Two sides to everything in China [STEVE KHAIREH’S story]
I went to China as part of a
British Study Visit DelegationI had little expectation or idea of what to expect in China. I found a Country that is changing at a phenomenal rate.
China is truly a land of contrasts, between extreme, abject poverty and unbelievable wealth.
On our visit we witnessed skylines of great magnitude surpassing New York and Las Vegas, in fact China host the tallest building on the planet, what a sight. You just have to see the sky scrapers along the Yangtze River particularly viewed at night.
I only caught glimpses, as we drove past, of old China, that’s all they were, there were no opportunities to view the few remaining areas where you can still find the narrow winding alleyways known as hutongs, which once gave the city much of its unique character. These areas are now hidden behind walls and those that were knock down have been replaced by tower blocks
First views of China
The first thing you notice as you drive in China is the Bikes, they are everywhere, clustered together, ridden at a leisurely pace, passing through the chaos of the lorries, taxis, buses and carts brushing only inches away from them; often two’s up sharing a bike, sometimes with a small child resting against the handlebars, but apparently blissfully unaware of the melee., the unhurried attitude reflects their laid back and extremely friendly attitude, but their road sense leaves a lot to be desired . It’s the same with the pedestrians walking - traffic does not stop for people to cross the road, but even so, they walk as they ride their bikes, in and out of the traffic, hilarious but tinged with a little danger. The Chinese use their bikes for everything including furniture removal they have wardrobes and other furniture piled up six feet high, which is a an amazing site.
Tourism
The Chinese tourist sights are wonderfully vast, complex and steeped in history.
1. The Great Wall
The Great Wall of China one of the 7 wonders of the World spans some 3,600-miles in length. Although we only viewed a small section of this great wonder it was enough to observe the fantastic views of the wall just like a gigantic dragon, winding up and down from East to West China with its steep and uneven steps make it quite an exercise.
2. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace was the residence of 24 emperors of both the Ming and Quing dynasties dating as far back as 1406. Thousands of people walking through the heat, exploring this truly magnificent architecture which helps you imagine just how powerful and advanced Chinese life was like centuries ago.
3. Tiananmen Square
We visited Tiananmen the worlds largest public square and we were warmly welcomed by groups of locals selling post cards etc, and although there were a lot of people sleeping rough we managed to see an awful lot of this unique place including the burial home of Mau Tse Tung
4. Jinzi Temple
The Jinzi temple has a lush and unique environment. It sits at the foot of Hanging Jar Mountain, surrounded by trees some of which are three thousand years old. The Temple complex is very picturesque and has many buildings protected by giant spiritual figures with a variety of bright colours adding to the dramatic scenery which included a wonderful underground water feature.
Ying or Yang Sweet or Sour Rich or Poorthere are two sides to everything in China.
China Jus Merced Me 4real!
1 Comment – Postiwch sylw
Tansi
Rhoddwyd sylw 58 mis yn ôl - 28th July 2011 - 14:57pm
I've thoroughly enjoyed this article. I think it's absolutely fantastic. I can say now that I have definitely learned something today, that something being more about China and what goes on in it, and how the people act. It sounds like you had a very educational time in China and I wish I could go to. Again I say this is an excellent article.