China Blog by Chinaorbit.com

Here is a link to a comment about one of my experiences, I had at Tiananmen Square.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2007-08/10/content_6020165.htm

I have spent a lot of time in China already and really want to give my friends and relatives, who visit me a “real” China experience and show them different aspects of China – the history,the culture, today’s life …

But when you visit the typical tourist places, there is no way escaping these typical experiences like the art exhibition – I could add the sellers of fake Olympic games souvenirs at the Temple of Heaven or taxi drivers who want to overcharge you at Beihai Park or the Summer Palace.

The Olympic development in Beijing may be about to face its toughest challenge yet. Sun Ruoyu, a 55 year old bakery owner in Qianmen District is refusing to move out of her home to make way for a ‘beautification’ project.

Her home and business is now the only building left on what used to be a busy row of shops. All the others have been demolished and replaced with new grass lawns and saplings. The bakery opened by Sun’s family in the 1840’s and has been on Beijing’s demolition list since Monday 6th August.

A bulldozer arrived at Sun’s house on Wednesday 8th August; however, Sun resisted the demolition by climbing onto the vehicle and shouting at the driver. The family has been offered about 1.6 million RMB (approx US$ 200,000). Sun claims that this is not enough and has refused the offer. With such a low offer Sun claims that she won’t be able to afford to buy an apartment in Qianmen District after it is redeveloped to what is sure to become one of Beijing’s priciest neighbourhoods.