Olympic Games 2008

China Cups and Country by Steve Thomas

China has perhaps one of the most beautiful, most historic and most immense cultures in the world. China is home to almost 1.5 billion people with an almost equal distribution of males and females. The political affiliation of China has caused a lot of pressure from other countries. China is one of the last communist countries. Land and water mass totals nearly 10 million square kilometres, China is almost as large as the United States.

The history associated with China is rich and filled with knowledge. Being such an old civilization, China has am enormous number of citizens. This large number of people has resulted in a story involving population control that the world has watched unfold. China has a one-child policy. Only one child per family is allowed to those falling under China citizenship. This controversial policy has made China into one of the oldest nations in the world: China has a huge, growing population of people over the age of 70.

The majority of the income of China is made through the exportation of goods to other countries. Only a small number of Chinese citizens are actual farmers. Over the centuries, China has depleted a majority of the country natural resources. In addition, China has a growing pollution problem and suffers from the deterioration of the surrounding environment. This problem is exaggerated by the exponential growth of the population when compounded with the exponential degradation of the soil. This is one of the reasons for the poverty limit being over 10%.

In 1733, in another part of the world, Josiah Spode was born into a pauper’s life. His father taught him a trade that would serve him well after his father’s death when Josiah Spode was only 6 years old. However, this death only seemed to inspire the young Spode. Spode became an apprentice to one of the most reputable potters of that day. There, Spode would stay until his 21st birthday. Shortly after, Spode would start his own business. Perhaps the greatest legacy Spode left for the world today was his discovery of the recipe for Fine Bone China.

Today, England still remains the leader in Fine Bona China. With traditional family recipes being passed from one generation to the next, England offers sophistication and superb quality to all the Fine Bone China it produces. The Fine Bone China produced offers a dignified excellence to the purchaser. Even today Fine Bone China manufacturers pride themselves in bringing us simply the best of what England has to offer in collectibles and tableware.

As is obvious, China is a word that brings forth images of true beauty and true grace. Whether you consider the country or creation of tableware and collectibles, China is a marvellous example of human spirit and fulfilment. Whether you choose to explore a possible vacation of the beautifully, exotic China or if you choose to decorate your home and dinner table with the best china in the world, China will forever hold special meaning to our spirit.

Steve Thomas writes about China and maintains a China resource website at www.chinaa.co.uk

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Old Shanghai’s Top 5 by Louis Zhang

One thing visitors like you want to visit when you arrive in Shanghai is the old and historical monuments of Shanghai. This is what distinguishes Shanghai from any other metropole city in the world; it kept a big part of history with it. There are a couple of different places to visit and to help you maximise your time in Shanghai, I’ve come up with a top 5 of those places. Feel free to visit more if you have time!

Jade Buddha Temple

Also known as the Yu Fo Temple, this is the most famous buddhist temple in Shanghai. Located on An Yuan Road, this temple was rebuilt in 1928 and his a great place to go whether you are a buddhist or not, the peaceful and transcendent atmosphere adds a kind of richness to our busy modern society. It may look old and not attractive from the outside but don’t let that fool you, inside you will find two gorgeous white jade Buddha statues. One of the statue is a fascinating 2 meters high, 1,000 kilograms seated Buddha while the other one is a 1 meter long reclined Buddha.

Yu Yuan Garden & Bazaar

The most beautiful place in all of Shanghai is located at the heart of the city. If you were looking for old arechitectural buildings in Shanghai this is probably where you will find it. The garden itself has over 40 beautiful scenic spots for you to see. Since it’s a popular tourist attraction, you will find that there are a lot of restaurants and small shops nearby. You should take a look when you have time, the best dumpling restaurant is in that area.

Long Hua Pagoda & Long Hua Temple

Both of them are located in the Long Hua park on Long Hua road. The Long Hua temple is the biggest temple in Shanghai so if you want to see what’s a big temple like you should visit there. A pagoda is an octagonal shaped tower and the Long Hua Pagoda is the only one left in Shanghai. This seven stories pagoda is going to amaze you when you see it. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public because of security purposes.

