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China Excursion: Review

China - How different

After two weeks traveling in China, one is already something the very different circumstances, conditions and rules used to. Some of us even began to adopt Chinese habits. But we are not at first almost came out in amazement. On every street corner we are something new, something foreign, something extraordinary notice. We have overloaded tricycles, hanging Cable or poorly translated posters (Chinglish) photographed and smiled about it. This last entry is devoted some of many larger and smaller (cultural) characteristics and differences of China to Switzerland.

Photo: Yasemin William in "Toutist Bookstore

at the airport, they light up towards you and the Chinese characters for us incomprehensible. They are everywhere and all the skyscrapers full pave. Would not the most important signs, at least in Shanghai's tourist centers also written in English, would we understand anything at all. The fact that we sometimes could not even penetrate with English while leaving some feeling queasy in the stomach. On the other hand, one can penetrate into China despite the language barrier sorgenarm amazing. I am writing this particular kind of curious and helpful manner to most Chinese. Sometimes we pay long noses just a little more than the locals, because business people are the Chinese, despite, or perhaps with their kindness forever.

Once arrived in the metropolis, it is the chaotic traffic, in which no law but the law is of Nimble, which causes red heads. All possible Vehicles, from a tricycle to the simple citizen of the electric motorcycles to luxury cars, all run on the same track. Not even the pavement is left for pedestrians if it is for other road users is proving to be favorable. And as to drown the city in the traffic, threatened the main roads were supplemented with overpasses. From the taxi from there you have a great view into the homes of the nearby high-rises or on the elderly lower settlements.

Photo: High Street in Shanghai at night

Despite the glamor, light shows and impressive skyscrapers, even in modern Shanghai, traces of ancient China are visible: In some places the power cord to hang tangled mess for all to see on the street in other places, the roadside arbitrarily converted to an open garbage dump until a person of urban cleaning staff again cleared away. Add to ancient neighborhoods, sometimes even at the skyscrapers, washing lines are visible to all sorts of dresses and street vendors sell middle of the night have their noodles or rice dishes. From this small us new sights there would still be designated innumerable. Not only objects but also manners stand out: Men who roll up their shirts to below the breast and so run around, fit remaining seniors who operate in the park early morning calisthenics or Qi Gong practice, slurping noodle soup eater or Chinese friends, fight the after dinner for the bill. And not only in restaurants, even on the streets, in shopping malls or at home it is often very loud and forth.

Photo: added insight into the old Shanghai

China for centuries of experience in the tour: Old Town in Shanghai

Photo and control of crowds. This has led us including impressive at the Expo in mind. Infrastructures were deliberately designed to huge crowds, even if in the individual pavilions still had to queue for long. These other scales, which moves in China to be seen in many projects: First, what was planned on the drawing board for 800,000 people, is then implemented as a first giant ghost town. After that, the people from the crowded city of Shanghai in the new satellite stream. Second, all the many Chinese want to work and earn money. That is why we always fall the many, very labor intensive, more inefficient organizational forms in shops or Restaurants. Thus, all four employees are busy trying to sell one person a couple of sports shoes. At the present state of economic and social development, China needs these jobs still, the state here has a great social responsibility. Third, the huge number of workers that China is available, is again a big advantage for the country. Projects can be implemented with incredible speed, if this was decided because of the important places Sun Pudong and Suzhou's new centers are just two examples.

Photo: Dealing with crowds: Access to the Expo site is reminiscent of cattle gate

Photo: The model of a newly established Suzhou Industrial Park

photo: New residential areas in China

"laowai" - In China, we are always foreigners. That we are different than the 1.4 billion Chinese, they have made us feel again. Just as a group we have from time to time drawn the attention on us. Sometimes we were a "Chellou" afterwards called. And the souvenir shopping we always had bad bargain for the prices, because these be created for foreigners anyway later. But we the people are friendly, and help you may also want to know something about you. In their eyes, we probably have much of what they yearn. The growing American influence is seen not only at fast food chains like KFC or McDonalds, but also to the many American products (DVDs, cosmetics, clothes, music, etc.) to the Chinese market to flood rapidly.

