Eating my way across the country...

The main purpose of my trip is to see how China has changed in the last few years. As someone born in Hong Kong, my relationship with China is rather complicated. I generally see myself as Chinese, but since our lifestyles and cultures are vastly different, Hong Kong people have an interesting connection with its motherland.

Places in China I have been

Most of my knowledge of Mainland China comes from personal experience and news sources in Hong Kong. I have been to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Kunming and parts of Eastern Tibet/Western Yunnan throughout my teens, but in the last few years I have not really been back to China. A few years can make a huge difference in China, and I would like to witness the changes that the local population have experienced.

China Exploration and Research Society - Yangtze River Source Exploration 2005

One of my most memorable trips in China was meeting Wong How Man and visiting the CERS base camp in Zhongdian (or Shangri-la County). This trip took me somewhere in China that I had no previous knowledge of, and is usually outside of the scope of mainstream media.

CERS base camp in Zhongdian

I am eager to see how the quality of life in China has changed. In some ways, I am there not to observe the larger picture, but the smaller details of the people’s daily lives. I would also love to converse with local citizens to gain an insight into their perspective of the global landscape. In addition, I want to see for myself how fast China is modernizing in terms of infrastructure, technology and also social trends. What is the dominating mindset that my contemporaries in China hold? How do they view their own country? These are all questions that I would like to ask while on this trip.

I am hungry for Chinese food

I really am!

Dim Sum - What I am craving right now

(Image courtesy of Dragon-i)

My name is Andrew, and welcome to my Champlain College, China Mojo blog, where I will be exploring topics regarding China for the semester.

Some information regarding myself...

1. Where are you from? State or province, and town?

Hong Kong

Hong Kong skyline night show - pretty awesome.

2. Describe a fun media experience you had during your holiday vacation. BE SPECIFIC.

I watched Inception on the flight back to Hong Kong over Winter break. It was my first viewing, and I missed out on the audio here and there due to the engine noise, but nevertheless, a good experience.

3. Describe one thing you LIKE about our 21st century media culture, and one thing you DON'T LIKE about our 21st century media culture. BE SPECIFIC!

I like the breadth of information available - there are a lot of helpful resources that you can find information regarding almost everything.

I dislike the heavy presence of bad information though.

4. What vision do you have for your future, professionally?

I would like to become wealthy and affluent. But on the way, I wouldn't mind starting a company of my own too, and working within the investment field.

My question for the coming semester....

How will China overcome the reputation and stigma associated with it in Western countries?