Qi Bao Ancient Town

Ever wondered what a water town looked like? Qi Bao is the only place left in the city of Shanghai. This small and peaceful town is really great because unlike most water towns in china, this one is not long in distance and there’s no rush of crowds. What will you find? Most of it of course are magnificent old Chinese style buildings and the Qi Bao temple. Others activities such as the Qi Bao crickets, shadow play and snacks will tempt you even more.

Former Residence of Sun Yat-Sen

This is the residence of a deceased politician. Seems boring? Not exactly as this is the residence of one of the most important politicians in Chinese history. Sun Yat-Sen was the founder of the Republic of China and the main contributor to Chinese modern history. If you like to learn about historic events, by walking through his doors, you will see how this great man led his life as nothing was touched in his house after his death.

For more tips and details about visiting Shanghai, China, be sure to visit Louis Zhang’s Cool Shanghai Guide - a cool guide to planning and having a great time in Shanghai.

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Shanghai — Shopping Paradise by Louis Zhang

Can’t wait to shop in Shanghai? Well then, which are the best places to shop in this consumption-crazy city in China?

Shanghai is well known for some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find among major cities in China. When visiting Shanghai you’lll surely pass through the city’s two major commercial streets — upscale Nanjing Xi Lu (Nanjing West Road) and bustling Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road).

But there’s a lot more to shopping than these two obvious places. Indeed, you’ll find streets big and small full of shopping centres. You’ll be able to plan a full day of shopping if that’s what you want. Even if you don’t really feel like shopping you should still visit them. (I know you’re a guy but you’re already in Shanghai, right?)

Shopping in Shanghai is an experience you will never forget. Whether or not you are a shopping fanatic, there are various shopping malls selling anything from high-priced luxury goods to stylish and affordable casuals and traditional Chinese handicrafts.

I should mention that as I’m writing this article, the infamous Xiang Yang Market has already been closed down. Some of you out there reading this will have fond memories of highly-charged bargaining sessions with fake goods vendors who speak six different languages.

Here are a few shopping highlights in Shanghai, starting with Nanjing Xi Lu…

Shanghai’s Plaza 66
Where: 55 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Lu

Plaza 66 is crystalline proof of Shanghai’s diligent obsession with consumption. Arguably, it’s the fanciest shpping mall in Shanghai, with a frosty demeanor to match.

Whether you’re looking for Prada for pret-a-porter, Waterford for cystal, Bose or Bang and Olufsen for sound, Plaza 66 has over 100 famous brands.

With its dazzling array of designer brands, this place is perfect for the nouveau riche with money to burn. There isn’t another shopping mall as luxurious as this one in Shanghai.

A five-minutes walk from the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Plaza 66 has a cafe in the atrium and a few restuarants perched on the fifth floor.

Shanghai’s Citic Plaza
Where: 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Plaza 66

A bright, gleaming five-storey mall offering a varied mix of clothing labels, Citic Plaza is a five-minutes walk from the Shimen Yi Lu metro station.

From high-end designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Chloe and Kenzo to the more affordable casuals from Tough and Esprit, this is a mall with more reasonable prices.

Whether you’re wealthy or light on budget, this place is perfect for anyone with an eye for fashion.

Feeling hungry after all that shopping? No worries there.

Every floor of the mall offers a restaurant — from McDonald’s (you’re not going to eat at McDonald’s in China, are you?) in the basement to super buffet Golden Jaguar (unlimited sashimi and Pacific oysters) on the third floor to chic Sichuan restuarant China Moon (puts your local Chinatown Sichuan restuarant to shame) on the fourth.

By the way, there’s also a convenience store and English-Chinese language bookstore in case you’re looking for mineral water or maps.

Shanghai’s Westgate Mall
Where: 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Citic Plaza

A smart, well-organized shopping haven, offering up a range of trendy shops from Burberry, Givenchy and Versace to Chinese label Zuczug. The Westgate Mall is perfect for mall lovers with cash to spend who fancy a change from their usual hang out.

