Opening China to You

If you visit the park alongside "yi hao xiao" (number one bridge) in the spring evenings, you can mingle with a multi-generational population enjoying modern city life with dancing, exercising, biking, vendors, and animals.

It was always a pleasant and friendly scene when I lived there, and maybe would be a good location for NPR interviews.

Sent by Jim Metzger | 5:07 PM | 4-16-2008

Are you sure that what you have seen in China was not staged by the government?

Sent by Jim Poore | 6:06 PM | 4-16-2008

I'd like to know about public transit in China and plans to expand. I just heard your report comparing the carbon footprint of an American family to a Chinese family and the rise of country homes. I was wondering if the government has plans for a metro or other way to deal with the traffic congestion.

Sent by Samantha | 6:52 PM | 4-16-2008

I was interested in your report on China and conservation. On a trip two summers ago, I stayed at a very elegant five-star hotel in Beijing. In spite of all its luxurious trappings, the electricity in my fancy room only worked when I inserted my key card into a slot in the wall. When leaving the room and taking my key card, the lights were automatically turned off. At first I found this practice strange, but then realized how much sense it made in terms of conservation. I wonder if any hotels in the United States employ this practice?

Sent by Linda Stephan | 6:56 PM | 4-16-2008

Not a comment, but a question - a wish, really.

I'm an American who is weighing the idea of making a fresh start in China. No, I do not speak or read Chinese. No, I would not be taking a big bankroll, a large retirement check (not old enough), or any resources like that.

I have heard on NPR the voices of Americans living meaningful (perhaps profitable) lives in China, but most of these would be, I suspect, successful anywhere. What about (for lack of a better term) ordinary or "unexceptional" Americans? Will you be looking for, looking at or talking to any of them?

Sent by H. Holden | 7:01 PM | 4-16-2008

What does Chengdu have in the way of exercise facilities? In Beijing, as people become more affluent, they want more recreational facilities, but there are too many people for what is available.

Is this also true in Chengdu?

Along with that, is the incidence of obesity rising, as people consume more calories and more western-style food becomes available there?

Sent by LEXA LEE | 8:10 PM | 4-16-2008

I would like to know more about adoption from China. Personal stories from the Chinese perspective, business and governmental aspects. Maybe other areas that I don't even know to ask about!

Sent by Joyce Brooks | 8:16 PM | 4-16-2008

Please consider doing a spot on signs translated into English by Chinese. Some of my favorites in Beijing were "TOILIT" and "Please return the garbage".

Sent by LEXA LEE | 8:33 PM | 4-16-2008

Mr. Lee has been a local tour manager since the early 1990's working with foreigners in Chengdu. He also is quite a character and could give you some interesting insight into the changes over the last two decades. Back in the day you could find him around the Jiaotong Hotel in central Chengdu. Look him up!

Sent by Ken Schindler | 8:55 PM | 4-16-2008

Relax over tea at the Wenshu Temple with a wonderful variety of residents, who use it as their outdoor living room. It's sort of like a Paris cafe for people watching.

Sent by Jeff Strickler | 9:01 PM | 4-16-2008

Chengdu foods, woooooow, yummy!!!

Can you bring back the names of some new famous delicious dishes -- with pictures? Thanks!

Sent by Craig Brown | 9:11 PM | 4-16-2008

Basic question here - where is Chengdu?

Sent by charla | 10:20 PM | 4-16-2008

My son has been taught Mandarin Chinese as a second language since kindergarten (he is now in high school).

Can you find Americans in Chengdu who have gone there after studying the language? I need to give my kid an incentive to continue studying the language!

Sent by Charla Rudisill | 10:24 PM | 4-16-2008

I recently returned from a study abroad trip to China and our group visited Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. I seem to remember learning that Chengdu is one of the largest and most important cities in the country, but I guess since it's not the economic or political hub like Shanghai or Beijing, it's just not talked about as much. I'd be interested in hearing some information on how Chengdu compares to Beijing and Shanghai, in area such as culture and social traditions, language, demographics, and of course food.

