Day 16: Visiting the Trade Fair

The National Enterprises Trade Fair Trade Fair opened today, and we were invited to the opening ceremony being held in Renmin Square, Pingliang. Not only did we attend, but we were seated on stage along the fourth row, just behind many dignitaries! This gave a prime viewing spot for all of the activities. It began with speeches from dignitaries including the Mayoress of Pingliang and Vice-Governor of Gansu, before leading into a series of performances with a bang! It must be said that China knows how to put on a performance. I would not want to cheapen the amazing opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, but that gives some indication of the activity and this certainly was spectacular.

It began with clouds of confetti, and then a team of perhaps 100 drummers came out. Drums are a large part of Chinese celebrations, and they certainly make a mark. The playing was spectacular and performance colourful. Waves of red and yellow flew through the air during the performance as they danced and waved flags.



Next was a performance about the four main economic activities of Pingliang: fruit (particularly their apples), cattle, coal and tourism. This was a dance combining people of many different costumes, including school-children who merrily danced in what I think were apple costumes and cow costumes, a slightly older group of girls in lilypad and lotus costumes, and more! It was a wonderfully choreographed performance and very enjoyable to watch.

Next was an amazing Martial Arts performance, including demonstrations of a wide selection of weapons. The intensity and skill of these performers as they leaped around and fought battles was astonishing.

All the performers came together for one last performance and you couldn't have been more proud for Pingliang.

When the last piece of confetti reached the ground we were whisked off to visit the Trade Fair itself. The purpose of this Trade Fair was to provide opportunities for small and medium businesses across the East and West of China to collaborate. We walked in and were quickly overwhelmed by people keen to show their wares. There is a great amount going on in Gansu, from the growers of the delicious apples Pingliang is famous for, producers of beverages from Iced Tea to Baijou, importers of superb cars; there is a great amount of opportunity for investment and buying.

Seeing Western faces, presenters at the fair were excited to engage with us, giving us samples of their products (much wine and baijou, I was pleased to have a slice of a delicious apple also!), taking photos of us engaging with them and their products and talking with us.

That afternoon we were privileged to have a brief audience with the Vice-Governor of Gansu and other dignitaries. A speech was given by the Vice Governor, welcoming us and informing us on the situation of Gansu. There is so much to Gansu and I cannot wait to learn more!