Also a couple of minutes walk from Shimen Yi Lu metro station, the Westgate malls offers a Studio City Cinema (with super sound system), Watson’s, a small supermarket in the basement, Marie France sliming clinic and an Isetan Department store ( a major Japanese chain) accessible on every floor.

And much, much more…

As I mentioned before, Nanjing Xi Lu and Huaihai Lu are the most prominent shopping streets in Shanghai but they’re not the only ones. These are the modern shopping malls and they’ll give you a good idea of how things have changed in China over the last 20 years.

Other Shopping…

If you go on older streets like Dongtai Lu you’ll find classical hand-made items. This handicraft market offers a variety of classical items like Chinese ceramics, jade, bronze, wood articles, paintings, and calligraphic works. You can also get your tools there if you are an artist yourself or plan to be.

More of an intellectual shopping street, Fuzhou Lu boasts a vast collection of bookstores in Shanghai. Not only does it offer over thirty bookstores but also has some of the oldest bookstores (some over 100 years old) in Shanghai.

Shopping in Shanghai is probably the most time-consuming activity in Shanghai whether for visitors or locals. With big shopping malls on the more popular streets to small boutiques or specific markets on smaller streets, Shanghai is where shopping fanatics will find their Paradise.

I’m a foreigner who traveled to Shanghai and realized it is hard to have a great time in Shanghai when you are not well-informed. That is why I decided to come up with a complete online guide with the latest information and tips on having a great time in Shanghai, whether you’re traveling to Shanghai or living in the city.

For complete details about shopping in Shanghai and traveling to Shanghai, China, be sure to visit Louis Zhang’s Cool Shanghai Guide — a guide to planning and having a great time in Shanghai.

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Fishing in China by Nicky Pilkington

A fishing vacation is never complete without fishing in the waters of Hong Kong, China. You may explore the fishing realms that the region has to offer. Hong Kong has once been known as an excellent port for fishing enthusiasts. Hong Kong will offer you the kind of fishing that you will never forget.

People may be after the food, shopping and the tourist spots of the region. But for people who are into fishing, Hong Kong can give more than what is expected of it as a city. To fish in Hong Kong is very exciting. You will be able to learn and experience the methods of fishing they have in Hong Kong.

Since it is surrounded by an ocean, this explains why most people fish in saltwater in Hong Kong. Targeting a fish is very simple. The ocean and the harbors are very accessible. You can fish in the harbors of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong or the Hong Kong Island.

In Hong Kong, saltwater fishing is done everywhere in the surrounding ocean. There has never been a scarcity of fish in this region. You will find fish everywhere in the water. Tourists who come to fish can also visit Stanley, which is near Hong Kong. Stanley will be perfect for you if you are someone who wants peace, enjoy fishing quietly and away from the city life.

The Lamma Island and Sai Kung peninsula and are also spots recommended by local Anglers. These two places still have the features offered by a traditional fishing village. They also provide people with charter boats.

The Anglers in Hong Kong use the same saltwater fishing techniques that are used in the US. You can use your own techniques even if it’s deep sea fishing or surf fishing. Many people also use bloodworms or shrimps to catch fish.

Hong Kong, also provides fresh water fishing. Carp, Big Head Tilapia, and Edible Goldfish are the types of fish that you will catch in these water reservoirs. Tourists, however, have a difficulty trying the Freshwater fishing since they still need to supply a license to fish in Hong Kong.

Going to Hong Kong to fish does not require much planning for a fishing trip. You will be able to track down easily the hot spots of Hong Kong where you can enjoy fishing. Hong Kong is surrounded by water, which means that fishing is everywhere. You will be surprised that in a matter of hours, you are able to catch a bucketful of pan-sized fish!