Sent by Michael | 10:56 PM | 4-16-2008

As a Chinese who lived in Chengdu briefly in the early 90s, I'd like you to cover the following topics:

- What's unique about Chengdu that made NPR decide to do a week-long series?

- In the eyes of ordinary local people, what was the past like living in the city? What about present, and future?

- What are local citizens greatest concerns and how are they dealing with them?

Sent by Kunlun | 11:23 PM | 4-16-2008

To Charla:

Chengdu is located in the southwest of China next to Tibet. It's the capital city of Sichuan province. You can use Google Maps or Google Earth to find out exactly where Chengdu is.

Sent by Song Qiuying | 12:06 AM | 4-17-2008

I have visited China at least 10 times since 1982.

The first time I spent over a month there. At that time you could easily see the ancient history of the country because change had not started.

It took only a few years for the changes to take place; some for the better and some for the worse. There was an innocence that is now gone and a beauty that has since faded, especially in Beijing.

I had the fortune to visit Chengdu before the modernization took place. Then the city of Macao had not yet been overtaken by American casinos with the gaudiness of Las Vegas.

Many people's lives today are much better than when I first came to China, I wish their history could be preserved.

I am hoping to go back this summer.

Sent by Victoria Francis | 12:13 AM | 4-17-2008

I would love to hear an interview with the Chengdu mortician Zhang Doaling who's career spanned the Maoist era. He was featured in the March 2008 issue of Harper's Magazine.

In addition, it would be wonderful if your readers and listeners in America could get an idea of the daily lives of an average Chengdu working class family.

- Which jobs are highly coveted?

- How much of their income goes to housing and food?

- What concerns do they expect government to solve?

- Do they believe in spirituality?

- Do they enjoy reading?

- And which books are widely available?

Sent by Gil | 12:26 AM | 4-17-2008

I'd really love to hear more about how Chinese youth view their government (especially in terms of China's purported human rights abuses).

As an American teenager with a not-so-favorable view of the Chinese government, I'm interested to see what Chinese teenagers think.

And, I'd also like to learn how the views of the next generation of Chinese will affect our relations with America in the future.

Sent by Lange Luntao | 12:43 AM | 4-17-2008

How does the average Chinese citizen view the Chinese government's campaign to censor international and national news? Is there a popular desire to learn the "real scoop"? If so, how does one access uncensored news?

Sent by Kristi McEwen | 1:23 AM | 4-17-2008

Make sure you swing by the Wenshu Temple for a meal (or two) at the vegetarian restaurant. Amazing dishes, serene ambience! The tea garden at the monastery is also a wonderful place -- colorful, bustling, and perfectly relaxing.

Sent by ST Frequency | 3:28 AM | 4-17-2008

I am an American who was living in Beijing and just moved to Qingdao. I work for a nonprofit (registered in France) but have established and successful programs in China since 2003.

Since college, I have worked in the nonprofit sector. Moving to China (this is my third time living here) has opened my eyes to the very new concept of charity in terms of how westerners envision it.

I would love for you to do a story on the culture of the NGO sector in China, how and why foreign NGOs have come here, how they are able to do their work, and finally, how the culture of the NGO sector in the minds of Chinese is changing, if at all. This is a sector that is moving at a swift pace in China and increasing numbers of skilled NGO people are moving here.

Sent by Shakira | 3:46 AM | 4-17-2008

There's an orphanage monastery in Tagong, with a great story to tell; especially with recent torch-running events.

Good luck getting there!

Sent by Paco | 7:16 AM | 4-17-2008

Chengdu's Wuhou Si neighborhood was forcibly closed by Chinese police in March. I wonder what is happening there now and in the Tibetan areas of Chengdu? China's Rapid Reaction Division of No.13 Group Army under Chengdu Military Region is reportedly deployed against Tibetan protesters. Is this true?

Sent by Ken Herold | 9:38 AM | 4-17-2008

The thing that always strikes me on my visits to Chengdu is the number of electric-powered "bicycles" zipping around the streets. Cars are popping up everywhere in China, and Chengdu is no exception, but I feel this alternative to regular bicycles is worthy of mention considering all of the criticism China has faced for its environmental record. Perhaps you could do a feature on them?

