SECTION FIVE

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COLUMN SIXTY-ONE, JULY 1, 2001
(Copyright © 2001 The Blacklisted Journalist)

LETTER FROM CHINA
10-DAY LECTURE TOUR

I had a wonderful 10-day lecture trip to Anhui province upon the invitation of Anqing Normal College from April 18 to May 1, focusing on the Beat Generation. My lectures to English majors there were, as you can imagine, quite a success.

Anqing, well known for its rich historical and cultural significance in ancient and modern China, is not as big as Hefei---the capital city of Anhui, where I stayed this time for two days. My impression of Hefei--- in comparison with other large cities in China---is very good, judging by its cleanliness and its well kept natural surroundings.

See, Chengdu, where I live, for example, is also in China. Hefei looks much more prosperous than it looked when I last saw it eight years ago. The city is more


'The most charming
of all the famous mountain views
in China'


commercialized, with tall buildings and newly developed suburban areas. Still, the taxi fare is the lowest of all the provincial capital cities, and I found the expenses here very reasonable, including food and lodging.

Anhui people are in general hospitable, frank and sincere. I also climbed for the first time my Huanshan Mountain. I 'd like to say that in the rain, Huanshan is the most charming of all the famous mountain views in China. One feature is that you cannot find the temples of Buddhism and Taoism that can be easily seen in other such mountainscapes as Omei in Sichuan or Wutai in Shangshi. Huanshan Mountain’s unique landscape is replete with different types and species of pine trees.  They just make one think of Nature as such a gifted creator of life.

I'm happy to know from Gerry Nicosia that his new book, Home To War, is another success. Yes, such a book can stir people in and out of America to think of the country’s past mistakes. If possible, I am to introduce the book to China---at least in my book.

Jack's On The Road scroll auction is under way. What do you think of the matter? In my opinion, the scroll should go to a public library no matter who buy it---for the benefit of the public, in particular Jack Kerouac fans and beat scholars as well. But I doubt such a thing can be done in your money-hungry society.

I do believe that the Beat vision/philosophy is eternal and already has proven that it can transcend time and space.

5/14.2001  ##

                                                       

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