved man of the China Democratic ly middle and higher intellec tivities. "I was then a young pro it were all famous personages IN June 1946 the Kuomintang began the civil war. The dem back to Beiping, the league shifted League was elected a Vice-Chair- tuals, can make in the drive for fessor only recently returned from in Kunming and the university, ocratic league opposed it re its headquarters there also. It held man of the Central People's modernization and reminisced studies in France, with no interest among them Chu Tunan, Li Gong- Government. about its early days and his brother in politics. My brother Wen Yiduo pu, Pan Guangdan, Wen- Yiduo, solutely. Its Kunming branch forums, issued publications, work Prof. Wen Yiduo, who was assas persuaded me to read Edgar Snow's Fei Xiaotong ^nd the historian launched a campaign for 10,000 ed closely with the Communist sinated by Kuomintang secret Red Star Over ChiTia. From it I Wu Han, who was one of Wen signatures for peace. The demo Party underground and provided TALKING' about the role of the agents in 1946 for his activities in learned for the first time the real Jiasi's sponsors. cratic league became the object of cover for Communists who were China Democratic League in the the league's struggle for a demo situation in the liberated areas "My brother was not one to stay abuse, slanders and threats from playing a leading role in the new China, Prof. Wen observed cratic China. under Communist Party leader in his study. He got out and act the Kuomintang, but it did not student movement in Beiping and that its activities in the 17 years The China Democratic League ship. Under my brother's influence ed," said Prof. Wen Jiasi. In 1945, give in. The reactionaries finally Tianjin. On the eve of liberation before the cultural revolution re traces its roots back to 1941 when I gradually came to understand just after the victory over Japan, struck a vicious blow by sending they did much to explain the volved around helping to build the a number of democratic groups that the cause of liberation was the reactionaries in the Kuomin their secret agents to shoot down revolutionary situation and the people's democratic power as a wer6 formed in various cities to the only hope for China." tang made preparations for at Li Gongpu in a Kunming street on policies of the Communist Party part of the revolutionary united He joined the democratic league tacking the 'liberated areas and July 11. At the memorial service among the intellectuals, urging front led by the Communist Party. WEI XIUTANG is a staff reporter for in 1944 in Kunming, Yunnan prov launching civil war. On December for him on July 15, Wen Yiduo them to remain in feeiping to wel Many of its members worked in China Reconstructs. ince. Kunming was wartime site I that year,, students at South scathingly denounced the secret come the liberation. leading government units at

CHINA FEBRUARY 19B0 league's life force is returning and it has made new achievements." ti I* Some of its members have distin-' guished themselves for outstanding contributions. A number have been The Democratic Parties cited as outstanding or model teachers, and many have been commended as advanced workers. Most of the eight democratic parties in China own living. So today the federation has become an Its members continue to be an im were born during resistance to Japanese ag organization of socialist workers and patriots who portant force in culture, education gression (1937-45) and in the struggle afterward to formerly were capitalists. It has played an im and science. Its 400 delegates to build a democratic China, Their members came portant role in helping its members understand its recent congress included 68 col mainly from among the national bourgeoisie, the the policies of the Communist Party in this respect," lege presidents, 108 professors and upper strata of urban petty bourgeoisie, intellec reflecting their opinions and helping them to re mold their thinking. 15 heads of research institutes. tuals of these groups and other patriotic people. After the founding of the People's Republic of What about the character and China in 1949 the eight parties pledged to work China Association for Promoting Democracy: function of the democratic league for socialism under the leadership of the Chinese Founded in December 1945 by Shanghai intellec in the present historical period, I Communist Party. tuals in culture and education engaged in the post asked. Prof. Wen replied, "The In the last 30 years the system of exploitation war democratic movement. Its convention called China Democratic League is a part has been abolished in China, the capitalists have on its members, who are mairdy among primary of China's pa'triotic revolutionary ceased to exist as a class, thus the social base of and middle school teachers and people in publish united front. It is a political union these parties has undergone a fundamental change. ing, to improve the quality of teaching and teach ing methods and help upgrade China's culture and of intellectuals, especially middle As a result the nature of the democratic parties i" w and higher intellectuals in the cul has also changed. They have become political Wu Has (first left) and Soong Cblng Ling (center) together with children in 1963. tural, educational and scientific unions of people working for socialism and patriots Wu Htioxue who support socialism. Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic fields, working for socialism, and Party: Today its members are mainly in medical patriots who support socialism. Its Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuo- and health work. It was founded in 1927 as the various levels. Wu Han served as the Central Committee of the task is t'o unite all the above- mintang: Formed in January 1948 at a meeting China Revolutionary Party, later.changed to the Vice-Mayor of Beijing. The demo China Democratic League died mentioned that can be united and in Hongkong bringing together several smaller Provisional Action Committee of the Kuomintang. cratic league did a lot to educate while imprisoned. Prof. Wen Jiasi to keep contact with compatriots groups which had' fought for democracy within The present name was adopted in February 1947. its members to cany out the policy mentioned that because Premier in Taiwan, Hongkong and Macao the Kuomintang Party. Today its main following China Zhi Gong Dang (Public Interest Party): of "let a hundred flowers blossom Zhou did all he could to protect and patriotic overseas Chinese in is among people with historical roots In the and a hundred schools of.thought him, he himself had suffered very Kuomintang. Came into being as a result of the reorganization tellectuals for the purpose of in 1925 of the Hung Men Chih Kung Tong, one of contend." Its members contributed little compared to the others. working for the goal of reunifica the many secret societies dating from the time of much to China's culture, education China Democratic League; Originated in 1941 "Gao Chongmin "and Wu Han tion of our motherland and build as the League of Democratic Political Groups the Taiping Revolution (1851-64). Its members and science. were my old friends, I feel very sad ing China into a strong' modern and reorganized into the present League in Septem were Chinese living overseas, and today those who During the cultural revolution whenever I speak of their death," socialist country." ber 1944. Its membership,today is mainly intellec have returned from overseas and people connected the democratic league was unable said Prof. Wen Jiasi. "Now they At present it is preparing to tuals in the cultural and educational fields. with them are its main sphere of activity. to carry on its work due to perse have been cleared and their good enrol new members, call local cution by Lin Biao and the gang names have been restored. This branch congresses and strengthen China Democratic National Construction As Jiu San (September 3) Society: Founded by sociation: Formally set up in 1945 by patriotic intellectuals in culture, education and science in of four, and even its office was amounts to rehabilitation of the leadership at all levels. The league taken over. Documents and files China Democratic League and its industrialists and businessmen and intellectuals Chongqing in 1944 as the Democracy and Science has a role to play and Prof. Wen connected with them who during the later years Forum. Changing to the present name on Septem were looted and the staff was intellectuals." Jiasi expressed confidence that it of the war with Japan had been holding dinners ber 3, 1945 in commemoration of the victory over forced to go to work in the coun In the winter of 1977 the leaders would be able to fulfil it well. and meetings in Chongqing to discuss current Japanese aggression, it continued to work for tryside. The league was called a of the Central Committee of the Along with his political activity, he events and matters relating to their opposition to democracy'in the postwar period. Its convention reactionary party, a "den of mon Chinese Communist Party affirmed observed, he would continue his Chiang Kai-shek's policies. Its membership over called on its members, mainly scientists and techni sters," and many of its members the historical contribution made by research in French literature. He laps with and its activities are closely associated cal people, to train more such personnel for China's wrere falsely accused of being spies, the democratic parties. After sur is revising his translation of The with those of the All-China Federation of Industry modernization. counter-revolutionaries or reaction veying the needs of the country, Red and the Black and plans to and Commerce, a people's organization of national Taiwan Democratic Self-Govemment League: ary academic authorities. A the democratic league made a republish the translation he made capitalists founded in October 1953. Today, with the socialist transformation of capitalist-owned Founded in November 1947, it has members mainly nufnber of them died as a result study of problems involved in long ago of . the collected poems of of such persecution and their industry and commerce completed, capitalists no among patriotic and democratic people on the shifting the main task to moderni Victor Hugo. He is compQing longer exist as a class. Most of the individuals mainland who come from Taiwan and are dedi families and friends faced seeming zation. "One could say that the items about French literature for who have the ability are working, earning their cated to its reunification with the motherland. ly endless trouble. Wu Han and wounds have healed," said Prof. an encyclopedia and writing Gao Chongmin. vice-chairmen of Wen Jiasi. "The democratic several research papers. q CHINA reconstructs FEBRUARY 1980 t Industry Exhibition

QIU JIAN

^ HINA'S biggest-ever national up many light industrial plants ^ exhibition of light industry throughout the country according m .1 MP •J- products held last September and to nearness to raw materials, fuel, October provided an initial review power, transportation and the of achievements since the readjust local market. In Inner Mongolia ment in economic planning. More and Heilongjiang, for instance, the stress is being laid on light in main sugarbeet growing areas, dustry, both to provide a better sugar refineries were set up. To standard of living for the people, Tibet, where modern industry was and as a quick way of accumulat unknown, came woolen mills, sugar ing capital needed for moderniza refineries, paper mills and match tion in all fields. and leather goods factories. Goods One of the exhibition balls. Bai Lianstio One striking feature of the ex from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous hibition was the great number of Region on display at the exhibition value of light industrial produc computer cards and sewing paid workers. Though the margin products from parts of the coimtry included many fine quality and tion was 17 times that in 1949. In machines that can do embroidery of profit per item is, small, the where they had not previously colorful products, such as lambskin 1978 one-sixth of China's total and buttonholing, now being made factory has kept on making them been made. One of the purposes coats, woolen blankets, carpets, national revenue,. or 18 billion available for public sale. for a dozen years. The Hongmei of the exhibition was to let pro sweaters, leather goods, 'porcelain yuan, was' from profit and taxes The exhibition revealed wider (Red Plum) camera made in Jiang ducers see what is being done in and articles for the use of minority paid by light industrial concerns. production of large household ap su, which is extremely simple but other provinces and cities in order peoples. Now as many as 800 kinds China's light industry products pliances such as refrigerators, va takes good pictures and sells for to stimulate more local production. .of goods are made there. Its beau are sold in over 150 countries and cuum cleaners and electric fans, 39 yuan, was a favorite. Also pop Those from far places included tifully-patterned blankets sold to regions. More than 700 kinds of, and, for the first time, home ular was its new three-watt light woolen blankets, sweaters, buyers from 28 countries at the goods are exported, compared with washing machines. But encourag bulb and plastic urnbrellas from porcelain and various kinds of Guangzhou commodity fair. 50 in 1953. They make up a quarter ed were low-priced easy-to-make foods from Ningxia, Qinghai, the province's Nantong prefecture Other parts of the country, too, of China's total value of exports. products suited to most families' which are light and durable, and Gansu and Xinjiang, and leather are striving to produce things The amount of foreign exchange present purchasing power, that do not get stiff in winter nor stick ff*>J lfZZ> shoes, canned foods and enamel- they never made before. At pres from such experts, much needed to sell at low profit but bring in re together in summer. ware from Inner Mongolia. ent the government is adopting buy items for China's moderniza turns through great volume of Before liberation "in 1949, 70 The province's two major cities, measures to encourage develop tion, has gone up by an average of percent of China's light industry sales. Wuxi and Suzhou, produce models ment of light industry. 16.2 percent per year. was in Shanghai, Tianjin, Guang Jiangsu province has been out of bicycles to suit different needs. Nationwide production of light standing in this respect. At the There is a folding type with a 16- h.-. i ^ 4 zhou and a few other coastal cities. New Products industrial goods has been a factor exhibition people flocked, to its inch wheel which is convenient for Since liberation both the central in the average annual.increase of New products at the exhibition watch counter to buy Zhohgshan storage in city apartments, and a government and localities have set 25 percent for bicycles, 64 percent included bicycles with from three watches made in its capital Nan sturdy 28-inch model suitable for QID JIAN is a stall reporter lor Cblna for watches and 18 percent for to seven speeds, digital calendar jing. At 30 yuan they are within the countryside capable of carry Recoaatructs. sewing machines. The 1978 total quartz watches, locks that open to the purchasing range of lower- ing a load of 200 kilograms. There is a small type with a 20-inch wheel with a basket in which young mothers can carry baby' to the nursery. 1 Better Quality On display in the main hall were 45 products that have won national :-V- gold or silver medals for quality. 1^ I' ^ Among them were the world- untl famous Maotai spirits, crockery

IMm 11 1 a/'5XX^AA« X A .", • from the famous porcelain center from Shandong had long been Shanghai had put out new items Night View of the Yanzhou Coal Base Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province, - favorite items. before, but for a long time they ... '.'A. - lace from Xiaoshan in Zhe- were only samples that people jiang province, carpets from New Varieties could look at in the show window but were unavailable to be bought. the city of Tiaojin, Temple of Shanghai has always been a Heaven shirts made in Beijing and leader for quality, but the workers In 1979 the Shanghai Bureau of I•% Light Industry decided to put out Red Double Happiness ping-pong feel this is not enough: new items in quantity some of these items: balls from Shanghai. Some, like and styles must be introduced. A 200,000 each' of women's wrist Wuliangye spirits from Sichuan current slogan calls for new styles • • r'i watches (not generally availa province, Shanghai's Big Rabbit or models in one thii'd of the prod ble before in China), calendar sweets, Zhang Xiaoquan brand ucts each year. In the p^t six v/a' • watches, small-wheeled bicycles, . •• scissors from Hangzhou in Zhe- months 6,600 new varieties have atmospheric pressure thermos jiang and Polaris brand desk clocks been produced. bottles that pour through a spout •Jt • and JB 8-2 sewing machines. r » - • « t The women's watches had been II 31 I } II • f-m mm-., r ql f Wool produced in Ibe Nlngxia Hul Autonomous Reglan Is now made Into blankets successfully trial-produced a dozen at its Tinchuan Woolen Mill. Hu Xianguo years ago but were never produced i>: .. I in large quantities. One produc L' -f! « I- ' }j « tion line built last year can make 1!!! 50,000 annually, five times more than ever before. This general trend has resulted in production of over 100 types of new products and urgently-needed goods in lj ^ Shanghai. In the same spirit, in Heilong- jianc province, a big producer of powdered milk, several new varieties are now available. They include a high-calcium type for in fants and young children, and a low-fat one •with added vegetable oil -and linoleic acid for elderly people with high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. In stant-dissolving milk powder and quick-soluble powdered bean milk from many more places were also featured at.the exhibition.. In less than a year since the Buying Zhongstaan watches. Liu Wenmin economic readjustment altogether 3,000 new products and 40,000 varieties and styles have been trial-produced in the country as a whole. But products still cannot meet demand. Quite a few things were available for sale at the ex hibition, but people had to stand in line at 3 a.m. to buy inexpen sive, good-looking furniture made in Heilongjiang, Sales of bicycles and sewing machines were limited to those who had been issued tickets for them from their places of work. The famous spirits and wines weresold out as soon as they were put' on sale. The demand is there, and now it is able to serve as a stimulus to production. q The NanluD mine at'night. Tunneling. •

CHINA RECONSTRtcYs Modern ChiQa^made coal cutter.

Technicians at work on a control device.

1

T

Underground transportation Unes o{ (be Nantun mine. Photos by Xie Jun Huge Yanzhou

i Coal Base f in Shandong

JIN RUOWEN

Xinglong mine under construction. Li Longming

ONE OF THE largest coal ing 12 counties. There are 18 to ing freezer liquid into the holes reserves in the world has been 25 coal seams. Most of it is fat and circulating it. This created a mapped out in southwestern coal or gas coal with low sulphur frozen wall which kept the Shandong province on the east content good for coking and power quicksand outside. In building China plain. Small amounts of plants. one pit that now produces three coal had been known here for Before liberation the existence of million tons a year, this method centuries, but new 'fields were this underground treasure was took only five months to penetrate Construction crew learns latest methods in night classes. found in 1958 and only in the 60s unsuspected. A few mines around 200 meters of quicksand. While improving their freezing did geologists realize how vast the the edges of the field put out about A basketball match between the miners. method the workers and engineers reserves are. 100,000 tons a year. Between 1963 Today the Yanzhou mines are adopted innovations and new and 1965 geologists located a techniques to keep the frozen wall one of China's eight major coal major field under commune land bases. Three mines are operating in place during digging. Thus the and in 1966 work was started on and four huge ones are under shaft was dug at a rate of 167.5 the first new mine. Large-scale construction round the clock with meters in a month, exploitation began only after the 20,000 workers. At the same time, In building the pithead frame, collapse of the gang of four in machine shops and coal-dressing the workers boldly made use of plants are going up, as well as 1976. hydraulic pressure, laser and other apartments, hospitals, schools and new technologies, completing it in Modern Construction stores for the miners. only 27 days. This is much shorter The base is linked with the Both the scale of construction than the five months needed with Beijing-Shanghai railway and the and the technology used are new the old method. Grand Canal to provide coal to in China. Eighty percent of the New Design industries in Jiangsu province, shafts being opened will produce Shanghai and Wuhan on the from 1.5 to 4 million tons an The Yanzhou Institute of Coal Changjiang (Yangtze) River, and to nually. Some of the equipment is Mining designed the new mines. Shijiusuo on the coast of Huanghai imported and Chinese equipment The 3,000,000 tons-per-year Bao- Sea where a new port will be built used is of world standard. dian mine is a very large one with for coal export. The new base Construction ran into difficult four extraction areas and ten coal will be important in China's problems. The alluvial soil con faces, four of which use foreign modernization. tained layers of quicksand, sand multi-purpose coal-extracting ma and gravel. Workers and engineers chines. China does not have many Large Reserves used a freezing method — drilling such large mines. In addition to The Yanzhou field covers an area holes 300 to 400 meters deep in a lacking experience, the engineers of 3,700 square kilometers embrac- circle around the site, then pump- also had to get rid of old concepts.

