A Chinese prescription for Venice's woes
- Source: Global Times
- [02:55 November 16 2009]
- Comments
By Chen Chenchen
Venetians held a mock funeral Saturday for their city, the once bustling and glorious trading center of the Adriatic. A red coffin, symbolizing the death of Venice, was escorted through the Grand Canal by three gondolas.
The city's permanent population has been dropping for decades and recently declined to less than 60,000 people. Sky-high rent, unbearable property prices and limited job opportunities have led to an exodus of native-born inhabitants. Those remaining deplore the prospect of Venice, flooded by day-trippers, ending up a ghost town by night.
"The death of Venice is not just a problem for Italy, it's a problem for the whole world," said Matteo Secchi, one of the funeral's organizers.
Meanwhile, across the ocean, another ancient civilization is under siege, as China grapples with urbanization.
However, the Chinese do not live in sadness everyday. In a bid to stimulate the GDP, why not simply remove blighted districts and build skyscrapers and flyovers instead? Isn't "tradition" just a small concern in the face of modern life?
Just two or three decades ago, going from China's north to the south was still like traveling back in time: One might find paper-cutting workshops of the early 20th century around Beijing, and pavilions with even older ornaments further south.
But the fierce tides of a developing economy since the 1980s have left few such places untouched. Run-down ditches and cracks on old ridgepoles couldn't attract investment, and modern infrastructure required ancient city layouts to be overhauled. A fundamental method emerged: demolishing everything inconsistent with new blueprints.
In Beijing, the quads and old city walls disappeared overnight, clearing the way for the current super-modern city structure. Among the luxurious skyscrapers, old-style spots like Nanluoguxiang have been rebuilt. Now, the exotic fragrance of coffee spreads through alleys decorated with ancient Chinese porcelains and lanterns. What a gorgeous scene, blending both East and West! Everyone here is only more proud of Beijing.
This probably sounds incredible to Venetians. But in China, it has been a deliberate process since the very beginning.
Venetians should consider removing the shabby piazzas and gondolas to build a city like New York City, Shanghai and so on. Italy will still be Italy whether Venice is a lost city or a brand new one. Besides, it won't be hard to make the ancient Venice reappear. With deeper pockets in the future, the local government can make a magic replica of "La Serenissima."
This is just my personal recommendation, which may not be enjoyed by those firmly standing for ancient city preservation.
Smart Venetians can perhaps find another method that not only preserves the old city in its original state, but makes people stay and live a happy life as well. Let's wait and see!