Find out more about fishing including sea fishing and fly fishing at About fishing

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Traveling-China by Ken Charnley

The Forbidden City, located at the center of Beijing municipality, was the seat of power for 24 emperors from 1406 to 1911. It took thousands of artisans and 14 years to complete the colossal complex spread over 720.000 square meters with 9.000 bays of halls and rooms which become a symbol of China’s monarchial grandeur built on the blood and sweat of its toiling peasantry. Significantly, however, the main entrance to the imperial city, Tiananmen or the Gate of Heavenly Peace, connects the past with the present in a curiously fatalistic manner.

Indeed, the wealth gap in Chinese society has increased phenomenally with the difference between the wealthiest and the poorest having risen from as much as four times in 1978 to almost 13 times today.

So, what we have in China today is tremendous economic freedom without political empowerment of the citizenry. Corruption and nepotism are logical outcomes of this situation. And the middle class is too tiny to influence the system. According to one estimate, middle-class groups with income ranging from 2,500 dollars to 10,000 dollars per year constitute less than five percent of the population. By contrast, lower income groups even in wealthier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou do not earn more than 900 dollars a year. About 60 percent of China’s population still lives in the countryside, with per capita income less than 300 dollars per year.

Having said that, one cannot ignore China’s huge population base of 1.3 billion people. Even at five percent, the country’s middle-income segment numbers at 65 million people. These people are the architects of the future China which, many observers predict, will be the major economic powerhouse of the world by the end of the decade. A glimpse of this can be had in Beijing’s scores of multi-storey shopping malls where customers literally trip over each other to move ahead. Its huge and fashionable hotels are crawling with guests, as are its eating houses, bars and discotheques.

And the Forbidden City is not so forbidden anymore. It is one of China’s major tourists’ attractions where hundreds of hawkers accost visitors and shove tourist books in their faces, quoting prices with huge margins for bargain. Finally, China is waking up from decades of slumber.

Ken Charnley is a personal finance enthusiast with http://www.online-loans-pro.com/ dedicated to quality information on online loans. For all your online loan needs visit and Apply For Loans Online
Article Submission done by: http://www.articles-submit.com
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China-Travel-Points by Jake Truman

China is a land of ancient wonders. It’s so different from the norm of western travelers that a first visit there can be a bit intimidating. Today, we will become acquainted with some basic traveler information on China. We’ll talk about the time of year to go, when to avoid China and some points of interest.

Times to Go

China can get pretty cold in the winter. For instance, Temperatures in Beijing are average highs of 40F and lows of 14F. In Hong Kong, the temperatures are more bearable—58 F – 75 F. The summers can get a little warm for some, but it’s the best time of the year to visit China. Temperatures can reach 90 F in Beijing and Hong Kong.

When To Avoid China

The worst month to travel in China is February. In early to mid-February, the Chinese hold their Spring Festival—we also know it as Chinese New Year. February is when most Chinese either take a vacation or limit work time. Therefore, the country is crowded with travelers and businesses are closed or operating during limited hours.

Festivals

As with many countries, festivals are held throughout the year at various locations within China. We already talked about the Spring Festival, which is something to experience if you don’t mind being overcrowded.

The Harbin’s Ice Festival is held in Zhaolin Park. It starts in the beginning of January and runs through the end of February. This ice festival is a spectacle that features huge ice sculptures of legendary figures and animals. It’s held at this time of the year, because the temperatures a freezing. The average temperature will be around 20 F. If you like the cold, or can stand it, this is one festival to check out.

If you are interested in visiting the Birthplace of Confucius, check out Qufu. Confucius’ birthday, which falls on September 8, is a celebrated event. It’s also home to many Confucius points of interest, such as the Confucius Temple.

China is full of great travel points. Don’t try to tackle them all in one visit. Pick an area and savor the moments while you are there. Beijing is in the north and Hong Kong is in the south.

Jason A. Martin is the owner of a travel & vacation guide website at TourismJunction.com. You can find more China travel articles at the site. He also operates a travel china site at ChinaTourist.org.

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A-Chinese-Computer by Eric Castro

When did you think to have a Chinese computer? Well maybe you always had one, because it was built in China but it was under another brand name. But to have a 100% Chinese computer with parts, technology and brand name was something hard to imagine years ago, but in nowadays this is a true reality.