FEBRUARY 1980 17 J t k 4 » t r 4 < * 4 < « • m * '

n To prepare for it, a group of 25 »1^1 technical people from the institute went to the Nantun mine, a 1,500,000 tons-per-year producer with nearly the same geological features as the Baodian mine and worked side by side with the miners. The group, studied the New Start for Literature and Art miners' experience and suggestions for the layout" of tunnels and shafts. They combined this with Yang, Honorary President and President of the All- foreign experience and their design While the Fourth National Congress of Writers and Artists was meeting from October 30 to Novem China Federation of Literary and Art Circles. Here was a breakthrough in mine con ber 16, 1979, China Reconstructs reporters talked with are two more, with the well-known playwrights Xia struction. It also decreased labor four major leaders in the cultural field — Mao Dun, Yan and Yang Hansheng, both federation vice- intensity and improved working Zhou Yang, Xia Yan and Yang Hansheng — on the presidents. conditions and safety. present situation and problems. In our January is Texts were compiled by our staff reporter Bao sue we printed interviews with Mao Dun and Zhou Wenqing. The Great Battle Liang Jihai, deputy director of the Yanzhou coal field, has worked Shanghai, Guangzhou (Canton) and more than 20 years in coal mine Guilin, and was an editor for the construction. "As China is a Hongkong paper Hua Shang Bao ComiDg off shift. Xie Jun developing country our financial XIA YAN— and the Chongqing (Chungking) and material resources and New China Daily. He also did

Conveyor belts in Naniun mine. Xie Jun ^technical personnel are limited," he united front work. said. "To do more — and do it After China's liberation in 1949 faster, better and more economi Difficulties and Prospects he worked for a time in the cally — we have to concentrate our Ministry of External Affairs. Be resources and manpower in a well- tween 1954 and 1965 he held the position of Vice-Minister of Cul organized "mass campaign' on plays, film scenarios, novels and needed projects." ture and for ten years was in miscellaneous articles. charge of the film industry and Xinglong mine at Yanzhou is an Xia Yan is now 80 years old and cultural relations with foreign example of how this concentration his wide knowledge and experience f •• works. It is being built to supply countries. Cruelly persecuted by of life comes from having, as he Lin Biao and the gang of four 3,000,000 tons of coal a year to the puts it, been a jack-of-all-trades. during the cultural revolution, he new Baoshan Iron and Steel In 1924, when the Kuomintang and spent eight and a half years in Complex still being constructed in Communist Party were still co prison. Today he is Vice-President Shanghai. The mine work operating to fight the imperialist- of the Chinese People's Association included shafts, 51 kilometers of backed warlords, Xia Yan was in for Friendship with Foreign Coun tunnels, surface buildings with charge of organizational work in tries, advisor to the Ministry of 180,000 square meters of floor WHEN people talk about the the Japanese general branch of the Culture and Vice-President of the space, and installation of 14,400 best of Chinese literature, Kuomintang's department of over All-China Federation of Literary machines and other equipment. they are certain to mention Xia seas affairs. After the defeat of the and Art Circles. Over 8,000 workers, technicians Yan's "Bond Labor," a reportage Great Revolution in 1927, he par In the years he spent in jail, his and large numbers of construction published more than 40 years ago ticipated in the workers' movement leg was fractured and his eyesight . machines and equipment were about the life of Chinese workers and later became a teacher and was impaired. Although his leg concentrated. during the 30s. This article can be translator. He took part in the cul injury has since healed, one leg is The work at all levels was said to have ushered in a new era tural movement between 1929 and still shorter than the other. We closely coordinated and carried out had our interview with him in a for this type of writing in China, 1930, organizing a drama troupe simultaneously. While tunneling Beijing hospital. Xia Yan was and is listed as required reading in and publishing journals. Around machines were digging away 400 sitting in an armchair when we m. deep underground, workers literature courses in Chinese 1932 he went into the film industry schools. Its vivid and penetrating walked into his room, and it was were busy on the surface and high and worked there until 1937, when distressing to see him struggle to descriptions are based on a in the air. All sections worked in the war against Japanese aggres his feet with the aid of a walking- a spirit of socialist cooperation. thorough understanding of the sion started. Acting as a corre stick. But this old revolutionary The mine was completed 23 days workers' lives gained through spondent, he ran a newspaper waved aside our expressions of ahead of schedule in the first half carefid study and investigation. called the Jiuwang (Save the Na sympathy and launched into an of last year. • Xia Yan has also written many tion from Extinction) Daily in animated conversation with us.

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRUARY 1980 30 years, we hadn't produced a level, he said, not just a little; and tion and later became a tyrant: WE remarked on the fact that Oh, Starlight! and The Unveiling there is an argument about it, be Lu.Xun or a Guo Moruo, I told of the entire Chinese nation, in How should he be evaluated? He of all the mass organizations are both exposes of the gang of cause it isn't written in a very him that today's 50-year-old writ cluding the national minorities, the had his mistakes and his merits. He in China — the trade unions, youth, four. All these were written by popular style. ers had spent their youth in war peasants and the workers. China is, beheaded the king and created a women's and cultural organizations young people. There are also works "Things are better in fine arts. fare and revolution and didn't have after all, an ancient civilization, breach for the bourgeois demo — the All-China Federation of by older authors, such as Cao Yu's Traditional painting has made ad a chance to acquire a good literary but in actual fact there are a lot cratic revolution in England. So Literary and Art Circles was the Wang Zhaojun and Chen Baichen's vances, and the artists are painting basis. of aspects about this country that one shouldn't be in any hurry to last to hold a national forum after Hurricane Song. There is debate with great determination now, and "As for today's young people, are still uncivilized. It'll take some talk about merits and mistakes; the downfall of the gang of four, and some difference of opinion they put on more exhibitions in ten years of disasters under Lin time before China produces an one should wait for a while. On "There were problems," replied about these plays, but, in any case,- 1978 than any other artists. Biao and the gang of four and the other Lu Xun, Mao Dun or Ba the whole, it's good to write about Xia Yan. "But not in literary and they have been written, and by au "A Japanese friend asked me If many complex and acute problems Jin." matters of significance in daily life art circles. For a year •after the thors in their sixties and things had really begun to pick up they've witnessed have made them smashing of the gang, the new seventies. ,. ." and personal experience. What's in literature and art in the three a serious-minded generation, and leader in charge of the Ministry of "The film industry hasn't done Asked for his views about the important, though, is how the years since the downfall of the that's very much to their advan Culture held the lid down on so well," he continued, "but 12 many "taboos" which for a themes are treated and the writer's gang. I said yes, but not too ob tage. But these" ten years also de things. Only a pretence was made feature films were released for the viously yet. One doesn't get re long time have shackled China's attitude toward them. prived many of them of a proper "These so-called 'taboos' are a of exposing and criticizing the 30th anniversary celebrations of sults in the arts as quickly as in, literature and art and the increas education, and some of them can't thorny problem. It's bad to set crimes of the gang while in reality new China on October 1, 1979, plus say, light industry. In industry one ing demand among writers to even read the classics or ancient them up, and just as bad if they're nothing was done. The ministry a number of animated cartoons, can import machinery, but one break these down, Xia Yan com poetry. What worries me, though, not broken down in the right way. only started moving a year later. documentaries and so forth. But mented; can't import foreign artists to' de is whether these young people are Some false charges and wrong ac things are improving and next "There shouldn't have been any There have been struggles over velop one's own culture! It's lik'e a willing to make the effort. One such things in China. For a long cusations were reversed and an year's ones will probably be much taboos in the first place, because man who's been ill for ten years finds many good ones among them, expose-and-criticlze campaign be better. What is most cheering is literature and art are supposed, to time Chinese films didn't describe more, in fact, because some people but there are some who become gun in literary and art circles. the debut of a number of young reflect life. They should portray love. It was acceptable in films haven't been able to write since arrogant or self-satisfied after a with ancient themes — Liang Today their situation can be de film directors. Little Flower, for 1957, which makes it 20 years everything, whether it is beautiful small success, or ugly, right or wrong. Literature Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai and The scribed by the old adage 'promis instance, a feature film by the Bei and you can't expect him to recover "In the old days we older writ and art should be like a mirror, Heavenly Maid and the Mortal ing prospects and a parcel of jing Film Studio was directed by in just one year. It will probably ers did get some basic training — unless, of course, the writer him were excellent films based on an problems'." some young graduates of the Bei take between three to, five years. in primary and middle school, in self doesn't v;ant to write about cient love stories — but not in films On the uneven development of jing Film Academy. But I feel there's hope." college and during the May Fourth certain things, which is another with modern themes. Take the film literature, drama, music and fine "The situation in music is still Movement, After the May Fourth matter. The Young People of Our Village arts, Xia Yan remarked: poor. I mentioned to those in the Then xia Yan dwelt on the Movement, we stopped reading old "Some people may try to place a for instance. The propaganda de "The quickest cultural form to music association that for each current state of Chinese writ Chinese books. The slogan then taboo on this or that subject, but the partments concerned at first re react after the fall of the gang period we used to have some good ers, saying; was to throw Chinese thread- time will come when someone will fused to pass it, and it took a were cartoons and crosstalks. Next songs, which everybody knew how "Normally a writer is at his best bound books into the latrine. My write about it anyway. Evaluating mighty big tussle to get it shown came short stories, with the ap to sing. There was 'My Home Is and most prolific in his fifties. generation doesn't measure up to personages in history is one exam to the public. pearance of Class Teacher, The dn the Songhua River' and 'March Today's 50-year-old authors were people Like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo ple. Qin Shi Huang* died 2,000 "This taboo has already been Wound and A Place for Love. After of the Swords' in the 30s during only 20 at the time of liberation. and Ye Shengtao, and the younger years ago, but people today are still broken down. But overdo it, and that came drama. Several of the the anti-Japanese war. Nie Er's How did they spend those first 20 generation even less so. Their discussing his achievements and the public will object." From 'March of the Volunteers' became range of knowledge is too limited, plays which have appeared are years? There were ten years of errors. It's the same in Europe. there, he went on to say that some quite good, emancipate and politi- China's national aqthem, and He so we want our young writers to negative subjects were unsuitable civil war, followed by eight and a Oliver Cromwell was a fearful caUy daring. But they have some Luding's 'On the Taihang Moun get down to some serious reading half years of anti-Japanese war figure during the English revolu for films, as things seen in films artistic shortcomings. The play tains' was on everyone's lips. But and then three more years of the and hard study, were most easily imitated. The Future Calls, for instance, is there hasn't been a single song War of Liberation, .,. more than "Comrade Hua Guofeng said that quite bold, but, artistically speak we should raise the scientific and *The first emperor (259-210 B. C.) of rpURNING to democracy and after the downfall of the gang that 20 years of warfare, refugee life the Qin Dynasty under whose powerful I ing, the dialogue and construction the people like to sing. There is and enemy bombardment. A cultural level of the entire Chinese rule China for the first time became a legality in literature and art, are weak. The musicals StarlightI one called 'Drinking Song,' but foreigner once asked me why, after nation much higher. A much higher unified state. Xia Yan said:

Huang Zuolin (left), noted stage director, Director of the Shanghai People's Art Theater and VJcc-Prcsldent of the Chinese Dramatists' 'Association, talks with writers and directors from the amateur drama group at the Shanghai Workers' Cultural Palace. Wang Zijin Sangmu (right), a dancer from the Xigaze prefecture in Tibet, and singer Guan Juema (left) from Tibet's Ngari prefecture, both young delegates to the writers' and artists' congress. zhang Guiyu Two young opera actresses from the Beijing Opera Troupe of Tianjin present flowers and a scroll to Zhang Junolu, yice-President of the Chinese Dramatists' A.ssoclation as tbkens of the fact that they have become his apprentices. Song Youmin ' \ V. - Ainateur photographers Bao Nalyong (right) and Luo Xlao- yun. who used their cameras as a weapon against the gang k I of four during the 1976 commemoration for the late Premier •••••. in Wane Hui •r.;3

CHINA RECONSTRDCTS FEBRUARY 1980 wrote scripts for plays and films, "There's still no law for litera "Choice of themes should be disorder. "But my health has im literature. It is a body for profes "Our work is busier than before, among them The Three Com sionals with a voluntary member ture and art. Others have them; broad," he said. "And all themes, proved a lot since I've been getting because the demands on our writ panions, Troubled Skies over the there's even one for forestry. But large and small, are permissible. A treatment here," he assured us. ship, and as such it enjoys a certain ers and artists are greater. The "Its very quiet here, and I've plenty Frontier, The Beautiful North and independence. there's no law for publications, and writer's choice must be protected public wants more novels, poetry, everyone sticks his oar in. A mere of time to read scenarios and to Lights in Ten Thousand Homes, as "The federation and its asso by legal and democratic institu prose, operas, plays, films, dances, word from someone or other often think." But he still was quite busy. well as a good many medium- ciations are social organizations tions. 'Without political guarantees, music and art. The film industry, decides the fate of a play. A re People came to see him on the length and short stories." which conduct their activities on in particular, is often criticized, all this is meaningless." cent example is the debate in four afternoons a week the hospital At the outset of the cultural rev a social level and not by adminis and is under considerable pressure. Shanghai over Son of an Artillery Xia Yan had been in hospital for allowed visitors, and some of them olution, Zhou Yang, Xia Yan, Tian trative edict. For instance, they The federation and its associations, Commander. I hear that there was some time because of a stomach brought work along. • Han and he were accused by the organize debates, forums and as literary and art bodies, should considerable divergence of opinion gang of four of forming a "literary study meetings to promote the im over it. Some insisted it would take charge of organizing and poison people's minds. Then black gang" during the 30s against plementation of the 'hundred leading such work. We are respon someone up top said it seemed all Lu Xun, and on that charge were flowers and hundred schools' sible to the Party and the people, right to him, and that single pro imprisoned for many years. Tian policy. The Ministry of Culture is and if we fail in our work, there's nouncement was enough to lift the YANG HANSHENG— Han, the noted playwright, died in an administrative organ of the no way we can justify ourselves. ban and bring the play back onto prison on December 10, 1968, at the State Council. Of course, their "Our country is striving for so the stage. It should be the public age of 70. overall tasks are the same. These cialist modernization. How can who decides whether a book or Nine years of imprisonment im organizations and the ministry are literature and art promote this? play is good or bad, and not a few Rebirth of the All-China Federation paired Yang Hansheng's health, all led by the Communist Party The public demands that its cul individuals. A law on publications and he underwent a long period of and have common policies, tasks tural needs be satisfied, and if this and a copyright law should be drawn up as soon as possible.' Now of Literary and Art Circles hospitalization after his release. He and objectives." isn't done, what will we have con there isn't, and frequently what had just returned from his ccihva- Asked what the main task of the tributed to the four moderniza one man says goes. Interference lescence at the former imperial federation and its associations was, tions? We'll attend to this as soon sometimes reaches ridiculous pro summer resort near Chengde, He- he replied: "As a body concerned as the congress is over. It'll be a a pioneer of the modern drama and portions; even a surname given to bei province, when we visited him with artistic creation, it strives to big job, and we can't make empty film movement in China. He wrote a negative character in a plot can at his home. establish closer contact between promises." his first play in 1932, Sheet Iron be enough to get an author into its members and the public, pro and Red Tears, describing the trouble. He first talked about the All- mote literary and artistic creation, struggles against feudalism and Asked about the three previous "Controversy and debate should China Federation of Literary develop theories and unfold critic local tyrants by peasants in his writers' and artists' congresses, be allowed on questions of litera and Art Circles which had recently ism in literature and the arts and native Sichuan province. After the Yang Hansheng said, "The first ture and art. There should be de resumed its activities and the facilitate the exchange of ex founding of new China in 1949, he congress was held in Beijing in various associations of which it is perience among authors and artists. mocracy in these fields. Even if held leading posts in cultural July 1949, on the eve of liberation, wrong things are said, of there's circles and was appointed secretary composed. We asked him to tell If an author, for instance, has dif with literary and art workers from us something about the federation's really something wrong with a of the Party organization of the ficulty in familiarizing himself the liberated areas and from areas work of art, the matter should be Federation of Literary and Art present and past. with certain aspects of life about still occupied by the Kuomintang Yang Hansheng explained: "The dealt with, in the great majority of Circles, as well as secretary-general which he intends to write, we ar attending. The participants were such cases, by the people and Yang hansheng, now 77, is of the federation.' In 1953, and federation was set up in 1949, range for him to go to factories, to told about Chairman Mao's policy solved by debate and criticism, not vice-president of the All-China again in 1960, he was elected vice- exactly 30 years ago. It is made up the countryside or to military that literature and art should serve by methods used against our' Federation of Literary and Art president and also secretary- of nine associations, including those establishments where he can gather the workers, peasants and soldiers. enemies. Unless this problem is Circles, member of the standing general of the second and third for writers, dramatists, film work material and investigate. We also The second congress was held in handled properly, people, can't committee of the Chinese People's national congresses of writers and ers, artists,, musicians, dancers, organize political studies and 1953 and the third in 1960. Now help feeling apprehensive, and Political Consultative Conference, artists. Whenever he was free from folk artists and photographers as courses on theories of art and the fourth congress will sum up literature and art will not flourish," as wbll as a noted playwright and his heavy administrative duties, he well as one for researchers on folk literature for our members. both the positive and negative ex-

