hina nsight CFostering business and cultural harmonyI between China and the U.S. VOL. 11 NO. 10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 Chinese Heritage Foundation holds 8th Annual Open House By Shilyn Chang, Staff Writer he Chinese Heritage Foun- kins received a grant from the CHF dation (CHF) held its eighth towards the world premiere of an ad- Tannual open house last aptation of “Where the Mountain Meets month. Its abundant guest list and the Moon,” a Newbery Honor book numerous honorees reflected just how by author Grace Lin. The tale blends much the foundation and its members fantasy and Chinese folklore to create have flourished and contributed to the a story that is reminiscent of the clas- Chinese community in Minnesota sic “The Wizard of Oz,” reflecting the since its start in 2004. The gathering blend of Chinese and Western cultures. was a tribute to CHF’s dedication to The performance featured the young encouraging the growth of Chinese and talented performer Andrew Moy, education and culture. Several speak- who has participated in productions at Terra-cotta Warriors ers from institutions around the metro CHFF board with Honorary Chinese Minnesotan of the Guthrie Theater, Chanhassen Dinner area highlighted the contributions of Note, Patricia Puffer (seated) Theatres, Mixed Blood Theatre and has Pages 4-5 the foundation, and how those con- fusion dance. For the anniversary concert even performed as a magician in the tributions had facilitated various Chinese in early June of this year, the four masters popular “A Passage to China” cultural event. events in the Twin Cities. choreographed special dances for the theater With the grant provided by the foundation, The Minnesota Chinese Dance Theatre members and attendees of the workshops. the company was able to meet production celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with The performance also included the partici- expenses and reach out to the community the support of a grant from the CHF. It was pation of two famous Chinese singers. Over- with this culturally enlightening and en- able to invite four master artists of Chinese all, the concert was a great success with an chanting performance. dance who led workshops open to the public impressive turnout and wonderful reviews. CHF Open House continues in the genres of classical, folk, modern and The Stages Theatre Company in Hop- on Page 10
TRAVEL: Hebei China’s Minister of Health, Pages 8-9 Chen Zhu, honored at the University of Minnesota By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer curable disease. He has brought this passion into his work as Minister of Health, pledging to bring universal coverage to all children facing catastrophic illness in China. Over the last three years, China has worked to transform healthcare by incor- porating nearly universal coverage of basic health insurance, expanding coverage for essential drugs and increasing access to basic public health services. As the United States wrestles with its own questions about the future of health care TRAVEL: New York City reform, the man many credit with pushing China’s health system forward came to the Page 16 University of Minnesota to discuss how China has made such progress, and how other countries can benefit from lessons Participants of the Lake Minnetonka cruise organized by AMCP and USCHIE China learned along the way. Upon his arrival Minister Chen quickly ALSO IN THIS ISSUE settled into his hotel and attended a welcome hina’s Health Minister, Dr. Chen Cancer Center, School of Public Health and dinner at the Tea House restaurant on Uni- Dispute...... 2 Zhu, recently paid a busy three- College of Science of Engineering. The As- versity Avenue. Events...... 3 & 11 Cday visit to Minnesota during sociation of Minnesota Chinese Physicians The following day Minister Chen and his Education...... 4, 6 & 12 which he received an honorary doctor of (AMCP) along with the China Center also group toured the Twin Cities and enjoyed a Arts...... 5 science degree from the University of Min- hosted a number of activities. Lake Minnetonka cruise with Chinese phy- Finance...... 7 nesota for his contribution to leukemia treat- Minister Chen is a renowned scientist sicians hosted by US-China Healthcare In- Travel...... 8-9 & 16 ment through research. Minister Chen was who has conducted breakthrough research formation Exchange (USCHIE) and AMCP. Community...... 10 accompanied by his wife Dr. Chen Saijuan into the treatment of leukemia. He was the Later that day, they attended a meeting with Technology...... 13 who is also a renowned hematologist and first to use the synergistic cancer targeting health care industry executives. Concluding Business...... 14 a member of the Chinese Academy of Sci- therapy and he developed the first successful the day of social activities was a dinner and ences. During his brief visit he met with the model in the treatment of acute promyelo- Economy...... 15 president of the University of Minnesota and cytic leukemia (APL). His work on APL Minister of Health faculties of the Medical School, Masonic turned this once fatal form of cancer into a continues on Page 12 PAGE 2 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 dispute www.chinainsight.info Island dispute between China ChinaInsight Publisher: Gregory J. Hugh and Japan fosters nationalism [email protected] Editor: Jennifer Nordin in both countries [email protected] By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer Manager of Operations/ s has been reported in the news, Circulation: there is a controversy over a Richard He Achain of uninhabited islands that [email protected] is being claimed by China, Japan and the Republic of China (Taiwan). These islands Marketing Director: are reputed to have vast oil deposits and are Will Ahern surrounded by rich fishing grounds. [email protected] But the islands, known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, have a Artist/Intern: long history of straining relations and inspir- Lauren Hugh ing nationalist resentment between the two Asian neighbors, long before the issue of oil Staff Writers: resources in the area came up. Greg Hugh China says the islands have been con- [email protected] sidered part of its territory since the 14th century, when it says they first appeared on Shilyn Chang Chinese maps during the Ming Dynasty. [email protected] Beijing says Chinese fishermen have used Anthony James the islands since ancient times. [email protected] But Japan disputes that claim, saying it discovered the islands in 1884. After deter- in Japan and as the Diaoyu (in China) or reserves in the area. Jodi Yim James mining the islands were uninhabited, Japan Tiaoyutai Islands (in Taiwan). Aside from “Japan argues that it surveyed the islands [email protected] annexed them in 1895 after winning the First a 1945 to 1972 period of administration in the late 19th century and found them to Jennifer Nordin Sino-Japanese War. China objects, saying it by the United States, the archipelago has be Terra nullius (Latin: land belonging to [email protected] was forced to sign the post-war treaty that been controlled by Japan since 1895. The no one); subsequently China acquiesced to effectively handed the islands over to Japan. People's Republic of China (PRC) disputed Japanese sovereignty until the 1970s. The China Correspondent: To provide an independent analysis of the proposed U.S. handover of authority to PRC and the ROC argue that documentary Kent Clark this situation, the following excerpt from Japan in 1971 and has asserted its claims evidence prior to the First Sino-Japanese [email protected] Wikipedia is being provided. to the islands since that time. The Republic War indicates Chinese possession and that “The Senkaku Islands dispute concerns of China (Taiwan) also claims the islands. the territory is accordingly a Japanese sei- Contributors: a territorial dispute over a group of uninhab- The territory is close to key shipping lanes, zure that should be returned as the rest of Elizabeth Greenberg ited islands known as the Senkaku Islands rich fishing grounds, and there may be oil Imperial Japan's conquests were returned [email protected] in 1945. “Although the United States does not Albert Leung hina nsight have an official position on the merits of the [email protected] C I is seeking competing sovereignty claims, the islands Raymond Lum are included within the U.S. Japan Security Production Editor [email protected] Treaty meaning that a defense of the islands Must be passionate about our mission: in addition to being by Japan may compel support from the Mike Xiong success-oriented, self-motivated, resourceful, creative, disciplined United States military. [email protected] and community-minded. “In September 11, 2012, the Japanese government purchased the remaining three About ChinaInsight of the disputed islands that it did not already ChinaInsight is a monthly English language Responsibilities include layout and design of 10 issues per own from their private owner, prompting newspaper fostering business and cultural year using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, some proofreadiing, large-scale protests in China.” harmony between China and the U.S. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ must be Internet savvy. ChinaInsight is a Member of The Minnesota Senkaku_Islands_dispute for the complete Chapter of the Asian American Journalists This is a part-time, volunteer position. article that is maintained by the Wikipedia Association (AAJA). website according to its standards. For a more thorough discussion of this Submissions & Contact Greg Hugh at 952-472-4757 or dispute, we suggest you view a video at the Correspondence [email protected] China Insight website at ChinaInsight welcomes guest articles www.chinainsight.info. and letters to the editor. Correspondence should be addressed to:
Editor, ChinaInsight 6520 South Bay Drive ChinaInsight Insight Minnetrista, MN 55331 Tel: 952-472-4757 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Guaranteed Fax: 952 472-6665 10 issues - $24 for a domestic subscription and $40 for [email protected] international. YES you could run to the Letters to the editor become the property store and pick up a copy, of ChinaInsight and may be edited for Please make check payable to ChinaInsight, 6520 South but did you know you can length and published. Articles will not be Bay Drive, Minnetrista, MN 55331 published without the express consent of have ChinaInsight delivered Name______the author. directly to your mailbox? Address______NOTICE TO READERS: The views A subscription costs a expressed in articles are the author’s and City/State/Zip______mere $24 and brings a full not neccesarily those of ChinaInsight. Phone______Authors may have a business relationship year (10 issues) of new with the companies or businesses they Email______understanding about today’s discuss. Company______China, from language to Copyright 2012 ChinaInsight, Inc. Title______business opportunities. All Rights Reserved. www.chinainsight.info events NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 > PAGE 3 DHS announces Taiwan’s designation into the Visa Waiver Program WASHINGTON—Secretary of Home- of tourist and business travelers entering the dent Obama’s Executive Order on travel land Security Janet Napolitano announced United States by air. and tourism, directing federal agencies to the designation of Taiwan into the Visa In accordance with the VWP designa- expand the nation’s ability to attract and Waiver Program (VWP)—streamlining tion process, the Department of Homeland welcome visitors, while maintaining the travel for thousands of eligible Taiwan Security (DHS) determined that Taiwan highest standards of security. In Fiscal Year passport holders, while maintaining strong complies with key security and information- 2011, 243,186 visitors from Taiwan traveled security standards [on Oct. 2, 2012]. sharing requirements—such as enhanced to the United States. “Today’s announcement is a major step law enforcement and security-related data For more information, visit www.dhs. forward in our long-standing economic sharing with the United States; timely re- gov or https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. partnership with Taiwan,” said Secretary porting of lost and stolen passports; and the Napolitano. “Taiwan’s participation in the maintenance of high counterterrorism, law VWP will not only stimulate tourism in the enforcement, border control, aviation and United States, it will also enable us to work document security standards. together to maintain the strictest security Like other VWP travelers, eligible Tai- standards.” wan passport holders will be required to ap- Taiwan will join 36 participants in the ply for advanced authorization through the UCBC presents VWP—which permits visa-free travel to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization United States for eligible travelers visiting (ESTA), a DHS Web-based system. Eligible the United States for 90 days or fewer for Taiwan passport holders with an approved “Off-Shore or business or tourism. In Fiscal Year 2011, the ESTA will be able to visit the United States VWP accounted for 18.3 million visits to without visas as of November 1, 2012. the United States, or more than 60 percent [The] announcement supports Presi- Re-Shore?”