Sent by Joseph Monti | 10:19 AM | 4-17-2008

Two recent George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) graduates have relocated to Chengdu to develop an eco-travel business called "overlandchina.com" They sponsor trips to parts of Sichuan and Yunnan province where the indigenous people can showcase their cultures, which are threatened by the dominant Han Chinese culture. Their concern is for the prservation of these ways of life and the beautiful land in these more remote areas of China.

Chengdu also attracts many young world travelers, who often travel on joureys that include India, Nepal and some of the former Soviet republics.

Sent by g shatz | 10:42 AM | 4-17-2008

Please look at the amazing efforts of GreenSOS, a student-run organization that has been tackling environmental challenges for years (including running the city's first "Earth Day" volunteer work party in 2007). Their (student) director spent six months with EarthCorps in Seattle last year to learn about ways to build community support and understanding for conserving and restoring the environment.

Sent by Pipo Bui | 11:15 AM | 4-17-2008

I am a new college graduate who studied Chinese in college and visited Beijing for a spell. While in college I had the pleasure of taking a Chinese storytelling course. My teacher in fact was a professional storyteller who lived in China, but was from the US. After his course, I better understood the meaning behind Beijing opera, and storytelling performances throughout China. It was fascinating to learn this history, and it provided alot of understanding on Chinese identity and culture.

Therefore, maybe you'd like to present a story on the history of storytelling in Chengdu, and how it has evolved through the eons.

Sent by COLIN HOUSEAL | 11:36 AM | 4-17-2008

It sounds like the average Chinese citizen is at least aware of the climate issues and they seem to have built-in conservation practices in their culture (i.e. fridge-use practices). Does the Government act to encourage these practices? Do they have programs?

Is it windy in Chengdu?

Sent by Christopher Starr | 11:55 AM | 4-17-2008

As a Chinese who has lived in the US for 6 years, I have a challenge for NPR: make sure that what you see and report there is spontaneous and authentic!

My image of China based on my family and friends' life experiences is it is a complex society with many serious problems, but is improving, and the majority of people are optimistic. Yet the image of China I get from the US mainstream media like CNN is a repressive society full of brainwashed "goons and thugs".

I look forward to finding out how you help me reconcile the drastically different images of China I know by myself and from the US media.

Sent by Jie Wu | 11:58 AM | 4-17-2008

I am a citizen of Chengdu. It's interesting to get another perspective of our city from the eyes of Americans. I hope I can learn more about the place I live from you guys.

Sent by Wei Maozhi | 12:03 PM | 4-17-2008

I want to find a US company that is looking for workers to employ in China, and what qualifications they are looking for. And I'd also like to know about the ex-pat process; what difficulties US workers face while getting and working there.

Sent by backbaychef | 1:49 PM | 4-17-2008

Please bring us the stories of China and the Chinese people told by western media. I'd like to hear a sample of both the positive and the negative views of my country.

Find out if Chinese citizens think coverage is true or if it is biased.

Sent by Alan Wang | 4:59 PM | 4-17-2008

The Chinese language is so different from English. Communication via language has helped to create their culture and continues to affect the culture in ways that English speakers would never expect. It would be interesting if you did a segment on this.

Sent by matthew sherman | 6:49 PM | 4-17-2008

I'm pleased to read so many suggestions and questions about Chengdu. It sounds as if one of the concerns is about control of the media in China. I'm certainly not qualified to represent all of Chengdu/Chinese people, but I am happy to share my personal point of views.

Before I came to the USA, I was one of many youngsters who hated media control and wanted it to be changed right away. We were also so attracted by the freedom of US media, who really monitor their government. We also appreciated that other people around the world had concerns about human rights in China.

Then I came to US to study. After a few years now, I, of course, still don't like the way our government controls the media. But, on the other hand, my feeling about the freedom of speech in US changed a lot; unfortunately, in a negative way. I now believe freedom of speech is abused by the news media, especially some commercial news networks. To attract viewers or listeners, they can just say and do anything without taking any responsibility in the name of the freedom of speech; especially when it comes to foreign issues.