The three Wao brothers — Wan Laiminf (center). Wan Gu- chan (right) and Wan Chaochen — are well-known animated cartoon specialists. Wang Z$;tn

Jiang Kun (center), a young crosstalk artist with the Cen tral Broadcasting Cultural Troupe, has thrown aside taboos and written some excellent pieces after the downfall of the gang of four. Gu Dehua

Composer and conductress Wei Li (right) from Taiwan who is with the Railway Cultural and Art Troupe has written music for the films "Ah, Taiwan" and "Kinsmen." Gu Dehua

From right to left: Liu Xinwu, author of "The Class Teacher", popular science writer Liu Houyl and children's writer Fan Fajia meet young readers at a book fair at Bei jing's JIngahan Children's Palace. Gu Dehua

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRCART 1960 periences of the past 30 years in of four were still obstructing the three types of themes: modern literature and art, and discuss the development of literature and art ones, about China's socialist rev development of literary and artistic today, Yang Hansheng replied; olution and construction; those creation in China's new drive to "Ridding literary and art circles dealing with the old and new dem modernize, as well as the training of the gang's factionalist setup is ocratic revolutions between 1840 of a new generation of writers and easier than eradicating their perni and,1949; or historical ones. In the artists." cious ultra-Left influence on peo past several thousand years, China As part of their plans to usurp ple's minds. For instance, although produced many great scientists, Party leadership and seize power, most people thought quite highly writers, artists, statesmen and Yang Hansheng said, the gang of of the plays Loyal Hearts and military thinkers, who contributed a great deal to the creation of the four had completely disbanded the Where Silence Reigns, which ex- federation and its associations. As posed'some of the fascist outrages multi-national state of China. Though history provides a great sociation workers were evicted committed by the gang, some main variety of themes, we should en from the federation's premises; tained that these only emphasized courage authors to write more on some were driven out of Beijing, social evils, and labeled them modern ones. while others were imprisoned. 'wound-type' works. But it is, after "There is also a great deal of Since the fall of the gang the all, a question of one's understand work to be done on developing the federation had now been restored, ing. A writer in Guangdong who culture and art of our national and its staff reinstated. But owing recently wrote an article 'Litera minorities. Their literature exists to the lack'of buildings, they were ture and Art, Look Forward!" had chiefly in the form of folk litera forced to work in sheds and make been jailed for seven years by the ture. Research in this field also shift huts. Some lived in very gang. Although politically he'd cramped quarters, with three suffered heavily and we now have been persecuted by them, his think to start again from scratch. Re generations of one family squeezed ing on literature and art was still cently, we invited ballad singers into a single room. Some cadres under their influence!" worked in their offices by day and from nationalities all over the Yang Hansheng then mentioned country to Beijing to speed up the slept in them at night. The Party an article entitled " 'Lauding Vir work." and government were highly con tue' and 'Lacking Virtue' " publish Finally we inquired about his cerned about this situation' and ed not long ago in the magazine were taking measures to solve the present state of health and if he Hcbet Literature and Art. "The housing problem. Books' and ref was planning to write anything. He writer is only 29 years old and a erence materials were also missing answered: former Red Guard," he said. "And or incomplete. Of the original au "I suffered from several illnesses he was pretty deeply affected by Sportsup thors and artists, many were now while in prison between 1966 and the gang's ultra-Left thinking. But elderly or in poor health as a re 1975. It was sheer willpower that we shouldn't treat such people as sult of persecution they had suf kept me alive. For instance, a enemies. For them it's still a ques Skiing practice. fered under the gang, while others stroke paralyzed me on one side tion of understanding. The im and I eventually got better only had died. The federation's older portant thing is to help and re Thfe long period of cold in Jilin, a large city in northeast China, makes winter sparts cadres had been similarly affected because 1 massaged myself every educate them, We reasoned things an important part of life there. and the new ones were inexperi day. out with that young fellow in He- enced. • It would be some time "I composed classical-style poems bei province and helped him see Speed skating. before the latter could acquire while in prison. But since we where he was wrong. We dispelled enough practice and experience to weren't allowed paper or pencils I his doubts and fears and showed fully cope with the work. memorized them all — more than . him he had a promising future. The 100 of them. Now I'm writing them "But we all feel quite optimistic," young man was deeply moved. down. I'm also interested in all affirmed Yang Hansheng. "The Today he's studying hard. He now federation and its associations' types of themes for plays. I'd like admits he was deeply influenced publications are available again. to write something about Li Bai by the gang and that a lot of his And every association has a large and Du Fu, and also about some thinking was actually theirs. The force of amateurs. Many of the famous ancient scientists. But all recent popular plays were written people in charge of the Hebei Fed these will have to wait until I by amateurs assisted by older pro eration of Literary and Art Cir finish revising the film scenario fessionals. So there is a great deal cles feel that they, too, must bear Ode to the Guerillas of Southern of potential in these new forces." part of the blame in this matter." Jiangxi, which I began after I was He continued, "We now have many released from prison. It's in mem-' young writers and artists whose ON the question of current liter ory of Chen Yi, who spent three talents can be developed if we ary themes, Yang Hansheng years leading the guerillas fighting guide and help them. The future declared: "On this subject I agree in southern Jiangxi. I've also got •is bright." with Hu Yaobang (Head of Prop my work in the federation. And Asked whether the absurd cul aganda Department of the Party we have very, very much work to tural theories spread by the gang Cenjral Committee). He mentioned do." •

24 CHINA BECONSTRUcts believe that this victory is one for the entire Chinese people, both on the mainland and in Taiwan prov ince, because we all want the reunification of our motherland. In view of our common aspiration Olympic that there be only one China in the world, and taking into consid^a- tiori the reality of Taiwan province, the IOC approved that the com mittee based in Taiwan should re Plans main in the international com mittee as a local body of China under the name of the Chinese Taibei Olympic Committee. The emblem of the Chinese Olympic "We have long taken a keen Committee. interest in the sportsmen in Taiwan and placed great hopes in them. The International Olympic the 13th Winter Olympics in We invited Taiwan athletes to join Committee (IOC) confirmed on February to be held at Lake Hadd us in the Eighth Asian Games and November 26, 1979 the Nagoya in the United States, and go to again, in the Fourth National resolution tcrestore China's seat in Moscow in July to take part in the Games. We provided facilities for the Olympic movement. Thus end qualifying rounds and competitions their travel and guaranteed their ed the 21-year abnormal situation, of the 22nd Olympic Games in 15 freedom to come and go. Even in which China had no official re events, namely track and field, today, we still reserve places for lations with the IOC since 1958. - swimming, gymnastics, archery, them in our sports delegations. This significant change was met. shooting, weightlifting, basketball, "In the past, Taiwan athletes with vigorous approval from sports volleyball, football, handball, have done a great deal in devel circles the woi'ld over, for a large fencing, cycling, yachting, boating oping sports and have got good Hockey. gap in.the international sports field and wrestling. results. This is an asset to the had finally been filled. "When China was excluded from Chinese nation. Some of their ex Zhong Shitong, President of both the IOC, she launched a mass periences should be noted by main the, AU-China Sports Federation sports movement throughout the land athletes. We should learn and the Chinese Olympic Com country. As a result, the Chinese from each other and improve to mittee, when interviewed about people, formerly known as the gether. If the Taibei Olympic this event by a staff reporter of 'sick men of the East' are in much Committee should need any help China Reconstructs, said: better health today. Our athletes in their participation of the 22nd "The decision of the IOC has have improved national records in 'Olympic Games, we shall be glad made it possible for the People's all sports, broken world records to do whatever we can. That our Republic of China with her 900 180 times and won 30 champion Chinese athletes will be able to million people to rejoin the world ships in international competitions. stand side by side at the Olympic 4 sports family, and her sportsmen All this shows that they are gifted Games is an opportunity that we from both the mainland and Tai and promising although they are greatly value." • wan province will be able to at still below, and in certain events tend the Olympic Games' side by very- much below, the high Zhong Shitong with Chinese gymnasts. side. This has long been the wish standards of other countries. To Photos by Feng Yiping and Li Kai of the Chinese people and is in the catch up will need enormous effort interest of the Olympic cause. It on their part in learning and shall also strengthen the unity and training. They have made con friendship among the athletes of siderable progress in the past, and different countries and promote there is great possibility that they the development of world sports. will do even better in the future, "The Chinese Olympic Com as the restoration of China's place mittee has always advocated in this 'united nations of sport' increasing cooperation and rein vnll create more chances for them forcing ties with the IOC and to learn from their counterparts sportsmen the world over on the from abroad. basis of mutual respect, China's "1 have been asked by friends sports delegation will take part in for my views on the relations be the speed skating, figure skating, tween the Chinese Olympic Com Fun for the small try too. skiing and biathlon competitions at mittee and Taiwan province. I Pkotos by Liu Enlai FEBRUARY mtm 27 China's Environmental Protection Law (Extracts) • China's environmental protection law is designed to guarantee a rational utilization ol natural resources in socialist modernization, to prevent environmental poUution and violation Protecting of ecologic balance, so as to create a clean liv ing and work environment for the people, pro tect their health and promote production. • Guiding principles for environmental the protection are a rational distribution of in dustries, comprehensive utilization of products and materials, changing of wastes into useful things and mobilizing and relying on the peo- Environment 'ple to control pollution. • When a project is built, enlarged or re constructed, measures protecting the environ ment must be designed, constructed and put QU GEPING into operation at the same time as the main body of the project, otherwise the project may not go into production. Those which are already causing pollution must take effective '!Ri measures to eliminate it within a specified time limit, or else stop production, switch to' making InvestigaiioD on vegetation leads scientists across a rattan other products or move away. bridge over (be Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. • Forest resources must be protected and developed and great efforts made to making xutai county in Shandong province plants trees along Us canals as soon as work the country green. Natural flora and fauna begins on them, so when a canal is completed the trees are already several meters must be protected, developed and rationally blgh. used. • Measures must be taken to control and eliminate factors that pollute cities, and in CHINA takes environmental pests. Insects like trichogramma, Eighty percent of China's dustrial and mining areas. These include waste protection seriously, for as a ladybirds and green lacewings kill population lives in the countryside gas, liquids and solids, 'dust, garbage, radioac socialist country her highest prin pests that harm grain, oil crops, where brush and other vegetation tive materials, noise, vibration and foul ciple is to safeguard and foster the cotton and trees. Microbes control is the traditional domestic fuel. smells. interests of the people. Some good the corn borer, pine moth and rice About 500 million tons a year of • Foreign travelers or foreign planes, ships, results have been achieved. plant skipper. Antibiotics are such fuel, the equivalent of 400 motor vehicles, materials, plants and animals One of the problems that arises employed to prevent rice sheath million tons of coal, is burned and that enter or pass through China are subject with widespread use of chemical and culm blight, rice blast, millet thus does not return to the soil as organic matter. In the past in to her environmental protection laws and insecticides is pollution of the soil, smut and apple rot. In rice- some, places indiscriminate tree- regulations. water and crops, which directly or growing areas ducks turned out felling for fuel aggravated soil • Units and persons who make outstand indirectly endangers the people's into the paddy fields to eat rice erosion and began to affect the ing contributions to environmental protection health. These insecticides also kill hoppers get rid of 70 to 80 percent are to be commended and rewarded'. Prod climate. many beneficial insects' and birds, of them. ucts made from waste are wholly or partially thus reducing natural preventives Such measures are being widely exempt from taxation. Profits of factories New Sources of Energy of plant diseases and insect pests. introduced throughout China. making these products are not handed over to China's agro-scientists sought to New sources of energy are being the state, but may be used for dealing with Figures for 1978 show that they cut down on these undesirable were used on 6,700,000 hectares of promoted in the countryside to pollution and bettering the environment. Units effects through using selective in protect the natural environment that cause pollution are subject to criticism, land, counter-insects on 2,070,000 secticides, mixtures and thinner and the ecological balance. Chief warnings or fines, or being closed down until ha. and antibiotics on 2,000,000 ha. solutions. When this did not fun ones are small hydropower stations against plant diseases and 1,800,000 corrective measures are taken. • Leaders of damentally solve the problem they and marsh gas. China has water units as well as individuals responsible for against pests. Ducks were used to turned to biological control. Some resources for small or medium- serious pollution that have led to loss of life kill hoppers on 670,000 ha. of paddy success has been gained in em sized hydropower stations capable or serious damage to agriculture, forests, ani fields. Biological control networks ploying beneficial insects and of producing a total of 150 millon mal husbandry, sideline occupations or fishing have been set up in many regions, pathogenic microbes to prevent kilowatts. A total of 88,000 such wjll be held to account both administratively as well as pest forecast stations and and control plant diseases and stations have been set up in three- and financially and may be punished by law. biological breeding farms, Millions fourths of China's 2,100 counties, Every citizen has the right to report and file of peasants are taking part in this QU GEPING is Vice-Chairman of the with an installed capacity of charges in court against violations of environ work and cooperating with the mental protection regulations. • Environmental Protection Office ander 5,300,000 kw. These now provide (he State Council. scientists on control. an inexpensive source of power

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRUARY 1980 f '• and lighting and will play a big terprises to cut pollution. They • suburbs, and when new ones are treatment and reprocessing it role in modernizing agriculture. include comprehensive utilization set up they are built some distance could be turned into something Marsh gas is also widely used. of raw materials and recycling of from the city. As an initial meas useful, it was valued at 19.5 billion Home garbage, night soil and toxic substances into some useful ure, those discharging gases must yuan. In some cities refuse like vegetation are fermented in sealed product. Gas from oil refining be placed downwind from the vegetable leaves and fruit peels is methane-generating pits, each of serves as raw material for cities and those expelling polluted taken to the suburbs for com which can serve one or several synthetic fibers and rubber, plas water must lead it away from posting as fertilizer. households. By 1978 China had tics and chemical fertilizer. rivers or lakes. 7,000,000 of them and they.had be Factory and .mine tailings, instead In the atmosphere of anarchism Saving a Lake come the main source of energy of being dumped and covering up fostered by Lin Biao and the gang for cooking and lighting in 21 cultivable land, are reprocessed to of four during the cultural revolu A general survey of river, lake counties. Altogether 35,000,000 yield valuable industrial chemicals tion such regulations were ignored and coastal pollution near cities has people throughout the country are and chemical fertilizer, "and made in many factories and mines. In been made in the past few years. cooking or lighting with methane. into cement bricks and refractory the past few years the authorities Cleaning up the Guanting reser Marsh gas does not pollute the materials. Several hundred prod have reviewed existing laws on en voir, Baiyangdian Lake, Jiyun environment and the residue after ucts are being recovered from vironmental protection, drafted Canal and the Ziba industrial fermentation is good organic ferti water expelled from chemical, some new ones and made efforts to district has been some of the lizer. In addition, fermentation in pharmaceutical and light industrial put them into effect. Unfortunate initial projects. the generating pits kills most Ya'er Lake in Hubei province on plants. ly, solving many of the problems ^ t / bacteria in the night soil as well Factories contributing to inner takes time and money, so solutions the middle reaches of the Chang- as eggs of parasites such as liver city pollution are moved to the can be reached only step by step. jiang (Yangtze) River is a shall'ow Starting from what is feasible in freshwater system consisting of 13 Zbu Zhenda (left), Vice-Director of the Desert Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussing the rational exploration and utilization the current period, in 1978 the state smaU lakes which used to teem of natural resources in dryland with Carlos Zamora Jimeno (center). Acting Qiu Sbibaag set'dates by which 167 industrial with fish, shrimp and lotus. Three Director of Peru's National Bureau of Evaluation of National Resources. (left), an enio- and mining enterprises with se chemical plants built around the mologlst and a re searcher at the rious pollution problems must lake caused serious pollution and Chinese Academy solve them or be closed down. were slowly poisoning'all life in of Agricultural Research is being done on control them. One of them, Yanjia Lake, Sciences, conduct ing experiments of city noise and air and water became a "death lake," Its water UN Mronnt Ittintks in using stink purification, and some measures instantly lethal to all marine life. flies to control have been taken. After the fall of the gang of four y aphids. Proper salvage of refuse, both a big army of government workers, from home and industry, also helps technical personnel and 20,000 in Qilnt keep the environment clean. rural commune members began a Between 1956 and 1977 the state battle to purify the lake. Over two Ll JINCHANG Part of the eaulp- mcnt for treating collected 89,000,000 tons of reusable years they built four sets of con waste water at the refuse, including leftover ma necting pools covering a total of Cangzhou Petro terials, discarded equipment,- glass, 200 hectares into which the chem- CHINA has been a member of Efforts by the government since chemical Works the Governing Council . of liberation in 1949 have brought it plastics, rubber, scrap metal, rags ical-laden water is drained and in Hebel province. United Nations Environment Pro under control in most regions and -Photos by Xinhua and paper. Because through purified through the use of algae. gram since its founding in 1973. eliminated it in some. Gradually Ya'er Lake has resumed its purity. Last year it yielded Visiting China in October, UNEP UNEP and a number of coxmtries fluke and hookworms, thus greatly 2,500 tons of fish, more than in any Executive Director Dr. Mostafa K. have sent investigation groups to Tolba told Vice-Premier Li Xian- study China's experience. Agree lowering the chance for spread of previous year. nian that many developing ments were reached for China to disease that exists with unferment- Many new measures are being countries hoped to learn from help them train technical people in ed night soil. utilized to prevent pollution or cut it down to a minimum. They in China's work in environmental schistosomiasis prevention and treatment and also send Chinese Curbihg Industrial Pollution clude the use of mercuryless in protection. specialists to their countries. After struments, electroplating without Since 1975 China has hosted and visiting China, Ms. Obeng, who is Pollution is in some measure cut cyanides, recycling of waste water exchanged experience with about by the - policy followed since from oil fields, ferment molting ten delegations sent through in charge of matters concerning water and soil under UNEP, wrote liberation of setting up new indus treatment for leather and paper UNEP, chiefly of representatives and spoke widely on China's tries throughout the country r'&m manufacture with ammonium from developing countries. instead of. being concentrated in" Schistosomiasis: UNEP has made achievements in controling schis nitrite. tosomiasis through mobilizing the the coastal cities as they were The Environmental Protection one of its targets eradication of hkl -.i' y people to exterminate snails, the before. The policy is also to build Law of the People's Republic of schistosomiasis, a common envi smaller, scattered industrial towns intermediate host for the parasite. China, issued by the Standing ronmentally-spread disease in Asia, Small Hydropower Stations: In to avoid concentration of popula Committee of the Fifth National Africa and Latin America and tion and the pollution that 1977 a UNEP delegation of spe People's Congress in September widely prevalent in old China. cialists and energy officials from a accompanies it. 1979, will give us a firmer ground dozen countries visited 50 of them Many measures are taken to for the continuing battle against U JINCHANG is an engineer who transform or renovate existing en works in the Environmental Protection of different types in the rural areas pollution. • Office under the State Council. of both north and south China. In