US-China Business Connections & Hennepin Ramp. Attendees should take (UCBC) will host its monthly breakfast the elevator to the second floor. meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 7:30 The meeting will begin with network- Minnesota Trade to 9:30 a.m. Featured speaker Dan Fer- ing and breakfast followed by welcoming rise, CEO of Miller Manufacturing, will comments and introductions. Dan Fer- present “Off-Shore or Re-Shore?: Under- rise’s presentation will begin at 8 a.m. A Office events standing the fully burdened costs, why go question and answer session will follow to China verse domestic manufacturing.” the presentation. International Trade Resources (You Shouldn’t Be The UCBC November meeting will be The fee to attend is $25. The event is in Opus Hall (Room MOH 201 University free for students and UCBC members. To Without) of St. Thomas - Minneapolis Campus) on register, email [email protected] or the second floor across from the security The Minnesota Trade Office invites you or no cost. And the U.S. Government has call Jim Smith at 612-865-6543. desk. Parking is available in the 10th St. to join us for the next session of this seminar offices in more 80 countries throughout the on Thursday, Nov. 8, in the DEED Confer- world with the local knowledge and contacts ence Center at the St. Paul office. to help your company succeed. In the alphabet soup of the federal gov- Following this seminar, you'll be able ernment, how do you find the office that can to identify important government organiza- assist you with your particular export needs? tions and the trade assistance they provide, The U.S. government has long recognized so that you can make the government work the advantages to be gained by foreign trade. for you. Over the years, a number of departments For more information visit http://www. and agencies have been created to promote positivelyminnesota.com/Business/ foreign trade, and much information and a Exporting_Trade/Calendar_of_Events.aspx great many services are available at little
International Market Research: A Hands-On Workshop MTO’s next session of its "International methodical, sensible approach to performing Market Research" workshop. It will be held international research, one that can help you Tuesday, Nov. 13 in the DEED Computer make sound business decisions. Please note Lab at its office in the 1st National Bank that space is limited to 12 participants, pre- Bldg; 332 Minnesota St.-Ste E200; St. Paul, registration is required. MN 55101. Don't miss a great opportunity to For more information visit http://www. kick-start your marketing efforts by learning positivelyminnesota.com/Business/ where and how to find detailed and accurate Exporting_Trade/Calendar_of_Events. international market information. This semi- aspx nar offers new and experienced exporters a
Advertisers ChinaInsight Your potential customers are reading ChinaInsight. Shouldn’t SEEKS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE… you be bringing them in the door with an ad? Must be passionate about our mission: in addition to being success-oriented, must Contact: Greg Hugh be self-motivated, resourceful, creative, disciplined and community-minded. (952) 472-4757 Generous Commission Schedule Contact: Greg Hugh E-mail: [email protected] (952) 472-4757 E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 4 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 education www.chinainsight.info “China’s Terracotta Warriors” now on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts “An action-adventure narrative, part deep history, part archaeological romance…The terra-cotta warriors are awesome.” —New York Times
Get a in the history of China, the First Emperor. glimpse into Don't miss your chance to learn more about the life and this extraordinarily influential man. legacy of Chi- na’s First Em- About Qin Shihuang, peror and see the First Emperor more than 120 Born in a time of turmoil in China’s history, rare objects— known as the Warring States period (475- including 8 221 BCE), Qin Shihuang, or First Emperor, terra-cotta founded the short-lived Qin dynasty (221- tomb warriors and 2 horses—and other 206 BCE). He forged the seven warring amazing artifacts from this extraordinary states into one nation, and his legacy of archaeological excavation. University of Minnesota Hippocrates-Café on facebook.com a centralized bureaucratic state would be A once-in-a-lifetime experience, this carried on to successive dynasties over the exhibition takes visitors on a journey from next two millennia. the birth and rise of the Qin Empire to the Driven by an eagerness for immortality, life and rule of the First Emperor, his quest Character Study the First Emperor began to plan his burial for immortality, and his death, burial, and from the moment he ascended the throne at legacy. This is a rare opportunity to view age 13. The complex plan and symbolic con- treasures from one of the greatest archaeo- tent of the mausoleum, as gradually revealed How does one say logical discoveries of our time, drawn from by the ongoing archaeological excavations, more than 13 institutions in China, includ- are far beyond anyone's imagination. ing the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and The terra-cotta army was discovered in “Merry Christmas” Horses, the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeologi- 1974; later, Chinese archaeologists exca- cal Institute, and the Shaanxi History Mu- vated three pits containing more than 7,000 seum. A presentation of objects, including terra-cotta warriors with horses and chariots, in Chinese? bronze ritual and jade artifacts, gold and all designed to protect the First Emperor silver ornaments, and palatial architectural in the afterlife. His tomb was an elaborate components, illustrates the emergence of the subterranean palace, a parallel world that Qin State more than 2,000 years ago. would enable his rule after his death. The MIA was among the first museums This exhibition was organized by the outside China to feature some of these Minneapolis Institute of Arts in partner- figures in a small display held in 1985. A ship with the Asian Art Museum and the quarter-century later, Chinese archaeolo- Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau gists are still toiling away around the burial and Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion mound of one of the most remarkable figures Centre, People’s Republic of China.
By Jodi Yim James, Staff Writer English Pinyin Hanzi Merry Christmas is shèng dàn kuài lè transliterated name for Jesus. The character Christmas shèng dàn jié 圣诞节 圣诞快乐 in Chinese. ye (pronounced in the first tone as in the Christmas yē dàn jié 耶诞节 • Shèng 圣 is sacred or holy. It is transliteration of Jesus) does not have a spe- Christmas eve shèng dàn yè 圣诞夜 also short for shèng ren, a sage or a saint. cial meaning. It is a character used to imitate Christmas eve ping ān yè 平安夜 诞 a sound, often used for transliteration of 圣诞快乐 • Dàn is birth or birthday. foreign names. In old Chinese literature, ye Merry Christmas shèng dàn kuài lè • Kuài lè 快乐 is happiness, joy, (pronounced in the second tone) is the same Christmas tree shèng dàn shù 圣诞树 delight, or rejoicings. as father or used to indicate a question (old Candy Cane guǎi zhàng táng 拐杖糖 So, shèng dàn kuài lè, Holy Birth Happy, Chinese writing has no punctuation marks). Christmas presents shèng dàn lǐ wù 圣诞礼物 is how you say and write Merry Christmas Su 稣 means to revive, to come to, Stocking shèng dàn wà 圣诞袜 in Chinese. For Christians who believe or to rise again. Just like people speak Jesus is more than a saint, there is another Poinsetta shèng dàn hóng 圣诞红 English with different accents in different 圣诞卡 common phrase for Merry Christmas in parts of America, most Chinese don't speak Christmas card shèng dàn kǎ Chinese: Ye dàn kuài lè 耶诞快乐. Ye 100% Beijing Mandarin. Their speech has Santa Claus shèng dàn lǎo rén 圣诞老人 耶 is short for Ye Su 耶稣, which is the a hint of their local accents. Many Chinese Sleigh xuě qiāo 雪橇 pronounce Ye1 Su1 as Ye2 Su1. In that Reindeer mí lù 麋鹿 pronunciation, the name Ye Su not only Christmas carol shèng dàn gē 圣诞歌 sounds close to the Latin pronunciation of Angel tiān shǐ 天使 Read the paper online at Jesus, but also has a great meaning: Father who has risen again. Snowman xuě rén 雪人 www.chinainsight.info Here are more vocabulary words for the Happy Thanksgiving Gǎn ēn jíe kuài lè 感恩节快乐 holidays, including Happy Thanksgiving. www.chinainsight.info arts NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 > PAGE 5
“An action-adventure narrative, part deep history, part archaeological romance. . . . the terra-cotta warriors are awesome.” —New York Times
Armored Kneeling Archer, Light Infantryman, Armored General (details), Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE), terracotta, excavated from Qin Shihuang tomb complex, Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum Image used with permission from the Qin Shihuang’s Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum ©Photographs by Xia Juxian and Guo Yan
Get a glimpse into the life and legacy of China’s First Emperor. And see more than 120 rare objects—including 8 life-size terracotta tomb warriors—from the most important archaeological find of the 20th century. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” OCtObEr 28, 2012–JAnuAry 20, 2013 PAGE 6 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 education www.chinainsight.info
Chinese symbol for “Magic” Teaching Chinese with technology at Minnetonka High School-The Magic
Part 1 Great Transformations Make Great Schools By Will Ahern, Staff Writer Come see for yourself how a Breck education transforms young lives—and Students celebrated their good fortune- engagement and training, a centralized check out the progress of our amazing Upper School transformation, too. magic had arrived! The panacea to educa- learning hub, Google Docs, a robust wire- tional excellence was now within the reach less infrastructure and many other features. Grade 5 Information Evening of all ninth graders at Minnetonka High In the fall of 1989, Minnetonka School Tuesday, November 13, 2012 | 6:30-8:30 PM School (MHS). Apple iPads were being Districts became one of the first districts distributed to the students for use in all in Minnesota to start teaching Chinese. Dr. Preschool/Kindergarten Information Evening their classes. Dale Rusch, then director of curriculum Minnetonka, a school district of aca- and instruction, proposed the addition of Thursday, November 15, 2012 | 6:30-8:30 PM demic excellence in the western suburbs of the Chinese language to the world language the Twin Cities of Minnesota, was indeed curriculum at Minnetonka High School. Grades P-12 Admissions Open House distributing iPads to all ninth graders for Then Minnetonka Superintendent Donald Sunday, January 13, 2013 1:30-3:30 PM use in all their classes, including Chinese. Draayer advocated to the school board to This was not a capricious or trendy solution, add Chinese, “My rationale to the school Call Admissions Director Scott Wade at 763.381.8200 for more information, but a school district at the right place and at board was that the absence of a world lan- or visit our website: www.breckschool.org the right time able to leverage technology guage from Asia was like playing baseball to accelerate and extend learning for its without third base,” wrote Draayer. The students—a long-established technology board voted 4-3 in favor and 28 students Breck School | 123 Ottawa Avenue North | Minneapolis, MN 55422-5189 initiative supported by a communitywide enrolled in Minnetonka’s first Chinese class. referendum that worked in their favor. A 22- During the summer of 1989, the Tiananmen year Chinese program brought tremendous Square protest happened and was forcibly teaching experience to bear. put down by the Chinese government. More The technology initiative started in than half of those enrolled in Chinese, 2002 with the passing of a technology ref- withdrew. By 2005, MHS enrolled more erendum. The vision of Superintendent Dr. than 200 students and in 2007, the district Dennis Peterson and the school board had started its Chinese immersion program. steered the school district to a point today It has grown into one of the largest, most where technology is an essential part of comprehensive K-12 Chinese programs in teaching and preparing its students for the Minnesota. 21st century. All Minnetonka classrooms The Minnetonka School District has have SMART boards, interactive white- 20-plus full-time Chinese teachers as well boards, allowing students to interact and as an exchange teacher relationship with participate like never before, and sound field the Hangzhou Foreign Language School solutions, enabling all students to hear the (HFLS). Since 1989, the Minnetonka teacher’s voice anywhere in the room during School District has hosted Chinese teachers a lesson. Handheld student response systems every year (except 1999-2000 when there are used in classrooms K-12. The use of were visa problems). Chinese teachers who technology in the classroom benefits all come to Minnesota under this program are students. Minnetonka has become a national teachers of English at the HFLS, a presti- leader in using educational technology as an gious high school in the city of Hangzhou, accelerator of learning. just west of Shanghai in Zhejiang Province, In the 2011-2012 school year, a pilot PRC. The HFLS, a boarding school whose of iPads was conducted in the ninth grade students are top students from the province, to test digital curriculum materials, student offers intensive English language instruc- collaboration tools, and individualized in- tion in grades 7-12. At Minnetonka, the struction with goals to: Chinese teacher assists school staff in teach- ● Enhance and accelerate learning ing Mandarin Chinese and is encouraged to ● Leverage technology for individualizing attend/participate in a variety of school and instruction community activities. ● Promote collaboration, increasing The two Chinese immersion schools student engagement embedded in elementary schools have now ● Strengthen the 21st century skills evolved to include the sixth grade, and are necessary for future student success part of the middle schools as well. The Half of the ninth graders received iPads plan is to continue the immersion through and half were the control group. Midway the eighth grade. through the year the evidence of benefits Part two of this article will discuss the was so compelling the school board agreed specifics of a technology solution, including to outfit the balance of the students with iPads and all the technologies in service at iPads immediately. This year, 1,600 ninth- Minnetonka that go into a second-year Chi- and tenth-grade students are outfitted with nese language classroom. How the magic iPads as well as hundreds more throughout is made will be revealed. grades 11 and 12. The success of the iPad is made possible by a significant commitment to teacher 739913_06639
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Warm wishes for the very best this holiday season. Wishing you and your family wisdom, strength and peace.
