http://video.ap.org/?f=WASEA&PID=u_oC3hMQbyYbAuse2wIzzGiN_lLsL3L9
Superstar farewell for US-born, China-bound pandas
By BRETT ZONGKERASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
Senior Zoo Curator Brandie Smith feeds 4 and a half-year-old giant panda Tai Shan a piece of pear shortly before the panda left the National Zoo for China in a steel crate in Washington, on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010. "I wanted to feed him pear because it's his favorite," says Smith, "he's a great bear with a great personality and he did a great job today." On Thursday, 3-year-old Mei Lan of Atlanta and 4½-year-old Tai Shan of Washington will fly to new homes in Sichuan, China, to become part of a panda breeding program. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)
WASHINGTON -- They were treated like pop idols - except for being stuck in travel crates.
Adoring crowds and television viewers watched Thursday as American-born giant pandas Mei Lan and Tai Shan were loaded onto a special cargo jet for a flight to their new homes in China for breeding.
Normally placid, 3-year-old Mei Lan from Zoo Atlanta whirled and paced in her crate as flashbulbs popped. Tai Shan, a 4 1/2-year-old born in Washington, hid at first but was drawn into view as his longtime keepers at the National Zoo knelt silently at his crate to say goodbye, hand-feeding him slices of apples and pears.
One zookeeper wiped away tears. Federal police officers escorted Tai Shan to the airport, and FedEx workers transporting the pair buzzed around in "Panda Team" jackets to go with the huge panda emblem painted on their jet. News networks provided live coverage of the plane waiting on the tarmac and taking off.
As the Boeing 777's giant engines rumbled to life, tears started to flow for panda lover Mara Strock of Burke, Va., who looked on with other invited guests.
"I love Tai Shan so much, I don't know how I'm going to handle it," she said, watching the plane pull away.
Clutching a stuffed black-and-white bear, 10-year-old Caleigh Davis of Springfield, Va., said she was sad to see Tai Shan go but glad he could go with his cousin.
"The thing I'm most afraid of is that he's going to eat too much food," she said, "and have a sick stomach."
Millions of people fell in love with the pandas as star attractions in zoo exhibits and by watching them grow up via online panda cams. And in Washington, the animals have a particularly long and symbolic history.
The first panda couple at the National Zoo, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, arrived in 1972 as a gift to the American people from China after President Richard Nixon's historic visit.
The pair lived more than 20 years at the zoo and produced five cubs - but none survived. That's partly why Tai Shan, the first cub to grow up in the nation's capital, is so adored.
Pandas may be China's most compelling ambassadors as the country clashes with the U.S. on many issues, including trade, human rights and Internet security. Tai Shan's departure gave diplomats a rare moment of harmony.
"He is a tangible, and furry, manifestation of cooperation between the United States and China," U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Thursday.
Xie Feng, minister of the Chinese Embassy, said Tai Shan "has grown up with the blessing, love and care of the American people."
"He has now grown into a handsome young man, and it's time for him to go home," he said.
China lent Tai Shan's and Mei Lan's parents to U.S. zoos for conservation, and now they will become part of a breeding program in their endangered species' native land. About 1,600 giant pandas live in the wild, and another 290 are in captive-breeding programs worldwide, mainly in China.
Mei Lan, the first cub born at Zoo Atlanta in 2006, could be seen pacing back and forth when her steel crate was driven out onto the Atlanta tarmac and past a row of television cameras.
Mei Lan's parents, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, had a second cub - Xi Lan, a male born in 2008. Zoo officials in Washington are hoping for another cub as well.
For animal keeper Nicole Meese, Tai Shan's departure is personal. He was a baby when she first held him, and she later spent late nights calling him down from trees. Now she's traveling with him to ease the transition, ready to teach his Chinese keepers the hand signals he uses.
"Every day, he makes me smile," she said.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Kelly - Post 5 - Tips for visiting Beijing and Shanghai
Tips for visiting Beijing
It is hard to clearly define Beijing culture because it is a mixture of traditional and contemporary values. Beijing’s history as a city dates back to 350 BC and it has undergone many changes as rulers have come and gone. The city has been the capital of the country for four dynasties and has been called Ji, Zhuojun, Youzhou Nanjing, Yanjing, Zhongdu, Dadu and Beiping.
Beijing’s People
The people in Beijing are quite friendly but have the unnerving habit of staring at foreigners. Although many people shake hands, it is still customary to join your hands and bow when greeting one another. It is important that you do not lose your temper in public or cause anyone to experience public shame; even contradicting someone in front of others should be avoided. If you must complain, do so calmly and privately. Punctuality is very important in China, so make sure you arrive for a meeting with plenty of time to spare. You may want to learn to eat with chopsticks prior to your Beijing tour as it is the most common eating utensil used in China. Forks are rarely used and are only given in more modern restaurants. Also remember that tipping in China was strictly forbidden and until recently and is typically frowned upon.
Beijing China Weather
Beijing weather has four distinct seasons. Spring which lasts from February to April is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy. Autumn which lasts from August to October is the best season to visit Beijing as the temperature is mild, the sky is blue and the air is crisp and clean. This is also the peak tourist season in Beijing and tends to be very crowded. Winters are very cold due to the Siberian winds that come from the north. Most travelers avoid traveling to Beijing during the winter.
Beijing Shopping
There are numerous shopping districts in Beijing with something for everyone. Located near Tiananmen Square, Dachilan is the best place to buy silk during your Beijing tour. Also found here are many clothing stores, restaurants and department stores. Jianguomenwai is another popular Beijing shopping spot featuring the Youyi Shangdian (the Friendship Store) that sells everything from souvenirs to everyday items. Also in Jianguomenwai are more famous clothing stores like Gap and Prada. Liulichang has some of Beijing's oldest antique shops where you can find many unique artifacts. Remember to bargain and make your purchases carefully because you can be cheated. Sanlitun has a smaller clothing market and is less crowded than the other shopping areas.
