Shanghai-Jiangnan Tour: Part 6

6. Pride of a Nation
I'm sure you've heard about the Nanjing massacre. Pls google it if you haven't. For a city that has been through so much, the Nanjing-ers take a lot of pride in the difficulties they've managed to overcome.


The great Yangtze Bridge - built with bare hands, tears, sweat and blood. 35 people sacrificed their lives to dive in the fierce Yangtze River to measure its depth. China built this bridge when they underwent their most difficult times, refusing the aid of Russia which had better equipment and resources at that time. One Chinese engineer was even buried alive in cement when he accidentally fell into one of the columns and refused help so as not to slow down the building progress. The bridge took 10 years to complete. It allows road transportation on top with a railway on the lower deck.

Now, Nanjing is one of the most flourishing Chinese cities.





As consumerism mounts, the Chinese found themselves caught in the reality competitions fervour with Chaoji Nusheng 超级女声 being the most popular competition:




There are at least 4 Li Yuchun (last year's champ) lookalikes in the competition. And these judges' comments for all 4 are "you've got a unique personality, very special character". Unique my foot! How unique can u get when you look like the other 3? I'm quite impressed by the fanatical fans though. They even set fireworks ablaze in the studio! My gawd, I can't imagine some folks' hair getting burnt.

Other than their very own superstar, the Chinese also produce their own brands of cigarettes:

Guess which is the most popular brand?
Hint: the one with the orh bak kak animal lor

The economy miracle in the country extends beyond Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing. Even the city that is famous for its pork ribs is now attracting loads of FDIs.


Wuxi doesn't rank as my preferred city during this trip but it's quite happening here too. By the way, Wuxi's pork ribs is nothing compared to our Paigu Wang (排骨王) lor.

Stadiums are sprouting out everywhere as the world turns to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics.