I am a teacher of English at a vocational school in Gansu, and I have been reading your magazine for about 10 years. It is really helpful to me, because at first, I could hardly read through the articles without the help of an English dictionary. But now, I am really happy I can. After about 10 years of hard work, I came to realize that your magazine is both interesting and of high quality. From it, I have learned a lot about the history, culture, geography, and the economic development of China. At the same time, I have also improved my English a lot, and now I know how China appears to foreigners. All of this inspires me to love China even more.

Yang Lingxia

Gansu, China

I was fascinated by the article “Helping the Least Fortunate of the Next Generation” in the March 2008 issue. The people described in the article have had a far-reaching influence on these foster children, and on all of society as well. As these children mostly suffer from congenital conditions and severe physical or intellectual disabilities,they lag behind normal kids in physical and intellectual development.

With a supportive environment and extra care, most affected children can improve their ability to take care of themselves and adapt to living in society. Its vital to help kids to help themselves, and to develop their full potential. For society, these measures will reduce crime rates, safeguard public peace and promote social development, so as to build a harmonious society. The government should enhance the work of the welfare institute and other similar organizations.

With these groups, many children will receive the love, attention and support they need to grow into happy, productive members of society. Lets appeal to everyone to help the least fortunate of the next generation. I also agree with the article “U.S. TV Dramas Hot in China.” As U.S. television series have spread like a prairie fire across China in recent years, young people in China, like youths the world over, now have access to information, entertainment and personal interaction via the Internet that previous generations could never have dreamed of.

Several factors have contributed to this trend. The popularization of English has undoubtedly played a part, and the profound cultural differences between China and the U.S. arouses many peoples interest. Also, the interesting plots and the intelligence of the actors greatly fascinates the audience. U.S television series teach the audience English and offer insights into Western culture, while also being entertaining. The popularity of these series reflects the changing face of China as the nation rapidly modernizes and opens up to the outside world.

Of course, while we are fascinated by American series, we should keep up our standards -- that is, “absorb the essence and discard the dross.” Only in this way can we better promote the development of our culture.

Liu Yan

Zhejiang, China

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The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of Chinas epoch-making opening-up and reform policy, which led to the profound social, economic and ideological developments we see today. To mark the occasion, the Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Arabic and German editions of China Today are now inviting readers to share their views on the theme “Thirty Years of Opening-up and Reform.” Contributors will preferably be foreigners who have spent at least five years in China and who have stories to tell about their work, study and lives in the country. Length and style may vary, and all submissions will be acknowledged within 15 days of receipt. Please include your name, current profession and contact information (address, postcode, telephone number and e-mail) with your submission. A modest payment will be made for each article published, together with a copy of China Today magazine.

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