qcad
nov 10-23 2023
Over a fortnight from November 10th, we, the design students of Queensland College of Art and Design, delved into China's rich mosaic of culture and creativity. From the vibrant energy of Shanghai to the tranquil beauty of Tongli, and onto the historic pathways of Jinan and Beijing, this journal maps our personal journey of discovery. It's a story of design's past and present unfolding before us, told through the places we touched and the art that inspired us
By Cara Austin
my china JOURNAL
DAY 1 - Arrival
Sophie and I arrived into Shanghai city, buoyed by the hum of the Maglev—the world's fastest train—a marvel of magnetic levitation. Settling into our new surroundings, the night drew us to the Bund, where the city's pulse was mirrored by an orchestral display of lights. As an interaction designer, the synchronicity of light against the urban skyline was a spectacular tableau of technology and art. The day's end found us in a cozy nook, a local gem offering dumplings and red bean balls—a tasty introduction to Shanghai's culinary simplicity for just $8.50 split. The day was more than just satisfying; it was a sensory feast.
The Essentials
Getting there
The Maglev is the worlds fastest train!
It reached 300 km p/h while we were on it. We transfered from the plane, to the Maglev, to the Line 2 Metro.
Opened: 2004
Accomodation
Hotel was nice but the layout of the rooms were exposed. Shower has a window to the bedroom. Vice versa.
Year Built: 1993
Breakfast
The chef kindly showed me how to make the ulitimate bean curd breakfast with delicious toppings.
Soybean curd is attributed to the Han dynasty Prince Liu An (179 – 122 BC), prince of Huainan
Shanghai
Day 2
Our second day unfurled amidst the artistic sprawl of the West Bund Arts Centre. We stepped into the realm of Pompidou Shanghai, where the echo of its Parisian counterpart's repute resonated through the exhibits. Yet, it was 'Building A' that captivated us, its walls alive with vivid colours and textured canvases.
An installation—a room enveloped by a sneezing keyboard—left us pondering the seamless meld of technology with the human experience, exemplified by a figure entwined in the 'Enter' key. Dinner, curated by Dorothy, was an authentic culinary delight. The day concluded with a twist: Gavan, momentarily misplaced, was found heading to the giant MnM store.
west bund art & dinner
West Bund
We happened to be at the West Bund Art show which was running 8-17th of November. Lucky for us.
Artworks on display
This place was full of life and I think we all enjoyed the free roaming and admiring of artworks.
dorothy’s dinner
I’m so grateful for the amount of times Dorothy ordered meals or massages on our behalf. Having a language barrier makes it just a little more tricky to get the right outcome.
exploring
Day 3
Today, the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, built in 1955 to celebrate Sino-Soviet friendship, impressed us with its blend of Russian and neoclassical architecture. Inside, the Art021 fair showcased blue chip artworks. There were unusual art techniques, like the use of bright plasticine finished with varnish, offering new creative perspectives. The artworks by Yang Shu resinated with me as they were full of life and textured like the artwork that surrounded me as a child. Later, a walk through the French Concession revealed a mix of art deco charm and time-worn structures. We stopped for coffee in a café, trying a unique cold coffee blend with elderflower and pineapple, before a nighttime cruise along the river offered views of the towering Shanghai skyline. Our day wrapped up with a comforting meal of dumplings.
Art021
Part of the dior Exhibition
A beautiful delicate artwork that changes with your perspective.
Yang Shu -S No.7
Yang Shu's paintings capture the vibrancy and complexity of human emotion through a symphony of colour and gestural brushstrokes. The pieces invite a dialogue with the viewer, challenging us to find coherence within the chaos, much like deciphering life's ever-shifting landscape.
Yang Shu
It's this interaction between the viewer's perception and the artist's expression that makes Yang Shu’s work deeply engaging and why I find it so compelling.
The French Concession
We strolled the French Concession (est.1849), where art deco architecture and lush tree-lined streets evoke a bygone era. This area, once designated for French colonial administration, now it charms many ex-pats with it’s ambiance and well-preserved urban landscape.
URBAN ART PROJECT
Day 4
Our fourth day in Shanghai began with a visit to the Urban Arts Project, where we met Dane, an Australian expat turned landscape architect. His journey to coordinating international projects with UAP was as fascinating as the repurposed old factory that housed their office. A tour of the Shanghai Library followed, where we admired various art installations, each telling its own unique story.
In the afternoon, we visited the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a symbol of modern Shanghai. The evening was reserved for a serene night river cruise. The city's historical buildings, illuminated against the night sky, were a sight to behold, especially from the water. A perfect blend of Shanghai's urban artistry and peaceful moments. Dorothy managed to squeeze us into a massage.
the shanghai library
Shen fan- Passing of seasons
The several hundred square meters of terrazzo patterns that make up his artwork are abstract interpretations of newspapers, all drawn from passages closely related to the history and collections of the Shanghai Library East.
xu Bing - living word
Xu has famously re-invented Chinese characters and the English alphabet, rendering Chinese nonsensical and English into legible Chinese characters, effectively challenging comprehension of both. Website: Xu Bing
wall of names
Not part of the UAP but interesting non the less. There is a wall in the library that lists the family names of Chinese people.
