Very early. 1976-1977.
Interesting time then. Before Tian an Men. I think I have never met someone who went to China, so early before.
Nice to meet you.
Thanks. Nice to meet you, too. Arrived in China two weeks after Mao had died and the country was in mourning. Huge amount of political upheaval at the time with lots of people jockeying tip for the top spot. There was no clear legal or electoral system to determine succession as is the case in all countries ruled by strongmen and charismatics. Spent seven months there at three remote fertilizer factory sites.
My first time was 1983. It was starting to get established then. But still had horse drawn wagons on city streets, and lots of Mao jackets. Now I see the traffic jams with cars all over. Times change!