Travel Around China

Celebrating the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Festival,元宵节)

2009-02-09T17:41:00.001-08:00

Yesterday is the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Festival), the 15th day of the first lunar month. And the whole country is decked out for the celebration. And the exciting thing which made it special is that this year’s Lantern Festival witnessed the biggest and roundest moon for the past 52 festivals Monday night.

Lantern Festival is the first significant festival after Spring Festival, Having lots of meanings to Chinese people. Literally, we can know that the most important activity during the night of the event is watching lanterns. And because every household eats yuanxiao (a rice ball stuffed with different fillings, also called “tangyuan”) on that day, it is called Yuan Xiao Festival. Today, Lantern Festival is regarded as China's Valentine's Day, offering many youngers a good time to sharing with lovers.

For its rich and colorful activities, it is regarded as the most recreational among all the Chinese festivals and a festival for appreciating the bright full moon, and family reunion. Customs and Activities: With a history of over 2,000 years, various traditional customs and activities are held during Lantern Festival that appeal to people of different ages, including watching lanterns and fireworks, guessing lantern riddles, performing folk dances, and eating yuanxiao.

Watching Lanterns

During the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), Buddhism flourished in China. So in order to popularize Buddhism, one of the emperors gave an order to light lanterns in the imperial palace to worship and show respect for Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month. During the Tang (618 - 907), Song (960 - 1279), Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties, lighting lanterns became a tradition for Chinese people.

Today, when the Lantern Festival comes, red lanterns can be seen in the street, in each house, and store. In the parks, lanterns of various shapes and types attract countless visitors. Visitors marvel that various lanterns so vividly demonstrate traditional Chinese folklore.

Guessing Lantern Riddles

Beginning from the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), guessing lantern riddles is regarded as an indispensable part of the Lantern Festival. The lantern exhibition organizers write all kinds of riddles on pieces of paper, and paste them on colorful lanterns to let visitors guess. If one has an answer to a riddle, he can pull the paper from the lantern to let organizers verify the answer. Gifts are presented to the people who get the right answers.

Because this intellectual activity is exciting, people from all walks of life enjoy it.

Folk Dances: Lion Dance, and Walking on Stilts

Derived from the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), the lion dance is an excellent traditional art that adds infinite fun to any celebration including the Lantern Festival. Two performing types have formed during its long development. In north China, the lion dance focuses on skills, and in the south the lion dance pays more attention to the animal resemblance. One actor manipulates a small lion made of quilts resembling a real one, and with two persons acting like a big lion, one manages the head part and the other, the rest. Under the guidance of a director, the lions sometimes jump, leap, and do difficult acts such as walking on stilts.

Because the acting is always amusing, spectators enjoy it very much. According to ancient custom, the lion is a symbol of boldness and strength that can protect people, so by performing the lion dance, everyone prays for an auspicious and happy life.

Walking on stilts, another folk art, traces its origins to the Spring and Autumn period (770BC - 476BC). Performers not only walk on stilts by binding them to their feet, but also do some breathtakingly difficult moves. As actors impersonate different characters like monks, clowns, and fishermen and perform vivid and humorous acts, the art amuses many people.

Eating Yuanxiao

Yuanxiao, also called tangyuan, is a dumpling ball made of sticky rice flour stuffed with different fillings. Eating yuanxiao has become an essential part of the festival. The methods for making Yuanxiao differ by region and fillings include sugar, rose petals, sesame, sweetened bean paste, and jujube paste. Some do not have fillings. Because tangyuan can be boiled, fried or steamed, and each has a unique taste, it is very popular. Yuanxiao is round in shape so it is endowed with the meaning of reunion, harmony and happiness. During the night of the festival, family members sit together to taste yuanxiao and appreciate the full moon.

Top three romantic destinations in China

2009-02-08T03:22:00.000-08:00

The Valentine’s Day is coming, what’s your plan? Maybe a travel with loved ones? There are many romantic destinations in China, here we recommend the top three romantic ones. They are Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province and Lijiang in Yunnan Province.

Zhuhai in Guangdong Province

During a recent competition among cities, Zhuhai was named by Chinese media as “China’s Most Romantic City.” Romance is nature’s gift to Zhuhai. Situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, with a sheltered location in South China with glorious sunshine, Zhuhai is a luxurious garden paradise where colorful flowers bloom all year.

The name Zhuhai means “pearl sea” and the city sits at the mouth of the Pearl River where the river and ocean meet. With a territory of more than 7,660 square kilometers, about 80 percent of which being ocean, Zhuhai has 146 islets, many with secluded beaches and unspoiled scenery.

The best-known romantic location in Zhuhai is Lover’s Road, which winds its way several kilometers along the coast between the mountains and the water at Xianglu Bay. It has broad pavement and gardens, quiet seating and picnic areas and wonderful views displaying the natural beauty of Zhuhai, It truly captures the romantic atmosphere of this young city. Here you will find couples young and old, strolling together enjoying happy moments.

After dining at one of Zhuhai’s popular restaurants or luxury hotels, couples can relax in stylish bars and cafes or dance the night away at one of Zhuhai’s top night spots. Wherever you go, you are sure to develop a love affair with this charming and energetic city, a feeling that is uniquely Zhuhai.

There are many seaside cities in China, but few are quite like Zhuhai. Walking through Zhuhai, you might wonder if this a city of gardens or a city in a garden. You can stroll through green parks and shady paths past colorful flowerbeds, or choose to take in the fresh air along well laid out boulevards by the water’s edge.

Zhuhai’s interesting past adds greatly to the atmosphere and appeal for visitors. People started populating the area more than 5,000 years ago. Near the Yamen River are ancient ruins from the Southern Song Dynasty dating back more than 1,700 years. Nearby Cuiheng Village, to the north in Zhongshan, is the birthplace of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the leader of China’s democratic revolution in the early 20th century and sometimes known as the “Father of China.” Many other monuments, parks, museums and locations chart the history of the great events and changes of China’s great civilization, ancient and modern.

Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province

It is a famous tourist city. Although not big, it has a concentration of more than 40 scenic spots, which would take at least a week to visit. The 6-square-kilometer West Lake is the pride of this provincial capital city and most sites of interest are around it. Unlike the man-made lakes of other cities, West Lake is natural and its sights are delightful, no matter what the season. Scholars and poets have left a legacy of rhapsodic poetry and prose after visiting the lake, and some settled, or stayed on to live the life of a hermit.

Along with the beautiful scenery and places of interest, West Lake has many romantic tales. Classical stories include that of the love between a young man named Xu Xian and the “white snake,” an immortal whose earthly form was that of a beautiful woman, but who also took on the shape of a white snake if she drank wine. Their love was not tolerated by society and the white snake was eventually imprisoned under Leifeng Tower and Xu Xian’s family fragmented.

Modern Hangzhou inhabitants are very romantic and West Lake is now the place where young people go courting. At nightfall couples can be seen along the lakeshore, as on the Shanghai Bund.

The romantic nature of Hangzhou inhabitants has nurtured the quality of local artists. Hangzhou has produced numerous scholars and men of letters and the city is permeated with an artistic atmosphere.

Lijiang in Yunnan Province

It has a demure charm that is revealed in myriad forms: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the grey-tiled town of cobbled streets and thousand year-old bridges, the charm of the Naxi people and their customs and much more. Such qualities prompted UNESCO to include it on the World Heritage List and also inspired the best-selling novel, “Lost Horizons.”

Lijiang is the perfect place for couples and honeymooners as it oozes romance.

Young couples should visit Yufeng Buddhist monastery, famous for a 500-year-old camellia said to produce 10,000 blossoms every year. The camellia is actually two plants grafted together that supposedly represent a pair of lovers who were forbidden to marry and committed suicide rather than live apart. Today, Chinese couples believe that being photographed in front of the camellia will ensure that they will be together in the next life.

Hiking outside the city is one of the great highlights of any visit to this region. Some treks last only one hour and some take up to six hours or more but Lijiang’s trekking routes feature some of the most striking landscapes found in the world including the trek near Tiger Leaping Gorge and along the banks of the Jinsha River.

The highlight of any visit to Lijiang is spending time in the old quarter, Dayan Town. This is no exception for couples. This 800-year-old World Heritage site features ancient timber and earth houses with tiled roofs set on delightful canals. No cars are allowed in the narrow, winding streets, which are paved with large stones.

The idea is to get lost in Dayan’s quaint streets if you really want to discover the place. The old town attracts local artists and artisans and there is plenty of high quality jewelry, clothing, pottery, paintings and carving on sale. It’s quite pleasant sitting at an outdoor restaurant beside the canal eating a Naxi delicacy such as goat’s cheese sprinkled with sugar.

At night the old town takes on a different character. A popular activity for couples is to light a candlelit float and let it gently head downriver. Candles floating past on paper lotus flowers make dining alfresco beside the canals an enchanting experience.

The enchantment continues with a concert by the Naxi orchestra which plays classical Taoist music on traditional instruments. The average age of the musicians is 80.

What will Bird's Nest be after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

2009-02-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

Bird's Nest, also called National Stadium, played an important role in Beijing Olympic Games. The Opening and Closing ceremonies held here, its creative design, majestic appearance and the torch lighting impressed people around the world. Now the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games was over, can you guess what will this spacious Bird's Nest be used for? Still holding sports games?

In fact, the utilization of Bird's Nest will be diverse, such as sports games, tourism, entertainment and shopping. Citic Group said in Beijing that within three to five years it will convert the National Stadium into an entertainment and shopping center, while seeking to hold more sports games and cultural performances.

In addition, an individual company was established by Citic Group, Beijing Urban Construction Group and Golden State Holding Group Corporation, which is to focus on the operation of the Bird's Nest business. According to the company, maintenance of the 250,000-square-meter National Stadium will annually cost 60 million yuan (US$8.82 million), making it particularly hard to make a profit.

Another shoe-throwing happened in Cambridge University---- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao dismisses shoe-throwing

2009-02-04T22:28:00.000-08:00

Do you agree that one’s shoes are weapons?

In Dec 2008, An Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at President George W. Bush during a farewell conference in the country, nearly hitting his face. Recently, another shoe-throwing event happened again.

In 2 Feb, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao concluded his week-long official trip to Europe with an eventful day in Britain. As one of his last activities in Europe, Wen Jiabao visited Cambridge University in England where he delivered a speech stressing mutual understanding and cooperation.

During the speech, a man disrupted, throwing a shoe but missing. The shoe landed far from Wen Jiabao on the floor. Pausing for a few seconds, Wen Jiabao calmly told the audience that the incident would do nothing to hold back the friendship of the Chinese and British people and continued the speech. We Chinese were proud of the reaction of Premier Wen.

Then university officials quickly removed the protester from the auditorium arresting him later on suspicion of a public order offense. On its website, the chancellor of Cambridge University released a statement regretting the man's behavior saying the university is a place for considerate argument and debate, not for shoe-throwing. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also voiced dissatisfaction over the incident.

I think there are better ways to express one's emotion than shoe-throwing.

London debut for treasures from Shanghai, with spectacular collections shown in Europe for the first time

2009-02-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

While international communication becomes more and more common, it’s not surprised to see lots of interesting things from other places in one’s own country. Now, if you’re a lover of Chinese culture, and if you live in London, here I have a good news for you!!

After holding the exhibition "First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army" in 2007, British Museum made another collaboration with China recently. The Museum has celebrated the launch of “Shanghai Week” in London with the opening of "Treasures from Shanghai," a spectacular collection of 60 ancient Chinese jade and bronze masterpieces on show in Europe for the first time.

Shanghai Week lasts from 29 January to 7 February 2009. It includes many events, showcasing the heritage and culture of China's largest city as it prepares for the World Expo. The collections on show are from Shanghai Museum, which houses one of the world's greatest collections of Chinese art. Certainly capture everyone’s sight.

Chen Kelun, deputy director general of the Shanghai Museum, said the exhibition would provide "insights into the time-honored urban civilization and etiquette of China" and identify themselves with the theme of the World Expo to be held in Shanghai next year.

"This exhibition brings to London pieces of superlative quality rarely seen outside China itself," said the exhibition's guest curator Jessica Rawson. "The Neolithic jades on display are astonishing, particularly those that feature fine designs of strange human-like figures, birds and monsters with large teeth."

More info:

Shanghai Week is designed to commemorate the increasingly close relationship between Britain and China, and showcase the heritage and culture of Shanghai as it prepares for the World Expo. (World Expositions are platforms for exchanging innovative ideas and reviewing progress. They are also important for showcasing industrial, scientific and technological achievements. The first World Exposition was held in London in 1851 under the title Great Exhibition of Industries of All Nations.)

Other highlights include a seminar at the Victoria and Albert Museum entitled "From London to Shanghai: Inheritance and innovation - wisdom in urban development" and a photographic exhibition at City Hall - "Shanghai and Shanghai Exposition."

Meanwhile, Sarah Brightman, who sang at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, has been named Shanghai 2010 World Expo Promotion Ambassador in Britain.

Cigarettes sent as gifts undermines China's anti-smoking programme

2009-02-02T03:32:00.000-08:00

We all know that smoking is bad for health. But there is a special tradition in China. When festivals come, just like the Spring Festival, people buy cigarettes as presents for the elders and friends, despite knowing all the harms of smoking. Even in normal times, they give cigarettes when meeting new friends or visiting relatives, either to show friendliness or respect.

So the truth is, not only are the smokers exchanging cigarettes as gifts, nonsmokers are also fanning the flame by buying cigarettes for their friends and family and are unwittingly exposing themselves to second-hand smoke. This has greatly increased the difficulties of anti-smoking in China.

Experts on tobacco control call for more understanding and support. Just days ahead of the Spring Festival, the Ministry of Health(MOH), the World Health Organization, and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention jointly launched a program to distribute 200,000 anti-smoking posters across the country.

"You have sent your friends both blessings and respiratory problems such as lung caner; you have sent your colleagues both respect and cardio vascular diseases such as heart disorders and stroke; you have sent your family love, care and death," a poster reads.

More info:

Every year, China incurrs a huge loss from smoking. A great part of the cost was paid for medical treatment to 23 major diseases caused by smoking. Another great loss was caused by delay of work, passive smoking, fires, environmental pollution and shortened life span.

Years ago, Chinese government had realized the problem of smoking, and took some actions on smoking control and anti-smoking activities. For example, cracking down on tobacco advertisements and punishing smoking in public places.

2009 Toy Fair held in London

2009-01-31T17:27:00.001-08:00

I believe that most of us have some favorite toys when we were a child, that maybe a doll, a toy car etc. Toys are certainly good fellows of children. From 28th to 31st January, 2009 Toy Fair runs at the ExCel exhibition center in London, where is a toy lovers playground. Over the three days, thousands of toys, games and hobbies will be showcased to more than nine thousand industry professionals.

From classic toys to the very latest fad there is something to suit every child and lots of adults too. And this year's most wanted toy is almost certainly going to be robotic, the cuddlier the better.

The fair is now in its 56th year. It gives manufacturers a chance to showcase the latest toys before they hit the stores. It’s said that the toy industry is worth four billion US dollars in the UK.

The market weathered a 2 percent fall in 2008, but Natasha Crookes of the British Toy and Hobby Association says the volume of sales actually increased by 7 percent and by 12 percent over the Christmas season. Fighting the economic downturn is child's play for toy giant, Lego. Despite an overall decline in the industry, the Danish toymaker celebrated a growth of over 50% in 2008. Taking part in the Toy Fair, Lego unveiled the second generation of Mindstorm models - a toy with robotic microchips built into the Lego bricks. The chips enable users to program a working robot as well as build a model.

The US based company Bossa Nova released its first robot-Prime8. The robot can be angry or happy and acts as a room guard by launching coconuts at intruders.

Car seats save young lives

2009-01-30T02:49:00.000-08:00

Car accidents happened frequently in China, but also in other countries around the world. It’s said that car accidents are the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for American children older than 1 year. Recently, a new research finds that placing infants and small children in age-appropriate car safety seats significantly reduces the odds that they will die if they are in a motor vehicle accident.

Babies reaped the most benefit from being placed in a car seat. Their odds of dying in a car crash dropped by three-quarters if they were in a safety restraint seat. But older children also saw significant benefits, with a mortality risk reduction of at least 60 percent.

"The findings from this study indicate that child restraints greatly reduce the risk of death among children 3 years and younger involved in severe traffic collisions," the authors of the study wrote.

"The higher effectiveness of safety seats among infants is likely due to their overall fragility," added study author Thomas Rice, a research epidemiologist at the Traffic Safety Center in the department of environmental sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.

Results of the study appear in the February issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

From a large initial sample of nearly 300,000 vehicles, the researchers chose 6,303 vehicles to study because of the availability of complete data on ages, positions of vehicle occupants and the type of restraints that were used (shoulder or lap seat belt, car seat, or none).

The odds of a baby under 1 year of age dying in a car accident drop by 73 percent if the infant was riding in a baby car seat. For children between 1 and 2, the odds of dying in a collision went down by 76 percent if they were properly restrained. For 2 to 3 year olds, the odds of a fatality in a car crash dropped by about 60 percent if the toddler was in a car seat.

Safety seats were found to be most effective in preventing fatalities in rollover accidents, rural environments and accidents involving light trucks.

In the older age group -- children age 2 to 3 years old -- seat belts were almost as effective as car safety seats in preventing fatalities.

But, say the experts, that doesn't mean it's OK for a 2-year-old to just wear a seat belt.

"Any restraint device helps to keep the child inside the vehicle, which decreases fatalities," said Barbara Gaines, director of the Benedum Pediatric Trauma Program at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. "So, with the older kids, a seat belt may keep them sort of in the car, but seat belts certainly won't prevent some of the other serious injuries we see."

She suggested:
Rear-facing infant seats for up to 1 year or so
Convertible seats for older, larger infants, until about age 3
Booster seats for 4- to 8-year-olds

"And, check the car seat for weight guidelines, because they're not identical for all seats," Gaines said. "When children graduate from booster seats, they still need to use the car's restraints. Teenagers are the ones least likely to be restrained."

From Shenzhen Daily.

China's 1st limousine theme hotel opens in Shenzhen

2009-01-28T23:27:00.000-08:00

OCT East, a popular tourist resort in Yantian District of Shenzhen, opened the first limousine theme hotel in China on Jan 1. At the same time it also opened a third theme park called Knight Valley.

The theme hotel, the outer walls of which are made of steel, resembles a limousine in shape and offers 159 well-designed rooms. There are also two real white limousines in front of the hotel, which are fully equipped with TV sets, kitchens, bars, beds and bathrooms.

The two limousines were manufactured in Germany with environmentally friendly aeronautic materials. There are four beds in each limousine for up to nine people, particularly suitable for two families, said Han Lu, a hotel employee.

Knight Valley overlooks the golden coastline of Eastern Shenzhen. In the valley, there are a Kwuan-yin statue on a lotus throne, Red Wine Town, forests, sunlight, open land and rivers. A number of entertainment facilities will open to the public during the Spring Festival that falls on Jan. 25.

The other two theme parks in OCT East include Tea Stream Valley and Wind Valley, which together with Knight Valley provide people an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the boomtown.

More info about OCT East

OCT East resort, a 3.5-billon-yuan investment supported by OCT group, is located at DaMeiSha, Shenzhen. Occupying about 9 square kilometers, OCT East, the national ecological resort featuring tourism culture, aims at providing visitors with an opportunity to escape from the bustle of city life and return to the nature.

Beautiful Stamp Series Celebrating Lunar New Year

2009-01-28T05:33:00.000-08:00

Are you a stamp collector? Here we introduce a series of stamp celebrating the Lunar New Year of China. They are 12 beautifully engraved stamps of 12 animal symbols, standing for the 12 year’s Chinese Lunar Cycle.

The stamps are using paper-cut design, which is a traditional Chinese folk-art that goes back more than 2,000 years. The designer, Clarence Lee, is a Chinese-American illustrator. In 1992 he was selected to design the first Chinese lunar stamp, the "Year of the Rooster." Its phenomenal success led to a 12-year commission to create all the animal images in the lunar stamp series, one of the most popular series ever issued by the USPS (The United States Postal Service). His latest designs, is the shining re-creations of the 12 stamps in the solid silver and pure gold. It’s taken as the second series of the 12-year Celebrating Lunar New Year stamps.

More details:
The program of the stamps started in 1988, when the Organization of Chinese-Americans (OCA) proposed the idea of a postage stamp that would commemorate the important contribution of the Chinese people in America. Three years later, with support from members of Congress, nation-wide community groups, and Postmaster General Anthony Frank, the dream began to take form.

In 1992, renowned graphic designer Clarence Lee was selected to design one stamp depicting the Chinese lunar symbol for 1993, the "Year of the Rooster," to honor Chinese Americans. The overwhelming demand for the stamp made it one of the most successful issues in the history of the United States Postal Service. It struck a chord not only with Chinese and other Asian Americans, but also with the country as a whole and the world beyond. The result was the creation of a series of 12 stamps, one for each of the animals in the Chinese lunar cycle. Since 1993 one new stamp has been issued every Chinese New Year, taking 12 years to complete the series, and ending with the "Year of the Monkey".

When the first series expired in 2004, former OCA National President urged the USPS to continue the annual issuance in a new series. Now, it’s at the culmination of this important program that all 12 celebrated stamp designs have been re-created as engraved solid silver ingots, layered with 24-karat gold, thus preserving them forever in a magnificent collection that is destined to be handed down from one generation to the next as a treasured and visible symbol of an ancient culture and continuing tradition."

"The Lunar New Year stamp was an OCA initiative that made history for Chinese Americans sixteen years ago and the launch of the new series is certainly wonderful news,” said Claudine Cheng, former OCA National President, “We are delighted that history is being unfolded again and that we will continue to see the celebration of our cultural heritage being part of the United States Postal Service commemorative stamp program."

China to subsidize use of energy-efficient vehicles/cars in public sector

2009-01-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

In the past, the Chinese tend to use high –emission cars with high performance. But as people begin to be more concerned about the environment and the development of automobile industry, energy-efficient cars get attention too. Recently, China has adjust fuel oil tax to encourage the use of energy-efficient vehicles/cars. After that, a new program is also coming. According to the report of Xinhua Net, China is to promote the use of energy-efficient and new-energy vehicles in public sector in 13 cities.

