In this episode of “Meet China,” we showcase four captivating stories that make up the rich tapestry of China’s cultural and industrial landscapes. From electric car racing in Shanghai, to the vibrant Dounan Flower Market in Yunnan, from an ecological recovery area in Yichun city to the exploration of artist Chen Jianzhou’s style, who takes influence from both modern and traditional artistic styles.
First up, an inside look at the electric car racing championship series, Formula E. Recently premiering in Shanghai, it offers fusion of motorsport excitement and a platform for promoting electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions. Unlike traditional braces, the Formula E circuit features silent electric engines and zero gas emissions, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability principles. We got an insider’s look at the experience of witnessing an ‘all-electric Formula 1’ in Shanghai.
Next, we head to the Dounan Flower Market in southern China’s Yunnan Province, which thrives at night as trucks deliver fresh flowers for grading and sorting at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center. Categorizing flowers into four grades to maximize profits, the auction attracts brokers who bid on millions of blooms daily. Since its establishment in 2002, the trading center has become Asia’s largest, reflecting Yunnan’s rise as a global leader in the flower industry after 40 years of development.
We then take you to the city of Yichun in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province – a city known for its natural forests, where its economy once relied heavily on wood production. Years of high-intensity logging left scars on the terrain and destroyed a significant proportion of the local ecological environment. Better days were ahead, however. Ten years after a landmark move in 2014, the local authority decided to halt commercial logging in natural forests and to preserve the environment. Our reporter visited the city to investigate how this decision has spurred economic growth and created new job opportunities for local residents.
Finally, we introduce you to Chinese contemporary artist, Chen Jianzhou. Standing out not only for his unique artistic vision but also for his remarkable life story. Despite being hearing impaired, Chen has carved a niche for himself, drawing inspiration from the legendary Monkey King in the Chinese classic “Journey to the West” throughout the past decade. His art merges traditional Chinese culture with modern trends, shedding new light and meaning to a character at the heart of Chinese storytelling.