China will produce 98 million desktop and laptop computers in 2006, 58 million of which will be for export, this information was forecasted by the Ministry of Information Industry. This means that soon you can be owning a Chinese computer.

Computer producers from China have tried to manufacture products that supply to different tastes and likes of the consumers from China. According to an official of the Ministry of Information Industry, Chinese top home appliance maker Haier has entered into the computer market with a new laptop so the can compete against their rivals.

Other computer manufacturers are also promoting new models including the manufacturer Asus that has launched a new computer that can receive television and radio broadcasts.

In China domestic market, the computer makers are dropping their prices down. Dell launched to the market its low-cost laptop computers that cost between 5,999 yuan (746 U.S. dollars) to 6,999 yuan (871 U.S. dollars), while the other big computer firms, including Acer and HP, have also cut computer prices to 5,999 yuan.

On the global market, the average export price of desktop computers dropped from 644 dollars earlier in 2006 to 617 dollars. Statistics showed that laptop computers are increasing their market shares. In 2005, China produced 80.84 million computers, of which 45.65 million where laptops, a net increase of 18.15 million from 2004.

Who know if sooner or later you will be reading this article in a Chinese Computer.

This article was researched and produced by Posicionarte for China Trading Company , 2007

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Top-5-Cities-to-see-during-a-holiday-in-China by Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in China during your holiday.

1.Shanghai is a magnificent city whose culture changes almost before your very eyes. The City has reshaped itself since the market restrictions have been lifted and offers a new and inspirational atmosphere.

The Bund (Zhongshan Road) has remained virtually unchanged and is instantly recognised as one of the famous landmark waterfronts in Shanghai for many, many years.

There are various temples and gardens within Shanghai, some of them in the past were left unattended which enabled the forces of nature to reclaim them. These temples and gardens have since been restored and have now become tourist attractions from people all over the world.

Like Any major city, Shanghai has a very impressive sky line. One of the buildings which is a must to see is the stunning Oriental Pearl TV Tower. If you have the chance it is worth visiting one of the upper observation platforms to capture a magnificent view over the whole of the city.

In my opinion Shanghai should be totally avoided in the Chinese New Year; as the city comes to a full standstill and public transport becomes a complete nightmare. During the rest of winter there are fewer tourists and better deals in the hotels.

Summer is obviously the peak season and it can become hot and humid. September to November is a good time to visit as there are many festivals and fairs of great interest to witness.
2. Beijing is the capital city of China. The city has fantastic historical places of interest which are embraced in beautiful surroundings. The Forbidden City is the largest and well looked after ancient structure.
There is also the beautiful Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace where the Emperor would escape from the rest of the world. One pleasant surprise was a beautiful boat made completely of marble on which the Emperor indulged himself in the stunning surroundings.
Another major attraction is the Ming tombs and of course the Badling Wall (Great Wall) which is worth climbing to see the beautiful views.
3. This ancient city Xian, is surrounded by the city wall in this area there are 4 main attractions. There is the Great Islamic Mosque, The Bell Tower, The Drum Tower and the Provincial Museum.

Goose Pagoda, a fantastic example of stunning architecture and a definite must see.
The temples in Xian are Buddhist and Taoism temples.
If you are more of a scenic lover then the Huashan mountain is the place for you. It is one of 4 mountains in China.

Of course you cannot go to China without visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The pure magnitude of the 3 separate viewing pits are well worth seeing.

4. Guilin was a personal favourite for me, from the moment I stepped out of the airport, it was evening and everything was gloriously lit up with colourful neon lights.
All of the traditional landscape Chinese paintings that I have seen must have been inspired by this idyllic place. My lasting memories are of the stunningly beautiful caves which all have secrets and which the guide was only too eager to share with me. The only more stunning thing than all of this was to be able to see it from above on a cable car.

5 Hong Kong. Aberdeen, is one of Hong Kong Island’s main attractions. It is interesting to see the junks in which people live and fish the clear blue water.