Photos: The presence of fast food chains and global retail chains is evident in China

So different China may appear to us, so exciting and impressive it is. This country with its foreign culture are able to fascinate and inspire. I am convinced that we have all learned in these two weeks very much not only about China but also from China. For although the Middle Kingdom with its development, some of which are still in its infancy, it has overtaken us in other areas have long or characteristics developed that are only available there. This tour has given us an opportunity, a small part of this very familiar to us (Made in China) but yet strange and different to discover the world, but to identify common elements and to put our observations in conjunction with our European reality. The many insights that we obtained are not self-evident, but an even greater asset to all of us! So here finally a big thank you to the organizers patient and talented tour guide Daniel Fäh!

Christina Willi

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

Bushnell Elite 42004-16x50

Shanghai, Day 13, 9 July 2010

Today, Friday was already the last official day of the excursion on the program and the day should be filled with many highlights, which can be enjoyed as a good meal. As an amuse bouche the morning meeting was brought forward by one hour. No problem, the group recorded and could be started at 7 clock. We have adjusted our attitude in this respect, the Chinese, a nation of early risers. As soon as it is light in the morning by 5 clock, the people are to be found in the streets. Truly, the hors-d'oeuvre it had in himself, in a positive way. In a Shanghai hotel, the standard was about 3 classes above our usual Logierklimas, next to an eagerly awaited us achieve desired "Western" breakfast is an interesting event on the theme "Innovation and Technology Policy in Shanghai, organized by the group of economic geography at the University of Bern, together with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

We learned not only that, for example, the compass, gunpowder, or the Chinese Mechanical Clock innovation, but to advance on the strategy for China's major innovation player in 2020. With the unprecedented economic development of China's own innovations are necessary (for example in infrastructure, ie transport, water supply etc) in order to meet new challenges, can help.

said the first of three input units Professor Debin you by the Institute of Chinese innovation of the East Chinese Normal University on the geography of R & D (R & D) activities of multinational enterprises (MNE). He showed how dominant and, therefore, important to Shanghai and Beijing for foreign MNEs in the research and development already are and still be important. One of the reasons is the path dependence that influenced their choice of location strongly. Beijing has developed as a high-tech location, while Shanghai attracts more R & D investment in the machinery industry. One reason for this is the role of the state, which has heavily influenced his commitment to development in Beijing. But the Chinese suppliers of the foreign multinational companies have led to these cities were comparative advantages to dominant centers (over 50% of total R & D expenditure by MNE) in this area.

Professor Weiping Wu from Virginia Commonwealth University in the U.S. reported in the second input talk about the development of the science sector in China and spoke about the University-Industry Linkages (UIL). She described the very small academic sector of China, the but must gain in importance and even to China as so-called "emerging economy" in the long term with good human capital and ultimately to provide innovation. The still modest Chinese innovation system could grow thanks to corporate universities. For this reason, the positive trends of the UIL because of technology contracts in addition to institutional and, above all, economic instruments are important for China. However, it will be a certain way for China to embark, to more efficient UILs smaller imbalance between universities and industry.

Photo: Amber Cai Novartis

Amber Cai reported as the third speaker of the Novartis R & D Center in Shanghai and why and with what objectives of Swiss companies in China. The growing Chinese market due to the aging population and different diseases from Asia, but also a large talent pool and good government support for overseas companies, listed as reasons. From "Geographically," Pudong in Shanghai offers an ideal opportunity, why has positioned Novartis since 2006 with an integrated R & D Center, focusing on academic and industrial, local and global partners. Flexible models of collaboration with companies and universities provide the necessary inputs and networks. When asked about the characteristics and future of research in China called the woman Cai learning by doing and cluster effects, which are effective for UILs. They also added to the weak regulations on intellectual property rights, which are facing the good performance and great potential. This includes the property of the process have to do what needs to be changed but must continue.

