want to hit the town?

I hear rumors that there was a demonstration in Hotan (和田) in southern Xinjiang on March 23rd. 600 people have been arrested so far. Has any of you know anything about it?

Haven't heard that one, but a policeman told me that he thinks there will be trouble in Hotan and Kashgar before the Olympics... and there's still those Kuqa rumors of violence.

Also, how the hell do 29 people get killed during 'fireworks disposal' in Turpan? Things just get curiouser and curiouser.

@emil: Yes. What do you have in mind? My only limitation is that I'm currently somewhat restrained financially.

no more lovely pics and stories from korla?

@dezza: Well, I'll occasionally dip into the archive. And, I've brought some untapped Uyghur VCDs with me to Beijing to keep you folks entertained.

The Forbidden City will never come close to a fraction of the glory that is Korla's neon palm trees. I'm sure you're already feeling the regret.

I'm done with "The Human Stain!" I liked it.

Sounds good. Let's go check out the supermarket! Oh wait, you arrived in Beijing 3 month earlier than me. Doh!

Where is the best place to stay ahead of these rumors? If anyone hears anything of interest, especially first hand, please email me at degner@gmail.com .

My writing isn't nearly as good as Michael's but if I see anything I'll post it on twitter.
http://twitter.com/degner

Mike!!! Can't believe you're in Beijing! I just moved to Beijing 2 weeks ago, started a new job at Deloitte (office at the Oriental Plaza). Your old number doesn't work anymore, call me right away so I can get in touch with you. My cell phone#: 13901170303

@mike - add me as a friend on twitter - user id = aviw

Washington Post:

Not the Torch of Liberty

By Rebiya Kadeer
Tuesday, April 1, 2008; A17

The world has watched in horror recently as Tibetan monks, nuns and laypeople engaged in peaceful demonstrations have been met with brutality by the Chinese People's Armed Police. Tibet's descent into chaos and violence is heartbreaking. As has been made clear by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has dedicated his life to peacefully promoting the Tibetan people's legitimate aspirations for cultural autonomy and survival, lasting peace and meaningful change must be achieved through nonviolent means.

In watching recent coverage of the demonstrations in Tibet and their bloody aftermath, I have been reminded of a turning point in my own life, the moment I decided I had no choice but to speak out against the Chinese government's policy of cultural destruction and its human rights abuses. It was a decision that led to six years in a Chinese prison and then to exile in the United States. Two of my sons are serving lengthy prison sentences in East Turkestan in retaliation for my human rights advocacy.

In February 1997, thousands of Uighurs demanding equality, religious freedom and an end to repression by the government peacefully protested in the Ghulja region of East Turkestan, an area designated the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region by the Chinese government. Armed paramilitary police confronted the unarmed demonstrators and bystanders, killing dozens on the spot, including women and young children. In the aftermath of the protest, thousands of Uighurs were detained on suspicion of participating in the demonstration. Tragically, hundreds of Uighurs were executed.

Just as I grieved with and for the families of the Uighurs killed in the Ghulja massacre, I grieve for the families of peaceful Tibetan demonstrators who have been killed or detained by Chinese police, perhaps never to be seen again. I have seen firsthand the suffering of parents who have lost their sons or daughters to an executioner's bullet or a dark prison cell.

Because of our shared experience under the Chinese regime, Uighurs stand in solidarity with the Tibetan people and support their legitimate aspirations for genuine autonomy. The Chinese government's fierce repression of religious expression, its intolerance for any expression of discontent, its discriminatory economic policies and its support for the movement of migrants have linked Tibet and East Turkestan and have led to the tremendous social tensions in both regions. To Beijing, any Tibetan or Uighur who is unhappy with China's harsh rule is a "separatist." Uighurs are also labeled "terrorists."

With the media focused on the military crackdown in Tibet, few noticed that the Chinese government imposed a curfew in cities in southern East Turkestan. Police patrolled streets with German shepherds and broke up small groups of Uighurs. Like the Tibetan people, Uighurs have suffered for decades under a regime that seeks to eliminate a unique culture to placate paranoid leaders in Beijing. Our religion, a moderate form of Sunni Islam vital to Uighur ethnic identity, has been fiercely repressed. The Uighur language is disappearing from East Turkestan's schools. Hundreds of thousands of government-sponsored Han Chinese migrants are brought to East Turkestan, while locals struggle with unemployment and poverty. Meanwhile, a Chinese government program transfers young Uighur women out of East Turkestan to urban areas of eastern China.

The Olympic torch arrived in Beijing yesterday, and at the end of June it will be carried through Tibet, to the top of Mount Everest and through the streets of Lhasa. From there the flame will be carried to the cities of East Turkestan, including Kashgar, a center of traditional Uighur culture, and Urumqi, the regional capital. China calls the torch relay a "journey of harmony," hoping the unifying spirit of the Olympics will disguise the reality of its brutal rule.

But true harmony can never be achieved as long as the Communist Party enforces policies of cultural assimilation and political persecution in Tibet and East Turkestan. If China wishes to become a responsible member of the international community, its government must engage in a meaningful dialogue that addresses the sources of discontent in Tibet and East Turkestan.

The writer is president of the Uyghur American Association and the World Uyghur Congress.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102156.html

Panjir is the next step in the evolution of the music of Central Asia. Combining Uyghur traditional music from Northwestern China with a strong improvisational element derived from Islamic classical music and jazz, Panjir is one of the China's best-known and critically acclaimed world music groups.

Their blog and some records can be found here
http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=122110
and here http://www.myspace.com/panjir

Seems like these guys are in Beijing now, listen to their stuff, Michael, you would certainly love them!!!

Next time I come to Beijing, hopefully soon, I will let you know:)

I found a great area last time I was in Beijing--Nan luoguxiang (near the drum and bell towers). Cool bars and restaurants and inexpensive.

@chon dada: Sounds good.

@Matt: Nan Luo Gu Xiang was one of the first places I stumbled across in Beijing way back in the day, when I first arrived in China three years ago. I just happened to be staying at the Lusongyuan Binguan, which is around the corner, and I somehow found my way to the Pass-by Bar on my first night in China.

From the burst mode pictures you made I can assume you were heading west at 15km/h speed, around 8 PM.

First word of advice, while in Beijing (I think you already noticed that, but still) - don't plan to go anywhere between 4:30PM and 9:30PM - chances are you gonna be stuck in traffic for long.

Awww you still there? I'm heading over this Sunday, so excited!

Hope you found some good party spots!

Hey Michael! I don't know how I missed this post... Where are you in Beijing?