Here tourists can find good China silk and clothing, as well as enjoy a quick drink at one of the many local bars. The most popular shopping area in Beijing is Wangfujing with the city’s first super mall, the Xindong Plaza. The markets Panjiayuan and Hongqiao are two of the most popular markets in the city. Panjiayuan is a weekend market, and the Hongqiao is a 3-storey market that sells nearly everything. You can buy anything from antiques to fake designer products from here.
What to Wear in Beijing?
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in during your Beijing tour since Beijing is not as conservative as it once was. If you come to Beijing in spring, a thin sweater or coat will be needed. In summer, the climate gets quite hot so you will want to opt for casual clothes. In the winter, you will likely need a heavy sweater and a long coat. It is important that you remember to dress appropriately when visiting temples and sacred sites during your Beijing tour.
Travel Around Beijing
When traveling in Beijing, always carry a map (which is available at bus and railway stations and at the airports) and be sure that you know exactly where you want to go because most people do not speak or understand English very well. Traveling by taxi is the easiest way to get around Beijing. They are available in front of hotels, train stations and the airport. Always make sure the taxi driver turns the meter on when you get inside; unmetered taxis are illegal.
Buses are everywhere in Beijing, unfortunately for some travelers, they are very crowded and the signs and stops are only in Chinese. The subway is another great way to get around Beijing. The Circle Line, East-West Line, and Fuba Line connect all major streets in Beijing. The trains run every 10 minutes, and have a fixed fee of ¥3.
Beijing Nightlife
Beijing’s nightlife and entertainment scene are rapidly evolving. There are many nightclubs, discos, karaoke bars and pubs all over the city. Most clubs are open all night and charge an entrance fee of about ¥100-200. The most popular bar is Sanlitun, in the northeast section of the city. It is pretty lively and frequented by foreigners. Situated in Tuanjiehu Park, Sanlitun is the popular Old Poachers Inn.
Other bars can be found on Xinjiang Kou. Durty Nellie’s a great bar with live music. Sgt. Pepper’s, the Goose and Duck Pub, The Pig and Thistle, the Holiday Inn Lido and the Jichang Lu are also popular bars. Beijing’s most chic club is JJ’s, Xinjiekou Bei Dajie. Kiss Super Club, 35 Xue Yun Lu, is another popular place frequented by young foreigners.
Beijing Business
Beijing is a bustling city with a population of about 12 million people. It is a major force in China’s tourism industry, accounting for a quarter of the country's tourism income. Many Chinese are still involved in agriculture and farming but are regularly setting up small shops and stalls in the city. Many people work in the hotel industry because it pays very well. Locals are also opening bars, pubs and restaurants on a small scale to cater to the many tourists in Beijing.
Tips for Visiting Shanghai
Shanghai is an exciting and exotic city by the sea that has beckoned travelers for over a century. At the heart of China’s economic revival, Shanghai offers its visitors fun, excitement and entertainment like no other place in the world. With its own unique take on Chinese traditions and Western culture, Shanghai is definitely a place to visit for vacation.
Shanghai culture can be traced back to its roots as a tiny fishing village on the Chinese coast. After colonization by the British, the French and the Americans, Shanghai exploded onto the map as a great place to go to visit, work and learn. With its often-mystical Chinese traditions, Shanghai was mysterious and alluring to people which lead to its becoming rather colorful and decadent as an easy stopover for sailors and merchants. However, by 1950, communist rule came into force and most foreigners left the city. It remained dormant until the 1990’s when it was once again revived to spearhead China into the new millennium.
Shanghai is once again a great place for business and at the very core of China’s economy. The handshake here is now an accepted form of greeting, as is the exchange of business cards. Cards and gifts should be always presented, and received, with both hands. When invited to someone's house it is important that you never go empty-handed; always take a gift, even if it is just some fruit. Also, remember to take off your shoes at the entrance of a house, as shoes are considered to be unclean. The Chinese are very hospitable and often take guests and business colleagues out to dinner, so it is important that you learn to use chopsticks.
Weather in Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is in the autumn, when the temperature is mild and it is less likely to rain. Shanghai's weather is moderate with an annual average temperature of about 15° C (59° F). The weather in Shanghai can be divided into four seasons: a warm spring, a hot summer, a cool autumn and a cold winter. Shanghai also receives plenty of rainfall from July to September; thunderstorms and torrential rain occur frequently. Summers in Shanghai are hot and humid with July and August as Shanghai's hottest months. January is the coldest month in Shanghai.
Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai has a great city for shopping. From ancient Chinese artifacts to trendy western wear, Shanghai has it all. Western-styled shopping malls, huge department stores, street stalls, shops and colorful open-air markets can be found all over Shanghai. Most shops are open daily from10 am - 10 pm, with weekends, especially Sunday being the most hectic and busiest day to shop. Shanghai has some of the best antiques in mainland China and is known for its variety of Chinese silk. Jewelry, especially jade, gold, silver, and freshwater pearls can be found at bargain prices. As with most Asian cities bargaining is a must while shopping. Popular items on sale include: ceramics, hand-made embroidery, teapots, painted fans, handbags, carpets, lacquer ware, painted snuff bottles, and peasant paintings.
The best place to shop in Shanghai's is Nanjing Lu, which has many modern shopping malls and department stores. The Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall on Nanjing Dong Lu downtown is a popular shopping mall. Also popular is Huaihai Zhong Lu conveniently located parallel to Nanjing Lu. The Huaihai shopping area runs from the Huangpi Nan Lu Metro Station to the Changshu Lu Station. For the best in fashion and accessories, the Maoming Lu/Changle Lu area is the best. Taikang Lu has some of the most fashionable boutiques in the city with everything from designer handbags to expensive silks. Another major shopping street is Hengshan Le and Shanghai's Old Town Bazaar is a good place to shop for local arts and crafts and antiques. In Pudong, shopping is mainly east of the riverfront and south of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The Super Brand Mall in Lujiazui has plenty of shopping and Maison Mode, Raffles City and Plaza 66 are all great department stores. Shops like Taikang Ar Factory, Xintiandi and Yu Garden Bazaar are the prefect places to buy local crafts and wares.
What to Wear in Shanghai
The people of Shanghai have a reputation of being not only the best dressed in China, but in the world. Fashion conscious and stylish, most trends in the country usually originate from Shanghai. The best items of clothing are the ones you are most comfortable in because it is extremely hard for a tourist to out-dress a local. Jeans, t-shirts and shorts are the way to go and business wear is similar to the styles of the West.
