Jinan puts on the Ritz!

We were invited to a "Christmas and New Year Gala" for the foreigner investors and teachers on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Pearl Spring Hotel. The event was hosted by the CPC of Jinan Municipal committee, Jinan Municipal People's Government, the Information Office of Jinan Municipal People's Government, Jinan Fordign rade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, the Foreign Affairs Office of Jinan Municipal People's Goverment, Jinan Cultural Bureau, Jinan Overseas Chinese Association, Jinan Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, Openings Magazine Publishing House and Jinan TV Station.

The list of hosts was long, and the event was extravegant. We received a rousing welcome from the local TV crew who interviewed us as we went through the beautiful archway into the grand hall. The foreign investors wore a big red bow in front of them (as you will see in the slideshow below) and marched on stage to receive plagues from the mayor. An interesting dinner was served, following by the children and young adults performances.

After the dinner and entertainment, we were ushered into Chaoyang Theater on the west side of the complex to enjoy the "Acrobatics Macrocosm". Acrobatics, one of China's oldest art forms, showcased China's opera and dance. Enjoy the slideshow below.