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739913_06639 10x15 bw.indd 1 10/10/12 10:46 AM PAGE 8 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 travel www.chinainsight.info Fun and Merriment at the Rainbow's End By Liu Huanzhi & Xu Ying, China Today hough many times eclipsed by to southern China and steeped themselves its more famous neighboring cit- in its iconic scenery – natural and artificial; Ties of Beijing and Tianjin, Hebei their experiences and architectural inclina- Province hardly delivers a lack luster perfor- tions were recorded and reflected in the mance where local color and beautiful envi- imperial gardening project at Chengde. The rons are concerned. The imposing Yanshan compact site selected by Emperor Kangxi and Taihang mountains have bestowed on showcased the topography – with a diversity Hebei one of Mother Nature's most beautiful of lake, marsh, plain, grassland, woodland landscapes, one that invites sustained awe and lush hills spreading from southeast to at the Great Wall which graces the province northwest over altitude differences of up with a bounteous [1,240 miles] of its length. to [594 miles]. Today the imperial legacy Sea and grasslands also favor this territory stands intact as an ethnic and religious mu- and vie to add to its beauty. seum of China and a gardening masterpiece Hebei, if defined by colors, is a rainbow of the world. of yellow, red, blue, green and white. Its Tracing the enclosure of the impe- dynastic history and imperial heritage stain rial villa, you will find the Eight Outlying it in yellow, and the Xibaipo CPC Central Temples on the out side of the wall. They Committee site in the late 1940s adds a tinge too were built by the emperors to serve their of red. And blue, green and white are the spiritual needs. Chengde is the only place in natural palette of sea, land and its romantic China where you can find such a concentra- snowy winter. tion of temples; each of them is related to Hebei is the only provincial-level ad- the legend of an early Manchu ruler from Beidaihe, the earliest and largest bathing beach in China. ministrative region in China that boasts a 300 years ago. full range of geographical features, includ- To the uninformed, Eight Outlying Tem- you can find out how the Wall crawls out of ing seashores, plains, grasslands, lakes and ples, or Waibamiao, obviously implies that Blue: Seaside Fun the sea and starts its [3,100-mile] journey rolling ranges both high and low. All these there are eight temples around the mountain Bohai Bay extends for [301.9 miles] in across the mountains of northern China. At natural and cultural colors contribute to villa. But actually it refers to a cluster of Hebei Province, its northeastern side curv- Hebei's Jiaoshan, Jinshanling, Panjiakou, Hebei as a haunt for tourists and holiday- 12 temples. In its early days, Chengde had ing like a necklace from the Shanhai Pass to Qingshanguan and many other places, you makers. eight Lama temples of Tibetan Buddhism. Haixingkou. The soft, golden beaches invite will witness more characteristic beauty and These were under the administration of the travelers to pause in their wanderings and wilderness of the Great Wall. Yellow: Imperial Majesty department in charge of ethnic minority af- throw themselves into the embrace of the North of Beijing and Tianjin is Chengde, fairs and were registered with the Lamaism sea – feeling the caress of its gentle waves, Green: Call of the Wild the former summer resort of the Manchu affairs office in Beijing. Each temple had a frolicking with the rising and retreating The west of Hebei is lush grassland, part Qing emperors that ruled from Beijing. representative office in the capital. Since tides, watching the sunset and sunrise, and of the vast North China Plain. Taihang and The legacies of its imperial palaces, gar- they were clustered outside the Great Wall, greeting fishing boats returning with a full Yanshan mountains meet here, and the Juma dens, temples and cemeteries hark back to they were collectively referred to as Waib- day's catch. Such seaside fun can be found and Yishui rivers meander through valleys, one of the most splendid imperial zeniths amiao, meaning, more precisely, the "eight at Beidaihe, Nandaihe, Feicui Island, Laot- hills and the plain. in Chinese history. For hundreds of years temples lying outside of the Great Wall." ing Triple Islets, Changli Golden Coast, and The Hanging Garden may be a Babylo- Manchu emperors and aristocrats retreated Though in later times, the number of temples in fact everywhere along the [301.9-mile] nian legend, but a hanging valley does exist to Chengde to escape the summer heat of increased, the terminology never changed. Bohai Bay. here. In Yuxian County, [124 miles] west of Beijing, relive their nomadic traditions, and The 12 temples are arrayed along the Beidaihe is the earliest and largest bath- Beijing, a [14.4-square mile] alpine meadow polish up their hunting skills in its grass ridges of the eastern and northern hills that ing beach in China, thanks to its agreeable nestles among mountains between the Sang- and woodlands. Today these former impe- surround the massive imperial mountain vil- climate and beautiful environment. Across gan and Juma rivers. At an altitude of 2,158 rial sites beckon unfailingly to non-royal la. They were all dedicated to Lamaism, and its shore of [6.2 miles] there are many flat meters, the meadow has mild summers and visitors from Beijing, Tianjin and cities their architecture and decor are a mixture and soft beaches sheltered by the lush Li- moderate weather the rest of the year. The farther afield. of Han and Tibetan styles. It was said that anfeng Mountain on the land side. In 1898 best season is from May to October when the Qing emperors built the temples the imperial Qing government designated 1,300 kinds of wild flowers bloom in suc- primarily to pacify and stabilize its Beidaihe the "summer resort for personages cession, making it a riot of changing colors. southwestern frontiers. That might be of various countries." In no time private The largest grassland in Hebei is un- true, as every temple has inscribed ste- villas, recreation facilities and accommo- doubtedly Bashang. Stretching from Zhang- les that eulogize an episode of the Qing dations fanned out along its beaches, and bei County and Shangyi County in the west Dynasty that unified the country and the once deserted shore became a vacation to Weichang County in the east, the meadow maintained a heterogeneous empire. spot for officials, aristocrats and rich busi- covers an area of [80,000 square miles]. Hebei is also the resting place for nessmen from China and abroad. After the Bashang literally means "on the highland," Qing emperors and their families. The founding of the People's Republic in 1949, as the terrain rises abruptly at the northern two cemeteries, eastern and western, many sanatoriums and hotels were built rim of the North China Plain to reach for the total [1,000 square miles] in size. Ac- by government ministries and state-owned Mongolian Plateau. Dubbed the backyard cording to historic records, the eastern enterprises, between or behind the old facili- garden of Beijing, these ranges are about cemetery outside Zunhua City inters ties or farther out along the wings, turning four hours drive from the capital. On week- 161 imperial family members. Except Beidaihe into China's largest beach resort. ends, urbanites come enjoy the breezes, for five emperors and three princes Nandaihe is connected to Beidaihe by a natural surroundings and the adventure of that died young, the remaining 153 bridge and has a shoreline stretching [10.9 riding a horse. are female. The western cemetery was miles]. Its young beaches are no less fine Yesanpo World Geological Park in inaugurated by Emperor Yongzheng and beautiful than that of Beidaihe, but their Laishui County is the most majestic stretch (1678-1735), and this resting place waters are definitely bluer and cleaner. Over of the Taihang Mountain range. The for the self-effacing emperor is modest the last two decades, it has quickly grown [240-square mile] park remains in a pristine compared with the architecture of the into a popular bathing resort, with such state – mountains, canyons, creeks, falls, A lake view in the Imperial Mountain Villa in eastern tombs. Apart from Yongzheng public recreational facilities as sand and and glacier, the ecosystem functions as in- Chengde. and his family, Emperors Jiaqing grass slides that can't be found at Beidaihe. dependently as it did thousands of years ago. (1760-1820), Daoguang (1782-1850) It would be a shame for tourists at Beid- In Xinglong County there is a mountain The Imperial Mountain Villa at Chengde and Guangxu (1871-1908) and their families aihe and Nandaihe to miss the Old Dragon that also remains undisturbed by human ac- is found behind an imposing wall that me- are also buried here, totaling 80 royals. Ac- Head, the starting point of the Great Wall. tivity. Called Wuling, this main peak of the anders for [6.2 miles] up and down a rolling cording to the Qing imperial burial system, The Great Wall extends for more than Yanshan Mountains reaches [6,989.4 feet] terrain on the west bank of the Wulie River. Emperor Yongzheng should have picked a [1,240 miles] in Hebei, blessing the province in altitude. Close to the royal cemeteries of Construction started in 1703, the 42nd year tomb site adjacent to that of his father Em- with the longest, best preserved and most the Qing Dynasty, it was closed to logging of Emperor Kangxi's reign, and continued peror Kangxi. His blatant violation invited varied section in any province. Taking a and hunting for centuries. The second largest for 89 years and through three emperors. much rumor-mongering. cruise west of the Old Dragon Head, you can astronomical observatory in China is also The colossal project is a testimony to the In November 2000 the Eastern and see a double wonder of the Great Wall – a located here. salad days of the Qing Dynasty during the Western Qing Tombs were inscribed into section across mountain ridges reflects on Tianshengqiao National Geological reigns of Kangxi (1654-1722) and Qianlong the World Heritage List for their historic, the water surface and makes a shadowy twin (1711-1799). Both emperors made six trips artistic and scientific value. brother on the seabed; tracing the shadow, Hebei continues on Page 9 www.chinainsight.info travel NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 > PAGE 9 Fun and Merriment at the Rainbow's End continues from Page 8 Republic of China was established in Bei- Eight slopes attract hordes of ski- jing. Now it is a popular tourist destination, ers every year: four in Chongli, two in receiving hundreds of thousands of travelers Shijiazhuang, one