Travel Around in Shanghai
Unlike many other Chinese cities, Shanghai has a great public transportation system with buses and a new metro (subway). All three metros take you almost anywhere in the city with all the information provided in English. Tickets range from ¥2 - 3. Taxi drivers here usually do not speak English, so be sure to bring the address written in Chinese. Most rides inside the city cost between ¥10 - 25. During rush hour, buses are extremely crowded and it is not a recommended to use them. Taxis are the most efficient, inexpensive way to travel in Shanghai. If you prefer to drive, a driver’s license can be obtained by surrendering your existing license. Be careful when walking around in Shanghai, as traffic can get quite hectic during rush hour; always try to cross the street in a group of pedestrians.
Health Services in Shanghai
Shanghai has the most advanced medical facilities in all of China. Most high-end hotels have an in-house or on-call doctor and always refer guests to dentists and doctors. The following hospitals provide international standard services:
World Link Medical and Dental Centers, Nánjing Xi Lù 1376
Shànghai Centre, Suite 203, Unit 30
Mandarine City, Hóngxu Lù 788, Hóngqiáo District (offers 24-hour emergency services)
World Link Inpatient Center at Dànshui Lù 170 on the 3rd floor.
The Foreigner's Clinic at Huá Shan Hospital, in Jìng An District on the 19th floor
The First People's Hospital International Medical Care Center, near the Bund (offers 24-hour emergency assistance)
Watson's Drug Store (which has branches throughout the city) is the best place to get medication
Shanghai Nightlife
Shanghai had a notorious nightlife in the late 1800’s and early 20th century. Gambling dens, opium joints, nightclubs and glamorous theatres were found everywhere in old Shanghai. However, with the communist revolution, Shanghai was cleaned up and now the entertainment is more respectable. Acrobatics, musicals, opera, dance and theatre performances can be found all over the city. Performances by Yo-yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Krall and the Kirov Ballet have been held in Shanghai. There are also plenty of nightclubs and bars in the city with live music. The Shanghai International Jazz Concert Series is held in the second week of November each year in Shanghai.
Shanghai has some of the best dance clubs and discos in China. Pu-J's Big Top in the Grand Hyatt Hotel is a great dance club. Maoming Lu is another trendy bar on the rise. The Ark Live House, Dr Bar, Le Club at La Maison, Soho Pub and TMSK are all great places to visit and party until the wee hours of the morning.
Dining Out in Shanghai
Shanghai has many great restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and coffee shops to dine out in with family, friends or on a business lunch. The Darling Harbour Xin Gai Nian Chuan Cai, Wen Hao Za Liang Shi Fu, the Atrium Café, Huang Cheng Gen Er and the Roxy Bar & Grill are some great places to eat at. For more expensive and classic meals, the T8, Shintori Null II, Yongfoo Élite, M on the Bund and Quan Ju De are excellent. The more reasonable restaurants include Hot Pot King, Simply Thai, Nooch Noodle Bar, and Grape.
Shanghai Business
Shanghai is a thriving metropolis that has plenty of business ventures to keep most local and foreign businesspeople intrigued. Shanghai and the surrounding area all have Special Economic Zones which offer different tax incentives for the business executive who wants to open a business in Shanghai. The best way to get this information is to contact your respective consulate in Shanghai or the Chinese embassy. Pudong is the new financial and industrial center of Shanghai and has the best bets for tax incentives. Though China is still restrictive when it comes to setting up businesses, the government is keen to attract foreign investment; most businesses have a joint venture from of organization. From telecommunications and media to imports and exports, Shanghai is the best place to do business in China.
It is hard to clearly define Beijing culture because it is a mixture of traditional and contemporary values. Beijing’s history as a city dates back to 350 BC and it has undergone many changes as rulers have come and gone. The city has been the capital of the country for four dynasties and has been called Ji, Zhuojun, Youzhou Nanjing, Yanjing, Zhongdu, Dadu and Beiping.
Beijing’s People
The people in Beijing are quite friendly but have the unnerving habit of staring at foreigners. Although many people shake hands, it is still customary to join your hands and bow when greeting one another. It is important that you do not lose your temper in public or cause anyone to experience public shame; even contradicting someone in front of others should be avoided. If you must complain, do so calmly and privately. Punctuality is very important in China, so make sure you arrive for a meeting with plenty of time to spare. You may want to learn to eat with chopsticks prior to your Beijing tour as it is the most common eating utensil used in China. Forks are rarely used and are only given in more modern restaurants. Also remember that tipping in China was strictly forbidden and until recently and is typically frowned upon.
Beijing China Weather
Beijing weather has four distinct seasons. Spring which lasts from February to April is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy. Autumn which lasts from August to October is the best season to visit Beijing as the temperature is mild, the sky is blue and the air is crisp and clean. This is also the peak tourist season in Beijing and tends to be very crowded. Winters are very cold due to the Siberian winds that come from the north. Most travelers avoid traveling to Beijing during the winter.
Beijing Shopping
There are numerous shopping districts in Beijing with something for everyone. Located near Tiananmen Square, Dachilan is the best place to buy silk during your Beijing tour. Also found here are many clothing stores, restaurants and department stores. Jianguomenwai is another popular Beijing shopping spot featuring the Youyi Shangdian (the Friendship Store) that sells everything from souvenirs to everyday items. Also in Jianguomenwai are more famous clothing stores like Gap and Prada. Liulichang has some of Beijing's oldest antique shops where you can find many unique artifacts. Remember to bargain and make your purchases carefully because you can be cheated. Sanlitun has a smaller clothing market and is less crowded than the other shopping areas.
Here tourists can find good China silk and clothing, as well as enjoy a quick drink at one of the many local bars. The most popular shopping area in Beijing is Wangfujing with the city’s first super mall, the Xindong Plaza. The markets Panjiayuan and Hongqiao are two of the most popular markets in the city. Panjiayuan is a weekend market, and the Hongqiao is a 3-storey market that sells nearly everything. You can buy anything from antiques to fake designer products from here.