FEBRUARY 1880 many rural areas these are the ment problems today. Land in 64 Lanzhou in China's westerly prov IT WAS at harvest time last management have helped. For main source of power. countries is affected or threatened. ince of Gansu. UNEP has reached SeptemberSpntpmhisr that IT stayedstavpH at thethp example, a new irrigation channel, Marsh Gas: China's use of marsh A 1977 United Nations conference an agreement with China to Grape People's Commune, Turpan 2 kilometers long, greatly im gas as a means of cheap energy attended by 110 countries called for establish an international desert in the Xinjiang Uygur Autono proved the vineyards' irrigation. research and training center in mous Region for several days. The and good organic fertilizer has curbing the menace by the year Following the cart, I came to a China. grapes produced here are the most tall building, looking rather like attracted the attention of a number 2,000. In speaking with UNEP's Dr. famous in China. Thousands of of developing countries.. Last Au Deserts cover one-ninth of a beehive, on a high terrace. With Mostafa K. Tolba last October, clusters of grapes were hanging holes for ventilation, it was here gust UNEP held a training class in China's land, and before liberation Vice-Premier Li Xiannian said that from frames in the vineyards and that the grapes were hung and China for marsh gas specialists they were expanding. After the founding of the new China, the if China's experience could be of courtyards, their fragrance filling dried. In a drying room, clusters and rural energy development of use to the developing countries, she the air. Women from the No. 3 of grapes were hanging from racks ficials from 20 countries. It later government mobilized technical personnel and the masses to halt would share it with them without production team of the brigade suspended from the ceiling. Each decided to set up an international reservation. • were busy picking the grapes and of the six rooms could hold up to center in China for training marsh the spread of deserts. With com prehensive planning and using putting them into wicker baskets 15 tons of grapes. After 50 days, gas specialists for developing CORRECTION which could hold about four the grapes become raisins. Every different measures for different countries. The center will also do kilograms. Their nimble fingers four kilograms of grapes produced types of deserts, success has been In the January 1980 issue on Mohanmcl harvests grapes. research, the results of which will page 24, par. 1, line 10 and in the filled the baskets in no time. one kilogram of raisins. achieved in some places. be disseminated through UNEP. box on page 25, line 4, .first "Helimiham, hurry up and hand One evening I was invited by Deserts and Desertification: Exist In 1976 a UNEP delegation of evidence of the existence of the gluon was found not in 1978 but me an empty basket!" One Mohanmet, one of the team mem members from a dozen countries ing and newly-made deserts in the summer of 1979. shouted to the work-point re bers, to havp dinner in his home. cover 47,000,000 square kilometers, came to study China's work in In the bottom left picture on corder, who stamped each picker's The Grape His wife had prepared a pile of or almost a third of the earth's transforming deserts and building page 50 Tian Chongren is second left and Bishop Fu Tteshan Is on card as she filled a basket. One cakes and tasty dishes of mutton, land surface, making this one of shelter belts. In 1978 a training the left. hundred and forty baskets could eggplant and peas. We sat at a the world's most serious environ class was set up by UNEP in earn the picker 10 work points, Harvest low table and ate and drank tea. which was about 2,2 yuan, 40 cents Then Mohanmet plucked some Members of the UN desert study training class inspect the use of sand-fixing Photos by Xinhua more than the previous year. The bunches of grapes and washed plants at the Kubch desert in Inner Mongolia. harvest had increased from 4,820 PENG XIANCHU them. Since these were grown in tons in 1978 to 5,560 tons in 1979. his home, they were his. The Turpan basin,.at 154 meters "Where do you get your grain below sea level, is one of the and vegetables?" I asked him. lowest-lying areas in the world. "I've got a private plot, so I It is the hottest place in China, grow my vegetables there," said with the average summer tempera the old man. "The production ture reaching above 38°C. and team also grows some vegetables even 47''C. People say you can cook for the commxme. One can buy eggs on the hot sand under the vegetables at the village fair for blazing sun. It is here that you special occasions." The state pro will find the Flaming Mountain, vides 16 kilograms of grain per mentioned in the ancient Chinese person and some oil, which the A drying room where grapes become production team distributes ac classical novel Pilgrimage to the raisins. Photos by Peng Xianchu West. The basin's dry hot climate, cording to the needs of each family. Mohanmet's family, for fx' abundant sunshine and long frost- free periods are ideal for growing for raisins which are exported example, had got 56 kilograms of fruit. abroad. grain, which was more than As Helimiham was loading the enough for his wife, his daughter basket of grapes onto a donkey Vj^HY had 1979 been such a and himself.. . cart, a middle-aged woman, He- W»» bumperbumner harvest?harvp

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS PEBRUARE 1980. Dawang Peak.

Treasures and Wonders of Wuyi Mountain

XIA WEI

Characters at one of the hcnds announce that this is Nine-Twist Stream.

IN northern Fujian province The wealth of plants and animals country, can be seen here. Great along China's southeastern native to Wuyi Mountain makes too are the numbers of the snakes coast stands Wuyi Mountain, fa it a veritable museum of flora and — that of long-noded pit-vipers mous alike for its Rock Tea, its rich fauna. Hence the people's govern alone is placed at half a million. In flora and fauna and its sites of ment has designated 570 square the summer one can hear them ancient "boat burials." kilometers as a natural preserve. swishing through the mountain Let us begin with Wuyi's Rock grass. Tea. Best of the Oolong class, long A Natural Museum Frogs and toads of various drunk and appreciated around the species abound here. Common are world, it has a flavor all its own — Many types of broadleaf and conifer trees cover the slopes. Its Rana adenopleura, Rana Guentheri combining the sweet mellowness of boxwood is prized for woodcarv- and Rana limnocharis which greet the black teas with the delicate ing. Sarcandra and the Chinese the summer nights in mixed fragrance of the green. This it plumyew have medicinal value. chorus. owes to an exceptionally favorable Rare species include the long- The Chongan bearded toad combination of temperature, mois petaled beech, Chinese torreya and (Vibrissaphora liui) of the amphib ture, sunlight, soil fertility and cryptomeria. Gingko trees, some ian family is of particular inter altitude. The bushes are planted 700 centuries old, grow to heights est. Because its appearance and in fields strewn with pebbles on of 20 meters. living habits are strange, it is called terraces between cliffs and along Among the rare fauna are the "homed freak" by the local peo streams. tufted deer, clouded leopard (Neo- ple. The male has a pair of black Rock Tea has its sub-groups. A felis nebulosa) and large Indian cutin thorns as hard as those on a choice one is Dahongpao, or civet. More than 140 kinds of birds inhabit the mountain's forests. rose bush near the mouth. Its eyes "Scarlet Robe." It is grown on a Gorgeously feathered are the are peculiar. The upper half of small plot high on the mountain mandarin ducks and willow war the •sclera is yellowish-green and side, totally exposed to the mild blers (phylloscopus). Seldom-seen rays of the sun after dawn but the lower half bluish-purple while species are the red-bill robins and the vertical pupils dilate or shut shielded from the glare of noon. common quaker-warblers. A fork- down to slits like those of a cat. A natural spring moistens the soil tailed sunbird resembles the hum Its lips look like a beautiful red and nourishes the roots. ming birds of South America. Its circle. Its living habits are also Another famous variety is the plumage is jade-green except for different from that of ordinary Baijiguan, or "White Coxcomb." a brownish-red ring around the frogs. When other frogs start hiber It was of this tea that the Song neck. Living mainly on insects, it nation •it begins its mating and dynasty poet Fan Zhongyan wrote also sucks nectar from flowers with egg-laying period. Such a creature almost a thousand years ago: its long, pointed bill. Foreign scientists have termed can only be found in this area. Excelling all others is the this a key area for .studying the Some 50 years ago an American wondrous tea of Wuyi's amphibians and reptiles not only biologist found some tadpoles of streams, of China but of other parts of this species here. Last summer a Immortals planted it here in Asia. Over 50 species of snakes, team of Chinese scientists found times of yore. one third of all those found in the some tadpoles each with a gray

34 CHINA' RECONSTRUCTS Fruit Of the Chinese tor- reya —the inner nut is eaten.

The Chinese torreya (Torreya grandis), which grows in the Wuyi Mountain.

M

Nine-Twist Stream. Pholo^ b]i Liu C'lt;:

Right; The bearded toad (Vlbrls- saphora Uul) with four horns.

Tadpoles of the bearded toad. f The path lo the top of Tianyou Peak.

Y-shaped mark on its back and out of a single log, it had a plank The stream follows a narrow valley from the first to the fourth four small "horned freaks." as cover on top. Inside they found High up in the cracks of the a bamboo mat on which were twists. At the fifth the view wid ens. The cliffs on both sides lean mountain cliffs one sees wooden scattered human bones, a turtle- shaped wooden plate and pieces of apart as if to give it space. Here planks with wooden boats on top. rough cloth. Obviously it was a Zhu Xi had his villa built eight This was noticed here as long as centuries ago, lectured on philoso •Lv coffin. A preliminary estimate •eCi- 800 years ago by the Song dynasty V-: dated it as at least 2,000 years old. phy in his old age. The ruins neo-Confucian philosopher Zhu Xi still remain. (1130-1200) in one of his poems. Nine-Twist Stream After the liberation in 1949 a Naturally people may .ask why, stretch of new buildings were put how and when these boats were Nine-Twist Stream, the main up here — the Wuyi Sanitarium — placed on these precipitous cliffs. scenic attraction on the mountain, serving the people. Recently, to A fanciful explanation, in a legend, flows between reddish peaks and help accommodate an increasing goes like this. The mountain god overhanging cliffs of red sandstone number of tourists, a .hotel, a was giving a banquet. He set up weathered into unusual shapes. department store and a restaurant a rainbow bridge for the people to Some rise straight up as if having have been added. • been chopped by an ax. Some are come over. No sooner had the large on top but small at the bot guests walked off the bridge than tom. The stream meanders among Cingko trees 700 years old. it collapsed. The plariks flew'in all them over seven kilometers cutting directions and got stuck in the the area into two parts. It is an cracks on the cliffs. impressive spectacle to see a boat From the 14th to 17th century it sailing amid the cliffs; was thought by scholars that the The twists or bends are boats had belonged to a minority numbered from downstream up. At people. They conclude that in the first are two peaks, Manting ancient times the riverbeds in this and Dawang. Halfway up the first, area were very high and these peo its name is carved in two immense ple had lived on the cliffs, which Chinese characters covering 18 then formed the lands. When a square meters. Dawang Peak is chief died they put him in a boat 400 meters above sea level, big at which they hauled ashore. the top and slender in the middle. In recent years, Chinese The top is covered with ancient ^rcheologists have studied the trees and fallen leaves. On it one sites anew. In the autumn of 1978 has the feeling of standing on a scientific workers from the Fujian rock in the vast rolling sea. Museum and other xmits brought a Looking down, the stream appears boat down from the cliff. Carved as a narrow ribbon.

Ruins known as Wuyi Palace arc one of the places visitors like to explore. Photos by Liu Chen

FEBRUARY 1980 'I I 39 j.J. IN Shanghai and Beijing, Hamlet unfamiliar to Chinese theater point that the language barrier in was presented to packai houses goers. Of Hamlet alone, there had cultural exchange can in fact be for nine unforgettable perform been several productions, includ overcome. ances, the last of which was ing versions of it in the form of It was an unforgettable ex broadcast on the national television SicTiuan Opera and other indig perience for us. As we sat in our network, which in turn was enous performing media. That, cubicle, watching our "parts" viewed by tens of millions .of apart from Shakespeare's universal closely, getting "under their skin" people. Outstanding dramatists appeal, explains why the finer and saying their equivalent lines and theatrical artists from the two points' in the interpretation and in Chinese, we couldn't help cities attended the performances. presentation of Hamlet by the Old feeling ourselves -in total rapport with our counterparts. This may Discussions about the production Vic was fully understood and be the reason why it was so easy were held, press reviews appeared appreciated. in all the major newspapers, for us to make friends with each giving unanimous praise to Mr. other. And once this comradeship Toby Robertson's handling of both Four of my colleagues from was established, we soon found as the text and the mise-en-scene, the Beijing People's Art actors a great deal in common. We and to the superb and masterly Theater and I were assigned the shared the same aspirations and interpretation of Mr. Derek Jacob! task of giving live, simultaneous have similar worries where our A scene from "Hamlet" on Chinese stase by the Old Vic Company. and fellow actors and actresses. translation for the Old Vic produc creative work is concerned. During The Old Vic Company on its tion on each of the nine occasions. one of our chats backstage, - we part, I think, was mildly yet We started our work long before even discovered that we have the pleasantly surprised by their the company actually arrived, same nightmares — missing a cue, audiences' knowledge of and zest listening over and over again to a drying up on stage, wearing the Paving the Way for Deeper Understanding for Shakespeare. I remember how tape-recording of their perform wrong costume or the wrong wig impressed they were as we sat in ance and studying our, lines from and similar horrors. the plane from Shanghai to Beijing the acting version they sent us. The Old Vic Company left —Two Weeks with the Old Vic and I translated orally for Mr. Our aim was to provide a line to Beijing in mid-November 1979, Robertson an article welcoming the line interpretation through ear leaving behind memories of a Old Vic written by Cao Yu, a phones for those who wished it, splendid performance and a great YING RUOCHENG leading playwright in China and capture the spirit of the produc number of friends. As we said President of the Association of tion, but, at the same time, refrain goodbye at the airport amidst Theatrical Artists. In the article, from "stealing the show." Judging warm hugs and kisses, Mr. David Cao Yu gave a list of the transla by the result, I may say with some Russell, chairman of the company Old Vic Company, though hope for, with its original staging spoken drama should and could be tions, performances and adapta pride that we did our bit in board, put into words what was in ^ quite used to presenting and superb cast to do full justice exchanged, were quite uneasy tions of Shakespeare in China since helping the non-English-speaking the mind of many: "The visit of history on the stage, has found to the exuberance of Shakes when the curtain went up on' the the Jjeginning of this century. The members of the audience to the Old Vic has not only been itself making history with this peare's language. M a result, the first night, Members of the cast list was far from complete, but appreciate Shakespeare and the a success in itself; it has opened up tour." A hush fell on the gather audience turned out to be were, as one of the actors put it, still it was sure proof that this Old Vic, and, perhaps of greater vast possibilities in the future of ing at the welcoming banquet for responsive, appreciative and "in a cold sweat." literary giant was by no means significance, in demonstrating the Sino-British cultural exchange." • the Old Vic Company last autumn, enthusiastic. The spectacular success of the as Toby Robertson, director of the As the first performance of production, however, surpassed all company and the artistic director expectations. It is perhaps second A Chinese actor performs at a set-together to welcwic Singing "Auld Lang Syne" together. Hamlet in Shanghai drew nearer, . the Old Vic Company. Photas by Zhang Jingde of Hamlet, uttered these words, a nervous tension began to build nature to actors to be able to gauge for it was a sentiment shared by up both on the part of the Old Vic the reaction of their audience by all. and their hosts, the Performing certain indicators, such as the The tour was a triumph for the rapt, hushed attention in some Arts Company of China, From the Old Vic Company in more ways scenes and the spontaneous bursts very beginning, when the idea of than one. Ever since the name of of laughter in others. The players bringing Hamlet to China emerged, Shakespeare became known in gained confidence as the drama there had been misgivings about China, this is the first time that unfolded and it became increas its reception by an audience with a live production of his plays by ingly obvious that the Chinese his own countrymen has come to a totally different social and audience was entirely with them. the land of Cathay. That alone cultural background and a lan The thunderous applause and, would have awarded this visit an guage barrier to boot. Prior to this, standing ovation at the end of the honorable place in the annals of cultural exchanges between the performance convinced everyone cultural exchange. But on top of two countries had been limited to beyond any doubt that the Old this, the company's production of classical music, ballet, song and Vic had done it; they had success Hamlet was the best one could dance, Beijing Opera and acrobat fully brought a modern produc ics, where linguistic difficulties tion of Shakespeare to the country RUOCHENG is ao acior of the were reduced to a minimum. Even with the greatest population in the Beijing People's Art Theater. those of us who felt all along that world.