in Chengde and one in every year. Qinhuangdao. A number of places in Hebei bear the Chongli boasts the best conditions for honorable scars of China's modern history, skiing. The snowfall is robust and winds not in particular from Chinese resistance to the so heavy. The moist climate provides good Japanese invasion during WWII. Ranzhuang snow cover for a long ski season. The Gen- Village in Qingyuan County was the site of eral Administration of Sports and Chinese the tunnel war. Local villagers and gueril- Ski Association [both have] named Chongli las were far outnumbered by the enemy, so the best skiing area in North China. played hide-and-seek with them by building According to the local development an underground maze in the 1940s. This plan, Chongli will construct a range of invisible network provided a retreat from skiing and vacation venues to meet the de- routinely staged looting and killing sprees. mands of Asian Winter Games and Winter Qiannanyu Village of Xingtai City was Olympic Games. the interim campus of the Chinese People's Yellow, red, blue, green and white con- Anti-Japanese Military and Politics Univer- stitute the charm of Hebei, and its history sity from November 1940 to January 1943. adds weight to the attraction. This is the It graduated more than 8,000 students, many battleground where the Yellow Emperor of whom later became PLA commanders. defeated Chiyou and created the Chinese In 1955 alone 109 were awarded the rank nation; the Nihewan ruins in northern He- of general. bei dates back to the Paleolithic age more The Langya Mountain stands as a monu- than one million years ago; the Great Wall ment to five soldiers who threw themselves crossing the province from east to west was off the cliff in 1941 after running out of witness to wars among different tribes, and ammunition, rather than surrender to the in peaceful times to the prosperity brought enemy. Their entire company had been by border trade. slaughtered in a mission to hold off Japa- The province now has three world cul- nese forces so the Chinese army and some tural heritage designations, 168 national civilians could make a safe withdrawal. The historic sites, five national historical cities, film Five Martyrs of the Langya Mountain and 600-plus scenic spots. Hebei has four was made in the 1950s based on this story. treasures – iron lions in Cangzhou, the Ding- Laoting County is the birthplace of Li zhou tower, the Zhaozhou stone bridge, and Dazhao, a patriotic scholar and one of the Longxing Temple in Zhengding. The martial founders of the CPC who was garroted by art tradition of Cangzhou and paper-cutting Wuling Mountain, the highest rock formation east of Beijing. a warlord in 1927. A museum dedicated to in Yuxian County are both listed in China's Park in Fuping County of Baoding City got ambiance. Light fog always envelops it. him was opened here in 1997. intangible cultural heritage. its name from a naturally formed bridge of If aboard a boat, you will see isles in the Due to its important geographical posi- Shoppers won't be bored. Hebei also metamorphic rock, the largest in China. Na- middle of the lake draw nearer, and mist tion, Hebei was the central battleground boasts several commodity distribution ture's construction spans a mighty waterfall drifting away gradually. Then in a second, of China's 20th century. More than 100 centers, like China's largest luggage market that thunders down, roars in quick succes- the expanse of the lake unfolds before you sites and monuments have been erected to in Baigou, the largest sheepskin garment sion through nine twists in the riverbed, slic- – a moment full of surprise and joy. commemorate the presence of the CPC in production base and market in the country, ing a glittering and splashy course through Hebei is also rich in hot springs. In the the region or the war to combat Japanese located in Xinji, the largest cashmere market boundless green fields of varied hues. mountains of Chicheng County, a hot spring invaders, reminding people of the value of Qinghe, one of the largest wine production Mountains are dotted across Hebei like has been bubbling for hundreds of years. In a peaceful life. bases in Huailai of Zhangjiakou and Chan- emeralds in a crown. Tuoliang in Pingshan Gu'an County, hot springs are arranged in gli of Qinhuangdao. Several first-class golf County appears like humps; Zhangshiyan in independent small quadrangles, allowing White: Snowy Romance courses also make Hebei a haven for busi- Zanhuang County is loved for its unworldly travelers to enjoy their leisure time more "A snowflake as large as a carpet," ness people seeking a break from the desk beauty and tranquility, a perfect model for fully. In Wentang Town, Pingshan County, sighed Li Bai, a great poet of the Tang and boardroom. traditional landscape ink paintings; Zhang- a famous radon hot spring is particularly Dynasty (618-907), when he happened shiyan in Zanhuang County of Shijiazhuang popular for its special therapeutic functions. upon Yanshan Mountain in winter. The low Reprinted by permission of China City features an array of peaks of multifari- temperatures and rolling mountains in Hebei Today. ous shapes that are so artfully aligned as to Red: Nurturing the New China create awesome winter scenes and prime http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/english inspire poetry. Cangyan in Jingxing County Xibaipo, a small village [55.8 miles] conditions for snow sports. represents the prime view of the Taihang northwest of Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei, Range; Yunmeng in Xingtai County takes is a household name in China. In May 1948, pride in its opulent vegetation – as high as Mao Zedong and other leaders moved here. 95 percent has green coverage; Tiangui in The village then became the headquarters Pingshan County can stand comparison with of the CPC and the People's Liberation Guilin in southern China for its labyrinthine Army till October 1949 when the People's limestone caverns and strange monoliths; the canyon path in Xingtai City links 24 canyons in close proxim- ity, where scarcely used trails me- ander at dangerous angles between reddish bluffs, fade into a dense mist, and then invisibility. Hebei Province is also home to mighty waterways. Baiyang- dian, located in Baoding City, is the largest freshwater lake on the North China Plain. In summer, lo- tus leaves, as a Chinese poem goes, stretch to the horizon, and the lotus blossom glows on a natural green canvas. Reeds and bulrushes stand at attention in the lake, with catkins dancing in the breeze. Hengshui Lake, the second Xibaipo, a village that became the headquarters largest freshwater body in northern of the CPC in the late 1940s. Winter arrives at the former imperial hunting range at Bashang. China, has a decidedly different PAGE 10 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 community www.chinainsight.info
at the University of Minnesota. She learned enough Chinese to converse amiably with Patricia Puffer, Honorary the scholars and, more importantly, to dis- tinguish Chinese name sounds, particularly on the phone. Chinese Minnesotan of Note Puffer and her husband also led tours of the reverse kind: taking Americans to China. By Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends Afterwards they frequently presented slide romoting mutual understanding places related to their in Chinese or U.S. cultures shows of these tours to public schools (both between Chinese and American individual fields of in- were discussed. Everyone inner-city and suburban), churches, rotary Pcitizens has been an abiding pas- terest, ranging from ag- came away with a better club meetings, and other interested organi- sion for Patricia Puffer, a lifelong volunteer riculture to medicine, appreciation of what each zations. Their goal always was to promote at the Minnesota International Center, U.S. architecture, business culture had to offer. a better understanding of the everyday life of China People’s Friendship Association, and, in addition, vari- As interest and de- the citizens of a fast emerging country that and China Center at the University of Min- ous aspects of Ameri- mand in these tours grew had, at that time, received very little atten- nesota. can culture. During Puffer recruited additional tion from the press in this country. In 1977 Puffer and her husband, Ken- University breaks there American host-drivers. For many years Puffer was also active neth, were among the first groups of Ameri- were usually two or Soon friendships were with the China Center at the University, cans to visit China, soon after the thaw in three tours each day of sprouting up between matching new Chinese students and schol- U.S./China relations. As the first wave of the week to schools, these host-drivers and the ars with American professionals in their Chinese visiting scholars began arriving medical clinics, busi- Chinese scholars. Puffer particular fields of interest. She has kept at the University of Minnesota afterwards, ness offices, factories, promptly set up additional in touch with many of her former scholars, Puffer became a conversation partner for the Grain Exchange, opportunities, such as treasuring the news of their grown children and their life changes. them. These scholars were shy, had had along with the Minneso- Patricia Puffer potluck suppers and home very limited English instruction in China, ta Zoo, Minnesota Sci- visits, to foster these bud- The Chinese Heritage Foundation and needed practice in English conversation ence Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, ding friendships and to enlarge these circles honors Patricia Puffer for her joyful self- in order to increase their comprehension. and other institutions of American culture. of engagement to friends and neighbors of effacing volunteerism, ready responses and Realizing that these scholars, because Of particular interest to the scholars were these host-drivers. Many back and forth tireless efforts on behalf of many Chinese of their limited English and lack of means their tours to senior housing and care centers invitations to share each other’s holidays scholars, and promoting dialogues and of transportation, saw only the area around in the Twin Cities. These were a rarity in and customs ensued, greatly furthering pioneering mutual understanding between the University, Puffer set about acquaint- China at the time. Over lunches with these understanding on both sides. China and the United States during the ing them with American life. She and her American seniors many different ideas and To better equip herself for these tasks nascent period of modern U.S./China rela- husband launched tours to take them to practices of caring for and honoring seniors Puffer enrolled in Chinese language classes tions.
