Culture News
Last 'Gang of Four' Member Dies
(01/06/06) Yao Wenyuan, the last living member of China's infamous Gang of Four, has died at the age of 74 from complications with diabetes on December 23, 2005, the Chinese government reports, almost two weeks later. There is no forthcoming reason why the government delayed the news.
Wenyuan is a highly controversial figure in China's recent, violent history. He was a part of an extreme faction of government that rose to prominence during the tumultuous Cultural Revolution and attempted to seize control of the country after Mao Zedong's death in 1976.
Read the full article here.
Heated Debate Over Firecrackers in Beijing
(8/15/05) The Committee of Legislative Affairs with the Beijing Municipal People's Congress met yesterday to hear opinions from 16 Beijing residents over the legality of firecrackers in their city. Firecrackers have been banned in Beijing for the past 12 years, but a new bill may allow them in areas outside of the Fifth Ring Road and during Chinese New Year. Some Beijing residents are opposed to the bill, citing that over 550 people were injured during last Chinese New Year due to firecrackers, and many residents opt for a quiet life. Others claimed firecrackers were a part of Chinese tradition, and sought to lift the ban or at least allow fireworks under supervision.
Growing Popularity of the Chinese Language
(7/20/05) The Chinese language ranks among the top three most important languages to learn in the world. With over 30 million people are studying Chinese overseas, China has established itself as the hub of Chinese teaching and learning.
China’s fast economic growth is likely the cause of the rise in interest of the language.
Chinese language teachers and scholars are meeting in Beijing today for the first World Chinese Conference. The conference will feature discussions about teaching Chinese.
Full article here
Marxist cultural and art work to be on tour exhibition in China
A tour exhibiting art of the Marxist variety will begin in Shanghai on July 23, the aniversary of the first national CPC meeting.
Besides displaying art, the government hopes that this exhibit will help to educate China's youth about its cultural "root."
Li Youlin, office director of the department in charge of the exhibit said the exhibition is a good opportunity to educate China's youth about Marx, which "is of special importance to today's young people, who are the only children in the families."
This exhibit holds "special interest" to anyone who wishes to learn about China's past and the political transformation of Marxism into Chinese socialism.
Details here.
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