The three input units had raised many interesting and often very strong geographic aspects, such as the importance of space, networking and different hierarchical forms. It has been shown at all that more R & D will be needed to cope with the increasing challenges. One aspect with which we were confronted not yet up to now on the excursion.

After this rather hefty starter (for the last field trip) was first needed a break, which was used individually but very intense. Now that was of log writing for the last few days of intensive search for a bookstore to a level of consumption, which nearly any criminal act, at least, to the amusement of about 50 Chinese had done everything in it. Not to mention that it ended once again with a delay. Whether this is typical chinese well?

Nevertheless, the main course left not long in coming, and it was truly a dish that should again appeal to so many facets of China. The visit to Schindler AG, the first, in 1982, companies active in the Chinese market was in order. In an interesting speech by the director of China research, we learned facts about this mobility company with head office in Ebikon, Switzerland and received a new, differentiated view on the cooperation of MNES in and with China. A worldwide network and the use of care management platform for Schindler to deal with the "intellectual property challenge" in China. This surprised us a little problem, we have yet recognized because of several visits to markets with fake / low-budget products, the Chinese have the skills in the area of "secondary" innovation. To continue the necessary market power, have, Schindler also strong on innovation at the local in the sense of adaptation to local needs. This can be addressed more specifically to the needs in terms of speed, size and equipment of the lift. A Chinese R & D team in Shanghai and Suzhou will ensure that these is "local presence" best use of a market of enormous potential. This creates a degree of continuity and the turnover of employees is lower than usual, special efforts are made. It is impressively shown us how this problem can be approached differently than it once was heard.

Photo: Our group during a visit at Schindler China

On today's menu card was in the evening a very delicious dessert in the form of a final meal with Review and synthesis the excursion on the program. This was initiated with the appropriate input talk to Michael Regli innovation system in China. It was an entertaining reflection of the last days with very different impressions as well as a brainstorming on the different economic geography concepts and theoretical debates, which can not fit the impressions of the tour.

The following menu choice in the Switzerland-China joint-venture "Cotton" a lot of mostly west of a sign that the palate after two weeks like once again wanted to enjoy cheese instead of tofu and cream instead of soy . This official part was ended with a big thank you for the perfect organization management.

photo: luxury cars before the club in Shanghai

As a small "digestif" for the whole excursion hit Daniel still an exclusivity in the form of a Hong Kong Party Club before that we got better than many Asian visitors. This did not detract from our party atmosphere and it was busy dancing until late into the night (or per acre).

Fabian Streiff

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

Coconut Oil Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Loss

Shanghai, Day 12, 8 July 2010

For die-hards began early on the Thursday: The World Cup semi-final match between Germany and Spain was up at half past three on the program. The TV room of our Shanghai accommodation was bumsvoll and apart from Vuvuzelagetröte almost came forward to stadium atmosphere, as the ooohs and aaah echoed through the empty corridors Hostel. As we rose at half past nine in the rented bus for this field trip, some had even smaller eyes as Mr. Wang, our driver. This steered us expertly through the morning traffic from Shanghai out to the satellite town of Lingang. On the road level and Lukas were in Car a mobile input unit and informed as best I could, about the political organization in the delta of the Yangtze, and on the problems of political administration, which bring economic reforms. Chinese cities and provinces are living not only in Confucian harmony, but also like to quarrel, for example, large projects such as airports and container ports. This can have a decisive influence on the respective regional economic development, as important factors when choosing a location of international companies. We had planned to meet on that morning, Professor Sha Yongjie from the College of Architecture & Urban Planning at Tongji University, the us during the should accompany the day. Professor Yongjie but was invited at short notice by the city government, so we had to do without his input.