President Ming L. Tchou presented Puffer also recognized as the mastermind behind CHF Open House continues from Page 1 the Chinese Minnesotan of Note Award CHF’s series of activities entitled “The Art before the foundation and Puffer’s children, of Eating Well.” “Steve’s love of Chinese Chinese visual arts were also recog- several of whom are also involved in the food is legendary,” says Pearl Bergard. nized with a grant award from CHF this Chinese community in Minnesota. “Ever optimistic about the state of Chinese year. From Oct. 28, 2012, - Jan. 20, 2013, The foundation also presented the Vol- restaurants in the Twin Cities, he is often the the Minneapolis Institute of Arts will host unteer of the Year Award to Stephen Mao first to visit a new restaurant.” the “China’s Terracotta Warriors” exhibit and Rev. Stephen Tsui, both of whom are of rare artifacts from the Xian excavation. active members of CHF’s calligraphy team. The well-known terra-cotta army of 7,000 Stephen Mao has visited schools and statues sculpted to protect the first emperor events around the Twin Cities, sharing his of China in his tomb in 221 BCE and were talents in both translation and calligraphy. discovered in 1974. These warriors are some He has given presentations on a variety of of the most important and well-known arti- Patricia Puffer (seated) and her family topics, from the origins and development facts of Chinese history. In addition to the since her first visit to China in 1977 — an of Chinese calligraphy to surviving WWII warriors and objects found in this famous era when China was politically unstable, and in China. CHF’s executive director and fel- tomb, the exhibit also will provide a broader relations with the U.S. were still lukewarm. low Calligraphy Committee member Pearl historical context for China during that time Since then, she has been an indispensable Bergard says of Mao’s contributions to the by exploring several other fascinating relics figure in establishing harmonious relations committee, “[H]e is often a one-man team, hand-selected by Chinese curator Liu Yang. between Chinese and American people— serving as both translator and calligrapher at Professor Ann Waltner of the History especially with the younger generations of the same time. He never takes the easy way Department at the University of Minnesota university students. In the 1970s Chinese out of this important task. Stephen always and Joan Brzezinski of the China Center scholars began arriving at the University arises to the needs of the moment.” both spoke on behalf of the educational of Minnesota. The students’ numbers were contributions of the foundation over the Ming Tchou (L) presents award to few throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, and they past eight years. In 2006, the CHF created a Tsui had few opportunities and resources to help graduate fellowship in the study of WWII in them become involved in the University of China, to encourage a deeper understanding Minnesota’s American community. The last speaker of the open house, Chi- of Chinese history. The grant awarded to the After she returned from China, Puffer na Insight publisher and chair of the CHF China Center facilitated the appearance of and her husband noticed that the new wave Board of Directors, Greg Hugh, closed the distinguished Law Professor Amy Chua of of visiting Chinese students was having dif- event with a final reflection on the achieve- Yale University at the Annual Griffin Lec- ficulty becoming integrated into American ments of the past eight years and plans for ture Series, where she spoke about her book society. To remedy this, they offered ways to numerous future Chinese events. In late in the lecture “Battle Hymn of the Tiger improve both the students’ understanding of October, the foundation welcomed author Mother: Increasing Mutual Understanding Western culture as well as opportunities to Cathy Bao Bean to talk about her book “The Between U.S. and China.” improve their English. They organized tours Chopsticks-For Principle, A Memoir and CHF board member Margaret Wong for Chinese students to better comprehend Manual”. The novel is an insightful look introduced this year’s Chinese Minnesotan various aspects of American culture. These into trying to live with the differences of of Note: Patricia Puffer. Puffer has been tours included visits to schools, museums, Chinese and Western culture, and Bao Bean avidly involved in Chinese-U.S. relations CHFF Volunteer of the Year, Stephen Mao businesses, zoos and any other American discusses the issues of a bicultural family. institutions that a student showed an in- The foundation also encourages visiting dividual interest in. Puffer also organized Volunteer of the Year Rev. Stephen Tsui the terra -cotta warriors at the Minneapolis more personal events such as dinners and is accredited with giving the foundation its Institute of Arts, and will be hosting tours 傳龍基 home visits — encouraging friendships Chinese name (chuan long ji jin to the exhibition. In addition, because of 金 between Chinese and American students. ) as well as the Chinese name for the “A the success of “A Passage to China” in All of these opportunities not only Passage to China” event (man you zhong spring, thanks to more than 12,000 visitors 漫游中国 漫游 helped Chinese students understand U.S. guo ). Tsui described as the and 45-plus China-related organizations, culture; they established an exchange of leisurely and meandering way a goldfish a date has already been set for next year’s ideas and cultures with their American swims in a pond. He thought that Passage Passage. Mark your calendars for the sixth visitors should be absorbing the sights annual event on the weekend of April 13- Gathering at CHFF Open House watches counterparts, who learned about China in and sounds of the event in much the same the honoring of Patricia Puffer return. For her efforts, the CHF founder and 14, 2013. way—at an individual, leisurely pace. He is 2012 MEDA Gala A Celebration of Diversity in Business
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MEDA would like to give a special thanks to China Insight for its continued support. PAGE 12 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 education www.chinainsight.info Chinese Health Minister Teaching Chinese: Chen Zhu visited The mind is wired for story Minnesota By Jodi Yim James, Staff Writer In recent studies of how the mind works, one is led to believe that “having a way with AMCP played co-host in welcoming Minister Chen’s visit it has been found that our mind is hard-wired words” is what hooks readers. Story is what for story. Here are examples of different captivates the brain. Cron gives seven ways people making this assertion. In the end, we that a story hooks the reader’s brain: will apply this to language learning. 1. Surprise. Surprise gets our attention George Lakoff, a UC Berkeley Professor and then we’re wired to immediately start of Linguistics and Cognitive Science, has figuring out what’s actually going on, to documented that the way we frame things to sense whether one will get whacked or ourselves and to others is through metaphors kissed. With surprise a story grabs the and stories. Metaphors are an inherent part brain’s attention. of the structure of the brain and the way the 2. Feel It. In a story, if we’re not feeling, mind seeks understanding. “Metaphors We we’re not reading. The reader slips into the Live By” is Lakoff’s recent book announc- protagonist’s skin – feeling and tasting and ing this discovery. wanting and fearing and anticipating. Lakoff’s work suggests that stories do 3. The Goal. We’re wired to be goal not simply fascinate or entertain us. Rather, driven so we jump into the story's agenda. our brain is wired for plots and craves the 4. Stories Tell Us What We Need to narrative content to make them come to Know. 99.9 percent of all incoming data to life. Across all cultures people crave stories our brain is discarded so with a story, we to animate classic plots. We are hardwired focus on what we need to know. Essential for stories in context, as opposed to lists of details captivate. vocabulary or information (out of context). 5. Specifics. We don’t think in the ab- AMCP president Dr. Zhiyi Sha and USCHIE chief editor Dr. John Chen attended Minister The seven classic plots of story are found stract; we think in concrete images so love Chen’s honorary Doctor of Science degree awarding ceremony together with Minister universally across cultures in cultural stud- is not a concept, it is kiss or a bouquet of Chen’s wife Dr. CHEN Saijuan at the Eastcliff mansion, the official residence of University ies. These are named by Christopher Booker sweet smelling deep red fresh cut roses or of Minnesota president Eric Kaler. in his book, “The Seven Basic Plots: Why yummy chocolate. We Tell Stories”: 6. Conflict hooks us into what is hap- Chinese Health Minister Dr. Chen Zhu, son and Dr. Paul Quie of the International 1. Overcoming the Monster pening. accompanied by his wife Dr. Chen Saijuan Medical Education and Research program, 2. Rags to Riches 7. It Must Make Sense so the cause and and other Health Ministry officials, had a Association of Minnesota Chinese Physi- 3. The Quest effect of the story are important. successful visit to Minnesota during Octo- cians (AMCP) members, representatives 4. Voyage and Return What does all of this brain research mean ber 5 and October 8, 2012. Minister Chen of many local biomedical industry giants 5. Comedy to the language teacher? It means that in was nominated by Dr. John Kersey, Cancer such as Medtronic, 3M and United Health 6. Tragedy teaching French, for example, instead of just Center Director Emeritus and a pioneer in Group, Chinese Student and Scholar As- 7. Rebirth and Transformation telling our students about the young French bone marrow transplant, and was awarded sociation and the local Chinese community. Paschal Baute, Ed. D., a psychologist girl walking in the park in front of the Eiffel an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Minister Chen also gave a key note speech (www.paschalbaute.com), gives an illus- Tower munching on a croissant - we must the Regents of the University of Minnesota at the University of Minnesota about the trated example of the importance of using add that OOPS! she just tripped over a dead at the residence of University of Minnesota Chinese healthcare reform progress and had stories for teaching in the classroom. He body, NO!!!!! , what happens next? President Eric Kaler for his distinguished academic exchanges with the colleagues at says, "If one asks a class if they are ready Or, in teaching Chinese, our young hero, contribution to the treatment of acute pro- University of Minnesota. for a scary story, every single hand shoots Xiao Wang, is speeding through Shanghai myelocytic leukemia. AMCP and USCHIE arranged a Lake up immediately. That is not accidental. It is on the high-speed train or the Maglev on his During his visit, Minister Chen also Minnetonka cruise and a dinner to facilitate so immediate and pervasive, that it shows way to the airport, and he witnesses a mys- met Governor Mark Dayton, Department the interaction between Minister Chen’s del- how the brain works. It is obvious that the terious exchange between two passengers of Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Erlinger, egation and the local community. Minister kids need narrative to help them. Help them and then a theft of a laptop case of a third Medical School Dean Dr. Aaron Fried- Chen’s visit has been very fruitful in forging do what? Feel safe? Conceive options? The passenger. Oh no..... !!!!! What will Xiao man, School of Public Health Dean Dr. solid collaborations between Minnesota and need does not matter. What matters is that Wang do? Then he runs into the culprits at John Finnegan and College of Science and China in the areas of healthcare service, there is an inherent craving for story narra- the airport! Engineering Dean Steven Crouch as well health professional training and biomedical tive to fit the universal plot of Overcoming In other words, as language teachers, as many University department leaders research in addition to promoting friend- the Monster. Each of us is waiting for the we must search for and use stories that have including Prof. John Bischof and David Pui ship and understanding between US and story that can deeply satisfy such needs. And comprehensible input for our students, to of Department of Mechanical Engineering China. Consul General WANG Guoqiang of if it is not scary enough, your listeners are hook them into using the target language out and Dr. Wes Miller of Department of Medi- Chinese Consulate General in Chicago and sure to tell you. Or beg for more." of a need to use it, out of a natural compul- cine. Minister Chen also met China Center other consulate officials also participated in Another writer, Lloyd Glauberman, sion to be engaged in a story. Director Joan Brzezinski, Dr. Phillip Peter- Minister Chen’s Minnesota visit. PhD, wrote about the mind and stories in One curriculum that uses short stories in the Jan. 8, 2011, Huffington Post. He said, every lesson is 轻松学汉语 qīng sōng xué "The mind is wired for journeys. Our life is hànyǔ or Chinese Made Easy, Levels 1-5. ticle, Chen said China has been working on structured as a narrative that involves getting Moreover, this series is compatible with the Health Minister continues from regulation of the civilian transplant program from one place to another. And successful Chinese