According to a joint statement by the MOF (the Ministry of Finance) and the Ministry of Science and Technology, the central government will offer one-off subsidy for the purchase of mixed-power, electric and fuel-cell vehicles.

The statement said the subsidy will be decided by the gap between the prices of energy-efficient vehicles and automobiles powered by traditional fuel.

Aimed at facilitating the technology upgrading and structural optimization of the automobile industry, the program will be put into trial in public transport, taxi industry, postal and urban sanitary services in 13 cities including Beijing and Shanghai.

Watching the 2009 CCTV spring festival gala

2009-01-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

The arrival of a New Year is always a moment of celebration. And the CCTV Spring Festival Gala hold on the eve of the Lunar New Year, is an essential part of the holiday for many Chinese families. Since I was 20 years old, watching the Gala has been a traditional activity in my family. This year is the same.

The Gala began at 8:00 PM, with a title called "Reunion of the Chinese People" to echo the full year of big events in 2008. There are some highlights about the wonderful gala as following:

1. The gala features an assortment of hi-technology elements. Among them a high-tech screen wrapping around the stage and world-class audio and video facilities.

2. Heroes of the Shenzhou 7 mission along with Olympic gold medalists made special guest appearances at the gala.

3. The gala also features a special presentation in memory of the victims of last year's May 12th earthquake. Delegates from quake hit areas tell the audience about the current situation. And ethnic minority people from the quake hit province of Sichuan give a performance. By the word, their special costumes is very beautiful.
4. It’s the first time that farmer singers perform with the professionals on one stage. And they are very good, exceed people’s expectation.

The gala is gorgeous and there are many wonderful performances. If you want to take a watch of the full video, click the link http://www.cctv.com/program/cultureexpress/20090126/100262.shtml

Chinese mainland pandas to meet Taiwan public on Lunar New Year

2009-01-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

We all know that the giant panda is the national treasure of China, native to central-western and southwestern China (such as Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces). But people from all nations and areas are welcome to adopt pandas through naming them with an accompanying donation.

Now, there is another place where we can visit them. Next Monday, the two giant pandas given by the Chinese mainland to Taiwan will go on public display in Taipei zoo, after completing a month-long quarantine period.

The two giant pandas are an 4-year-old pair, named Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan (when linked, their names mean "reunion" in Chinese), weighed 106.8 kg and 107.2kg respectively. Quarantine staff had examined the pandas' temperatures daily since their arrival on Dec. 23. "They had also tested their excrement three times and urine twice, and found no parasites or other diseases," said zoo spokesman Jason S.C. Chin.

According to Taipei government, 500 orphans and children from poor families will be invited to see them on Jan. 24. And it’s estimated that the pandas will attract about 6 million visitors to the zoo annually, double the current number.

The Chinese mainland announced in May 2005 that it would give two giant pandas to Taiwan. Their departure was delayed for more than three years. The improved cross-Strait ties made their journey to Taiwan possible. And the public display will be a big news for people in Taiwan.

The second Disney Park in China may land in Shanghai

2009-01-23T07:27:00.000-08:00

After the Disneyland Park Hong Kong opened in 2005, another city in China --- Shanghai, was eager to host Disney. Recently, the Disney company and the Shanghai Municipal Government drew up a joint application report which will be submitted to the Chinese Central Government for a formal approval.

The Disney headquarters and the Shanghai Municipal Government signed the document to draw the legal and financial framework for the construction of a theme park in Shanghai. According to the agreement signed, Disney will hold 43 percent of the stock shares, while the Shanghai municipal government-owned joint venture will hold 57 percent.

If the application is approved, Shanghai Disneyland will be listed among the ultra-large-scale ones, comparing to Disney projects around the world. The Disney theme park project is expected to cost 24.48 billion yuan and to cover an area of about 1.5 square kilometers. The project could bring in investment in the mainland stock market involving enterprises from a range of sectors such as real estate, film and television entertainment, publishing and printing, media networks, toy manufacturing, franchising, advertising and others.

But it may not be good news for Hong Kong Disneyland park, which will be certainly suffer from the project. For the park in Shanghai will draw visitors from Hong Kong park.

what's Chinese react to Obama´s inauguration

2009-01-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

In China, many people have been keeping a close watch as Obama prepares to take the presidential oath. With the US a key player on the world stage, a change in Washington may well affect the rest of the world.

Barack Obama's inauguration has become headline news around the world. Many Chinese are concerned about how he will tackle pressing issues in the first months of his presidency.

A Beijing resident said, "I will watch closely how Obama deals with the financial crisis. China will be a good partner to the US in solving the problem."

Others are interested in future China-US relations and the change Obama would bring to the US.

A Beijing resident said, "Obama is opening a new chapter by becoming the first black president in US history. I hope China-US relations will turn a new leaf too."

source from: xinhua.com

China launches nationwide campaign against fake banknote crimes

2009-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen fake banknote? Can you distinguish fake banknote? Here is the advise --- if you have and use Chinese banknote, keep an eye on the ball.

Recently, China launched a special campaign against fake banknote crimes after fake notes were found in more than 10 provinces and cities. The fake 100-yuan notes, most starting with serial number "HD90”, are so high-quality that some low-quality money detectors failed to catch them. The criminals are very tricky. They even split a true note into two parts and then adhered to fake ones. The nationwide campaign of "Action 09" aims at cracking down on crimes of producing, selling and spending fake notes, especially in 10 major provinces including Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang. The government ordered public security units to give priority to detecting fake money cases, finding out sources of fake money, rooting out producing dens and destroying transport network.

The government also encourage the public to inform on fake notes and gather case clues as many as possible. During the 10-month campaign, whoever reports dens producing fake money will be rewarded with 300,000 yuan (44,000 US dollars).

Top memories of China in 2008

2009-01-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

2008, it’s not an easy year for all Chinese people. We enjoy the happiness that Beijing Olympic Games brought, also we suffer from the pain of the Wenchuan Earthquake. Today, let’s have a review of the big things happened in 2008.

1. Winter storm relief
Heavy snow -- the worst in 50 years -- hit southern, central and eastern areas of China in January,2008. The record snowfall has closed airports and expressways and shut down rail service. More than 77 of millions of people in 14 provinces are affected.

2. Wenchuan Earthquake
May 12th, 2008 is the day that people in China and around the world will never forget. A 8-magnitude earthquake devastated wide areas of Sichuan Province in China´s southwest. This is a rare and catastrophic natural disaster that has resulted in heavy loss of lives and properties.

Fortunately, we are strong enough. The whole country unite together to face the disaster, companies and individuals made lots of donation. Also, we got boundless Love and help from people around the world, which help us recover and rebuild out the area.

3. Beijing 2008 Olympic & Paralympic Games
On Aug. 8th, China´s 1.3 billion people open their arms and welcome the world! Under the banner of "One World, One Dream", Chinese People offered the world a spectacular festival of sport. The world is impressed by the wonderful Olympic opening and closing ceremony.

4. Shenzhou-7 Mission (China’s first space walk)
On September 25th, the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft was launched. It was China´s third spcae mission and the first to include a space walk. It also made China became the third country in the world to complete a spacewalk.

Chinese President Hu Jintao had said it was a small step from a Chinese astronaut, but a big step for the nation's scientific and technological innovation.

5. Three Direct Links Across Taiwan Straits
Dec. 15th, 2008 -- The Chinese mainland and Taiwan started direct air, sea transport and postal services. It’s the latest and important step to further improve the once strained ties between the two. Obviously, many people can benefit from these improvement.

6. 30 Years Anniversary of Reform & Opening Up
2008 marks China´s 30th anniversary of the Reform and Opening Up which was led by late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. After the development of the last 30 years, the dramatic transformation has immersed in the country's growth, even in tiny details. Some changes of China may get people stunned. But we still have a long way to go.

7. Global Financial Crisis
We all know that global economy turndown in 2008, China also suffer a lot. Many people lose their jobs, companies are bankrupted. Chinese government has a big challenge in the economy development. China's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to drop to 8.4 percent this year from last year's 9.1 percent, but the country remains an engine for East Asia and even for global growth, according to a forecast report released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Friday in Beijing.

2008 is past and 2009 is a new start. No matter what happens, we have our faith and will do best to get better life. Wish the world peace and people around the world live a happy life.

Decorations for Coming Spring Festival

2009-01-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

People were busy in selecting decorations and goods to greet the Chinese traditional Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 26 this year. Decorations for the Coming Spring Festival are very beautiful and colorful, they are the expressions of Chinese culture.

1. An old style lantern:

2. Lanterns hanged on the tree

3.paper-cut decorations

4.paper-cut decorations

5. The local flower business heats up in the market as the Chinese traditional Spring Festival approaches.

The Chinese Spring Festival is coming

2009-01-16T06:28:00.000-08:00

Jan 26, it’s a big day for all Chinese people. That’s the traditional holiday --- the Spring Festival!

Held on the first day of each year of the lunar calendar and lasting for weeks, the spring festival is regarded by the Chinese people as the grandest and most important annual festival, similar to Christmas Day for Europeans and Americans. Originating during the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC), Spring Festival, which celebrates family reunion, is full of rich and colorful activities, and new hopes for health, treasure and good luck. People from different regions and different ethnic groups celebrate it in their unique ways.

The spring festival is very interesting, people do a lot of preparations and colorful activities are held. Such as:

1. House decoration --- Nearly a week before the Spring Festival, every family does a thorough house cleaning. People often buy some Red scrolls with complementary poetic couplets, one line on each side of the gate, are pasted at every gate. The Chinese character 'Fu' is pasted on the center of the door and paper-cut pictures adorn windows. 'Fu' in Chinese means 'Good Luck' or 'Happiness', by pasting this character on the center of the door, people show great hope to be happy. Nowadays, people like to paste it backward, for this means 'Fu' has come. Paper-cut is a famous Chinese traditional craft. During Spring Festival, people paste favorite paper cuts on windows not only for decoration and appreciation but also for delivering hope.

2. Prepare food and clothes --- they purchase enough food, including fish, meat, roasted nuts and seeds, all kinds of candies and fruits, etc, for the festival period. People from different regions may prepare different food, such as jiaozi in north China and niangao (a kind of sticky rice cake) in the south are the indispensable foods. Also, new clothes must be bought, especially for children.

3. Spring Festival’s Eve --- On New Year's Eve, no matter where he is, every member will try his best to come back to enjoy the family reunion feast. Family members chat or watch special TV programs all night. To show respect for their ancestors, some families burn incense and prepare delicious food at home.

4. Setting Firecrackers and Fireworks --- Regarded as the most exciting event, especially to children during the festival, setting firecrackers means biding farewell to the past year and welcoming the New Year. Fireworks have been popular for over 2,000 years, and have become a festival essential. When the clock announces the New Year, numerous households set off fireworks at almost the same time, creating a thunderous sound. Various multicolored fireworks are also displayed by official organizations. Today fireworks have become an indispensable part of celebrating grand festivals, of marriage, even of opening a new shop.

5. Paying New Year Visits --- Paying New Year visits is a special way for people to express good wishes to each other. On the first day of Spring Festival, wearing their new clothes, people visit relatives and friends to extend New Year's greetings and invite them to visit. Next, people begin to visit their distant relatives. In cities and suburbs, colorful activities include Temple Fairs, Yangge dancing, and lion and dragon dancing.

The Spring Festival lasts until the Lantern Festival begins fifteen days later marking the end of the Chinese New Year. It is celebrated by Chinese people at home and abroad. Everyone immerses in the festive atmosphere, and exchanges wishes for a good harvest year.

xi'an series: 5 guesses on the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang

2009-01-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

Recently, Guo Zhikun, a specialist in the history of the Qin (221 BC-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-220 AD) dynasties, gave a press conference in Xi'an. He disclosed his academic research results focusing on the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, making bold guesses about the mysterious tomb complex that fascinates the whole world.

Guess 1: How tall was the tomb mound?

According to Guo, the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang is actually composed of two parts: the tomb mound, a hillock above the tomb, and the underground palace, the chamber containing the emperor's coffin.

Most historical records indicate that the original tomb mound was 115 meters in height and 2,076 meters in girth. Exposed to the wind and sun for thousands of years, the mound has been greatly weathered down. The current girth is 1,390 meters, and the base of the mound covers an area of 120,750 square meters.

There has been a decades-long argument about why the mound's height dropped so sharply in recent years. Guo said that most people attributed it to the erosion from wind and rain and to manmade changes. However, another opinion has emerged recently. According to Duan Qingbo who leads the archaeological team at the mausoleum, the height of 115 meters recorded in most historical documents was just a figure copied down from the original blueprint. It is believed that the construction was left unfinished due to a nationwide uprising of peasants. After the emperor's corpse was placed in the chamber, the tomb mound project began. Later, about half of the laborers were transferred to the construction site of another palace building. When the peasant army approached the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, the second emperor of the dynasty, who had taken the throne from his dead father, hastily organized the remaining workers on the construction site to fight against the rebels. No more soil were added onto the hillock later.

Guess 2: How many gates does the underground palace have?

Opinions also differ on how many gates the underground palace contains. Some said there were two, one made of stone and the other of bronze. Others said that there were six, because Emperor Qin Shihuang had always considered the number "six" auspicious.

How many gates does the underground palace have then? After reading through piles of ancient documents, Guo Zhikun said that the exact number was recorded clearly in Records of the Historian, a great historical book written by Sima Qian. In it, the author wrote, "When the emperor died, he was placed in the underground palace. Then, the middle gate was closed and the outer gate was shut down. All workmen were entombed. No one escaped."

Guo explained that the emperor's coffin and all his burial articles were placed inside the middle gate. When the palace was shut down, workmen were busy working in it. Within seconds, however, they were entombed along with the emperor and became burial sacrifices themselves.

From Sima Qian's description, Guo inferred that the underground palace had three gates: an outer gate, a middle gate and an unmentioned inner gate. In addition, in Sima Qian's record, the middle gate was "closed", which meant it had two planks, and the outer gate was "shut down", which meant it slide down vertically. Guo believed the middle door was locked automatically once it was closed. It was designed deliberately to prevent any breakthrough from inside or any invasion from outside. Besides, Guo guessed the unmentioned inner gate had the same mechanism as the middle one and the three gates were located on a straight line.

Guess 3: How many treasures lie buried?

The tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang was filled with fine vessels, precious stones and other rarities according to Sima Qian's record. Liu Xiang, another famous scholar before Sima Qian, wrote in one of his passages, "Since antiquity, no one has ever been buried in such a luxurious manner as Emperor Qin Shihuang."

All the sketchy but intriguing words made us curious about the mysterious wealth buried in the magnificent underground palace. In Records of the Historian, one can find descriptions about a golden wild goose, pearls and jade. But what else lies down there?

In the late 1980s, a large bronze chariot equipped with life-size horses was unearthed outside the west wall of the underground palace of Emperor Qin Shihuang. These elaborately decorated burial articles fascinated the world about the treasures hidden in the emperor's tomb chamber.

"Emperor Qin Shihuang was fond of music. He must have all kinds of musical instruments buried with him," guessed Guo. Recently, a pit for sacrifices was found between the inner wall and outer wall of the tomb complex. Covering 600 square meters, the pit was 40 meters wide from east to west and 15 meters long from north to south. Most of the articles excavated were pottery figures of courtiers, musicians and acrobats. In recent years, a variety of traditional Chinese musical instruments, such as Bianzhong (bronze chimes), were unearthed. Guo felt confident that the underground palace must have a whole collection of musical instruments. Besides, Guo guessed that there might be many valuable ancient books in addition to treasures and jewels.

Guess 4: Does the automatic-shooting crossbows function well?

Ancient Chinese tended to bury treasures with them. Not surprisingly, tomb robbery was once rampant throughout the country. To prevent outside invasions, Emperor Qin Shihuang ordered a full range of precautions. It is said that besides poisonous mercury, booby traps with automatically ejected arrows were installed in the tomb chamber to deter would-be robbers. Anyone who dared to break in would certainly die a violent death.

However, all those alleged lethal weapons have been buried under earth for thousands of years. Would they still function adequately now? Most people believe that the crossbows would still shoot arrows if they are triggered. Guo also agreed so after he carefully studied ancient smelting technology recorded in historical books.

In a modern test, a coating of chromate was found on the surface of weapons excavated along with the terracotta warriors. This coating served to make bronze weapons rust-resistant. Thus, it is highly likely that the automatic crossbows may function well even after thousands of years.

Guo speculated that these crossbows were the first automatic burglar-proof devices in the world. "Craftsmen were ordered to fix up these crossbows in such a way so that any thief breaking in would be shot." He quoted a line in Records of the Historian to support his prediction.

Guess 5: Is the corpse of Emperor Qin Shihuang well preserved?

Although it is widely believed that the underground palace has not been disturbed in past years, some people hold the opinion that the emperor's body had putrefied.

According to historical records, the emperor died during an inspection tour. It was summer so the body couldn't be kept for long. In fact, records state that the body had started to stink even before it was carried back to the capital.

In one of his works, Guo pointed out that it is possible the emperor's corpse might be relatively well preserved. He had three reasons supporting his assumption. First, during the Qin era, it was common practice among aristocrats to put mercury in their tombs to prevent corpses from decaying. Second, when the emperor died, all prominent officials were accompanying him, along with an imperial doctor with superb medical skills who was summoned to his deathbed. Third, modern tests on the soil of the tomb mound show unusually high concentrations of mercury. Guo pointed out all these conditions indicate the possibility of preservation for his body.

Guo: All the guesses have to be testified by archeological finds.

At the press conference, Guo's new book, Guesses on the Underground Palace of Qin Mausoleum, was introduced to the public. "When I wrote this book, I consulted scores of famous archeologists via letters, E-mails or face-to-face communications. They all gave me tremendous help." Guo Zhikun said that his assumptions were based on the results of previous research. If they turn out to be correct, the credit should be given to all scholars engaged in this field.

As technology advances, maybe one day we can open the grand palace and discover all the answers to these questions.

Source from China.org.cn by Chen Xia

xi'an series: Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang----an unexcavated treasure house

2009-01-09T00:52:00.000-08:00

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses we talked about in the last post was unparalleled and dazzled the world, but it’s only part of the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, which is yet unexcavated. Located approximately 30 km outside of X'ian, the mausoleum remains a symbol of the infinite power and ego of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Qin Shihuang(259 BC - 210 BC) holds a central place in Chinese history for being the first emperor who united the country. He is also well known for his part in the construction of the spectacular Great Wall and his splendid terracotta army. To ensure his rule in the afterlife, the emperor commanded more than 720,000 conscripts to build him a grand mausoleum as luxurious as any of the palaces he had in mortal life. The mausoleum is even larger than the Great pyramid in Egypt.

Legend says that many large-scale alhambresque buildings housing numerous and precious treasures are buried inside the tomb. Since the grand mausoleum is not yet open for some reasons, details on the mausoleum remain mysterious. But the records of Sima Qian, a great historian who wrote in early Han dynasty, offered archeologists great insight on the mausoleum's construction. We learned from him that the tomb is huge. The coffin of Emperor Qin Shihuang was cast in bronze. Underground Palace was gem-studded replica of imperial housing above ground. Moreover, booby traps with automatic-shooting arrows were installed to deter would-be tomb robbers. Heaven and earth were represented in the central chamber of the tomb. Ceiling shaped into sun, moon and stars by inlaying pearls and gems symbolizes the sky and the ground was an accumulation point of rivers, lakes and seas, like Yellow River and Yangtze River, which stands for the earth. It is said that the underground palace was brightly lit by whale oil lamps for eternity.

The mausoleum unexcavated is worth studying, many experts work on it. Qin bricks and tiles, engraved with decorative patterns, are strew everywhere around the tomb. There are many satellite tombs built for accompanying Qin Shihuang. Ministers, princesses and princes, the famous and the not so famous were inhumed there. The burial pits for horses, rare birds and pottery figures were ever regarded as the sacrificial objects to the Emperor. Hence the remains from these tombs and pits are beneficial for archaeologists to make further research.

Although the tomb itself is a miracle and very elaborate, it’s considered to be a notorious crime scene according to historical records. Many laborers died of hardship during its construction, and all the workmen were entombed along with the emperor in order to keep their mouths shut. Also all the barren royal concubines accompanied Emperor Qinshihuang on his last journey.

We hope that one day, the entire mausoleum will be unearthed and displayed to the public.

xi'an series: The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses---- the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'

2009-01-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

In some movies, like the Mummy series, people call for the power of the dead army to fight for them. Do you believe that there is a real dead army in China, but they can’t be called for? Actually, they are not real people, but made from terracotta. Today, we will go to the topic.

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, is undoubtedly a must see in Xi’an. Its grandeur and mystery really overwhelm people who pay a visit. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang , the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (246-209B.C). It is cited as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' and was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

Who had built this great job? Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life, including the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. According to Records of the Historian written over 2,000 years ago by Sima Qian, the construction of the grand project involved 700,000 laborers and took 36 years to be completed. This great treasure remained unknown till 1974. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xi’an in droves to study and to extend the digs. In 1975, to the protection of the discovery, the State Council authorized the building of a museum on the site. Now Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.

The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back. No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. It was unveiled to the public in 1994.Archeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command center of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.

Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

xi'an city: overview

2009-01-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

Want to broaden the knowledge of Chinese civilization? There is a perfect place to for you, Xi’an(also Called Chang'an in ancient times). Enjoying equal fame with Athens, Cairo and Rome, Xi’an is one of the four ancient civilization capitals in the world. Also, it stands first on the six largest ancient capitals in China. Today we are going to explore this glamour place.

Having more than 3,100 years of history, Xi’an has been the capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history, such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, the Sui, and Tang dynasties. It’s said that Xi’an is a living history book recording the great changes of the Chinese nation. It was not until the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618-907) that Xi'an became famous both at home and abroad as the largest and busiest international metropolis of that age in the world, being linked to many central Asian regions and Europe via the Silk Road, with thousands of foreign traders living the city.

The cultural and historical significance of Xi’an, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Shaanxi enjoy the laudatory title of 'Natural History Museum'. Moving around this old city is like going through thousands of years back in time. There are so many must sees!! Here one can visit the sites once inhabited by its primitive people; admire the bronze wares manufactured in the Bronze Age; wander through the city ruins of the Qin, Han, Sui and Tang Dynasties; imagine for oneself the clamour of the old Oriental metropolis; explore the imperial tombs of the Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties, testimony to the pervasive power of the feudal ruling class; ramble in temples and pagoda courtyards, tracing vestiges of the Silk Road; and study stone inscriptions to appreciate Chinese calligraphy.

