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Interview: Adeline, 43 years old, Architect
China-related product sales sites
CHINA
Part 1: China of Yesterday
Introduction
Ancient Civilization: China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a history that spans over 4,000 years.
Dynasties: China was governed by a series of dynasties, each contributing to Chinese culture, art, science, and philosophy.
The Major Dynasties
- Xia Dynasty (2070 – 1600 BCE): The first dynasty, often considered semi-legendary.
- Shang Dynasty (1600 – 1046 BCE): Known for the development of Chinese writing and bronze work.
- Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 256 BCE): Marked by Confucian and Taoist philosophy.
- Qin Dynasty (221 – 206 BCE): The first unification of China under Qin Shi Huangdi, the construction of the Great Wall.
- Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE): The golden age of Chinese culture, science, and technology.
- Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE): A period of cultural and economic prosperity.
- Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 CE): Major advancements in technology and commerce.
- Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368 CE): Founded by Kublai Khan, marked by Mongol influence.
- Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 CE): Known for its arts, Zheng He’s voyages, and the construction of the Forbidden City.
- Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912 CE): The last dynasty, marked by reforms and challenges from the West.
Traditional Culture
Philosophy and Religion: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have shaped Chinese thought.
Art and Literature: Poetry, painting, calligraphy, and porcelain are significant traditional arts.
Inventions: Paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass.
Part 2: China of Today
Introduction
People’s Republic of China: Founded in 1949 by the Chinese Communist Party led by Mao Zedong.
Economic Reforms: Since the 1980s, China has implemented market-oriented economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping, leading to rapid growth.
Economy and Development
Economic Growth: China has become the world’s second-largest economy.
Industries: Strong in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and services.
Innovation: Massive investments in technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
Politics and Society
Government: A unitary state led by the Chinese Communist Party.
Social Challenges: Income inequality, environmental pollution, and ethnic tensions.
Social Reforms: Population control policies (one-child policy) and rapid urbanization.
Contemporary Culture
Film and Media: Expansion of the film industry and growing global influence.
Sports: Notable performance in the Olympics, development of football and basketball.
Technology: Rise of tech giants like Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba.
Global Influence: China is now a major player on the international stage, influencing global economics, politics, and culture.
Continuity and Change: While honoring its ancient traditions, China continues to rapidly evolve and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Interview: Adeline, 43 years old, Architect
Smail: Hi Adeline! Today, we’re going to talk a bit about China and your experience as an architect there. To start, what attracted you to China?
Adeline: Hi Smail, I’d be happy to share. What attracted me to China was mainly the scale of the projects and the speed at which they are executed. China is undergoing massive urban expansion, and for an architect, it’s an incredible playground. There are so many opportunities to innovate and be part of large-scale projects.
Smail: What differences have you noticed in the way projects are designed and executed in China compared to Europe?
Adeline: The main difference is the speed. In China, everything moves much faster, whether it’s decision-making, project approvals, or the construction itself. It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re used to the slower, more bureaucratic processes in Europe. But it’s also very exciting because you see your ideas take shape very quickly.
Smail: How does Chinese culture influence architecture and building design?
Adeline: Chinese culture has a significant influence, especially in terms of symbolism and respect for traditions. For example, feng shui principles are often incorporated into building designs. There is also a strong emphasis on harmony and balance in spaces. Traditional materials and forms are often reinterpreted in modern ways, creating very unique architecture.
Smail: What are the main challenges you’ve faced working in China?
Adeline: One of the main challenges is the language barrier. Even though more and more professionals speak English, it’s essential to learn at least the basics of Mandarin to communicate effectively. There are also cultural differences in project management and professional relationships. You have to adapt to a more hierarchical and sometimes less transparent working style.
Smail: Do you think architecture in China is becoming standardized, or is there still room for innovation and creativity?
Adeline: There is some standardization, especially in mass housing projects and rapid urban developments. But there is also a lot of room for innovation, particularly in big cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Chinese authorities encourage landmark projects and bold designs to enhance the country’s modern and avant-garde image.
Smail: How does China approach sustainability and environmental issues in its architectural projects?