Almost all non-US students I know complain about the dominant negative views by US media about their home countries. For many Chinese, at home or abroad, their distrust to the western media is increasingly fueled by the systematical media distortion about the Tibet issue.
In Germany, France, the UK and the US, the news outlets CUT photos, show videos taken in OTHER Asian countries, MIS-INTERPRET videos to prove the "atrocity" of Chinese policemen mistreating Tibetans. Even though the Han Chinese were victims of the riots last month in Tibet, most of the western news media don't care about their human rights. Instead, they hysterically made up stories to blame it all on the easy target of the Chinese government, who actually were doing what they should do to stop violence

Those Western news outlets practiced freedom of
speech, but didn't use it to tell western people the truth.
This made Chinese people irritated. Many, including myself, started to wonder whether human rights, democracy issues are the real concerns or are they really just using those issues as political tools for their own purpose?

I'm not as radical as I was few years ago back in China. I believe we have much to improve in the way of human rights and freedom of speech in my country. But as Mr. Deng Xiaoping, (incidentally born in Sichuan -- whose capital city is Chengdu,) said, "touch the next stone as you go across a river," meaning "when cross a river, make sure your next step is safe before you move."

Our economic reforms were done by this way, and I believe our political reforms should also be done along the same path. And I do see political changes even in last few years.

I'm glad more and more people are going to China to visit, to study and to do business. When I came here for graduate school, I found the American people around me very nice and I enjoyed the way Americans communicate in the classroom, in community and on the internet. But I have to say, I;ve had too much of the sort of freedom of speech shown in the western media.

Sent by C. Liang | 7:02 PM | 4-17-2008

I'm from China and I've been living in gthe USA and Canada for many years. According to my observations, most of the main stream western news media act together to portray China as a threat and constantly brainwash readers with biased report. CNN/FOX/BBC/CBC have lost their credibility by doing this. I hope NPR News is an exception and that you can provide unbiased reports during your week (May 19-23) when your program ALL THINGS CONSIDERED originates from Chengdu.

Whether the information you find is good or bad, I hope it will be truthful.

Sent by Liu Yong | 12:23 AM | 4-18-2008

Since you went to Shangli it would be very informative if you can tell us something about the life of those farmers. After all, the majority of Chinese don't live in the city.

- How much have those farmers benefited from China's economic development?

- Do they receive proper medical care?

- Are there still any young farmers working in the field, or have they all gone to the city as migrant workers?

- What about their children? Do these children have to work to support their family? Do they finish high school and go to college? Are they optimistic about future? Do they dream about their future? What are their dreams?

Farmers has always been and still are the backbone of China, please don't forget them.

Sent by Jian | 12:45 AM | 4-18-2008

Chengdu, as the capital of Sichuan, has many interesting aspects. However, it has been for many, many years the headquarters for military action to control and subdue Tibet.
More than half of the Sichuan's territory is Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures (TAP). You will not hear that in Chengdu for sure. You cannot even go to Ganzi or Aba TAP right now. It is closed to foreigners. In recent weeks dozens of Tibetans have been killed while demonstrating peacefully expressing their frustration being marginalized and suppressed.

You might see a police state in action visiting unannounced "Tibetan Street" in Chengdu.

Sent by Wang Dali | 11:33 AM | 4-18-2008

To Wang Dali,

Actually, these "protestors" cried out: "we are non-violent, we set fire, but the Han can escape. Since they didn't successfully escape, so they should die."

If you like these "protestors"...ok ,free gift to you ... eh, help China save food.

Plus, there are many good Tibetans in Chengdu, but they are not "peace-loving" murderers or arsonists.

David Gilkey: you can get many great photos at the Wuhou Temple. And also visit Jinli Street, which has many funny things .

Sent by moss | 1:01 PM | 4-18-2008

To Wang Dali,

I'm curious: where did you get the news that "dozens of Tibetans have been killed in Chengdu?" -- and whether this is a fact. I have many relatives in Chengdu and never heard about this.

