#98 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My colorful Spring-2008 in Taizhou, the City of the Phoenix, Part 2)

Asia » China » Jiangsu » Taizhou » Taizhou University
May 7th 2008

Published: May 7th 2008

In Part 2, TAIZHOU - THE CITY OF THE PHOENIX, let me present you a "mosaic" of my "2008 Spring Activities" in- and around my home-city in China. These warmer months have been a long awaited in all parts of China, with the nation having survived the coldest winter in 50 years. My many special and wonderful activities surrounding Taizhou during the spring months have been varied and memorable. Th... 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 spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #17

The highest hill of Taizhou is located in Taishan Park. On its crest sits a small, ancient shrine. The small temple remembers one of the great generals of the city. Though it is worth the steep, short climb, it sadly has few visitors. It has become one of my regular pilgrimages, when I visit the park.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #18

It is a simple shrine, quite ancient, and the smell of incense, offered by the few pilgrims, permiates the air within the small temple-compound.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #19

At the base of the hill, located within the center of Taishan Park, and as I continue my walk through one of Taizhou's jewels, I pass this elder gentleman. I notice his blue Mao-suit, now rarely seen anywhere in China. It made this photo more special.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #20

Taishan Park is a favorite for photo-shoots for newly-weds.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #21

A small canal surrounds Taishan Park. The waters are lined with willows and the spectacular blossoms of peach and cherry trees announcing, that spring 2008 finally has arrived.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #22

Outside of Taishan Park, vendors display more beautiful kites, and youngsters exchange their shoes for hours of enjoyment through the park on roller-blades.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #23

As we re-enter the commercial center of Taizhou, one of the city's landmark stands out. The TV tower spreads its base across one of Taizhou's major streets.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #24

Sadly, the tower has been closed to visitors. The elevator is not in operation, and a climb is not permitted. I am told, that the huge bubble, which could easily house a large restaurant and observation platform is now used as a storage facility. :-(

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #25

Another famous landmark is the Mei LanFang Theatre. It is used for life, artistic performances and provides a venue for special films. On the first floors, some discothecs now provide "entertainment" for Taizhou's young.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #26

The theater is named after one of Taizhou's most famous residents, Mei Lanfang. As one of the most famous Beijing Opera stars, he made his home in Taizhou. He is revered by all of China for his obstinate refusal to perform for the Japanese during their occupation in WW II, at great personal risk. His home is now under re-construction, and will be open once again to the public soon.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #27

Together, these two landmarks bring character to the medium sized city of Taizhou in Jiangsu. May I wish, that their use will become more appreciated by the citizens of Taizhou.

A spring walk through Taizhou, Photo #28

At the end of my day's walk through Taizhou, I found this small neighborhood of typical houses of centuries past, occupied by residents and "still" standing. It is a wonderful neighborhood, reminding of what the city must have looked like before much of the new construction replaced such neighborhoods. I have to leave its exploration for another day, and I see this neighborhood as one of Taizhou's older jewels.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #1

Now let me take you to one of Jiangsu's and Taizhou's great spring events, the 3rd Annual Qintong Boating Festival. I have been anticipating this festival for months, and I am so grateful to Arthur and Susie for their efforts in procuring tickets for the foreign teachers of TTC. The weather was not at its most magnificent, but the event is one I will remember. I am happy to share it with you.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #2

The red banner announces the 2008 Qintong Boating festival held in the Qinhu Wetland Park of Taizhou.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #3

We have parked our van, and are on our way to the entrance of the Qinhu Wetland Park. Police are stationed everywhere to control the traffic toward the park.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #4

Arthur and his daughter, Emma, stride past enormous traffic toward the park's entrance. Mr. Kim, our Korean teacher, and his son walk next to Emma.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #5

Believing, some of us have been lost in the crowds, another of TTC's teachers waits for our group to catch up.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #6

We are now getting close to the entrance of the Qinhu Wetland Park. As for most Chinese festivals, we are greeted by large, red arches and a crowd of thousand, who are slowly moving, like "Heinz Catsup", toward the unique, wooden entrance of the Wetlands.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #7

Tickets are carefully checked by police at the entrance of the Qinhu Wetland Park. Arthur seems to have the right kind of pass, and is ushered to the next checkpoint.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #8

The next checkpoint is more gracious, as young ladies greet Mr. Kim and his son, Issac, and point them toward the paths to our reserved seats.

Qintong Boating Festival, Photo #9

The show has been planned on a lake, surrounded by an amphitheatre, where seats have been reserved for those lucky enough to have some connections, like us :-) We are a little early, but soon every seat will be occupied. On the lake, some of the colorful fleets of smaller boats remain silently visible.

7th May 2008

Sue
non-member comment

Wonderful memories!
Yes, I also love spring time in Taizhou- particularly on our little campus! One of the many things I will miss when I leave in just 6 short weeks time! I'm getting teary just thinking about it! I wish you all the best in the coming years and I feel this will not be goodbye but see you sometime in the not too distant future! Sue

7th May 2008

wolfe
non-member comment

enjoy ur observations and look forward to them. Still hope to wee them in book form. Warmest Greetings. Gregory and mary Ann

8th May 2008

goodsue
goodsue

I enjoy your blogs
Lately, I've been considering returning to China to teach again. I enjoy your blogs. Taizhou seems a clean, and beautiful city. I was in Nanjing before. If you're interested in meeting other TEFL teachers, here's a group site TEFLChinaLife@yahoogroups.com.

19th May 2008

Genevieve Reyes-Illg
non-member comment

earthquake sadness
Hallo mein lieblings lehrer, I was thinking of the tradedy that happened in China, and I know you are still there. I hope you are ok! The news makes me cry. Viele gruesse von meine Familie! Genevieve

24th May 2008

Tracy---Han Wei
non-member comment

Enjoy!!!
Hi! My dear, Schneider. I am so suprised when I see there are so many comments in your blog! That means you were concerned by these friends. Wow, that is wonderful! Hoperfully everything goes on well with you! I am always missing you and I want to marry you!!!ha ha ha.....: D

24th May 2008

Bruno Silva
non-member comment

Earthquake
Herr Schneider, I have been hearing and listening about the earthquake that has taken so many lives in China and at this moment remembered that you were still there. I wanted to know if you were well. I hope that you are and to hear from you soon. Best wishes, and hoping you are safe. Best wishes, Bruno

27th May 2008

Joe Datko
non-member comment

Herr Schneider, I admit, I have been lax in my attention, though not my memory of you over the years. It's been a long time, and I hope it isn't too late. These are trying times, especially in your current home, and I have a sneaking suspicion you would do what you are capable of to help alleviate the immense human suffering in China due to natural chance. I fear that might be risky. At any rate, I have no knowledge of your status now, and I hope you are well and safe, as are your friends and colleagues over there. If you are, and you are not consumed by work, I would be pleased to hear from you, both to alleviate my concern for your health and to catch up with you. I'll leave it at that for now; a reliable email address should be listed along with this. Your student, Joe

29th October 2009

LI JING
non-member comment

YOU TAKE PHOTO VERY GOOD.I DO NOT KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUI PLACE IN Tai Zhou .I SHOULD GO THERE WITH MY FRIEND IN WEEKEND.

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#98 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (My colorful Spring-2008 in Taizhou, the City of the Phoenix, Part 2)

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