The sinologist, now working with Ukraine's (supreme) parliament, has been studying and working in China for many years and has made frequent visits to China as a member of Ukraine's official delegations.
Gamianin recalled his first trip to China in 1991, when he traveled by train from Russia's Siberia to Chinese (border) city of Suifenhe, and then to Beijing as an exchange student, saying he was struck by backward conditions on Chinese trains.
"The compartments were dirty, (chaotic) and crowded. Some passengers were unscrupulously smoking, even spitting and littering on the floor. The speed of the train was very slow, just like an old (ox) cart," he said.
Compared with the public transportation 10 years later when he served as a (diplomat) at the Ukrainian Embassy to China, Gamianin said he "felt quite different."
"Train speed was fast, cars were quite clean and passengers (were) good-mannered, basically without smoking or littering. Let alone airlines service, as it was (extremely) comfortable." he said. Talking about current transportation in China, he said "China has already (exceeded) a lot of Eastern European countries including Ukraine."
Commenting on the dressing manners of the Chinese people, Gamianin said in the early 1990s, most of the Chinese men and (women) were dressed in monotonous blue or black with few paying attention to makeup.
"Nowadays, looking at their clothes, bags, adornments and (cosmetics), you can find a lot of world top brands. The young people are especially (stylish)." he said.
The Chinese people are becoming more self-confident as a result of continuous improvement of their living standards, he noted.
Speaking of current daily life in China, the Ukrainian sinologist said he could not (imagine) that so many changes have taken place in such a short time.
"Just look at cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, they are no different from New York, London, Paris or other international (metropolises)," he said.
In particular, when talking about the Olympic Games last summer, he said he was (amazed by) the changes of Beijing's cityscape.
"When I was working in Beijing, I often went to some small snack-bars. But all they disappeared in a short time. Instead, there are (cultural) squares and shopping centers. I usually thought I didn't find the right place," he said.
Question)
1. What are the differences in China between now and 10 years ago?
2. What are the changes on people’s values and outlooks on life?