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRUARY 1980>l i The visiting conductor was im pressed by the rapt attention of the Chinese audience, even in such a large place as the 5,000-seat Beijing Gymnasium. Conductor von Karajan spoke Berlin Orchestra and von Karajan Acoiaimed highly of China's Centr^ Philhar monic Orchestra and its principal conductor Li Delun. He said he ZHAO JINGLUN was amazed at the character and precision shown by members of the orchestra who sat in with the Berliners to perform Beethoven's Seventh Symphony. He observed mWm that this was even more astound ing when it was realized that the average age of the 36 Chinese musicians was in the mid-thirties, - ''3 meaning that they had lived most of their adult life through a time when western composers were branded as "bourgeois" and their music was virtually outlawed in Herbert von Karajan answers questions from reporters. Huo Jianying China. He said that Li Delun was a. very fine musician and that he m An orchestra must not be im asked him about the difference in style between himself and personal, von Karajan stressed: It would certainly invite Li to con his great predecessor Wilhelm must have a personality of its duct his orchestra some day. Furtwangler. The latter was own. This belief is undoubtedly Explaining why he had wanted known for his use of the rubato one of the keys to von Karajan's to come to China, von Karajan as a subjectivist, whereas Karajan success with the Berlin Philhar said that Debussy had been a is known for his precision and monic. Last June this writer great admirer of China and re objectivity. The conductor con heard Isaac Stern talk about called the 'influence the orient ceded that his predecessor had idiosyncracy when the violinist had exerted over him and other been sometimes rather free with visited Beijing. One could say great composers including Mozart, the tempo but he was all admira • both Furtwangler and Karajan Beethoven and Puccini. He also tion for Dr. Furtwangler. "His were true to the Inner essence of said that it would be marvelous outstanding merit was that he the music each in his own'way. if he could come back with an Both had "inner veracity"—to opera company and film Puccini's Direcliag the Berlin Philharmonic in Beijing, Li Shengnan could make the musicians play by themselves without interfering use Furtwangler's cherished phrase Turandot in Beijing's Imperial with them." in his Concerning Music. Palace. ' • MUSIC has given me so much a class by itself. It is capable of out in a glowing and sonorous that I feel I must give producing sound that is integrated tone to the high-spirited horn call The Berlin musicians at the Great Wall. something back," Herbert von With China's Central Philharmonic Society conductor Li and polished at every dynamic near the end. Delun (Icfl). t-' Shengnnn Huo Jianying Karajan, one of the world's lead level, and with wonderful details. The Berliners showed what they ing conductors, told Chinese re This was amply demonstrated in could do with a full display of porters in Beijing. What his its performance of Brahms' orchestral color in the Ravel world-famous Berlin Philharmonic Symphony No. 1 at the opening orchestration'of' Pictures at an gave Beijing music lovers at three concert. A work that had been Exhibition. In "The Great Gate concerts last October 29, 30 and played in Beijing many times by at Kiev" section the bold brass November 1 was supreme aesthetic both local and visiting orchestras, drove ahead with great masses of satisfaction. by some it had sounded a bit tone as von Karajan led the Concertgoers in Beijing have rushed, by others long-drawn-out; orchestra to overpowering heights. heard some of the world's finest none caught the grandeur of the orchestras, including the Boston work so well as von Karajan. He fyHIS. was the Berlin Philhar- Symphony led by Seiji Ozawa, used an unhurried tempo and von Karajan's one-time prot6g6. J- monic's first visit to China, built up to an emotion-charged But the Berlin Philharmonic is in but music lovers here have long climax with overwhelming, yet admired the great orchestra controlled, power. The audience ZHAO JINGLUN Is oo the research through recordings. During an slaff of the Foreign Languages Pub was electrified from the very hour-long informal chat with the lishing and Distribution Bureau. beginning when the strings sang maestro in Beijing, this writer

CHINA RECONSTBUCTS FEBRUARY 1980 i Performances from Abroad Brought Cultural Springtime in Autumn

Last autumn and early winter pearance in China for the first full houses in Beijing and Shang saw a surge of cultural time of the world-famous Berlin hai. Audiences received with equal exchanges. Artists from as many Philharmonic Orchestra conducted enthusiasm the diverse talents of • ^ K J as 14 countries visited China to by maestro Herbert von Karajan the Mexican Trio, the Children's 11 present their varied and colorful and the century-old "George Art Troupe from Bangladesh, the Scene from the Greek tragedy "Prometheus Bound" by the The Mexican Trio. repertoires, enhancing Beijing's Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestral and Wind Ensemble of Greek National Theater. autumnal beauty and charm. of Romania. Both opening per the Tokyo College of Music, the Among the solo performere were formances were held on the eve Reykjavik Male Voice Choir of The Orchestral and Wind Ensemble of the Tokyo College of Music. The Reykjavik Male Cboir from Iceland. Luxembourg's celebrated pianist, ning of October 29,1979. Before the Iceland, the Berne String Quartet Florence Soonkin Wong, and the two orchestras' series of concerts of Switzerland and the New exciting Spanish dancer, Lucero came to an end, the artists of the Zealand Maori Cultural Group. Tena. The Pyongyang School- children's Arts Troupe made up of National Theater of Greece arrived Yehudi Menuhin, the world delightful youngsters between the with their program of famous renowned violin artist, gave three ages of nine and 15 displayed their Greek tragedies. Again in the field thrilling performances in Beijing musical and dancing skills to of drama, nine productions of that also won tremendous applause gether with Chinese children. A Shakespeare's Hamlet were given and admiration from Chinese happy coincidence was the ap by Britain's Old Vic Company to musicians. •

Members of the Pyongyang School- Luxembourg pianist Florence Saonkio Spanish dancer Lucero Tena. children's Arts Troupe meet students at Wong. the Beijing Dance School.

Members of the Children's Art Troupe from The Berne Siring Quarlot from Switzerland Bangladesh.

V'

rm

"George Enescu" Philharmonic Orches- Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin "Hamlet" staged by Britain's Old Vic Violinist Tehudl Menuhin. Maori dance hs the New Zealand Maori CuUural Group. ira from Romania. Philharmonic Orchestra. Company.

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FEBRUARY 1980 no longer flocked but wandered about in couples. It was the mating season. In May they were build ing their nests. Each contained one T£i@ Crasi© or two drab-yellow, brown-spotted eggs. The female and male alter WANG HUAIXIN nated on the nest, changing two to six times a day. The parents did no.t leave the nest even when the plateau's changeable weather brought fierce winds, rain or snow. The baby cranes hatch after one BLACK-NECKED cranes have al Chinese wildlife scientists began month, a period that seems to leave most disappeared from much fieldwork in 1978 on the black- the parents exhausted. In August the adults usually begin teaching of the world, but in the early 60,s necked crane's population, disper many were found at Lake Elin, sal, habits, relation to environment their young to fly in preparation for escaping the snow storms which source of the Huanghe (Yellow) and migration patterns. A study Eggs laid by Ibe lake Baby cranes* firsi glimpse of the outside ^'Orld arrive in September. River in China's Q'inghai province, team left Xining, Qinghai's capital, in the northern part of the in late March and reached Lake Longbao after thre'e days of travel TtTTIY do black-necked cranes Qinghai-Tibet plateau. through the mountains. The center W choose to breed in this area The cranes spend the winter in of interest was that although the 4,200 meters above sea level where the Hengduan Mountains in south spring was colder than usual, the the weather is so bad? One reason west China and return to the cranes had returned 20 days early. is the abundant food supply, but plateau in March to breed. They The team erected its felt tents on the main reason is the absence of leave for the south again in late the shore of the lake still frozen human beings, usually their fall. Nearly 300 of them have been and set up 40-power telescopes. greatest enemy. The cranes are counted in recent years on the The next morning at dawn a big but relatively defenseless. They grasslands in six minority prefec flock of 30 cranes were seen three can only peck or flee. tures and ten counties in Qinghai. kilometers away. When the scien One day the scientists went opt Lake Longbao in the south of the tists approached to within 1,000 to film baby cranes hatching. Tlje province has the most. meters with cameras, the cranes parent on one nest fled when the took flight, leaving little possi men were about 1,000 meters away. bility for good movie shots. There were two baby cranes, one WANG HUAIXIN is a cameraman for the Xining TV Station in QJngbai A month later when the ice on just hatched, the other struggling province. the lake began to melt, the cranes out of its shell. The parent caine back only after the men had left. It took away the first baby hatch A field study group. ed and deserted the other. Lafer in the day an eagle carried off the orphan.. The survival rate of bajoy cranes is low because the parents lack the capacity to defend them. Some cranes work tirelessly the whole summer, only to have no young left in the end. Moreover, baby cranes often fight in the nest until they kill each other. These factors make the black-necked crane an endangered species. Why did the cranes return so early, while the lake was still frozen? Black-necked cranes are extremely sensitive to changes in weather. The previous year a cold spring had forecast autumn rain storms and a rise in the lake's water level. The cranes returned k to mate one month earlier than usual in order to get their young out of the area before the floods, the scientists concluded. • A pair o( black-necked cranes. 46 Cf^NAHRECONSTRUCTS SHIRLEY DEANE ASateacher of Asian Geography and Chinese History, I have had great difficulty finding good resource materials for students at the high school level. Available textbooks are not only too elemen tary, but "frequently inaccurate in areas of basic geography and his tory. For example, in one text book, maps do not show Korea's short border with the U.S.S.R., but make it appear as if the whole of northern Korea borders only China. More reliable material on China is, in the main, too advanced — more for university students. Just over five years ago, I became acquainted with China Recon structs. Since then, I have been Shirley Deane and her students look ai Han Meilin's animal paintings in "China making use of it in a number of Reconstructs." Photos by Meroyn Kumar-Misir ways. The 1978 and 1979 issues 'China Reconstructs' have been especially valuable. The approach of China boo and other plants, but to rare In my course on Asian Reconstructs, especially in re animal life as well. Of course, Geography I spend one third of the cent issues, has been very valuable students are always interested in in My Classroom year on China. I first look at the in helping me guide my students the panda bear so any other similar physical geography of the country, in understanding these basic con cases of rare animals are of land formation, river systems, cepts. For example, there have interest as well. climatic conditions and vegetation. been excellent articles on moun In looking at land areas of It is important for students not tains and rivers, not only showing China, we naturally look at the only to know the facts about each the exquisite beauty of China but autonomous regions and people of these areas, but also to under also emphasizing the shortage of who inhabit them. Again, China stand the relationship of one to the adequate arable land." Students Reconstructs provides much mate other, and then to appreciate the are impressed with the terraced rial on these areas and their unique advantages and disadvantages in hillsides and the many varied proj physical environment. It also gives ects for extending irrigation and habitants of the various regions information about minority peo have. I want to guide students in making every possible use of rivers. ples living there. The "Do You Detailed accounts of the Huanghe understanding how the physical Know" column has provided very (Yellow) and Changjiang (Yangtze) brief, but very good, accounts of a geography has influenced the cul rivers help students who are doing tural development of the people. wide range of subjects, including more research for special assign China's people of nationalities Then I want them to examine how ments. Students have access, hot other than the majority Hans. the people have made use of ad only to my copies, but to library Students have made use of issues vantages to overcome limitations. copies as well. In addition, I have of China Reconstructs to research Actually, my course is very much also had numerous copies on loan special interest topics such as cam a cultural geography, for the from the Canada-China Friendship els, sports, stamps, acupuncture, greatest emphasis is on understand Association. At times I have made the Great Wall and even cartoons. ing people. That entails some in- duplicates of individual articles in As Canadians, they are, of course, depth study and certainly means various issues. interested in what Chinese have We must look at history as well. Articles on topics such as written about Dr. Norman Be- But always the focal point is ap bamboo and lychee are used to thune. They have also expressed preciating the importance of the help students appreciate char interest in articles written by Rewi geography and overall economic acteristics of vegetation they do Alley. situation in determining the move not see growing in Canada. Simi An important section in the ment of events. larly, articles such as "Shennongjia combined area of geography and Forests: Home of Rare Species"" history has to do with land reform can be used to introduce students, and the organization of the com SHIRLEY DEANE teacbea high school not only to different types of bam- mune. I have made great use of in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. A China Reconstructs in teaching long-time reader of our magazine, she recently visited China. *Chlna Reconstructs, August 1979, p, 28 this topic. Again the material Is

