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Group Photos
April 2nd, 2015 by Shelby Joe
The City That Never Sleeps
March 19th, 2015 by jkr3The 5 days we spent in Shanghai were undoubtedly 5 of the most densely packed days in my life. We did and saw so many new and strange things that I’m having trouble remembering all of it right now…
The first night in shanghai was tiring to say the least, but we were able to power through the extreme jet lag we suffered from. After about a 30-minute subway ride to Peoples Square where we stayed, we settled down and got ready for a very late dinner at a traditional hot pot restaurant. We were accompanied by one of our speaker’s who was in charge of the Uber operations in Guangzhou. A hot pot restaurant is much like a typical fondue restaurant in the states where you cook your own food, in a boiling pot, in the middle of the table. However, if your chopstick skills are not excellent, you will undoubtedly leave the place hungry (as I learned the hard way). We then proceeded to look out from the 68th story of the Le Meridian hotel in Peoples Square. It was here that I first began to realize how large of a city Shanghai really is.
The next day was spent solely on our feet, as we walked a combined 7 miles on the day. We started off by spending some time at the urban planning museum. A place that showed how much planning it takes to govern over 24 million people in one place. The museum was followed by a trip to the local marriage market: the most culturally unique experience I had in China. Here the parents of their aging kids set out “stat sheets” listing their children’s height, weight, salary, and skills in hopes of finding a suitable mate for them. Parents were then free to “talk business” with other parents to try and make a match. We then proceeded to go on a walking tour of Shanghai. On the tour we visited many famous locations such as the bund, the historical district, and all of Peoples Square. We trekked through the shrinking and impoverished minority neighborhood, right up to the affluent shopping malls of Shanghai. In the mall, we indulged in many traditional foods including Shanghai’s famous dumplings.
The next day was spent exploring more of Shanghai and receiving an interesting lecture about Chinas global network from Rice grad Robert Foye at one of shanghais prestigious wine cellars. After the lecture (which was followed by a much needed cheeseburger at the cellar) we visited the place where the CCP was formed. There we learned about the rich history and hardships China has faced in becoming the super power it is today. After the museum we were granted the opportunity to get an up close and personal look at the Chinese hospital systems with Mrs. Foye as our tour guide. Here I gained valuable insight for my project in particular.
The following 2 days were spent learning more about the city. We received a very informative lecture on the history of Shanghai by an NYU Shanghai professor on one of the days which was followed by a walk around Pudong. Our final day in Shanghai was spent visiting a traditional Buddhist temple.
Above all, Shanghai gave me a taste of what its like to live in a city with limited space; something I don’t necessarily have to worry about here in Houston. I was impressed at how organized city life was considering the vast amount of people that live in the city. In the future I hope to learn more about how Shanghai will deal with the growing Chinese population.
Return to Houston: Tap Water Once Again Drinkable
March 19th, 2015 by eeb3When I first returned to Houston , I had little time to reminisce about my trip, as I was both extremely sick and trying to catch up on the days missed in all of my classes.
I am now much more interested in China’s pollution problem, and the steps it’s taking to improve the air quality. I spoke so several of my Chinese classmates, and one informed me that he did not plan on returning to China unless the pollution cleaned up. It’s probable that the country is losing both residents and visitors because of this problem, but from what I saw in the Shanghai Urban Planning museum, the government has realized this and is starting to encourage cleaner air practices. I would like to learn more about what these practices are, and how they vary from city to city.
If I return to China, there are many other locations I would like to visit. I would like to see the atmosphere at a lilong in Shanghai, and compare it with the atmosphere of a nearby high-rise. I would like to speak to more people who had been living in China all their lives rather than just recent migrants, for a bit more comparison. I would want to visit more schools and universities, as I never found enough time to do that when I was there. Finally, I would wander around the city by myself a little bit more. I am starting to realize that I missed some of the Chinese experience because I was always following other people around instead of exploring myself. I learned a great deal on the morning when I walked around Nanjing street alone, quietly observing buildings and people.
