China Encounters' photostream

Photos from a two months China sojourn in summer 2008, and previous trips.

Those of us travelling to China from Europe and other nations of "the Western World" encounter a world of difference. China Encounters will help guide you through that world of difference, with lots of cultural information, travel hints, links to resources, recommended walks and journeys, lots of photos, and commentary on China today and in history.

visit our blog at ChinaEncounters

Despite what our first reactions tell us, difference isn't wrong, its just ... its different. Difference is intriguing, but easily results in misunderstandings, and misunderstandings have led to conflict and even war, and difference has been supressed at times through colonialism.

China Encounters seeks to forge understanding between the nations of the west and China. Recognising the offences of history that exist between our nations, we seek to honour China, its culture and history. We seek to bring understanding of the past, and promote honest and open relationships between people of our nations. We do not accept that there has to be war between civilisations. We believe that with genuine encounter there can be understanding and even many friendships.

ENCOUNTER: (verb) to meet face to face as an adversary, to confront in battle; to go counter to, to be opposite in position or direction; to come upon; to meet with, to face resolutely; to go to meet with. (noun) as above, but also: a meeting that results in love.

(Love here does not mean sex. Unlike many websites that include the word "encounter" we are not a pornographic website.)