My search on ‘literature’ and ‘China’ generated eight results, one of which was the article ‘Culture and Text in Teaching Chinese Literature’ by Professor Yanfang Tang in which he introduces his approach to teaching the ‘Lisao.’ As some of his students thought Qu Yuan was boasting and whining, Tang examined what cultural context is essential for the Lisao so that students understand the right interpretation of the poem. 

But before I stray off: the articles are available in PDF and there is a permissions note saying: ‘archive articles may be downloaded and reproduced for personal or classroom only.’ But of course you can also subscribe to the print publication.

The theme ‘prospect of Chinese literature’ was reviewed from various aspects such as language, location and background. Emphasis was put on the increasing importance of the Chinese language throughout the world; the knowledge of classical Chinese literature; an awareness of the major differences in Chinese literature from region to region and finally, the need of translation into foreign languages to gain exposure to the world.

The programme will start on Wednesday 27 June with an opening session at the Wei Hing Theatre, City University of Hong Kong, followed by discussions on Chinese literature in two parallel sessions in the afternoon (see website for details of time and venue). Then all the authors, translators and scholars will be moving to Macao where discussions resume at the Macao Science Center on Friday 29 June 2012.

The event is hosted by the Hong Kong Ming Pao Monthly, Chinese Civilisation Centre of the City University of Hong Kong, the Macao Foundation and the Federation of Hong Kong Writers. More information please see the website (in Chinese). All are welcome but remember that online registration by 25 June 2012 is required.

You can visit the exhibition at CityU daily until 22 June between 10am and 6pm while the opening hours of the Hong Kong Arts Centre are 10am to 8pm daily, except for 2 July 2012 when it closes early at 5pm.

From the images on television, it looked like the photos were on display in the area called ‘Covered Terrace’. So that is where I headed for this morning and where I took some pictures for Pulse. It is a very small exhibition space with the photos placed on the floor instead of up on a wall. The cramped space makes it difficult to get a clear view of the photos but it does enhance the feeling of discomfort that the haunting images of the ugly babies exude.

For those interested in Liu Xia’s photography, please read the essay ‘Freedom Reflex: The Photographs of Liu Xia’ by A. D. Coleman, written for the catalogue of the 2012 Hong Kong showing of this exhibition, available here. Another article is on the display of Liu Xia’s photos in New York earlier this year, see ‘Underground Chinese Artist Liu Xia on Exhibit at the Italian Academcy’ by Laura Itzkowitz here.

The exhibition at CityU runs till 23 June and will then move to the Hong Kong Arts Centre where the photos will be displayed from 25 June till 2 July 2012.

Over the years the event has become increasingly important. Many are gathering to meet at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay where the annual candlelight vigil will take place tonight at 8 pm. As the website of the Hong Kong Alliance  indicates ‘the candlelight vigil will commemorate those who were killed in the June 4 massacre and express our determination to succeed in realising their goals.’

Recently a temporary June 4 Memorial Musuem was set up to salvage historical evidence. Although it is only open from 29 April to 10 June 2012, it is meant to lay the foundation for establishing a permanent one in future. Discontent and fear is reflected in the anger among local people, in particular over the attitude of CY Leung, the incumbent CE who will start taking office in July. It is clear that by evading questions about June Fourth, he is trying to steer away from trouble.

Renowned for its pigeon dishes, the Lung Wah is a restaurant that sits on a hill in Sha Tin. It has a history of more than half a century and although it is no longer a hotel, its name has not changed. According to their website, pigeon meat is not only delicious, it is also very nutritious. Their crispy roast pigeon (see pic) and pigeon egg dish that we ordered were indeed very tasty. Along with the pigeons, you get plastic gloves to prevent your hands from getting oily. We ordered three pigeons and that was quite plenty besides the soup, beancurd and vegetables that we had.

So if you have time to come out to the New Territories, this place is worth a visit. Their website is the Lung Wah Hotel.

The issue themed ‘mit dem kopf durch die chinesische mauer’ 橫穿長城的頭顱 from a poem by Liu Jixin, contains works by writers from the PRC and Taiwan, including Hsia Yu, Yan Jun, Hung Hung, Zheng Xiaoqiong, Yu Jian, Ma Lan, Qi Ge, Wu Yinning, Lin Weifu, Tong Yali, Pang Pei and Liao Yiwu. All translated into German and many of them printed with the Chinese original.

The violent image on the front cover, see illustration here, is art by Linda Bilda from Vienna. According to Martin Winter, translator of most of the pieces in this issue, the editorial team was originally divided about the cover. Eventually the view of a prominent Chinese author (included in this issue) who said it represented ‘Heutiges China’ (China today) settled it.

The magazine was official launched on 17 May in Vienna, with a live performance by poet and artist Yan Jun. For more information about the magazine, see website: http://wienzeile.cc/magazin/62/.

The two samples shown here are a vase decorated by Zhu Zhengmao and a plate painted by Zou Le, the only female artist among the five. Both graduated from the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute where Zou Le is teaching while Zhu is Associate Professor at the Jiangxi Ceramic & Art Institute.

On the slim, tall vase are orange-brownish reeds that bend in the wind and white birds with black tipped wings, probably egrets, flying in the sky against the wind. Near the rim are some characters written which are difficult to read.

Colour-wise, the plate could have been a traditional blue and white; yet the design has something modern to it with a sprinkle of golden flakes. The large blue scabiosa-like flowers are a marked contrast with the string of small white forget-me-nots in the background.

Since art is difficult to describe (I doubt that my description is of any help), I highly recommend that you come and admire the real objects. The exhibition is open daily from 10 am- 7pm, from the opening ceremony on 13 June until 22 July 2012.

There is an introduction on the CCIV website about the art of Chinese Gardening under ‘Web of Chinese Civilisation of 5,000 Years’ here. It explains the natural beauty of Chinese gardening and the styles of the Royal Gardens, Private Gardens and the Gardens in Suzhou. It is remarkable that the design of many of the gardens was inspired by ideas and suggestions of famous poets and painters.

For more details in Chinese on the field trip, please visit the CCIV website, here.