I think that the greatest benefit of the trip to me is that now China has imprinted itself on my mind as, not a mysterious place, nor an oppressive one, but just a place. The people are active and noisy, just like in the US. The plants are still green, and the sky (once the clouds clear away) is still blue. The censored internet, instead of shrouding China in mystery, now strikes me as an inconvenience. The government has its pros and cons, things it does effectively and things is doesn’t.
One final fun fact: when I was at the bookstore, I found a copy of George Orwell’s 1984! That’s the last book I would expect to find in China. The censorship does not seem to be as bad as I expected it to be.
Back To ‘Merica
March 9th, 2015 by Lanie TubbsIn China we saw an an incredible amount of sites and partook in many “China bucket list” experiences. By virtue of having only a little more than a week two of the largest cities in the world (also conveniently located in one of the most historically and socially rich nations in the world), our time was jam-packed with the many must-see tourist attractions of China. I couldn’t have asked for anything more for my experience abroad.
However, our constrained time meant that our trip was similar to a tour and, therefore, lacked many organic, commonplace experiences. We stayed for a week. We ate at excellent restaurants. We stayed in bustling areas of town. We didn’t go to the grocery store. We didn’t commute to work. We didn’t visit any friend’s home. While I believe that I know and understand China much better, I don’t exactly know how the citizens of Shanghai and Beijing actually live. As a result, I’d like to learn more about the many aspects of everyday life in China. I’d like to learn about how the experiences of different socioeconomic groups vary or correlate.
If I get the opportunity to return to China, I hope that I have time to learn about these aspects of Chinese life. One vital tool to do this would be competence with Mandarin. Knowing the language was obviously invaluable for those in our group who spoke Mandarin prior. I’d love to follow up and learn to speak the language so that, when I return, I can actually interact with natives.
Life in Houston would be much easier with a transportation system that of Shanghai. I also loved even-numbered prices that made paying in cash easy. But, while I felt comfortable (especially in Shanghai) and hope to spend more time in China, I was still glad to be home. I was ready for a non-family style meal and for more non-smoking environments. The creature comforts of a life that I am used to are certainly what I missed most. Additionally, as previously indicated, I’ve come to appreciate simply being able to communicate–to ask people, “What’s with the fireworks?” or “why is there a long line?” Finally, what I’ve come to appreciate greatly is (relatively) clean air. When I clearly see the skyline of Houston all the way from Rice, I sigh with relief. Clean air is magical.
I can’t wait to return to China. I hope I can live and work there, at least for a short time; there is much to be learned and much to experience still.
Censorship
March 8th, 2015 by Lanie TubbsIn regards to my trip, people love to ask me “What was the (weirdest/most bizarre/craziest) thing you saw?” Luckily, this question gives me a chance to talk about a truly surreal experience.
Throughout the trip, I couldn’t help but be blown away by the appearance that “Communist” China is winning at capitalism. Additionally, the entire society seemed very… free. No one seemed oppressed in the way some American politicians argue. But, halfway through the trip, I was forced to reconsider this judgement when we visited Tiananmen Square…
In the matter of seconds, a woman (seemingly) jumped in front of a bus and get on the ground, seemingly trying to end her own life. A police officer managed to slow the bus and move the woman to safety. She wasn’t distraught or weepy. Rather, she was kicking and screaming, fighting the multitude of soldiers, police officers, and suited men who materialized and surrounded her. Just a minute or so after her suicide attempt, she was hidden away in a conveniently stationed van.
I was left wanting much information. Who was this woman? Was her jump in front of the bus truly intentional? Why did she choose this location? Did she have a cause? Will she be okay in the hands of the guards? What we do know is that the National People’s Congress was in session just down the block. The security personnel, were, also, obviously not willing to allow a scene and were well trained to prevent just that.
My reaction and opinion is predictable: I couldn’t help but reconsider how free the people of China are. Suicide is certainly something security would want to prevent… but was it necessary to cart the woman away? In addition to shocking me, this incident did actually affect how I perceived migrant issues.
Previously, I wondered why nothing significant was being done to address the inequality that migrants experienced. With migrant inequality affecting so many people in Shanghai alone–and arguable withholding some human rights–one would think that someone would stand up and force change; the sheer number of rural workers and migrant urban dwellers would certainly carry some authority. However, perhaps in addition to factors such as apathy or political education, political censorship may very well be preventing some from making a bold move.