For example, the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praised as 'the eighth major miracle of the world', Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is listed on the World Heritage List, and the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty castle in the world. In the city, there is the 3,000 years old Banpo Village Remains from the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC), and the Forest of Stone Steles that holds 3,000 stone steles of different periods from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Around Xi’an, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the 'forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,' because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni -- the founder of Buddhism.

But it’s not complete to consider Xi’an just as an ancient city. Being the capital of Shaanxi province, Xi’an is the most important city in northwest China. Since the 1990s, as part of the economic revival of interior China especially for the central and northwest regions, Xi'an has re-emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region, with facilities for research and development, national security and China's space exploration program. Want to go shopping? Go to Kai Yuan Shopping Mall and Century Ginwa Shopping Mall, they are the biggest and most comprehensive shopping centers. Moreover, the four main streets are respectively Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie which are also the main commercial streets. Xiao Zhai, the busiest commercial area is in the southern part of the city. Shuyuan Men and the still under construction Luoma Shi are must-visit pedestrian streets in the city.

Another thing you could not miss is the food in Xi’an. Praised as 'the capital of table delicacies', Xi’an has been rich in the delicious Shaanxi snack, delicate Guangdong Cuisine, various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and popular Sichuan Cuisine such as the hot pot. Among all the delicacies, the most famous and popular one is the Muslim Snack Street.

All in all, have fun in Xi’an, it will certainly surprise you in many aspects!

Do you use chopsticks while eating Chinese food?

2009-01-04T05:02:00.000-08:00

While enjoying Chinese food for the first time, many foreigners may be confused by the distinctive facility - chopsticks! Getting used to fork and knife, it’s kind of hard to use this two simple sticks for foreigners. However, the use of chopsticks in this way is an art in itself and chopsticks have determined the way in which Chinese food is presented at table.

Chopsticks were developed about 5,000 years ago in China. In ancient times, chopsticks were called 'Zhu'. At that time, our ancestors liked to steam or boil food. It was difficult for them to use spoons to dip vegetables in the soup. So they cleverly invented 'Zhu' to nip food, thus it has become the most convenient tableware in their lives. Development of chopstick has experienced a long history. Early in Xia Dynasty (21st - 16th century BC), the shape of chopstick was still in development. Chopsticks only became two sticks of the same length in the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC). In the late Shang Dynasty, the tyrannical King Zhou ordered his craftsmen to make chopsticks from elephants' teeth, which was seen to be the most luxurious chopsticks in the early history of Chinese food culture.

Traditionally, chopsticks have been made from a variety of materials. Bamboo has been the most popular because it is inexpensive, readily available, easy to split, resistant to heat, and has no perceptible odor or taste. Cedar, sandalwood, teak, pine, and bone have also been used. The wealthy, however, often had chopsticks made from jade, gold, bronze, brass, agate, coral, ivory, and silver. In fact, during dynastic times it was thought that silver chopsticks would turn black if they came into contact with poisoned food. It is now known that silver has no reaction to arsenic or cyanide, but if rotten eggs, onion, or garlic are used, the hydrogen sulfide they release might cause these chopsticks to change color.

The appearance of chopsticks said goodbye to those days when our Chinese ancestors had to use their hands to grab food, so they featured the coming of civilization to food culture. The invention of chopsticks has many scientific theories. The lever principle of mechanics was applied into practice. The point where two chopsticks crossed is the pivot of the lever.

The use of chopsticks has been a part of Chinese food culture. There are some taboos of using chopsticks that you must pay great attention to, or you may make mistakes and be laughed at. First, don't use chopsticks to hit the side of your bowl or plate to make a lot of noise, because Chinese people think only beggars would do this to beg food. Second, when you use chopsticks, don't stretch out your index finger, which would be regarded as a kind of accusation to others. Never use chopsticks to point at others. Third, it is thought to be an impolite behavior when you suck the end of a chopstick. People will think you lack family education. Fourth, don't use chopsticks to poke at every dish without knowing what your want. And last, don't insert chopsticks vertically into the food. Chinese people do this only when they burn incense to sacrifice the dead.

Nowadays, chopsticks serve many new functions besides tableware. For example, you can buy a pair of exquisite chopsticks as a gift to your friends and relatives. In Chinese, 'chopsticks' reads 'Kuaizi', which means to have sons soon, so a newly-married couple will be very happy to accept chopsticks as their wedding gift. Skillful craftsmen painted beautiful sceneries on chopsticks to make them like fine artworks. Many people love to collect these dainty chopsticks as their treasure.

Chopsticks are small but they are adored by many people in the world. An interesting experiment shows that many joints and muscles are being exercised when you use chopsticks. They certainly make you cleverer, don't they?

How to use chopsticks
First, you must hold the upper part and don't cross the chopsticks. Second, hold the chopsticks with your thumb, index finger, middle finger and third finger. One stick is against your third finger and the other leans on your middle finger. Third, when you pick the food, use your index finger and middle finger to control the chopsticks. Practice a lot and then you will find it is an easy job.

Chinese cuisine----Cantonese cuisine

2009-01-03T01:13:00.000-08:00

Cantonese cuisine (Guangdong cuisine or Yue Cai), has a great prestige among the eight great traditions of Chinese cuisine. Of all the regional varieties of Chinese cuisine, it’s also the best known outside China, due to its palatability to Westerners and the great numbers of early emigrants from Guangdong Province. Most "Chinese restaurants" in Western countries serve authentic Cantonese cuisine and dishes based on it.

Coming from Guangdong Province in Southern China, Cantonese cuisine is reputed as China's finest cuisine. Featuring diverse and delicate in material, its material includes almost all edible food in addition to the staples of pork, beef and chicken - snakes, snails, insects, worms, chicken feet, duck tongues, ox genitals, and entrails, etc. There is a famous saying, "Anything that walks, swims, crawls, or flies with its back to heaven is edible".

The seasonings in Cantonese cuisine are varied and well coordinated. Sauces made from ingredients like ginger, garlic, onion, vinegar, and sugar are complemented to enhance flavors. Somewhat lighter than most regional Chinese cuisine, the Cantonese dishes are prepared carefully and exquisitely. With the basic cooking techniques such as roasting, stir-frying, sauteing, deep-frying, braising, stewing and steaming, they turn out to be fresh, crisp, tender, slippery and not salty with all flavors and tastes.

The basic cooking techniques include. Steaming and stir-frying are most frequently used to preserve the ingredients' natural flavors. Guangdong chefs also pay much attention to the artistic presentation of their dishes.

An emphasis on preserving the natural flavor of the food is the hallmark of Cantonese cuisine. As cooking time is short, the flavors and nutrition of the food are preserved. Fresh live seafood is a specialty in Cantonese cuisine. Many authentic restaurants maintain live seafood tanks. The Cantonese people are very finicky when it comes to the freshness of their food. Even the amount of time taken for a live, swimming fish to be placed on a plate is kept to a minimum.

Cantonese barbecuing methods are unsurpassed. Another unique Cantonese specialty is slow-cooked soup. Sometimes, Chinese herbal medicines are added to the pot. Dim sum is, without a doubt, a trademark food in Cantonese cuisine. It is usually consumed in the mornings and afternoons. The Cantonese are also very inventive, and happy to incorporate non-native ingredients in their cooking.

It’s a pity that traveling to China without enjoying this wonderful Cantonese cuisine. So explore and try the long Cantonese menu!!

Chinese cuisine----Shandong cuisine

2009-01-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

As an important component of Chinese culinary art, Shandong cuisine is considered to be the most influential in Chinese cuisine, with majority of the culinary styles in China having developed from it.

Also called Shandongcai or Lucai in Chinese, It is derived from the coastal province of Shandong in eastern China. Shandong cuisine boasts a long history and far-reaching impact. Dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-221BC), Shangdong cuisine is representative of northern China's cooking and its technique has been widely absorbed in northeast China. The recipes are those that once delighted the royal court and were served to the emperor. Modern day schools of cuisine in North China, such as those of Beijing, Tianjin, and Northeast, are all branches of Shandong Cuisine. Also, the typical dishes in most North China households' meals are prepared in simplified Shandong methods.

Shandong is a large peninsula surrounded by the sea, with the Yellow River meandering through the center. As a result, seafood is a major component of Shandong cuisine. Shandong's most famous dish is the "sweet and sour carp". A truly authentic "sweet and sour carp" must come from the Yellow River.

Beyond the use of seafood, Shandong cuisine is famous for its wide selection of material and use of different cooking methods. The raw materials are mainly domestic animals and birds, seafood and vegetables. On another hand, Shandong is somewhat unique for its wide use of corn, a local cash crop that is not widely cultivated elsewhere. Unlike the sweet corn of North America, Shandong corn is chewy and starchy, often with a grassy aroma. It is often served simply as steamed or boiled cobs, or removed from the cob and lightly fried.

Condiments such as sauce paste, fistulous onion and garlic are freely used, so Shangdong dishes usually taste pungent. Possibly Shandong's greatest contribution to Chinese cuisine has been in the area of brewing vinegars. Hundreds of years of experience combined with unique local methods have led to Shandong's prominence as one of the premier regions for vinegar production in China. Unlike the lighter flavored, sharper vinegars popular in the southern regions, Shandong vinegar has a rich, complex flavor which, among some connisseurs, is considered fine enough to be enjoyed on its own merits.

Soups are given much emphasis in Shangdong dishes. Clear soup (or thin soup) features clear and fresh while milk soup (or creamy soup) looks thick and tastes strong, both of which are often choicely made to add freshness to the dishes. The dishes are mainly clear, fresh and fatty, perfect with Shandong's own famous beer, Qingdao Beer.

Shandong cuisine mainly consists of two major styles: Jiaodong style, This style encompasses dishes from Fushan, Qingdao, Yantai and surrounding regions. It is characterized by seafood cooking, with light tastes; and Jinan style: This style encompasses dishes from Jinan, dezhou, Tai'an and surrounding regions. It is famed for its soup and utilizing soups in its dishes. The typical menu can include many delicate dishes such as:

Braised abalone - smooth, delicate, fresh and savory

Sweet and Sour Carp - with crisp exterior and tender fish interior, a little sweet and sour. It’s one of the most famous dishes in Shandong cuisine. A truly authentic "sweet and sour carp" must come from the Yellow River.

Bree with a complex - clear, mild and fresh

Dezhou stewed chicken - known throughout the country; the chicken is so well cooked that the meat easily separates from the bone although the shape of the chicken is preserved.

'Eight Immortals Crossing Sea teasing Arhats' - This is a starter before a celebration feast. It is luxurious and traditionally uses as its eight main ingredients: fin, sea pumpkin, abalone, asparagus, prawns and ham. The stock is flavored with fish's swimming bladder and fish bones. These symbolize the eight immortals and the Arhats [Buddhist saints] are symbolized by the inclusion of chicken breast.

Chinese cuisine----Sichuan cuisine

2009-01-01T04:31:00.000-08:00

Sichuan cuisine, another a hot style cuisine in China, is also called Chuan Cai. Originating in Sichuan Province of southwestern China, it is famed for bold flavors, particularly the spiciness resulting from liberal use of chilis and "numb" or "tingling" flavor of the Sichuan peppercorn. Just as we said in the former article, Sichuan cuisine, comparing to Hunan cuisine, lays great stress on its distinctive málà (hot and numbing) seasoning.

Sichuan food is famous for its many flavors, and almost every dish has its own unique taste. Actually, hot pepper, was introduced into China from South America only 200 to 300 years ago. Once it came to Sichuan, it became a favored food flavoring. Sichuan has high humidity and many rainy or overcast days. Hot pepper helps reduce internal dampness, so hot pepper was used frequently in dishes, and hot dishes became the norm in Sichuan cuisine. The Sichuan peppercorn is commonly used, which is an indigenous plant producing peppercorns with a fragrant, numbing, almost citrusy flavor. Also common are chili, ginger and other spicy herbs, plants and spices. Broad bean chili paste and yuxiang are also staple seasonings in Sichuan cuisine.

Common preparation techniques in Sichuan cuisine include stir frying, steaming, pickling, salting, drying, smoking and braising, but a complete list would include more than 20 distinct techniques. Beef is somewhat more common in Sichuan cuisine than it is in other Chinese cuisines, perhaps due to the widespread use of oxen in the region. Stir-fried beef is often cooked until chewy, while steamed beef is sometimes coated with rice flour to produce a very rich gravy.

There are many local variations of Sichuan cuisine within Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality. The four best known regional sub-styles are Chongqing style, Chengdu style, Zigong style, and Buddhist vegetarian style.Delicious dishes include:

Stir-fried Tofu with Minced Beef in Spicy Bean Sauce - A real feast of tender bean curd, minced beef, pepper and bean sauce. It is said that it was made by a pock-marked but ingenious woman, thus the name Ma Po Tofu (pock-marked woman's bean curd).

Lamp-shadow Beef - with larruping techniques, the beef is cut in very thin sheet. When a piece is carried, it looks like translucent paper, slippery and reddish. When put under the lamp or light, a red shadow will appear.

Gong Bao Ji Ding - This is a tender chicken dish, tender as the meat is quickly fried. Flavored with peanuts, this is tasty and very popular.

Lung Pieces by Couple - a quite popular in Chengdu. It got the name because the dish was ever sold be a couple and today it remains the original savor, tender meat, tingling and spicy.

Chinese cuisine----Hunan cuisine

2008-12-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

While mentioning Hunan cuisine, the first word coming into mind must be hot for most people! It’s so hot that tears and nose are running down the first time I taste it.

Hunan cuisine, also called Xiang cuisine, is one of the eight regional cuisines of China and is well known for its hot spicy flavor, fresh aroma and deep color.

Due to the high agricultural output of the region and the special location, ingredients for Hunan dishes are abundant, such as game, fish, shrimp, crab, and turtle. It’s said that Hunan cuisine consists of more than 4,000 dishes, among which more than 300 are very famous.

With liberal use of chilli peppers, Hunan cuisine is known for being hot. Hunan cuisine is hot because the air is very humid, which makes it difficult for the human body to eliminate moisture. The local people eat hot peppers to help remove dampness and cold.

Compared to another well-known Chinese cuisine------ Sichuan cuisine, Hunan Cuisine is often spicier by pure chili content, contains a larger variety of fresh ingredients, tends to be oilier, and is said to be purer and simpler in taste. The Sichuan cuisine, known for its distinctive málà (hot and numbing) seasoning and other complex flavor combinations, frequently employ Sichuan peppercorns along with chilies which are often dried, and utilizes more dried or preserved ingredients and condiments.

Another feature of Hunan cuisine is that the menu changes with the seasons. In a hot and humid summer, a meal will usually start with cold dishes or a platter holding a selection of cold meats with chilies for opening the pores and keeping cool in the summer. In winter, a popular choice is the hot pot, thought to heat the blood in the cold months. A special hot pot called lover's hot pot is famous for splitting the pot into a spicy side and a milder side.

Hunan cuisine is consisted of three styles: Xiang River style which is represented by dishes of Changsha, Dongting Lake style which is represented by dishes of Hengyang, and western Hunan style which is represented by dishes of Xiangtan. Common cooking techniques include stewing, frying, pot-roasting, braising, and smoking.

Chinese cuisine----Fujian cuisine

2008-12-31T19:04:00.000-08:00

Want to taste fresh seafood or river fish? Try Fujian cuisine!!

Renowned for its choice seafood, soup, light but flavorful and umami taste, with particular emphasis on showing off and not masking original flavor of the main ingredients, Fujian cuisine is derived from the native cooking style of the province of Fujian, China. Also called Min Cai for short, it holds an important position in China's culinary art.

In general, Fujian cuisine consists of three styles: Fuzhou, South Fujian and West Fujian. There are slight differences among them. Fuzhou dishes, quite popular in eastern, central and northern Fujian Province, is light compared to other styles and famous for its soups; South Fujian dishes, popular in Xiamen, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and the golden triangle of South Fujian, are sweet and hot and use hot sauces, custard, and orange juice as flavorings; West Fujian dishes are salty and hot, prevailing in Hakka region with strong local flavor. As Fujian people emigrate overseas, their cuisine become popular in Taiwan and abroad. Generally speaking, Fujian dishes are slightly sweet and sour, and less salty, and often use the red distiller's grain for flavoring.

Fujian cuisine is characterized by the following four aspects:

(1)Various soup and broth: The most characteristic aspect of Fujian cuisine is that its dishes are served in soup. There is a sayings about the soup: "One soup can be changed in ten forms" and "It is unacceptable for a meal to not have soup".

(2) Ingredients of seafood and mountain delicacies: Fujian cuisine emphasizes seafood and mountain delicacies. Fujian Province has a favorable geographical location with mountains in its north and sea to its south. Many mountain delicacies such as mushroom, bamboo shoots and tremella are often found here. The coastal area produces 167 varieties of fish and 90 kinds of turtles and shellfish. It also produces edible bird's nest, cuttlefish, and sturgeon. These special products are all used in Fujian cuisine. The local people are good at cooking seafood, featuring in methods of stewing, boiling, braising, quick-boiling, and steaming, etc.

(3) Fine slicing techniques: Fujian cuisine stresses on fine slicing techniques so much that it is reputed as "sliced ingredients are as thin as paper and shredded as slim as hairs". Everything sliced serves its original aroma. Fine slicing techniques may better show the aroma and texture of food. Cutting is important in Fujian cuisine. Most dishes are made of seafood, and if the seafood is not cut well, the dishes will fail to have their true flavor.

(4) Exquisite culinary art: Fujian dishes are tasty because of their emphasis on a series of delicate procession: selecting ingredients, mixing flavors, timing the cooking and controlling the heat. When a dish is less salty, it tastes more delicious. Sweetness makes a dish tastier, while sourness helps remove the seafood smell.

Appealing dishes are countless, so we can only exemplify some of them:

Buddha jumping over the wall - the most famous and classical dish, which has a long history since the Qing Dynasty. The name implies the dish is so delicious that even the Buddha would jump over a wall to have a taste once he smelled it.

Fried golden bamboo shoot with chicken mince - every 100g of winter bamboo shoots will be cut into 500 - 600 strips with the same length and breadth. Then they can blend with the very small pieces of chicken.

Dongbi dragon pearl - it chooses materials from the rare longan trees of thousand year's history in Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, the delicate scent is rather catching.

'Fried Xi Shi's tongue'is made from the locally produced Fujian mussel. According to legend the concubine Xi Shi of the king of Wu state was thrown in the sea tied to a huge stone by the wife of Gou Jian, the king of Yue who destroyed Wu, to prevent her husband being seduced by her beauty. In the area of the sea where she sank, a special breed of mussel appeared and this was said to be Xi Shi's tongue.

Chinese cuisine----Jiangsu Cuisine

2008-12-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

The elegant color, novel sculpts, with salt and sweet taste of the Jiangsu Cuisine will soothe your stomach!

Derived from the native cooking styles of the Jiangsu region in China, Jiangsu cuisine is one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of China. The style of this cuisine is both mild and healthy. Its main cooking techniques are braising and stewing, thereby enhancing the original flavor and sauce. In general, Jiangsu cuisine's texture is characterized as soft, but not to the point of mushy or falling apart. For example, the meat tastes quite soft but would not separate from the bone when picked up.

The main characteristics of Jiangsu cuisine include:
(1) Distinguished for exquisite ingredients, freshness and aliveness.
(2) High cutting techniques.
(3) Have a good command of duration and degree of heating and cooking.
(4) Good at keeping the original taste one particular taste for one dish. All dishes have light, mellow and refreshing tastes. Yangzhou Cuisine is light and elegant; Suzhou Cuisine is slightly sweet; and Wuxi Cuisine is fairly sweet.
(5) Pay great attention to soup, which is strong but not greasy, and delicious.

The Jiangsu cuisine has several branches: Nanjing cuisine - its dishes emphasize an even taste and matching color, with excellent dishes incorporating river fish/shrimps and duck; Suzhou cuisine - emphasis on the selection of material, stronger taste than Nanjing cuisine, and with a tendency to be sweeter than the other varieties of the cuisine; Wuxi cuisine - famed for the numerous types of congee.

The menu of Jiangsu cuisine is long and the most highly recommended dishes include:

Butterfish in Creamy Juice with Lotus Smell - Butterfish is one of the three treasures (including hilsa herring, cutlass fish and butterfish) from the Yangtze River. Butterfish in Creamy Juice with Lotus Smell features thick and tender fish meat, no fishbone, and a delicious taste.

Caigen Large Meatballs - A representative of Jiangsu Cuisine. At the banquet to celebrate the founding of the People‘s Republic of China, Premier Zhou Enlai entertained Chinese and foreign honored guests with this dish, which was spoken highly by guests. Though made of meat, this dish is not greasy, but delicious and refreshing.

Sanfengqiao Soy Sauce Spareribs - Sanfengqiao Soy Sauce Spareribs, which is prepared with high-quality spareribs, and more than 20 natural precious seasonings, features a red and bright color, soft bones, tender meat, a slightly sweet taste. This dish has been well known at home and abroad.

Three sets of ducks - an interlinking dish, that is to put pigeon into wild duck, then put the wild duck into a fowl duck. When stewed, the fowl duck is tender, the wild one crisp, and the little pigeon delicate!

Boiled dry thread of Tofu - thanks to the exquisite skill of the chefs, the Tofu can be cut into very thin threads which have chances to absorb the savor of soup. When chicken pieces added to the soup, the dish is called 'chicken dry thread'; likewise, when shrimp added, it makes 'shrimp dry thread'.

Lion's head braised with crab-powder - there is a metaphor in the dish name. In actual fact the Lion's head is a conglomeration of meat that is shaped like a sunflower and resembles a lion's head. It can be braised in a clear soup, or be red-cooked in a dense soup. A seasoning of crab powder enhances the flavor.

Chinese cuisine----Zhejiang cuisine

2008-12-31T06:14:00.000-08:00

Derived from the native cooking styles of the Zhejiang region in China, Zhejiang cuisine (Zhe cai) is one of the most famous types of cooking.