What to Wear in Beijing?
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in during your Beijing tour since Beijing is not as conservative as it once was. If you come to Beijing in spring, a thin sweater or coat will be needed. In summer, the climate gets quite hot so you will want to opt for casual clothes. In the winter, you will likely need a heavy sweater and a long coat. It is important that you remember to dress appropriately when visiting temples and sacred sites during your Beijing tour.
Travel Around Beijing
When traveling in Beijing, always carry a map (which is available at bus and railway stations and at the airports) and be sure that you know exactly where you want to go because most people do not speak or understand English very well. Traveling by taxi is the easiest way to get around Beijing. They are available in front of hotels, train stations and the airport. Always make sure the taxi driver turns the meter on when you get inside; unmetered taxis are illegal.
Buses are everywhere in Beijing, unfortunately for some travelers, they are very crowded and the signs and stops are only in Chinese. The subway is another great way to get around Beijing. The Circle Line, East-West Line, and Fuba Line connect all major streets in Beijing. The trains run every 10 minutes, and have a fixed fee of ¥3.
Beijing Nightlife
Beijing’s nightlife and entertainment scene are rapidly evolving. There are many nightclubs, discos, karaoke bars and pubs all over the city. Most clubs are open all night and charge an entrance fee of about ¥100-200. The most popular bar is Sanlitun, in the northeast section of the city. It is pretty lively and frequented by foreigners. Situated in Tuanjiehu Park, Sanlitun is the popular Old Poachers Inn.
Other bars can be found on Xinjiang Kou. Durty Nellie’s a great bar with live music. Sgt. Pepper’s, the Goose and Duck Pub, The Pig and Thistle, the Holiday Inn Lido and the Jichang Lu are also popular bars. Beijing’s most chic club is JJ’s, Xinjiekou Bei Dajie. Kiss Super Club, 35 Xue Yun Lu, is another popular place frequented by young foreigners.
Beijing Business
Beijing is a bustling city with a population of about 12 million people. It is a major force in China’s tourism industry, accounting for a quarter of the country's tourism income. Many Chinese are still involved in agriculture and farming but are regularly setting up small shops and stalls in the city. Many people work in the hotel industry because it pays very well. Locals are also opening bars, pubs and restaurants on a small scale to cater to the many tourists in Beijing.
Tips for Visiting Shanghai
Shanghai is an exciting and exotic city by the sea that has beckoned travelers for over a century. At the heart of China’s economic revival, Shanghai offers its visitors fun, excitement and entertainment like no other place in the world. With its own unique take on Chinese traditions and Western culture, Shanghai is definitely a place to visit for vacation.
Shanghai culture can be traced back to its roots as a tiny fishing village on the Chinese coast. After colonization by the British, the French and the Americans, Shanghai exploded onto the map as a great place to go to visit, work and learn. With its often-mystical Chinese traditions, Shanghai was mysterious and alluring to people which lead to its becoming rather colorful and decadent as an easy stopover for sailors and merchants. However, by 1950, communist rule came into force and most foreigners left the city. It remained dormant until the 1990’s when it was once again revived to spearhead China into the new millennium.
Shanghai is once again a great place for business and at the very core of China’s economy. The handshake here is now an accepted form of greeting, as is the exchange of business cards. Cards and gifts should be always presented, and received, with both hands. When invited to someone's house it is important that you never go empty-handed; always take a gift, even if it is just some fruit. Also, remember to take off your shoes at the entrance of a house, as shoes are considered to be unclean. The Chinese are very hospitable and often take guests and business colleagues out to dinner, so it is important that you learn to use chopsticks.
Weather in Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is in the autumn, when the temperature is mild and it is less likely to rain. Shanghai's weather is moderate with an annual average temperature of about 15° C (59° F). The weather in Shanghai can be divided into four seasons: a warm spring, a hot summer, a cool autumn and a cold winter. Shanghai also receives plenty of rainfall from July to September; thunderstorms and torrential rain occur frequently. Summers in Shanghai are hot and humid with July and August as Shanghai's hottest months. January is the coldest month in Shanghai.
Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai has a great city for shopping. From ancient Chinese artifacts to trendy western wear, Shanghai has it all. Western-styled shopping malls, huge department stores, street stalls, shops and colorful open-air markets can be found all over Shanghai. Most shops are open daily from10 am - 10 pm, with weekends, especially Sunday being the most hectic and busiest day to shop. Shanghai has some of the best antiques in mainland China and is known for its variety of Chinese silk. Jewelry, especially jade, gold, silver, and freshwater pearls can be found at bargain prices. As with most Asian cities bargaining is a must while shopping. Popular items on sale include: ceramics, hand-made embroidery, teapots, painted fans, handbags, carpets, lacquer ware, painted snuff bottles, and peasant paintings.
The best place to shop in Shanghai's is Nanjing Lu, which has many modern shopping malls and department stores. The Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall on Nanjing Dong Lu downtown is a popular shopping mall. Also popular is Huaihai Zhong Lu conveniently located parallel to Nanjing Lu. The Huaihai shopping area runs from the Huangpi Nan Lu Metro Station to the Changshu Lu Station. For the best in fashion and accessories, the Maoming Lu/Changle Lu area is the best. Taikang Lu has some of the most fashionable boutiques in the city with everything from designer handbags to expensive silks. Another major shopping street is Hengshan Le and Shanghai's Old Town Bazaar is a good place to shop for local arts and crafts and antiques. In Pudong, shopping is mainly east of the riverfront and south of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The Super Brand Mall in Lujiazui has plenty of shopping and Maison Mode, Raffles City and Plaza 66 are all great department stores. Shops like Taikang Ar Factory, Xintiandi and Yu Garden Bazaar are the prefect places to buy local crafts and wares.
What to Wear in Shanghai
The people of Shanghai have a reputation of being not only the best dressed in China, but in the world. Fashion conscious and stylish, most trends in the country usually originate from Shanghai. The best items of clothing are the ones you are most comfortable in because it is extremely hard for a tourist to out-dress a local. Jeans, t-shirts and shorts are the way to go and business wear is similar to the styles of the West.
