China’s Great Wall: Fortune Beckons
Long ago, Gwei Lo (then a derogatory definition for foreign barbarians) assaulted the China coastline with plunder and trade in their eyes. The more successful became known as Tai Pans. Many a tale is still told. This hairy, pale-faced lot was pretty much fenced out in enclaves such as Hong Kong, Tian Jin, and other ports. The local culture couldn’t be soiled. Did I say "fenced" out? The Great Wall is the only man-made creation visible from space. What a monument to Chinese determination.
Fast forward the Twenty-First Century. International trade has never been so easy, thanks to the Internet. With it as a tool, fortune beckons from within China’s Great Wall.
Gwei Lo have now been permitted through the coastal barriers, penetrated the mainland, and are sold tickets to tour that Wall. They no longer need worry about the loss of a head just to speak Chinese. However, until very recently, where one placed his head at night was restricted to "safe" zones. Safe was defined as five star hotels or other newer buildings where entry was premium.
This blogger’s first arrival in China wasn’t until 2000. Unfortunately, my bank account was running on near-empty. As with every business resurrection, a lack of cash presents challenges. All I really possessed was the same glint of eye for adventure and opportunity as the Tai Pans of old. Even with over twenty years of experience around Asia, Korea, Taiwan, and a hundred trips through Hong Kong, I was convinced that I had saved the best game board until last.
In Beijing, economics required me to slink back to an unapproved, inexpensive room that was taboo just to rest for the night. What an embarrassment to be hushed by Chinese friends in dark staircases. No English allowed as I tip-toed up the steps. Alert neighbors would be aghast to learn that a Gwei Lo was within their building. Public Security would be contacted. After dark, the entirety of Beijing seemed The Forbidden City. This often required an effort to suppress a giggle. No Clavell Tai Pan was this.
Today, it has all changed. Gwei Lo are welcome everywhere, businessmen of rungs high and low land by the plane load every few minutes. No worry if you haven’t the time or money for the trip. The Internet has created opportunity to be your own Tai Pan in China from the privacy of a computer monitor anywhere in the world. With a flourish you can sign your email as a CEO. No one can guess you sit in nothing but your underwear.
The outside world now learns how to harness China factories. Or is it that the Chinese have learned how to harness the creativity and technology of the West? Perhaps it is a combination of both. The Twenty-Second Century will categorize that in retrospect.
Long before then, my own observations of business and life in China will be blogged. The view is from a window above Tuan Jie Lake in the Central Business District of Beijing. Other peeks will be provided from frequent trips among mainland factories and endless pockets of adventure.
Oh, my new office window no longer requires a hushed climb up grotty stairs under a cloak of darkness. Now it is a smooth, marble elevator ride up a luxurious building of French design. The formerly feared security now opens my doors with a smile or even a salute.
Yes, fortunes still wait to be made in China. Come find yours within The Great Wall, either on foot, or digitally.
Fast forward the Twenty-First Century. International trade has never been so easy, thanks to the Internet. With it as a tool, fortune beckons from within China’s Great Wall.
Gwei Lo have now been permitted through the coastal barriers, penetrated the mainland, and are sold tickets to tour that Wall. They no longer need worry about the loss of a head just to speak Chinese. However, until very recently, where one placed his head at night was restricted to "safe" zones. Safe was defined as five star hotels or other newer buildings where entry was premium.
This blogger’s first arrival in China wasn’t until 2000. Unfortunately, my bank account was running on near-empty. As with every business resurrection, a lack of cash presents challenges. All I really possessed was the same glint of eye for adventure and opportunity as the Tai Pans of old. Even with over twenty years of experience around Asia, Korea, Taiwan, and a hundred trips through Hong Kong, I was convinced that I had saved the best game board until last.
In Beijing, economics required me to slink back to an unapproved, inexpensive room that was taboo just to rest for the night. What an embarrassment to be hushed by Chinese friends in dark staircases. No English allowed as I tip-toed up the steps. Alert neighbors would be aghast to learn that a Gwei Lo was within their building. Public Security would be contacted. After dark, the entirety of Beijing seemed The Forbidden City. This often required an effort to suppress a giggle. No Clavell Tai Pan was this.
Today, it has all changed. Gwei Lo are welcome everywhere, businessmen of rungs high and low land by the plane load every few minutes. No worry if you haven’t the time or money for the trip. The Internet has created opportunity to be your own Tai Pan in China from the privacy of a computer monitor anywhere in the world. With a flourish you can sign your email as a CEO. No one can guess you sit in nothing but your underwear.
The outside world now learns how to harness China factories. Or is it that the Chinese have learned how to harness the creativity and technology of the West? Perhaps it is a combination of both. The Twenty-Second Century will categorize that in retrospect.
Long before then, my own observations of business and life in China will be blogged. The view is from a window above Tuan Jie Lake in the Central Business District of Beijing. Other peeks will be provided from frequent trips among mainland factories and endless pockets of adventure.
Oh, my new office window no longer requires a hushed climb up grotty stairs under a cloak of darkness. Now it is a smooth, marble elevator ride up a luxurious building of French design. The formerly feared security now opens my doors with a smile or even a salute.
Yes, fortunes still wait to be made in China. Come find yours within The Great Wall, either on foot, or digitally.
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