Zhejiang, as a famous coastal province, is rich in produce and has long been known as "the land of fish and rices". Naturally, therefore, it has always been a great place for eating. Especially after 1127 when Hangzhou become the capital of the Song Dynasty, moved from Kaifeng in the north. Some of the best chefs from both these cities were brought together, and as a result northern methods of cooking were introduced to the south. Now, taking in Hangzhou's fineness and diversification, Ningbo's softness and originality, and Shaoxing's pastoral interests, Zhejiang cuisine is not greasy, having instead a fresh and soft flavor with a mellow fragrance.

The cuisine consists of four styles, each originating from a city in the province: the Hangzhou style, the most well-known one, is characterized by rich variations and the utilization of bamboo shoots. Some of its representative dishes include Dongpo Pork, Jiaohua ji (beggar's chicken) and Xi Hu cu yu (West Lake fish in vinegar), Shelled shrimps cooked in Longjing tea, Fried Eel Slices and Steamed Pork in Lotus Leaves. About half the dishes on a Hangzhou menu contain bamboo shoots, which add a tender element to the food. The Shaoxing style specializes in poultry and freshwater fish, and the Ningbo style specializing in seafood, with emphasis on freshness and salty dishes. Some sources also include the Wenzhou style as a separate subdivision, characterized as the greatest source of seafood as well as poultry and livestock.

Some of the most popular dishes include:

Dongpo Pork - First created by Su Dongpo, a well-known writer and poet of the Song Dynasty, when he served as a local official of Hangzhou, Dongpo Pork is red and bright in color, oily but not greasy, crisp but not smashed, plus mellow juice.

West-lake braised fish in vinegar - is a traditional delicacy in Hangzhou. It is said that there was once a boy who made his living by fishing. When he fell ill, his sister-in-law fished for him and braised the fish she caught with a marinade of vinegar and sugar. He was said to have made an immediate recovery after eating it. The boy's story aroused the attention of the emperor and the recipe has been used ever since.

Jiaohua Young Chicken - Select fat and young Yue chicken, clean the chicken thoroughly, add seasonings to the chicken, wrap it with special materials, and bake it over a low fire. Jiaohua Young Chicken is aromatic, tasty, and soft, with tender meat.

Shelled shrimps cooked in Longjing tea - as the Longjing tea is taken from the best tea in Hangzhou, which is recognized for greenness, fragrance, pure taste and elegant looks, when the living shrimps are stir-fried in the Long tea, the dish sends an artistic aroma and is quite delicious.

my ownership of the blog

2008-12-30T03:19:00.000-08:00

I'm the owner of this blog, my account of mybloglog is sherry_yao

Chinese cuisine----Anhui cuisine

2008-12-30T03:10:00.000-08:00

Anhui cuisine, Hui Cai for short, is one of the eight most famous cuisines in China. It is derived from the native cooking styles of the Huangshan Mountains region in China , comprising the specialties of South Anhui, Yangtze River region, Huai River region.

Anhui cuisine is known for its use of wild game and herbs. Most ingredients in Anhui cuisine, such as pangolin, stone frog, mushroom, bayberry, tea leaves, bamboo shoot, dates, games, etc., are from mountain area. Huangshan Mountain has abundant products for dish cooking. Huangshan Chukka has tender flesh and a sweet taste. It can be boiled in clear soup or braised in soy sauce. The dishes help relieve internal fever and build up vital energy. The white and tender bamboo shoots produced on Huangshan Mountain can be made into very delicious food. Xianggu, a kind of top-grade mushroom grows on old trees, is also very tasty.

Braising and stewing are common techniques. Frying and stir-frying are used much less frequently in Anhui cuisine than in other Chinese culinary traditions. Anhui cuisine chefs are experts especially in cooking delicacies from mountains and sea. Anhui dishes preserve most of the original taste and nutrition of the materials. Generally the food here is slightly spicy and salty. Some master dishes usually stewed in brown sauce with stress on heavy oil and sauce. Ham is often added to improve the taste and sugar candy added to gain freshness.

Some famous dishes include:
1. Stewed soft shell turtle with ham
One whole soft shell turtle, pork, ham, bamboo shoots, a clove of garlic, shallot, ginger, soy sauce, salt, rice wine, black pepper, lard are all stewed together in a pot on charcoal fire. The dish is not greasy and can lead diners to endless aftertastes.

2. Steamed stone frog
Inhabited in caves, stone frog is a special product in Huangshan Mountain. It weights 250 grams or so, whose belly is white and back black with stripe. Stone frog is rich in protein, calcium and so on. It has the functions of clearing heat, improving vision and nutrition. It is one of the best exotic dishes from mountains.

3. Bamboo shoots cooked with sausage and dried mushroom
It is one traditional flavor in Huizhou mountainous area. Cooked with sausage and dried mushrooms, the bamboo shoots are more fragrant. It is delicious, and noted for its good color, juicy meat and thick soup.

4. Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch
Li Hongzhang hotchpotch is a popular dish named after one of Anhui's famous personages. Li Hongzhang was a top official of the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). When he was in office, he paid a visit to the US and hosted a banquet for all his American friends. As the specially prepared dishes continued to flow, the chefs, with limited resources, began to fret. Upon Li Hongzhang's order, the remaining kitchen ingredients were thrown together into an impromptu stew, containing sea cucumber, squid, tofu, ham, mushroom, chicken meat and other less identifiable food materials! Thus appetites were quenched and a dish was created.

Eight traditional Chinese cuisines

2008-12-30T03:09:00.000-08:00

Chinese cuisine enjoys a high reputation in the world also for its sheer abundance. Due to the diversity of the climate, products, historical factors, and eating habits, there are widely different food styles and tastes in local regions. Even many minorities have their own fantastic traditions and appeal, as well as the cuisine of the majority Han people.

The most influential and typical known by the public are the 'Eight Cuisines', the distinction between which is now widely accepted. They are:
Anhui cuisine
Cantonese cuisine
Fujian cuisine
Hunan cuisine
Jiangsu cuisine
Shandong cuisine
Szechuan cuisine(Sichuan cuisine)
Zhejiang cuisine
We will give details on every of them in the following articles.

Chinese cuisine(overview): Do you like Chinese food?

2008-12-29T05:55:00.000-08:00

Do you like Chinese food?

As one of the Chinese cultural treasures, Chinese cuisine is famous all over the world. Being harmonious integration of color, redolence, taste, shape and the fineness of the instruments, Chinese cuisine is not only about eating, but also a perfected art. It is no exaggeration to say that Chinese cuisine is dainty, in its items, esthetics, atmosphere, and effects.

Chinese cuisine has a long history, which even can be traced back to the Peking Man and his use of fire and the invention of "cuisine" some 400,000 years ago. Some other accounts of the history of Chinese cuisine takes the beginning to the Chinese stone age, where the cultivation of rice and the production of noodles, both typical representations of Chinese cuisine, are known from archeological findings.

After development and maturation over the centuries, new food sources and techniques were invented, new recipes were created. The art of food preparation reach its peak during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The dinner called Man Han Quan Xi that incorporates all the very best of Man and Han Cuisine is held in high esteem involving as it does countless dishes, each with its own distinctive flavor and appeal. Till now, Chinese cuisine has formed a rich cultural content. It is characterized by fine selection of ingredients, precise processing, particular care to the amount of fire, and substantial nourishment.

For the cooking process, chefs pick choice and various ingredients and seasonings while employing unparalleled complicated skills handed down from their fathers, ever aspiring to their ideal of perfection for all the senses. Among the many cooking methods they use are boiling, stewing, braising, frying, steaming, crisping, baking, and simmering and so on. When they finish their masterpieces they are arranged on a variety of plates and dishes so that they are a real pleasure to view, to smell and ultimately to savor.

Chinese Cuisine can rise to many different occasions from luxury court feasts, fetes, holy sacrificial rites, joyous wedding ceremonies to simple daily meals and snacks. The art of a good cook is to provide a wholesome and satisfying dish to suit the occasion.

Are you fit enough for the trip to Tibet ?

2008-12-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

Guess what will happen when you are in a place with an average altitude of above 4,000 meters? That’s right, AMS is common when traveling in Tibet due to the decreasing availability of oxygen. What’s AMS? How can we deal with it?

AMS is short for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also called Altitude Sickness. It is the biggest health risk to tourists in Tibet. The occurrence of AMS is dependent on the altitude, the ascent rate and individual physical condition. Symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, breathlessness, irritability, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from at least some symptoms that will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days. Mild AMS usually will not interfere with mild activity.

However AMS can be very serious, with the most serious symptoms being High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal. An elderly(77-year-old man) Hong Kong tourist died from altitude sickness on the trip to Tibet in 2006. Symptoms of HAPE include weakness, shortness of breath, even at rest, impending suffocation at night, and a persistent productive cough with white, watery, or frothy fluid. Symptoms of HPCE may include headache, ataxia, weakness, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, coma and loss of memory. Both approach and strike at night and can be fatal! Immediate descent is the surest treatment.

If you are planning a trip to Tibet, make sure that you’re in good condition both physically and psychologically. Not everyone is suitable for Tibet. Visitors who suffer from high blood pressure, respiratory problems, severe heart disease, lung, other organ problems or anemia should not travel to Tibet. If you are eager to, then at least consult your doctor before making the decision to visit Tibet.

But don’t worry too much. For people who are in good health, AMS can be lessened or avoided with proper acclimatization. Mild AMS symptoms can be treated with proper medication. If medication does not relieve the symptoms, go to hospital or evacuate immediately to safe altitude! The following is some advise when traveling in Tibet.

How to prevent or lessen the effects of AMS:

1. Avoid catching cold before you entering Tibet.

2. Rest right after your arrival. Do not over exert and only partake in light activity immediate after your arrival;

3. Drink extra fluids. The mountain air is dry and cold and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration.

4. Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals for more energy.

5. Don't smoke, drink alcohol or take other depressants such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These will depress the respiratory drive and limit oxygen intake.

6. Don't push yourself when climbing up to passes, rather take plenty of breaks.

7. Do not take showers or bathes too frequently especially on your first night in Tibet. This will help you avoid catching severe colds.

8. Warm clothes should be taken to keep away the cold due to the large temperature differences during any given day in Tibet. And it also receives a great deal of sunshine, sunglasses, suntan oil, and a sun hat are indispensable items.

9. It is significant that you report any symptoms of AMS immediately to other group members in the trip.

Please bear in mind that traveling in Tibet on the whole, is more challenging than in any other part of China.

travel to Tibet: Tibetan Mastiff

2008-12-28T06:01:00.000-08:00

Tibetans love dogs, it’s very common that Tibetan families keep dogs as pets. And the most popular and treasure one must be Tibetan Mastiff, also called Do-Khyi. Tibetan Mastiff is now famous world-wide for its impressive appearance and unique temperament.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient working breed of the nomad herders of the Himalaya and a traditional guardian of the Tibetan monasteries. There are many records of Tibetan mastiff in history. From the mentioning by Aristoteles (384-322 b.C.) to the famous writings of Marco Polo, who went to Asia in 1271, all historical reports praise the natural strength and impressiveness of the Tibetan Mastiff- both physically and mentally. Even its bark has been described as a unique and highly treasured feature of the breed. Marco Polo described them as "tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion". Leading European cynologists of the past, like Martin and Youatt, Megnin, Beckmann, Siber as well as Strebel and Bylandt have intensively covered the Tibetan Mastiff, as they had been fascinated by its origin and function in the Tibetan culture. Some even considered the breed to be the very forefather of all large mountain and mastiff breeds. One of the first known Tibetan Mastiffs to reach Western shores was a male sent to Queen Victoria by Lord Hardinge (then Viceroy of India) in 1847. Later in the 1880s, Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) took two dogs back to England. An early recorded litter of Tibetan Mastiffs was born in 1898 in the Berlin Zoo.

The Tibetan Mastiff is among the largest breeds. Its sturdy bone structure and large, wide head makes it appear considerably more massive than other dogs of a similar height. A Tibetan Mastiff is 24-28 inches tall (at shoulder) and weighs 140-180 pounds. It is typical mastiff type but not as heavy. Their tail is stretched to the back in loose curl. They have a coat of medium length but with a thick undercoat.

Tibetan Mastiff is a courageous dog with strong protective instincts. He has spirit, initiative and courage, with no trace of timidity although he does take the time to size up a situation before acting. The Tibetan Mastiff possesses an excellent memory, is intelligent and easily trained, faithful, gentle with children and obedient. Although aloof with strangers, he has a desire to please and is a good-natured family companion, playful on invitation and generally impressive by his dignity upon reaching maturity.

travel to Tibet: Tibetan antelope

2008-12-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

In Tibetan plateau, there living a very rare species named Tibetan antelope. I haven’t known anything about it till watch the impressive film, Kekexili: Mountain Patrol, which was portrayed in the 2004 telling about the struggle to stop illegal antelope hunting. Today we are going to talk about this topic--- Tibetan antelope.

Tibetan antelope, also known commonly by its Tibetan name chiru, is native to the Tibetan plateau including China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai province, and Xinjiang province; India near Ladakh, formerly western Nepal. Its numbers have dropped accordingly from nearly a million (estimated) at the turn of the 20th century to less than 75,000 today. The numbers continue to drop yearly. Tibetan antelope are listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service due to commercial poaching for their wool, competition with local domesticated herds, and the development of their rangeland for gold mining.

The coat of the Tibetan antelope is made of some of the world's finest hair, measuring three-quarters the width of cashmere and one-fifth that of human hair. The antelope’s wool, which is woven into the luxury fabric “shahtoosh”, is warm, soft and fine. Shahtoosh shawls are so fine that they can be threaded through a wedding ring -- earning them the nickname "ring shawls." Shahtoosh as the hair is known, from the Persian "king of wools" is woven into scarves and shawls that sell up to 10,000USD in markets around the world.

Unfortunately, unlike other cashmere wool, which can be sheared off an animal, the wool of the antelope can only be obtained by killing the animal. The Cruelly slaughtering Tibetan antelopes is an eloquent witness to insatiable greed of Man. So the main threat to the species is the demand for shahtoosh. Extensive global media coverage during 1999 and 2000 alerted the public to the critical status of the Tibetan antelope. Unless consumer demand for shahtoosh can be eliminated, the species may be forced to the brink of extinction.

Now the protection system of Tibetan antelope has developed. A lot of protections come from Chinese government, international countries and volunteers. Though we still have a long way to go, we hope that Tibetan antelope can be well protected through the big efforts and international cooperation.

travel to Tibet: Tibetan Handicrafts

2008-12-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

The traditional handcrafts representative of the Tibetan culture are favorite souvenirs for visitors. Many of them involve complicate craftworks and producing process, reflecting the intelligence of Tibetan people. The patterns and colors of Tibetan handicrafts are very different from those in central China, due to their respective living condition and cultural background.

Tourists can find these handcrafts in a lot of place. The Bakhor Street in Lhasa is the most famous small commodity center. And many handcrafts from Shigatse is most well-known, which is also an excellent place to both see and purchase these intriguing handcrafts.

Tibetan knives

Tibetan Knives are traditional and well-known handicrafts with a peculiar style. A Tibet knife, to a certain degree is a symbol of Tibet and would make a wonderful keepsake of your trip.

They are indispensable in a Tibetan's life. Tibetans use them as the tools to defend, to slaughter livestock and to eat meat. Tibetans have a sense of security with knives because Tibetan look might and valiant with knives.

Tibetan knife is of great importance not only for its practical use in daily life but also for its artistic value. There are two categories: one for man and another for woman. Men’s knives tend to be more curly and sharper while women’s are delicate. The most well-known Tibetan knives are Lhatse knife and XieTongMen knife in Shigates Region, whose delicate decorations are unique from those in other regions. Shigates knives are usually made of fine steel, with other materials like bronze, silver, iron, sharkskin, ox horn, agate and wood for decoration. Moreover, some of them are studded with gems. Thus, they are more expensive than the normal knives.

Tips: You cannot bring Tibetan knives with you when you take a plane. But you may post them by post office.

Tibetan Carpets / Rug

In Tibetan house, you can find some attractive Tibetan cushions, making the house more glorious. In general, there are some beautiful embroiders on the cushions, such as swimming dragons, running deer, flying phoenixes, flying butterflies, mountains and waters. Besides those mentioned above, the embroiders of some cushions may also include historic stories, tales, etc. The cushion is made from pure sheep wool. The pigment is a local product which can make cushions colorful. They are hand-knitted. The patterns of Tibetan cushions are special and various. Cushions from Shigatse are the most well known for their design and color.

Apart from Tibetan cushion, there are Tibetan carpets, which include backing carpets, saddle carpets, sleeping carpets and normal carpets. All of them are produced with similar procedures. The size varies, from less than one square meter or more than ten square meters. Tibetan carpets have a long history and have been famous all over the world.

Tibetan cushion/carpets are the combination of practicality and charm.

Masks

About Tibetan sculpture, there is one more special kind handicraft-masks, which is called Ba in Tibetan and mainly used in the various folk performances. Generally speaking, they are divided into “a dance to worship deity mask”, “hanging mask” and “Tibetan opera mask”. The first kind masks are mainly used in some important festivals, including the masks of ghosts, Gods, immortals and animal totems while the second ones are usually related to people daily life.

According to the historic record, the history of masks may date back to A.D. 779 when Tibet was under the rule of a great king, Songtsen Gampo. At that time, people wore various masks in the important festivals and pretended to be lions, tigers, oxes and leopards to dance. Tibetan masks usually have a inclination of expression and symbolization which is extensive and exaggerated. The styles of Tibetan masks are diverse from region to region. The masks in the mid-Tibet are serious while those in the east of Tibet are monstrous.

Thangka( A scroll painting in Tibet)

Thangka is a type of scroll painting done on damask or cloth and it is also an excellent representation of Tibetan art. Featuring Buddhists, folktales and fables, Thangka is full of religious symbolism. Thangka are typically used as decorations, however they are collector's items as well. The species of thangka are various. Its size may be over ten square meters or only smaller than one square meter. In general, its size is between one and two square meters. Thangka has various categories. It may be divided into three categories: embroidery, painting and printing.

Silver ornaments

Tibetan bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces are very exquisite, usually made fromTibetan silver and bronze, with sanskrits carved on the surfaces, having a sense of mystique. Tibetans wear crescent-shaped silver ornaments, which symbolize purity studded with agate gems symbolizing health and good luck. Red or blue Tibetan ornaments imply that the owner has a strong will to survive in the nature. It needs to be pointed out that there is a grain on the back side of genuine Tibetan ornaments. Also, the grain is not carved or printed, but is melted on it with brass wires through them.

In the past, the ornaments were made from alloy, containing 30% of Tibetan silver. But nowadays, Tibetan silver found in the market is mainly alloy. Some people refer to the archaized alloy as Tai Silver (a special name for 925 pure silver).

travel to Tibet: Tibet Railway

2008-12-25T19:34:00.001-08:00

Tibet Railway, China's first railway to Tibet, was launched on July 1, 2006. Billed as one of the most dramatic railway in the world, it closely connects mainland China and remote Tibet, which will speed up economic development. It is obvious that the railway will enhance tourism to both Qinghai Province as well as the Tibet Autonomous Region, thus bringing prosperity to that part of West China that until now has not enjoyed all the benefits attributable to the tourist industry.

If you want to travel to Tibet, Currently Tibet Railway is the best option. Why? Comparing to plane and bus, the new rail link provides the traveler with a more convenient, comfortable, safer and economical way to go to Tibet. The Tibet Railway offers the tourist the opportunity to see more of the wonderful landscape that is unique to the 'roof of the world'.

Considered to be miraculous, the difficulty of building a railway on a plateau is incredible, due to the high altitude and complex geographical environment. During the construction of the railway, three challenges regarded as international problems are encountered - permafrost, a fragile ecological environment, and lack of oxygen. It took almost 6 years to finish the project. The following is the details about the three challenges and Characters of Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Permafrost - a mixture of soil and ice under 0 C - expands in winter and contracts in summer. As the railroad is built upon this kind of soil, the railroad bed will easy to sink. Different measures are taken to overcome this according to differing sections - permafrost areas are avoided where possible, bridges built instead of the railroad descending and ascending valley contours, and some new materials like heat transfer prevention planks are used to guarantee the stability of the railroad bed on the perennial frozen soil.

The second challenge facing in the construction is the fragile ecological environment. As the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the cradle of many rivers, it has a unique and fragile ecosystem. In order to lessen the damage to the greater extent within Kekexili and other two Nature Reserves that the railway passes through, the railroad avoids the direct long distance route where possible, and instead circumvents these areas, with the Flora and Fauna also protected as much as possible.

The third difficulty - lack of oxygen - was a major thread to the Tibet Railroad builders. Between the Kekexili and Tanggula mountain ranges, the temperature is extremely low and oxygen content quite rarefied. Under such a harsh and extreme climate, it was a challenge to builders of the railroad. To ensure the health of these workers, 17 oxygen-making stations were constructed.

Train

The trains and the 45 railway stations are a combination of the full-bodied Tibetan building style and advanced construction techniques. As the lack of oxygen is the primary threat to passenger health, two systems are employed to supply enough oxygen throughout the train. Firstly, oxygen dispersed into the carriages ensures the oxygen requirement of passengers. Secondly, oxygen masks conveniently located beside each seat are also available should anoxia appear. Doctors on the trains also offer expert medical treatment both day and night.

The spacious bunks, TV entertainment, and Tibetan style cabins offer passengers all the comforts they would find in their own homes. In addition, a bar and cafeteria provide a place where passengers can relax.

The trains to Tibet have also been equipped with the latest advanced garbage and sewage management and disposal facilities. To avoid the threat of the terrible thunder near the Tanggula Pass with an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), the first-class equipments avoiding the thunder's destroy to the train have been installed.

Railway Station

With 45 train stations in all, Lhasa and Tanggula stations are of the most charismatic, though all the stations blend the local architecture styles with the modern construction techniques. To protect the environment, proper sewage disposal measures are taken, along with solar and wind energy being wildly used.

Lhasa Railway Station with its main colours of white and red is a typical traditional Tibetan style building and faces the famous Potala Palace. With an altitude of 5,068 meters (16,627 feet), and stands at the foot of Tanggular Mountain, Tanggula Station is the highest railway station in the world. It is also one of the nine major sightseeing stations from where visitors can appreciate the mignificent scene of the permanently snow covered Tanggula Mountain.

