Wondering and Wandering in the West: A Foreign Scholar’S Record from Oxford and Columbia Universities

By Qingjuan Li

Visiting scholar Li Qingjuan came a long way from China to the Western world for a total of fifteen months of study. Her study began at Oxford University in the United Kingdom and finished at the Columbia University in the United States. This book does not only cover her inspiration during her time in the UK and US but also share her thoughts on the development of international financial centres, globalization, and openness of international cities and current economic status for both countries. Those 450 days experienced abroad, along with her sociologist and economist background, gives this book a really special perspective.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504944199

Qingjuan Li

Qingjuan Li, Ph.D. of Industrial Economics from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, post-doctorate of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), was invited by Oxford University and Columbia University as a visiting scholar. She is the director and a senior research fellow of Fanhai International School of Finance Think-Tank Center in Fudan University, the executive president of Huaxia Economic Academy, a representative of Shanghai 12th and 13th National People’s Congress, a member of the Central Economic Committee of China Association for Promoting Democracy. Other qualifications include being an invited professor of the Shanghai Municipal Party School, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai Research Institute of Business. She has written and edited over 10 books such as Industrial Development and Urbanization, Studies on the Industrial Integration of Yangtze River Delta, and Government Strategic Management and Industrial Development, and published over 30 papers. For three consecutive times, she was granted the Decision-Making Advisory Award by the Shanghai Municipal Government, and participated in drafting more than 10 documents of Shanghai Municipal Government.

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2015 Qingjuan Li. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/05/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4418-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4419-9 (e)

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Contents

About the Author

Preface

Acknowledgement

PART I: At the University of Oxford

Chapter 1: Arrival to England

Chapter 2: Proud to be an Oxonian

Chapter 3: British cultural spirit reflected by Diamond jubilee Pageant

Chapter 4: London—a highly open international metropolitan

Chapter 5: Impression of Scotland’s Highlands

Chapter 6: Feeling the British Urban-Rural Integration at Oxford

Chapter 7: An Intellectual and Funny Mayor of London—Boris Johnson

Chapter 8: London International Financial Centre Growth Path and Future

Chapter 9: East London Regeneration after 2012 Olympic Games

Appendix: Building international attractive to improve the environment of cultural communication in London—the Interview of Dr.Munira Mirza,

vice mayor of the city of London

PART I: At Columbia University

Chapter 10: Impression of Columbia University

Chapter 11: An open and tolerant international metropolis

—New York City

Chapter 12: Experiencing the U.S. presidential election

—a democratic politician champion without losers

Chapter 13: Urban-Rural Integration:

The Highest Stage of Urbanization in the United States

Chapter 14: A Billionaire who use his business mind to manage city

—Michael Rubens Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City

Chapter 15: The evolution and development of the New York International Financial Center—Wall Street and the American Age

This book would be useful for developing country

About the Author

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In the Oxford Union Library

Li Qingjuan, Ph.D. of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, post-doctorate of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), was invited by Oxford University and Columbia University as a visiting scholar. She is a social servant working for the Shanghai Municipal Government, a representative of Shanghai 13th and 14th National People’s Congress, a member of the Central Economic Committee of China Association for Promoting Democracy. Other qualifications include being an invited professor of the Shanghai Municipal Party School, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai Research Institute of Business. She has written and edited over 10 books such as Industrial Development and Urbanization, Studies on the Industrial Integration of Yangtze River Delta, and Government Strategic Management and Industrial Development, and published over 30 papers. For three consecutive times, she was granted the Decision-Making Advisory Award by the Shanghai Municipal Government, and participated in drafting more than 10 documents of Shanghai Municipal Government.

Preface

From May 2012 to August 2013, I have been fortunate to go to both the United Kingdom and the United States of America as a visiting scholar. This book includes what I have seen and thought about during the 15 months, along with a number of pictures, which may or may not be accurate despite efforts to be objective. It covers my thoughts regarding urban-rural integration, international financial centre growth paths, the openness and internationality of New York City, London, and other western economies, as well as aspects of social development from a variety of perspectives. In the context of globalization, how do developing countries and cities improve globalization and modernization? What can we learn from them? We will explore these questions from my personal experience and from my perspective of an economist and civil servant.

English as a world language: Although learning Chinese is a fashion in the West, for an easterner fluent in English the world is their oyster. Indians, as we know, have filled up many positions in the west because of their language advantage. Thus, English education in China is not widespread enough, rather than too far-reaching. With more than 300 languages spoken in London and a staggering 800 spoken in New York City, the economic potential generated by multicultural populations with a common method on communication cannot be underestimated.

Another interesting phenomenon, known as voting by feet, means wealthy enterprises and individuals can move freely around the world, being able to choose among various government services and economic environments in an effort to find the best one for them. During this process, only governments and the poor are not be able to move. It is only by improving the investment and development environment and living conditions can a government attract and maintain its global assets to make a city or district desirable and prosperous. New York City and London are two prime examples that attract the most wealth and talent.