Ocean Park is like an upgrade of many Sealife centres. There is plenty for the whole family to see and do including Atoll Reef, performing animals, a roller coaster, etc.

Stanley is more a place for the woman with it’s bustling shops and markets, a perfect place for the shopaholic.
By far the best beach in Hong Kong is at Repulse Bay but be warned it can get pretty hectic at weekends.

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and,
having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One
World Tours / The Holidays in
China Specialists

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China-Top-15-Travel-Tips-for-the-Smart-Traveler by George Alarcon

As a traveler to a country like China with thousands of years of rich history and culture that is doing its utmost best to adapt to a Western lifestyle, you will have to maintain an open mind as you travel and explore China. If you not only want to survive a visit in China but also enjoy it while there, read the following tips to ensure a memorable traveling experience in China.

1) Never expect to find an absolutely clean toilet the majority of the time. Be prepared by carrying your own roll of tissue; also, you might have to use a squat toilet.

2) When you find a clean toilet, take advantage and use it. It’s recommended to use paid public toilets and if possible, to stay far away from the “tough toilets” that are found in bus and train stations.

3) The best most friendly toilets are the hotel lobby toilets. These you will find everywhere and are always kept clean, but they may not have toilet paper all the time.

4) Booking a tour to experience China may be one of the best choices in which most everything will have been checked out before the tour begins. But even the best planned tours may go wrong. Your motto: be prepared to handle situations such as with the toilet issue.

5) As you travel China and between meals, always carry a chocolate bar or two in order to keep you going until the next meal.

6) Only drink bottled or boiled water. Bear in mind that even boiled water may still contain plenty of minerals and iron deposits that you do not wish to carry in your system because of health concerns. So the safest option is to carry your own bottled water for drinking. Also, do not drink tap water; tap water in the big cities are only safe enough for brushing your teeth.

7) If you cannot understand the restaurant menu because it’s written all in the Chinese language, look over at the next table to you and point to the dish that appears appealing and ask how much it is.

If you travel Shanghai through a taxis, try to get the Blue, Blue’ish, White, Gold, or Turquoise. Why? There are the best four major taxi companies. Also, no driver will speak English.

9) Always carry with you your hotel business card written in Chinese at all times. So if you happen to get lost while walking anywhere in town, this can help you get back to your hotel.

10) For any reason, you have a problem, or you suspect you have been overcharged by a taxi driver, write down his number and make a huge fuss about it. The driver will usually fix the problem.

11) When visiting Shanghai, the taxi fare will go up after 11pm. But, you can generally bargain for a 20% discount. Always be strong when dealing with taxi drivers, yet, try not to lose your temper.

12) Carry a visa card which is great to have while shopping for anything. Bear in mind that there is often a surcharge for using a Visa, Mastercard, or any other types of credit card.

13) Don’t be too hasty when purchasing; first look around and try to get a feel for the prices. Go so low that the seller lets you walk away. You’ll get a sound idea of where the bottom prices are.

14) Do carry a small first aid kit, cold medicine, and headache pills. If you have a particular medical issue, take records.

15) It’s a great idea to buy a Chinese Telecom SIM card which will make using the telephone much easier. With it anyone can reach you within and out of China for any reason. But before buying a Chinese SIM card, make sure that it works in your cell or mobile phone.

To learn about My Airfare Secrets visit http://www.cheapairfare.vg

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China:-The-Exception-To-The-Rule by Murray Nickel

September 18th, 2007. Feeling No Pain: When key US market indexes dropped 11 - 14% recently, the media everywhere highlighted how markets around the world fell in sympathy with the US market. They overlooked China! (or conveniently ignored it).

During that same period China’s SSEC Index soared almost 20%!

Check out the chart of SSEC at the address below.

http://www.trendsensor.com/Charts/SSEC-China9-2007.png

The red vertical dotted lines on this chart identify the start and end of the recent slide in US market. The market in China was one of the few that felt no pain during this precipitous slide south.

