Republic of China Culture Wakens in Former Capital, January 2013

Republic of China culture wakens in former capital - CNN.comhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/22/world/asia/china-nanji...

EDITION: INTERNATIONAL TV:

CNNi

U.S.

MÉXICO

ARABIC

Sign up

Log in

CNN en EspaĂąol

Set edition preference

Home

Video

World

U.S.

Africa

Asia

Europe

Latin America

Middle East

Business

World Sport

Republic of China culture wakens in former capital

Entertainment

Tech

Travel

iReport

SHARE THIS Print Email More sharing

By Tracy You, for CNN January 23, 2013 -- Updated 0358 GMT (1158 HKT)

Celebrating a bygone era <<

<

1

2

3

4

HIDE CAPTION

5

STORY HIGHLIGHTS Nanjing, a city of 8 million in eastern China, was previously the Chinese capital Chiang Kai-shek headquartered his nationalist Kuomintang government here until 1949 Now the city is making a comeback thanks to its links with its republican past Tourists flock here to sample the food, music and culture of this era

>

Nanjing, China (CNN) -- Nanjing, a city of 8 million in eastern China, is the capital of the coastal Jiangsu Province.

But some 80 years ago it was the capital of China.

The revolutionary Sun Yat-sen founded the Republic of China (ROC) here in 1912 after playing an instrumental role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty, the last of the Imperial eras in China.

Sun's successor, Chiang Kai-shek, headquartered his nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) government here from 1927 until the Communist Party pushed them from the mainland in 1949 and moved the capital north to Beijing.

Read: Consuming China's Cultural Revolution in Beijing This gave Nanjing, whose name literally means the "southern capital," something of an identity crisis.

But 64 years after the end of the KMT's rule, the city seems to have found its place again as a legacy of Minguo, or the Republic of China. From tourism to dining to real estate, many Nanjing businesses are selling themselves with a nod to the former capital's nationalist past.

The city's main center of nightlife, known simply as 1912, is named and themed after the founding year of the Republic.

Located a stone's throw from the KMT's Presidential Palace, century-old villas are revamped and dolled-up to house bars and restaurants. The complex boasts of its "classic Minguo cultural significance" on its website.

Walking around the city's commercial center, Xinjiekou, it's common to see billboards and video screens advertising new real estate known for its "Minguo flavor."

Yihe Road was the city's Legation Quarter in the early 20th century

1 of 4

>>

Part of complete coverage on

China Anger, uncertainty for relatives March 21, 2014 -- Updated 0448 GMT (1248 HKT)

As the days drag on, tempers understandably begin to fray.

For the relatives of those lost on Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, frustrations have been mounting.

First ladies Obama, Peng March 19, 2014 -- Updated 0551 GMT (1351 HKT)

These two ladies are married to the leaders of the two most powerful countries in the world.

Michelle Obama and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan will meet in Beijing this week.

Schools accused in drugging March 19, 2014 -- Updated 0936 GMT (1736 HKT)

Kindergartens in three Chinese provinces are accused of giving prescription drugs to children without their parents' knowledge, according to Xinhua.

'Baby hatch' overwhelmed March 18, 2014 -- Updated 1305 GMT (2105 HKT)

2014/3/23 20:19

Republic of China culture wakens in former capital - CNN.comhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/22/world/asia/china-nanji... and is lined up with distinctive Minguo-style architecture -- exquisite and painstakingly intricate Chinese carvings decorate the otherwise European faรงade.

The quiet 500-meter strip has in recent years been renovated by authorities to resemble its former Republican glory.

While culture-lovers swarm here to trace Nanjing's olden-day charms, university graduates are often seen taking graduation photos in retro Republican-style outfits. Instead of run-of-the-mill black robes, male students don Chinese tunic suits, known as Sun Yat-sen suits, while females wear ocean-blue, wrap-up tops and black cotton skirts.

Enthusiasm for this era has also provided the most unlikely of job opportunities in China.

The government really made the biggest bounds, greatest developments and smartest innovations in what was called the Nanking Decade from 1927 to 1937.

Frank Hossack, Nanjing resident

Xu Jinshui, 46, is a professional impersonator of Chiang -a controversial figure for many mainlanders. During the day he stands like a wax figure outside the Presidential Palace. Fully Chiang-costumed, Xu charges tourists for taking photos with him.