Photo: Model of the city Lingang

The satellite town called Lingang is stamped about 60 miles southeast of Shanghai's city center from the ground. It is one of nine new cities which were virtually planned on the drawing board to relieve the center. But frankly, already talking about a city would be wrong, because an important element missing: the residents. On the four-lane roads to drive cars on the sidewalks are there no people here and there is a police officer lost entirely under its umbrella. In the "Planning Exhibition Centre" we learn more about Lingang: The decision to build in 2003 was supposed to be finished the project in 2020, then, 800 000 residents live in the city. The Chinese government invested 58 billion yuan in the project, which equates to approximately 10 billion Swiss francs. The heart of the city is designed by German architect, a circular, artificial lake of several kilometers in diameter. The goal of the planners is to create a city that is in harmony with the economy, society, culture and ecology ... The exhibition is documented with photos, as the former inhabitants of the plowed maritime county of small farmers and fishermen, may recover with smiling faces in new homes and fulfill their jobs as "urban dwellers", as proud of guards diligent cleaning crews or skilled construction workers. After we have sniffed at the promenade a little "sea air", we are impressed and finally rise to lively discussions about sense and nonsense of such projects in our bus.

Photo: home to Far and wide, no transport, and to this city about 800 000 people in the future

photo: New residential construction in Lingang

Continue to the next Higlight: the Yangshan Deep Water Harbor, a huge container port, his character the only one who is on an island . Only The drive alone is spectacular: it is the longest sea bridge in the world, the Donghai Bridge. This leads incredible 32 kilometers across the open water. We drive and drive, backwards and forwards and sea bridge is just visible. Some struck it, the other, it seemed to calm, to the sonorous purr of the bus were joined satisfied snoring. All of a sudden appears on the starboard side of a wind farm out of the haze. The fattening seem to float above the water, while the huge rotor blades slowly turn in circles. The mills will disappear from sight and soon after land is in sight, appear before us Yangshan Iceland. Here it is with the rest. Huge cranes load cargo ships on the stoop, on land the containers are stacked like Lego bricks to the height and width. In order to satisfy our hunger, we docked for lunch at the Old Captain's Club. The more rather than less dirty table setting us spoiled, not just the appetite, but what then looked at the Captains Galley, we wanted to but not think too well.

Photo: The 32-kilometer strengthened Donghai Bridge

fresh fish, chicken legs and guts we ventured under the burning midday sun, the container island explore. The Chinese government left the island to create a secure path that winds through the island and finally back at the summit offers an impressive overview of the Yangshan Deep Water Harbor. The construction of the deep sea port in Hangzhou Bay began in 2005, also had a village and people soft be resettled. The port serves the growing needs of the metropolitan area of Shanghai to cargo handling, both at home and also for export. The entire facility will be built in phases and is expected to one day spread to seven miles of coastline. Completely sweaty and we are impressed by the tour back in the car.

Photo: The Port of Yangshan

Photo: containers that look like Lego bricks

On the return trip over the Donghai Bridge was the second input unit of the day, Fabian informed about the importance and development of renewable energy in China to match the wind farm on the road. After an introduction on the energy situation of China, he elaborated on the various alternative energy sources, specifically on photovoltaics. China has in this area on a world market share of 33 percent and exports 90 percent of its production, but plays in technological development is not the hoped-for big role. Other renewable energies are promoted, in 2009 originated 16 percent of China's energy from hydropower or wind energy, a higher proportion than for example in the EU. The Chinese government, much as they are in might criticize other areas, sits down strongly for the use of renewable energies. This in the knowledge that China has no alternative energy sources do not develop medium to long term,. As Fäbu finished his talk, but we stuck once again at the prevailing reality, namely the accumulation of fossil Energieverbrenner. After Mr. Wang had tortuous us through the evening rush hour in Shanghai, he sat us tired, but to many lasting impressions, information, as well as questions richer in front of the property.

