Connections: Stars in the East

Fascinating statistic: 6 per cent of New Zealanders, the Herald reported recently, identify themselves as being of Asian origin.

Even more fascinating statistic: in Auckland that figure doubles to 12 per cent.

This is an appropriate week for the Travel section to turn its focus on China, because Auckland is hosting the Festival of Asia 2001 for two weeks from Friday.

Events will be held from Downtown to Waitakere, celebrating Asia's culture, traditions, food and performing arts.

The festival is mounted every two years by the Asia 2000 Foundation, a non-profit, apolitical organisation which works to increase New Zealanders' understanding of the countries and people of Asia.

The foundation works in four areas - business, culture and media, education and public affairs. It supports and initiates projects including scholarships, seminars, special events and exchanges which give New Zealanders first-hand experience of Asia and help to forge links to the region.

It makes good sense for us to do so. Six of New Zealand's top trading partners are from Asia and more than one-third of our exports go to the continent.

So, as Auckland welcomes Asian cultures into its heart, we visit China to check out some of the more unusual attractions on offer.