By night, the quiet Zhejiang native ushers in guests at Ming Du Hui, a Minguo-themed restaurant, still dressed as Chiang.

One of China's controversial "baby hatches" has been forced to shut down, at least temporarily.

Days pass, no word of loved ones March 13, 2014 -- Updated 0621 GMT (1421 HKT)

For the families of passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the wait for news is agonizing.

Defending China's 'Great Firewall' March 11, 2014 -- Updated 0835 GMT (1635 HKT)

China plans to hold special courses to train government leaders in ways of managing online public opinion, according to a report in state-run media.

'Chinese dream' a fantasy or reality?

"If we want to introduce the Minguo Cuisine to the public, we need to throw in a related experience," explains general manager Lv Xinhe. "Chiang Kai-shek is a famous character and people know about him."

The 150-seat restaurant, whose per-head bill averages RMB 300 (US$48), serves food that was popular with nationalist officials. The menu includes yellow croaker soup, which was said to be Chiang's favorite, and May-ling Soong's Steak, a meat dish designed by Chiang's wife.

The local communist government seems to encourage the cultural comeback.

According to Shen Jiahua, the president of Nanjing Dining Chamber of Commerce, the authorities have endeavored to popularize Republican food since 2011. A dozen restaurants in the city have been certified to carry the "Minguo Big Cuisine." "[What we do is] to pass on the dining culture of Nanjing and create a unique culinary signature of the city," says Shen.

The well-groomed 56-year-old former soldier owns Yushang Xunfu, a 4,000-square-meter Nanjing restaurant devoted to researching, developing and cooking the cuisine, which comprise the prevailing governmental dishes of the time.

Each of the establishment's 27 dishes is coupled with an interesting historical anecdote, often linked with influential KMT leaders, such as Sun and Bai Chongxi, a noted Hui-Muslim nationalist General.

Shen spent approximately RMB 40 million (US$6.4 million) decorating the restaurant, which features colossal crystal chandeliers. The clientele are mostly businessmen, government employees and military officials.

March 14, 2014 -- Updated 0430 GMT (1230 HKT)

Is China a land of opportunities, or land of anger and despair? Tao Xie weighs in.

Hong Kong's parody Communist rally March 11, 2014 -- Updated 0204 GMT (1004 HKT)

Just call it the Fake Leap Forward: Hong Kongers dressed in Mao suits to protest increasing mainland Chinese influence in their city.

Hong Kong wary of Chinese shoppers March 7, 2014 -- Updated 0719 GMT (1519 HKT)

For some local Hong Kongers, the local economy is being geared to the needs of cashed-up Chinese day-trippers, rather than locals.

Is China backing Russia?

March 6, 2014 -- Updated 1027 GMT (1827 HKT)

Vladimir Putin is seeking China's support in Russia's standoff with Western powers over Ukraine.

'Great wall' of discrimination March 8, 2014 -- Updated 0559 GMT (1359 HKT)

Despite the country's improving economy, women in China still face rampant discrimination.

WeChat: The hot new Chinese app "Commercial gimmicks are perhaps the most obvious part of [this Republican cultural comeback], and it is best and most easily manifested through cuisine," says media producer and culture consultant Frank Hossack.

Hossack, 43, came to China in 1993. The Scot has lived in Nanjing for the past decade and now edits, among other things, Englishlanguage magazine The Nanjinger.

This specific period attracts the locals because, according to him, it was when "the government really made the biggest bounds, greatest developments and smartest innovations in what was called the Nanking Decade from 1927 to 1937."

Hossack also regards the nostalgic trend as a reflection of Nanjing's

2 of 4

February 27, 2014 -- Updated 0824 GMT (1624 HKT)

What's the story with WeChat, the messaging app taking China by storm?

Reform tops congress agenda As China's annual parliamentary meetings kick off, Beijing gauges progress on key economic reforms outlined last year.

'China shouldn't fear its people' February 28, 2014 -- Updated 0501 GMT (1301 HKT)

2014/3/23 20:19

Republic of China culture wakens in former capital - CNN.comhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/22/world/asia/china-nanji... desire to find a new identity, when the provincial capital is often eclipsed by nearby Shanghai, which is a 90-minute train ride to the southeast.