Lukas Rau

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

Make Edible Cake Paint

Yiwu -> Shanghai, Day 11, 7 July 2010

Upon arrival in Shanghai from Hangzhou, we felt back at home. It was not as strange as the first arrival in Shanghai. In the subway, we got along well and everything worked right away. In the push we are now a bit loose Chinese and therefore we moved efficiently and without someone from the crowd. In the afternoon we visited Swissnex. In the 22nd floor, we were met by Mehmet, a member of Swissnex, in a stylish office. Mehmet gave us a brief introduction about Swissnex and their tasks and visions.

photo: The road to the hostel in Shanghai

Swissnex is a network institution and serves as an interface for making contacts between universities in China and Switzerland. It offers so to speak, a dynamic and interactive platform for better communication between the two actors, China and Switzerland. Their strategy, they divide into three main tasks. 1. PROMOTE: Includes share the knowledge from Switzerland to China, particularly in research, technology, innovation and culture. 2. CONNECT: This should form networks and collaborations between students from both countries to bottom-up initiatives for the future to generate. 3. Facilitate support of a Sino-Swiss cooperation and research with a reduction of geographical and cultural differences.

Photo: Visit of the Berner Group at Swissnex

The main partners are many Swiss universities such as ETH Zurich, EPFL and ECAL. Flavia Schlegel took us further into the various projects and events that have taken place to this day. Flavia Schlegel is Executive Director and is responsible for all Swissnex Swissnex activities in China. Here it is very important to understand the Chinese culture. She emphasizes repeatedly that it is not about going to transfer only our knowledge but rather to exchange knowledge and to unite them into something new and to create creative. China has many different sites and cultures and is very versatile.

Swissnex to the understanding of different actors (between Academic-Academic and Academic and Business) of China and Switzerland to help promote exchanges of students and to provide long-term cooperation.

Miriam Andoni, Leonor Rodriguez

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

Should I Shoe My Horse That Has Thrush?

Yiwu, day 10, 6 July 2010

After a restful night, we were able to celebrate all stay in a hotel, we met item 8 for clock Input talk in the lounge of the hotel. For once, all listeners were well-fed and more attentive than it once was, but this perhaps it was that Dani was able to give us first hand information about the program available to us. In the paper we learned that the residents have a strong dealer Yiwus gene and how the international market in Yiwu developed since 1982. Yiwu not went through the "traditional" development path of other cities in terms of a tertiarisation. The town developed mainly a strong second Sector which include the development of the international market related.

happened The transfer to the market via public transport, where we as Europeans of Chinese who speak English is often discussed and questioned is where you come from, what you do and what you think about China. Just arrived in the market, we plunged into the action and quickly realized that we were not with the purchase of individual products were far away. The market is geared to traders from all over the world who buy larger quantities and directly by container in the Arab world, Europe, Africa or wherever the ship. The advantage of Yiwu is among other things in the flexible and efficient organization of these export routes and the favorable location for the production of mainly low-cost goods.

Photo: Santa Claus Let's see if these hedgehogs toys can be found soon in the Bernese retail

It proved to be a good tactic with the excursion booklet under: as a commodity

Photo asking arm in the various stores for the price of 1000 and out so the actual value of the products. The best offer for 1000 footballs we found was 4.8 yuan per piece, but the balls were of extremely low quality. Some of us covered with a watch, toy helicopters and other unnecessary things.

After lunch in the Uighur restaurant, where all the Arab traders also dined, we made our way to visit a small workshop. In the small production facility worked about 6-8 young workers who earn 1000-1200 RMB for their work. They manufacture fashion jewelry (eg chains) for the world market. The jewelry that comes with production and material costs of about 12 yuan (£ ~ 2.) Worth was sold to us for € 9.95 and boxed, ready for download here in Yiwu.

photo: fashion jewelry for the European market

Photos: winning hand in a jewelry workshop

As mainly the big companies in the region, in this last time we visited later a larger factory. The socks and underwear company "Lang Sha" is a market leader in the Chinese market and also produces for brands such as Puma and Adidas. Overall, the company employs 6,000 people and operates four different factories. In the factory floor are about 3,000 machines, which are, interestingly, made in Brescia, Italy and China had to be imported.

