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My date with the 'mystique'

By Arjimand Hussain (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-04-22 09:38

Most of the foreign ideas of China are often engulfed by an aura of mystique. My idea of China has always been a blend of many things.

My idea of China was always influenced by the culture and the land I come from. My native province - Kashmir - in India shares a boundary with this great nation. Srinagar - my native city - was an important transit of the legendary Silk Route. Historically, we received travelers, silk, ideas, Buddhist teachings, and what not from ancient China. Srinagar then was a major centre of Buddhist studies. Ancient Chinese brought ideas which continue to influence our architecture, food, dress and so on even to this day.

The author poses for a photo at the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Kashmir's Land to the Tiller revolution of the 1940s - which has ensured a prosperous rural economy for us even to this day - was highly influenced by the Chinese Revolution.

As someone professing a Muslim faith, China has a particular appeal. The Prophet of Islam's famous exhortation - go in quest of knowledge even unto China - is central to Muslims' quest of deeper knowledge. So many Muslims dream being here.

Then there is the other idea of China which inspires awe - the most wonderful of all that humankind has ever created - the Great Wall of China, unique martial arts, special medicines, acupuncture, movies, and so on.

The idea of China as a modern economic miracle is no less appealing. That is an ongoing story, nevertheless.

As I stepped out from the Beijing airport for the first time, the aroma of China greeted me warmly. Having travelled across more than 20 countries, you always tend to make comparisons in your mind. First impressions of countries seldom erase. And I could instantly sense three things - a culture of discipline, functional systems and impressive infrastructure.

My work contract took me instantly to Xi'an, which, I learn, is an important city of the Silk Route. In a sense it was a homecoming - courtesy of the Silk Route connection!

Xi'an is a fascinating city - a blend of its rich history and modern landscape. Its people are humble, immensely helpful and hospitable. The walled city area and the nearby Terracotta monument are particularly fascinating - and a testament to the past glory. I often spend my evenings at the Pagoda monument site - relishing many colors and facets of Chinese life - from traditional dances to music fountain.

While in Xi'an I had expected people wearing traditional Chinese dresses. To my surprise, traditional dresses are no more in vogue.

One of my most pleasant experiences in the country so far has something to do with minimal bureaucracy in China. From opening a new bank account to getting an apartment, from getting a power connection to sorting out registration issues, I am amazed with the level of efficiency and speed.

For a South Asian it is not easy to get used to the Chinese food. But with an assortment of spices readily available in every restaurant I managed to adapt quickly. My reason for liking the Chinese food is especially because of their low caloric value. South Asian foods - despite their exotic tastes - are generally a health nightmare for their high oil content. I am sure to lose that extra bit of undesirable body fat - which normally looks a remote prospect without rigorous exercise. I envy thin and stout-looking Chinese of my age.

My progress in using chopsticks to eat is not bad. It isn't easy. My colleague - Lingling - who is my trainer isn't particularly happy with my use of three fingers. I am slowly graduating to use four.

Xi'an holds a pleasant surprise for South Asians in its exotic barbeques. Not only in the Walled City, Xi'an offers you barbeques in some of its city corners as well. I am a regular visitor to Abdul Rehman's kiosk near the medical university, who offers lovely spicy lamb barbeques.

The range of sporting activities in China is mind boggling. Its sporting facilities are simply the best one can find in Asia. Being a South Asian, I can't help being cricket crazy. I played cricket last weekend in a Xian university ground with some fellow Indians. But I was little disappointed not to see many Chinese playing this sport.

I particularly fancy the day when a Chinese cricket team will play international cricket. I marvel the idea of an India-China cricket clash, which will easily hook some two billion people to their TV sets. As a keen cricketer, I remain open to coach any university team in cricket over the weekends.

Although I have begun to learn Chinese I must say I am just struggling. Chinese people have indeed taken to English in a big way, but I believe a lot more needs to be done. In Xi'an finding someone who speaks comprehensible English is rare.

My shopping experiences are quite good so far. I don't think I was taken for a ride anywhere despite my language constraint. Shopkeepers tend to be surprisingly honest, even as you use common sense for cost validation.

As I unravel the marvels of this land with each passing day I am sure I will get to know more of this country. At a philosophical level, with the outside world not knowing China so well, I also ask myself: could our idea of the Orient be complete without experiencing China first hand? I must say - not exactly.

Amidst all the development and prosperity China is witnessing, I understand there must be poverty as well. I just learnt that the country plans to raise the nation's poverty line from an annual income of 1,196 Yuan ($183) to 1,500 Yuan ($229). That may indeed mean more number of poor. But that possibility must also mean a new challenge to meet.

It is also heartening to know that the country has shifted its gears and focus - from a GDP-centric growth to household income betterment. And that it plans to double workers' pay in 5 years. All this, I think, bodes well for the country's poor, who must become part of China's success story. My wish is this - all the best!

The author is a development consultant and a writer, presently based in Xi'an. Opinions expressed in this article are purely personal. Feedback at: arjimand@gmail.com

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