Background: For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight.
June 22nd 2008Asia » China » Fujian » Xiamen » Gulangyu Hello all,
The next stop on the Rich and Al world tour was Gulangyu, a small island off a slightly bigger island (Xiamen). To saves ourselves going through an epic 22 hour train journey we splashe ... 3 photos[full story]
February 29th 2008Asia » China » Fujian » Xiamen » Gulangyu It's now day 5 on the road and the time is nearing for me to leave Xiamen. Unfortunately the train for Guangzhou leaves in the evening so I have pretty much most of the day to spend waiting for this ... [full story]
February 29th 2008Asia » China » Fujian » Xiamen » Gulangyu It's now day 5 on the road and the time is nearing for me to leave Xiamen. Unfortunately the train for Guangzhou leaves in the evening so I have pretty much most of the day to spend waiting for this ... [full story]
January 25th 2008Asia » China » Fujian » Xiamen » Gulangyu A five minute ferry ride from the city of Xiamen, Gulangyu is an island still transitioning from its colonial past. Its a fine example of China's cultural resilience. The look is still European, but ... 25 photos[full story]
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