------Program code: DO-080804-01054 (what's this?)
Source: CCTV.com
08-04-2008 08:51
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Beijing, is a cultural city that possesses more than 3,000 years of history, in the last 600 years, 26 emperors have called Beijing home.
The older of its citizens living just outside what was once the city walls of the old imperial city still preserve and embody what it means to be a beijinger, more specifically their forms of entertainment and life pleasures
Song Jin Qing, is 56 years old this year. Every morning he brings his equipment to the Temple of Heaven, located very near to his home. In these parts, he is a celebrity.
The long corridor coming from the east gate that was once used by the emperor to view and admire the gardens. This corridor is a place to get out of the wind and rain as well as being a convenient place to rest. Now, it is the liveliest place in the park.
Here in the temple of heaven, Mr. Song is one of the best Erhu players. Because of his superb playing, he has brought a great reputation to the small band.
In the last few years, China has gradually become an aging society, a large part of the population being senior citizens. The elderly are more willing to get together with their friends and have fun.
The Temple of Heaven park is oriented to elderly Beijingers who prefer a lively lifestyle. For those who still prefer a quieter, and more peaceful atmosphere, there’s still Bei Hai park.
Bei Hai park has gone through a gradual construction that spans five Chinese dynasties. Bei Hai park is quieter, and more comfortable than the Temple of Heaven.
Ren Zhencang has a calligraphy brush in a class all its own. Whenever he shows up in Bei Hai park, he becomes the focus of attention of all passers by.
Mr. Ren was once a technician in a clock factory; he has three daughter, all married and with careers. Like with most Chinese families, the children usually only visit and get together with their parents during weekends or national holidays. He spends most of his time with his wife at home.
After he retired, his life became very relaxed and easy. At first, his neighbors advised him to try raising some birds or get involved in literature. Mr. Ren, however, is a lover of peace and quiet. He loves staying home and doing calligraphy, enjoying the different movements and feelings that come from writing different characters.
Calligraphy is a traditional Chinese art, which nurtures one’s moral character and health. It is an art favored by older people who prefer taking part in more toned down activities.
In the last few years it has become popular among the elderly in Beijing to do calligraphy on the ground. This style of writing big characters is a way of taking traditional Chinese calligraphy outdoors, where the one can not only breathe fresh air, but can also get a workout.
As a result, he decided to make his own special kind of brush, a brush the likes of which had never been seen. At first, he came up with different designs and materials. He tried using hair from different animals and strips of cloth, but due to their weak level of absorbance, he gave up, and continued searching for a more suitable material.
One day while fixing his sofa, he discovered sponge padding inside the couch. It was then that he began to wonder - perhaps this padding would work in his brush. He took his couch apart, and used it to make a brush. As it turned out, he had made the perfect choice; the brush had excellent absorbance and was extremely easy to use.
When Mr. Ren and his brush make an appearance; everybody looks on with admiration.