Photo: Stockings production in long-Sha

After this interesting insight into this factory we bought some socks and XL pants, for the Chinese market were designed and adopted in accordance with our standard a group photo in front of the factory site.

I think that many of us these images and impressions will lead to constantly remind them when the next time in a market in Cuzco (Peru), Valencia (Spain), Dar es salaam be (Tanzania) or shop anywhere else. Another lasting impression left to me to win the Uighur Muslims, who are responsive to raise money for the construction of mosques.

Photo: Night market in Yiwu

Benjamin Schilling

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

Skateboard Belt Buckles

Hangzhou -> Yiwu, day 9, 5 July 2010

get hold of the morning to just after eight clock sechs taxis in Hangzhou, can go quickly or take time too. We experienced both came, but then collected at the agreed meeting point. Again with some rich experiences: When a taxi was not on the trunk lid, so that three arranged by us with all their luggage in the passenger compartment, with another went to the trunk lid and the trip was not disputed open.

Photo: Arriving by taxi at the Zhejiang University in Hangzhou

"When I close my studies?", Like many 'students by the head be gone when we saw the graduate students who are proud in the ceremonial regalia Cameras presented. In the end May to July, the final year, the Zhejiang University in Hangzhou their studies.

On the morning of 9 Excursion day we visited the campus of the 113-year-old university, which has the highest patenting rate in China. There we met Prof. Jin Chen, Co-Chair of the National Institute for Innovation Management (NIIM) and Director of the Institute for Innovation and Regional Development, who provided us with further background to the innovation landscape in China. Previously, we had two of his employees out of the campus and also shown the number of meters measured monument of Mao Zedong.

photo: We are Mao!

Mr. Chen led us into the various forms of innovation, which are currently available in China: First 'secondary innovations "- the best example of this he called Alibaba, Ebay, the copies at first glance, the second on companies with his offer specialized. Second, we explained Mr. Chen, the "technical integration", where he presented the example of the High Speed Train. The third innovation he showed the group "original innovations", such as the USB stick, which comes originally from China.

For geographers was outlined by Mr Cheng Innovation Map of China interesting, although the left behind often several times in various cities mentioned industries (eg Telecommunications, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen and electronics at Qingdao (where a well-known beer) comes and also in Shenzhen), many with the impression that a high competition among China's regions must prevail. One of the most innovative provinces of Zhejiang, is located in Yiwu. Zhejiang is characterized by the fact that a high degree of entrepreneurship are, many private SMEs and some related to cluster. A region we should keep on the radar: the Yangtze Delta, which is regarded as part of the TAKE future innovative Chinese region. Interesting at this point was the idea that through the many urban planning measures in China also "construction innovations" would support.

Heike Mayer drew the parallel innovation Map of Switzerland, which showed the group included many familiar and new for the present Chinese. Rounding

finally the presentation of the Chinese professor's words to "Science and Technology Policy has been called for among other things, third party funding for collaborations between universities and companies and venture capital. We wondered privately whether it can work, "decreed upgrading" or rather a bottom-up approach would be necessary.

bellies filled with pleasant, as we Mr Chen in the University executed a nearby restaurant, we went back into the taxi and escaped again and again heavy rain towards the station. With the integrative-innovative high-speed train, we went to our last excursion station, before returning again on Wednesday to Shanghai's. After an hour by train and another taxi ride we arrived in the afternoon in hotel "Holiday Star" in Yiwu, and all were pleased with the best previous standard in twin and single rooms.

600,000 inhabitants is one of the "small town" Yiwu, with this designation we had at least Mr Cheng adopted. Yiwu is quite different from that of us so far in China have seen. It is at first glance not a beautiful or fascinating city. It has a normal, something dirty, something came down. The people look to openly curious about the group of long noses.