FEBRUARY 1980 .49 at a good level for high school In doing so they got some ideas The Halifax Canada-China The continued articles on Chinese and the Soviet Union. Although your students. about the controversial nature of history are most interesting. Having door is open again to the world your 3.5 Friendship Association has been read considerably on the subject it is historical research. Also, as a re million Catholics are still oppressed and making kits to help teachers who of additional interest to me to read cut off from the Pope. Everyone knows IN teaching the history of sult of studying the articles, they teach units on China. Included in POSTMG about it from the Chinese point of view. the active role played by the "patriotic Chinese civilization I have made became more interested in recent these kits are posters on various R.A.D. church." Piease give your views open use of this periodical in a variety events in China. aspects of life in China. Members Tucson, U.S.A. ly. The Catholic church does not want of ways. I have made a special any privileges, but asks only complete These examples of how students used pictures from China Recon China's Progress Your magazine China Reconstructs is effort to get several copies of the freedom. Allowing religious freedom use China Reconstructs in History structs to make these colorful I highly appraise the article "Crucial a pleasure to me and my husband. It February 1976 issue of China can only be good for China and brings are important in haying them ap useful posters. Steps in China's Modernization" by seems so well balanced in its variety of no barm. Perhaps your leaders con Reconstructs because it had excel preciate the work of any historian Recently, I have even discovered Wen Zong in your October issue last articles each month. I was quite in sider this an act of disloyalty to lent coverage of t-he discovery of terested in the article caUed "The Bei in interpreting events, and material that I can use in my year, especially the charts on China's Marxism from the point of view of the fascinating life-size terra-cotta drawing conclusions based on national economy in 1978 on p. 4, which' jing Prison" in your September issue. ideology and world outlook. I quite Canadian Studies course. "From warriors and horses (some of the available information. Often high ere quite helpful. I hope to see more Your figure of 7.8 per cent for "re understand this. North China to North America — peaters" seems impressively low. 6,000 or more made and buried in school students have the idea that articles like this. The article on China's J.D. An Evidence Linking Paleolithic H.B. Singen, Federal Republic of Germany connection with the entombment of the study of history is simply the railways in this issue is interesting too. Culture in China with North It enables us to know more about South Slocan, Canada the First Emperor of the Qin memorization of "facts." Again in Please read the article "In a Catholic America"* is a very short but in dynasty, who imified China, had the area of history, as in geog China's progress in this field. Church in Beijing" published in the In the September issue, 1 like the the Great Wall built, and died in raphy, the articles vary in depth teresting article which is directly Sports Articles Too Short January 1980 issue of China Re related to the topic of native peo piece "The Beijing Prison." It reflects constructs. — Editor 210 B.C. — Ed.). I was then able and variety. Some articles, such as My suggestions are about your sports ples in North America. the justness of the socialist legal system. to use one copy for making a dis the excellent in-depth series on The French Television Station had a items. To begin with, I really enjoy play on my bulletin board. history in the 1979 issues, can be Generally then, the student can program on the Beijing Prison a few these sports topics and the magazine as More In-deptb Articles Having only limited guidance, read most articles in China Re days ago. a whole. But the sports topics are just reserved for students who want to I enjoy your magazine because it students can examine the "Lan constructs with only limited L.P. too short. In your April 1979 issue, for do more research. Or, of course, brings back so many happy memories Beaune, France example, the sports articles should have guage Corner" lessons and make these articles can be used for my guidance from me. They then can of my 1978 visit! been longer. Secondly, we want to observations about basic character own background. draw conclusions and make obser But, while the magazine is very en know more about certain games, istics of the Chinese writing sys vations on their own. Because the Energy Problems joyable, it is still relatively unsophisti especially those in which we partici tem. This is also important in cated. You must remember that the Articles on leaders such as materials vary in depth, some can Since I started reading China Recon pate. I, for example, am a table ten people who visit China from here (in understanding the developrnent of Zhou Enlai, Zhu De and Peng be reserved for research assign structs, I have found all the articles in nis fan. I was impressed by the table the IVest) are usually well-educated and the Chinese writing system. Dehuai are used in units on ments for those most interested in teresting, especially those on energy tennis story in the May 1979 issue. So well-traveled and require, perhaps, a In 1978, after gaining some basic modem Chinese history. Here, as certain topics. All this is then very and' fossils. After reading "What About I suggest you include some addresses little more in-depth discussion of China, ideas about the Confucianist and Energy in China* in your April 1979 for game clubs or centers that we can in sections on geography and important in having them read on her problems and her people. Legalist schools of Chinese thought, issue I agreed with my family that this contact. ancient history, maps and pictures their own and become less A.C.H. is the best way for China to develop B.S.K. three of my history students stud are very important. Frequently, dependent on the teacher. • Cawston, Canada ied "The Hoax of the 'Confudan- I display these pictures and herself. Also the fossils discovered are Kampala, Uganda very interesting because it's a matter Legalist Struggle"' by Pai Shouyi. maps on bulletin boards. • China Reconstructs, May 1978, p. 46 of pride for the people of China to A Historical Mistake know what lived there before them. More Articles on Students The pictures and drawings and the writ I was very happy to get your maga Reading your October 1979 issue, I ing which is easy to understand are all zines and went through them all. Since found a Historical mistake in a caption Chinese Cookery tion. The Lou Wai Lou Restaurant the backbone, make a long ver very interesting. I hope you will in I am a student 1 would like you to for "Beijing Scenes" on page 41. Your caption. reads: "Ruins of an earlier in Hangzhou is well-known for this tical score at the thickest part of crease the pages of your magazine. write about students in China and what K.K.P. summer palace Yuanmingyuan, destroy dish.- the meat. subjects they are taught in school. And Chipata, Zambia also about some of the places in China ed in 19C0 by troops of eight allied a 2 lb. or Vs kg. live freshwater Bring water to boil in pot' big powers." The fact is when the eight fish (carp, grass carp or black carp because 1 may one day be sent there enough to hold fish pieces. Keep to study. Knowing something about allied powers invaded Beijing (Peking) preferred) International Cooperation ing the skin facing up, place the them would make it easier to live there. in 1900, Yuanmingyuan bad already 1 teaspoon minced ginger been destroyed. This was done by two pieces with the backbone into Your magazine is improving. Articles C.B.B.O. Anglo-French troops in 1860, at the end 6V2 tablespoons sugar the pot first, then the piece on the visits to_ China of the Boston Culu, Uganda (Xi Hu Cu Yu) of the Second Opium War. 2'/2 tablespoons vinegar without the backbone. Cover the Symphony Orchestra and the American I know it is very easy to confuse the 3 tablespoons soy sauce pot. When water resumes Basketball Team show that the friendly two invasions of Beijing in 1860 and 1 tablespoon starch mixed in V2 exchanges of culture, athletics and art Disabled Children To this famous traditional dish boiling, remove the foam on among countries are the best way to 1900. Of course, the destruction of art from Hangzhou in Zhejiang tablespoon water surface. Boil altogether for achieve international cooperation and I enjoyed very much the article on works was a disgrace to my country, V2 tablespoon rice wine (or three minutes (the traditional test world peace. Threats are of little use. the International Year of the Child, but France. But it is a historical fact, so province is attached a legend. I am sorry that nothing was mentioned sfherry) is when the chin of the fish can be Nothing can compare with friendship I think it should be corrected accord In ancient times two fishermen- about disabled children. I wish to know between the peoples of the world. ingly. 2 lb. (4 cups) water pierced with a chopstick). something about the life of blind, dumb brothers lived together on West M.D. I am now a student in the History •Clean, scale and wash fish. Split Remove three-quarters of the and crippled children. Lake. When the younger brother Chanteloup-Les-Vignes, France Department of Nankai University. Per it down center from head to tail water from the pot. To pot with A.H. fell ill the elder brother's wife T. haps I am more sensitive to this than and remove top half from the fish add soy sauce, wine and Alger, Algeria cooked a fish from the lake for him others. backbone. On the outside of the minced ginger and cook one to two Beijing Prison by this recipe ^every day and soon Y.V. piece with the backbone make minutes. Remove fish and arrahge found the article on the Beijing Comments on Helicon Tianjin, China he recovered. The kind-hearted several horizontal ' scores two- pieces on a platter. To water in pot Prison very interesting. It is a subject Remark: Many thanks for pointing out sister-in-law was praised by all thirds of the way through, add sugar, starch and vinegar and that we try to avoid but every society I very much enjoy your magazine is confronted with the problem, so 1 and admire your country's achievements. our mistake, we have already made a and her recipe has been handed and cut it into two at the stir until it thickens. Pour sauce down from generation to genera- was interested to learn what China is , But to my regret, I find no difference correction on page 23 in our November middle score. On the piece without over fish. • doing about it. between the religious policies of China 1979 issue. — Editor 50" CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRUARY 1981 51 Electing County People's Deputies ZENG SHUZHI m Voting for county people's deputies at the Huafeng produc Wang Deping, a newly-eiecled county people's deputy, makes Smiles were on every face that red ribbons on their breasts de turned numbered 157, equal to the tion brigade. notes of constituents' opinions. Photos by Chang Hongxing day as the crowds milled noting their office busily counted number issued. Thus attendance around the sunlit courtyard at the heads and issued ballot slips, Vot was 100 percent. headquarters of Huafeng Pro ers drew a circle for' "yes" or a In the county as a whole, voting ists, former landlords and rich I've got the right to vote for the duction Brigade No. 4. This was local supply and marketing co cross for "no" next to the names of peasants voting for the first time not only on account of the good au attendance averaged 98.2 percent, first time." And when he was given operative maintaining that he seven candidates, four of whom since the founding of the new tumn harvest -just reaped in this with 282,610 out of 287,765 voters his elector's card he said, "Now was a capable administrator and China, and others who for one predominantly fruit-growing bri were to be elected. Write-in can casting their ballots. I'm going to look for my son. I had been an advanced worker. gade, but also because it was didates were'also possible In the There were other reasons to be reason or another had been orig haven't heard from him in 30 Others disagreed, pointing out that voting day here. Representatives blank spaces left for that purpose happy over these elections, too. In inally deprived of their rights as years." he had been currying favor with to the county government were on the ballots. Young people read previous elections held in this citizens — indications of the enor his superiors by selling them, being elected throughout Futun aloud the list of candidates for the county in 1965, 2,384 people, or 1.2 mous changes in the political scene Nominating Candidates rather than the general public, the commune in Beizhen county, benefit of old people or illiterates. percent of all citizens over the age and class relations in Chinese so best bicycles, sewing machines and ciety over the last 30 years. The new Electoral Law adopted Liaoning province. of 18, had been disenfranchised. In. watches from the cooperative's A 62-year-old Buddhist nun was by the Second Session of the Fifth At noon on October 3, 1979, a The Electorate the current elections, however, stock. In the end, because the folk quartet of oldsters struck up one of those able to vote again. A National People's Congress in 1979 After the voting, the polling only 74 had been disqualified by majority of electors felt he didn't a festive melody. The tootling of deputy to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th decrees that candidates to people's represent their interests, he failed officer announced the results: Of law from voting, among them 15 the suona blending with the beat people's congresses, Gaifan had congresses at the national and local to win a nomination. 157 voters, 138 had come to the criminals serving sentences outside of drums, gongs and cymbals com been branded a "class enemy" levels are nominated by their con At discussions over candidates peted with the din of laughter and polls. Three had been absent for prisons and 33 others awaiting during the cultural revolution and stituencies or electoral units. It at the 2nd production teant of the talk. Draped across the main reasons of ill-health and had voted trial. This constituted .025 per cent had been driven away to labor in also stipulates that any voter can Taizigou brigade, the first to speak building was a red streamer by roving ballot box, and 16 who of the electorate, only 1/43 of the the countryside. Now a member of make a nomination when it is sec up was a wrinkled old peasant by saying: "Huafeng No. 4 Brigade had been away on business had previous figure. Among the the county's Political Consultative onded by no less than three others. the name of Bai Yingwen. "When Foiling Station." Beneath it was a voted by proxy. Ballot slips re electors were rehabilitated Rlght- Conference, she said, "I have been Organizations can also nominate, the Kuomintang held elections for table and — the center of at reborn. I can vote again, and have but-must provide an account of the their national assembly," he said, traction — a ballot box pasted over been given back my political nominee's qualifications. In direct "the likes of us couldn't get any with red paper and shining gilt Reglsterfns voters on a street in Beizhen county, Liaonins province. status." elections the number of candidates where near the ballot box. It's letters. Zhang Jingliang, a member of is to be 50 to 100 percent larger only after liberation that the peo Among the electors were the 2nd production brigade of the than the actual number of deputies ple got the right to vote. I thought 92-year-old Wang Gui, 89-year-old Luyang commune, had been to be elected. These are important the first general elections in 1953 Granny Liang Shuxian and 82- wrongly labeled a "bad ele new provisions which will broaden were already very democratic, but year-old Feng Yuchen, the latter ment" by leaders of his brigade in the scope of democracy. these elections are even more so. blind in both eyes and helped along 1964, because he had criticized After repeated discussion from Now we're asked to name the can by his family. Women carrying them. His wife left him, his son early September to early October, didates and discuss them — that's babies or with toddlers in tow also at 35 couldn't find a girl willing to in which 80 percent of the elec real democracy!" He then nomi- came to vote. Since no elections marry him, and his son-in-law, a tors in Beizhen county took part, rated Sun Yaosen, secretary of had been held during the cultural brigade leader, didn't even dare 3,970 candidates were nominated. the brigade's Party branch com revolution that started in 1966, it talk to him. After he was rehabil The constituency where the Hua mittee, noting that though Sxm had been more than a dozen years itated two years ago, his wife feng Brigade No.4 was located was lived several kilometers away since the people had exercised their came back to him and his son final to elect four deputies, and seven from the fields, he never was late democratic rights. Most of those ly got engaged. And now, the candidates out of 33 nominees for work. Besides that, he skill under 35 were voting for the first whole family was elated because were settled upon in the course of fully organized the work of the time. he had the right to vote again. the discussions. brigade as a whole. On rainy days Popularly-nominated supervising Xue Zhanxiang, a member of At the Gaoshanzi commune, he would walk around with a officers and ballot counters with the Changxing commune and a there was a difference of opinion shovel, banking up fields that were former rich peasant also voted. "I over one nomination. Some people in danger of flooding. He also up ZENG SHUZHI is a staff reporter for never dreamed this would be pos were in favor of the proposed can China Reconstructs. held the interests of the community sible," he said poignantly. "At 70, didate — director Jia Zhiyi of the and once had promptly dealt with

CHINA BECONSTRUCTO FEBRUART 1980 a theft of twigs which the brigade set up after liberation. In 1958 he group at the hospital where he had obtained for making baskets. led his teammates in a collective and another doctor look after a A debate ensued over Sun's effort that converted 20 hectares of ward of 40 beds. He also works on nomination. A team member ob barren hillsides into farmland. the yearly medical screening of jected on the grounds that Sun had They also dug ponds to conserve recruits for the armed forces, privately given a relative a voucher water and planted 4,000 fruit trees something he has been doing only for buying timber which rightfully and 400 grapevines. But during in the last two years. Previously belonged to the brigade as a whole, the successive political movements he was barred from such work be The Jinuos; and that he had often eaten at the over the last dozen years, he was cause of his family background. brigade's canteen without giving attacked for "placing too much "I will fulfill my duties as a Peo the requisite grain coupons. Nor emphasis on subsidiary production ple's Deputy to the best of my ability," he declared. did accountant Wang Wenfu ap and not enough on farming" and China's Newest On October 19, 1979, Beizhen prove, complaining when handling "taking the capitalist road." In county held its Ninth People's the theft of the stolen twigs, Sun his own words he had had "seven Congress. The 431 deputies present had only imposed a fine of ten fen ups and downs" — seven times by Nationality elected the executive for the for each twig instead of fifty ac kicked out of the brigade leader county government. cording to regulations. ship and then reinstated again. But nothing could shake his resolve to Then, another commune member ZHI EXIANG change the face of the land he Electoral Law Revised spoke on Sun's behalf. She insisted lived on. "Do what you please that a man should be judged by For a dozen years since the start with me," he would tell himself. his principal aspects and his con of the cultural revolution in 1966, "I know I'm right, and the day will duct as a whole. "Secretary Sun an ultra-Left political line had come when truth comes to light seriously damaged China's demo has worked conscientiously ever again." All the brigade's members cratic electoral system and hinder since he came to this team," she unanimously supported his nomi ed the effectiveness of her first said. "He's got drive and takes View of the Jiouolok People's Commune built In what nation as a candidate. "Nothing electoral law promulgated in 1953. was an uninhabited primeval forest In the early 60s. responsibility for his decisions. can break his will to work for so The newly revised electoral law He's done a good deal for our cialism," they said. sums up both the positive and neg brigade. Anyone can make mis Another candidate was Wang ative experience of the interven t^HE 10,000 Jinuo people living about it are told. According to the army was already on the other takes, but if he mends his ways Fengqin, a 42-year-oId barefoot ing years and is adapted to the new in the primeval forests along one, a brother and sister, Mahei side. As punishment, Zhuge Liang he's still a good comrade." doctor and midwife at Liiyang emphasis on socialist moderniza China's southern border were of and Maniu, guided by a god, sur ordered them to do three things; Other brigade members cited commune's Qianjin brigade. In tion. It is an important piece of ficially approved as a separate na vived a great flood and later mar Stay and settle where they were, examples to show the big changes all her years as a doctor she has legislation which will guarantee tionality by the State Council last ried. From the god they received build houses in the shape of his that had taken place in their once- never failed to answer a patient's that the people exercise their right ten calabash seeds which they hat and as a livelihood grow tea backward brigade under Sun Yao- call, night or day, and since 1974 to run the country and which has June. They became China's 56th from the seeds he gave them. sen's leadership, In the end. she has saved the lives of three eliminated loopholes that could nationality. The decision was buried in the earth. One sprouted Sun was made a candidate by women who'were having difficult have been used to sabotage or made on the basis of findings that and produced 100 calabashes and These people are supposed to have consensus. deliveries. She takes every op subvert the state. they have a language (belonging one grew as big as a house. When been the ancestors of the Jinuos. portunity to explain the advantages China is still a country in which to the Tibetc-Burman branch of it was opened, four persons step The one element of the story that of birth control, and all the women People's Deputies peasants constitute the overwhelm the Sino-Tibetan family), customs, ped out: a Jinuo, a Han, a Dai can be linked with reality is that she has given contraceptives to ing majority of the population, and The new electoral law provides economic structure and psychology and a Hani, who became the an the Youle Mountains are one of have had 100' percent effectiveness. agriculture is the foundation of the that the scope of direct elections cestors of these nationalities who China's six ranges where the well- People say that one couldn't choose national economy. Governments of their own not shared with other is now broadened to the county known Pu'er tea is produced. a better deputy. at the county level are important peoples. live along China's southern border level, which means that the people Shao Zhengxian, aged 44, is a links in her system of state power. The Jinuos, sometimes known today. Another version of the elect their deputies to the coimty Clan Communes doctor who has worked for 20 The people directly electing dep as the name Youles from the story has a fifth, a Bulang. people's congresses directly, not years at the Changxing commune uties to the China's 2,000-odd Youle Mountains where they live, The Jinuos were in a late stage indirectly as before. This is an Another story has It that during hospital since graduating from a county people's congresses, the other important measure toward are concentrated in the Jinuolok the period of the Three Kingdoms of clan society at the time of medical college in Shenyang. Elect people's deputies electing the enhancing democracy. people's commune in the Xi- (A.D. 220-280) troops commanded liberation 30 years ago. Each na ed a People's Deputy, he said, "I standing committees of the county ' During the elections in Beizhen shuangbanna Dai Autonomous tural village was a clan commune. never thought it possible with my people's congresses and the county by Zhuge Liang, the famous Prime county, people were often heard Land belonging to each village capitalist family background." He people's governments, thus form Prefecture in Yunnan province. Minister and military strategist of remarking that this was like "sort had been informed by telegram ing county organs of state power Their 1,300 families live in 40 vil the Kingdom of Shu, passed was marked off with wooden ing flowers out from among while he was in Beijing visiting through direct elections and plac lages scattered over 3,000 square through the area and bivouacked swords and spears to prevent flowers," meaning that all the can his ailing mother, and had return ing them under the direct supervi kilometers of an isolated area 53 in the mountains. Some of the anyone from another village from didates were so worthy, it was dif ed in time to take part in the sion of the masses — all this is kilometers east of Jinghong, the soldiers were so tired from days trespassing, fishing or farming in ficult to choose among them. County People's Congress. In his helpful to perfecting the system of prefecture center. of fighting and marching that its territory. For example, one of them. Ma 20 years of conscientious service democratic centralism. This de Yuxiang, a 69-year-old model in the countryside he has develop The real origin of the Jinuos is they overslept and did not hear The village was headed by its velopment of democracy will raise two oldest men. They inspected worker at the Shangguan brigade, ed a deep affection for the simple, morale and help to accelerate still a mystery, but two legends the bugle call for departure. When had been a team leader ever since the borders each year with the hardworking peasants he lives the modernization of China's ZHI EXIANG Is a staff reporter for they awoke and rushed to the agricultural cooperatives were first with. He is now in the leadership countryside. • China Reconstructs. edge of a big river they found that villagers and replaced the old