Travel Around in Shanghai
Unlike many other Chinese cities, Shanghai has a great public transportation system with buses and a new metro (subway). All three metros take you almost anywhere in the city with all the information provided in English. Tickets range from ¥2 - 3. Taxi drivers here usually do not speak English, so be sure to bring the address written in Chinese. Most rides inside the city cost between ¥10 - 25. During rush hour, buses are extremely crowded and it is not a recommended to use them. Taxis are the most efficient, inexpensive way to travel in Shanghai. If you prefer to drive, a driver’s license can be obtained by surrendering your existing license. Be careful when walking around in Shanghai, as traffic can get quite hectic during rush hour; always try to cross the street in a group of pedestrians.
Health Services in Shanghai
Shanghai has the most advanced medical facilities in all of China. Most high-end hotels have an in-house or on-call doctor and always refer guests to dentists and doctors. The following hospitals provide international standard services:
World Link Medical and Dental Centers, Nánjing Xi Lù 1376
Shànghai Centre, Suite 203, Unit 30
Mandarine City, Hóngxu Lù 788, Hóngqiáo District (offers 24-hour emergency services)
World Link Inpatient Center at Dànshui Lù 170 on the 3rd floor.
The Foreigner's Clinic at Huá Shan Hospital, in Jìng An District on the 19th floor
The First People's Hospital International Medical Care Center, near the Bund (offers 24-hour emergency assistance)
Watson's Drug Store (which has branches throughout the city) is the best place to get medication
Shanghai Nightlife
Shanghai had a notorious nightlife in the late 1800’s and early 20th century. Gambling dens, opium joints, nightclubs and glamorous theatres were found everywhere in old Shanghai. However, with the communist revolution, Shanghai was cleaned up and now the entertainment is more respectable. Acrobatics, musicals, opera, dance and theatre performances can be found all over the city. Performances by Yo-yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Krall and the Kirov Ballet have been held in Shanghai. There are also plenty of nightclubs and bars in the city with live music. The Shanghai International Jazz Concert Series is held in the second week of November each year in Shanghai.
Shanghai has some of the best dance clubs and discos in China. Pu-J's Big Top in the Grand Hyatt Hotel is a great dance club. Maoming Lu is another trendy bar on the rise. The Ark Live House, Dr Bar, Le Club at La Maison, Soho Pub and TMSK are all great places to visit and party until the wee hours of the morning.
Dining Out in Shanghai
Shanghai has many great restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and coffee shops to dine out in with family, friends or on a business lunch. The Darling Harbour Xin Gai Nian Chuan Cai, Wen Hao Za Liang Shi Fu, the Atrium Café, Huang Cheng Gen Er and the Roxy Bar & Grill are some great places to eat at. For more expensive and classic meals, the T8, Shintori Null II, Yongfoo Élite, M on the Bund and Quan Ju De are excellent. The more reasonable restaurants include Hot Pot King, Simply Thai, Nooch Noodle Bar, and Grape.
Shanghai Business
Shanghai is a thriving metropolis that has plenty of business ventures to keep most local and foreign businesspeople intrigued. Shanghai and the surrounding area all have Special Economic Zones which offer different tax incentives for the business executive who wants to open a business in Shanghai. The best way to get this information is to contact your respective consulate in Shanghai or the Chinese embassy. Pudong is the new financial and industrial center of Shanghai and has the best bets for tax incentives. Though China is still restrictive when it comes to setting up businesses, the government is keen to attract foreign investment; most businesses have a joint venture from of organization. From telecommunications and media to imports and exports, Shanghai is the best place to do business in China.
Jake Hushka Post 6 -Souveniors and Bartering
I am assuming everyone on this trip will, in one way or another, be bringing some gifts/souveniors back from the trip. Below is a quick writeup from some of the research I found when searching how to barter with street vendors and suggestions on how to get your item at the best price.
Bartering with street vendors/at the market
Bartering with street vendors and at the Chinese marketplaces is a trade society; besides at restaurants, malls, and supermarkets, you haggle for whatever the stuff is worth. The point isn't to rip off foreign tourists or purchasers, as even Chinese students and other locals don't know the prices and therefore pay too much. In the end, you pay whatever the items are worth to you. If the seller determines that you, even as a foreigner, understand the prices, negotiation goes quickly and smoothly. Many products are quite inexpensive to westerners even without lengthy bartering, and one is tempted to pay more for small purchases (for example vegetables) in order to save time. But when you're stocking up on clothing or souvenirs, haggling become an interesting experience. Save money with the following guidelines:
Rule of thumb for determining price (not guaranteed):
· Start by dividing the opening price by three, this will be considered a decent result in bargaining; opening price divided by four is an outstanding outcome. Always let the seller name a price, then begin with an offer 1/5 of that. Increase your offer slowly.
· When you find something you really like and definitely want to have, don't telegraph how eager you are.
· Be polite and patient, and realize that haggling is fun for the seller as well, because he'll be more likely to make concessions. Traders occasionally let their wares go very cheap, as long as they can save face doing it.
· If an item seems too expensive, don't purchase it out of false politeness. Walk away from the stand and see if the trader will then come down on price; if not, well, you can almost certainly find the same product a few meters down the street. Otherwise, if you don't care at all what the trader thinks of you go back and buy from him.
· Counterfeit currency is very common in China!
Price negotiations at a marketplace go by very different rules than during business transactions, so always be wary.
Bartering with street vendors/at the market
Bartering with street vendors and at the Chinese marketplaces is a trade society; besides at restaurants, malls, and supermarkets, you haggle for whatever the stuff is worth. The point isn't to rip off foreign tourists or purchasers, as even Chinese students and other locals don't know the prices and therefore pay too much. In the end, you pay whatever the items are worth to you. If the seller determines that you, even as a foreigner, understand the prices, negotiation goes quickly and smoothly. Many products are quite inexpensive to westerners even without lengthy bartering, and one is tempted to pay more for small purchases (for example vegetables) in order to save time. But when you're stocking up on clothing or souvenirs, haggling become an interesting experience. Save money with the following guidelines:
Rule of thumb for determining price (not guaranteed):
· Start by dividing the opening price by three, this will be considered a decent result in bargaining; opening price divided by four is an outstanding outcome. Always let the seller name a price, then begin with an offer 1/5 of that. Increase your offer slowly.