Tongji University
DAY 5
A design focused day. Tongji university we’re very generous with their time. Francesca and Sivergio explained how their lab worked in regards to fabrication, developing and addressing theories especially one on empathy for nature and how they can use this as an example to design dynamic, inclusive communities. We were taken through the ‘Nice’ community. Here we bumped into the designer, Aldo Cibic. He is a world renowned designer and architect who kindly offered to show us around his 100 sq ft apartment in the Nice community. What a privilege. His space was definitely utilised.
fab-lab to the nice village
met renowned architect - Aldo CIBIC
Aldo Cibic is a key figure in the Memphis Movement, an Italian design and architecture group founded in Milan in the 1980s by Ettore Sottsass. His recent projects like the Nice community in Shanghai, exemplifies his vision of creating spaces that not only serve practical purposes but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. His designs often reflect a deep understanding of the need for spaces that are human-centric, sustainable, and adaptable to the changing needs of society.
team lab
The Teamslab experience was an immersive experience like no other. Touch, sound, sight and even taste sensors were well designed for. I particularly like that the various spaces had to be discovered. It was not clear which direction you were meant to go but half the fun was the element of surprise when you found a wall was actually a curtain which led into another nook or cranny. It added another subtle level of interest. Well positioned Mirrors played a strong role in disorientating our direction. Accompanied with the light/projection, this disorientation enhanced the immersion into the artworks. The visual artworks themselves were beautiful and complex showing the history of China. I saw plenty of particle systems interacting with each other. The artwork was generative. You could walk down a corridor once, admire the art and come back later to find it was completely different. Some spaces looked more like holograms that would interact when the sensors detected the viewers presence. This was a standout. I’ll be taking the ideas home.
The history of China told through light and sound
Tongli water village
Day 6
Today, we went to Tongli Water Town, once known as Fu Tu, or "Fertile Land”. I missed my family and had wished they had been here to experience the tranquility of it all. Tongli is an ancient settlement southwest of Suzhou, celebrated as one of China's "Top Six Ancient Towns in Jiangnan." With its network of waterways and old stone bridges, Tongli stands as a testament to the architectural splendor of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The peacefulness of the Retreat & Reflection Garden captures the essence of traditional Jiangnan life.
A serene boat ride along the town's canals and we witnessed the age-old practice of cormorant fishing. These skilled birds, a vital part of this unique fishing technique, were interesting to observe. With restraints placed around their necks, they dove into the water, emerging with fish they couldn’t swallow. Back on the boat, they regurgitate the fish. Usually fishermen retrieve the catch from the birds, a partnership that has been honed over generations. On this occasion there weren’t any fishermen so the birds just kept attempting to swallow the fish.
Linda, Petra, Sophie, and I observed this from a local riverside restaurant. Despite language barriers, we managed to order food and found both the cuisine and the locals lovely.
next up:
Heading north on the train to the city of Jinan in the Shandong Province. Here, Westeners were not very common and we became the entertainment for the locals.
jinan
Day 7
In Jinan, our first full day was marked by cultural immersion and learning. At the local university, we were partnered with students for a personal exploration of the campus. My partner, 冯柳柳, showcased the warmth and hospitality characteristic of the students here. Our journey included a visit to the university museum and a unique opportunity to learn from a master paper cutter, an experience that offered a deep insight into this intricate traditional art form from China.
冯柳柳 shared with me a detailed document about the Luban lock, an ancient Chinese civil construction technique that uses interlocking wooden structures without nails or ropes – a testament to the ingenuity of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The trip also included a vintage locomotive from the 1980s and a walk through the museum at the Shandong Institute of Arts and Crafts, highlighting its role in promoting cultural and creative industries.
Our day concluded with a foray into local cuisine at a bustling hot pot restaurant that Dorothy hunted down to get her fix of spice! Here the spicy flavours were as vibrant as the city's light show, illuminating the night with LED-lit kites. This blend of historical craftsmanship and modern vibrancy was a pretty good introduction to Jinan.
Shandong University of Art & Design
Luban lock
Shandong Institute of Arts and Crafts
Its design is based on the mortise and tenon joint, a common method in Chinese woodworking where a protruding 'tenon' on one piece fits into a corresponding 'mortise' hole in another.
Traditional Chinese mask used in ritual dances and cultural performances, they care used for storytelling and for sharing spiritual beliefs
paper cutting workshop
In a session with an adept 'jianzhi' (剪纸) Master, we learn the delicate art of Chinese paper cutting. He shares his work in effort to keep the traditional craft alive.
Year: 2020
Traditional cloth, where paper cutting has been used for the stencil in the process of making the pattern.
jinan by night
spicy hot pot dinner
Linda, Petra and I follow Dorothy to all the good eating spots. I had the noodles which were delish. Dorothy also sources all the massages!