Adeline: China has become aware of ecological issues and is making significant efforts to integrate sustainable practices into architecture. There is strong demand for energy-efficient buildings, green technologies, and sustainable materials. Major Chinese cities are also developing eco-districts and projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint. However, there’s still progress to be made before these practices become standard everywhere.
Smail: Do you have any specific projects in China that you are particularly proud of?
Adeline: Yes, one project I’m particularly proud of is a residential complex in Shanghai that integrates vertical gardens and water recycling systems. It was a challenge to combine modern aesthetics with ecological functionalities, but the result is beautiful, and the residents love the space. It’s a great example of how you can bring innovative and sustainable solutions even in a dense urban environment.
Smail: Finally, what advice would you give to other Western architects who want to work in China?
Adeline: I would tell them to keep an open mind and be ready to adapt. China offers incredible opportunities, but it’s also important to understand and respect the cultural and professional differences. Learn as much Mandarin as possible, be patient, and be prepared to navigate a sometimes complex system. And most importantly, enjoy the unique experience of working in a country that is rapidly transforming and full of innovation.
Film en lien avec la chine
The Last Emperor (1987)
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Main Actors: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O’Toole
Awards: 9 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director
Synopsis
The Last Emperor is a masterful cinematic work directed by Bernardo Bertolucci that traces the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China. Puyi ascends the throne at the age of three in 1908, following the death of Emperor Guangxu. The film depicts the political and personal upheavals he experiences, from his childhood coronation to his death as a simple gardener under Mao Zedong’s communist regime.
Storyline
Childhood and Ascension to the Throne
The film begins in 1950 with Puyi’s arrest by Chinese communist forces. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about his childhood and early ascension to the throne at a very young age. As a child, Puyi is immersed in the grandeur of the Forbidden City, isolated from the outside world and surrounded by courtiers and strict rituals.
The Fall of the Qing Dynasty
In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution leads to the fall of the Qing dynasty, but Puyi remains the nominal emperor until 1912, when he officially abdicates. However, he continues to reside in the Forbidden City until he is expelled in 1924. This moment marks a major turning point in his life, leaving him without true power or a kingdom.
Exile and Reign Under Japanese Control
After his expulsion, Puyi lives in exile in Tianjin, where he adopts a Western lifestyle. In 1934, he is placed on the throne of Manchukuo, a puppet state controlled by Japan. During this period, Puyi is used as a symbol of legitimacy for the Japanese regime, but he is essentially a political prisoner.
Captivity and Re-education
At the end of World War II, Puyi is captured by the Soviets and held for five years before being extradited to communist China. He is imprisoned and subjected to re-education in a rehabilitation camp for war criminals. These years in captivity are marked by deep reflections on his past and the mistakes he made.
Life After Re-education
After his release in 1959, Puyi reintegrates into Chinese society as a simple gardener in Beijing. The film concludes with a group of tourists visiting the Forbidden City, including an elderly Puyi who shows children the imperial throne, highlighting the contrast between his former life of splendor and his current life of modesty.
Main Themes
Political and Social Change
The film explores the enormous political and social upheavals in China during the early 20th century, from the fall of the Qing dynasty, the rise of nationalism, the Japanese occupation, to the advent of communism. Through Puyi’s eyes, the audience witnesses how these changes transformed China.
Identity and Isolation
Puyi is portrayed as a tragic figure, caught between his imperial status and his inability to wield true power. His isolation in the Forbidden City and his sense of lost identity after abdication are recurring themes. The film shows how Puyi struggles to find his place in a constantly changing world.
Re-education and Redemption
Puyi’s re-education under the communist regime represents an attempt at redemption and personal transformation. The process of re-education is depicted not only as punishment but also as an opportunity for Puyi to understand his mistakes and reintegrate into society.
Direction and Reception
The Last Emperor is acclaimed for its sumptuous direction and attention to historical detail. Bertolucci used authentic settings, including scenes filmed in the actual Forbidden City, to give the film an impressive visual authenticity. The music, composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, and Cong Su, adds a powerful emotional dimension.
The film won numerous awards, including nine Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Score.
The Last Emperor is a historical epic that offers an intimate look at the tumultuous life of Puyi. The film explores themes of power, identity, and redemption through the eyes of a man who witnessed his world radically transform. Thanks to Bertolucci’s masterful direction and memorable performances, the film remains a masterpiece of world cinema.