language SAT and IB exams. As Page 1 and that he is supportive of the govern- stories, variations on the Myth of the Hero vocabulary builds, the lesson stories become activities was a dinner and program with ment’s work with the American Red Cross theme where difficult obstacles are over- more complex, in using the accumulated the medical community hosted by AMCP. on voluntary organ donation. “Personally come, are the most compelling. " vocabulary. This begins right in the Level On his final day in Minnesota, Minister I’m opposing the use of organs from that In her recently published book, “Wired 1, first textbook of the 5-level series. Chen attended a round table forum held source,” Chen said. for Story,” Lisa Cron also puts together brain However, one would like to add novels by the University of Minnesota and China Despite the controversy, Chen said research and stories. She writes that, "One or short stories in Chinese that also have Health Connections and ended his stay in collaboration between the University and thing and one thing only, hooks readers: a controlled vocabulary and repetition for Minnesota with a visit to Eastcliff, residence the Ministry of Health is still favorable. “I curiosity." the young readers. These are not yet forth- of the president of the Univeristy of Minne- think there are plenty of opportunities for Cron goes on to explain that the brain coming. (EMC has such novels for levels sota, during which he received an honorary cooperation in the future.” is hardwired to be more interested in what 1 - AP for French, German, and Spanish.) doctor of science degree. The full article can be viewed at http:// happens next, than in fancy language. Brain Let us hope that we can find such materials The bestowing of this honor made the www.mndaily.com/2012/10/09/u-honors- science tells how to hook readers and reel for our Chinese language learners soon. front page of the Oct. 9, 2012, issue of the chinese-minister-health. them in and it is through story. Throughout Bright minds are compelled to engage in Minnesota Daily. It was noted on campus The following organizations sponsored civilization, people tell stories. Stories cap- these stories as they learn Chinese. with applause and controversy. Accord- activities for this visit: University of Min- tivate in a way nothing else can. For more information or to add your ing to the Minnesota Daily article, some nesota Masonic Cancer Center, Medical Curiosity is the trigger, the desire to find comments, experiences, and ideas about lan- University professors disagreed with giving School, School of Public Health, College out what happens next. There is a feeling of guage teaching and applied pedagogy, visit of Science and Engineering; China Center; Minister Chen an honorary degree because pleasure which is a rush of dopamine and it chineseclassroomreality.blogspot.com. of the transplant program in China which Association of Minnesota Chinese Physi- is a neural reward for curiosity, urging us to he oversees. cians. keep reading until we find the answer. This According to the Minnesota Daily ar- information is a game changer given how www.chinainsight.info technology NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 > PAGE 13 Game changer: China’s new mobile phone users By Anthony James, Staff Writer
An interesting number popped up in leading smartphone mar- October in the news: 6 billion. That’s the ket in 2012. Of the top approximate number of cell phones in five brands that were sold use right now in world according to the in China this year, three International Telecommunications Union. were of local companies: In China, the reported number of mobile Lenovo, Coolpad and phone subscribers is around one billion; Huawei. According to the which is of no surprise for a nation in which IHS iSuppli Research, all a majority of the middle class (about 85%) three brands individually own a handset. But what is noteworthy for outsold the Apple iPhone mobile companies and retailers all over the in the first half of 2012. world looking to sell phones in Asia is the The explosion of entrance of a new cell phone buyer: China’s high-tech mobile sales migrant workers. in China is game-chang- With millions of workers flooding the ing both nationally and industrial epicenters from rural areas, Chi- worldwide. Start-up and nese migrants have played a dual role in mobile-centered entre- the past by both providing cheap labor to preneurs are now in high support the middle class and remaining out demand, allowing new of the limelight. With the advent of mobile opportunities for industry accessibility, the Chinese might be experi- growth not only in Chi- encing a tech revolution. Where access to na’s retail market but also the internet and social media was previously for companies across the globe who want to unavailable, one might see a construction or reach the millions of new cell phone users. factory worker carrying a cell phone and a For China’s migrant workers, many media smartphone. experts note that the dramatic increase of Apple's plans for There are many factors that contribute mobile use will cause many changes in the to the sudden rise of smartphone sales in socio-economic environment. Being able China’s middle and lower class comparative to post on sites such as Sina Weibo, work- China bearing fruit to countries such as the United States that do ers have been able to organize and make not render each market equal. One reason their grievances known to the media and may be the lack in comparable alternatives government, initiating positive changes in in new store to internet access. Just like many develop- their communities. ing countries, home internet connections are While popularly used by many as a The biggest Apple store in Asia [opened came from China. The United States, for not as common among blue-collar workers, casual device, over the past decade many on Oct. 20] in Beijing and a new Shenzhen its part, was the source of about US$38 bil- so cell phones sometimes become the only have witnessed mobile phones as a power- Apple store will soon follow, a senior Apple lion, according to the Chinese news portal option available. Another reason is the sig- ful economic and socio-political tool in Inc official said on [Oct.18]. Sohu.com. nificantly lower cost of smartphones that countries all over the world. While I, as an The new store, the third one in Beijing "After Tim Cook became Apple CEO, are currently being produced by Chinese average American, might catch up on news and eighth in China, will stand in the city's he began to invest more in the Chinese companies compared to American models or play Angry Birds on my smartphone, in Wangfujing shopping street, a well-known market than (former CEO) Steve Jobs had in the United States. Domestic brands such many developing communities it has been a tourist attraction. invested," Wang said. as Lenovo or rising Xiaomi offer mid-range part of major changes. Whether it was social The opening signifies that the U.S.- Wang said Apple held the largest share options that are becoming affordable and networking during the Arab Spring or assist- based technology company is placing a of the Chinese market for tablet PCs in the have a far superior quality to low-range ing entrepreneurs throughout Africa, when greater emphasis on the Chinese market, second quarter of the year. Its 69 percent knock-off brands which once dominated the a late entry group enters into technology, it said Wang Jiping, senior analyst with the share made it the top seller of the devices Chinese market. sometimes can be interesting to take note of U.S.-based IT research company Interna- in the Chinese mainland. With many locally made cell phones be- the opportunities it provides. As a country tional Data Corp. At the same time, the company had the coming more readily available in China, the that might be seeing digital technology John Browett, Apple's senior vice- third-largest share of the Chinese smart- PRC could become a dominant influencer available across a highly diverse income president of retail, has traveled to China phone market in the second quarter. It held in the smartphone industry. According to range, China is stepping closer to a new for the opening of the new store. Speaking 10.4 percent of that market in the period, the IDC research group, China is forecast information era that is capable of altering to Chinese media, he mentioned his first down from the 15 percent recorded for the to overtake the United States in smartphone the global environment. trip to China in 1986. Then a student, he second quarter of 2011. shipments in China, becoming the world’s had stood in the same place where the new "For smartphones, the number of annual store was built. shipments will reach 290 million in five "Who could have believed what's hap- years," Wang said. "The coming iPhone 5 ChinaInsight is seeking pened in China in 25 years, let alone what's will certainly boost Apple's sales in China. happened with Apple," Browett said. For that reason, opening this new store is Production Editor He said he believes the new outlet is "the a good idea, even though it won't have the best store Apple has built in Asia so far". same effect as the first few Apple stores that Must be passionate about our mission: in addition to being The three-level outlet will employ were in China." success-oriented, self-motivated, resourceful, creative, disciplined and more than 300 people, more than double China surpassed the US this year to community-minded. the number at any of the company's other become the largest market for smartphones. stores in China. This year is expected to see 185 million Responsibilities include layout and design of 10 issues per year Apple opened its first outlet in China shipments of smartphones in China, accord- using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, some proofreadiing, must be in 2008, choosing Beijing's Sanlitun area ing to IDC. Browett said Apple plans to open Internet savvy. as its location. Since then, the company more stores in China soon. has opened six more stores in the country, This is a part-time, volunteer position. including two in Hong Kong. It has more (China Daily 10/19/2012 page13) Contact Greg Hugh at 952-472-4757 or than 390 in the world. http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/index.html [email protected] In 2011, Apple reported US$108 billion in sales revenue. About 12 percent of that PAGE 14 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 business www.chinainsight.info China is East Asia’s top performer in improving business regulatory efficiency since 2005 Washington, D.C., October 23, 2012— December 2014. These regulatory improve- operations, trading across borders, paying knowledge for developing countries. It com- Over the past eight years, China has made ments are part of a pattern started several taxes, and protecting investors. The ag- prises five closely associated institutions: the greatest progress in the East Asia and years ago intended to facilitate the opera- gregate ease of doing business rankings are the International Bank for Reconstruction Pacific region in improving business regula- tions of small and medium-size enterprises.” based on 10 indicators and cover 185 econo- and Development (IBRD) and the Inter- tions for local entrepreneurs, according to a The report finds that 11 of 24 economies mies. Doing Business does not measure all national Development Association (IDA), new report from IFC and the World Bank. in East Asia and the Pacific improved busi- aspects of the business environment that which together form the World Bank; the Released [Oct. 23, 2012], “Doing Busi- ness regulations in the past year. Mongolia matter to firms and investors. For example, International Finance Corporation (IFC); the ness 2013: Smarter Regulations for Small was the region’s top improver for the year it does not measure the quality of fiscal Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and Medium-Size Enterprises” finds that and the only economy in East Asia and the management, other aspects of macroeco- (MIGA); and the International Centre for China has implemented regulatory reforms Pacific among the global top 10 improvers in nomic stability, the level of skills in the labor Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). in eight of 10 areas of regulation measured “Doing Business 2013”. Singapore tops the force, or the resilience of financial systems. Each institution plays a distinct role in the by the annual Doing Business series. These global ranking on the ease of doing business Its findings have stimulated policy debates mission to fight poverty and improve liv- include establishing a new company law in for the seventh year straight. Hong Kong worldwide and enabled a growing body of ing standards for people in the developing 2005, a new credit registry in 2006, its first SAR, China, holds onto the second spot. research on how firm-level regulation relates world. For more information, please visit bankruptcy law in 2007, a new property law This year’s report also features a case to economic outcomes across economies. www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org, and in 2007, a new civil procedure law in 2008, study that explores reform efforts by mem- This year’s report marks the 10th edition of www.ifc.org. and a new corporate income tax law in 2008. bers of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation the global Doing Business report series. For World Bank classification of countries