British spirit still remains its charm. Everyone who has been to London could not forget the beautiful views featuring the River Thames, London Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. The gentle manner and noble atmosphere has been infused into every corner of the city. The cultural spirit of Britain is reflected by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the free and open political environment, the large responsibilities undertaken by the upper-class, and many other notable features of British life.

Britain won the name The Empire on which the Sun Never Sets due to its colonial aggrandizement during the 19th century. The term was originally coined for the Spanish Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries and various forms of it have been used to describe global empires throughout history that were so extensive that there was always at least one part of their territory in daylight. Due to the British Empire’s growth, English has begun to be used globally and has sowed the seeds for people to visit from around the world. The United Kingdom’s superior education system has attracted international students despite the dreary weather which is often joked about by Britain.

The confidence and self-respect of the U.S. also comes from its national public and social security systems in which all citizens are independent and equal. The present leadership of President Obama has placed great emphasis on improving the nation’s education system to keep the pace of its international competitors. The internationalization of New York City is unparalleled. Just like the color of people’s skin, luxury and simplicity in New York City are in contrast while coexisting. Along with the extreme prosperity of 5th Avenue and Times Square, New York City has been displaying its growing modernization since the 1920s. It was the United States that was aware that the secret of finance is credit rather than cash, thus building a comprehensive credit system to export financial products to developing countries, allowing it to become the largest international borrower in the world. What those New Yorkers focus on is the global market, rather than merely the ground they are standing on. Its free and open spirit welcomes everyone to join them, including those who cannot speak English. Central Park is not only a place for view, but also a stadium for residents, a kids’ playground, a football field, tennis court, bicycle lane and skating area, even a special field for pets.

I have no regrets in my wondering and wandering. As stated previously, what follows are simply my observations and opinions. I hope you enjoy reading of them.

Qingjuan Li

August, 2013

At Central Park, New York City

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Author (right) and her Superviser Shangjin Wei (left)

in front of the building of Business School of Columbia University

Acknowledgement

I want to give a big thank you to Mr. Alan Hudson, who invited me to the University of Oxford, helped me to attend a variety of courses regarding the politics and economics of Britain, and deepened my understanding of this country. He is also working on a China leadership training program with great effort, which will open the government’s mind and increases its global knowledge.

Thanks to Professor Wei Shang-jin who created a wondering opportunity for me to visit Columbia University. He is not only the Professor of International Affairs, Professor of Finance and Economics, and N.T. Wang Professor of Chinese Business and Economy at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business and School of International and Public Affairs, but also Research Fellow at the Center for Economic Policy Research (Europe) and the Director of the Working Group on the Chinese Economy and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (US).

Mr. Sha Hai-Lin inspired my passion to study abroad and impressed me with his gentle personality, international view, and strong sense of social responsibility (he used to be the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland and the United States). Mr. Zhang Xinsheng and Gu Jun, who also visited the University of Oxford, inspired me to write down my many experiences. Mrs. Jian Heping always created an environment for me to learn and enrich myself. Many thanks to them, and to Mr. Wang Xinpei, Mr. Gu Jiahe, Mr. Wang Xinping, Mr. Wu Xingbao, Mr. Yu jianming, Mr. Yu Ruhe, Ms. Hu Wenjun, Mr. Sang Qi, and my many colleagues from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. Thanks for your support that created this wonderful opportunity for me.

Many thanks to my tutors, professor Yang Gongppu, Chen Dongsheng, Zou Dongtao, and Xia Dawei, who encouraged me and company me with their wisdom. Xu Jing also tutored me with his broad international research experience. Dr. Zhu Guohong and Dr. Liu Bin also gave me strong support and arranged to translate critical materials regarding retail research of the U.K. and U.S. that I found in the libraries abroad. I also thank Mr. Zhu Hua who has been supported me, Mr. Gan Jianda, Jiang Qihe, and Zhang Jianhua, who helped to submit my research to central and Shanghai government seniors, vice chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress Yan Junqi, who made comments and encouraged me to do further research, Ms. An Li and Ms. Zhu Yu, who published my stories finished oversea, Mr. Gan Jianda, Mr. Gong Xiaoping, Mr. Ye Weicheng, etc. from the Minjin Party who helped my mother to stay in the hospital for a bone fracture while I was away.

Dr. Lan Lan helped me to collect vast amounts of material and did most of the translation. Mr. Kyle Jacques did most of the editing for this book. Professor Zhou Zhenhua, Professor Wang Guoping, Professor Yin Xingmin, Dr. Song Haoliang, Dr. Yuan Fang, Zhang Juan, Tang Wenjing, and Pan Honghong had also lent their hands for recommendations, aiding in the application process, and communication. Chen Nan helped to collect and translate materials from Wall Street. My daughter Chen Xuanpu helped to collect materials and translated the London east development section. She also took responsibility on the interpretation of my meeting in Britain. She was also admitted to Cambridge University during this time.

Thanks to the Bible Learning Group organized by Charlie, Mike and Cavin, which helped me to learn about American culture, customs, and the essence of its religion. My landlords Mrs. Hazel and Mr. Richard made me feel like at home. Landlords Mrs. Jane and Mr. Robert also impressed me with their spirit for the arts, providing me a lovely home for me to finish up my book during the hot summer.

