Gansu Natural Energy Research Institute

This afternoon we visited the Gansu Natural Energy Research Institute (GNERI). This Institute was established in 1978 and is mainly involved in the study and development of solar heating and energy-saving techniques. There are a number of buildings demonstrating solar technology. The Institute has invited many foreign experts to study at its facilities.

Beijing

I have come back from spending a few days in Beijing. It was very interesting to see the contrast between Lanzhou and Beijing; it’s like a different country. Some of the obvious differences are the higher proportion of private cars on the streets and the presence of Western brands. I must confess that one of the first things I did when I arrived in Beijing was go to Starbucks. I’m not proud of it but that hot chocolate tasted so good! It was also the first time I have had milk in two months. Another thing that I noted straight away was the higher number of foreigners; I was no longer drawing quizzical stares (well no more than I do back home). A lot of people speak English here so it is a lot easier to communicate although I did use my Chinese as much as possible.

When in Beijing I met with a number of people and that really helped expand my knowledge of China. In particular my meetings with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the China British Business Council (CBBC) helped to develop my understanding of the business environment in China. It seems clear after speaking to them that China has to be considered a global region in it’s own right as there is such a vast difference between different parts of the country (none more so than Lanzhou and Beijing). The CBBC works very closely with UKTI and they have a network of offices through-out the country that can offer support to British businesses thinking about the Chinese market.

Beijing also has a rich cultural heritage and it is easy to see why there are so many tourists. The Forbidden City is the ultimate symbol of power, a city within a city only to be enjoyed by the privileged few (and their servants). Tiananmen Square, the largest of its kind in the world, has an interesting history. There is a large number of tourist and shopping spots in Beijing however after spending 2 months in Gansu I feel it’s million miles away from the lives of the vast majority of Chinese. I think people who come to China and only see Beijing or Shanghai don’t even scratch the surface of a country as vast and diverse as China.

Local Middle school

Three of the other delegates have started teaching a few English classes at one of the local Middle schools. Today I went along and to help Erika from Hungry as she was teaching a class about the UK. I told them all about famous Scottish things like Kilts, Haggis and the Loch Ness monster. Some of them didn’t believe that Nessie existed, they were soon corrected! Their knowledge about of the UK was impressive and they knew all about Harry Potter and JK Rowling – I guess that’s why she’s a Billionaire!

Dumpling making

I am a big fan of dumplings and this morning we visited another campus and learnt how to make them. Like Tai Chi, making dumplings is a lot harder than it looks. We all had fun, but since it took us over 2 hours to make them, and we usually pay less than 40p for 8 delicious dumplings from the student canteen, I don't think I'll be making anymore dumplings anytime soon!

I think that one of the strangest things about returning home will be the cost of food. Here I feel ripped of if I pay more than 50p for lunch (including a bottle of Sprite). However, not all food here is cheap. If you go out for dinner in a foreign restaurant dinner will cost around a massive £2!!

The start of our dumpling production line

The dumpling frying machine

Tai Chi

We have started a Tai Chi class on Thursdays. When we see others doing Tai Chi their movements look very graceful. Ours do not. Tai Chi seems to be one of those things that looks easy to do, but isn't. Although for some reason we all seem to pick up the Kung Fu moves a lot easier! I have actually been really impressed with the attitude towards exercise here. In the mornings there are many people out doing Tai Chi, playing badminton, running and walking. I have seen a lot of people playing a game of table tennis in their suits on the way back from the office. It seems to be that everyone, no matter how young or old, exercises. School children also do compulsory exercises in the morning.

Baiyin Technology Park

Today we visited the Baiyin Technology Park in Baiyin City. Baiyin is located approx 80 km north of Lanzhou. The park is in the early stages however the local officials have high hopes for it.

The fountain display in the centre of Baiyin

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

This weekend we went on another road trip. This time we headed south to Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. On Saturday night we visited the Grassland area near our hotel. This area is absolutely amazing. The scenery is world-class and the people are very open and friendly. I rode a horse for the first time in the evening we were entertained with local dances whilst we ate dinner. The next morning we visited Labrang Lamasery. This is one of the six major monasteries belonging to the Yellow Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was erected in 1709 and is also the largest institute higher learning of Tibetan Buddhism.

However, my image of the monks leading secluded lives was shattered when one of the young monks (aged about 8) came over to me pointed at the AC Milan top I was wearing and said “I think Kaka is over-rated”.

A rather ridiculous tea pot