This post is the third in a series by guest blogger Abby Poats. Abby Poats is a Research Associate based in Beijing with the Washington DC-based American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) US-China Program (USCP). She also teaches English at China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing through the Princeton in Asia (PiA) fellowship program. Her blog entries contain her personal reflections and do not reflect the views of ACORE USCP.

Source: www.shanghaifocus.com

 

One of China’s staple travel destinations, Xi’an—the present-day capital of Shaanxi Province and one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China—is world-renowned for its 8,000-strong subterranean army of Terracotta Warriors. Each year, tens of millions of Chinese and foreign tourists make their pilgrimage to Xi’an to behold these imposing forces commissioned in 210 BCE by Qin Shi Huang, the fierce first emperor of China, to be entombed with him to help him maintain his imperial dominance in the afterlife.

Glossing over 3,100 years of rich, tumultuous history brings us to the present day, as Xi’an adds to its subterranean Terracotta forces a new set of warriors taking on the paramount task of driving innovation up and cost down in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry.

In order for this development to even be possible, however, the regional economic development strategies of the 1990s first had to catalyze capital investment in poorer regions that had not benefitted as much as cities in the east during the 1970s and 1980s. Xi’an, like several other western cities, soon became home to strategic industrial development zones, which today host research, engineering and manufacturing facilities for the software, telecommunications, and aerospace industries. Today, Xi’an’s 40 universities and over 10,000 annual graduates provide Xi’an’s industrial zones with world-class research capacity.

Hosted by the Xi’an High-tech Industries Development Zone, U.S.-based Applied Materials, the world’s leading provider of solar PV equipment, opened the Applied Materials’ Solar Technology Center in October 2009. As the largest non-government solar energy research center in the world, the facility, according to Applied Materials CEO Mike Splinter, “represents a critical breakthrough for the photovoltaic industry and China” and the “industrialization of the global solar industry.”

Source: www.appliedmaterials.com

 

The facility will focus on research, development and demonstration as well as testing and training for both crystalline silicon and thin film module manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the center will allow local technology suppliers to work with Applied Materials engineers on testing and enhancing the efficiency of their current materials and systems.  

Former capital of thirteen ancient dynasties, Xi’an is working today to distinguish itself as China’s capital of solar research and development. While the city marked the terminus of the Silk Road in the distant past, Xi’an seems poised to become a key origin of solar innovation in the near future.

 by Abby Poats

The Year of the Tiger is rapidly approaching (it begins on February 14). In the Chinese zodiac, the tiger has always been a marker of great change, development, and improvement. Taking this to heart, WildChina has made big goals for the new year, which include initiatives that will enable us to better connect bolster and increase our community service, environmental protection and sustainable development partnerships.

As part of our WildChina Collection initiative, we’ve created a new series on our blog, the WildChina Collection ReviewBlog, which features our reviews of sites, hotels, and restaurants on our blog to keep readers informed of up-to-date information and trends in niche and boutique travel options. 

Our inaugural ReviewBlog post takes us to Shanghai:

WildChina Operations team members Nellie and Rebecca recently visited Shanghai to review client accommodations. Here is their take on two upscale Shanghai hotels, The Peninsula Shanghai and JIA Shanghai.

The Peninsula Shanghai

Location: Located on the main Bund strip. Although there is currently a lot of road work in the area for the World Expo, it will be completed by the end of Chinese New Year.

Service: Excellent; most staff speaks reasonably good English.

Aesthetic: Lobby decor is classic and elegant, and is a throwback to 1920s-era Shanghai.

Accommodations: Offers a wide range of rooms, from Superior Rooms and Deluxe Garden Rooms to a host of luxury suites. Rooms host a bevy of services and amenities, including plush furnishings and beds, electronics, and internet.

Dining: The Peninsula provides a variety of options for guests. Breakfast is a la carte and is served until 11:00am. Restaurants include Yi Long Court (Cantonese with private dining rooms) and Sir Elly’s (Western with private rooms). Room service is also available.

Recreation: The Peninsula boasts a spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool and outdoor sun terrace.

WildChina says: “Great location with fantastic service and spectacular views. Attention to detail is absolutely impeccable. Easily the best 5-star hotel in Shanghai.” –Nellie

Make reservations here.

JIA Shanghai

Location: Located by the West Nanjing Road subway, JIA Shanghai is surrounded by hip shops and restaurants.

Service: Staff members were friendly and their English was better than average.

Aesthetic: Romantically dark. Walkways leading to elevators and rooms are dimly lit, with the light green wood doors being the only highlight in the walkways to elevators and rooms.

Accommodations: Studios and suites are available, and are beautifully designed in an eclectic modern style. Rooms are outfitted with designer modern furniture, and high-tech amenities.

Dining: Continental Breakfast is served. Issimo Restaurant offers Italian cuisine, while Issimo Bar serves classic cocktails, wine and champagne.

Recreation: JIA houses a small but well-appointed gym on the 2th floor, which  treadmills, bicycles, and weight equipment.

WildChina says: “The ‘it’ choice for boutique accommodation in Shanghai – high-end urban cool provides intimacy for design-oriented travelers. ISSIMO is equal parts hip and delicious, providing tasty fare in a trendy atmosphere.” –Nellie

Make reservations here.

Curious about accommodations, sites, restaurants, or other venues in China? Tweet at us (@WildChina) or send an email to Alex Grieves at alex.grieves@wildchina.com. We’ll try to include your inquiry in our next post.