I was born and raised in Chengdu before I came to the States. And over the twenty-three years of my life in Chengdu, I encountered quite a few people from Xizhang (Tibet is the name for Xizhang used by British). They just have a normal life like everyone else. If there is any difference, it's to their benefit, due to their ethnic background.

For example, the one-child policy doesn't apply to minority groups, and the minority students get to enter university with a lower admission test score. There is even an old hotel called "Xizhang Hotel" close to the train station, as I remember. I don't know whether it's still there now.

I was born in the 1970s and was not interested in politics, but I do remember as a kid we learned minority cultures and we all know how to dance a Xizhang (Tibet) dance. That definitely tells me that the so-called "cultural genocide" is false accusation. Just look at any Chinese paper currency, five languages are printed and one of them is, maybe to many westerners' surprise, the Xizhang (Tibetan) language.

For my senior year in college (I graduated from Sichuan university), my class went to the Aba area for our field trip. It was a wonderful trip with many interactions with local people including tibetans. The Tibetians we met are warm and kind, wearing their traditional custom and freely practicing their religion.

Everyone knows that China has a long history, but how many people know that China still has 56 ethnic groups nowadays? I wonder how many ethnic groups there are in many western countries with much short history.

Chengdu city has a rich history dated back to the 4th century BC. Your May 19-23 program ALL THINGS CONSIDERED about Chengdu won't be complete without mention its long history.

NPR is my most listened to radio and thanks for bring us your many great programs. I sincerely hope NPR will live up to its reputation and report facts, beautiful or ugly, since we audience deserve a fair media.

Sent by Yang | 1:32 PM | 4-18-2008

I commend your recent coverage of diverse China issues!

Chengdu is a jumping off point for visiting the World Heritage Site Jiuzhaigou 'National Park' to the north. Along with Huangshan Preserve in Anhui, Jiuzhaigou is a sister park of Yosemite National Park in California (which is also a World Heritage Site).

The Yosemite Association is taking a trip to visit these sister parks next spring. We are curious if you'll have a chance to investigate aspects of China's culture and environmental conservation by looking at eco-tourism and public lands protection in a renowned natural landscape like Jiuzhaigou.

Sent by Pete Devine | 3:27 PM | 4-18-2008

Yang, nobody was shot in Chengdu. All these atrocities happened in the Tibetan areas of Aba and Ganzi.

I am saddened by anyone hurt or killed, be it Han, Tibetan or any other "minority" that used to be a local majority before being marginalized by the Han.

Moss, I am sure Tibetans would rather sue for their rights guaranteed in the Chinese constitution, by the PRC signature of the Human Rights Bill or the 17-point agreement than express their resentment for Chinese domination by throwing stones, vandalizing shops and killing innocents. And of course all this happens while being filmed by omnipresent surveillance cameras to be picked up at home by night by security forces and ending up in prison with a extremely high chance of being tortured and resulting lifelong health problems.

Unfortunately, that is standard practice for treating "splittist elements".

So far, the law is in PRC not accessible for anyone challenging the current power status quo of total control of the CCP. This is why China receives a bad press in the West.

Sent by Wang Dali | 3:33 PM | 4-18-2008

Yang, I am glad to hear you know a Tibetan dance, and you probably took pictures of yourselves in Tibetan clothing. This does not contradict the claim of "cultural genocide".

It just displays complete naivete of the issue. The core of the issue is cultural autonomy.

And as you know, present day Tibetan intellectuals in PRC write in Mandarin, which might seem natural to you, but that is a clear expression of succesful cultural genocide.
Yes, that is an ugly word, but I am afraid it seems like it has been the Han's way. Sino-size your neighbors and they will forget their roots. It is succesful, and winners write history.

But Tibetans have their own 4,000 years of history and know very clearly that they are not Chinese, even when Chinese administrated. And that's the source of friction.

It is all built on a big lie of the "one family." Still many Han who have been out in the world, don't free themselves from childhood indoctrination. They do not realize that there is no real family, because what sort of family has members who do not speak the same language, eat the same food and share the same beliefs?