Animal Protection

As Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the habitat for rare wild animals, in order to guarantee the normal living and migration of the rare wild animals such as Tibetan antelopes on the plateau, 33 migration routes are built, catering for their living requirements and migration routes.

In the history of China's railway construction, this is the first time that special routes for wild animals are a part of the design. Different channels cater to different species; routes over tunnels for animals living in mountainous areas, and under bridges for animals on the plains. Every traveler will marvel at the harmony between natural and the man-made during the trip.

Environmental Protection

Extensive measures to avoid pollution to the local environment, both during, and after construction have been taken. Great attention has also been paid to the vegetations, lakes, swamp and all other environments along the railroad. The route for support vehicles and railway personnel are strictly controlled, thus reducing the damage to the environment. The railroad avoided the swamp areas to a greatest possible extent. Bridges are built above the lakes instead of following the shoreline. In addition, the number of railway stations is greatly restricted to decrease the effect to the environment and effective sewage treatment measures having been adopted in both stations and trains to Tibet.

travel to Tibet: Tibetan Medicine

2008-12-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that there are some medicines made from mineral? This is what we are going to talk about today.

When exploring Tibet, there is one thing couldn’t be missed. That’s Tibetan Medicine, one of the oldest medical traditions in the world. Through a long history, Tibetan Medicine has constituted a peerless medical system that caters in particular to the specific needs of the unique natural, economic and cultural environments of Tibet. Now, Tibetan medichine is famous throughout the world, such as glossy ganoderma, Tibetan red flower, awetoes, Procapra horns, snow lotus.

Deemed to be one of the five great inventions by the Tibetan people, it does not originate from India or regions of other ethnics; instead it was the intelligent crystallization of the Tibetan people that took its form in their thousands of years of wrestle with diseases on the Plateau. They get medical raw materials from plants, herbs, animals, minerals, coral and crab shell from the ocean. Currently the number of recorded Tibetan Medicine has already hit 2,294, while over 300 are widely used. Tibetan Medicine features the appropriate combination of different medicines and the complex relevant processing. Thus some of them are very expensive. As mysterious and valuable as Tibetan Buddhism, its practical utilization is getting more and more recognition and many scientists make researches on the Medicine both at home and abroad.

After combining the medical knowledge of Tibet with that of traditional China, India, Nepal and other countries, even embracing some traditional Buddhist belief, Tibetans have come up with their own approach to medical science. According to the Tibetan medical system. good health depends on the proper balance of diet, behavior, environment, and psychological and social factors. It’s believed that ignorance of the five basic elements, namely earth, air, fire, water, and space, which interact with each other, is deemed as the cause of disease and disorders in Tibetan medical tradition. The cure lies in the capability of balancing these elements.

Tibetan medicine system has complex approach to diagnosis, incorporating techniques such as interviewing of the patient, urinalysis, and pulse reading. A Tibetan doctor first speaks to the patient and finds out his medical record. Urinalysis helps the doctor to confirm the nature of illness by the color and odor of the urine specimen and the size, color, amount and persistence of bubbles after vigorous stirring of the specimen. Reading the pulse is a crucial factor for diagnosis as the doctor checks it to further define the illness. Physical therapies such as acupuncture, moxabustion, phlebotomy (Phlebotomy - the act or practice of opening a vein by incision or puncture to remove blood as a therapeutic treatment. Also called venesection.) are also used to treat illness.

travel to Tibet: Tibetan Buddhism

2008-12-25T00:44:00.000-08:00

Beside the majestic scenery, the exotic religion in Tibet also attracts more and more tourists every year. Tibet, the lost paradise under the sky, is undoubtedly a place where the spirit lives! It’s said that a man will get to be faithful and humble while here even if he is not a Buddhist, due to the sacred and religious atmosphere.

Almost all Tibetans follow Tibetan Buddhism, known as Lamaism. Although Tibet is a part of China, Tibet Buddhism is a unique culture and religion belief of all there own, alien to Chinese Buddhism. It was greatly influenced by Indian Buddhism in its early time, but after years of evolution, Tibetan Buddhism has developed its own distinctive qualities and practices.

There are two important figures in Tibetan Buddhism: Dalai and Panchen, each of which is believed as a Living Buddha (who is the reincarnation of the first). It’s very mysterious! In Tibet, most monasteries as well as ordinary Tibetan families enshrine and worship the statues or portraits of Dalai and Panchen Lamas. Tibetans say that Dalai and Panchen are just like the sun and moon in the sky.

Tibetan Buddhism inhabits most Tibetans' hearts. An impressive scene is that the devotional pilgrims progress toward their places of worship by prostrating themselves under the sky and along the roads, making people humble and modest. In addition, Tibet has various festivals which commonly are performed to worship the Buddha throughout the year. Join anyone of them, you will get a special and memorable feeling in a lifetime. Also, Tourists can visit local families and experience the real life of Tibetans. Enjoying the local food and dancing with beautiful Tibetan girls may add extra happiness to your visit.

During a long history of development, a great deal of splendid monasteries, vivid murals and sculptures, and solemn stupas were built to worship the unparalleled Buddha. Lhasa and Shigatse, the most important cities of Tibet, feature most of the religious monuments including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ramoche Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery. Besides the monasteries, sacred mountains and holy lakes are also great places to show the Tibetan peoples' devotion to Buddha.

travel to Tibet: Namjagbarwa Peak

2008-12-25T00:18:00.000-08:00

Located in Nyingchi Region of Tibet, Namjagbarwa Peak, is not common at all. With a height of 7,782-meters, it’s the 15th highest peak in the world. According to the Chinese National Geography's October Issue, it’s the NO.1 among the " Top Ten Most Beautiful Mountains in China". Travelers, who yearns for the beauty of natural paradise, will certainly get an incredible experience from the picturesque landscape.

In Tibetan, Namjagbarwa means a "long lance piercing into the sky”. The sky-scraping Namjagbarwa Peak, with its majestic appearance, precipitous shape and unpredictable climate, has been an ambitious aim of mountain-climbing organizations from various countries. Existed for over 700 million years, it’s first conquered by a Sino-Japanese mountaineering team in 1992.

From the foot of Namjagbarwa, upwards to the 7,782 meters summit, tourists can enjoy the following sequence of ecological systems: tropical low mountain evergreen or semi-evergreen monsoon rain forests; sub-tropical mountain evergreen and semi-evergreen broadleaf forests; warm temperate mid-mountain evergreen conifer forests; sub-frigid alpine bushes and grassy marshland; and sub-frigid alpine ice source and frigid ultra-alpine ice and snow. This great abundance of mountain eco-systems, mountain vegetation forms and bio-communities is compressed in one tight area; it can be rated the best in the world, and as a world natural museum of mountain vegetation forms.

travel to Tibet: Mt. Everest

2008-12-24T01:07:00.000-08:00

What’s the highest peak in the world? Right, that’s Mt. Everest, also known as Mt. Qomolangma. Snow capped throughout the year, the altitude of Mt. Everest is now about 8,844.43 m. (29,017 ft.). Its Tibetan meaning of 'Goddess the Third' adds more mysterious color and magic power to the subject. As a result, it has intrigued all kinds of people since it was first discovered. Pilgrims trek long distances to present a pious worship, adventurers and mountaineers run great risks to challenge its high altitude, and the common tourists also yearn for a reverent look at this holy peak.

Located on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet, China, it is the dominant peak of Himalayas. The area has 4 peaks above 8,000 m. (26,247 ft.) and 38 peaks above 7,000 m. (22,965 ft.), hence the laudatory title 'the Third Pole of the Earth'.

Though Climbing Mt. Everest is very dangerous since the harsh conditions included strong wind, freezing temperatures and a lack of oxygen, it attracts climbers of all levels, from well experienced mountaineers to novice climbers. In 1953, Tenzing and Hillary made the first successful ascent. Before descending, they buried a few sweets and a small cross in the snow. On 8 May 1978, Reinhold Messner (Italy) and Peter Habeler (Austria) made the first ascent without supplemental oxygen. In 2008, Chinese athletes (a 19-member team) took the Olympic torch to the top of Mt. Everest.

As the supreme point of the world, Mt. Everest is also blessed with many extreme wonders. The top part of the mountain is covered with snow all the year round. When the glaring sun shines on the mountain, the peak is just like a white pyramid miraculously transformed by the Goddess, leading us to imagine her semblance further. More often than not, the thick freely moving clouds and fogs, seeming as if a flag with the mast of the peak was swinging, will shroud the peak. This peculiar phenomenon of Mt. Everest is known as 'Flag Cloud'. An additional wonder generated here are the bright glaciers, where ices are formed into various shapes like bridges, pagodas and others. You can also find miles of efflorescent rock physiognomy there, such as stalagmites, stelae, stone sword, and stone pagodas. The climbing pathfinders call this splendor at such high attitude 'the Largest Park on the High Mountain'.

The area of Mt. Everest has been built as one of the national natural reserves, wherein live thousands of kinds of plants, hundreds of varieties of wild animals and dense virgin forests. Many of these are precious and rare, like the first-class protected animal ounces and the valuable timber sandals, etc.

At the foot of Mt. Everest is located the highest temple in the world, Rongbuk Monastery. At the altitude of about 5000 m. (16,404 ft.) and 25 km. (15.5 mi.) in the distance, it is also the best point to appreciate the scenery of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk Glacier around this area is also the largest among all the glaciers here.

travel to Tibet: The Jokhang Temple

2008-12-24T01:06:00.001-08:00

Included on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the Potala Palace , the Jokhang Temple is located in central Lhasa in Tibet. With an area of 25,100 square meters (about six acres), it is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. Being an example of the earliest architecture in Tibet, it was built in Tang Dynasty architectural style with characteristics of Nepalese and Indian architecture.

History

The Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), was characterized by economic prosperity and great progress in politics. During this time, China was considered the cultural and political center of the world. King Songtsem Gampo (617 – 650, the 33rd king of Tibet) was the leader of the Tubo (or Tibetan) Kingdom. He actively promoted Buddhism in Tibet and under his reign, Tibet achieved great progress in social innovation and realized the integration of Tibet for the first time. In order to promote friendly relationships with the neighboring countries, he successively married Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty. When the two wives arrived in Tibet, each brought a statue of Jowo Sakyamuni. During this time, most people lived in tents and there were few palaces. To house the Buddha brought by Princess Wen Cheng, King Songtsem Gampo constructed the Little Jokhang. Jealous of her, Princess Burikuti asked Gampo to build a Jokhang for her as well. Therefore, in 647 the giant complex was built.

The original complex included only eight shrines. After multiple renovations, most notably during the Yuan Dynasty (1206 - 1368), the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the complex grew to the scale that exists today.

Legend

The Jokhang Temple was built on the former site of a lake. According to the legend, the lake site was chosen after many failed attempts to build a temple in the region. Prior to this, every time a temple was built, it would collapse. Confused by this phenomenon, Princess Bhrikuti turned to Wen Cheng for help. Being a learned woman, Wen Cheng told the Princess that the geography of Tibet was very much like a hag, with the lake at the heart. In order to build the temple, Wen Cheng advised they must demolish the hag by filling and leveling the lake using 1,000 sheep to carry soil from a mountain far away. When the temple was done, it was called Ra-Sa-Vphrul-Snang ('ra' meaning sheep and 'sa' meaning earth in Tibetan) to commemorate those sheep.

Whether the legend is true or not, this temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land.

Layout

The Jokhang Temple is a four-storey timber complex with a golden top. It adopted the architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty, as well as those of Tibet and Nepal.

Standing in the square of the Jokhang Temple, one can view the entire complex. On the square there are two steles, one recording an alliance between the king of Tibet and the emperor of the Tang, the other portraying the teaching of the Tibetan people to prevent and treat smallpox, a once incurable disease in Tibet.

In the eastern section of the yard there are rows of votive lights. These flicking lights provide a path leading all the way to the main hall. The main hall, over 1,300 years old, is the oldest shrine of the complex. Above the major entrance, there is a Dharma Wheel (chakra) flanked by two deer. This represents the unity of all things and symbolizes Sakyamuni himself. On both sides of the passageway, paintings showing the building of the temple, and renderings of the temple from the seventh century are adorned on the wall. The statue of Sakyamuni at age 12 sits in the middle of the hall. It has been gilded many times and decorated elaborately with jewels typical of Tibet. Statues of King Songtsem Gampo, Princess Wen Cheng and Princess Bhrikuti are on the second floor. On the top floor, there are four gilded bronze tile tops crafted in the emblematical Tang style.

About the Statue of Sakyamuni

The statue of Sakyamuni is a rare treasure. When Sakyamuni was alive, he disagreed with the idea of 'personal worship' and did not allow likenesses of himself to be created. Only three statues, designed by he himself, were permitted to be sculpted during his lifetime. The first is a likeness of him at age eight; the second shows him at age twelve when he was still a prince of India; and the third is of him as an adult. The statue kept in the Jokhang Temple is the statue of Sakyamuni at age eight. It was presented to the king of the Tang Dynasty and brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng.

travel to Tibet: The Potala Palace

2008-12-24T01:01:00.000-08:00

Considered to be a model of Tibetan architecture, the Potala Palace is famous for its grand buildings, complicated constructions, devotional atmosphere and splendid artworks. In 1994, the palace joined the list of world cultural heritage sites. Definitely a must see in Tibet!

There is a romantic story about the Potala Palace, which is true! Over 1,300 years ago, Princess Wencheng left the flourishing city, Chang'an (capital of Tang Dynasty and the current Xi'an in Shaanxi province) and took a 3,000-km journey to Tibet for the marriage with Songtsan Gambo, the famous Tubo king. After her arrival, Songtsan Gambo had the Potala Palace built for Princess Wencheng. This structure was later burned to the ground during a war and was rebuilt in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Since then, Potala Palace has become the seat of Dalai Lamas and also the political center of Tibet. The thirteenth Dalai Lama extended it to the present size, 117 meters (384 ft) in height and 360 meters (1,180 ft) in width, covering an area of more than 130, 000 sq meters (about 32 acres).

Located on the Red Hill of Lhasa, this ancient architectural complex is mainly comprised by the White Palace (administerial building) and the Red Palace (religious building). The White Palace, comprising halls, temples and courtyards, serves as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The Red Palace includes various chambers for worshipping Buddha and chambers housing the eight stupa that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama. All the stupas are covered with gold foil. The most magnificent stupa belongs to the fifth Dalai Lama. It is 14.85 meters tall and inlaid with pearl and jade. The palace also collected a large number of sculptures, murals, scripture and other valuable cultural relics.

Warm Suggestion:
According to the local custom, you have to tour clockwise around; don't step on the doorsill; don't smoke in the halls; don't take photos without permission!
It is not easy for visitors to climb to the top building because of its height, so you'd better slow down. Because the halls are always chilly; you'd better take a coat while visiting!
Potala Palace is allowed less than 2300 tourists and pilgrims to enter each day. Therefore we suggest you prepare for a successful trip by purchasing tickets beforehand. Please note that when buying your tickets, you have to show your ID card or passport.

More details about King Songtsan Gambo and Princess Wencheng:

Since Songtsan Gambo and Princess Wencheng married, an era on friendly terms between Tang Dynasty and Tibet initiates.

Based upon "Quan Tang Shu" (A book covers the history of Tang Dynasty), within 200 years after the first year of Zhenguan of Emperor Tang Taizong, the 2nd emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Tibetan culture met a great developing period and Tibetan and Han people intimately associated with each other along the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road. Envoys from the two sides have stepped on this road for 142 times. During that period, the unique Tubo civilization was formed since Tibetan culture absorbed the advanced elements from inland and nearby countries.

Princess Wencheng has brought not only the advanced culture and technology, but also Han people's deep love to Tibetans. Till now, Princess Wencheng is still respected and worshipped by Tibetans while the history of Princess Wencheng's long journey to Tibet becomes a model for friendly association between Tibetans and Han people.

Tibetan cities: Nyingchi

2008-12-24T00:53:00.000-08:00

Nyingchi is my favorite city in Tibet! I sincerely ask you never miss it while traveling to Tibet. With snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear rivers, attractive valley, beautiful lake, splendid waterfall, majestic mountains, thick forest as well as the ancient Buddhist temples, Nyingchi looks just like heaven on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Trust me, there is no reason miss such a place full of charm!

Nyingchi, "throne of the sun" in Tibetan, is located in southeast Tibet. Encircled by Himalaya, Nyenchhen Tanglha Mountains and the Hengduan mountains, situated at the lower reaches of Yarlung Tsangpo River, such a unique geographical location contributes to its various tourist resources.

Now start the trip to get relaxation physically and psychologically. With many to do and see, first, have a visit to Yarlung Tsangpo River. Being called 'Heaven River', it is the mother river of the Tibetan people who have created the brilliant Tibetan culture. Originating from a glacier on the northern Himalayas, it’s the highest river on the earth with an average altitude of 4,000 meters (13,120 feet). With a length of over 1,278 miles, it is the fifth longest river of China. The Yarlung Tsangpo River has many branches and it has the second largest natural hydropower capacity of rivers in China. Lying at the lower reaches of the river, the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley is the deepest and the longest valley in the world, a nice place for visitors to see the wonder of nature.

The beauty of Nyingchi also lies in the lakes. The most well-known lake is the Baksum Tso Lake. When one stands on the shoreline of this majestic lake, the thoughts of the inspiring Swiss Alps come to mind. Fish are shoaling in the water, birds are circling in the air and beasts are roaming in the nearby forest. Animals are living a comfortable and easy life in Basum. Admiring the reflection of the snow mountain in the water is quite fantastic. In 1997, the lake was listed by World Tourism Organization as a world tourist site. A little smaller than the Baksum Tso Lake, the Yigong Lake has a lower elevation and is reputed for its well-preserved ecology.

Also, the splendid waterfalls here deserve a visit. You may have ever heard of the Tiger's Mouth Waterfall. It is named by its earthshaking noise when the water falls, just like a tiger is roaring. It is said that the most beautiful scenery is at the sunset when the rainbow can be seen. The Hanmi Waterfall attracts visitors by its multiple layers and high drop height.

Beautiful as Nyingchi's water, mountains here are considered to be holy and mysterious. Situated in the southeast of Nyingchi County and the northern side of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the Mount Benri used to be regarded as a holy mountain by the original religion of Tibet; while the Mount Sejila, lying to the east of Nyingchi County, boasts of the colorful azaleas on the mountain. And the Namjagbarwa Peak, is one of the Top Ten Most Beautiful Mountains in China, ranked by China National Geoegraphy Magazine.

The complex and unique geographic and climate conditions provide Tibet a museum of wildlife. Rare and unique plants and animals exist only in this area on the earth. If visitors want to learn more about the local vegetation cover, they may choose to go to the Cibagou Natural Reserve or the Lulang Forest. However, Nyingchi also has its human landscapes. Going to the Bujiu Lamasery, Daze Temple, Paga Temple and the Xiuba Ancient Castle will let visitors learn something about the history of the Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibetan cities: Shigatse

2008-12-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

Shigatse, also named Xigatse, is the second largest city in Tibet, inferior to Lhasa. It is the administrative centre of a vast area that includes most of west-central Tibet.

Shigatse, literally meaning 'the fertile land', sits in the plain at the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers, where Tibet's most fertile land is to be found. The latter flows from southeast to northwest, watering a broad, beautiful valley 100 kilometres long, with Gyantse at one end and Shigatse at the other. It is one of Tibet's richest farming areas. Barley, rape seed, wheat, beans and many varieties of vegetables colour the valley with all shades of green in summer, and with bright yellow patches in June and July, when the rape flower is in bloom.

The city is also the cultural, economic and political center of Tibet. Its long history gives this city a strong cultural heritage, especially in respect of Buddhism. The approximately 600 year-old majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must see in Shigatse, which has a magnificent architectural style with a golden roof and resplendent buildings. The monastery is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the spiritual leaders in Tibet, also it’s one of Tibet's four greatest monasteries. Besides, dozens of monasteries belonging to different sects enhance the atmosphere of Buddhism. Various grand festivals like Buddha Unveiling Festival in the monasteries each year give people a chance to admire the huge portraits of three Buddhas.

In addition, as one of the world's highest cities, Shigatse has beautiful high plateau scenery. It is also a hot spot for Chinese tourism. Shigatse is of great importance for its location in this area. It is 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) away from the world's highest peak Mt. Everest, 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) away from the Sakya Monastery and also on the only path to Tibet's holy lakes. Thus Shigatse is quite an important base for people heading for those places.

Tibetan cities: Ngari (Ali)

2008-12-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

Ngari or Ali, lying at the northwest of Tibet, with an average elevation of over 14,763 feet, Ngari is reputed as "ridge of the world roof", where hundreds of streams and rivers wind through thousands of snow-clad mountains.

Due to the special conditions, Ngari is one of the most dissicult areas for tourism in the world. Maybe,you have to confront the scorching sun, bitter cold , lack of oxygen, mountain sickness, blizzards, burning ultraviolet rays and worst road. Yet after undergoing all this, almost every tourist to Ngari fells his or her journey to Ngari is the most exciting experience in his or her life.

One feature of Ngari is the animal husbandry here. Ngari is the second largest base of live-stock products in Tibet. On this vast plateau of 345,000 square kilometers, there live 80,000 Tibetans who are mainly engaged in animal husbandry or farming-livestock raising.

Someone says that the landscapes here are just like the extraterrestrial environment. The three most majestic mountain ranges in the world: the Himalayes, Gangdise and Karakunlun embrace Ngari, making it a desolate pole of the world. Nevertheless, many attractions including the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarova , the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom and the Tholing Monastery are worth traveling.

Pulan County

Located in the Pulan County of Ngari, the Mount Kailash is one of the main peaks of the Gangdese Mountains. Having an elevation of 22,050 feet, the top of the mount has been covered with snow for years. There are 28 modern glaciers, mainly cirque glaciers and hanging glacierson running along the mountain. Considered as a holy mount, Mount Kailash has been worshipped by people from home and abroad since one thousand years ago.

The Lake Manasarova is just 18.6 miles away to the southeast of the Mount Kailash. Being 15,052 feet high above sea-level, it is one of the highest fresh water lakes of the world. Covering an area of over 154 square miles, the lake is about 266 feet deep at the deepest area. The legend says that there used to be numerous treasures lying on the lakebed.

