The streets are swept and litter is removed from every city street.
Most Chinese cities are clean. Yes, that's right, Chinese cities are clean. Some may still claim that the air is polluted. Sometimes that is true. But so was LA in the 80's. In fact, the smog was so bad back then that sometimes it was hard to see. And China is still a third world country. It's ironic that we judge them on their air pollution when we were just as bad as a first world country. The point is that the pollution has vastly improved over the last decade. The Chinese government is committed to being on the forefront of environmental responsibility.
In terms of cleanliness, I am referring more to the lack of litter. The streets and sidewalks are cleared of each cigarette butt or gum wrapper as soon as it is dropped. This is the benefit of a Communist society where the government employs all citizens. This is the also the benefit of having such an enormous population. There are people sweeping the streets, and picking up trash, on almost every block. The cleanliness is palpable and shocking to most Americans who assume that Chinese cities are littered and dirty.
There are parks all over Chinese cities. Regardless of where one lives or stays, there is a neighborhood park within walking distance. The parks serve a few purposes. First of all, trees remove CO2 from the air and create oxygen. Of course, the trees, along with the beautiful plants and flowers, also serve to offer a respite from city life. The government values this and invests heavily in creating and maintaining green space. Finally, the parks serve to create a sense of community. In the morning before work and in the evening, after work, there are hundreds of local people walking, jogging, doing Tai-chi, line dancing, singing, playing instruments, doing calligraphy and painting. Most parks have an adult "playground" with exercise equipment for the elder generation to get together, talk and move their bodies around. The Americans with whom I travel often comment on how lovely it would be if we had this "park community" in our cities and towns.
Join me on a Chow Fun tour and see the cleanliness and sense of community that Chinese cities boast!
In terms of cleanliness, I am referring more to the lack of litter. The streets and sidewalks are cleared of each cigarette butt or gum wrapper as soon as it is dropped. This is the benefit of a Communist society where the government employs all citizens. This is the also the benefit of having such an enormous population. There are people sweeping the streets, and picking up trash, on almost every block. The cleanliness is palpable and shocking to most Americans who assume that Chinese cities are littered and dirty.
There are parks all over Chinese cities. Regardless of where one lives or stays, there is a neighborhood park within walking distance. The parks serve a few purposes. First of all, trees remove CO2 from the air and create oxygen. Of course, the trees, along with the beautiful plants and flowers, also serve to offer a respite from city life. The government values this and invests heavily in creating and maintaining green space. Finally, the parks serve to create a sense of community. In the morning before work and in the evening, after work, there are hundreds of local people walking, jogging, doing Tai-chi, line dancing, singing, playing instruments, doing calligraphy and painting. Most parks have an adult "playground" with exercise equipment for the elder generation to get together, talk and move their bodies around. The Americans with whom I travel often comment on how lovely it would be if we had this "park community" in our cities and towns.
Join me on a Chow Fun tour and see the cleanliness and sense of community that Chinese cities boast!
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