Day 10 People at the zoo

There were lots of families and children at the zoo. Most of the families had at least three generations together on the outing. Apparently, the grandparents are very frequently the caretakers for the children as the parents work outside the home.

Our guide explained that the one couple/one child policy has now been modified. The original policy was, in the country, if your first child was a girl, you could try for a boy in three years. If at that time you still had a girl, that's all. In the city, there were no exceptions for having a only one child, girl or boy. Currently, the rule is the same except, if an only child marries an only child, they can have two children.

He also explained that because of the one child policy, there is a different dynamic in family relationships. He said that with only one child, s/he has become the central focus of both parents and grandparents and is being spoiled. Also, parents are putting a lot of pressure on their children to succeed, since the couple only has one chance to keep up the family name.

We heard from a number of guides how difficult it is for children in China today because of the pressure to succeed. Their time is filled with school and outside lessons every day, and by the time they complete their homework, there is no time to play or have friends. They recognize the problem, but no one seems to know how to solve it, and they are pressuring their children just as much as everyone else.


As in most other parks and public spaces, we found people practicing their talents and skills. These ladies seems to be sword dancing.