See China

I am not a follower of Tao or Zen – in fact, if I were, then by the stringent ideas of these creeds, I would not even be writing this article: according to one, you should be achieving the understanding that my article tries to pass on through your own meditative efforts, while according to the other, the forces of the cosmo would naturally make it happen without me doing anything to force it.

Zou Lan, an economist specializing in regional development and West China poverty issues, recalls his lifelong addiction to the diversified and dynamic music of West China. Exclusively on See China in 5 parts, with links to online mp3.

Wu Guanzhong (吴冠中，1919-2010)，one of the most accomplished and outspoken Chinese painters, died at the age of 90 on June 25. He is famous for combining Chinese and western painting techniques, tenaciously pursuing beauty in adversities and calling for reform of China’s artistic administrative system.

 
the origin
The idea of the dragon arose from snake fertility worship. The story of Eve and the serpent showed that (a) Eve, the mother figure of the Hebrew tribe, could talk to the snake, meaning that the tribe had an affinity to the snake (b) The serpent taught Eve and Adam to have sex, [...]

Topping the list of bestsellers in May are books from Japan, Turkey and Uraguay, a refreshing revisit to the over-talked-about May 4th Movement of 1919 by historian Zhang Ming, a few historical recollections from the 20th century, and a warning book that China’s embarking on “inflation economy” by controversial economist Zhao Xiao.

In a recent interview of Opera News, DAVID HSIEH talked with two Chinese artists who established their names in the world opera scene — bass Hao Jiang Tian (田浩江, literally meaning big river) and bass-baritone Shenyang (沈洋, somehow also literally meaning big ocean, and the English spelling of two names are not even coherent, with the former being “westernized” and the latter in natural Chinese order).

Over the past two weekends, Beijing played host to three major music festivals, showing the breadth of the Chinese music scene. Local independent music label Modern Sky put on the Strawberry Music Festival, which has an indie-rock bent featuring Chinese acts and a smattering of international bands. The Midi Festival, organized by Beijing’s Midi School of Music, has a more rock ‘n’ roll vibe, a punk- and metal-heavy lineup, and an eleven-year history. And the smaller Ditan Park Folk Festival was launched just last year by an independent promoter who also owns a guitar shop in Beijing.

The bestseller book (on which the film is based) describes the professional ascent of a girl who works for a global company, DB. She is often cited as being quick and clever, knowing how to get promotions and please her superiors. The book has since then become a bit of a handbook for aspiring Office Ladys all across China.

At the Panjiayuan market, finding a true treasure still requires a trained eye, but your chances are better on the weekends.

The First See China Club Advisors’ Meeting on Cultural Industries will be held on April 23 (Friday) to analyse the international market demand and audience expectation of Chinese cultural products. Participants (around 20) include senior executives from prominent PR companies, publishing houses, cultural agencies and magazines from both China and across the world. Please contact seechina10@gmail.com for details or registration.