Posted: Soumis par Wocca (748) le sam, 2007-04-14 15:48. | Sujet: Sichuan Leisure Culture Studies Launched

SICHUAN LEISURE CULTURE STUDIES LAUNCHED 

Sichuan Leisure Culture Studies (SLCS) was officially launched last week with a grand opening ceremony at the five star government-owned Jinjiang Hotel in downtown Chengdu. Special V.I.P. guests included eighty five year old Lee Menghua (honorary chairman of the All-China Sports Federation, honorary president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, and former director of the State Sports Commission), Ma Huidi (China Art Research Institute, and director of the Research Center for Chinese Leisure), Zhang Guangrui (C.A.S.S. director of the Center for Tourism Research), Lee Mingde (tourism deputy director of the Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), Lee Wei (China’s World Trade Organization Group Senior Adviser, China’s western region consultant for the Pacific Economic Cooperation, and director of the national cultural industry professionals), as well as professors and other dignitaries from across the nation.

In previous media releases, the SLCS has been referred to as Sichuan Provincial Leisure Culture Association (SPLCA). However, consistent with all printed stationery and relevant literature, secretary-general Han Shuxia has confirmed that the correct title of the newly-formed association is Sichuan Leisure Culture Studies. SLCS is the first one of its kind in the People’s Republic of China, and is dedicated to offering ideas and information to Chengdu and other cities, with the sincere hope of shaping Chengdu into an even more colourful city of leisure. As ongoing close foreign friend and participant of this and other locally-based cultural and international exchange groups, Warren Rodwell (reknown writer & foreign friend) was asked to attend and publicly address the Jinjiang Hotel gathering. His speech was delivered in both English and Chinese. The translated version was capably prepared and presented by SLCS vice secretary-general Wang Kun.

The audience of two hundred, including important government personnel such as leaders from Chengdu Real Estate Authority, responded with appreciative applause and laughter when the familiar topics of mahjong, the giant panda, rice wine and Chengdu beauties were mentioned. Mr Rodwell expressed a genuine belief that with the formation and input of Sichuan Leisure Culture Studies, beautiful Chengdu will become even more suitable for those fortunate enough to already live here, their families and friends, as well as the many others moving here or otherwise coming from all over China and around the world to this peaceful and wonderful place. SLSC chairman Li Guang Cheng earlier stated that the purpose of this inaugural activity was to discuss the development of Sichuan leisure culture by constructing a flat stage for exchange and cooperation with related fields outside Sichuan province.

Near the end of the formal proceedings, members of the foreign entourage were caught by surprise when asked if anyone else would like to come onstage and speak. Through being either unprepared or shy, heads nodded quickly to decline the offer. During a banquet lunch not long afterwards in the Hongbin Hall of the hotel, tongues loosened and appetites were satiated with scrumptious cuisine. Those with enough stamina and available time, continued onto Shunxing Teashop for a three hour afternoon symposium on ‘‘ Leisure Culture and Harmonious Residence’’, followed by a delightful dinner consisting of famous Sichuan local food. To finish off the first day’s events was an entertaining performance of the Sichuan Opera, which left many wondering about the secret behind the fascinating changing faces’ routine. Next day, invitees visited and reviewed Dujiangyan Water Project & the old Chengdu cultural soul of Wenhsu Temple.

Expatriate writer Warren Rodwell has been in China since 2002, & teaches university postgraduates in Chengdu. Many of his feature stories, reviews and photographs have been published online or in hardcopy media form. Warren also narrates documentaries & administers various websites as part of his efforts to promote Chengdu and Sichuan culture more globally.
_________________
WARREN RODWELL
Chengdu Sichuan China