One of the most gorgeous government office buildings I have seen anywhere in China lies in Jiangsu Province, near Shanghai. It’s architecture is an update of Chinese traditional architecture, all clean, straight lines, great panes of glass that frame courtyard gardens and water fountains. The architect, it seems, was American, interestingly. The building as a grand bit of modern art sits back off a busy highway with nothing else around it. Perhaps in a few years that will change as more construction projects grip the district.

One does have to wonder, though, if the budget for the building would pass the requirements just released for government officials’ expenditures. The central government has just released new guidelines on what justifies proper behavior on the part of officials. Party leaders are trying to show the public they are serious about curbing corruption within their ranks. Bans on lavish weddings and funerals may sound strange to us Westerners, but extravagant gatherings is a way in which Chinese show friends, family and neighbors they’ve made the big time. Luxury sedans are out, too; though who will be the poor sod on the local police force to tell a Vice Mayor he shouldn’t be riding around town in a Lexus? Government headquarters as posh as any resort are a no-no, too. Though they sure are nice to look at.

Further reading: BBC, Chinese anti-corruption website

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