And, by the way, it is Xizang in Pinyin not Xizhang. The name Tibet is rooted in the Tibetan name "bod", how Tibetans still refer to Tibet.

Sent by Wang Dali | 4:35 PM | 4-18-2008

Wang Dali.

I suggest you read Mark A. Jones debate with David Meanwell on the PBS discussion forum about the genocide claim. In his words, the cultural genocide is plain rubbish. And he cited solid evidence from western academia to support his points.

Many Tibetans in exile speak fluent English. So that's also genocide. For Chinese to obtain positions in multi-national companies, English is a big plus. The same thing applies to Tibet. I am not defending all practices by the Chinese government. But using individual cases of suffering to extraploate to the majority of the Tibetan population is not objective. In short, I strongly suggest anyone seriously interested in Tibet read MA Jone's discussion before jumping into any conclusion. BTW, do you happen to know $1,000 Wang at Duke? You two should meet with each other.

Sent by Jie Wu | 11:12 PM | 4-18-2008

Have you considered interviewing Chinese people who studied or worked abroad and have now come back to Chengdu? I'm guessing the views of these people might be different from those Chengdu citizens who have never lived abroad.

Also, it would be interesting to know the thoughts of those who were not born in Chengdu, but finally settled down there.

BTW, I think everybody can see now how annoying those self-claimed "Tibetan" supporters really are. Just ignore them. My brother worked in Xizang (Tibet) for one year, so I do have a first hand knowledge of what the region really is.

Also, I want to everybody to know that in Chengdu dialect, there is no difference between "z" and "zh". So Xizang or Xizhang are the same to us: part of China. China is a diverse country, so we'd better keep it that way.

Sent by Liang Huang | 11:14 PM | 4-18-2008

A few places that you can't afford to miss:

- West China University of Medical Sciences, now part of Sichuan University (sadly). It was founded by North American Christian Groups in 1910. Do visit its new campus outside of the city, where you can chat with young students. But don't forget visit the old campus which is inside the city. Those Christian groups' names were imprinted on a bell in that famous Clock Tower.

- Visit a typical residential area (Ju Ming Xiao Que), like Wanke City Garden, where you can talk to average Joe & Jane. Do visit their daily market.

- Please also interview some migrant workers. Some of them are caregivers who have very positive role in this aging world. But most of them are construction or factory workers. You may be surprised how badly they were exploited by both native and foreign capitalists. While the world is enjoying cheapgoods from China, and some people are making a profit, thse migrant workers are struggling for the minimum wage without benefits.

- Don't miss "Jing Sa," a modern museum of ancient "Shu Guo" (old name of Sichuan).

- Chengdu Zoo, where the Panda Research Base is.

And there are a few topics you may want to explore:

- Rich versus poor and where is the middle class?

- The changing moral standards: for good and for bad.

- Growing pollution.

After watching award-winning movie, "There Will Be Blood," I saw that there are similarities between Chengdu/China today and America a hundred years ago. China's rapidly changing society has a long way to go, but surely changing is better than stagnation.

There are so many things I'd like to suggest, but I understand that you only have one week there. Please note that weather there is always cloudy, not because of pollution (which has contributed more problems,) rather because Chengdu is surrounded by high mountains.

I hope you enjoy Sichuan food and present truthful reports, both pretty and ugly.

Sent by Beverly Peng | 2:11 AM | 4-19-2008

Whoa....I just moved to Chengdu the end of March (from the Middle East) and NPR is here also? Pinch me.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: CONSIDER YOURSELF PINCHED)

In my limited time here I have experienced pretty much what you have, but I do have some story ideas:

- What's up with all the banners, signs and verbal remarks about Harmoniousness? I'm starting to feel like there's a gold watch on a chain swinging before my eyes.

- I keep hearing from Chinese and Expats alike of the effects of China's One Child Policy on the attitudes of those single children.

- Where are the middle aged people? Everyone here seems to be under 25 or over 75.

- The culture of tea in Chengdu...not just the tea houses.