Near the Lake Manasarova is the Lake Raksas Tal. Because of its variety of colors, it is also called the Ghost Lake. The scene there is so peaceful that it feels like the edge of the universe. In addition, there is a small temple named Kejia Temple situated in this county. Although it is small, the murals and Buddha figures inside the temple were preserved and worth viewing.

Historically, Pulan County of Ngari is an important trade port of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Situated near India and Nepal, Pulan International Market is a cross-border market where Indian and Nepalese commodities such as fabric piece goods, perfumes and cosmetics trade.

Zhada County

There are mainly three attractions located in Zheda County, namely Ruins of Guge Kingdom, the Tholing Monastery and the Mound Forest. Having a history of 1,300 years, the Ruins of Guge Kingdom was actually the remains of the ancient Guge Kingdom which reigned between 10th and 17th Century. Constructed on the basis of an earth hill, it is more than 984 feet high consisting of palaces, temples, pagodas and caves.

The Tholing Monastery is situated in the northwestern parts of the county, near the Xiangquan River. Built by the Guge Kingdom during the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581), it was the first Buddhist temple in Ngari. Close to the Tholing Monastery is the Mound Forest, which showcases the unique naturally made mounds on both sides of the Xiangquan River.

Rituo County

The most well-known attraction in Rituo County can be the Bangong Lake. It is really a peaceful world of the local birds. So visitors can not only savor the beautiful scenery there, but also can they watch the various birds living on the bird's islands; while the site of the Rituo Rock Mural lies to the northeast of the Bangong Lake. The paintings on the wall inside the caves are mainly figures of Buddha and some ancient dancers.

Tibetan cities: Lhasa

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We have every reason to visit Lhasa when coming to Tibet. Situated in the South Central part of Tibet, Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world. Differing from the inland cities and other places in Tibet, Lhasa is unique and spiritual with an allure all of its own.

As the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), Lhasa is the center of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The city has also been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China.

Literally meaning the Holy Land or the Buddha Land in the Tibetan language, Lhasa has impressive heritage of over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion. While in Lhasa, first visit the Potala Palace, which is a world-famous symbol of Tibet and sacred in Tibetan people's hearts. Another must-see attraction is the Jokhang Temple, richly decorated with Tibetan features, it’s the place where tourists can go to get a real taste of Tibetan culture. In addition, the three main monasteries in Lhasa are also not to be missed. They are Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

After a thousand years of vicissitudes, it has managed to retain its ancient palace, thick with religious history, its ancient temples, relics and streets whilst simultaneously keeping pace with modern society. Enjoy your time in Lhasa !

travel to Tibet: overview

2008-12-23T00:14:00.000-08:00

Tibet (Tibet Autonomous Region, TAR for short), the most amazing and mysterious area of China, got into the limelight at home and abroad these years. Its majestic scenery (such as white snow capped mountains, verdant virgin forests, clean running rivers and tranquil beautiful lakes, etc), mysterious and exotic religious culture, and wonderful people, offer numerous topics that we can talk about. First, let’s get start with an overview.

Renowned as the Roof of the World, Tibet lies in the southwest of China and in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of above 4,000 meters. Everest Peak, the highest peak in the whole world, which is as high as 8,846.27 meters above sea level, is here in the Himalayas. The Olympic Flame reached the top of Everest Peak for the first time in 2008. Tibet is also encompassed by some of the world's highest mountains. The Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram to the west, and the Kunlun to the north are the dream lands of all adventurers and mountaineers. Each year, thousands of adventurers and mountaineers come to Tibet to challenge both nature and themselves.

Tibet borders Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan internally while India, Burma, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal meet its external borders. Covering a massive 1,220,000 square kilometers (470,920 square miles), which accounts for 12.8% of China, Tibet can be divided into three parts: The west, the south and the east.

The west part, known as the North-Tibet Plateau, takes up 2/3 of the total area of Tibet. Ngari, is a vast barren plateau and renowned as the Roof of Tibet. As the place where the Holy Lake (Lake Manasarova) joins the Sacred Mountain (Mt.Kailash), Ngari is a holy pilgrimage destination of both Tibetans and Hindus, as well as a popular challenge to trekkers. As the climate is so inclement few people live in this region. Therefore, Ngari is also the home of wild yak, Tibetan antelope, wild donkey, and many other rare wild animals.

The south part of Tibet consists of valleys and lies between Kangdese Mountains and Himalayas. Southwestern Tibet has been a popular destination for mountaineers. Mt.Everest towers over the region. Besides, more than 40 snow capped peaks are open to mountain climbing enthusiasts. Southern Tibet also offers primeval forests, running waters, and a relatively mild climate. Yarlong Tsangpo Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, is the home of rare plants and animals, and remains unknown to anyone other than the local people.

The east part is mainly made up of canyons and is marked by a gradual decline in altitude intercepted by small ranges called Henduan Ranges. The world's lowest valley, the Grand Yarlun-tzanpo River Valley lies in east Tibet.

The vast land is also the cradle of several great rivers such as the Yangtze River, the Yellow River,the Nu River (Salween), the Lancang River (Mekong), the Yarlong Tsangpo(Brahmaputra), the Indus, and the Ganges. Tibet also offers awe-inspiring scenery of beautiful lakes and valleys. Over 1,500 lakes including Heavenly Lake Namtso and the holy Lake Manasarova make Tibet the plateau with largest amount of lakes. Without irrigation and nurturance of these rivers and lakes, the surrounding lands may not flourish.

Series of Mountain (9): Travel to Mount Wuyi

2008-12-18T01:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Wuyi Mountains! located at the northern border of Fujian province with Jiangxi province, China. Described as "fairyland on earth", offering exquisite mountains, winding water and outstanding scenery. It’s a place featured with typical red rock formation.

The key scenic area of Wuyi Mountains covers 70 km2, boasting of 36 peaks, 72 caves, 99 rocks and 108 scenic spots as well. The magnificent and exquisite mountains and waters are the real delight. The whole area can be subdivided into many scenic spots.

The first spot you should not miss must be Nine Bend river, which is the most sophiscated charm of Wuyiu Mountains. It is winding its ways amidst the jungle of peaks and rocks. Take a drifting down the river, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but the mysterious Boat-coffins and many ancient rock inscriptions along the banks. A raft trip down the Nine-bend River is the most popular activity followed by a visit to the "Thread of Sky" caves, where the narrowest walkway is only 30cm. Visitor access to the biodiversity protection area is controlled.

Have you ever got the feeling of traveling upon a sea of clouds high up the sky? No? Then you won’t miss Tianyou Peak , Peak of Sky Tour, Which is frequently shrouded in clouds and mist, it towers aloft over clusters of peaks. Ascending to its top, I’m sure you can get that feeling. The pavilion on the top, the highest among myriad peaks commands a panoramic view of Wuyishan encircled by well-known peaks and the Jiuqu Stream(Nine Bend river)on its three sides.

If you are interested in the tea culture of China, Wuyi Mountains offers a great opportunity, which abounding in teas growing on rocks with a bright color, strong scent, and pure taste, It’s called Wuyi Rock-essence Tea . Wuyi Rock-essence Tea has many types. Among them Dahongpao (Grand Red Robe)is the most famous and precious.

Other famous attractions include: Peach Blossom Cave, Tiger Roaring Peak, Tianxin Rock, Water Curtain Cave, Lianhua Peak, YulinTing Kiln Site.

In addition, The Wuyi Mountains is the largest and most representative example of Chinese subtropical forests and South Chinese rainforests' biodiversity. Its ecology has survived from before the Ice Age around 3 million years ago. In 1999, Mount Wuyi entered UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural. It is the most outstanding biodiversity conservation zone of Southeast China.

If you love nature, landscapes, and biodiversity, take a travel to Wuyi Mountains. It won’t disappointed you in any terms.

travel to Beijing: You will never get hungry in Beijing

2008-12-18T01:46:00.000-08:00

You will never get hungry in Beijing.

While in Beijing, historical and cultural legacies come to mind more quickly than any of its dishes. However, as the capital of China for centuries, Beijing has absorbed the culinary traditions of provinces around the country. Today, also as a large modern city, you can find almost anything you want to eat in Beijing, both Chinese and western. With a thriving international food scene, globally famous dishes, and a legacy of royally sanctioned cuisine, it surely won’t disappoint anyone either.

When talking about eating in Beijing, it’s uncompleted without mentioning Beijing roast duck (Originally prepared for a Yuan Dynasty emperor). It really belongs to a famous Beijing specialty, few visitors leave Beijing without trying it. Beijing duck is served with thin pancakes, plum sauce，and slivers of scallions and cucumbers. You dip the duck in the sauce and roll it up in the pancake with a few slivers of scallions and/or cucumbers. The end result is a mouthwatering combination of the cool crunchiness of the cucumber, the sharpness of the scallions, and the rich flavors of the duck. Your best bet is to try one of the centuries-old institutions specializing in the dish, such as Quanjude, Bianyifang, Guolin Home-style Restaurant and Dadong Duck Restaurant, which are nationally renowned.

travel to Beijing: Flag-raising Ceremony at TianAnMen Square

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Everyday, a grand ceremony called Flag-raising Ceremony in Beijing's Tiananmen Square will attract many people. Believe it or not, going to Beijing and watching the national Flag-raising Ceremony is a dream to many people in China, especially to those who are poor and live far away from Beijing. What’s the charm of Flag-raising Ceremony?

The national flag was first raised over Tian'anmen Square in 1949, marking the birth of New China. And it has been repeated every day since then. In the morning, Chinese military honor guards march with perfect rhythm and synchronicity to raise the national flag. The ceremony begins at different time each day but precisely at sunrise and last exactly 127 seconds. And it is accompanied with a military band on the first day of every month.

While standing at the square, watching the national flag going up the pole slowly, listening to the national anthem, a feeling of patriotism grows inside of every Chinese people. That’s so impressive that somebody even cries. Although the flag has meant different things to different people, we love our great country and get power from the ceremony. I think that’s why it attracts so many people.

If you want to see the ceremony, then get up very early and arrive at the Square before sunrise. Only by doing so can you see the ceremony clearly as there are crowds of people attending the ceremony every day, especially during these important days and festivals, such as on May 1st (Internationa l Labor day),on Oct 1st (National day), every New year, and China 's New Year as well.

After the ceremony, tourists can also take a visit to Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, they are just on the Tian'anmen Square.

travel to Beijing: the Temple of Heaven

2008-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today, we will explore another worthwhile visiting place in Beijing, --- the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan in Chinese). It is a comprehensive expression of the unique construction techniques from Ming and Qing Dynasties, also the world's largest architectural complex for worship heaven. Along with the Summer Palace, it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.in 1998.

Built magnificent and gloriously in 1420 A.D, with an solemn and respectful environment, the Temple served as an exclusive altar for Chinese rulers during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Offering sacrifices was a serious task! The ancient Chinese believed that the entire empire relied on the emperor praying for good fortune and abundant harvests from Heaven. Thus the emperors had quite a responsibility! There were specific rites of worship in ancient times, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties when elaborate ceremonies were held.

It’s interesting when we research the shape and structure of the Temple buildings. With an area of about 2,700,000 square meters, it’s much bigger than the Forbidden City. As Chinese emperors called themselves 'The Son of Heaven', they dared not to build their own dwelling, 'Forbidden City' bigger than a dwelling for Heaven. On the other hand, the buildings reflect an ancient Chinese thought of 'The heaven is round and the earth is square'. Thus, the Northern part of the park is a semicircular shape symbolizing the heavens and the south a square symbolizing the earth. Meanwhile the northern part is higher than the southern part.

While here, tourist can enjoy both the most important constructions, others of historic interest and scenic beauty. The whole compound is enclosed by two walls, dividing the whole Temple into inner and outer areas. The outer area is characterized by suburban scenery, while the inner part is used for sacrifices with the main structures(such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Heaven, The Imperial Vault of Heaven, Heaven Kitchen, Long Corridor and so on).

But the Temple of Heaven is not just a solemn and glorious architectures, there are many funny phenomenons. Try the four wonderful sounds!

1. The echo from the Echo Wall – This famous wall encloses the Imperial Vault of Heaven with a perimeter of 193 meters. One person's mere whisper at any point close to the wall can be heard clearly on the other side if you draw your ear close to the wall, it is so clear that it is like talking on the phone. Isn't it interesting? This is possible because the wall is round and hermetically constructed with smooth, solid bricks, so the sound wave can transmit to the other side via the extremely smooth inner circle. The phenomenon utilizes the theory of sound wave.

2. The echo from the Three Echo Stones – It’s outside of the gate of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. If you speak facing the Vault while standing on the first stone, you will hear one echo; standing on the second and then the third stone, you will hear two and three echoes respectively. Why? This is because the distances that the sound wave reflected from the Echo wall to the stone are different, the number of echo is also different. Take a guess which flagstone is at the center of the Echo Wall's? The third one. The echo actually gets repeated more than 3 times, it's just the sound is too weak to be heard after the 4th echo.

3. The sound of the Dialogue Stone - If you speak while standing on the 18th stone in front of The Imperial Vault of Heaven, the sound can clearly pass to the northeast corner of the north side hall and the northwest of the west side hall that are both 36 meters away.

4. The hollow of the Heaven's Center Stone - There is a stone plate in the center of the Circular Mound Altar called the Heaven's Center Stone. Shouting aloud standing above, you will hear the reverberation of the echo. This is due to the refraction of the sound.

travel to Beijing: the Summer Palace

2008-12-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

Located in northwest suburban Beijing, the Summer Palace (Yi He Yuan in Chinese) is ranked amongst the most noted and classical imperial gardens of the world. Ingeniously conceived and exquisitely constructed, it is a collection of all the masterpieces in the art of Chinese garden-building and is known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens”, using to be a luxurious royal garden providing royal families with rest and entertainment. In 1998, it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Summer Palace has a tough history, suffering great disaster for twice. Originally named the Garden of Clear Ripples, it was first constructed in 1750 (during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty). In 1860 the garden was burned down by Anglo-French allied forces. In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled navy funds to reconstruct it for her own benefit, changing its name to Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). Therefore it became the living place of The Empress Dowager Cixi in her later years, dealing with state affairs and entertaining. In 1900, it suffered again, being ransacked by the Eight-Power Allied Forces. After the success of the 1911 Revolution, it was opened to the public.

In the Summer Palace, tourists can not only enjoy the grandeur of an imperial garden, but also the beauty of nature. Occupying an area of 304 hectares, the Summer Palace integrates the landscape, architecture and plants into a whole! Lakes and hills are dotted with palaces, temples and garden structures. The two main elements of the garden would be the Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. Take your time to enjoy the amazing scenery here, I swear you don’t want to miss any detail.

travel to Beijing: The Forbidden City

2008-12-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, the Palace Museum, the Purple Forbidden City and Gugong(故宫), is a must see! Located in the centre of Beijing, it is a real treasures house of Chinese cultural and historical relics. The splendid architecture of the Forbidden City represents the essence and culmination of the traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment.

Together with the Palace of Versailles in France, the Buckingham Palace in the UK, the White House in the US and the Kremlin in Russia, the Forbidden City is recognized as one of the most important five palaces in the world, enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.

As home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty, what’s it like? What kind of life has been inside the palace centuries ago when it was populated with royalty, eunuchs, servants and concubines?

The history of the Forbidden City

The construction of the Forbidden City started in 1407, the 5th year of Emperor Yongle reign of the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. It was completed fourteen years later in 1420. Until 1924 when the last emperor of China was driven from the palace, fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here, the total is 24. Having been the imperial palace for some five centuries, it houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions world-wide.

The structure of the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is the largest ancient palatial complex in the world with lots of beautiful buildings, covering an area of about 72 hectares. Try and do a little research before you go to, or the incredible size of the complex can actually make you wandering around aimlessly.

Rectangular in shape, consisting of 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,704 rooms, It’s surrounded by a six meter deep moat and a 10 meter high wall. the wall has a gate on each side. Most travelers enter the Forbidden City from the Tian'anmen Gate.

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The southern section, or the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. It is made up of three main buildings, the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian), the Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghedian) and Bao He Dian or the Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian). Want to see the emperors' magnificent Dragon Throne (Longyi in Chinese)? It’s placed in the first hall --- Hall of Supreme Harmony, which is the most important and largest structure in the Forbidden City. Next is the Hall of Central Harmony(Zhonghedian), resting place for the emperor before presenting the grand occasions held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Emperors would rehearse their speeches and presentations here before departing to the Temple of Heaven for the sacrifice rites. The last hall is the Hall of the Preserving Harmony used for banquets and later for imperial examinations.

The northern section, or the Inner Court was where the Royal Family actually lived. It contains a number of other halls and the Imperial Garden. Also, it’s composed of three rear main structures, the Palace of Heavenly Peace (Qianqinggong) --- the emperors' sleeping place, the Palace of the Union and Peace(Jiaotaidian) --- where the imperial seals were stored, and the Palace of Terrestrial Tranquility(Kun Ning Gong) --- the emperors' wedding room. Exiting the Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility and going further north, travelers will find the Imperial Garden. The garden offers an aesthetic change from the crimson or gray building complex to a colorful and luxuriant atmosphere. Besides the three rear main buildings are the six eastern palaces and six western palaces, where the emperor used to handle every day affairs and was the living quarters for the emperor, expresses and concubines. Those palaces, however, have been converted into exihibition halls, where a spectacular set of imperial collections is displayed.

The main exit gate of the Forbidden City is the Gate of Devine Might behind the Imperial Garden, which is opposite to the Tian'anmen Gate.

The construction of the Forbidden City

Construction of the palace lasted for fourteen years. It was said that a million workers including one hundred thousand artisans were driven into the long-term hard labor. They must not only finish the royal architectural wonders, the grand and deluxe halls, but also the splendid painted decoration on them. Nowadays, these surprisingly magnificent treasures will certainly satisfy tourists from home and abroad.

Stone needed was quarried from Fangshan, a suburb of Beijing. It was said a well was dug every fifty meters along the road in order to pour water onto the road in winter to slide huge stones on ice into the city. Huge amounts of timber and other materials were freighted from faraway provinces. Ancient Chinese people displayed their very considerable skills in building the Forbidden City. Take the grand red city wall for example. It has an 8.6 meters wide base reducing to 6.66 meters wide at the top. The angular shape of the wall totally frustrates attempts to climb it. The bricks were made from white lime and glutinous rice while the cement is made from glutinous rice and egg whites. These incredible materials make the wall extraordinarily strong.

travel to Beijing: The Great Wall

2008-12-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”, it’s a popular saying in China. The Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, is meaningful to Chinese people. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through the history backwards, it brings strong patriotic feeling and proud of the country in each step of the wall.

The Great Wall is made of a series of stone. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles ) from east to west of China. Though some of the sections are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance, enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.

The history of The Great Wall

With a history of more than 2000 years, the Great Wall was used as a defensive fortification in most of time. But it was in fact independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty.

The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring and Autumn Period (around the 7th century BC) and Warring States Periods (from the 5th century BC to 221 BC) by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin, to defend their own borders, through which period the Chinese were already familiar with the techniques of wall-building. Then the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang made the unification of China. During the reign, Qin Shi Huang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together and to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history.

Later, some dynasties repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections of the Great Wall at great cost. The most important construction took place in Ming Dynasty, which was stronger and more elaborate due to the use of bricks and stone instead of rammed earth.

Now most of the ancient walls have eroded away over the centuries, and very few sections remain today. The Great Wall as we see today was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. It starts from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west traversing provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu.

The construction of The Great Wall

The construction of the wall was considered to be huge and tough project even in today’s tools and techniques, let alone ancient times. Can you image how they transport the large quantity of materials and stones, some were over thousand kg weight; and how they cut the stones to almost the same shape. It’s said that builders always tried to use local resources. Stones from the mountains were used over mountain ranges, while rammed earth was used for construction in the plains. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people.

However, the construction of The Great Wall was a suffering to the people at that time. A lot of people died. There are some beautiful but sad legends, the most famous one is about the collapse of a section of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiangnu, who cried bitterly over the death of her husband in the construction of the Great Wall. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folk songs and traditional operas.

The following three sections are in Beijing, which were renovated and which are regularly visited by modern tourists today. "North Pass" of Juyongguan pass, known as the Badaling; "West Pass" of Jiayuguan_(pass), near the western edges of the Great Wall; "Pass" of Shanhaiguan, near the eastern edges of the Great Wall.

Make a trip to at least one section of the Great Wall should be a must for your China Trip. Elaborate tour plans make travel comfortable, memorable, enjoyable and informative.

travel to Beijing: overview

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Beijing, the capital of China, being host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, is the political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as China's most important center for international trade and communications. It is China's second largest city, after Shanghai. This week, we will explore the city and all that it has to offer.

Together with Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing and Hangzhou, Beijing is one of the six ancient cities in China. Beijing's long and illustrious history started some 500,000 years ago. It is here that the ancestors of modern Homo sapiens, Peking men, lived in caves. Records show that Beijing has been an inhabited city for more than three thousand years and has endured invasions by warlords and foreign powers, devastating fires, the rise and fall of powerful imperial dynasties and has emerged each time as a strong and vibrant city. For more than 800 years, Beijing was a capital city - from the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) to the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. Thirty-four emperors have lived and ruled the nation in Beijing. Throughout its long history, there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Such as the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, the home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is a great building of human being; Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Summer Palace, displays a comprehensive collection of imperial gardens and palaces that functioned as the summer retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors; Great Wall, as well as Tian'anmen Square, the biggest central square in the world, etc.

Besides the historical relics, tourists can experience authentic Beijing life and become acquainted with 'old Beijing' by exploring its many teahouses, temple fairs, Beijing's Hutong and Courtyard and enjoy the Peking Opera. Add any or all of these to your Beijing tour and you will leave with a feeling of special appreciation in your heart for this ancient city that has truly seen it all and tells its story with matchless grace, charm and vigor.

But Beijing is more than an ancient city, tourists can also enjoy its exciting modern development. Strolling around Beijing, you'll find it has much in common with any other great metropolis elsewhere in today's world. There are towering skyscrapers; busy shopping malls and an endless stream of traffic that makes the city much the same as others. The most famous and popular commercial circles and commercial pedestrian streets are predominantly located near the Yansha Shopping Mall, Tiananmen and Wangfujing Street, Guomao Shopping Mall, Qianmen Street and Xidan Street, etc. However, although you will find multinational chains with their own brands to offer, nowhere else on earth will you find such a variety of gourmet Chinese restaurants offering the very best of the eight different styles of Chinese cuisine as well as western style dishes.

