Contradictions of China

China is a country of contrasts.   A juxtaposition of old and new in the physical world as well as the world of ideas and practices.  I haven't seen it as much on this trip where we have been in modern Shanghai and Guangzhou, but here is an example from today.  

Our travel companion and her 5 year old daughter, who is completely blind, were refused service at a restaurant due to her missing eyes.  There is little tolerance for disability in this country.

However, there seems to be more tolerance for those of the Islamic faith here than in the US.  Our hotel seems to be in a neighborhood with a considerable Muslim population.  While eating pizza at Fiodani's Pizza tonight, a man borrowed a rug from the staff at the fast food counter, proceeded to pray facing Mecca in a corner of the tiny eating area, put his shoes back on, returned the rug and went on his way.  Unfortunately, I think this would be less tolerated in America, especially with the building culture of fear.