Novel related to China
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China – Jung Chang
Author: Jung Chang
Publication: 1991
Genre: Biography, History, Memoir
Synopsis
Wild Swans is an autobiography that spans three generations of women in the author’s family, Jung Chang. The narrative begins with Chang’s grandmother, who was a concubine to a warlord, then follows the life of her mother, a dedicated communist, and finally, Chang’s own life, growing up during the Cultural Revolution and eventually emigrating to England. The book provides a profound and personal insight into the tumultuous history of 20th-century China.
Historical Context
The book covers a key period in Chinese history, including the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Japanese invasion, the Chinese Civil War, the rise of the Chinese Communist Party, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution.
Main Themes
Repression and Resilience
Chang details the hardships and suffering endured by her family under various oppressive regimes, as well as their incredible resilience in the face of adversity.
Social and Political Transformation
The book explores how the policies of the Chinese Communist Party, particularly under Mao Zedong, radically transformed Chinese society, often with disastrous consequences for the people.
The Role of Women
By focusing on three generations of women, Wild Swans highlights the role and status of women in China, as well as the changes and continuities in their experiences and aspirations.
Main Characters
Jung Chang’s Grandmother: A concubine whose life is marked by feudal traditions and personal suffering.
Jung Chang’s Mother: A communist revolutionary who faces disillusionment and sacrifices in her struggle for a new China.
Jung Chang herself: A witness to the Cultural Revolution, she endures many trials before eventually leaving China to settle in England.
Significance of the Book
Historical Testimony
Wild Swans is widely recognized as a powerful and detailed testimony of recent Chinese history, offering personal perspectives on the major events that shaped the country.
Cultural Impact
The book has had a significant impact, becoming an international bestseller and bringing often unfamiliar experiences to the attention of Western audiences. It has also sparked debates and controversies, particularly in China, where it has been banned.
Wild Swans is much more than an autobiography; it is a poignant and captivating chronicle of modern Chinese history through the eyes of three generations of women. This book offers a unique perspective on the political upheavals, personal struggles, and social transformations that marked 20th-century China. For anyone seeking to understand the complexity of Chinese history and society, Wild Swans is essential reading.
China Quiz
Questions:
- What is the name of the first emperor of unified China?
- Which dynasty is famous for building the Great Wall of China?
- What major event occurred in China in 1949?
- What is the name of the political movement initiated by Mao Zedong in the 1960s?
- What is the name of the treaty that ended the First Opium War between China and the United Kingdom?
- What is the name of the economic program launched by Deng Xiaoping in the 1970s to reform the Chinese economy?
- What is the name of the primary legislative body in China?
- In which year did China join the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
- What is the capital of China?
- What is the name of the international financial institution created by China in 2016 to support infrastructure development?
- What is the name of the main political party in China?
- What is the official language of China?
- What is the name of the Chinese project aimed at creating a new Silk Road?
- What is the name of the highest peak in China?
- What is the name of the famous Chinese general who founded the Republic of China in 1912?
- What is the name of the Chinese one-child policy that was in effect until 2015?
- What is the name of the largest port in China by cargo volume?
- What is the name of the famous Chinese festival that marks the beginning of the lunar new year?
- What is the name of the Chinese social credit system established to assess citizens’ trustworthiness?
- What is the name of the Chinese project aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2060?
Answers:
- Qin Shi Huang – The first emperor of unified China, founder of the Qin dynasty.
- The Qin Dynasty – Known for beginning the construction of the Great Wall.
- The Founding of the People’s Republic of China – Proclaimed on October 1, 1949, by Mao Zedong.
- The Cultural Revolution – Initiated by Mao Zedong to consolidate his power and combat counter-revolutionary elements.
- The Treaty of Nanking – Signed in 1842 to end the First Opium War.
- The Reforms and Opening Up – Program initiated by Deng Xiaoping to modernize the Chinese economy.
- The National People’s Congress – The highest legislative body in China.
- 2001 – The year China joined the WTO.
- Beijing – The political capital of China.
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) – Created to finance infrastructure projects in Asia.