Jinan Light Show
The water fountain light show in the square is vibrant and comes with music. You can catch the LED kites there.
mount tai!
day 8
A highlight of the trip for me! We ascended Mount Tai using cable cars. The monks wondering around taking pictures of us with smartphones (as we took pictures of them) was a perfect justapose and just goes to show that modern interaction design has seeped into all corners of the world. This mountain is renowned as the eastern mountain among the 5 Sacred Mountains of China. Revered for symbolising sunrise, birth, and renewal, Mount Tai is often considered the most prominent of the five. It has been a site of worship for over 3,000 years, playing a significant role in China's ceremonial history for much of this time. Contrary to being a part of the Zhou dynasty, it has witnessed various dynasties throughout its long history. One notable spot here is the 'South Gate to Heaven,' a revered area used historically as a temple. They say many emperors have made the pilgrimage, climbing the nearly 6660 steps to seek wisdom and guidance. Although the local tour guide told me their were 8000 steps (My dad always said, never let the truth get in the way of a good story). Due to its profound cultural and spiritual significance, as well as its stunning natural beauty, Mount Tai was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. As we hiked today, the temperature was around 6 degrees Celsius. The ground was speckled with ice, contrasting with the clear, bright blue skies. What an incredible experience!
South Gate to Heaven
shandong museum
Day 9
Last full day in Jinan and we went to the Shandong Museum, a local rooftop restaurant and the springs 🌼 My personal favourites were the voluptuous three legged drinking vessels in the museum. The displays were incredible. I appreciate museums that can bring displays to life and Shandong is one of them.
Baotu Spring
Day 10
Took a high speed ride to Beijing. Here we met our next local tour guide, Kitty. We checked into the hotel and we had a pretty easy going evening ordering pizza in the lobby bar, ready for a monumental day to come next.
Traditional Jinan Street of Restaurants
great wall
Day 11
Incredible. Today we took two buses and a cable car to the Great Wall of China. This monument is a massive series of fortifications, originally built for defence against nomadic tribes. The construction started around the 7th century BC, and much of the current structure dates back to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). From a design perspective, it was fascinating to see how the Wall combines strategic defence features with an adaptation to various terrains. It's a testament to the historical engineering and architectural skills of ancient China. After the Wall, we visited a nearby village. The lifestyle here was a contrast to the grand scale of the Wall. Villagers were drying fruits and vegetables in their courtyards, using simple, traditional methods. One local offered us chestnuts, which was a very sweet gesture. The day offered a mix of experiencing a monumental historical site and the simple, enduring ways of village life, providing a diverse view of Chinese culture and history. In the evening we went for a walk to the Forbidden City at night while there weren’t any crowds. Historically they say this place is haunted because of how many people have died here. Either way it was spectacular by night.
Mutianyu entrance
Take a cable car up
the parallel pathway
the forbidden city
Day 12
From trekking through the crowd at Tiananmen Square, to admiring the grandness of the Forbidden City, to scouring the trendy traditional Wudaoying Hutong for interesting pieces, to the quirky international art and design district at 798 and finally the jazz bar across the road of the hotel that houses the designer furniture downstairs- it’s been an adventure.
the group
After viewing the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square the group sat for a moment. There was alot to take in.
Traditional costumes
In the palace there were some people dressed in what looked to be traditional costume.
the Gate of Heavenly Peace
The Forbidden City is widely recognised by the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong and its significance in Chinese political history.
798 art & design district
A highlight of Beijing! The 798 Art district, also known as Dashanzi Art District, is an area known for its eclectic mix of contemporary art, culture, and design. It originated from a complex of 1950s East German-designed Bauhaus-style factory buildings. With the decline of industrial activities, artists and cultural organisations began to move in during the late 1990s, transforming the space into a flourishing arts district with a few cool vintage stores to boot.
Today, 798 stands as a symbol of urban revitalisation and cultural innovation, housing galleries, design studios, and exhibition spaces. It's a space where international and Chinese artists exhibit. While we here they were showcasing works of Matisse and Picasso in the large gallery at our meeting spot. I’ll be back here sometime in the near future to explore this place in more depth. It’s a quirky and creative hot spot and I loved it.
future vertical car park
Spotted at the 798 Art District, what looks like a vertical carpark system. A little research tells me they’re called a carousel parking system and are fully automated. They work like a ferris wheel, rotating a stack of cars but only require the width of 2 spaces. - Pretty efficient!
last day
Day 13
The last three days just flew by! Linda, Petra and I took to the Wudaoying Hutong by foot. This Hutong has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of old Beijing charm and new, chic urban lifestyle. It's a place where one can experience the evolution of Beijing's historic alleys into fashionable urban centers. The area is bustling with activity and provides a unique contrast between traditional architecture and contemporary commerce. There were artisan stores and vintage stores. The cafes and bars were trendy . Next time I come to Beijing, I’m staying here. It’s more traditional but still very hip.
Wudaoying - hutong
Trendy bars
Coffee shop
ginkgo tree and shops
crossing a busy street
traditional entrance
man selling sweets
The Farewell dinner
A group of strangers spent two weeks together participating in intense activities in a new culture, forming friendships over shared experiences. They said their goodbyes, reflecting on what an adventure it was.
a big thank you to dorothy at CIS australia ! our organised tour coordinator made the trip seemless.
thanks Dr Paul Bai and Dr Petra perolini for taking us 1338km on the qCAD China tour.
1338 km