Entries from July 2007 ↓

The management of the Hong Kong ferry company which runs the ferry route from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, disclosed that following the demolishment of the Star Ferry pier at the Edinburg Square, Central, and moving of the pier to a more remote location, the traffic has decreased by 15%. The company said it would consider a fare hike in the near future.

It is a vivid demonstration of how wrong the HK government has been in ruthlessly demolishing such a historic and familiar place to HK people. The demolishment has not only destroyed a HK legacy and heritage, but also taken away a transport means for the public who now because of the remote location of the pier, have to forfeit its use.

The ferry ride has been an enjoyable ride for me, taking in the harbor view and landscape at both sides of the harbor. Now, physically, I don’t want to walk that long distance to take the ferry; psychologically, I don’t want to use the new pier either – in silent protest against the ugly development of this city and the indifference of its government.

Edward Yang died on 1 July. He was 60.

The only film I’ve ever seen directed by him is YiYi (One One), produced in 2000. It leaves an indelible impression on me, for its humanism, portrayal of life at various levels and human emotions and conditions, accompanied with enriching and subtle details.

No wonder the film won the Best Director Award at Cannes Film Festival 2000 and reaped many other nominations and awards, including New York Film Critics Circle Award and Humanitarian Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival 2000.

It was a shock when I learnt of the news of his passing. 60 years is not too short a life. Neither is it too long a life, particularly for a film master as Yang who could have produced more wonderful films like YiYi.

The shock partly arose from the fact that Yang and Hou Hsiao-Hsien are arguably Taiwan’s two greatest film directors. Their names and films were part of my growing up. I like that distinct eastern aesthetics behind their films, mixed with modernity, and Chinese culture elements, and presented in today’s Taiwan context. I feel a deep sense of loss from the passing of Yang.

Now Yang is gone, so is the era that belongs to his era, says Hou Hsiao-Hsien, commenting on Yang’s idealism and dedication to cinema. The two of them, of same age, once worked together to produce films, and to dream about films.  

During the short trip China president Hu Jintao made to Hong Kong to mark the 10th anniversary of the city’s return to China, he paid a visit to two Hong Kong families. 

In the first family where the father is a construction worker, Hu gave the family a Leno computer as a gift. It was reported that he danced a Mongolian dance with the family’s little daughter.

Hu visited a second family where the mother is a mandarin teacher, He gave the family a plasma tv set as a gift.

Hu also talked with the families to understand their work and family life, it was reported.

I was struck by the “uniqueness” of this kind of activity integrating into the agenda of a nation’s head, and becoming the focus of news reports - It would be something very odd in the West.

I guess when a government is not elected, but claims it serves the people, it should be natural that it has to remind the public from time to time that they do serve the people, by staging relentless shows and propaganda.

When I see this famous Chinese painting, I keep quiet for so long. Long because the painting is physically long, and also because it is really beautiful.

Enjoy it with background music played (the landing page is in Chinese; don’t panic. you will see the painting unfold. just slightly scroll down.)

The painting in question is Qing Ming He Shang Tu (Along the River on Qing Ming Festival), a handscroll painting by Song dynasty painter Zhang Zeduan (960-1127). Ranked among China’s top art treasures, the painting is 24.8 cm high, and 528 cm wide. The fine details of the painting, depicting busy life along the river in the then Song capital Kaifeng, are impressive, as well as its spectacular length.

There are many replicas of the painting (and the one shown in the link is probably a replica). The orginal one, kept in Beijing’s Palace Museum, and a replica are now on display in Hong Kong. Do take note that the original painting is usually not displayed to the public for the sake of protection, and this time, Hong Kong public gets the opportunity to view it only because of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China - a special “present” from the Central Government to the city.

So if you happen to visit Hong Kong this month or next, don’t miss the opportunity.

In Pingyao, there is a youth hostel called Yamen Hostel, probably the best youth hostel across China. Because the hostel is so wonderful, my friend has stayed in the city for over two weeks.

The hostel is located in a very well preserved and charming traditional courtyard mansion - with front yards and backyards, and halls in the middle. It was built in 1591 to house the emperor on his planned visit to the city, but the emperor cancelled his visit and the mansion was never used for its original purpose.

This explains the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architectural design of the hostel. Undoubtedly, the attraction of the hostel lies in the rare opportunity it offers to foreign travelers to sample living in a hundreds-years-old Chinese building at a minimum price and with a lovely atmosphere.

The guest rooms are all richly decorated, with internet access. The lobby with comfortable sofas, pleasant music and wifi, is a great place to meet people, or read books, or surf the net. Most importantly, the staff is very friendly. Toward the end of his stay, my friend not only got a discount for his ensuite room, but also had two free nights of accommodation. 

And, the hostel has a nicely run kitchen - the food it churns out, western or eastern, is delicious.