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRUARY 1980 ing the ear lobes. At birth the ear lobes were pierced and a carv ed piece of cork or a short piece of cogon grass and flowers were in serted to enlarge the holes. The larger the hole the more indus trious and beautiful the person would be, it was hoped. Though the custom is no longer followed, such ear decoration can still be seen on many men and women over 30. Another custom was to paint the teeth black with the sap of the lacquer tree, which in ad dition to being a mark of beauty was said to prevent bad breath bf.Vii.ff. and tooth decay. Several families inhabit bamboo long house <37 by 6.3 meters) in Longpa village. The men wear a white collarless jacket and white or blue trousers, and the women a collarless jacket one for each family. The first of many colors and embroidered hearth at the door was the largest, bands, a short black skirt border and symbol of the entire large ed in red and a white bonnet that family. It belonged to the oldest comes to a peak at the top. The man. When he was young, Sha- cloth of these is made with cotton xian, a former village head now yam which the women twist by 74, recalls that he lived in such a hand. They can be seen doing it house with three generations older than his and a total of 75 people. while resting in the fields or walk This large multi-hearth house is ing along the road. no longer in existence but three The Jinuos are good hunters, A smaller ones are still used. The hunting party shares the game biggest is 37 meters long and 6.5 equally, with the one who fires Bai Layao, Commune Party secretary. meters wide and holds 32 mem first getting the skin. Each family bers of eight families. Such houses has a hut at the edge of the field were described by the anthro or near its house for storing grain, markers with new ones. If a dis pologist Lewis H. Morgan in his and even in times of shortage, m pute arose with another village Ancient Society but the fact that theft of grain was unheard of. they called the people together Marriage between brother and and prayed for help in settling it. people were living in'long houses into the 50s of the present century sister was common in the past, Their main duty, however, was to and today between cousins it is officiate at the ceremony starting has been a matter of interest. In allowed in some villages. Before spring sowing — they slaughtered recent years ethnologists and his torians from seven countries have an animal sacrifice and buried marriage young men and women some seeds in the soil. They also visited Longpa. had a free sex life. Some villages The Jinuos farmed by the slash- made the decision on when the had special houses for them to new year was to begin. This came and-burn method, with knives, spend the night together, and the when the trees were white with hoes, shovels and sickles. They children of such unions were not blossoms. On the chosen day the usually divided the land into 13 looked down upon. But once headmen would beat a big drum sections, on each one in rotation formal -marriage has taken place, and the villagers would gather at cutting trees, burning the brush the wife is expected to be loyal their houses to sing and dance. and planting seed. They grew to her husband. Monogamy is the Traditionally the Jinuos lived in millet, maize and cotton but with rule. bamboo long houses with all the yields only 20 or 25 times the seed When someone dies, all the men patrilineal descendants from one sown. Grain production was only in the village turn out to fell a r*-- .• ancestor under one roof. The big enough for four months of the tree, split it and hollow it out for gest of these, formerly located in year, for the rest of the time they a coffin. After the burial- a lived by hunting and on wild foods Longpa village, is described as small bamboo house is bililt having been 60 meters long and they could gather. over the grave in which the fariilly 10 meters wide, housing 127 per of the dead person places offer; National Customs sons of 27 families. It had 32 ings of food daily, sometimes for -,^1 rooms along either side of a cen A distinctive feature of the Ji as long as two or three years. tral corridor, which has 32 hearths, nuos was their custom of decorat- After a few years the body is re- Twisting cotton thread while walking, , '"'wi 56 CBINA RECONSTRUCTS tAhrt' vim e J-ir i

Hunting is a pastime.

Dr. Bai Lalei is one of the first col lege graduates of Jinuo nationality.

Commune traetor driver. Mother and daughter.

Jinuo women picUng tea on the Youle Mountains, one of China's six main areas for producing Pu'er tea.

f. •

Faddy fields created on land once cultivated by slash-and-burn method. Gao Xiufeng moved and the coffin re-used to bury another on the same spot. This is so that more land would not come under control of the spirits.. When the Jinuos became ill they called in shamans to drive away the demons, and sometimes to treat with .herbal medicines. The oxen, pigs, chickens and dogs they raised were mainly for sacri fices to get rid of the demons. Important ceremonies began with the headmen's order to kill an ox. New Year's Day and other festi vals are celebrated with singing and dancing to drums and gongs all through the night. A hunting

song is played in the beautiful t ^ . tones of an instrument made of TradUIona) Jiauo bamboo ear ornaments. seven segments of bamboo of var ious lengths. An ancient folk song about love and work, called The Jinuos had not grown pad dle schools, with over 2,000 stu "The Bridal Chamber", is sung dy rice because they believed that dents and 105 teachers, of whom while the people standing by sway spirits lived in the water. It was 75 are Jinuos. There is stlE no to the beat. first grown in 1958 after the gov Jinuo writing, and since there are ernment helped build irrigation so few people, probably will not Big Changes work. The many-fold increase in be. Instruction is in the Han lan yield astonished the villagers, es guage. Every production team Living in the social stage of pecially the headmen, and more has its own bookkeepers and primitive communism 30 years Jinuos began to take part in the health workers. Thirty-one Jinuos ago, today the Jinuos share the construction. Now the commune's have graduated from technical benefits -of China's socialist so school and 13 from university. A ciety. Kezuoguolo, center of the six production brigades have a total of 413 hectares of paddies young Jinuo woman, Bai Lalei, Jinuolok commune in the cleared worked by 25 tractors and 4,000 became director of the commune's areas of a dense forest once said water buffaloes. Grain production hospital after graduation from to be devil-haunted, is a thriving A bamboo basket borne on the forehead Is an Important means of transportation. has risen from 1,000 tons in 1952 Kunming Medical College in 1974. place that has become the economic, • political and cultural center of the to 4,100 tons in 1978. This means a distribution of 400 kilograms entire Youle moimtain area. per person. Beyond its rows of new buildings Bamboo grave but contains articles Two hydropower stations enable used by the dead person and food offer — commune offices, stores, some villages to have electricity ings from bis family. schools, hospital, post office and Photos by Sun Yunshan for lighting and grain processing. hotel—stretch the neat squares of paddy fields, and bamboos and The commune has 300 hectares of tea groves, 30 of lacquer trees and A bamboo house with thatched root. palm, banana, betel nut, pomelo Photos by Sun Yunshixn and papaya trees have been 100 hectares planted to medicinal planted. herbs all of which bring in con Commune Party secretary Bai siderable income. Layao, 49, in his youth was a cas The Jinuos had no written lan m ual farm laborer who never had guage. They kept accounts by enough to eat and lived part of marking a bamboo. When a mes the time on wild fruit and roots. senger delivered an urgent veri»al When a work team sent by the message he carried a red pepper people's government came to the to show that it was an important area in 1954, he went to help it. matter, a piece of burning coal Pan, bowl, spoon and Later he was sent to study in the symbolizing a torch and a chicken plate, ail made of bamboo. Yunnan Institute for Nationali feather to indicate urgency. ties. He is pleased by the way , In 1956 the people's government farming methods have improved ' sent teachers and set up the first since the village is farming its primary school with 60 children." collectively-owned land in a so Today in the commune there are 41 primary schools and three mid Boiling: rice in a bamboo tube. cialist way.

FEBRUARY 1980 61 Ming dynasty (1368-1644). After one day. Reservations should be the town of Nankou near the once made ahead of time. Tour buses closely-guarded pass which gives leave from the west side of Qian access to the plain on which Bei Men, convenient to downtown jing stands, the train begins to hotels. climb. Some of the grades are so One trip includes scenic Fragrant Excursioning out of Beijing steep that a second diesel engine Hill Park, the Azure Clouds and is used to push from behind. Mean Sleeping Buddha temples and the while the loudspeaker broadcasts Summer Palace. On this tour, if LIU HONGFA information about 72 scenic spots one wishes, one can have lunch at on the Great Wall in English, Japa the bamboo-shaded Listening-to- nese and Chinese. Some people the-Orioles Hall. Here, walking turn on their tape recorders, others across an old opera stage, visitors take, notes, and the picture-takers enter the rooms from which the Everyone who comes to china land. At platform No. 1 of the guests settled down to tea, orange Empress Dowager Cixi (Tzu Hsi wants tn saa thn Oroat Wall start snapping the scenery through wants to see the Great Wall. Beijing Railway Station, young soda or beer or purchased sweets, 1835-1908) viewed the perform One of the best places to visit it the windows. women conductors were standing cigarettes and souvenirs. ance. These are now converted to is at Badaling north of Beijing. At Badaling the train stops right beside the doors of the brand-new A burst of applause came from dining rooms. The kitchen staff In the past most tourists made at the foot of the wall. Most of dark green coaches welcoming the the next car. A Japanese group, I dug around in museums and came the trip by bus or car over winding the trippers walked along the passengers in English, Japanese or found, had just serenaded the con up with recipes for 30 dishes and mountain roads, a long ride which road-wide top of the wali foliow- other languages. "One of the things ductors and staff with the song "I 40 pastries originally served in the could take longer if traffic was foreign visitors find most difficult ing it up a mountain slope to the Love Beijing's Tian An Men" in palace, and these are now among heavy. Now a special tourist train is not being able to communicate tower east of Badaling — a bit of Chinese. Then they sang the items available on the menu. Stewardess serving passengers on the goes right to the wall. If leaves with the Chinese people," Yuan a strenuous climb, but possible for night to Beidaihe. famous Japanese song "Drawing in most if you take your time. The Service is on dinnerware of the Beijing at 8:05 a.m. every day ex Minghua, a conductress, told me. same design as used in the palace, "To serve them better, all of our the Nets" and several girls per view from the peak, of the giant cept Wednesday and returns to imperial yellow with dragons and conductors have studied a foreign formed Japanese folk dances in ancient waU snaking and twisting the Beijing station at 2:50 p.m. four characters denoting longevity. language. We compiled a Eook of the aisles, which got them a big its way over the mountains, is the Round trip by first class coach is Some visitors to Listening-to-the- hand. high point of the trip. 6 yuan. a hundred English sentences com Orioles Hall have great fun having monly used on our trip. Now every A portion of the Great Wall Not long ago I took this train their pictures taken in costumes comes into sight soon after the •Listening-to-the-Orioles' with 475 members of 17 tourist conductor can speak a little English worn by emperors and such on the train enters the mountains. The groups from the U.S., Japan, West and some have studied Japanese, Beijing Opera stage. German, French, Spanish and 2,500-year-old wall stretches from For visitors not attached to Germany, France and New Zea- In the busy tourist season res other languages." Shanhaiguan Pass on the coast reguiar tourist troupes the Beijing ervations for lunch should be As the train bored its way into Taxi Company offers special inex LIU HONGFA Is a staff reporter for westward to Gansu province. The made the day before by phone. China Reconstructs. the mountains north of the city. Badaling section was rebuilt in the pensive tours which take in several places around the city in Evening dining by candlelight and

GeUing off at the foot of the Great Wall. Mobile vending cart on the train to Badaling. The lour bus stop near Qlan Men Gale. Xinhua

At the exhibit of ancient arms and armor at Shanhaiguan Pass. Photos by Zhang Jingde

the glow of palace lanterns as in the old days is also possible for groups if reservations are made ahead of time.

The Eastern Tombs Another day-long exctirsion is to the newly-opened Eastern Tombs of the Qing dynasty (1644- 1911) emperors located 125 km. east of Beijing. In the 15 tombs are '^4 buried five Qing emperors, 14 em presses .and 142 imperial concu bines. (Four other Qing emperors are at the Western Tombs south west of Beijing in Hebei province.) The Eastern Tombs are among the

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS FEBRUARY 1980 bathers and colorful changing ince, are enrolled in 20 classes sheds. Above it amid the green under the university. One indxis- trees were the parks and villas of try leader figtires that to raise the the town. percentage of engineers from the Beginning about 1898 privileged present three percent to a desired foreigners from 50 countries began (Continued on p. 67) having summer villas there. Later warlords Wu Peifu, Duan Qirui TV English class at the'Seiilng Dong- fi and Zhang Xueliang and other feng Television Plant. high officials also built homes there which still stand today. After Wu Jlaning, a worker at the Beijing Dongfeng Television Plant, has not let liberation the people's government the fact that she has a small child beep constructed over 30 sanatoriums her from averaging 99.58 in the last and quite a number of clubs, and year's end-of-term exams and 98.37 at midterm. fenced off safe swimming areas. Thousands of workers, intellectuals and cadres as well as diplomats and foreign specialists working in' China have spent their holidays there.

Shanhaiguan Pass Dressing up (or a piciure in Lislenlng-lo^the-Orioles Hall. Xinhua From Beidaihe one can visit the The TV Tube- Great Wall at its eastern end, best-preserved of the imperial Xian Feng in 1861 to her death in Shanhaiguan — the pass between burial grounds. Their tile roofs — 1908 she virtually ruled China the mountains and the sea. From golden yellow for emperors and either as regent or in other a long way off one can see the five jade green for the others — glisten China's Biggest University capacities. characters reading "First Pass in the sun amid thick-growing Under Heaven" atop the great HONG MINSHENG Liu Lumcl (second rigbt), a TV univer pines and cypresses on the moun Beidaihe, Noithem Coast Resort gate of the pass built in 1381 sity chemistry teacher, talks over her teaching plan with the directors from tain slopes. Each has a "palace" Some visitors to Beijing like to during the Ming dynasty. From the building in front, and in back an the TV station. spend a few days at Beidaihe, a top of the gate there is a magni WITH 600,000 enrolled and colleges. The student body in Photos by Wei Xueliang "underground palace" housing the famous summer resort on the ficent view of the wall twisting its countless un-enrolled stu coffin. Two of these are now open cludes factory'and office workers, northern coast from which one can way to infinity. In the gatehouse dents, China's Central Broadcast technical personnel, middle school to the public, those of Emperor make many interesting side trips. is an interesting display of an Qian Long (reigned 1736-1795) and and Television University is the teachers, army personnel and high Now, instead of spending five cient armor and armaments. country's biggest educational un school graduates working in the the Empress Dowager Cixi. The hours on the train, they can get Another Beidaihe side trip is to dertaking. Under the joint spon countryside. Tuition is free. All Qian Long tomb, though smaller in there in 50 minutes by special Vis the Temple of Meng Jiang Nu, the sorship of the Ministry of Educa students are given time off from size than the Ming dynasty Ding- count or Trident flights.. Large woman Meng •Jiang, 6.5 km. up tion and the Broadcasting Admin work. A full-time student has full ling tomb whose "underground tours sometimes book most of a the coast east of the pass. About it istrative Bureau, the television time off and continues to receive palace" north of Beijing has be flight, but there are often seats a famous legend has lived down section offers classes on mathe his regular wage, medical care and come widely known since its ex left for smaller parties. Flights .through, the ages. Shortly after matics, physics, chemistry and other benefits. cavation in 1958, is much more are irregular, depending on the their marriage her husband was English. Three 50-minute classes are held beautifully decorated. It is noted number of reservations. Tickets one of the tens of thousands con Students watch lectures and from 8:30 to-11:30 a.m. every day for its exquisite stone carvings on are booked in Beijing and cost 46 scripted by the Emperor Qin Shi demonstrations over T'V in their except Sunday, or 18 hours a Buddhist themes. yuan round trip. Huang (reigned 221-210 B.C.) for homes, in 18,000 classes at places week. In the afternoon full-time At the tomb of the Empress A similar 30-minute flight is construction on the Great Wall. of work, branch universities or students in the branch colleges Dowager, as is traditional, between Xiao Yuanjin, one of the counselors available to Chengde, the Qing When winter came she traveled all other places specially set aside for have political study and physical tiers of steps leading up to the who help TV students with a class at dynasty imperial mountain resort the way from her native Shaanxi the purpose. They do homework training under teachers assigned the Anshan Iron and Steel Complex. main door there is an elaborately- in Hebei province north of Bei province to bring him a padded with textbooks distributed by to their group. Students who pass Jin Rongshun and Ji Huanyou carved stone ramp with the design jing, which is now opeh as a tourist jacket, only to find that he, like branch organizations in 28 prov the exam in a course get credit of a dragon (the emperor) and resort. It can also be reached by so many others, had died of the inces and take quizzes under spe for it, and those who pass gradua phoenix (the empress) playing an eight hour train trip. back-breaking toil and his body cial counselors assigned to them, tion exams at the end of three with a ball. Usually the dragon is I flew to Beidaihe with one of was buried in masonry. Enrollment is through entrance years will receive a diploma, above the phoenix, but for her the • many tour groups from the At the point where she is said to examinations. Since the university was opened tomb, the Empress Dowager had U.S. We looked down at the deep have thrown herself into the sea, One hundred fifteen thousand in February 1978 it has been the phoenix placed on top. So it blue of Bohai Sea dotted with a temple was built to her, probably of the total take all the univer welcomed by places of work as a was in her own life. An ambitious white sails, the port city of Qin- • in the Song dynasty (A.D. 960- sity's courses, 310,000 take one way to provide in-service train woman,"for much of the time over huangdao and finally Beidaihe's 1279), In it are a statue of her course and the rest are auditors ing. Six hundred workers from nearly a half century from the 10-kilometer beach, with white- and another of Guanyin, the Bud or students in branch colleges set 80 units in the machine building death of her husband Emperor caps breaking on it and gay with dhist goddess of mercy. • up under regular universities and industry in Jinan, Shandong prov-

