50th
Birthday Congratulations!
Like almost everything else in China, China
Today has changed in almost every way possible since its first
issue in 1952. The issues of China Reconstructs that I received
by subscription were sent to a pen friend in the USA who displayed
them in her office and received favorable comments.
Time and events in China and the world in
the past 50 years have inevitably changed this publication,
and China Today is now scarcely recognizable. One change I immediately
found was the difficulty I had in subscribing! That done, thanks
to the magazine's French expert. I found the first issue of
1999 extremely difficult to read due to printing on top of various
colors. I pointed this out and subsequent issues became more
legible. Now I'm finding the magazine quite readable and I hope
it will remain in printed form as opposed to the Internet. Friends
of my age (87) like to have something in their hands to read
and many continue to maintain their interest in China.
BETTY CHANDLER
Beijing
Learning
More about China
In my opinion, China Today should highlight
its characteristic of introducing China's realities so as to
correct some foreigners' mistaken concepts about China. More
articles on Chinese cities should be published, accompanied
by pictures. In addition, I hope that in the future I may read
more articles on essential aspects of China, such as traditional
Chinese medicine, which is popular among foreigners. It is a
pity that in the past only a few articles on certain doctors
or hospitals, too superficial to be convincing, have been published.
As regards the Language Corner column, I think it is your most
unparalleled attribute. In this respect, not only foreign countries,
but also Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan cannot compare with you,
so it should continue to improve in the future.
ZHANG ZHENHUA
(Veteran German Translator, Foreign Languages Press)
Beijing
Suggestions
China Today introduces China's realities,
as well as its history and culture. All of its topics, whether
about the past or on present conditions, are popular among its
readers. But one thing I want to point out is that your distribution
channels in Spanish-speaking countries are not very wide, so
attention should be paid to distribution of your magazine. As
for the layout, I suggest you pay more attention to visual effects,
such as the combinations of photos and articles, as well as
a more flexible layout. At times there is no picture accompanying
an article, and sometimes pictures on the same page are unrelated.
I think the Spanish edition would be more
attractive if there were no red frame on its cover, and no lines
between columns, as it would present a wider scope of vision.
I also think that the advertisements would be more appealing
if greater attention were paid to professional, effective presentation
of the products, rather than their detailed description.
JUAN MORILLO
(Peruvian Expert, China Radio International)
Beijing
Suggestions
I have been studying at the Beijing Language
and Culture University for one year. Unfortunately I cannot
yet read Chinese newspapers and magazines, so the French edition
of China Today is my best choice. In my opinion, it would add
charm to your magazine if the French edition could be printed
in full color. I suggest you publish articles on problems people
confront in their daily lives, whether in cities or in the countryside,
as well as provide help to the younger generation on technical
and moral cultivation, to inspire them to make more contributions
to their motherland. As Beijing has won the Olympic bid, I suggest
you open a two-page sports column. I would also suggest that
you publish some advertisements to enrich your magazine. In
addition, I think the magazine could be more attractive if greater
coverage were given to today's China and its latest achievements.
ASSOUMANE ISSA
Nigeria
