The high-speed train from Beijing eases into Shenzhen, within metres
of the Hong Kong border. For any passenger in doubt, a huge sign on the terminal building says Shenzhen railway station in
bold calligraphy. It was penned by Deng Xiaoping, the late paramaount leader who took a keen interest in China's first special
economic zone.
Changzhou
The Guardian, May 30 2002
The city of Changzhou calls
itself a "bright pearl in the Yangtze delta", not because of its natural beauty - the green paddy fields in the suburbs have
long since been built over, but because of its "comprehensive economic strength".
Hangzhou
The Guardian, November 5, 2002
Huang Qiuling, a former farmer who is now one of the 50 richest entrepreneurs
in China, quotes Confucius in support of his leisure empire in the ancient capital of Hangzhou. The Master apparently said
that he preferred to enjoy beautiful scenery and sing songs than to become a government official.