2 Economy
China’s history and economy have been closely linked since 1958, when Mao launched the “Great Leap Forward” a five year economic plan.4 This led to collectivized farming and a labor-intensive industry. This however, is unsuccessful and is abandoned after two years. The disruption to agriculture is blamed for the deaths by starvation of millions of people following poor harvests. Throughout 1966-1976, as we have previously mentioned, economic upheaval ensued due to the Cultural Revolution.5 The turn around began when Deng Xiaoping took over in 1976 and led China to economic reforms that make it the country it is today.6
Today, in China, instead of a centrally planned system closed to international trade, a market-oriented economy has taken hold. In 2007, annual inflows of foreign direct investment rose to $84 billion.7 In 2008, with the financial crisis, the government announced
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Education . 5
a $586 billion stimulus package to curb economic slowdown.1 This seemed to have worked, since in 2009, China has surpassed Germany to become the 3rd largest economy in the world.2 By becoming market oriented and opening up to foreign trade and investment, China has come to the forefront of the world’s economy.
3 Education
3.1 Education in the Past
In the past and in the present, education has been inclusive of all people. In the past, education was seen as a tool to help “serve people in their socialist reconstruction.”3 During the Cultural Revolution, the school systems were shut down as many students were revolting against teachers and authority figures as chaos ensued. This led to an entire generation being denied an education, since some 16 million youth were sent to the countryside during this time for a more “revolutionary” type of education.4 Prior to 1949, over 90% of the population was illiterate. To aid the general population in becoming literate, a new Chinese writing system was established that contained only 2,328 simplified words. Besides being only 10% literate, only 25% of the population was enrolled in the regular or alternative primary system. In 1949, as well, only 1 million were enrolled in general secondary education. Furthermore, there were only 207 higher education institutions.5
1 last updated 2009-09-14
2 last updated 2009-06-11
3 last updated on 1980-11-19
4 last updated on 1980-11-19
5 last updated on 1980-11-19
Education . 6
3.2 Education Today
Education has much improved since the 1940’s, as seen in the enrollment numbers and increase in higher education institutions. In 1966, illiteracy had already dropped to under
60%, and today it is a mere 14%. Today, 98% of youth are enrolled in secondary education.1
As compared with 207 higher education institutions in 1949, there are currently 4,000 such institutes now with 15 million students.2 Help has been given from UNESCO, as an educational aid. After the “open door policy” had taken hold, in 2007, China was named the 6th largest city for hosting international students. In addition, many international scholars and professors have been brought to China on exchange.3 As can be seen, China has shown dramatic improvement in education and its importance.
4 Population
By the 1950’s, China’s population had already exceeded 560 million.4 Throughout the next few decades, the population grew dramatically to 1 billion in the early 1980’s.5 To curb the large increase in population, Deng Xiaoping adopted a one child policy in 1979.6 This would greatly limit China’s population growth. Although it was put into practice as a temporary measure, it still continues to this day. Fines, abortions, and forced sterilization are some methods put in place to keep this law in order.
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3 last accessed on 2009-12-06
4 last updated on 2008-07-30
5 last updated on 2008-07-30
6 last updated on 2008-07-30
Environment . 7
In the future, China’s population is expected to reach around 1.4 billion.1 It is still the world’s largest population. In the next few decades, however, India is likely to surpass China in population. By 2040, it is said that India’s population will be around 1.52 billion, while China’s will be 1.45 billion.2 As we can see, China has in the past, present, and future maintained a large, growing population.
5 Environment
5.1 Environment of the Past
The environment has been a source for much concern and debate in China and throughout the world as of late. China has increasingly been criticized for their lack of environmental awareness. It is estimated that 760,000 people die prematurely every year because of air and water pollution in China. (EPA)3 As well as air and water pollution, the Gobi Desert is expanding by 950 square miles per year.4 This desertification process is caused by overgrazing and expansion of agricultural lands. This has led to dust storms sweeping through the entire country. As well, exploitation of dams has been a large problem with the Yellow River’s natural course being halted. However, some good can also be found in China’s past history of environmental concern. In 1956, the first wildlife refuge was constructed in Guangdong Province.5 This has led to developments of 700 nature reserves throughout the entire country since.6
1 last updated on 2008-07-30
2 last updated on 2008-07-30
3 last modified on 2009-12-02
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Environment . 8
5.2 Environment Today
China today has come far, yet still has a long way to go on its road to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. In 2006, Forbes named 10 Chinese cities as the top 10 most polluted cities in the world.1 Recently, a $498 billion stimulus package has been issued to the Chinese government.2 This will go towards enhancing sewage systems, enhancing trash treatment facilities, preventing water pollution, accelerating natural forest plantation projects, and increasing energy conservation efforts. This will hopefully help turn around China’s future in regards to environmental issues.
