#96 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My city in China: THIS IS TAIZHOU, the City of the Pheonix, Part 1)

Asia » China » Jiangsu » Taizhou » Taizhou University
March 11th 2008

Published: March 9th 2008

It is difficult to imagine, unless one has been a personal witness, how much Taizhou has changed its image and sky-line in only 2 years. That is the time since my first visit to this "mid-size" Chinese-city of 5 million inhabitants. Now it is my place of satisfying employment as a college teacher, and here I will continue to enjoy my second, comfortable home for some years to come. My time in... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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A most unusual citrus plant at Taizhou's Plant Market.

Its yellow citrus-fruits ripen in most unusual shapes. Seeing them, one can imagine shapes of pigs, or cats, or rabbits, or ....

Taizhou Train Station, photo #1

The station was opened on July 1, 2005 and provides direct service to some of the major cities of China, including a daily, comfortable, over-night sleeper-train to Beijing.

Taizhou Train Station, photo #2

The modern glass- and steel structure is easily accessable, only about 10 minutes from Taizhou Teachers College. I have heard it said, that its construction has much to do with the city's former resident, President Hu Jintao.

Taizhou's newest bridge is only one year old.

Connecting the old center-city with the new sections are many bridges, old and new. To get to my college campus, I often cross the bridge, completed only within this past year. Wide and modern, it provides wonderful views of the river banks and its parks. It become impressive at night, when many of the landmarks are illuminated with lights.

The Modern Taizhou

Wide, tree-lined avenues, in the newer sections of Taizhou, are lined with modern high-rises.

In Taizhou, the old complements the mondern.

The center of Taizhou continues to offer visitors exciting views and walks along the river banks. Pavillions remind, that we are in China, where new buildings are constructed at an amazing pace. The river banks are complemented by easily traversed walk-ways, secured by miles and miles of "marble-railings".

Taizhou's TV Tower and the Mei Lanfang Theater

The tall TV tower is visible from many parts of the city and is not far from the modern Mei Lanfang Theater and Auditorium.

The Qintong Water Park of Taizhou

Soon these boats will make ready for the great Qintong Boat Gathering and a colorful boat-race, an annual attraction for thousands visitors to Taizhou. I will bring you many colorful photos of this year's race, to be held in April 2008.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #1

Not far from Taizhou is one of the its districts, Taixing. Located here is the largest violin factory in the world. The factory is surrounded by a beautiful marble fence, studded with marble violins.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #2

As a visitor, I was given a very personal tour of the wold's largest violin factory, which began in this impressive museum. String instruments, old and modern, small and "large" are offered in an impressive display.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #3

Stacks of prized-wood are neatly lined along the dozens of buildings of the violin factory. They wait their turn to become a special string instrument, to be sold around the world.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #4

Much of the labor for each piece making up a complete violin is still done by hand by skilled workers in the world's largest violin factory.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #5

The finish for the violin is applied by these ladies in the court-yard, whose work never ends. I am told that the market for violins is greater than ever, and most are exported to the U.S.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #6

Not only violins are manufactured in this huge factory, but much of its income comes from producing other string instruments of all sizes. Guitars make up much of the factory's production and income, and most go to the U.S. (You may find them in "Sam's Club".)

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #7

Masses of guitars are waiting their turn to receive their finish. Once applied, they are stacked in neat rows to cure.

Taizhou-Taixing host the world's largest Violin Factory. Photo #8

In this room, guitars are made ready for shipment to all part of the world. My day at the largest factory in the world of this kind was a very special and unique event, and I hope to be invited again.

The Rishe Garden, Photo #1

The Rishe Garden's name comes from a line of poetry: "... the garden looks arresting in the sun." I first saw the garden while filming a commercial for the city of Taizhou, and was stunned by its beauty.

The Rishe Garden, Photo #2

Upon entering the garden, I found many of the old surviving buildings were under re-construction, but all should be completed by May 2008, when once again it will open to visitors.

The Rishe Garden, Photo #3

Re-construction of the past takes its lessons from the past. The methods and tools have not changed over the centuries. Manual labor combined with ancient tools in the hands of skilled craftsmen truly re-create the past.

The Rishe Garden, Photo #4

Ancient trees in various shapes and sizes, and stones, creating the impression of hight, a must in all Chinese gardens, help create one of the most special places to visit in Taizhou.

The Rishe Garden, Photo #5

Combining all elements of a Chinese Garden, trees, rocks, water, and structures encourage harmony. The Chinese Garden developed as a synthesis of two concepts linked in Daoist philosophy: scenery and serenity.

9th March 2008

Sandra Almeida
non-member comment

Hi
Hey Schneider! Thank you so much for posting this entry... seeing posts like these always makes me realize how much there is to explore and that I have so much left to see while I'm here. Also, one of my favorite college roommates is an amazing violin player so I am definitely going to show her those pictures. Love always and sending you positive vibes, Sandra :)

9th March 2008

Chambers
non-member comment

Great
That's an amazing new Taizhou. It seems that you explored it quite well. You are such an expert at photography, Hans. Cheers!

9th March 2008

Coky Michel
non-member comment

Hans, what a tour of Taizhou!
Hans, this has been one of your most beautiful and enlightening entries! I can see that you'll be there for a long time, and I can certainly understand why. I'm so happy that you are going through this experience! Paul and I think about you often, and we both enjoy your photos and your observations. Danke, mein Freund! Coky

11th March 2008

Sue Storr
non-member comment

Another wonderful blog, Hans!
Wow, Hans! A really spectacular effort with this blog. I'm suitably impressed- and I live here! I need to get my act together with my own blog. You're putting me to shame! Such wonderful memories I too will take with me when I depart, regretfully, in June. Such a privilege to have shared them with you , Stef and the myriad of friends I have made here, both local and foreign!

17th March 2008

Sandra Cordova
non-member comment

Amazing, as always :D

18th March 2008

Jakey
non-member comment

Golden collection
Hello, Hans. I have visited your blog. It look like a beautiful story. “Trust yourself.I can be just the one I wanna be ” You give me a new explanation.I will put it in my heart and give a plan to myself. Good luck my good friend Hans.

21st July 2008

frankie du berry
frankieduberry

Thanks
Thank you for sending all these photos of the reality of China... better than the stuff from journalists!

25th October 2008

june
non-member comment

Dear Hans, I wonder if you´ve ever tried a ride on a man-powered riksha in China? In Taizhou, that´s one of the major transport means, particularly for people who want to save money or can´t afford a taxi. Showing some photos of those vehicles and their drivers (pedallers) may be interesting? (sorry, riksha photos might have been shown in this blog, as I'm unable to open photos beyond this page due to failure of my computer). And what about people who are still using those old public wells for washing-up? And those narrow old lanes (Gasse) hiding behind the brick houses, which are to be demolished soon?

25th October 2008

june
non-member comment

correct a word I´ve wrongly spellt: riksha------rickshaw

10th March 2010

Peter
non-member comment

Taizhou Teachers College
Hans-just stumbled upon your blog and photos of Taizhou. Looks like a nice place from the description and photos. Are you still teaching there? I am a native English speaker from the U.S. teaching in Thailand and looking at other options. Would like to teach in China but not sure where to go. If you are still at the university, do they need any English teachers? I have experience at university level here in Thailand. Peter

3rd August 2020

Christianity in Taizhou has a long history, dating to missionaries arriving after the floods of the 1930

Notserp Yerdnal
non-member comment

Don't Be Fooled!
The doors are always locked. Even on Sunday.

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#96 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My city in China: THIS IS TAIZHOU, the City of the Pheonix, Part 1)

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