Soaring High: If you have the chart link above open, your eyes are not deceiving you - the SSEC has gained nearly 450% in a little over two years. That’s near enough to a gain of 200% per annum! No wonder Chinese investors (gamblers?) are so enamored with their market. It’s easy to make money (and buckets of it) when the only way is up.

Jumping In: Stories abound of retired folk investing all their life savings in the market, and hairdressers etc giving up their day-jobs to play the market full-time. To retain staff, some companies have moved to giving extended breaks to enable staff to both trade and work. Everyone is jumping in, and it doesn’t seem to matter what method you use - lucky numbers, lucky company names, new IPO’s, anything - so long as you bet on the market going up it seems you’re guaranteed to win. What a fun ride!

The First Bubble Is The Worst Bubble: In the US in 1929, things were similar - everyone who could be in the market was. Most had little in-depth knowledge of investing or the risks involved. Indeed most were simply gambling, although they wouldn’t have said so. They would have claimed to be simply following the strident urgings of their favorite advisers. For the US, this was their first real, personal experience of a stock-market bubble.

Now it’s the turn of the Chinese investor/gambler to experience their first bubble, and the consequences when it bursts may be very similar to the Great Depression in the US.

It’s probably fair to say the vast majority of Chinese now playing their local stock market are as naive as American investors were back in the 1920’s. And sadly they’ll (eventually) get hurt as badly too. Eventually this market bubble will burst too, and wipe away 80-90% of its value, just like the DJI did all those years ago.

How High Can It Fly? If the ultimate high-point for the SSEC is comparable to that of the DJI at its peak, then it could climb a lot higher yet. It is currently trading in the 5100 - 5500 band, but could push to 6500 - 8000 if it is to mimic the Dow’s 1920’s rise.

Mind you, given the SSEC index has already gained over 2000 points so far this year, the next 1500 or so could easily be chalked up by early 2008. So it’s likely we’re much closer to the end of this awesome ride than the beginning.

This Is Not 1929: Left to their own devices, it’s likely the Chinese would buy their market all the way up to the 6500-8000 range. But this is not 1929 and China, like all other countries, is part of the global village with huge dependencies on the rest of the world - and certainly not the least on USA. So the one thing that might throw a spanner in the works, is events unfolding elsewhere in the world.

The Last Puff: Bubbles get bigger and bigger with each puff of air blown into them. While we can’t say for sure how big China’s market bubble will get before it bursts, we can be certain we’re much closer to the final puff that bursts the bubble than we are to the first puff that launched this crazy, fun ride to the stratosphere.

Shock Waves: Back in Feb/Mar of this year, when global markets fell in response to a down-day in the SSEC of over 9% market commentators published dire warnings regarding the bubble in China. Then a strange thing happened. When the markets re-gained their composure and headed north again, comment on China’s bubble dried up and eventually got replaced by a chorus of economists and analysts trumpeting that western markets would withstand a collapse in China’s market without much impact - after all western investment in the China market only accounts for about 5% (as at 2005) of the value of that market.

I wonder if they’d be so confident now that we have this emerging mortgage/credit/liquidity/capital crisis swirling all around us? The ramifications of a market collapse in China will be far more far-reaching than just the stock market. OK, “ramifications” is a very generic term - so you’d like something more specific? This is just one example scenario of many I could list: loss of savings and jobs rapidly escalates with the collapse and the local Chinese economy tanks. Civil unrest and anger threatens civil war. To try to save the crumbling economy the Chinese government has no option but to repatriate most of those trillions of USD they hold - in order to invest in the local economy with a huge program of public works that keeps employment humming and minimizes (or at least “limits”) the fallout from the crash. What would that do to the USD?

The time to think about these issues is NOW! It may take a while for the shock waves to reach all of us, but reach us they will.

View the complete version of this article, including the chart of the SSEC Index here:

http://www.trendsensor.com/MarketBrief/china-marches-to-1929-beat/397

Murray Nickel is a mathematician, statistician, and professional trend trader. He offers a free trial of trading signals for global market indexes and index ETFs, spot Forex, and spot Gold. He also mentors trend traders aiming to build consistent success at trading global markets.

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