Photo: Yiwu, a very vibrant and entrepreneurial city

explained in his input talk us Daniel that in Yiwu and in many places in Zhejiang province, the regional development is based on direct investment (FDI) but many of endogenously formed clusters have formed. This development pattern is in contrast to the previous visited locations such as Shanghai and Suzhou. Tomorrow we will know more precisely Yiwu. We are excited to learn more from this place, which is characterized by some superlative: the highest export rate and efficiency and the highest proportion of foreigners in China.

Yiwu: Bustling driving in front of a typical business in Yiwu

The evening ended with a wild mixture of the hot pot at the restaurant "Little Sheep" from which again all the emotions as with previous culinary experience Cantonese cuisine provoked, of curiosity about subtle rejection contributes to the unusual and joyful too long.

Photo: Chinese Hotpoot in "Little Sheep" restaurant

Anne Wolf

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

How To Right A Community Service Letter

Hangzhou, day 8, 4 July 2010

Saturday night we were sent to a weekend that we were able to create itself. Well rested, fresh and happy we discovered on Sunday in individual groups of the most picturesque Hangzhou. Most of us just moved at the beginning of the famous temple Lingyin Si with the transport of bicycles reached to taxi. The trail leads to the temple at the edge of the summit along Failei , apparently could but well get lost, especially if you lose the city map and thus ended up Luke, Michael and plane, as it was not enough wet and hot, somewhere in the betting country.

photo: bike rental station in Hangzhou

As of China is not expected to be collected before the temple complex mass of tourists, mostly Chinese, from young to old. On the way to the temple we followed a rocky path where we admired the various sculptures carved in rock. The most beautiful and most famous sculpture was the laughing-buddha maytraia.

Photo: The Laughing Buddha

Photo: Inside the temple

Another popular destination was the Teedorf and tea museum. Teeproduzierende several villages, which can harvest the most famous green tea places to visit you here. In a small charge, we tasted a variety of teas with different vintages. As with wine is also usually the elderly refined and therefore more expensive. dared especially Cyprien on the art of haggling, unfortunately without success, but it's all a matter of principle!

photo: tea plantation in Hangzhou

The wonderful very relaxing days was by a violent tropical storms round and was seeking a group to the other protection in the lovely hostel. After all dirt and sweat of the day was washed away, drove We ate at a trendy restaurant with taxis and ausnahmsweisse, Chinese!

Most, struck by the many impressions, the long marches and the change of eating the last week drove back from us to surrender to sleep. Some, but rounded off the day with a soul-funky concert or simply from one or two beers.

Miriam Leonor

(Photos: Leonor Rodriguez, Heike Mayer)

How Does It Take For A Food Allergy

Suzhou -> Hangzhou, day 7, 3 July 2010

After the excursion for individual participants rather short night's sleep in our hotel LOHAS journey to Hangzhou. After a final climb taxi ride through the jungle not surveyable city of Suzhou and the desperate attempts of the chauffeur, the broken air conditioner to bring in the gear we Suburban southwest. The trip takes a well-developed highway differently densely populated area, by a plane full of rice fields and fish farms. Time and again we cross this small and large waterways - including the Grand Canal. Only near Hangzhou beginning to emerge hills. After a good 2-hour drive we reach the old tea and silk. Today Hangzhou is one of the most popular tourist regions in the country. Located on the idyllic West Lake presents it as the Interlaken China.

Photo: Hangzhou and West Lake

As an introduction to the Sunday, we can as the day off to enjoy his own taste and presents us with Brigitte Reverdin Hangzhou's history and its most famous sights. We are the enthusiastic Hostel Team surprisingly treated, with watermelons. Xie-xie West Lake Hostel! Lara returned the favor in our group by a quick and competent help out at the reception ...

addition to rest and prove to wash their clothes, and maintain network contacts as a popular activity in the next hours. Daniel evening we will once again unerringly excellent in a Chinese restaurant where we left another culinary adventure daring (this time with many maritime delicacies, including various crustaceans and fish ...), our two tables for good Chinese style "devastated".

photo: to fish Cyprien attempting a cancer

A visit to the overpriced Night Markets and the - despite half-time unsuccessful rich looking for a: delicious dinner in a merry round

Photo appropriate location - the most interesting quarter-final match between Germany and Argentina round out the Saturday evening. We're pretty tired, full of impressions of the past week and looking forward to the quiet Sunday. Germany won 4-0 and qualified for the next round - and we look forward to the day of rest and the second half of our Excursion!

