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Sustainable development in Chongming charms scholars
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YURY Kulintsev (Russia)
Researcher on Northeast Asian strategic issues, Institute of Far Eastern Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
The trip to Chongming Island was one of the most exciting experiences in Shanghai we had. The perfect climate condition, unique features of a landscape and investments by the city government in infrastructure have made it a very attractive place for local people and expats who want to escape from “city jungles” and spend a day or a weekend in the beauty of nature.
Shanghai government has decided to develop Chongming Island as a recreational and ecological conservation area. It plans to keep the current level of population and pay attention on green economy and scientific research.
Ecological Agricultural Model Base demonstrates the rational ecological arrangement of crops and plants and the recycling of resources. The main crops are vegetables, as well as organic rice. It cultivates a variety of fruits — kiwi, grape, dragon fruit and others.
The island also serves as a domestication farm for wild birds. Dongtan Nature Reservation Area with its beautiful setting and fresh air provides home for many species of birds as they migrate to south for winter.
Chongming is a place where you especially sense the harmony between human beings and nature.
Muhammad Abrar Ahmad (Pakistan)
Assistant professor, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
On the way to this dreamland, we passed a tunnel bridge that was an example of a superb engineering feat. Trees are flourishing on both sides of the expressway that seemed like it was covered by foliage. Willows and bushes grow on both sides of the road right into the village, giving a different impression from other traditional villages which have clay roads and weeds growing beside them.
We were taken to a farming center near a village. This area was designated to modern farming or tunnel farming. It is also an experimental farm for growing grapes, dragon fruit, peach, orange, and mangoes. Such farms are everywhere on the island.
The utility of these farms can be seen that some imported fruits, which were costly, are being grown here under suitable temperature. We were taken to a house in a village that showed how local people live. It was a straw houses with antique furniture. Visitors can see bridal chambers and kitchens and try their hand at one-wheel handcarts, milling, and at the spinning wheel.
In a nutshell, I would like to say that China’s vision of economic governance manifested peace and prosperity. The island is very important to balance environmental protection with sustainable development.
This project also gives the idea that agriculture, modern farming, fishing and tourism could be treated as an industry.
Hopefully, China will adopt the policy to establish more and more eco-cities to save the culture.
Last, but not the least, if I have a choice of living in an ideal place, I would choose this island. The whole area is also like a huge amusement park with angling, horse-riding bike-riding and boating.
The island can be portrayed in many dimensions and aspects. I want to discuss some of my views on the prospects and challenges of this heaven on earth.
Milan Lipovac (Serbia)
Assistant professor, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade
The visit to Chongming Island was of great importance for me. I would like to outline three things: As I already mentioned, Chongming could be the paradigm of Chinese development, urbanization and modernization.
First is impressive infrastructure such as the Changjiang Tunnel-Bridge. It was completed by the Chinese in less than five years!
Secondly, everything is well organized so that even the number of inhabitants did not change since 1924. It is still around 700,000.
Finally, and probably the most important, is that this island is a good example of how the huge economic development and modernization that China is currently undergoing does not necessarily affect the environment at all.
Chongming Island is the place where all plant and animal species are protected, something that the Chinese can really be proud about.
Kamilla Ismaeva (Kyrghyzstan)
Graduate student, Tunggan Sinology Center, The Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences
On the ninth day of my stay in Shanghai, I was surprised by a trip to the island of Chongming. The land is highly fertile, so there is a very developed agriculture. It is also home to various minerals.
During our spare time in the city, we would go out to enjoy the nights of Shanghai. I liked the evenings and nights of Shanghai much more than the day!
The lighting and illumination in Shanghai is simply amazing. We walked along Nanjing Road, which has a huge number of shops and shopping centers as well as cafes, all the way to the Bund waterfront. Promenade is next to the old town of Shanghai. In addition, it offers stunning, postcard views of the Pudong skyscraper district. It is worth the effort, at least for this ... truly impressive, spectacle.
Shanghai is not a Chinese city — it is a world city. Even the cops out on the beat speak some English. There are a lot of foreign tourists — a carbon copy of Manhattan or Paris. The Shanghai Metro is a separate state.
In Shanghai, there is no energy crisis. In daytime and at night the city completely changes its face — like a model with and without makeup. Here more people speak English than in any other cities.
China is the simultaneous combination of antiquity, the recent past, a familiar present and magnificent future. It is a city of crazy diversity. In some ways it is unique, something completely incomprehensible, unacceptable and defies our conventional logical explanation.
This country is great, and for the most part, helpful and kind people.
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