· When you find something you really like and definitely want to have, don't telegraph how eager you are.
· Be polite and patient, and realize that haggling is fun for the seller as well, because he'll be more likely to make concessions. Traders occasionally let their wares go very cheap, as long as they can save face doing it.
· If an item seems too expensive, don't purchase it out of false politeness. Walk away from the stand and see if the trader will then come down on price; if not, well, you can almost certainly find the same product a few meters down the street. Otherwise, if you don't care at all what the trader thinks of you go back and buy from him.
· Counterfeit currency is very common in China!
Price negotiations at a marketplace go by very different rules than during business transactions, so always be wary.
Jake Hushka Post 5- U.S.-China tension was the underaddressed theme of Davos
U.S.-China tension was the underaddressed theme of Davos
http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/02/02/u-s-china-tension-was-the-underaddressed-theme-of-davos/
I decided to address the article above because of the on going discussion of China becoming a world superpower. A superpower’s responsibilities include: maintaining world stability, intervening in any nation that threatens worldwide balance, and maintaining world order while insuring international stability. I believe that China does not hold these values, which can specifically be seen in the article by the heightened tension between the United States and China. The World Economic Forum gives nation’s the opportunities to address important issues at hand and in my opinion China is not taking their responsibilities seriously.
China’s economic sector has seen significant development over the last decade, specifically in their GDP growth. The United States concern is that it has seen a 10% increase in unemployment over the last year while the Chinese GDP has grown at the same rate. The U.S. feels that due to this growth it is the responsibility of the nation to revalue their currency and Chinese government has refused such suggestions. This situation is also coupled with the vow that China would increase its domestic consumption, which can be taken as China wanting to be less reliant on exports, particularly to the United States. I believe that China took a partnership with the United States knowing the opportunities that would be available to them and now they are going back to the attack on the cultural imperialism of the West. These actions will not go to any avail by the United States and may in fact result in trade barriers. I believe that both sides are taking measures that will be bad in the long term because they are politically popular in the short term and may result in irreparable consequences.
A side note on the article, the forum gave Google the opportunity to allow there concerns to be heard once again. As George stated in a prior post, the Chinese are strongly encouraging the Western journalists to address Google’s threat to abandon China over its disdain for censorship and its computers in China being hacked with help from the Chinese government. Google in fact has been working with the Chinese government to comply with the rules of their censorship, but still strongly believes that the Chinese government had orchestrated the crime of stealing intellectual property.
The main issues the article addresses are the currency dispute and Google’s corporate spying incident. I believe it just shows that as China becomes progressively more powerful, the country increasingly intends to confront the United States. I consider this to be a derelict of their responsibilities of a superpower and they need to start addressing some of the ongoing, worldwide issues at hand.
http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/02/02/u-s-china-tension-was-the-underaddressed-theme-of-davos/
I decided to address the article above because of the on going discussion of China becoming a world superpower. A superpower’s responsibilities include: maintaining world stability, intervening in any nation that threatens worldwide balance, and maintaining world order while insuring international stability. I believe that China does not hold these values, which can specifically be seen in the article by the heightened tension between the United States and China. The World Economic Forum gives nation’s the opportunities to address important issues at hand and in my opinion China is not taking their responsibilities seriously.
China’s economic sector has seen significant development over the last decade, specifically in their GDP growth. The United States concern is that it has seen a 10% increase in unemployment over the last year while the Chinese GDP has grown at the same rate. The U.S. feels that due to this growth it is the responsibility of the nation to revalue their currency and Chinese government has refused such suggestions. This situation is also coupled with the vow that China would increase its domestic consumption, which can be taken as China wanting to be less reliant on exports, particularly to the United States. I believe that China took a partnership with the United States knowing the opportunities that would be available to them and now they are going back to the attack on the cultural imperialism of the West. These actions will not go to any avail by the United States and may in fact result in trade barriers. I believe that both sides are taking measures that will be bad in the long term because they are politically popular in the short term and may result in irreparable consequences.
A side note on the article, the forum gave Google the opportunity to allow there concerns to be heard once again. As George stated in a prior post, the Chinese are strongly encouraging the Western journalists to address Google’s threat to abandon China over its disdain for censorship and its computers in China being hacked with help from the Chinese government. Google in fact has been working with the Chinese government to comply with the rules of their censorship, but still strongly believes that the Chinese government had orchestrated the crime of stealing intellectual property.
The main issues the article addresses are the currency dispute and Google’s corporate spying incident. I believe it just shows that as China becomes progressively more powerful, the country increasingly intends to confront the United States. I consider this to be a derelict of their responsibilities of a superpower and they need to start addressing some of the ongoing, worldwide issues at hand.
Nanzi Flores - Post 3, Staying safe in China
Okay, so being that I’m a mom and you know what moms are best known for…Yes, being a bit over protective. With that said I decided to do some research on staying safe during our China trip. Here is some information to keep in mind while on our trip.
- In case of an emergency, Call 110 and say “English” clearly to be connected to a translator. (http://www.china.org.cn/english/TR-e/25243.htm)
- Please note that it was mentioned in one of the articles I read that security guards uniforms resemble those of a police officer so make sure that you confirm that this person is in fact a police officer who can and will provide assistance to you.
- China has one of the lowest capital crime rates in the world. It is said that China is generally known for being a pretty safe place to walk the streets at night. Keep in mind that petty crime such as pick pocketing is common in China just like in any other country, especially in tourists’ areas. Remember to watch your wallet and purses especially in crowded places such as trains, shopping malls, bars/nightclubs and tourist sites. I personally will be bringing a fanny pack with me to carry any valuable items close to me.
- Watch out for con Artists that may approach you and offer to take you to places where you can find items at cheaper prices or to exchange local currency for US dollars at a so called “better rate”. Use common sense and when in doubt go with your instinct, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Also keep your hotel information with you at all times in case of an emergency.
- Try to always be accompanied by at least one other person in your group or at least let someone in your group know where you intent to go if you decide to go alone.