Pollution has been forced onto the political agenda, partially due to pressure from the citizenry. Even still, migrants are unprotected, and they have everything to lose. Perhaps many factors align to allow censorship and the fear that accompanies it to prevent migrants and those who care about migrants from making substantial change happen.
Simultaneous, on the other end of the spectrum, the event also makes me question the political and media environment in the U.S. While silencing a woman’s protest (and also concealing the events that occurred at Tiananmen years again) seems audacious, doesn’t the U.S. do the similar things? Various groups can functionally alter history recorded in text books, while the media determines what does–or does not–receive publicity. Similarly, if an individual jumped in front of a vehicle in front of the U.S. Capitol Building while Congress was in session, I don’t believe that security would exactly allow media coverage or significant attention.
Day 8: China Pavilion on the Free Day
May 7th, 2014 by TinaOn our free day in the city, one of the things Evan, Michael, Gabe, and I checked out was the China Pavilion, which was built for 2010 World Expo, which Shanghai hosted. The Pavilion was incredible to look at – the closer I got to it, the smaller I felt. Inside, there was a lot of artwork covering different times in Shanghai’s history:
I did a quick Google Search on the China Pavilion, and (I know Wikipedia is a bad source, but bear with me here) learned that it was only after the World Expo that the China Pavilion was turned into an art gallery – before, it “showcased China’s civilisation and modern achievements by combining traditional and modern elements in its architecture, landscaping and exhibits” (Wikipedia). I think the art galleries did a pretty good job at capturing different events in Shanghai’s history, and it was smart of those in charge to actually do something useful with the gorgeous building.
Day 7: CEO of Eastday’s Cultural Industry
May 7th, 2014 by TinaOn the last “official” day of our stay in China, we got to meet with the CEO of Eastday’s Cultural Industry. Prior to visiting the company – whose cultural branch essentially involves online shopping, but with real, in-person stores substitution a virtual shopping cart – I had never heard of such a concept.
I really like the idea of having an online store essentially be like a “web brochure,” if you will. I think having to go into a real store adds charm, value, and knowledge to the whole shopping experience, and makes people better realize the true value of money. With online shopping, it’s perhaps too easy to get click-heavy, and keep buying things you 1) usually do not need, and/or 2) usually do not know the true quality/state of.
Furthermore, the CEO mentioned that before, he had worked as a journalist for Eastday’s media branch. The most inspirational thing I listened to during this week-long experience was when the CEO talked about how he, no longer in the media industry directly, went to North Korea, and helped North Korean artists sell their art on an Eastday website. He was so nice, he gave us copies of the magazines with photographs of the paintings! To me, that really captured the spirit of journalism – like the CEO said, a journalist helps people get their story out; people who otherwise can’t get their stories out on their own.
Day 8: Our “Free Day” in the City
March 21st, 2014 by glb1So today was the long awaited free day. I was definitely looking forward to today because I knew I would be able to venture around the city and do some more exploring. And it turned out to substantially meet my high expectations.
Melissa and Hira already had their own individual plans for the day so that left myself, Evan, Michael, and Tina to set a game plan and get around the city together. Feeling like I was on an episode of “The Amazing Race,” we set out in the morning to our first location, the Chinese Pavilion. Without the guidance of CJ and Professor Fang, I had to bear the heavy load of using my poor Chinese to communicate and navigate around the city.
Without being too long winded, we made it to the pavilion and then to the Jade Buda Temple without too many hiccups. Our final location to hit was the Bund, primarily because Tina missed it the first time everyone went. I learned many things from today. Mainly, that I have much to learn in terms of my Chinese speaking abilities and on a related note how dynamic of a role that CJ (as well as Professor Fang) played in being our “tour guide” through the week. So thank you both for everything you have done! Another memorable aspect of the day was how much attraction we brought to a number of locals there as we made our way around. I felt like we were some celebrities as we were asked to take pictures with a few people along the way because of how obviously different we looked!
Now as I pack up all my things into my over packed suitcase, I can say that I did everything I could to capitalize on the brief time we had in this amazing city. Everything from the lectures, the food we ate, and the sites we visited, and the time we shared together I found made this trip one of the most memorable I have had in my life thus far. I hope to make my way back to this great city in the future but for a longer time next time.