Photo: Night market in Hangzhou

Photo: visit and shopping at the night market

Jonas Gurtner, Elias Hodel

(Photos: Heike Mayer)

Cleaning Resin Watch Bands

Suzhou, Day 6, 2 July 2010

The day started with a short ride in a minibus by Logitech. The Swiss company Logitech has in the Suzhou New District, its main production facility, which we were allowed to visit. Logitech has around 2,000 employees in over 30 Countries and market leader in the production of computer mice. In addition, the company manufactures and sells another 160 products in 100 countries. Production in Suzhou is the theme, low cost, high quality and high volume manufacturing ', ie produced with the lowest possible production cost, high-quality mass-produced.

photo: reception at Logitech

Walking through the facility we visited in turn the manufacturing, quality control and the department research and development. It was incredibly impressive, as the production of computer mice work. Within 3 minutes produced on an assembly line to a mouse. There are two shifts per day and per shift (8 hours) 3000 Chinese working on the assembly line. Each person makes a single step in the process of the mouse. Supposedly there are produced per month 12 million mice and 55 million other products ...

After the tour and subsequent discussion focused the kitchen staff for her us a Western lunch buffet. For a long time most of us had eaten any more Western food. And after lunch we all got even a computer mouse, namely the latest Designs :-)

Photo: worthy reception of our group at the Suzhou Industrial Park

Our next stop was the exhibition space of the SIP - the Suzhou Singapore Industrial Park The SIP is the new district in the east of the city center. There arises under strict and no less ambitious planning a completely new city with the additional motivation of capitalism in a protected environment controlled to test and gain valuable insights. The district impressed with its colossal dimensions, its up to the Last Detailed planned character and by his stern coolness and lifelessness. Where this will lead only, was an often-voiced question that no one could answer from us.

Photo: Aerial view of the SIP

After we were still on the roof the view over the endless construction site around look around and back into the waiting bus were climbing, we went on to Higher Education District within the SIPs to us there to share with Chinese students. The discussion was very exciting and we would all like to have more remained at about the students to experience their dreams and goals. Unfortunately the time was not enough even for a group photo. Instead, we were carted to another show, trying out again, was to impress us with colorful partitions, screens, and the obligatory model. Because of sensory overload, this was only minimal.

Photo: Reger exchange between Swiss and Chinese students

It was already evening and we went to Moon Bay where we were surrounded by sterile and austere architecture dinner. A moment later we were still able to enjoy a extremely pompous Water-Light Show. One can imagine a nice Swiss fireworks. But the show was without fireworks, but with numerous fountains, laser, light, and Chinese music.

photo: A fun show in the evening in the SIP

Exhausted from the day we went briefly back to the shelter before we then braced for night life in Suzhou. We were looking for a bar, which still showed the last minutes of the game Holland-Brazil and screamed as the Chinese at every exciting action, no matter which team :-)

After the game was announced Karaoke. Two pretty ladies cheered the bar visitors to give their best. We too were carried away and sang loudly Wonderwall, Ironic, First Cut, etc. Eventually we moved on, (pronounced by the Chinese Hally's) to another bar called Harry's, but unfortunately it was closed soon. And so we finally landed in Inpub, a fancy club. The audience was mixed European and Chinese. The toilets were equipped with pink plush and every toilet had its own name (eg Las Vegas). The prices were also a little proud, but that did not keep us in it, up to celebrate at half past five. Those who think that then announced Sleep was mistaken huge. The next day began as usual in the morning. The show must go on!

Lara Lundsgaard-Hansen, Yasemin Willi

(Photos: Heike Mayer)