Thanks to Mr. Guo Zhongbao, and his wife Xu Jing, Mr. He Yadong, Mrs. Jiang Wen, Mrs. Tan Yan, Mrs. Pan Yan, Mrs. Liu Hui, Dr. Liang Kun, Hu Min, and Wang Danting in Britain, I had a good time with you all. My classmates: Dr. Zheng Ronglu, Dr. Zhang Weiwen, Dr. Wang Xiuhua, Dr. Zhang Guangnan, Dr. An Guojun, Dr. Wu Zhanxia, Dr. Lin Ping, Dr. Wang Daili, Dr. Ji Lin, Dr. Gao Qiuming, Dr. Zhao Yue, Dr. Wang Yaqi, and Dr. Qiao Junhua, and my friends Dr. Li Xiaoxin, Professor Yang Xiuzhi, Professor, Zhang Wei, Dr. Wang Ying, Wang Yifei, Wu Xiaoqi, Xu Xinyue, Joy, Li Yu, and Shen Xin made my life in the New York City colorful.

I also appreciate my family that is always there for me. We are at three different cities (New York City, London, and Shanghai) which happen to be the ones I meant to observe. We built a sitting room using Wechat (a chatting software), talked about family and national affairs, without a time or space limit. The earth is flat when a family resides internationally, which also might show the trend of how people will work and live their life in the future.

Part I

At the University of Oxford

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Chapter 1

Arrival to England

B eing a visiting scholar at a top-tier university has long been a dream of mine. By the time I got to know that I was accepted by two of the top ten universities in the world, it was Chinese New Year of 2012; certainly a grand time for such good news. When the day of my flight from Shanghai eventually came, my mood was complex, a strange mix of excitement and an impulse to cry. At the same time, working group’s first meeting promoting the building of the Shanghai International Trading Centre was being held in the board room of the Shanghai central government. All the materials have been prepared and submitted, and, tasks and layouts have been delegated before I leave. Although I couldn’t attend the meeting, my chest fills with the feeling of success and satisfaction when I recall my previous twelve years of study and work in Shanghai, when my effort was involved in government documents and when I feel my contribution to economic and social development. That is how generations of Chinese intellectuals have served our country, even at the cost of their lives, to achieve their goals. Such plays on this stage never cease.

After 12 long hours, I made my first hesitant steps onto the land of England. On the way from London Heathrow airport to downtown London, trees and red and violet flowers flourished on both sides of the highway. As the car drove along the river Thames, the famous sights of London came into view: London Bridge, the London Eye, and many others. I was surrounded by this ancient, yet modern city.

Night in London seemed to refuse to stay. Late night felt like early morning due to jet lag, so I rose to write some of what you are now reading. At about 3:30 in the morning, the first hints of sunlight started to illuminate my desk to become glorious daylight by the time I stopped four and a half hours later. I had fully prepared myself. My mind is a blank slant on which I can etch every detail regarding society and economic organization in this foreign land, along with anything else my country can learn from. As I made notes of my thought and considerations, I felt like a correspondent, with passion and fervor that burned strong in my heart.

Architectural complex along the Thames Riverside

The banks of the river Thames was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, carrying the memory of London. This morning in the Discover Greenwich Museum, a cartoon version of child education in London attracted me. The first page showed a foggy and dusty view from which it was difficult to see anything, representing the serious pollution that earned the city its foggy description.

The city was built along the river; its ancient buildings and memories all share in its history. The nursery rhyme London Bridge Falling Down is my daughter’s favorite when she was young. Often mistaken for London Bridge, I recall looking out to see Tower Bridge, older and taller than I could ever have imagined. Walking on the bridge with traffic coming and going endlessly, I felt the cosmopolitan atmosphere. People of all kinds, including many minorities, seem in a hurry. The well-developed transportation network plays a critical role downtown, leaving private vehicles for the weekend use. Thus, the traffic is not as heavy as I thought.

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Tower Bridge from the song ‘London Bridge is falling down’

City Hall locating beside the Tower Bridge integrates with several other modern buildings. Together with historic buildings, those modern ones compose the core of this worldwide economic center, which is called as More London. The Municipal Office building is one of the most modern constructions in the world. Its ellipse shape strongly contrasts its aged yet distinguished neighbors. The area planning has also been made into miniature for tourists to appreciate, therefore displaying the designer’s vision to the masses.

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London Taxi

London is a city paying much attention to its architectural heritage. Illustrating this, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, about 15 minutes’ walk to the place I stay, holds a special area exhibiting the architectural history and local London style. Castle-like building blocks are also available for visitors to construct their own classic building. Many pieces of architecture have experienced many years of use yet still retain their long-held glory. For over 100 years, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel has been a pedestrian walkway passing under the River Thames between Greenwich and Island Gardens. Millions of visitors walk through this tunnel to see the famous Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

Seen from the other side of the river, buildings in central business district give an amazing skyline. The view reminds me of that of the Bund in Shanghai as seen from Yangpu Bridge. The design of the buildings and the harmony between old and new is unique and