- Avoid going too far away from the hotel especially at night.
- Avoid carrying too much money or exposing it in public. Remember we were told that the majority of stores accept credit cards.
- Be careful when taking pictures or video, especially near military installations.
Well I hope this information is helpful to you and I look forward to a fun and safe trip to China.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Kelly- Post 4- China Family Visiting
Hello,
I found a website that explains proper etiquette when visiting a Chinese family and thought it may be useful if we are able to do that.
Chinese people are hospitable. If you are invited by or wish to pay a visit to a Chinese family, there are some formalities that you should follow:
a. Make an appointment in advance, and then you should always be punctual for the appointment.
b. Choose an appropriate time to have the family visiting, avoid visiting at other's dining or resting time. The best time is the period after noon or supper.
c. Bring some gifts as a polite gesture.
d. Hand your hat, overcoat, raingear, etc...to the host for placement.
e. Greet to all people in the family no matter whether they are acquaintances or not.f
. Be seated only when invited to do by your host.
g. Usually you will be offered tea, beverage, cigarette, fruits, candies socks and dim-sum. Just express your thankfulness then you can help yourself to them.
h. Never poke fun about anything in the host's family.
i. Generally do not stay more than an hour unless being asked by the host to stay longer.
j. Always express your thanks to the host when you leave.
By the way, do you feel puzzled when you want to buy some gifts for your Chinese friends? Hope you will have a clear idea after reading the following words:
Chinese people set store by gift giving. As we say in English, it is the thought that counts. Giving a gift to Chinese people should be appropriate for the condition or occasion. If you pay a visit to a Chinese family, it is smart to bring gift for the hostess like bouquet, cosmetic, or scarves. Toys, candies, books are good for the children if they have them. If you attend a wedding party, the artistic adornment, bouquet, or some practical items are the best choice. During the traditional Chinese festivals, you can bring wines, cigarettes, tea, candies, fruits, or some of your local products.
However, there are some tips for you to note, which is considered to be unpropitious:
a. Clocks should never be presented as gift to others, especially to elders.
b. Pears can not be sent to couples.
c. People who are unwell may not be given medicine as gift.
d. Intimate items of clothing may not be gifts for friends of the opposite sex.
I found a website that explains proper etiquette when visiting a Chinese family and thought it may be useful if we are able to do that.
Chinese people are hospitable. If you are invited by or wish to pay a visit to a Chinese family, there are some formalities that you should follow:
a. Make an appointment in advance, and then you should always be punctual for the appointment.
b. Choose an appropriate time to have the family visiting, avoid visiting at other's dining or resting time. The best time is the period after noon or supper.
c. Bring some gifts as a polite gesture.
d. Hand your hat, overcoat, raingear, etc...to the host for placement.
e. Greet to all people in the family no matter whether they are acquaintances or not.f
. Be seated only when invited to do by your host.
g. Usually you will be offered tea, beverage, cigarette, fruits, candies socks and dim-sum. Just express your thankfulness then you can help yourself to them.
h. Never poke fun about anything in the host's family.
i. Generally do not stay more than an hour unless being asked by the host to stay longer.
j. Always express your thanks to the host when you leave.
By the way, do you feel puzzled when you want to buy some gifts for your Chinese friends? Hope you will have a clear idea after reading the following words:
Chinese people set store by gift giving. As we say in English, it is the thought that counts. Giving a gift to Chinese people should be appropriate for the condition or occasion. If you pay a visit to a Chinese family, it is smart to bring gift for the hostess like bouquet, cosmetic, or scarves. Toys, candies, books are good for the children if they have them. If you attend a wedding party, the artistic adornment, bouquet, or some practical items are the best choice. During the traditional Chinese festivals, you can bring wines, cigarettes, tea, candies, fruits, or some of your local products.
However, there are some tips for you to note, which is considered to be unpropitious:
a. Clocks should never be presented as gift to others, especially to elders.
b. Pears can not be sent to couples.
c. People who are unwell may not be given medicine as gift.
d. Intimate items of clothing may not be gifts for friends of the opposite sex.
Kelly -Post 3- China warns on Meeting with Dalai Lama
China Warns U.S. on Meeting With Dalai Lama
By EDWARD WONG
Published: February 2, 2010
BEIJING — A senior Chinese official strongly warned President Obama on Tuesday against meeting with the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetans, saying it would damage relations between China and the United States.
The official, Zhu Weiqun, said any country would suffer consequences if its leaders met with the Dalai Lama, whom China considers to be a dangerous separatist. Mr. Zhu did not elaborate on what actions China could take.
But a White House spokesman said the president’s plans were unchanged. “The president told China’s leaders during his trip last year that he would meet with the Dalai Lama, and he intends to do so,” said the spokesman, Bill Burton, speaking aboard Air Force One as it flew Mr. Obama to New Hampshire for an event.
“To be clear,” he added, “the U.S. considers Tibet to be a part of China. We have human rights concerns about the treatment of Tibetans. We urge the government of China to protect the unique cultural and religious traditions of Tibet.”
Last autumn, when the Dalai Lama visited the United States, Mr. Obama declined to meet with him to avoid angering China before Mr. Obama’s trip to Beijing, in November.
Both Mr. Obama and the Dalai Lama are Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
Mr. Zhu, who is the executive vice director of the United Front Work Department, the arm of the Chinese Communist Party that oversees ethnic policy, made his remarks at a morning news conference, according to Xinhua, the state news agency. The purpose of the conference was to give details on recent negotiations between the Chinese government and envoys of the Dalai Lama, in which China rejected demands for greater Tibetan autonomy.
Any move by American leaders to meet the Dalai Lama will “harm others but bring no profit to itself, either,” Mr. Zhu said.
Despite Mr. Obama’s earlier overtures to Beijing, tensions between the United States and China have been on the rise.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently chastised China in a speech she gave in which she denounced Internet censorship. Last Friday, the United States announced sales of $6.4 billion of arms to Taiwan, the self-governing island that China says is a rebel province. In response, China said it would break off military-to-military ties with the United States and impose sanctions against the American companies that make the arms.
China usually criticizes any prominent figure who meets with the Dalai Lama.
