China a Land of ContrastsChina was a land of many contrasting wonders. Ancient civilization, architecture, arts, history. . . Old ways, old traditions, ancient values. Yet China is advancing in all aspects of technology and modernization at a breakneck pace. Another contrast was central planning coexisting with private enterprise. In this environment I observed the leaders at all levels grappling with the dynamic tensions these contrasts have created in their society.I feel this scene from a restaurant in the Yu Garden, the old town, with the Pudong skyline in the background, all constructed in the past 10 years best illustrates the paradoxes and pace of change in the Chinese culture.