LETTERS

In a society witnessing a rapidly expanding urban population and new high-rise landmarks constantly appearing on our horizons, Nanchang seems like a paradise with so much of it covered by greenery and water. I live in a medium-sized city in North China surrounded by rugged barren mountains with only a sparse covering of shrubs and a few patches of planted forest. Although our city landscape has changed remarkably in recent years with widened roads, spacious and charming city squares and more convenient and modern urban facilities, green is still considered a luxury in the area. People can only see few trees in urban areas. To enjoy fresh air, they have to travel to one of the only two parks with small forests, or directly to the grassland in the suburbs, far away from the downtown area. I really hope that low-carbon development will be the norm for all cities around the nation, enhancing every facet of citizens life instead of purely bringing economic gains.

Qin Xiao

Hebei Province, China

I read the article in your magazine about how Tongwei County of Gansu Province has achieved dramatic increases of grain output through technology and greatly improved peoples lives. Im really impressed, because I went there 16 years ago when I was still a college student. The parched loess land scarred by deep ravines and gullies is still a vivid memory in my mind. At that time, you could only see sparsely distributed trees and crop fields there, and all had seemingly lost vigor in that dry and barren land. It was a truly impoverished place. You could easily sense poverty from peoples shabby clothes, weather-beaten faces and dilapidated buildings. So, knowing about the changes there from your article, Im really happy for them. Their development story also makes me think of other needy groups in the country. When most of us enjoy the achievements of our countrys reform and opening-up, we should keep in mind that due to uneven development people in some regions are still suffering poverty or have to fight formidable natural conditions. I hope every level of government and people of all walks of life extend helping hands toward them. Public welfare projects like the “Water Cellar for Mothers” and “Hope Project” are good examples, but we need more, and greater public participation.

Zhang Bin

Beijing, China

Today, photos of foreigners practicing Chi- nese calligraphy no longer draw wide attention or cause a sensation, as the art is learnt by more people worldwide as part of “China fever.”However, regrettably and shamefully, we here in China are turning our back on this legacy. Normally calligraphy is on the curriculum of primary schools only, but not through the entire six years. As far as I can remember my son only wrote with “the hairy pen” once a week in the first two or three years in elementary school, and has since never picked one up. Though we have more portable, convenient writing tools nowadays, calligraphy has not lost its relevance. In addition to its cultural and artistic significance, it improves handwriting, which is degrading generally under the onslaught of computers and handset phones. Furthermore, it is recognized for its health benefits, as the process soothes the soul and relaxes the mind.

Han Jia

Henan Province, China

Reading the article about ecological agri- culture, Im really elated to find out that some local governments have begun to promote organic farming widely by demonstrating pilot farming projects. Recently, Ive been obsessed with organic food because my wife got pregnant. I hope she can eat 100 percent safe veg- gies. I read online that there are 23 institutions that are qualified to certify organic status. Even with so many institutions with this authority, sometimes fake organic products can also be found in markets mixed up with the genuine articles, so consumers are really at a loss about what to choose. I personally think that in China people still have more trust in governmental institutions. If the government entrusts other institutions to certify organic products, they should make it clear to consumers in what way those institutions are qualified for the work. In addition, all organic food producers and their products should be listed on a single website so that consumers can personally check their validity.

Xiao Xin

Tianjin, China

I hate going to hospitals, as all the major ones in Beijing are overcrowded. This is partly because a lot of their patients come from outside of the city, usually small cities and rural towns. It is both a heavy financial and physical burden for these people to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home to seek the treatment they need. To save money and to get an early appointment they often spend the night at the hospital gates. These people could be spared such troubles if only decent hospitals and competent doctors were available close to their own communities. The regional gap in medical service has to be closed.

Li Yang

Beijing, China