I served as Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Singapore Professional Centre (SPC) from the 1970s to the mid-1980. During this period, I led three groups of mixed professionals to visit China on three separate occasions. The first visit in 1979 was when China had just started opening its doors to representative groups of Singapore professionals. There were no commercial packaged tours at the time. The second and third visits took place in the early 1980s. Tour itineraries had to be worked out directly with the Chinese International Travel Service (CITS) Bureau. Before the trips, it was necessary to obtain Spore government approval for visiting a Communist Country. I was interviewed by the Internal Security Department and was required to provide a report each time after returning from the trip.
Mount Huangshan or Yellow Mountain (1,864 m or 6,115 ft), described as the “loveliest mountain of China,” was included in the itinerary of the second trip. The mountain is so-called not because the mountain is yellow in color, but because it was renamed after the visit by legendary Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) in 747 AD. It was said to be the place where the Emperor discovered the long-sought elixir of immortality. The mountain played a vital role in the history of art and literature in China since the Tang Dynasty around the 8th century.
The mountain is known for its spectacular scenery, peculiarly-shaped granite peak pine trees, hot springs, winter snow, and views of the passing clouds. The mountain is a popular and frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings, literature, and modern photography. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s major tourist destinations. During our visit, there was no cable car or cable chair. We had to climb the many narrow, steep stairs carved from the mountain rocks. We stayed overnight at the peak and climbed down the next day. I remember several healthcare professionals who joined this tour: Dr. Chou Sip King and his wife Kathleen, Dr. Lenny Tan, Dr. Woon Chong Leng, Dr. David Yeo and his friend Dr. Lam, and two pharmacists, Tan Shook Fong and Tan Han Yong.
Please enjoy beautiful views of the Yellow Mountain from my Chinese ink-brush painting and two photos.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
