Taiwan Today

One of the unexpected success stories of Japan's Expo 70 at Osaka is that of the China Pavilion. The structure is modest and the cost comparatively small. Exhibits rely heavily on audio-visual techniques to give the visitor a glimpse of China old and new in only 40 minutes. Nevertheless, the China Pavilion has turned out to be a highly popular attraction. Crowds line up to get in (capacity is only 800 persons at a time) and wait patiently to climb to the top of the 108-foot building and then descend via a circular ramp while watching a color film projected at the bottom of the "well". Interest in China and Taiwan is reflected in the comments of visitors, who also are impressed by the unique architecture, which combines stark modern aspects with elements of the Chinese classical style. I. M. Pei, who designed the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, was the supervising architect. Five young architects did the basic work. One of these, Peng Yin-shuan, is the younger son of Peng Meng-chi, the Chinese ambassador to Japan, who officiated at formal opening of the pavilion. It was Peng Yin-shuan's mother who cut the ribbon for the opening. A t the portal stands the towering stainless steel sculpture by Yang Ying-feng shown on this page. The 9-meter representation of a phoenix symbolizes joy and happiness according to legend. Pavilion is at right.

 

 

Top left: Ambassador to Japan Peng Meng-chi officiates at the dedication of the pavilion two days before the start of Japan's world fair, the first in Asian history.

Top right: After the Expo opening, Prime Minister and Mrs. Eisaku Sato made the China Pavilion their first stop on a tour of the grounds.

Bottom: It is said in this section of the pavilion that "Porcelain is China Is Porcelain". This reflects the fact that throughout the world, good porcelain is known as china. On view at Osaka is a selection from the porcelain masterpieces to be seen at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. The pavilion's theme is "Heritage and Progress", thus combining China's 5,000 years of history with Taiwan's rapid growth of the last two decades. Dynastic China dominates the first four rooms. Included are an introduction to Chinese art and calligraphy, inventions, learning and philosophy, the great Silk Route to the Middle East and Europe, life of the people and the cities and countryside of ancient times. A fifth chamber dramatizes birth of the Republic of China and the story of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Founding Father. Then come displays showing Chinese agricultural and industrial development in Taiwan, the most prosperous and progressive province in China's history. At the very top is an observation lookout from which visitors may see a panorama of the whole fairgrounds. Then comes the easy descent via a 400-meter ramp while watching a movie that sums it all up. The China Pavilion is seen very quickly but long remembered.

 

Far left, top: President Chiang Kai-shek's message of welcome to the China Pavilion. The Chinese text is at left and the Japanese at right. Far left, bottom: Miss Judy Ongg (right), Chinese singer who made it big all Japanese TV and then became a movie star, was honorary director of the China Pavilion on opening day. Left: Examples of paintings and works of calligraphy on exhibition at the Osaka fair. In dedicating the pavilion, Ambassador Peng Meng-chi pointed to the combination of classical and modem influences in the architecture, and said the structure was "designed to impress visitors with a sense of majesty and magnanimity as well as a spirit of freedom and peace". He thanked I. M. Pei for his coordinating of both external and internal design and then cited the work of six young men: architects Peng Yin-shuan, Lee Chu-yuen, Weng Shin-chin, Yung Chi-chiang and Yung Chi-ning, and sculptor Yang Ying-feng. I. M. Pei, who lives and works in New York, said the contributions of young Chinese showed the continued vitality of China's very old culture. Also speaking at the dedication were Governor of Osaka Gisen Sato and Mayor of Osaka Kaoru Chuma. Both called attention to China's contributions to Japanese culture and said the China Pavilion will perpetuate that tradition.

 

A map shows the Republic of China's modest but worldwide program of cooperation with other countries. Photographs and slides depict various assistance projects to some 30 countries of Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America. More than a score of farm demonstration teams are serving in African countries. Bottom left: Trade marks and symbols of leading ROC enterprises. Some of these are becoming known the world over as Taiwan exports climb toward the US$1,500 million mark. Orient Overseas Line has globe-girdling freight and passenger ships. CAL flies from Hongkong to San Francisco six days a week. Despite these impressive economic successes, the China Pavilion emphasis is on culture and not on business, industry and trade. Except for some marble souvenirs from Taiwan east coast quarries, there is nothing for sale.

 

This is the already famous ramp by which pavilion visitors descend while watching a movie depicting the beauty and tourism attractions of Taiwan. Partly as a result of the tourists Expo 70 will bring to Asia, the Chinese "island beautiful" expects to welcome nearly 500,000 visitors this year.

 

Fairgoers and workers must eat. The China Pavilion has its own restaurant. Although not large by comparison with some of the other Expo eating places, it serves an outstanding sampling of China's great provincial cookeries. All the girls working at the pavilion were chosen for language ability, personality, intelligence and attractiveness. Most speak English, Japanese and two or more Chinese dialects. Other important languages are spoken by some of the girls. China Day will be observed at Expo 70 on July 10. Representing President Chiang Kai-shek and the Chinese government and people will be Vice President and Prime Minister C. K. Yen. Also scheduled through the summer are various special performances of Chinese dancing and singing. The Chinese post office has issued two commemorative stamps (NT$5 and $8) to advertise the China Pavilion. Collectors can obtain them by mail.