书城英文图书ElementsofChina
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第10章 FIRE (1)

Fire is an element which has the power to scorch earth and melt gold and metallic substances. It burns wood but is doused and quashed by water. It is a symbol of hope, an essential energizing substance that can spread quickly, a source of everlasting life the fuel energy. Our human civilization needs fire to cook and warm, to survive against the elements and as source of energy and light. Ever burning, it is the element that symbolizes rebounding life.

China invented paper which exceeded any communication inventor of any precious era historically. The 2008 Olympic torch looks like a piece of rolled paper which represents a creative expression of this great Chinese contribution to mankind.

When Beijing’s 2008 Olympics torch was lit the Chinese people were very happy and excited.

Jingyun Huaning a wonderful Peking Opera performance with feathers in their hair performed in Peking University.

Selections for role playing of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911) classic “Dream of Red Chamber” demonstrate how youth can express their talents in the competitive new media industry.

In celebration of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, famous young celebrities perform using modern style to express their patriotism and nationalism.

Hot beat of the ancient Drum Tower in the former Tang Dynasty (618-907) capital of Xi’an where the hours are measured by twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Fiery red is the color of China’s national flag being raised in Shenyang City of Liaoning Province.

Hot markets at Beijing’s Central Business District in the Jianguomen Wai area is the locus of financial activity, international trade, and business conferences.

Beijing’s annual auto show presents the hottest line of cars and other commodities at an exhibition packed by high powered consumers.

Beijing highway traffic is hot and congested which is part of the hyper growth and rush hour to achieve greater economic materialism.

Café tables lit by delicate lanterns along the interconnected lakes in Beijing’s Houhai area offers some of the coolest night life in Asia.

Breathing fire: Sichuan Province is famous for “changing face” performers who have mesmerized audiences from ancient times.

“Chibi” is a movie based on “Romance of Three Kingdoms,” a literary epic covering one of the most dramatic and formative periods of Chinese history. The movie studio production house is located in Hengdian City of Zhejiang Province. China is now leading the world in Kungfu movie productions and changing global cinema with its new cinematographic blockbusters.

Arguably cinema found its earliest roots in Chinese culture, through the ancient shadow puppet performances – which have a 2000- year history – still alive and mesmerizing audiences in Shaanxi Province to this day.

Spattering firework performance using hot metal in Datiehua Village in Datong City of Shanxi Province, is a traditional part of celebrating the Yuanxiao festival.

Workers in a steel factory smelter iron symbolizing the industrial mega growth of China’s economy.

Modern performers contrast with ancient opera performers and traditional dance which has classic tradition. The juxtaposition of ancient with modern is a unique characteristic of Chinese life today.