LETTERS

Last year my Chinese husband and I spent Chinese New Year in Jiangxi Province with his family. The article in your February “Celebrating the Chinese New Year” was consequently of particular interest， as it helped me to recapture the ambience of the Chinese countryside at that time. Another report described the firework display on the banks of the Hudson River， which was more spectacular by far than any I saw in the Jiangxi countryside. I never imagined such a show would take place in New York， or that the Empire State Building would stage a light show！ I hope that one day we might see this splendid celebration in France too！ Or maybe we should tour China Town at Spring Festival and see what we can find there！

Justine Bully

France

I am an English language student， and have been reading your magazine since entering university. At first my sole aim was to improve my English by enlarging my vocabulary and learning authentic English expressions. I was pleasantly surprised to find that your reports are extremely edifying， and also showcase Chinese culture. For instance， the special report “Stories from Chinese Rural Life” opens a panorama of Chinese villages and small towns in rural areas， and their diverse， colorful culture. It was also fascinating to read how the Internet complements life in Wuzhen. This tranquil water town exemplifies the balance China has achieved between tradition and modernity. I imagine foreign visitors would far rather spend time in small towns than metropolises， since they rarely feature in Western media.

Cui Yue

China

I am a Chinese overseas student. I believe your special report on Chinas railways provides important information for both foreigners and overseas Chinese. My foreign friends are interested in Chinas rapid development， especially since implementation of the reform and opening-up policy， and are keen to know the secrets of this rising power and how its peoples lives have changed since then. The black and white pictures published in your magazine and accompanying stories paint a vivid picture of Chinas 100-year history of railway development and the people who were part of it. High-speed railways constructed abroad link the hearts of our continents！ Thanks for all your work in letting us better understand our motherland and making other countries draw closer to todays China.

Xu Ting

Germany