I was having dinner with a high school classmate who was in Shanghai for holiday. His family immigrated to the US four years ago to fulfill his father’s American dream. As I know his father was a respectful professor in Shanghai, I was shocked to hear that he is now working as a truck driver in America. “Oh! I thought he was teaching at college … Continue reading Occupational discrimination on choosing spouses
The Supreme People’s Court recently has issued new marriage law that states the priority principle of personal property. The house purchased before marriage is labeled as personal property, which changes the traditional concept of marriage in China. Based on Chinese tradition, a house stands for stability. Most girls wouldn’t marry a guy if he couldn’t afford a house. In most cases, purchasing a house before … Continue reading Marrying for love or house?
I remember in 2001, urban planners in Shanghai initiated the “One City, Nine Towns” project, which aimed to decentralize the city by building nine unique satellite towns modeled after cities from other countries. With the help of these wonderful architects from all over the world, it seems like we can walk along Thames River or grasp romantic feelings in Madrid without even leaving Shanghai. Unfortunately, … Continue reading Changes required in Shanghai’s Thames Town
My friend Tommy owns a small coffee shop near a college campus in Shanghai. As I was in his shop the other day, I noticed he hired a few more newbies this month. He explained, “They are college students who will graduate this month. They are here working for free for a month and I will sign the employment agreement with them in return,” his … Continue reading Graduates said to be employed
Weddings are highly valued in the traditional Chinese mind-set. However, they also put lots of pressure on children, especially those of us who were born in the 1980s. More and more people from this generation are seeking greater independence when it comes to planning their weddings. As a member of that generation, I can say that this reflects the change in our views about love … Continue reading A wedding for the parents
When East Meets West 