PEBRUARY 1980 • CHINA RECONSTRUCTS were organized into a bao. Their men drilled during Lake Taihu to pass, sluice gates, bridges and city Chinese History—XVII the slack seasons to prepare them to be incorporated walls were pulled down. Officials used the oppor into the regular army in time of war. All ten families tunity to step up extortion and demands for bribes. were held responsible for reporting it if anyone among Even substantial families were reduced to bankruptcy Song Dynasty them committed a crime. and the poor were forced to sell their sons and The new laws did produce results. During the daughters. On top of this, the government issued decade and some they were in existence 10,000 water large amounts of paper money and repeatedly Uprising and Reform in Northern Song conservation projects were built and 2.4 mUlion increased taxes, causing the prices of commodities JIAO JIAN W hectares of land brought under irrigation. Govern to soar. ment income increased and defense was improved. The burden of the extortions became intolerable. The big officials and landlords strongly opposed In 1120 a huge peasant uprising broke out in During the early part of the Northern Song the new laws, and some local officials refused to put Zhejiang province led by Fang La, a farmhand .for dynasty (960-1127) officials and landlords were them into force. After the death of Emperor Shen a big landlord who took to the mountains with other able to buy huge tracts of land without restriction Zong, the conservative historian Sima Guang became poor peasants. Fang denounced the corruption of the from the government. 'The effects of this concentra Prime Minister and the new laws were repealed. ruling class and also its capitulation to the demands tion of land ownership was particularly serious of the Liao and Xia states. The rebels killed many in Sichuan, where 70-80 percent of the population Peasants Rise Again hated local officials and within a few months took 52 were tenan.ts. A big landlord sometimes had several counties in Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi provinces. thousand tenants. In addition to rent, the peasants The old abuses returned and the Song govern The government mustered a large army for a fierce were burdened by heavy taxes which the landlords ment became even more corrupt. The demands of attack. In 1122 the last group of the rebels, short on shifted to them. Even sideline production like raising the luxury-loving court and high officials increased. grain and weapons, retreated into a cave and fought to the neighboring states of Liao and Xia, though tea and silkworms and weaving did not help their Emperor Hui Zong (reigned 1100-1125) carried to to the last man. threats along the borders still continued. Seventy poverty a great deal because the government extremes the ruling class penchant for adorning their Another uprising led by Song Jiang in Hebei, .percent of the country's farmland became concen monopoly paid them very low prices. Big landlords houses and gardens with rare plants and unusual- Shandong and Henan provinces took place at about trated in the hands of the imperial family, nobles, and corrupt officials worked together hand-in-glove shaped rocks, and sent special officials to the south the same time. Tales of it were the source for the officials and landlords. Peasants had to borrow at to exploit "the peasants while they themselves lived looking for them. When one was found, it would be famous classical novel Water Margin. Though they usurious rates and in times of crop failures many left in luxury. There was a saying, "The rich, spend seized, even though it meant dismantling the owner's were suppressed, the memory of these two rebellions their homes hoping to get something to eat elsewhere. millions for cockfighting -and even the trappings of house. To allow the vessel bearing a huge stone from lived on down through the centuries. • their horses are made of gold thread." Peasant revolts broke out in many places and it was feared they would reach the scale of those in Tang times. and care of his five-year-old child Reforms to stimulate agriculture and make other TV Universit administered through the local improvements were begun in 1069 by Wang Anshi to his mother and his wife, also a organizations. Papers'were graded (Continued from p. 65) factory worker. But both his wife (1021-1086) when Emperor Shen Zong appointed him by the central university. Eighty ten percent would take 100 years and mother encouraged him to Vice-Premier and gave him the go-ahead. A particu percent of the students passed. if they were to take in graduates seize the opportunity. "There's larly innovative statesman, Wang Anshi drew on Teaching materials are selected from regular universities and col never been a university student in measures which had been enacted in earlier dynasties. from those used in regular univer leges at the rate they have been. our family," his mother said. "Go, Still known in history today as the New Laws, the sities. A group of five to seven But with the TV university they and study well." He is making main measures were; experienced teachers from other can do it faster. good progress. Farming and Irrigation: To promote agriculture universities approve the teaching Li Weiyun, a woman textile , by building irrigation works and reclaiming- plan for each lesson before video Dedicated Students worker in Shandong has to do all Wang Ansbi wasteland. recording. the house work and care for her The Young Crops Law: Government loans Many of the TV university's two sons alone because her hus About 20,000 full or part-time issued to farmers on the security of growing crops to students are workers with family band's job is in another city. But counselors chosen from the staffs be repaid after harvest with 20 percent interest which responsibilities who have already she has been able to arrange her of colleges or places of work help was much lower than that charged by landlords and worked for some years. They are the students. One of them is 60- usurers. The high rates demanded by the latter happy to have the opportunity to time well and in the end-of- Peasant impoverishment led to an uprising in 993 get a college education and im semester exams she got 100 in year-old Xiao Yuanjin, a former in Sichuan province led by Wang Xiaobo and Li Shun. sometimes made it impossible to sow, and this was a math and English and 99.5 in teacher of inorganic chemistry at measure to bring more land under cultivation. prove their knowledge, but study Peasants enthusiastically responded to their call for chemistry. an engineering institute in Liao- Remission of Services: A tax graded according to places heavy demands on them. equalization of wealth and swelled its ranks, The One hundred fifty thousand of ning. He guides a class of 29 at income to substitute for labor, on public works One, a 31-year-old assistant loco following year the peasant army took Chengdu and the enrollees are middle .school the Anshan Iron and Steel Com formerly demanded by the government, which had motive driver in Jinzhou, Liao- set up the Great Shu government, which controlled teachers taking refresher courses plex. Some of the students found often taken farmers away from their fields when they ning province, felt both glad and a large part of the province. The imperial govern in their subjects to improve their the courses difficult at first be ment was able to suppress the uprising in 995 only were most needed there. With the tax funds the worried when he heard he had teaching ability. One of them, Li government hired laborers. passed the entrance examination. cause they lacked sufficient formal by dispatching a large army to the place. Xiaoqing, who teaches math in a schooling. Xiao familiarized him Land Remeasurement and Equitable Taxation: His concern was for the financial Jinan middle school has been All property holdings were remeasured, listed, and loss to his family for though he self with evfery student's situation Tbe Wang Anshi Reforms praised by her students for her and gave special help to those who divided into equal squares for purposes of taxation. would continue to get his salary, clear explanations. In the mid-llth century the Northern Song Before the tax collector, everyone was supposed to be for three years he would lose the needed it. As a result his class government faced a crisis. Its coffers were con equal, including officials and landlords. led those from Anshan in the na 25 yuan per month bonus he had National Exams tinually depleted by payments to maintain its growing The Baojia System: To reduce expenditure for been getting for good work. It tional examinations and he was number of troops and its host of officials, the regular army, strengthen national defense and Would also mean that he would At the end of the first year a cited as an outstanding counselor. and particularly through payments of silver and silk maintain social order, every ten peasant families leave most of the household chores nationwide examination was given •

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS PRBRUART 1980 Archeological Briefs madic Qiang people who are simi writing in both the Western Xia Along with It was found a 115- The chessboard formed the top lar to the Tibetans) created an and Han languages. Preliminary cm.-long silver rod 0.7 cm. in dia of a low, square white lacquer study of these indicates that the meter which might have been used Tomb independent- kingdom (1038-1227) table that stood near the center of known as the Xixia (Western Xia) tomb might belong to Li Zunxu to move the strings and 12 wooden the hexagonal brick tomb cham of a Tangut Emperor dynasty. They developed a fairly (1162-1226), the eighth Western Xia figurines in sitting, standing and ber, which also contained the high level of culture with many M emperor. kneeling positions. wooden sarcophagus. In the center PAE toward the northwest in similarities to that of the Northern The vaulted burial chamber lay Among 283 objects found in this of the room was a larger table with today's Ningxia, Gansu and Song dynasty elsewhere in China.* 20 meters below the ground sur and a nearby tomb were tweezers porcelain vessels of pale blue glaze, face, between the sacrificial hall and scissors with still quite sharp northwestern Shaanxi provinces, This is borne out by the tomb of a pottery inkslab and a bone- and shrine. The tomb chamber had blades, a bronze mirror decorated the Tanguts (a branch of the no a Western Xia emperor excavated handled brush, and against the wall two symmetrically-arranged side with star and cloud patterns, a stood another table with a bronze chambers and was entered through steel sword and two knives of well- mirror. a sloping passage. Most of the quenched iron with only a little The game iweigi (also known by burial accessories had been stolen. rust on them. This shows that iron its Japanese name, go) is literally Only some odd pieces of gold, silver smelting there had reached quite a "the game of siege" in which a and pearl ornaments, some pottery high level by that time. and porcelain vessels and several piece is surrounded and captured. dozen pieces of gilded bronze It may have been played in China armor were found scattered around. as early as the sixth century B.C. Bird-Shaped gray pottery decoration Finds in two of the subsidiary It was extremely popular among for roof ridge, one of many remains of building materials found at the West tombs included a carved stone the Han people through history, in ern Xia site. horse and dog, fragments of tex cluding at times contemporary to tiles, and a big gilded bronze cow this tomb (dated to some time which is 120 centimeters long and Gilded bronze cow weighing 188 kilograms. A bronze ol this size is rarely found in recent years near the Western before 1079). This is the first time aiDons objects from Western Xia. Xia capital, present-day Yinchuan. weighs 188 kilograms. When these evidence of weiqi has been foimd Situated at the eastern foot of the and further finds are thoroughly in a tomb of the Liao dynasty es Helan Mountains 25 kilometers studied they may reveal more on tablished in the northern part of west of Yinchuan, now capital of the cultural relations between China by the Qidan (Khitan) the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Re Western Xia society and the Tang people. gion, the mausoleum grounds cover and Song dynasties. The 30-cm.-square chessboard an area of 40 square kilometers. has 13 horizontal and vertical lines, They contain the graves of several Puppet and fiame with 79 black and 76 white pieces emperors and several dozen sub placed on them. Some of the pieces sidiary tombs. One of the main from Ancient Graves seem to have been lost. • tombs and four subsidiary ones 'A BIGGER-THAN-UFE mar- have been excavated since 1972. Interrupted weiqi game? Chessboard The above-ground construction of ionette 193 centimeters tall was unearthed last spring from a found in a lltb-century tomb .of the stone horse from a Western Xia subsidiary tomb. the emperor's tomb had long col- Bigger-than-llfe puppet from a West north China Liao dynasty. Western Han dynasty (206 B.C.- ern Han dynasty tomb. . lapsed, but the remains of former Wang Mingfong The Uetan Mountains of Ningxia form tbe backdrop for the final resting place A.D. 24) -tomb in Laixi county, of an emperor of the ancient Western Xia kingdom founded by the Tangut people.. magnificence show that it was Shandong province. This is the basically the same in structure as earliest puppet found in China, so those of Tang and Song dynasty AWEIQI chessboard and atable from it we know that Chinese pup with writing materials were emperors, only smaller in scale. It petry predates that tune. found all laid out as though wait included a pavilion to house tab The body is made of 13 main ing for the occupant to use them in lets, a sacrificial hall, side towers -•-6 pieces of wood with carved or a tomb from the Llao dynasty (916- and a shrine. chiseled movable joints. It can sit, 1125) unearthed in 1977 in Liao- Several hundred fragments of ning province. Murals depicting at stone tablets were found with stand and kneel. There are many holes drilled on the abdomen and tendants, saddled horses and car •For more on Western Xia see China riages adorned the walls of the en Reconstructs history series XVI in the legs, possibly for attaching strings January 1980 issue. Or clothing. trance passage.

V

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS PEBRUART 1980 A >dr A .1!?., BA T L AN GU AG E CORNER ZHANG WEN YUE KE (Dijii zii qlingxii pal zbio, linhba kb kin de (Everybody at wall under take picture, afterwards can look (at) scenery. Lesson 14 lildio DiincbOntittg.) SUmlsl: Cbfting, quqiio, sbnlxib, Visit to Yu Garden come to Signaling Spring Hall.) Snuth: Pool, winding bridge. waterside pavilion. X: ta ait #&. Wing: DlincbOnting cbngjing sU yl bS wi sin jlisbin, shl ZhSnggui yuinlhi de tbsb. Wang: Signaling Spring Hall once was 18S3 artificial hill are China gardens special color. ^A)L, /fiL 4-^k A (JiSn&di f&ng Iiu& lllytatu^ b&fen chizadr, rbnmen bin xlhiian zii nili 11 ax. ^ -fc» (Canada visit China tourist group (a) portion tea tables, people very much like (to) at there niin Xliodiobul qiyljiin de zhDritlbi. , Die zhbll ybulin, zhbn yiu ri yid year Small Sword Society uprising army's headquarters. (One) come here sightsee, AS A X* T A really have like an ch^ngyu&n z&i Sh&nghii Yhyu&n II sinbh.) hi Chi, xli ql, liio tianr bui guSn mu # A m members at Shanghai Yu Garden inside stroll.) drink tea, (play) chess. chat or watch Mill: Ni shl zbtune bul shl? ylsbh xliiigslibu. -g- Marie: That is what kind matter? esthetic enjoyment. i: -f'A. ffl 'jv o W&ng: Yb Ynin chujibn y6 w6 gad Mingdbl, jhig^ Xs Wang: Yu Garden first built in our country Ming dynasty, scenery. #8t « Wing: Oingsbf Sbingbii de shiugingybzhb hb lYansIation t

70 CHINA RECONSTRITCTS PEBRUABY 1980 71 Notes How to say where it's at Chinese has a whole lot of words that denote location. Some of the 'X main ones are;

shing up xii T down The Fourth National Games H X in w^i fl- out C OUR stamps issued September 15 qi^n front •fSARBK n h&u back celebrate China's Fourth National

dong $. east xl St west Garnes and reflect Chinese sportsmen's •BBSae ndn south bSi it north determination to catch up with world standards. Stamp 1 carries the Games p^ng side zbSng t middle a emblem and depicts field events, volley These words follow a noun to tell where a ball and weightlifting. The other three thing is. According to Chinese grammar these stamps carry a smaller emblem and show other events. All are of 8 fen location words are also nouns, and are called fHARBR' denomination and measure 60 X 20 mm. nouns of location, Perf. U.S. Serial numbers: J. 43 (4-1 to shansh^ng Ji (on the mountain) 4-4). Yuyuinli If. Si (in Yu Garden) A miniature sheet stamp was issued ^\i jiashanqi&n (in front of the artificial at the same time. It bears the Games nA.RBia RS » hill) emblem in the center and the surround ing designs show various sports. The mSludong (east of the road) stamp is of 2 yuan denomination. shuizhoDg tK (in the water) Perf. 11.5. The sheet measures 57 X 62 mm. Bian i£. (side) or mi^n $ (face) are often vuARRnnaaaifius «tEAR.RnMBB«BaiSU> VBARMB waibian outside on one of China's protected species qiSnbian before of wildlife painted by Liu Jiyou, a bbubian behind noted Chinese artist. Denominations: 4 fen, 8 fen and 60 fen. Measurement dongbian east side 30X40 mm. Perf. II. Serial numbers: xibian west side T. 40 (3-1 to 3-3). •fVARnMOBMSallBI* fBARXa KB if n^nbian rijifi. south side

beibian :1b north side r. • zuobian AH left side The Great Wall youbian S"i4. right side • I ,; III pdngbian beside A set of four, issued on June 25, de- zbongjian tiS) between, among picts scenes of the Great Wall during the lour seasons. The wall can be There are a few exceptions: pAng ^ (side) traced from Shanhaiguan on the Bohai is used only with bian i4 and ^ong 1' (middle) is Sea in the east to Jiayuguan in the used with jian la]. desert of Gansu province in the west — 6,000 kilometers of stone and brick work Here are some sentences using nouns of twisting and turning over mountains location. and valleys, a testament to ancient ^ defense against invaders. IS Three stamps are of 8 fen denomina- « Libian you cbizudr. tion, the fourth 60 fen. They measure ® Inside have tea tables. 40 X30 mm. Perf. 11. Serial numbers: fltii A. T. 38 (4-1 to 4-4). I QMnbian shi Huxlntlng. On the same date a miniature sheet a In front is the Lake Center Pavilion, with one stamp of a larger denomina- _ •te Ai4, 4», tion, 2 yuan, was isSued. It pictures ^ Ta zudzii zuobiSn, wd zudz^i ydub^n. Shanhaiguan Pass where the wall O begins in the east. The sheet measures S He sits on the left and I sit on the right. 140 X 78 mm. Q

72 CHINA RECONSTRUCTS *)

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