Festival Questions

24. Tell me what's the biggest traditional festival in your country.

Definitely the Spring Festival. I suppose it's somewhat like Christmas is in western countries. Spring Festival is the only time when all families gather together and stores and business are closed for several days.

25. What do you do during the Spring Festival?

I usually go back to my hometown and spend a week in my parents' home. We eat delicious food, visit family and friends, and watch TV. I also like to try and contact my high school friends and see how they're doing and what they're up to. We give each other presents and we buy ourselves new clothes to wear for the New Year.

26. Can you describe one of the main festivals celebrated in your country?

National Day, which is on October 1st, is a big holiday. We get three days off and there are a lot of fireworks displays. There are large flower pictures and other types of flowers decorating the city, and some of the larger cities hold parades.

Changes Questions

27. What changes have taken place in your hometown in the last 20 years?

Well, I'm pretty young, but may parents always complain that my hometown's traffic is much worse, and they say that prices are a lot higher. But I think on the positive side, life is better, houses are in better condition and there are much better shops and cleaner conditions in the restaurants.

28. Has your life changed in the last 10 years, and if so, in what ways?

I think my life has changed. It's a bit more comfortable than it used to be, because my parents have more money than they used to have. I think I am a bit more responsible than I used to be, and am not quite as carefree.

29. Is there anything you'd like to change in your life?

Yes, my dependence upon my parents. Right now I'm quite dependent on them for money, so I hope I can be more independent in the future and one day be able to support them instead of their always supporting me.

30. How different is your life from the lives of your parents?

It's very different. I have had many more opportunities and a much more comfortable life than they had. I remember my father telling me stories about having just one egg to eat each week, and that was the highlight of his week. I can't really imagine life like that, so I'm grateful that I have a better life than my parents dig. I appreciate their hard work to get us to this point in our lives.

31. Has tourism changed China very much?

Yes, very much in the last 10 years. Each year we are getting more tourists coming to China since the open door policy. People see more foreigners, and are used to the sight of them now. China is becoming more cosmopolitan, and people are getting to know more about the outside world.

32. Has the transport changed over the past 20 years in China?

Yes, a lot. We used to have very few bus lines years ago. Most people would use their bikes to get to and from places in the city. But now in big cities there are more bus lines, so it's a lot more convenient. Some cities also have subway lines, and that makes things faster. There are also more taxis in cities, and more people are using them as a mode of transportation.