In addition, the Olympic Games has already brought huge change to Beijing. Besides the improved beijing air and a nice new subway system and sport facillities, some excellent Olympic buildings become Beijing’s new landmark, such as the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the bird's nest; and the Water Cube. They are also a must see!

Its art treasures and universities have long made the city a centre of culture and art in China. Beijing has the most and highest level universities, comparing with other cities in China. After a day's Beijing tours, nighttime can hold other surprises for you. These can vary from traditional performances such as the Beijing Opera, acrobatics and martial arts to modern ones including concerts, ballroom dancing, pubs and clubs. Each and every one has its individual enchantment for the tourist.

Spokesmen of Chinese Kungfu and their movies

2008-12-13T03:11:00.000-08:00

In China, there are many Kung fu masters and action movie stars. The most famous must be Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Lee, renowned Kung fu stars both at home and abroad. They are the spokesmen of Chinese Kung Fu. People can really marvel at and admire the charm of Chinese martial arts from their marvellous works.

Bruce Lee, regarded as the 'King of Kungfu', stirred a sensation in US from 1960s to 1970s, changing Chinese image in America where "the Chinese were stereotyped as meek house servants and railroad workers". His steely sinew redeem Chinese image. But it’s regretful that he lived a transient life of 32 years and died in 1973. His death was a loss to Chinese people and Kungfu movies.

In his transient life, Bruce Lee made great contribution to the development of Chinese Kungfu movies. The representative work must be: The Big Boss(Also known as Fists of Fury in the United States), FIST OF FURY(known as The Chinese Connection in the United States), Way Of The Dragon, Enter the Dragon, Game Of Death.

A good news for the fans of Bruce Lee is that a TV series “The Legend of Bruce Lee” will be staged in 2008. Based on the life of Bruce Lee, the TV series will reveal many untold stories about the superstar for the first time.

Jackie Chan is noted for his outstanding kungfu skills in the film industry at home and abroad. He has his own acting style, combining comedy and action, as well as solid martial arts skills while acting. The following list may be the movies that show off the best he has offered.

Drunken Master--- an early example of the comedic kung fu style for which he became famous
Rush Hour--- the pair of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker makes for a perfect comedy, The film was successful, becoming the 7th top grossing film of 1998, with a gross of over $140 million dollars at the U.S. box office.
The Fearless Hyena--- This film was Jackie Chan's first as director.
Armour of God AKA Operation Condor 2--- the film nearly killed Jackie while acting.
The Young Master--- the first film Jackie Chan worked on for Golden Harvest
Wheels On Meals--- the famous trio of Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung.
Police Story--- the first of a series featuring Chan as a Hong Kong police detective named "Kevin" Chan Ka-Kui.
Supercop AKA Police Story 3--- This film also stars Maggie Cheung and Michelle Yeoh.
Rumble In The Bronx--- brought Chan into the American mainstream.
Mr. Nice Guy--- a film that has more of the comedy styling of Jackie Chan.

Jet Li, is also a brilliant Kung fu star, has successfully developed many Kungfu figures in a number of blockbusters. His acting skills are no doubt world-class. Jet Li has so many successful Kungfu movies, maybe the following list can offer you a greater appreciation of all things Jet Li.

The Shaolin Temple
Fist of Legend
My Father is a Hero---also known as The Enforcer
Once Upon a Time in China--- Where he plays Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung.
The Legend of the Swordsmen II
The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk
Fearless
Hero
Black Mask
The Tai Chi Master
Lethal Weapon 4

What’s Chinese Kungfu?

2008-12-13T03:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched movies about Chinese Kungfu? Do you know Bruce Lee, Jet Li or Jackie Chan, all famous Chinese film stars adept in Kung Fu? Wow, how magic and terrific! Anyone who has seen classical Chinese Kung Fu movies will be deeply impressed by the Chinese Kung Fu. Today we'll come to talk about this topic.

Chinese Kungfu, also known as Wu Shu or Chinese martial arts, becomes a precious element of China's cultural heritage, winnig its name all around the world for its broad and deep meanings. Actually, it is a traditional Chinese physical activity with thousands of years of history. According to some historical records and antique discoveries, it can be dated back even to prehistoric times. In order to survive the extremely hostile environment, primitive Chinese ancestors learned some primary means of attack and defence such as leaping, tumbling and kicking. Moreover, they generally knew how to fight with weapons made from stones and wood or bare-hand fighting. This is considered to be the origin of martial arts.

The movements in Chinese Kungfu include kicking, boxing, wresting and seizing, which are performed by rules. Sects of Kungfu are various, such as Shaolin, Wudang, E-mei, Kunlun, Kongtong. Generally speaking, Shaolin Sect and Wudang Sect are the two most famous sects. As the old Chinese saying goes 'In the north, Shaolin Kungfu is primarily recommended. While in the south, Wudang Kungfu is especially valued.'

Shaolin Kungfu is considered to be the authentic Chinese kungfu. Originally, Shaolin Kungfu was developed from the Shaolin Temple, in the region of MT Songshan (click here to get information in our former article). Still having monks living and exercising Kungfu, a travel to the temple will give you a better understanding of Chinese Kungfu. While cultivating in the thick forest of the high mountains, monks created a set of body-building exercises by learning the postures of flying, jumping and running from birds, beasts and fish. Gradually, these body-building exercises developed into a sort of boxing through long practice and improvement, which is generally called 'Shaolin boxing'.

Wudang Kungfu is greatly related to the Chinese native religion - Taoism. It is said that Zhang Sanfeng, a Taoist who lived in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) created Wudang martial arts. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw the formal popularity of Wudang Kungfu. In order to promote Wudang Taoism all over China, Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty assembled 300,000 civilian workers to build 33 Taoist complexes in Mt. Wudang. It took them 13 years to finish the whole construction. Wudang Kungfu emphasizes the strengthening of bones and muscles and internal cultivation, and encourages the use of softness to conquer the unyielding. It doesn't advocate attack but at the same time it is hard to defeat.

Although developed from fighting and conquering of the opponent, Chinese Kungfu has progressed to the conquering of the self. Even at the Shaolin Temple, Kung Fu is only part of the teaching, other Buddhist teachings there are considered of great importance. The basic spirit of Kungfu is to value martial arts while at the same time upholding virtue, which has been advocated by Kungfu performers from generation to generation. Today many people practice Wushu to pursue health, defense skills, mental discipline, entertainment and competition.

Want to learn Chinese Kungfu? Searching from internet, you will find a lot of schools both in China and other countries. But I have to tell you that the road to Kung Fu is lonely, tough and never ending. Kungfu, literally meaning "achievement through great effort", which is an appropriate description of what it takes to learn. The Kung Fu student is therefore expected to put in considerable hard work to condition the body, and build up endurance, stamina and a strong will to succeed. Motivation and self-discipline are essential attributes for the student's "achievement through great effort".

Series of Mountain (8): Travel to Huangshan

2008-12-10T03:48:00.000-08:00

Located in the south of Anhui Province, Huangshan is praise as “Earthly Fairyland”, being on both the world cultural and natural heritage lists in 1990. Would it be crazy that if I say one should travel to Huangshan at least for four times? That’s true! I’m not joking! For it has distinctive scenes respectively in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Mount Huangshan has more than 400 famous scenic attractions of which 140 have been developed and opened to tourists.

The renowned Four Wonders of Huangshan are the spectacular rocks, oddly shaped pines, hot springs and “sea of clouds”. The pines on the mountain are tall and have fascinating shapes. The famous Welcoming Guests (Yingke) Pine (1,500 years old) and See-Guest-Off Pine have become a symbol of being faithful, unyielding and hospitable. More than 200 days each year on Mount Huangshan are misty and cloudy. The vapors coagulate to form a sea of clouds. As the clouds cloak the mountain, they give a feeling of being in fairyland.

Generation after generation, the wonderful scenery of Huangshan has attracted many visitors. People have come to eulogize Huangshan, resulting in a rich legacy of art and literature. Xu Xiake, a famous traveler of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) visited Huangshan twice, and described it in a poem, calling it best of all mountains in China. Some artists have even formed the Huangshan School. Besides, there are numerous and widespread fairy tales and legends about the Mountain.

It’s no doubt that you will have a memorable trip here!

Series of Mountain (7): Travel to Emeishan

2008-12-10T03:39:00.000-08:00

Today we will explore Emeishan and all that it has offered. Located in Sichuan Province, Emeishan's history has been recorded for over 2,000 years, during which time a rich Buddhist cultural heritage has accumulated. Together with Wutaishan, Jiuhuashan, Putuoshan, Emeishan's one of the four shrines of Buddhism in China.

Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area! It’s said to be the biggest Buddha statue in the world, carved on the mountain, stands 71 m high. There are more than 90 stone carvings and Buddhist shrines on both sides of the Giant Buddha. The way in which the cultural features have been integrated with the natural scenery is considered to be a precious legacy.

While here, don’t miss the four famous and special physical phenomenons. They are sunrise, seas of clouds, "Buddha's halo", and holy lights. Atop the Golden Summit, which is 3,099 meters high, one can enjoy the sunrise, seas of clouds.

Then what’s "Buddha's halo" and holy lights? When the sun projects the shadow of the viewer on the clouds in front of him or her, ice crystals and tiny drops of water in the clouds may reflect the light to form a rainbow around the shadow. Only in few places(such as Golden Summit) with appropriate sync of light, landform and clouds could the Buddha's halo be enjoyed.

Holy lights: On evenings when the moon can not be observed (either in the early or late period of a lunar month), and after rain, tourists may see countless shining balls of light rising from the foot of the cliff and floating up in the air. This is the mysterious scene of "holy lights".

There are some other wonderful scenery and temples, such as Wannian Temple, Baoguo Temple, and Fuhu Temple, etc. Don’t take our word for it, see for yourself!

gambling industry in Macau

2008-12-06T01:48:00.001-08:00

Known as 'Oriental Las Vegas', Macau is one of the four most famous gambling cities in the world. As early as 1850s, Gambling became legal when the Portuguese government legalized the activity in this colony. Since then, Macau has become known worldwide as the "Monte Carlo of the Orient".

After the development of so many years, the gambling industry in Macau is very mature and has many related criterions and laws, forming a culture and management system. It already becomes an important feature of Macau's economy, not only provides employment, but also brings a great proportion of tax income. It’s said that the income from gambling has already exceeded Las Vegas in 2007.

Generally, gambling in Macau can be divided into three different categories: casino games, horse racing and greyhound racing. There is also sports betting and a number of lotteries. The casinos in hotels and entertainment centers (e.g. Lisboa, Mandarin, Hyatt, Kingsway, Jai-Alai, Macau Jockey Club and Floating Palace) offer probably the widest range of casino games in the world, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, boule, craps, Tombola, "big and small", fan-tan, 12 numbers, and of course, hundreds of the most glittering array of slot machines anywhere.

In the mood for this abundant styles of gambling? You can also have a try. The legal age for gambling in Macau is 21 for local residents and 18 for tourists. But in my opinion, it’s not wise to pin one's faith on luck and gambling. There is an adage “Easy come, easy go". So it’s better to play just for fun!

Travel to Macau

2008-12-06T01:43:00.000-08:00

Macau and Hong Kong are somewhat alike in the history, cultures and the status of being a special administrative region of PRC. If you don’t like the crowd of Hong Kong, maybe Macau is a good choice. A wander around the Macau Peninsular will bring you into a world of antiques and fashion, traditional and modern, as well as tranquility and glitz.

Macau is a very small city, covering an area of just 27.5 square kilometers, with a total population of 469,800 and 95% are Chinese, the remainder being Portuguese and other westerners. In history, the Portuguese ruled here prior to Macau's official return to the People's Republic of China on December 20, 1999. Just like Hong Kong, after administered by a western country for many years, Macau becomes a charming place with various cultures. The majority resides on the Macau Peninsular where you can find a variety of both Oriental and Western cultural and historical places of interest and all sorts of old buildings that are either European baroque or traditional Chinese in style. The blend of people, culture and history has influences on every aspect of life in the city.

Macau comprises the Macau Peninsular and the outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane. Popular sightseeing places that form part of a traveler's itinerary are spread all over the Macau Peninsular.

It’s hard to list all the popular attractions in Macau, for they are all around, a lot of which are must see! The best way to explore numerous historical and cultural heritages of Macau is take a wandering around. First, stop by Largo do Senado, a splendid main square with wave-patterned pavement and central fountain. Here, you can enjoy a surrounding of simple, elegant Portuguese and baroque style buildings. Clothing shops, curio markets, pharmacies, snack stalls and jewelry shops spread all over the narrow alleyways selling dazzling items.

Next, take a visit to Ruins of St. Paul's, the great ruined facade and staircase to the church of the Mother of God, is the most famous landmark of Macau. Built from 1602 to 1637, a fire burned it to the ground in 1835, leaving only the facade, the staircase and portions of a wall. After a restoration in 1991, that facade is crowned by the cross of Jerusalem, below which are three tiers with niches containing statues that were cast from bronze, at a local cannon and bell factory.

Guia Fort, built on the highest point of Macau between 1637 and 1638, contains a chapel and a lighthouse. The chapel inside is in the style of Portuguese heritages of the 17th century. To the right of this chapel is a bell which was made in 1707. The lighthouse, which is the dominating feature of the Fort, was built by a local-born Portuguese. It was first lit up on September 24, 1865, and is the oldest on the China coast. Standing only 16 feet tall, its beam can be seen from 20 miles at sea under good weather conditions. To this day, it provides a guiding beacon to the passing boats.

Monte Fort is another famous fort. The Fort has been witness to three centuries of history, but was opened officially only in 1966. Centrally located, the fort is a splendid place to obtain overall views of the city, including Ruins of St. Paul's below, and one can see China just across the estuary.

Besides the places we suggested above, there are some other nice attractions you should visit. Such as churches, museums, gardens and the tranquil natural and beach sceneries of the two outlying islands——Taipa and Coloane, etc. Almost forgot, never ever miss the evenings in Macau. Macau streets are alive at night!

Feel hungry? You are lucky in the paradise for gourmands. Macau is famous for a wide range of delicious cuisines from all over the world including unparalleled Macau-style Portuguese cuisine, traditional Cantonese cuisine, exotic food from Italy, France, Brazil, India, Japan, and Korea... Everyone can find his own favorite!

Series of Mountain (6): Travel to Hengshan (Shanxi)

2008-12-06T01:08:00.000-08:00

This Hengshan is not that one we talked about in the previous article. It’s located in Hunyuan County of Shanxi Province in northern China, named as the Northern Mountain of the Five Sacred Mountains. Differing from that of the other four mountains, the Great Wall winds up Hengshan, forming many ancient strategic passes; thus, passes, ancient castles and beacon towers constitute a unique landscape.

On Hengshan, you can see some unique and funny sight that you won’t have in other places. That’s temples on the cliff, which constructed on the cliffs or caved in just like castles in the air, adding to steepness and grandiosity. A must see temple is Xuankong Temple, built 1,400 years ago, hosts worship for the Taoists, Confucians and Buddhists. The temple is hung on the middle of the cliff and is still in perfect conditions after so many years.

Isn’t that a masterpiece of human beings? Besides the Xuankong Temple, many other attractions like Yuanjue Brick Pagoda and Yongan Temple, all occupy important positions in the development of China’s ancient architecture. Other places, Zhaodian Hall, Jiutian (Nine Heavens) Palace, Huixian (Celestial-Meeting) Mansion and Flying Stone Cave, etc also worthing a visit.

Standing high in the mountain, with the clouds floating under your feet and the wind in the pine trees resounding above your head, the mountain peaks occasionally appearing and disappearing in the clouds, one will be reluctant to leave. On the sides of some cliffs are full of stone inscriptions eulogizing the beauty of Hengshan by celebrities in history.

Series of Mountain (5): Travel to Huashan

2008-12-06T01:02:00.000-08:00

Known as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven', Mt. Huashan is famous for its natural vistas of steep and narrow paths, precipitous crags, and a high mountain range. It’s one of the five sacred mountains in China, Situated in Huayin City, east from Xi'an City of Shaanxi Province.

There is a allusion about the name “Huashan”. From a distance the five peaks seem to form the shape of a 'flower' (hua in Chinese), hence the name 'Huashan'. It is home to several influential Taoist temples where emperors of past dynasties made pilgrimages, making Mt. Huashan the holy land of Taoism.

A must-see scenic spot is Xi Yue Temple, available to those interested in Taoist culture. The Xi Yue Temple is 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) north of the foot of Mt. Huashan and it is one of the earliest temples in ancient China. Palaces and gardens are its main features, resembling the style of the Forbidden City in Beijing; thus the Xi Yue Temple gained fame as the 'Forbidden City of Shaanxi Province'.

The following is cited from travelchinaguide.com, telling the details of traveling to Huashan.

Yuquan Yuan (Jade Spring Temple)
Usually tourists climb up the mountain assisted by the iron chains along the way and start their tour from Yuquan Yuan (Jade Spring Temple), one of the main Taoist temples in China located at the foot of Mt. Huashan. It has the architectural style of the classical gardens in south China. There is a pond in the center and several pavilions around it. Walking through the Wuyou Pavilion, the Long Corridor of Seventy-two Windows comes into view, and afterwards Qingke Ping where a big rock called 'Huixin Rock' can be seen. It is said that 'Huixin Rock' is a reminder for those who wish to stop their tour at this point. Beside the rock are the precipitous 370 rock steps called 'Qianchi Zhuang' considered to be the primary breath-taking path of Mt. Huashan. When climbing, only a gleam of sky above can be seen, making climbers feel as if they were at the bottom of a well.

North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
Across the 'Qianchi Zhuang' are two similar precipitous paths-respectively called 'Baichi Xia' and 'Laojun Li' above which climbers reach Mt. Huashan's North Peak. There are precipitous cliffs on all sides of North Peak, making it look like a flat terrace in the clouds, hence the name Cloud Terrace Peak. It is 1,614 meters (about 5,295 feet) high. Three sides are cliffs and one side is to the 'Ca'er (the ear rubbing the cliff) Cliff' which is the fourth precipitous path where tourists can climb up only by pressing an ear close to the cliff. In the waist of North Peak trees are luxuriantly green, creating a good rest spot.

Jinsuo Guan (Gold Lock Pass)
When climbing over the 'Blue Dragon Range', regarded as the must-pass way to the other four peaks from North Peak, travelers arrive at Gold Lock Pass. Mt. Huashan visitors know that it is customary to buy a golden lock, and then lock it in the iron chains on both sides of the Gold Lock Pass for families and friends to pray for their safety and health. It is a marvelous spectacle to see thousands of golden locks in the iron chains. Within the mountain gate of Gold Lock Pass, a huge golden lock of about 4 meters (about 4.37 yards) long and 1 .5 meters (about 1.64 yards) high stands in a big rock. It is made of pure copper and forged by 9,999 locks left by visitors. It is a popular photo site. This huge lock can only be opened by throwing coins - one coin represent the status of an ordinary person; three coins, a blessed person and nine coins a most blessed one. Gold Lock Pass is the throat to Middle Peak, East Peak, South Peak and West Peak.

Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)
Middle Peak clings to East peak and is in the center of East, South and West Peaks. There is a Taoist temple in the peak named 'Jade Maiden Temple'. Legend has it that the daughter of Qin Mugong (569 B.C.-621 B.C.) loved a man who was good at playing Chinese tung-hsiao (vertical flute) and she gave up the royal life to become a hermit who cultivated her spirituality here, hence the name Jade Maiden Peak. Today Jade Maiden Temple and Jade Maiden Basin for Shampooing can be found on the peak.
Other scenic spots in Middle Peak include Rootless Tree and Sacrificing Tree which have beautiful stories and add to the supernatural atmosphere of Middle Peak.

East Peak (Facing Sun Peak)
Tour guides may promote climbing the mountain at night to see the sunrise. Climbing to the top of East Peak requires 4 to 6 hours. East Peak has an altitude of 2,090 meters (about 6,857 feet) forming a platform for visitors to view the sunrise. An astronomical telescope is provided here. The reference time for sunrise and sunset is 5:00a.m.-6:00a.m. in spring, 4:30a.m.-5:20a.m. in summer, 5:00a.m.-5:20a.m. in autumn, 5:30a.m.-6:00a.m. in winter.

One well-known scenic spot called the 'Immortal's Palm Peak of Mt. Huashan' which is ranked as one of the 'Eight Scenic Wonders of the Guanzhong Area (the plain area in the middle of Shaanxi Province)' is located on East Peak. It refers to the natural rock veins of the cliff which look like a giant palm-print. Legend has it that on March 3rd of the Lunar Calendar a torrential flood erupted, destroying the villages within the Mt. Huashan area. This disaster was caused by the Queen Mother of the West, who held her 'Flat Peach Carnival' celebration that year. She carelessly spilled a little jade wine down from paradise, causing a serious flood below. This news was quickly reported by Deity Shaohao to the Jade Emperor in Celestial Paradise. He gave a prompt order to Deity Juling to go down to tame the flood. When Deity Juling, full of vigor and vitality, descended from the clouds, he arrived at the precipitous cliff of East Peak. At the moment that he laid his left hand on one side and his right leg on the other, he ripped the mountain into two halves and immediately a flood rushed out. This tale adds luster to East Peak.

South Peak (Landing Wild Geese Peak)
Ancient people called South Peak with an altitude of 2,160 meters (about 7,087 feet) 'Monarch of Mt. Huashan' because it is the highest peak of Mt. Huashan and also the highest peak among the Five Sacred Mountains of China. Tourists who summit South Peak are undoubtedly winners. Looking around when standing at the peak, surrounding mountains are luxuriantly green; the Yellow River wanders far below and everything seems small. Legend has it that the wild geese returning from the south often landed at South Peak, giving the area the name 'Landing Wild Geese Peak'.