6 Housing
Housing in China has changed drastically over the last few decades. Where there once were hutongs mazing through every street, now there are skyscrapers and modern living apartments. Hutongs, or courtyard architecture, is over 2,000 years old.3 It used to form a thickly populated maze around the city. They were comprised of four houses built around a communal space, usually a courtyard.4 “That way of life is very beautiful. Your heart beat slows down,” he says of his experiences relaxing in a hutong. Looking around, it would not be unusual to see people playing chess, practicing tai chi or having tea. "That kind of neighborhood supports that way of life. (It is) a different rhythm. The energy is very hard to describe...If you are stuck in a high rise, you don't have the chance to live that communal aspect of living." (Lau, 2009)5
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Housing . 9
From the mid- 20th century, the number of Beijing hutongs in particular has dropped dramatically as they are demolished to make way for new roads and buildings. On a more positive note, some hutongs have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history.1 However, most are being destroyed. At their peak there were around 6,104 hutongs in Beijing, now there are only about 1,300 left intact.2 Many residents left the lanes where their families lived for generations for apartment buildings with modern amenities. For the Beijing Olympic Games, hutongs were cleared exponentially causing some to commit suicide or give in to their helplessness since the residents had no say in the matter.3 With the high rises and new apartment buildings taking over, a fundamental way of traditional Chinese life is being destroyed. This is one of the most drastic changes we can see from China’s past and present.
7 Cuisine
Cuisine in China is one of the main aspects of Chinese life that hasn’t changed much from the past to the future. Based on Eight Great Traditions, cuisine in China is separated into eight categories : Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. 4 There are hundreds of main assorted dishes that can be found in China, however the main ones include Peking Duck, Hot Pot style restaurants, Dim Sum, and Gongbao Chicken just to name a few.5
Tea drinking is still today just as popular as it was in the past few centuries. It is used to symbolize many different things such as younger generations showing respect for their
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Way of Life . 10
elders. Also, it can symbolize family gatherings, tea can be a great means to get people from an entire family together.1 It is used to apologize to someone, and can also be used to express thanks to elders on your wedding day. This is a firm traditional in China, and will most likely remain so for quite some time.2
As we can see, most of the aspects of food and tea drinking has remained the same for centuries. The only change has been the recent inflow of Western fast food chains. It will come as no surprise that in many of the larger cities there are McDonald’s chains, as well as Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pizza Hut.
8 Way of Life
8.1 Way of Life in the Past
In the past, China has been characterized as having a very distinct class system. As well as official distinctions between classes, the past was extremely formal in regards to today.3 There were usually five generations under one roof, and women stayed at home while the men worked. As well, sons were valued more than daughters, and a husband was allowed to divorce his wife if she did not produce a son.4 In the past, family honor was of the utmost importance. A son or daughter must carry on the family name well and not bring shame. All decisions made by a person, had to first be accepted by the parents in order for anything to proceed.5 All this, is what made the past such a formal place.
1 last accessed on 2009-12-06
2 last accessed on 2009-12-06
3 last updated on 1998
4 last updated on 1998
5 last updated on 1998
Conclusion . 11
8.2 Way of Life Today
Today, society and the way of life in China has changed dramatically in some ways and less so in other ways. With a large influence from Western society, the Chinese often dress
similarly to Westerners as well as living similarly. Life in general has become more free and relaxed with modernity taking hold.1 However, tradition and family honor is still an important aspect of Chinese life. Some changes have included more equality between men and women, more freedom when it comes to marriages, and more women’s rights.2 But even as modernity has swept through the country, tradition and respect for family remains intact.
9 Conclusion
As we have previously reviewed, many aspects of China’s past can be seen today as well as many new modernizations and traditions. Before the Cultural Revolution, there was no international trade and much economic upheaval with the poor leadership in the government.3 90% of the world’s largest population was illiterate, and environmental concerns were non existent.4 However, what the Chinese lacked in organization and education, they made up for with their rich traditions found in their style of living, eating, dress, and family focused lifestyle.
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Conclusion . 12
Recently, with China opening up to international trade, a market-economy has occurred which has brought great economic development to China. It is now the third largest economy in the world. Education has increased, with only a 14% illiteracy rate, and as well, a population that is slowing in growth.1 With this economic development, however, has come pollution which is seen in China’s cities being the top 10 most polluted in the world.2 The current way of life, is in an identity crisis, where traditional ways of life are being torn down for modernization. China will have to find a way to combine the traditions of the past with the modernization of the future.
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Promotion and Advertising . 13
To promote this information, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been carrying out overseas promotional campaigns targeted at the general public and also at travel industry professionals. This process began in 2002, and by the end of 2007, events had taken place in 8 countries and 16 cities worldwide.1 Promotional campaigns also help by means of advertising in overseas media such as in magazines and newspapers. To get these tourists to Tokyo, the promotions team must be sent off overseas to talk with local professionals as well as advertise in overseas media.2 These two facets of promotion, help to attract the maximum amount of overseas tourists to Tokyo.
