Sino-western cultural exchange envoy Rose Oliver: Traditional Chinese culture adds special glamour to the city

Rose was awarded the title of "Emissary of Chinese Martial Arts"

Traditional Chinese culture adds special glamour to the city

According to the 2018 Shanghai government report, there are more than 215,000 foreigners who are employed or have started their own business in Shanghai, a figure that ranks first nationwide. With the further opening up of Shanghai and more talent attraction and start-up support policies in place, Shanghai will usher in thousands more foreign newcomers seeking employment or further study here, as well as millions of tourists every year. Among those newcomers and visitors, many have been attracted by Chinese culture and arts including Tai Chi, TCM, calligraphy, Peking Opera, Kun Opera and Taoism, or have developed a zest for such culture and arts after having worked in China for some time. Among the tourists to Shanghai, numerous visitors have been attracted by such Chinese classical gardens like Yu Garden. Therefore, it is necessary to keep increasing the city's cultural glamour while creating a living and working environment for foreign expats or visitors.

Rose Oliver, now in her fifties, told us that her husband passed away in 2003 and at that time she was in a dilemma between leaving Shanghai and quitting teaching Tai Chi or staying in Shanghai to keep her dream. Encouraged by her Tai Chi brothers and friends, as well as colleagues in Shanghai University, Rose decided to stay. Rose said that it was also her late husband's wish that they would learn more and further celebrate traditional Chinese martial arts culture so that everyone can benefit from these Chinese cultural treasures. When asked how she looks back at her decision to come to Shanghai, she said that she has not regretted her decision at all and she feels very happy living in Shanghai, which is like a home for her——a home for both her current life and traditional Chinese culture.

Rose's best wishes for China's further reform and opening up

Story by: Lu Yukun

Translated by: Lu Yukun

Cameraman: Liu Hao