- The Communist Party of China (CPC) – The main political party in China.
- Mandarin – The official language of China.
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – A project aimed at creating a new Silk Road.
- Mount Everest – The highest peak, located at the border between China and Nepal.
- Sun Yat-sen – Founder of the Republic of China in 1912.
- The One-Child Policy – Birth control policy in effect until 2015.
- The Port of Shanghai – The largest port in China by cargo volume.
- The Spring Festival (Chun Jie) – Marks the beginning of the lunar new year.
- The Social Credit System – Assesses the trustworthiness of citizens and businesses.
- The « Carbon Neutrality 2060 » – Project aimed at reducing carbon emissions to achieve neutrality by 2060.
China-related product sales sites
Alibaba
Description: A major B2B platform that allows businesses worldwide to purchase bulk products manufactured in China. Ideal for importers and distributors.
Website: Alibaba
AliExpress
Description: A B2C e-commerce platform owned by the Alibaba Group, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices, often with international shipping options.
Website: AliExpress
JD.com (Jingdong)
Description: One of China’s largest online retailers, offering a broad selection of products ranging from electronics to clothing. JD.com also provides international services.
Website: JD.com
Taobao
Description: An online retail platform owned by Alibaba, very popular in China for retail shopping, including fashion items, home goods, and more. May require forwarding services for international buyers.
Website: Taobao
Banggood
Description: An e-commerce site offering a wide variety of electronic products, gadgets, clothing, and more, with international shipping.
Website: Banggood
Gearbest
Description: Specializes in electronics, gadgets, and fashion items. Gearbest also offers attractive deals for international buyers.
Website: Gearbest
DHgate
Description: A B2B platform that allows international buyers to source wholesale products directly from Chinese manufacturers. Ideal for bulk purchases.
Website: DHgate
Made-in-China.com
Description: A B2B platform that connects international buyers with Chinese suppliers for wholesale purchases across various sectors.
Website: Made-in-China.com
HaggleOverStock
Description: An online store offering a diverse range of products with significant discounts, including items from China.
Website: HaggleOverStock
China Brands
Description: A B2B site offering wholesale products for retailers and businesses, with a broad selection of Chinese products.
Website: China Brands
Tmall
Description: Alibaba’s B2C e-commerce platform, offering a wide range of branded and high-quality products in China. Tmall Global also allows international brands to enter the Chinese market.
Website: Tmall
LightInTheBox
Description: An online store offering clothing, gadgets, home goods, and more, with international shipping.
Website: LightInTheBox
Suning
Description: A major online retail chain in China, specializing in electronics, home appliances, and more, with international shipping options.
Website: Suning
YiwuGo
Description: Specializes in wholesale purchases for small consumer goods, particularly those manufactured in Yiwu, a major wholesale trade center in China.
Website: YiwuGo
Pinduoduo
Description: An e-commerce platform offering competitive prices by grouping purchases for discounts. Very popular in China for everyday consumer goods.
Website: Pinduoduo
These sites cover a wide range of products, from everyday items to specialized equipment, and offer various options for international buyers interested in Chinese products.
Dynasty: Refers to the many dynasties that ruled China, such as the Ming and Qing, shaping its history and culture.
Great Wall: One of the wonders of the world, this massive fortification stretches for thousands of miles and was built to protect China from invasions.
Terracotta Army: The famous terracotta soldiers discovered near Xi’an, dating back to the Qin Dynasty, intended to guard the emperor in the afterlife.
Beijing: The capital of China, a major political and cultural center, known for historic sites like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Silk Road: The historic trade route connecting China to the West, crucial for the exchange of goods and cultures between East and West.
Mandarin: The official language of China, one of the world’s largest language systems with its unique characters and distinct tones.
Confucianism: A system of thought and philosophy founded by Confucius, profoundly influencing Chinese culture, values, and social structure.
Chinese Cuisine: A diverse and rich cuisine known for dishes like Peking duck, dim sum, and various regional styles of cooking.
Jiangsu: A coastal province in China renowned for its classical gardens, historic cities like Suzhou, and picturesque landscapes.
Cultural Revolution: A tumultuous period (1966-1976) under Mao Zedong, marked by profound social and political changes and cultural upheavals.