As a result, China ranked among the 20 using the Doing Business framework. more information about the Doing Business and regions: http://data.worldbank.org/ economies worldwide that have improved The report’s global annual ranking on report series, please visit www.doingbusi- about/country-classifications/country-and- regulatory efficiency the most since 2005. the ease of doing business shows that the 10 ness.org. Join us on Facebook. lending-groups “This year’s report shows that from June economies with the most business-friendly 2011 to June 2012, China implemented two regulation are Singapore; Hong Kong SAR, About the World Bank Group Source: World Bank regulatory improvements for local firms,” China; New Zealand; the United States; The World Bank Group is one of the said Augusto Lopez-Claros, Global Indi- Denmark; Norway; the United Kingdom; world’s largest sources of funding and cators and Analysis, World Bank Group. the Republic of Korea; Georgia; and Aus- “China completed the first stage of a new tralia. building approval process that substantially reduces the total time for dealing with con- About the Doing Business Soybean imports set struction permits. China also made starting report series a business less costly, by exempting micro Doing Business analyzes regulations and small companies from paying several that apply to an economy’s businesses dur- administrative fees from January 2012 to ing their life cycle, including start-up and to rise this year By Zhou Siyu, China Daily China, the world's largest soybean con- cies, said the increase in imports was "within sumer and importer, is expected to further expectations", and resulted from the coun- increase its soybean imports this year, try's continuing urbanization, which spurred Call for Articles… thanks to its increasing demand and declin- a dietary change from vegetables to meat, ing domestic output. driving up the livestock industry's demand Concerned about misconceptions about China? That suggested the country is becoming for soybeans for animal feed. "China should more dependent on the global food market. strive to have a larger say in the soybean ChinaInsight is a local newspaper fostering U.S.-China cultural and business harmony. The China National Grain and Oils trade by diversifying its soybean suppliers Information Center, a research unit at the and encouraging overseas investments by We are interested in publishing articles that engage audiences in America. State Administration of Grain, raised its agricultural companies." Potential topics range from understanding daily life in China (or for Chinese forecast in its latest report, projecting that He added that the government should in America) to discussions of business markets from both an American or the country's soybean imports will reach 3.5 continue its support for agricultural research Chinese viewpoint. million metric tons in October, 5.2 million to raise soybean output, and offer farmers tons in November and 4.5 million tons in more incentives to grow soybeans. China's For example, consider the following: December. current soybean output per hectare is less • Chinese movies/entertainment This means that China's soybean imports than half that of the US. • Book reviews this year will increase 9.3 percent from last Industry analysts said this year's extreme • Old Minnesota-China ties/relationships year to a total of 57.5 million tons. weather in a number of large soybean- • Recommended Chinese restaurants/food The country's domestic soybean output, growing countries, such as the US, may • Chinese painting/calligraphy meanwhile, was estimated to decline by 11.6 have triggered panic buying among Chinese • Chinese impressions of America percent from last year to 12.8 million tons, soybean oil processors, who scrambled to • Tea as China's soybean growing area shrank replenish their stocks. • Impressions of China by Americans by 14.43 percent from a year earlier to this The worst drought in 56 years hit the • Chinese musical instruments year's 6.75 million hectares, according to US in June this year, prompting industry • American business people in China the report. concerns about this year's soybean yields • Questions about China In the meantime, China's soybean con- while driving up soybean prices in the global • Cartoons sumption this year was predicted to increase market. The Chicago Board of Trade said • Chinese immigrants that have succeed in America 3 percent from last year to 74.4 million tons, November soybeans jumped to a historical • Local Chinese Businesses according to the Ministry of Agriculture. high of $17.9475 per bushel on Sept 4. • Chinese-owned businesses in Minnesota This marks the 10th consecutive annual According to the latest report from the • Travel tales increase in the country's soybean consump- US Department of Agriculture, US soybean • Cross-cultural exchanges in education and businesses tion and will increase the nation's reliance output this year is expected to decline 7.54 • Americans who are studying Chinese – why are you learning Chinese? on imports, industry analysts said. percent from a year earlier to 77.84 million • How do Chinese students adapt to America? China was not a soybean importer until tons. • Chinese business customs the 1990s. But 82 percent of the soybeans consumed in the country in 2011 came http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/index.html If you have an article on one of these topics are any others that might be from imports. More than 40 percent of the of interest to our readers, please contact Greg Hugh at (952) 472-4757 or imported beans were from the United States, according to official data. e-mail [email protected]. Read the paper online at Ma Wenfeng, a senior analyst at Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant Ltd, one of www.chinainsight.info the industry's largest specialist consultan- www.chinainsight.info economy NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 > PAGE 15 China's Economy over the Exporting is good for Last Ten Years By John Ross your bottom line
China is approaching its once-in-a- China’s economy would fail during this Why Consider Exporting? U.S. Commercial Service decade change in president and government. period have been proven wrong again and Many smaller businesses are so busy It’s a good time to pause and reflect on the again. It would take the whole magazine to u Access. Today, improvements in running their day-to-day operations that last 10 years of China’s economic perfor- make a comprehensive list of pundits and trade finance, the Internet, and trade agree- they don’t consider their export potential. mance. The data for 2012 is still being pro- publications that have predicted a Chinese ments have dramatically increased access Oftentimes, companies think exporting is duced, so our decade has to be 2001-2011. economic blowout. But here are a few to markets worldwide. too burdensome, or are not aware of export This doesn’t give us a precise overlap with examples: and financing services offered by the U.S. the country’s politics – 2001 was the final The Economist magazine claimed in a u More than 70 percent Government. year of the previous administration, but that special supplement in June 2002 Out of Puff, Demand. of the world’s purchasing power is located is a statistical quibble; nine tenths of the that: “...in the coming decade, therefore, outside of the United States. Your competi- u As many U.S. firms seek new period was under the present government. China seems set to become more unstable. tors are increasing their global market share, opportunities, they find conducting inter- Some statistics over the 10-year period It will face growing unrest as unemploy- and you can too. national business offers unique challenges. are well known. China became the world’s ment mounts.” It argued: “The economy That’s where the U.S. Commercial Service second largest economy and the world’s still relies primarily on domestic engines comes in. largest goods exporter. These feats are of growth, which are sputtering. Growth u Profitability. Exporting can undoubtedly impressive, but in actual fact over the last five years has relied heavily on be profitable for businesses of all sizes. On u Every year, the U.S. Commercial they underestimate the scale of China’s true massive government spending. As a result, average, sales grow faster, more jobs are Service helps thousands of U.S. companies economic achievements. The last decade the government’s debt is rising fast. Coupled created, and employees earn more than in navigate those challenges to export goods can be summed up by two impressive facts with the banks’ bad loans and the state’s non-exporting firms. and services worth billions of dollars. Lo- that put all other economic data in context: huge pension liabilities, this is a financial cated in 108 cities across the United States • In the last decade China experienced crisis in the making.” But instead of “crisis,” u Competitive Advantage. and U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the fastest growth in GDP per capita of any China, as we have seen, experienced the The United States is known throughout the more than 70 countries, its global network major economy in human history. most rapid growth ever in GDP per capita world for high quality, innovative goods of trade professionals opens doors that no • Translating this growth into a measure in a major economy. and services, customer service, and sound one else can. of living standards, in the last 10 years China – Gordon Chang predicted in “The business practices. has experienced by far the fastest growth in Coming Collapse of China in 2002”: “A u consumption of any major economy. half-decade ago the leaders of the People’s u Risk Mitigation. Most com- Whether you’re looking to make These are really quite outstanding Republic of China had real choices. Today panies that export have an easier time riding your first export sale or expand to additional achievements, and so it’s worth looking at they do not. They have no exit. They have out fluctuations in the U.S. economy and are international markets, the U.S. Commercial the data in detail. run out of time.” Chang, obviously, was way more likely to stay in business. Service offers the trade counseling, market China’s annual average GDP growth off the mark. intelligence, business matchmaking, and commercial diplomacy you need to connect over the last decade was 9.9 percent, and – When the international financial crisis The Economic Impact of the total increase in GDP per capita was erupted, Michael Pettis of Beijing Univer- with lucrative business opportunities. 158 percent. Examining World Bank data, sity in 2009 said: “I continue to stand by Exporting and Angus Maddison’s standard reference my comment last year... that the U.S. would u Through its Strategic Partnership work “World Population, GDP and GDP Per be the first major economy out of the crisis u U.S. exports of goods and services Program, the U.S. Commercial Service is Capita, 1-2006 AD” for earlier timeframes, and China one of the last.” In reality, in the totaled $2.1 trillion in 2011. Exports are collaborating with corporate organizations this makes China’s the fastest growth ever four years since the crisis began China’s a growing and substantial part of the U.S. to further streamline the export process and recorded by a major economy. This figure is economy has grown by 40 percent and the economy, accounting for 13.8 percent of our build awareness of exporting opportuni- all the more extraordinary when we take into U.S. economy by one percent. nation’s GDP. ties for small businesses through seminars account that the period includes 2008-2011, Such statements – and many more ex- and other outreach efforts. For a complete which saw the most serious international amples could be given – are not calculation u In 2008, 6.8 million U.S. jobs were list of current U.S. Commercial Service economic crisis for 80 years. errors in the prediction of economic details. supported by U.S. manufactured exports. partners, please visit the Strategic Partner- In terms of contemporary economic Predictions are never accurate, and we can ship Program's website. (http://export.gov/ comparisons, no other major economy be never sure of future data until we see u According to a study published by CSPartners/index.asp) remotely approaches the scale of China’s it. The errors made in these publications’ the Institute for International Economics, economic growth during this 10-year period. analyses are so massive that they got the U.S. companies that export not only grow u The U.S. Department of Com- [A comparison to the] largest G7 economies, entire trajectory of China’s economy wrong. faster, but are nearly 8.5 percent less likely merce’s Export Achievement Certificate the BRICS countries and South Korea [show To predict “sputtering,” “crisis” or “col- to go out of business than non-exporting recognizes companies that have benefited that] China’s 158 percent increase in GDP lapse” when China experienced the most companies. from the Department’s U.S. Commercial per capita over the period is almost twice rapid per capita economic growth of a major Service assistance to make their first export as much as the next best performing major country in human history would, if rational Smaller Companies Have Vast sale or enter new foreign markets. economy, India. China’s growth was two standards of debate were abided by, lead to Untapped Export Potential and a half times Russia’s, over three times