Well, the relaxed interpretation of Health and Safety laws is almost certainly a factor. However, there's a sense of purpose and drive found in even the most exhausted and malnourished worker that I suspect is linked to patriotism. From most people, there is a palpable love for this country and powerful desire to see it retake its former place on the world stage.
Whatever the case, a huge swathe of the area near University has been dug up, quite literally overnight. Heavy machinery has been rumbling around the area for days now, and the day-to-day progress is remarkable. There's a refreshing lack of builder's bum, tea-breaks in front of idle machinery, and wolf-whistling of any kind. In fact, work is so intense that many workers eat, live and sleep on-site.
Another related quirk to note is that nothing, but nothing, slows down a Chinaman in full flow. Even though there is an underpass a few metres further along, the three-minute delay is absolutely intolerable to 95% of the foot traffic I've observed.
Here, you can see that even citizens of pensionable age are happiest taking a short-cut. It can be absolutely heart-stopping to see gramps racing between two incoming tractors. Elsewhere, people climb over, between or through the barriers erected, and risk life and limb dodging lorries and diggers en route to the other side.There's a public education campaign doing the rounds with the message that "Saving a minute could cost you a lifetime" and it is ignored with an almost deliberate relish.
I can't decide whether this is a sign that China will soon be the world's greatest economy, or that it's setting itself up for a hard fall. For now, I'll keep jumping the fence just like everyone else.
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