In 2007, despite furious objections from China, President George W. Bush met privately with the Dalai Lama in Washington and was present at a ceremony at which Congress awarded the exiled Tibetan leader its highest civilian honor. China called the event a farce.
A decade earlier, President Bill Clinton informally greeted the Dalai Lama at the White House and said he would urge China to open talks with him, but the two leaders did not meet formally.
In 2008 China protested a meeting between the Dalai Lama and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France. It hinted that it would impose economic sanctions against France but never did.
China considers sovereignty issues like the status of Tibet and Taiwan to be what officials call the nation’s “core interests.” Few things anger the Chinese government more than the perceived intervention of foreign countries in these matters. Tibet, always a thorny foreign policy issue for the Communist Party, became even more so after an uprising exploded across Tibetan regions of western China in March 2008.
The Dalai Lama, 74, lives in India and says he wants only “genuine autonomy” for Tibet, not independence.
The latest meeting between his envoys and Chinese officials ended over the weekend. It was the ninth round of talks since 2002, and Chinese officials restated their rejection of the Dalai Lama’s call for greater autonomy for the Tibetans.
Mr. Zhu said Tuesday that the Dalai Lama was not a legal representative of the six million Tibetans in China and that China would discuss with the envoys only the status of the Dalai Lama, not the future of Tibet.
I chose this article from the New York Times, it was just published yesterday. I thought this was interesting because it clearly shows how adamant China is against President Obama meeting with the Dalai Lama. As I started reading the article I realized I was going to have to do a little research of my own and investigate the full story behind the Dalai Lama and why he is considered by China to be a "dangerous separatist."
By EDWARD WONG
Published: February 2, 2010
BEIJING — A senior Chinese official strongly warned President Obama on Tuesday against meeting with the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetans, saying it would damage relations between China and the United States.
The official, Zhu Weiqun, said any country would suffer consequences if its leaders met with the Dalai Lama, whom China considers to be a dangerous separatist. Mr. Zhu did not elaborate on what actions China could take.
But a White House spokesman said the president’s plans were unchanged. “The president told China’s leaders during his trip last year that he would meet with the Dalai Lama, and he intends to do so,” said the spokesman, Bill Burton, speaking aboard Air Force One as it flew Mr. Obama to New Hampshire for an event.
“To be clear,” he added, “the U.S. considers Tibet to be a part of China. We have human rights concerns about the treatment of Tibetans. We urge the government of China to protect the unique cultural and religious traditions of Tibet.”
Last autumn, when the Dalai Lama visited the United States, Mr. Obama declined to meet with him to avoid angering China before Mr. Obama’s trip to Beijing, in November.
Both Mr. Obama and the Dalai Lama are Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
Mr. Zhu, who is the executive vice director of the United Front Work Department, the arm of the Chinese Communist Party that oversees ethnic policy, made his remarks at a morning news conference, according to Xinhua, the state news agency. The purpose of the conference was to give details on recent negotiations between the Chinese government and envoys of the Dalai Lama, in which China rejected demands for greater Tibetan autonomy.
Any move by American leaders to meet the Dalai Lama will “harm others but bring no profit to itself, either,” Mr. Zhu said.
Despite Mr. Obama’s earlier overtures to Beijing, tensions between the United States and China have been on the rise.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recently chastised China in a speech she gave in which she denounced Internet censorship. Last Friday, the United States announced sales of $6.4 billion of arms to Taiwan, the self-governing island that China says is a rebel province. In response, China said it would break off military-to-military ties with the United States and impose sanctions against the American companies that make the arms.
China usually criticizes any prominent figure who meets with the Dalai Lama.
In 2007, despite furious objections from China, President George W. Bush met privately with the Dalai Lama in Washington and was present at a ceremony at which Congress awarded the exiled Tibetan leader its highest civilian honor. China called the event a farce.
A decade earlier, President Bill Clinton informally greeted the Dalai Lama at the White House and said he would urge China to open talks with him, but the two leaders did not meet formally.
In 2008 China protested a meeting between the Dalai Lama and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France. It hinted that it would impose economic sanctions against France but never did.
China considers sovereignty issues like the status of Tibet and Taiwan to be what officials call the nation’s “core interests.” Few things anger the Chinese government more than the perceived intervention of foreign countries in these matters. Tibet, always a thorny foreign policy issue for the Communist Party, became even more so after an uprising exploded across Tibetan regions of western China in March 2008.
The Dalai Lama, 74, lives in India and says he wants only “genuine autonomy” for Tibet, not independence.
The latest meeting between his envoys and Chinese officials ended over the weekend. It was the ninth round of talks since 2002, and Chinese officials restated their rejection of the Dalai Lama’s call for greater autonomy for the Tibetans.
Mr. Zhu said Tuesday that the Dalai Lama was not a legal representative of the six million Tibetans in China and that China would discuss with the envoys only the status of the Dalai Lama, not the future of Tibet.
I chose this article from the New York Times, it was just published yesterday. I thought this was interesting because it clearly shows how adamant China is against President Obama meeting with the Dalai Lama. As I started reading the article I realized I was going to have to do a little research of my own and investigate the full story behind the Dalai Lama and why he is considered by China to be a "dangerous separatist."
Upon doing some research I found China being a communist country dislikes the Dalai Lama because he has such moral authority to convince many people that the Chinese version of history is not truthful. The Dalai Lama, along with millions of people inside and outside of Tibet believe that Tibet should be considered an autonomous country even though it was invaded by China. Due to his views, he has been exiled from China.
This view is now still a conflict of interest between the United States and China mostly because the opinions vary greatly. The United States believes the Dalai Lama to be as George Bush said, "a shepherd of the faithful" believing that the people of Tibet should celebrate their religious freedom and views. The Chinese however feel the Dalai Lama "splits the motherland."
Now according to the article, tensions are rising between the United States and China since President Obama has explained to China's leaders that he is going to meet with the Dalai Lama. This could prove to further damage the relationship between the U.S. and China especially since China is still recovering from Hillary Clinton's remark about interenet censorship in China.
With China becoming a superpower, I just wonder what affect this damage will cause in the future.
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