This book took about double my
time in writing a similar travel book. I have about 3,200 photos taken in about
16 days in many cities in this trip. Half of them have people that I cannot
include here without their consent. It is still a lot to select and classify them
by regions. Most photos in this book are in maximal resolutions of my iPhone
and camera.
Most of my travel books that have
common sections pre-finished. I wrote more articles in this book than the others
due to the love of my native country China - everyone should no matter where
s/he originally comes from. Shenzhen shows us the bright future of China and
I’m really proud of. The extensive subways and high speed train systems in many
Chinese cities including Hong Kong are showcases to the world.
In these Tier I cities I can see a stronger China that
many foreign media try to deny to make you feel better. Many times they
amplify China’s problems and ignore her accomplishments. Even many professors
in prestigious US universities have the same denials. Please do come to China
and decide it for yourself. Ignorance is our biggest enemy. It is the same
ignorance that China ignored the advances and industrial revolution and it
bought her humiliation and bankruptcy about 250 years ago.
Today China should have passed US
in GDP if it is adjusted with the purchase power. However, China has about four
times the population of the US. Hence, per capita wise, China is about ¼ ours.
China is gaining in many fronts but it is still a long way to go.
I do not say China does not have
her problems as almost all countries do. Tier I cities are developed and in
many ways surprise the top cities in the world, while western China is still
developing. Compare China to China 30 or 20 years ago. China has been a victim
for the last 250 years. Even in her hey days, she defended her territory (via
the Great Wall for example) and seldom colonized countries as the west does –
even Zheng Ho could easily colonized many countries on his way to South Africa.
If Zheng Ho went to Europe and learned the advances, China would keep up with
the west far better and the history of China would change.
I was born in Hong Kong and US is
my adopted country. I am naturally biased. I hope both countries will live in
harmony. China should not invade other countries as the others did to her. The
highest skill is settling the disputes without firing a bullet. I like to
promote cooperation and understanding between countries. “One Belt, One Road”
Initiative is China’s way to promote trade between her neighbors instead of
making enemies.
I came back to Hong Kong from the
US for the 50th reunion with my classmates. Here I take the
opportunity to thank them for arranging the trip to SE China and the sumptuous
meals offered by Martin, Edgar, Bill, David, Charles and Raymond. Meeting many
classmates I have not seen in 50 years is more than priceless. Also, thanks to
many of my childhood friends. Without them, I would be in the wrong company and
would turn out differently.
It is not profit effective in writing books on travel and politics for a nobody like me. However, it is fun for me and I hope you enjoy reading this book too.
No comments:
Post a Comment