Chinese magazine Fan Yue Ri Li defined the Republican culture, or the "Republican feeling," as an "aristocratic spirit." In one article, the publication argued that modern China needed this lost essence because, for one reason, "the general social customs, taste and language are becoming coarse and vulgar."

The lengthy essay was later re-posted on the web edition of the state-run People's Daily.

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke speaks to CNN about his time in China.

Property bubble stalls urban dream February 26, 2014 -- Updated 0449 GMT (1249 HKT)

Limited investment options in China means real estate has been a popular choice for consumers looking to expand their portfolios.

"To some extent, it shows people partly recognize that era's values," says ROC culture specialist Chen Weixin.

Although Chen declines to point out the specific values, a general consensus among the Chinese public and media is that Republican times often embody openness, diversity, freedom and democracy,

China's iconic skintight dress March 20, 2014 -- Updated 0955 GMT (1755 HKT)

It's sexy, sophisticated, skintight, and started as a Chinese feminist statement.

Here's the story of China's "cheongsam"

As an architect focusing on Republican times, 42-year-old Chen has been involved in the restoration of many Minguo buildings, including part of the Presidential Palace.

"On the other hand, it shows that people are connecting with their culture and history," he adds.

"Here on the mainland, [a certain incident in] history caused a disruption to the passing of the traditional culture, but the Republican culture was in line with it," he continues. "That's why people resonate with that era's culture."

According to Chen, the Republican culture never went extinct in Nanjing after 1949, even though it did diminish. The city's layout till today is based on the "Capital Plan," a blueprint drafted by the nationalist government from 1930-1937.

As Chiang's wife, May-ling Soong, once said: "We live in the present, we dream of the future and we learn eternal truths from the past."

This may well explain Nanjing's obsession with its Republican past.

SHARE THIS

47

Print Email

Comments Âť

More sharing

We recommend

Most Popular Today's five most popular stories

Search for missing Malaysian airliner turns up no new debris sightings Turkey shoots down Syrian warplane, Prime Minister Erdogan says NATO concerned over Russian army buildup on Ukraine border Washington landslide: At least 18 unaccounted for, fire chief says India beats the odds, beats polio

More from CNN Video Is THAT really the plane?

Was MH370 a 'zombie' plane?

Will India soon be free from polio?

Delta plane loses wing panel during flight

Australian leader cites 'credible leads' as Flight 370 search resumes

Stephen Colbert gives controversial security conference talk

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant has epic win

From around the web

Challenge of searching the Indian Ocean

More from CNN Deadly giant hornets kill 42 people in China

Missing Malaysian jet: The latest thinking The Secret Way to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Luxury hotels (Hotels Panel)

Will China rule the waves?

Infographic: Reversing the Berlin Wall

(Nikkei Asian Review)

(TradingFloor.com)

Why switching banks is good for your bank balance (Money Dashboard) Recommended by

One man's quiet reckoning on Flight 370: Wife's 'goodness counts for something'

From Around the Web Hypersonic missile boosts Chinese confidence Nikkei Asian Review

3 of 4

2014/3/23 20:19

Republic of China culture wakens in former capital - CNN.comhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/22/world/asia/china-nanji...

Sponsored links Taking Statin drugs?

Walk Where Jesus Walked

Research Study enrolling Participants. Learn more here. clinlife.co.uk/High_Cholesterol

Follow him to the place where he first said "follow me" walkwherejesuswalked.com

Compress your PDF files

Huge reduction on PDF file sizes.

Free trial available. Download now! neuxpower.com/compress-pdf

Manchester United fanzine reports major dressing room bust-up GiveMeSport Recommended by

Home | Video | World | U.S. | Africa | Asia | Europe | Latin America | Middle East | Business | World Sport | Entertainment | Tech | Travel | iReport Tools & Widgets | RSS | Podcasts | Blogs | CNN Mobile | My Profile | E-mail Alerts | CNN Shop | Site map | CNN Partner Hotels

© 2014 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of service | Privacy guidelines | Ad choices

4 of 4

| Advertise with us | License our content | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help

CNN en ESPAÑOL | CNN Chile | CNN México | ‫| ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ‬

日本語 | Türkçe

CNN TV | HLN | Transcripts

2014/3/23 20:19