China is as particular as it is wide. There so many contrasts in its politics, economy vision, environmental management and welcoming of tourists; that it is quite hard to define in a couple of words what the Empire of the Middle is precisely.

Travelling by some cities of the north, nearly each of them (ex) capital of the ex-empire, I observed some amazing things.

First of all the consequences of the "unique child politic". Actually, there is only one child per family. But this child is considered better than an emperor would be.
just test it in that way : ask to a chinese mother if you can take a picture of her child. Not only she will accept it, but she will take a picture of you with her child, and smile and nearly thank you for that honour.

Chinese people are very nice. With only 4 words of chinese in mind, you will be able to communicate with them. "Ni hao!" then show your camera, a head movement of your model to confirm the agreement and the photo shot will be conclued by "xie xie". More rarely, you will here "pooiao, xie xie"; "I don't wish to, thank you". But always with a smile.

A chinese smile that you will find in the shops, on the streets and in restaurants. Yes, Business is business.

Here is just a panorama of the Chinese population throught Beijing, Xi'An, Nanjing, Suzhou, Togli and Shanghai.

Cécile Latinovic