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As the internationalization of Chengdu continues, increasingly more foreigners are coming to the city for travel, work, or other reasons. Many of them actively attend all kinds of local activitites or ceremonies, with some devoting themselves to the city and its efforts to promote itself. From this week onwards, we begin a new column“We’re in Chengdu”to show you what local foreigners are doing and where they will go.
Promoting the Leisure Culture of Chengdu
The Sichuan Leisure Culture Studies (SLCS) organization was officially launched last week with a grand opening ceremony at the five star Jinjiang Hotel in downtown Chengdu. Five foreign guests, Warren Rodwell (Australian, University Teacher and Journalist), Dr William Ellis (American, Teacher of Sichuan Universty), Dustin Mills (American, Sales Manager of Maxxelli Real Estate Chengdu), John Bergen (American, Explosives Engineer, Chengdu) & his wife (Chinese Medical Doctor), and Vincenzo Montenero (Italian, Mechanical Engineer, Zigong) & his wife (Tippawan Montenero from Thailand), were invited to present at the opening ceremony. Professors on leisure research and other dignitaries from across the nation were also at present.
Warren Rodwellwas asked to give address at the opening ceremony. The audience of two hundred, including important government officals including 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 also presented a Chengdu guide book edited by him, to SLCS. He 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.
During a banquet lunch 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 Sichuan Opera, which left many wondering about the secret behind the fascinating changing faces’routine. The next day, invitees visited the Dujiangyan Water Project & the old Chengdu cultural soul of Wenshu Temple.
SLSC chairman Li Guangcheng 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. while, the local foreigners participation shows the internationlized ideal of SLSC
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