I’ve been traveling nonstop for two days and finally have a moment to share some thoughts. Last time I was here was 26 years ago. Needless to say things are quite different. It is hard to describe how much building and modernization has happened in the last 20 years - especially the last 10 years. I expected to see lots of new construction mixed with the old architecture of Beijing - in actuality it’s all new.

You have to really go deep into the center of the old city to see remnants of old China…there are hundreds maybe even thousands of new high rises everywhere. It is a very western city - much more than I expected.

I had a chance to meet with some folks from the high tech industry - could have had the same discussion in Silicon Valley. Lots of startups - lots of entrepreneurs looking to make their dreams come true - and cash in on the boom happening here in China.

Everything here is in overdrive as the city of Beijing prepares for the 2008 Olympics. Construction crews are working 24 by 7 trying to meet the Olympic deadlines. It’s hard to believe they will get it all done. One of the more interesting moments was standing in the center of Tiananmen Square looking at the large famous picture of Mao on one side and the very commercial Olympic neon sign counting down the days until the opening of the Olympic ceremonies. Quite the juxtaposition.

We’re off to Shanghai today - leaving what is often compared as the Washington D.C. of China and heading to the New York City equivalent. More on pollution – shopping - western influence later.

2008 olympics, barbara bates, beijing, china, Eastwick Communications, entrepreneurs, International Culture, tiananmen square

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