Exploring China with the children

Sharon has been remembering trips to China some 30 years ago when foreign visitors were not as numerous as they are now. In those days we were living in Hong Kong and Sharon was the assistant secretary, or administrator, of the Royal Asiatic Society branch there.

We organised numerous visits across the border between the British colony and China, both with the RAS and with smaller groups of friends. Our children, James and Julia, were toddlers but they always came with us, causing quite a stir when we visited areas where few foreigners had been seen before.

Sharon says:

“I remember the Chinese were fascinated by the white hair of the children and their chubby cheeks. Everyone wanted to touch them and they used to get a bit fed up after a while.

“We used to eat whatever was on the menu but I used to take jars of Heinz baby foods for the children, such as jars of apple sauce and of carrots, which were their two favourites. They would always eat the fried rice at meal times but wouldn't touch the more exotic items on offer. And they always ate plenty of fruit.

“I can remember going on the train to Canton (Guangzhou) which was a big adventure. The train was luxurious with big comfy seats and staff to serve you with snacks and cups of Chinese tea.

“At Canton we usually stayed in the five-star luxury White Swan Hotel, one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at anywhere in the world. It's on the island of Shamian and had full facilities and a lovely swimming pool that the children loved.”

Shamian was created in the 1860s after the Second China War by the formation of an island in the Pearl River. This became an enclave for foreigners and many of their buildings remain today. This is an important conservation area, with fine trees and gardens as well as architectural gems.

“There were no cars on the island in those days and it was lovely to wander around,” said Sharon. “The boats on the river went chug chug and it was a nice restful weekend away. Of course we would visit places like temples, museums and the old French cathedral, but the children and I enjoyed the swimming pool most of all.

“James used to walk everywhere because Julia needed the trusty Maclaren blue stripy buggy that was easy to fold up with one foot and one hand. We must have walked hundreds of miles on our many trips. We were always stopping at cafes for pots of Chinese tea and a sit down.

“In the evenings there would be a special banquet and everyone would enjoy talking about what they had seen and done during the day. They are a great bunch of people in the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch and the society still organises lots and lots of activities and interesting trips. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in China and Asia. There is even a branch in London for people who used to be members of the Hong Kong branch which has lots of activities around the year.”

For more information about the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch, see: www.royalasiaticsociety.org.hk or email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009