China News Stories

China is often called the "sleeping giant"--well, judging by the looks of this fine video reported by kids, with their peers in mind, it's wide awake now. Eight 2-3 minute segments exploring various facets of life in contemporary China provide a colorful and fascinating portrait of a country that remains somewhat mysterious to most Westerners. The segments were shot on location in Chengde and Beijing, with interviews with English-speaking Chinese kids providing great local commentary (most bits are scripted, but there are amusing moments: in the "Food" segment, for example, a kid is heard to exclaim, "it tastes like KFC!"). Some sections highlight differences between Western and Asian cultures--"Transportation" points out the popularity of bicycles; while others, such as "School" or "Free Time," plainly demonstrate that kids are kids, no matter what country they call home. The format makes it easy to incorporate this video into any social studies or geography curriculum. Warmly recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)