Day 7: Last Lectures and the Water Town
March 20th, 2014 by glb1Today we had our final two lectures and at this point I felt it very surprising how quickly we’ve journeyed through the week to many places across central Shanghai and have gained a fair amount of information on this great city in such a short time.
Our first of two lectures came from a gentleman who was once a journalist but ventured in to a more business focused working career with a company called Eastday. This formally primarily online company has now adapted to several offline opportunities. One of the biggest things that I took from our time touring the office and speaking with the executive was how much they have expanded and diversified from their initial stages just as an online news station. While they have grown their company involvements to several other avenues of retail and media, he mentioned that they are focused on being a strong company before they become a very big company. Many of us in the lab all felt that this was one of favorite lectures primarily due to how welcoming and charismatic the executive was.
Our second lecture of the day and final one of the trip was from a PhD student who was finishing up here thesis specifically in the Muslim communities of Shanghai. While this lecture was obviously to further Hira’s understanding of her research topic, I too gained some insightful information about the way religion is handled in the secular environment that is Shanghai. It caught me by surprise that there were as many as 20 mosques in the city about a half a century ago and how it that number has been reduced to around 8 or so remaining (if I remember correctly). Another surprising finding was that while it is against the law to spread any type of religion within the city, the government didn’t outright and dismiss the worship places largely due to how long they had been in existence. As a Christian, I was curious as to how many churches or chapels may exist in a similar circumstance like the remaining mosques do? It was also great that we are able to actual visit one of the existing mosques on our way to the Water Town soon after the lecture.
As just mentioned, we took a trip down to what is called the “Water Town” in the evening. I enjoyed seeing the very authentic market places which were constructed in a series of narrow streets similar to that at Tianzifang. I bought a number of very cheap but great souvenirs here. We also had the pleasure of spending time with Melissa’s family who live in Taiwan and came to see Melissa because it was her birthday today.
After enjoying another great dinner in the town, we headed back to the central part of city were we ended the day with some memorable karaoke! It was a fun way to end a great day.
Day 6: Taking an Introspective View
March 20th, 2014 by glb1As we approach the end of the week, I am constantly in the process of putting a conscious effort to embrace every aspect of the sites we are getting to see, the people we are meeting, and the experiences we are having all together.
With this in mind, we headed out to our first lecture at the office of a textile technology company called Shanghai Jarros New Material co. that embraced a very different philosophy than expected. Once we arrived, the first thing that we were taken to was a shrine dedicated to honor Buddha. The shrine was available to those of the company to send up prayers to Buddha if they chose to. This was very congruent with the principles they held as a company, of which I found the most intriguing to learn. They held a company motto that while isn’t explicitly geared to emphasize on a technical aspiration of the company, it was to “be appreciative and return what you receive,” which gives much direction as to how they treat their customers, employees, and the overall quality of work they produce. They also emphasized a list of 10 principles for everyone that works for them, which are: 1. Respect everyone; 2.Praise good deeds; 3. Correct your mistakes; 4.Be happy for someone else, enjoy other’s success; 5. Help others reach their goals; 6. Spread Good teaching to others; 7. Follow the teaching; 8. (Somehow I I missed it…); 9. Respect others wishes; 10. Give back with thanks to everyone. They are the only company within their industry that has emphasis on principles such as these. While they are derived from the philosophies of Buddhism, the employees don’t have to be practicing the religion themselves.
I believe that a major reason this company has reached the prominent level in the textile production industry as the largest company in the country for producing their certain textile, is partly due to their insightful and mindful company philosophy and approach. The executive of the company that we spoke with also gave us a very insightful note that I really connected with. He mentioned that “everything is causal, or conditioned to exist. Everything was empty, but various conditions create things to happen. Emptiness means there is the opportunity for something to happen.” I felt this went very well with the attitude that I mentioned at the beginning of the post that I have be actively working to maintain. This attitude being that everyone on this trip has been brought here to this city to accomplish a specific, treasured goal. While it may not be clear in itself, I think it is most easily realized once you take heed of every circumstance that is placed in front of you.