- Sichuan street food; including those barbequed rabbit heads I see people standing in line for.

Can't wait to hear what you have to say in May. Thank heaven for NPR podcasts.

Sent by maryaj | 1:02 AM | 4-22-2008

As a Chinese person from Chengdu and now living in Atlanta, Georgia, USA for years, I'm happy to hea, on from public radio station WABE -- which I listen to every day, that you will originating a week of programs from Chengdu.

For a long time I've thought that NPR News is more objective than CNN and BBC. I've found that NPR brings more news and reports about China to its American audience.

i'm looking forward to hearing and reading your reports about Chengdu and its culture, history, people and the social changes going on there. I hope your reports can cover as many aspects as you can. I hope they'll all be honest. I don't care you report some dark side of the city, because that makes people know that what you're reporting is real..

Wang Dali can have .his viewpoint, but he doesn't know much about the historical and present Xizang. He only knows some fashionable terms heard from the West. He's not in a position to help you succeed in reporting successfully.

Beverly Peng has given you a very good suggestion and I believe she is very familiar with Chengdu. I hope NPR's credibilty will increase even further in my mind after the we hear about the time you spend in Chengdu.

Sent by Greg | 3:25 PM | 4-23-2008

Im looking forward to your extended reporting from China, and am responding to your solicitation for story ideas and requests.

I'd love to hear about why the Chinese people are so fascinated, even obsessed, with learning English. You'd think since theyre essentially poised to take over the world that they wouldnt care, and yet they adopt English names for themselves, and English teachers like Li Yang are treated like rock stars.

WHY do they take English names? (I recently met a Chinese exchange student, who introduced herself -- in flawless English -- like this: "My name is Li Jianju, but you can call me Sharon." Sharon! Ha!

And how about a profile on that "Crazy English" teacher, Li Yang?

Please include a linguist's perspective on what might be some advantages of English (simple written language? Phonics easier to master than complex symbols? English's amazing variety and adaptability? It's astonishing word count? What is it?).

Sent by Nancy Knight | 4:50 PM | 4-25-2008

We were in China in May, 2007 and not with a tour group.

You might think about these show suggestions:

1) The pandas are nice, but leave them for the end

2) Concentrate on the incredible scale of change that has occurred in a very short time

3) Report from Hong Kong and talk about the hugely expensive apartment costs, the government subsidies, how the city government has a huge surplus and how well off these people are at "the gateway to China".

4) Move inland to Shenzhen. This is the original China free trade zone and it's a barn burner. Forget the poor Chinese slaving over a hot assembly line; they like it or they would move on.

Just show the scale.

2,000 pigs a day in the cafeteria!

5) Some of your readers and listeners may be fearful and is sure that free trade is bad. It's not. Talk about the US advantage in technology, speed to market, design and product quality.

6) Move on to Shanghai. It's New York City on steroids. Show the Pudong skyline 10 years ago and show it today.

Scary.

7) Show the air quality. It's poor and will only get worse after the Olympics. Many coal plants will then come on line and the air circulation on our planet sucks all that junk up, moves it across the Pacific Ocean and drops it on us.

8) Remind your listeners that this is a Communist country. The road from the airport to town is straight as an arrow. Have you seen one like that in the US in the last 50 years?

9) Don't BS us. I looked at these people, ate in their restaurants, shopped in their stores. These 1.3 billion people want exactly what we want: enough money to live in a crime free place, good schools for the kids, strong families, short commutes, quality food and some free time to enjoy life.

10) These people are a force to be reckoned with> I suggest you point that out. I hope we don't screw up our priorities with protectionism.

Remember awhile back the Japanese were going to completely toast us? It didn't happen because we fought back. Same song, just do it again.

Sent by Andy Wood | 6:49 PM | 4-26-2008

A trip to the city of Chengdu and the province of Sichuan isn't complete without a visit to the temples and the top of Emei Shan.

It is breathtaking!

Hike up if you can, but be careful if the monkeys try to steal your water bottles.

They bite!

Sent by Toni Culjak (currently teaching in Xi'an) | 8:58 AM | 4-27-2008