Photo of Rush Hours

Since long time I have the suspicion that political reform in China goes through both parties.

I just finished two excellent books on the founding of modern in China. The first is "Chiang Kai-shek and the China he lost" by Jonathan Fenby. It is based on his life and all from the Nationalist point of view. It is a insightful look at Chiang and his battle against Mao for who would lead China. The other book I am reading now is "Mao the Unknown Story" by Jung Chang. This is written as a biography of Mao's life and his quest for power.

Ms. Chang has a classic book about China called "Wild Swans". It is a must read and was a best seller. All that being said she is not a fan of Mao and her new book" The Untold Story" is clearly written from that perspective. It goes against almost all the tradition histories about Mao's life and looks to dispell many of the myths around Mao. I am not sure its availiable in the Mainland. However between the two books it provides the reader an excellent perspective of the two men that created Modern China.

There is a quote in Fenby's book that was very telling he asked his translator what he thought if Chiang and not Mao had won. His reply was that China today would be basically the same only ten of millions of people would be alive today that had died under Mao's Programs.

If you have interest in Modern China these two books have the background. Mao and Chiang's rivalry and enmity for each other continues to this day with the China vs Taiwan tensions. There are many elements that undermined Chiang's government that exist in China today. It could be said that post Mao China has seen such advancement because they implemented Chiang's vision as can be seen in Taiwan and not Mao's.

@Nick, I read about the book "Mao" - very different from the traditional text book. I was amazed that the same fact (same dates of events) can be told two very different version of stories.

I will try to read the Chiang Kai-shek story.

Not having a chance to watch the movie yet, I cannot help wondering how many people dies in the feature film, and how many lives were taken in history during "the founding of a republic", and why.

My comment is regarding Shanghai's horrific traffic. I don't know why you said it's the "Bonus" of living in the city which seems to have a positive connotation. There are many pros and cons of Shanghai, and I think the biggest con is its horric traffic, which is forever jammed from 7AM to 9PM. Neither the drivers nor the pedestrians observed traffic rules. Cars don't give pedestrians right of way even at intersections or at zebra crossings. Finally, I do what the locals do - jaywalking by stopping in half way , clear the other direction's traffice, then proceed on. I think the biggest fear City of Shanghai should be how to ease the traffic.

@TW, that "bonus" is obviously an enantiosis. JS showed his humor again.

Glad I dont have to commute in that traffice everyday. Thanks for posting the photos they look great