Eco-terrorism in Zhangjiajie
A quick rant about tourist behaviour in China. They’re nothing but a bunch of authorised eco-terrorists who bring disharmony and disrespect to areas of natural beauty. If the sign says DON’T FEED THE MONKEYS or NO SMOKING, then that’s what it means; if a litter bin is two feet to your left, why toss your garbage down the forested slopes of the picuresque valley on your right that you’ve just taken a picture of?
When it comes to environmental awareness and respect for a shared space, Chinese tourists are way behind the curve. Rant over.
The stark cliffs and peaks of both Zhangjiajie and Tianmen Shan don’t disappoint. Both provide awesome scenery and thrills (for the acrophobic, at least) in abundance. I was very impressed with the overall standard of facilities (tasteful and in keeping for the most part) and the work that must have gone into getting those facilities to their inaccessible locations.
Recommendation: always, ALWAYS choose the road less traveled when visiting national parks in China.
Thankfully, tour guides are not in the habit of risking one of their charges breaking a limb for which they or their companies may pay heavily. These flag-waving, megaphone happy ‘me first’ thugs and their entourages stick to the well beaten path, leaving the serious seekers of natural beauty the tranquility of nature as it should be enjoyed. Consequently, we’ve seen some breathtaking scenery without having views impeded by ignorant flag followers.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Thats something that really pisses me off as well.
My wife, is similar. I keep on telling her not to feed to dog, not to feed the f#$(#$ dog (except obviously proper dog food). But she still does - I know because it is getting friggin fat.
In some ways Chinese are about as socially developed, and crass (replacing that 7 year old kid with one deemed more ‘cute’ was absolutely abhorrent) as 13 year olds.
It is a lack of civic virtues. That is why China still needs a few decades before it can implement true democracy. See Stuart, the average citizenry can’t even obey simple instructions not to feed the monkeys - and you think they will cast their vote for the best person to lead the country, over the guy that offers the most unrealistic enticements?
Chinese government, like the Singapore government, understands how to rule Chinese - with an iron rod. China needs democracy now like a one needs a hole in the head.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:13 am
Mongol Warrior - long time, no hear!
“China needs democracy now like a one needs a hole in the head.”
I actually agree with this, although I find it very disappointing.
Hope you’re getting some decent Olympic coverage wherever you are. I’d give CCTV 6/10 so far.