the producers of such analyses no longer u In fiscal 2011, the U.S. Commercial South Korea’s, seven times Germany’s and being taken seriously. Surely it’s strange that According to the Small Business Admin- Service network generated 14,600 export 20 times the U.S.’s. Gordon Chang continues to be employed istration, small businesses have generated successes, facilitating 54 billion dollars in The much-peddled myth in some media as a “China expert” by Forbes and Michael the majority of net new jobs over the past U.S. export sales. is that China’s economic growth hasn’t Pettis is still printed in the Financial Times decade. Helping these firms grow by selling translated into an increase in its popula- predicting three percent growth in China. internationally is important to our economy. For more information, visit http://export. tion’s consumption. A perfunctory glance at Given their failures to correctly predict gov, or call the U.S. Commercial Service’s the data is enough to dispel this viewpoint. anything in China over the last decade surely Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA- 2011 statistics for all countries are yet to be undermines their credibility. u Less than one percent of America’s TRADE (1-800-872-8723). published, so looking at the years 2001-2010 Do China’s extraordinary economic 30 million companies export – a percent- will have to do. growth figures mean that it faces no age that is significantly lower than all other The total increase in China’s consump- problems? Of course not. But the fact developed countries. And of U.S. compa- tion per capita in that period was 103 percent that problems exist – as they do in any nies that do export, 58 percent export to – again, the highest recorded by any major economy – doesn’t mean we should ignore only one country. Many businesses could Advertisers economy. […] Only Russia’s increase in the country’s impressive achievements. benefit from learning more about these consumption compares to China’s, and that It’s worth reiterating the fact that no other international opportunities and resources Your potential customers are reading ChinaInsight. Shouldn’t you be bringing country’s figure represents a rebound after a major country in human history has ever available to help. them in the door with an ad? long period of depression. China’s total rate experienced such rapid per capita economic u Small and medium-sized compa- of increase in consumption was 57 percent growth as China in the last 10 years. And nies account for 98 percent of U.S. export- Contact Greg Hugh higher than India’s, three times South Ko- this growth as translated into the most rapid ers, but represent less than one-third of the 952-472-4757 rea’s, almost 10 times that of the U.S. and rise in consumption ever recorded. Surely, known export value of U.S. goods’ exports. [email protected] almost 16 times that of Germany. In short, these are truly awesome economic facts. (In 2010, there were over 293,000 identified or visit China’s rate of consumption growth was far U.S. exporters (269,269 of which were small www.chinainsight.info for more advertising information. more rapid than any other major economy. Source: China Today or medium-sized)). This achievement also casts light on an- www.chinatoday.com.cn/english other issue – those who regularly predicted PAGE 16 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 travel www.chinainsight.info New York City isn’t what it used to be By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer ith just a few weeks to recover MOCA at 215 Centre Street is a national visit the Chinatown in Flushing, which we from our visit to Chicago for home for the precious narratives of diverse understood is larger than the Manhattan Wthe Chinatown Reunion, my Chinese American communities – including Chinatown. We learned that there were wife Linda and I departed for New York the Twin Cities – and strives to be a model shuttles that operated continuously between City recently to attend a wedding and do among interactive museums. . After the the two Chinatowns and opted for this mode some sightseeing. I have to admit that it had MOCA tour we continued walking around of transportation. It was raining when we been more than 35 years since I last visited Chinatown, enjoying the gigantic grocery arrived in Flushing, so we headed directly NYC when I used to travel there regularly malls that offered many authentic kinds of for the enclosed World Mall and immedi- for business. I wasn’t sure what to expect Chinese food products, produce and delis ately had dim sum at the Grand Restaurant even though Linda had visited less than 10 that offered many authentic home-cooked located on the top floor. Although the va- years ago and thought it was fine. dishes. Linda had a taste for Peking duck riety of dim sum is limited when there are with a sign in the window that said two Our five-day trip to the Big Apple started so we found a restaurant that offered a half- only two in your party, we found we could lobsters for $20.00 so we decided that this by us taking a 6:30 a.m. flight so that we duck with no prior reservation necessary, order a few items that we normally do not was the place. Evidently we made a good would get in a good day of sightseeing which we found very satisfying. find on most dim sum offerings. After dim choice since when we entered, the place was and maximize our hotel accommodations, abuzz with people waiting for take-outs and which you can imagine, are not cheap! We tables for dining in. After a short wait, we did find a nice boutique hotel located right were placed at a table for two with another on the edge of Chinatown and the Tribeca couple already seated there. We were im- neighborhood where the wedding was to mediately served hot tea and quickly waited take place. We were fortunate that the hotel on by the very efficient and hustling staff. clerk graciously volunteered to upgrade our We naturally ordered the two-lobster special room, since we were staying five nights. The along with an order of Chinese vegetables. clerk was also very helpful in telling us how We then struck up a conversation with our to navigate the city. tablemates and learned that they come here Soon after we got settled into our hotel, Above: Staten Island Ferry station frequently and said that it is one of their we ventured out into Chinatown in search of favorite restaurants in Chinatown. We were Nom Wah Tea Parlor, which Linda learned Right: The Statue of Liberty not disappointed and decided right then that was a great dim sum place. We found the we were going to come back the next day restaurant without any difficulty. While it To work off a delightful lunch, we for lunch. lived up to its unique status of having re- walked to the Seaport Museum for which On Saturday, we started off leisurely tained all of its charm from the 1920s, we Linda had managed to get free passes prior and worked our way back to Big Wong were disappointed that the dim sum we ate to our visit. Included in the museum pass Restaurant for lunch where we had lobster was surpassed by many of the better dim was a ticket to tour the Ambrose, which is the previous night. We had the roast duck sum places we have in the Twin Cities. actually a retired, renovated lighthouse boat and an order of gai lon and beef with chow As you can imagine, NYC has a lot that was docked nearby. We then walked fun. Again we were not disappointed and of history and Linda had planned that we down to another dock where we boarded although it isn’t much for ambience, it had would visit a number of museums After a ferry for a free ride that took us past the earned an award from Zagat. brunch, we went to the Tenement Museum Statue of Liberty over to Staten Island and Following lunch we returned to MOCA and went on a guided tour of one of the back. Our next stop was the Times Square- where we had made reservations to take a preserved tenement buildings and learned Broadway area, which was too far to walk so guided walking food tour of Chinatown. As about the early garment industry, which we took the subway. We felt very comfort- it turned out, we had already visited quite a was housed primarily in tenement buildings. able doing so since we had found that New few of the sights on our own but did learn After the tour of we made a brief stop for Yorkers were very friendly and were willing some additional information about how the a light snack at Kartz’s Deli where a famous to always be of assistance. food inChinatown had evolved. scene from “When Harry Met Sally” was The subway ride was very nice. When sum the weather had cleared so we took a Our next stop via the subway was Grand filmed before heading to the East Village we surfaced on Times Square, we found it walk outside to see more of Chinatown and Central Station, which Linda missed on her for dinner and the show “Stomp.” We were quite alive and very vibrant, with café seat- then returned to the mall to check out the last trip to NYC. Grand Central Station able to meet some of the performers after ing all along the street. It was nothing like I huge grocery store and the food court. There has been transformed into a transit hub and the show. Although it was almost 10:30 remember it when I was there last—when it was a great variety of dinning options and now includes a variety of shops and food p.m. when the show ended, we decided to was often refered to as “slime square”. After every conceivable noodle dish you could options for commuters and tourist alike set walk back to our hotel since it was a nice a short walk, we arrived on Broadway and ever want, but thank goodness we were in an historic and architectural icon. A short evening. We managed to safely navigate found the theater that was showing “Spider- not in a mood to have anything else to eat walk away was Rockefeller Center and the our way back but after a long and busy day, man,” a show Linda wanted to see since this since we decided to return to Manhattan’s NYC headquarters of NBC,of which we had we were happy to finally arrive at our hotel. show would never go on tour because of Chinatown for dinner. hoped to take a tour. However, thereserva- all of the technical and production logistics When we returned to Manhattan’s tions were filled for the day. We then took involved. Chinatown, we were dropped off near the the subway back to Little Italy and had a After the show, we had a light dinner Bowery area where we walked around as nice seafood linguini dinner and then called at the Stage Deli, which I used to frequent we worked our way back to the interior of it a day. when I travelled on business, not too far Chinatown, debating whether or not to do Sunday was the wedding, so we took it away from the theater. Remembering that some shopping and other sightseeing. Linda easy by beginning to pack and had a light their sandwiches were enormous, Linda and wanted to stop at the Chinatown Ice Cream lunch at a local Chinatown bakery before I shared a pastrami sandwich and a bowl of Factory where we had some ice cream. we went in search for the Hua Mei Bird matzaball soup. This was a wise decision Garden. It was at the top of a park that was since the sandwich was huge and the soup also the site of a Moon Festival celebration could have been a meal in itself. for the community. On our way back to our hotel to get ready Linda Hugh and “Stomp” cast members The subway ride back to the hotel proved to be a bit more of a challenge, especially for the wedding, we managed to squeeze in Our next day began with a more thor- since Linda had difficulty getting through some additional shopping. The wedding ough tour of Manhattan’s Chinatown. We the turnstile but was graciously assisted by was held not far from our hotel at the Tribeca set out in an exploratory mood and just a complete stranger that used her own metro Rooftop, which offered a spectacular view walked around dodging peddlers of knock- card to allow her to get through so that she of the city skyline. Attending the wedding off watches and purses to soak up the ambi- did not have to pay an additional fare. After was the highlight of our visit to NYC. We ence unique to Chinatown, which brought about a half-hour ride, we determined that hope it won’t take us another decade or so to back memories of growing up in Chicago’s we may be going the wrong way and again, Linda at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory make a return visit since we found the city Chinatown and trips to China itself. Not far a native New Yorker confirmed that we were to be very hospitalable with many sights away was the Museum of Chinese in Amer- indeed headed uptown when we needed to We decided that we needed to have lob- and things to experience. The wedding ica (MOCA). Founded in 1980, the MOCA be going downtown, and told us how to ster for dinner since we have been walking reception embodied what you would expect is dedicated to preserving and presenting transfer to the right subway line. Eventually by so many markets that were selling three in NYC. The bride and groom let us know the history, heritage, culture and diverse we made it back to our hotel at 1 a.m., thanks lobsters for $23.00 along with all kinds of that they really appreciated us being there experiences of people of Chinese descent to some great New York folks. other fresh seafood. As luck would have by providing quite a spread - something we in the United States. The greatly expanded The next day, Friday, we decided to it, I stumbled across Big Wong Restaurant will always remember.