7.1 Kyoto
Several promotional offers have been set into place in Kyoto. Since 30% of the tourists arriving in Kyoto are from the USA, Kyoto Tourism Council has held a promotional event in Los Angeles to promote Kyoto as a cultural destination.3 Tourism promotion delegations have also been held in London and Paris to provide information to travel agents in order to promote Kyoto.4 This has been successful since Kyoto has set the record for the number of tourists arriving in their city for the 5th year in a row.5
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5 last updated on 2006-06-26
Partnerships . 14
More specifically, starting in the Winter of 2008-2009, Kyoto has begun an advertising campaign called the “Kyoto Winter Special 2009.”1 By marketing Kyoto as a winter wonderland destination, the Tourism Council assures the tourist that a “different” experience awaits. With smaller amounts of tourists, less congestion, and the beauty that comes with snow, Kyoto is attracting the tourist by also offering cheaper fares at restaurants and hotels in the area. From the 1st of December through to the 31st of March, Kyoto is also offering opportunities for hands on experiences in the local culture.2 All of these promotions in the off season will hopefully balance out the tourist market and provide a more equal amount of tourists in the low and high seasons.
8 Partnerships
The Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau, being such a large institution, has a great number of partnerships. These partnerships aid in communication between the tour operators, the tourists, and the local government. In Tokyo, the following partnerships are in place: Hankyu Express International Co., Japan Gray Line Co., JTB Asia Tourist Corps., Nippon Express Co., Nippon Travel Agency Co., Japanese Culture Visit, All Nippon Airways Co., and Japan Airlines International Co..3 By partnering with these companies, Toyko shows that this is where the professionals are. These partners show that you are in good hands when it comes to all areas of travel when visiting Tokyo.
1 last accessed on 2009-12-07
2 last accessed on 2009-12-07
3 last accessed on 2009-12-07
Environmental Issues . 15
In Kyoto, the Kyoto Tourism Council is in cooperation with many tourism industry partners. These partnerships include: Kyoto City Tourist Association, Kyoto City Government, Westin Miyako Hotel, Hyatt Regency Kyoto, Japan Ryokan Association, Japan Airlines International Co., All Nippon Airways Co., Central Japan Railway Co., JTB, Nippon Travel Agency, and the Kyoto Handicraft Center to name a few.1
9 Environmental Issues
In 2008, the C40 Tokyo Conference on Climate Change was held on October 22nd – 24th.2 32 cities participated and 13 Joint Actions for the adaptation to the impacts of climate change were agreed to be executed.3 This conference changed the way that Tokyo looked at the environment. After the conference, 13 Joint Actions were put in place. These actions include urban development to save energy and reduce waste, change in lifestyles to control heating and cooling temperatures, monitoring of forest fires, promotion of water leakage prevention, expand reuse of waste water, promote flood risk management, establish evacuation information for disasters, climate adaptation, review of eating habits such as mass production and disposal, worldwide food issues, fostering organic production, developing heatwave plans for urban areas, and promoting information exchange on infectious diseases.4 All of these joint
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Environment . 16
actions are aiding in creating a safer, more environmentally friendly city for tourists to visit.
Similarly, in 1997, the COP3 (UN Convention on Climate Change) was held in Kyoto, during which, the Kyoto Protocol was implemented.1 This included a Biodiesel Fuel Production Project which was the first of its kind in Japan. This project involved using cooking oil from local houses and converting it into fuel for cities garbage trucks and city buses. This cut waste, reduced CO2 emissions, created a lower volume of sulfur oxides in exhaust, and promoted citizen awareness through recycling and local collaborative activities.2 In 2004, the Kyoto City Global Warming Countermeasures Ordinance was held. This was also the first of its kind in Japan. This Ordinance set aside measures to help reduce green house gas emissions by 10% from 1990 to 2010.3 In January 2009, Kyoto was named one of the 13 “Eco Model Cities” by the Japanese Government.4 These measures are aiding in promoting Kyoto as a nature friendly city where the environment comes first.
10 Conclusion
As we have seen, Tokyo and Kyoto possess many similarities and differences
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Conclusion . 17
when it comes to tourism marketing and development in Japan. Tokyo uses its
marketing concepts, strategy, promotions, and environmental concerns to
attract an upscale, business oriented tourist. While also promoting a vibrant, luxurious city, Tokyo has also begun to cater more towards budget travelers and those looking for culture as well as entertainment.1 Kyoto uses its marketing concepts, strategy, and promotions to attract a more culturally focused tourist on a year round basis. While also promoting Kyoto as a cultural destination, the Tourism Council has begun to show tourists the other side of the city which includes state of the art infrastructure, shopping, and accommodation.2 As both cities work their way towards a more middle ground stance with regards to tourism marketing, hopefully there will be an increase in international tourists as intended and also higher profits for the respective cities.
1 last accessed on 2009-12-02
2 last accessed on 2009-12-06
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PR Newswire. (2005). 'Kyoto Winter Special 2009'. Available: http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/agent/citypromotion/mailnewsletter/mn_17.html. Last accessed 1 November 2009.
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last updated on 2002-02-15
last updated on 2009-09-01