At the top of South Peak, the Black Dragon Pool at the summit and the Greeting Pines on the southwestern cliff are two attractive resorts. At each side of the Landing Wild Goose Peak there are two peaks respectively called Songhui Peak (Pine and Juniper Peak) in the east and Xiaozi Peak (Filial Son Peak) in the west. The three peaks form a picture of a Titan sitting in a chair. The most dangerous place is called 'Changkong Zhandao' (a plank path built along the surface of a vertical cliff) which is about 4 meters (about 13 feet) long and about 0.33 meters (about 1.1 feet) wide. Below is the bottomless gulf which makes tourists shake with fear. In addition, there is a Taoist temple called Baidi Temple or Jintian Palace to be considered the host temple of Deity Shaohao.

The West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak)
West Peak has very high cliffs standing erect with an altitude of 2,086.6 meters (about 6,845 feet). There is a Taoist temple called Cuiyun Palace before which a huge rock looking like a lotus flower comes into view, hence the name Lotus Flower Peak. There are another seven rocks beside Cuiyun Palace, which is said to be the place where Chenxiang (a main character in the movie Lotus Lantern) ripped the mountain to save his mother (The Heavenly Goddess San Sheng Mu). After visiting the five peaks, tourists can go down the mountain from the path on the east side of West Peak.

Travel Tips:
Before climbing Mt. Huashan, you should know the following:
1. Wear sport shoes with soft soles; buy a pair of nylon gloves and a walking stick when necessary.
2. Eat high-calorie food and bring some with you when climbing.
3. Bring mineral water with you. Do not drink too much when thirsty; just sip it to keep your mouth wet.
4. It is windy in the mountain and especially humid in summer, so prepare some warm clothes (even in summer).
5. Sometimes it rains on the mountain, so take along a plastic raincoat.
6. Bring an electric torch when climbing at night.

While all necessary supplies can be bought at the foot of mountain, it is a better choice to prepare them yourself before coming to the mountain.

travel to Hong Kong——attractions

2008-12-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

Today, we are going to explore the wonderland, Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings, Hong Kong is an open city with a wonderful natural harbor, full of fabulous events and attractions. The following are a few of the must-sees rated tops by tourists.

Hong Kong Island Tour

Hong Kong Island, the heart of Hong Kong, is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. A rather famous landmark, the Victoria Peak, is a must see! Visitors can spend a whole day here and admire an outstanding view of this Oriental Pearl. Whether you can climb the tower or take a ride on the tram, this is a great introduction to the bustling city of Hong Kong. Have the kids with you? They will love a trip to the Ocean Park, which is among the top theme parks and aquariums in Southeast Asia, as well as the best marine education center. Also, Repulse Bay is a popular destination, tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the sea shore and bays.

Another favorite attraction is the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum with figures of celebrities including local movie star Jackie Chan.

Aberdeen remains the characteristic of a traditional fishing village in the 18s, inhabits hundreds of fishing men. Here, you can tour around the bay by a sampan. Fishing boats ranging from the traditional Chinese sailing boat to the luxuriously furnished modern ship fill the bay. Many visitors come here only for the seafood, which is authentic, superb fresh and tasty.

Stanley Market will satisfy epicureans with its many stands, shops, original restaurants, outdoor cafes, and even a performance stage.

The HK Convention and Exhibition Center and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, which were established in 1997 to commemorate the Return of Hong Kong to Her Motherland, are also definitely worth a visit. From this vantage point, Victoria Bay at night presents a glittering spectacle that will delight the eye of even the most seasoned traveler.

Happy Valley, located between Wanchai and Causeway Bay is a low-lying land where people gather to enjoy the excitement of horse racing or gambling in racecourse.

Additionally, you can go to visit Man Mo Temple, located in the middle section of Hollywood Road. Many local people go there to worship gods.

Kowloon Peninsula Tour

Kowloon Peninsula, which links Hong Kong to the mainland, offers yet another view of this exciting part of China. Allow at least one full day to experience its sparkling delights, which include Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok.

In Tsim Sha Tui, you should not miss visiting Hong Kong Coliseum . It's a very eye-catching building in Hong Kong and regarded as a landmark by many tourists.

Wong Tai Sin Temple, patterned after an ancient Chinese palace and rich in Chinese culture, is the most famous temple in Hong Kong. Fortunetellers are active there.

The Star Ferry can be both inexpensive and romantic. For shutterbugs, a ride on the ferry provides the optimum angle from which to snap fantastic views of Victoria Harbor.

Open-air markets lure every tourist, and no one leaves empty-handed. There is something for every taste, from the fashionable bargains at Ladies' Market in Mong Kok to the electronic gadgets and souvenirs in Yau Ma Tei's Temple Street Night Market.

Kowloon Park and the Hong Kong Space Museum are also popular with tourists.

The New Territories Tour

Built with bricks and surrounded by blockhouses,Kim Tin Walled Village has a moat near it. In 1899, when the New Territories was leased to British army, the British soldiers met the resisting of the local people in the region. In the end, the iron gate of the garden was destroyed and carried to Britain as a war booty, which was eventually returned to Hong Kong in 1924 at the request of local citizens.

The brick wall of 6 meters' height, blockhouses at four corners as well as the moat outside are well preserved, and thus the old appearance is maintained. At present,Kim Tin Walled Village i being a frequent destination for foreign visitors, there are old men in country clothes for them to take photo with in front of the village.

The Outlying Islands Tour

Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Ever since 70's, lots of Hong Kong residents have preferred to escape into Lantau Island for a refreshing rest during weekends and holidays. Visitors can explore its hilly walking trails, enjoy its crowded beach and inhale the fresh air. Be sure to stop by Tai O Town, honoured as the "Oriental Venice" for the numrous fishing boats and sanpans moored at the tiny harbor. Next, tourists can experience countless excitement in Hong Kong Disneyland.As the fifth Disneyland Park built in the mode of Disneyland and the eleventh theme park of Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland Park is the first one take California Disney (including the Sleeping Princess Castle) as the base. On entering the park, you will be captured by the feeling of being in another world with and adventures.

Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery was originally built by three monks in 1924. Until now, it is warmly welcomed and frequently visited by its believers. In front of the mountain gate, there are wonderful scenic spots, like the Big Buddha on the Muk Yue Peak, Fahua Pagoda and Huayan Pagoda on the left and Lotus Mountain and Lion Stone on the right. Besides, there are stately Majestic Palace and Heaven King Palace and so on. Po Lin Monastery offers accommodation for visitors who want to view the sunset on the Phoenix Mountain. The sunrise or sunset scenes viewed from the mountain top is fabulous. When you decide to leave, don’t forget to take a vegetable diet, the most special food on Lantau Island.

travel to Hong Kong——overviews

2008-12-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

It would be hard to find a more exciting city than Hong Kong, people from the world over are so interested in this island. Here you can find the delights of modern living alongside an abundance of reminders of its historic past, the confluences of Chinese and Western elements.

Hong Kong, literally meaning "fragrant harbor", is a Special Administrative Region of PRC, situated in the southeast corner of China, very closed to Shenzhen. Praised as the Oriental Pearl, it’s the world's fourth largest banking and financial center and eighth largest trading economy.

Today, Hong Kong occupies an area of 1,104 square kilometers and composed of four parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Hong Kong Island is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. Northern Hong Kong Island is the main commercial, shopping and entertainment area; the residential area is located in Eastern Hong Kong Island; and Southern Hong Kong Island known for its sea shores and bays. Kowloon is another flourishing part of Hong Kong. Above all, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai , Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are the most popular areas. These areas are busy day and night, and tourists can feel secure enjoying the lively nightlife, because Hong Kong is one of the most secure cities in the world. The New Territories and Outlying Islands are ideal places to experience a peaceful and natural Hong Kong.

Here, visitors will not have language problems. For most people (about 97% of the population) speak Cantonese and English, although Mandarin is becoming more popular in Hong Kong now. It is interesting that some of them are even better in English than Mandarin. The most common religions are Buddhism and Christianity, so you can easily find churches here.

As we said, Hong Kong is the meeting place of various cultures that blend harmoniously with Chinese traditions and exotic influences for the special history. Hong Kong became a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842, and remained so until the transfer of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997. On one hand traces of British culture can be found everywhere as a result of former colonial rule. On the other hand, Hong Kong preserves traditional customs and the core values of Confucianism that have faded in Mainland China. This is reflected in its colorful festivals ranging from Spring Festival to Christmas. Nowhere else on earth do luxury restaurants, street side food-stalls known locally as dai pai dong, grand mansions and penthouses, tenements, office blocks, wooden boats and huge liners coupled with English in a variety of accents and multifarious Chinese dialects coexist peacefully.

Hong Kong has a good development both in economy and culture. It is the dynamic Hong Kong that provides the environment in which the richest Chinese listed in Forbes directory do business. The city also is the backdrop for modern movies and pop music that together enjoy worldwide recognition. Home of Kongfu heroes like the late Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, Hong Kong continues to attract more and more ambitious would-be stars and entrepreneurs.

In the next article, we will show you around Hong Kong. Thank you for your attention!

travel to Guangzhou

2008-12-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

Famous for its prosperous economic development, Guangzhou is praised as “the South Gate of China”. Located at the north of the Pearl River delta, it is an important trading center as well as a busy port and the capital city of the province of Guangdong. There are plenty of things to do and see.

Like Athens of Greece and Rome of Italy, Guangzhou also has a history of more than 2,800 years. There are a lot of interesting legends concerning its past. One of the beautiful stories which gives the city its name Goat Town says that five gods riding on five goats brought the first grain to the city. So, it is also known as the City of Five Goats.

Have you ever heard of the Chinese Export Commodities Fair, also called Canton Fair? It has been held two or three times a year in the city since 1957, winnig its renown of “China’s No.1 Fair” for the longest history, the highest level, the largest scale, the most complete exhibit variety, the biggest buyer attendance, the broadest buyer distribution, the greatest business turnover, and the best credit standing in China. Besides traditional way of negotiating against samples, the Fair holds Canton Fair online.

"Eating in Guangzhou" has become a popular saying both at home and abroad. Guangzhou ranks first in the number of restaurants and tea-houses in the country. While here, trying Yue Cai (Cantonese Cuisine), one of eight Chinese famous cuisines, is definitely a must in Guangzhou! Cantonese cuisine is good in color, fragrance, taste and presentation.

While exploring the city, stop and admire the beautiful scenery of Pearl River at night, which is the most famous sight in Guangzhou. In the mood to shop? Enjoy a visit to Shangxia Jiu Lu, Beijing Lu and Di Shi Fu Lu, which are full of vigor and current fashions, you can find something worth taking home. Be sure to stop in Dr. Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall, severed as a place of worship in honor of Sun Yatsen, the forerunner of Chinese democratic revolution. Inside, you will find significant outlooks and delicate designs.

If you are in the mood to travel outside of the city, travel to Conghua Hot Springs, Xiqiao Hill Scenic spot, Seven Star Crags, and Foshan City. Lots of tourists to Guangzhou like to cover one or two of them for out-of-city pleasure.

More details

In ancient days, Guangzhou was the capital city for three Chinese dynasties: the Nan Yue (South Yue), the Nan Han (South Han) and the Nanming (South Ming). Thus it was put in the list of the 24 most famous historical cultural cities and became a tourist destination. You can not understand most Chinese cities deeply until you know their history. This is true of Guangzhou. Many historic sights: the Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum, the Zhenhai Tower and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall tell us the 2,000-year history of Guangzhou.

Here and there stand monuments of the city's democratic and revolutionary past. The monument to the Anti British struggle at San Yuan Li is in remembrance of the 1841 uprising against a British invading force. The Huang Hua Gang Park keeps alive the spirit of the 72 martyrs killed in an 1911 uprising against the Manchu dynasty. The National Peasant Movement Institute is the former cadre-training school founded and run by Mao Zedong and Zhou En Lai in 1925-1926. The Guangzhou Memorial Garden is in memory of those who lost their lives during the Communist Uprising in 1927.

Hotel facilities and service in Guangzhou are fine. A word of warning: Do make a reservation beforehand if you decide to visit Guangzhou during the Canton Fair. For visitors, especially those plan to attend the Canton Fair, transportation in Guangzhou is more and more convenient. You can choose plane, train, ship or bus.

Series of Mountain (4): Travel to Hengshan

2008-12-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

Today, we continue the travel of China’s famous mountains. Hengshan, named the Southern Mountain of the Five Sacred Mountains, is located in Hengyang County, the middle part of Hunan Province.

Here in Mt. Hengshan, you will feast your eyes on all the graceful scenery. Want to see grand view of sunrise, the rolling cloud and the oceans of trees? Go to the mountain peaks! Mt. Hengshan is composed of 72 peaks, none of them is without trees. It is green all over. There are various kinds of precious trees and a vast area of primeval forest. Among all these trees here, some are 300 - 400 years old, which still bloom when spring comes. Some trees are even over 1,000 years old. The trees in the primeval forest are bending with lichen growing on the trunks, resembling old men wearing tattered clothes.

This scenic area is also a well known and hallowed Buddhist ground. It has abundant temples including nunneries and Taoist temples. The most notable one is Nanyue Damiao (Nanyue Temple), the largest temple in Wuyue(Means the Five Sacred Mountains), which is also the largest group of ancient buildings in Hunan Province, covering an area of 100,000 square meters.

People summarize all the spectacles here as 'the eight marvels in Mt. Hengshan'. They are the height of the Zhurong Peak, the grace of the Sutra Collection Hall, the profundity of Fangguang Temple, the quietness of Mojingtai, the magic of the Shuilian Cave(also called Water-Screen Cave), the antiquity of Dayu Stele, the majesty of the Nanyue Temple and the steepness of Huixian Bridge. Zhurong Peak is the highest mountain peak of this scenic area, with 1,290 meters above sea level. Sutra Collection Hall is located deep in the glen and is surrounded by towering trees. The running spring and flying birds make this place very peaceful and leisurely. The most famous in the Shuilian Cave is foundation. Walking along the brook and past the stone bridge, you can see stones with different poses and different carvings. The falling foundation falls into a stone pool. Huixian Bridge is in fact a bridge on a big stone. It is narrow and dangerous, and few people are brave enough to go over it.

Series of Mountain (3): Travel to Songshan

2008-11-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Songshan is a popular place for tourists to visit. Located in Dengfeng County of Henan Province, Songshan is called the Central Mountain of the Five Sacred Mountains. It has 36 peaks and stretches 60 kilometers, composed of Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain.

Songshan boasts a large number of showplaces and cultural relics. The most famous Shaolin Temple is located here, a must see place! Not only you can get to know about ancient Buddhist culture, but also Sholin Martial Arts (Kung Fu). Shaolin monks exercise Qigong, Qinggong and other Shaolin Kong-fu (martial arts) here.

There are some other temples in the mountain worthing a visit, such as the Zhongyue Temple, with history dating back to Qin Dynasty over 2,200 years ago, which is nicknamed “the Little Palace” and has about 400 constructions of various kinds including archways, pavilions, terraces, gates, halls, and towers, as well as many (over 300) tall, gnarled and weather-beaten cypresses; the Fawang Temple and the Huishan Temple, the oldest temples extant in China; two earliest and well-preserved astronomical observatories extant in China; etc.

Another famous cultural heritage is the Songyang Academy, one of the most famous ancient academies. Celebrities of ancient times like Sima Guang, Cheng Yi and Fan Zhongyan all gave lectures here. The building of the academy is old and elegant, but mostly broken. At the west side, there are two high and old cypresses named Great General and Second General, they are the oldest cypresses with over 4,000 years of history.

In addition, the forest resources of Songshan are praised as “rare treasure” for their large quantity, antiquity, abundant literary quotation and vivid shapes, some of which are rare ancient trees, such as the cypress we just said above.
　

Series of Mountain (2): Travel to Taishan

2008-11-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

In China, there are many exquisite and scenic mountains. Among them, China's Five Sacred Mountains are the most famous, including Taishan, Huashan, Hengshan(Hunan), Hengshan(Shanxi), and Shongshan. They all have typical sceneries. Today, we will visit the first one ---Taishan.

Taishan, regarded as the leader of China's Five Sacred Mountains, becames a World Heritage Site in 1987. It lies in central Shandong Province, spanning the ranges of Tai'an and Jinan cities.

With so much to do and see, let’s start with its cultural heritage. Taishan is a symbol of loftiness and grandeur. In ancient times, the first thing for an emperor to do on ascending to the throne was to climb Mount Taishan and pray to heaven and earth or their ancestors. There was 72 Chinese emperors of various dynasties made pilgrimages to this mountain.

Poets and literary scholars of each dynasty also visited Taishan. Numerous rock inscriptions and stone tablets bear testimony to such visits. It’s said that Taishan provides a natural museum abounding with cultural relics and artworks. Heavenly Queen Pool, Red Gate Palace, Mid-Heaven Gate, Azure Cloud Temple are powerful examples. Stone carvings include the Buddhist Diamond Sutra in Jing Shi Valley, the Scripture of Mt. Tai and the Mo Ya Tablet.

Be sure to see the Confucian Temple, which is a scenic spots related to the famous ancient sage Confucius. It’s the places where Confucius climbed Taishan and viewed the scenery. And the Tiankuang Temple, Azure Cloud Temple are also must see.

Besides historic relics, Taishan is endowed with many unique natural scenery. Of course, a trip to Taishan would not be complete without a visit to the four wonders of the mountain, which are Sunrises from the East, the Sunset Glow, the Sea of Clouds and the Golden Belt along the Yellow River. It would be a great pity to miss the four wonders. Also, The lofty peaks, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls, enchanting rocks and the centuries-old pines and cypresses will undoubtedly encourage you linger with no thought of leaving.

Futher information : according to travelchinaguide.com, there are four ascents of the mountain.

East Route

This route is considered to be the Imperial Route because the emperors all took this way to make sacrifices. With elegant natural scenery, palaces, stone inscriptions are also scattered along the winding path. You set off from Dai Temple, and then you will see Dai Zong Archway, Red Gate Palace, Jing Shi Valley, Hu Tian Pavilion and Eighteen Bends, etc. Dai Temple is the place where emperors stayed and offered their sacrifices. The temple was built in the Han Dynasty and expanded in the Tang and Song Dynasties. After several renovations, it has become the biggest and most complete temple on the mountain.

There are 6000-plus steps along this route and it takes about four hours at an average to reach the peak. This classical route is an ideal choice for most people.

West Route

The west route is made up of two parts. The first part is the highroad from the Heaven and Earth Square to Mid-heaven Gate. The other part is the cable way from Mid-heaven Gate to the top of the mountain. This route is well equipped with modern facilities and is the most fashionable way to reach Jade Emperor Summit. Attractions concentrated on this route are Heaven and Earth Square, Black Dragon Pool, Tomb of General Feng Yuxiang and Longevity Bridge, etc.

Peach Blossom Ravine Route

This route is the most convenient way to climb the mountain, especially for tourists who drive or take a bus from northern places. Peach Blossom Ravine can be accessed by taking the No.104 national highway, then setting off from the big parking lot by bus to the cable-car stop. From there you reach the top in a few minutes. The ropeway is designed for sightseeing from the air giving a clear view.

The best time to take this route is in spring and summer. The flourishing peach blossom, falling petals and limpid steams will make you feel like you are in heaven.

Tianzhu Peak Route

Just as its name implies, Tianzhu Peak was named because it is shaped like a candle, with a pine tree standing on top like a flame. This route is the most rugged one and is suitable for the adventurous. You will enjoy General Peak, Eight Immortals Cave, Big Tianzhu Peak and Small Tianzhu Peak, etc. It is also a better way to appreciate the pine trees in Hou Shi Wu (a spot where most of the old pine trees are growing).

top ten beautiful mountains in China

2008-11-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

According to the Chinese National Geography's October Issue, top ten beautiful mountains in China are:

No.1, Namjagbarwa Peak in Nyingchi, Tibet.

No.2, Gongga Mountain in Sichuan.

No.3, Mt. Qomolangma/Everest in Tibet.

No.4, Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan.

No.5, Huangshan Mountain in Anhui.

No.6, Three Holy Mountains in Daocheng, Sichuan.

No.7, Chogori Peak in Xinjiang

No.8, Mt. Kailash in Nagri Tibet.

No.9, Mt. Taishan in Shandong.

No.10, Emei Mountain in Sichuan.

Have u ever been to there? How do u think about them? Here in this blog, we will share all these places.

Series of Mountain (1): Travel to Mount Lushan

2008-11-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

Today we will travel to Mount Lushan.Lushan is one of China's famous mountains and spiritual centers. It is located in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, and covers an area of 350 square kilometers.

Many tourists enjoy an Overlooking on top of the mountain, it’s breathtaking. From the south, the Poyang Lake is like a silver mirror. In the north, the Yangtze River looks like a jade ribbon flying to the east. While traveling around Lushan, you can browse imposing and magnificent peaks, unique waterfalls, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and historical sites as well as a changing sea of clouds.

The "Cloud Sea" at Lushan is impressive. Su Dongpo, a well-known poet of the Song Dynasty, honored the "Cloud Sea" of Lushan for its ever-changing mist in one of his poems. He pointed out, "The failure to get the real looks of the mountain only results in the fact that you are right in the midst of it". By surprising contrast Lushan ranks as one of the top spots for watching a sunrise.

Be sure to stop by the Five Elderly Men Peaks(where a waterfall cascades from rock to rock in a total drop of 300 meters), Three-Stage Spring (the most outstanding water attraction), Hanpo Pass (an ideal place to view the sunrise), Lulin Lake, Great Tianchi Lake (a good place to view a sunset and enjoy the Yangtze River), Flower Path (where the noted poet of the Tang Dynasty, Bai Juyi, wrote poems expressing his admiration of the peach blossoms), Ruqin Lake, Jingxiu Valley, Immortal's Cavern (a stone statue of the immortal stands inside the cave and a spring trickles all the year round), Lesser Tianchi Lake (a good place to enjoy the beauty of the Poyang Lake), Donglin Temple (the birthplace of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism), and the White Deer Cave Academy (one of the earliest institutes of higher learning in China).

Also, travel to Guling Town, the center of the scenic area, is a unique town on the mountain. At an altitude of 1167 meters, it is surrounded on three sides by mountains. To its north is Scissors Pass. A mountain highway leads to the various scenic spots from the town. The resort town of Lushan was established in the late 1800s by and for European and American travelers, and is distinguished by the colonial architecture of its buildings. After 1949, it became famous as a favored meeting place for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. It hosted the Eighth Plenum of the Eighth Central Committee, also known as the Lushan Plenum, taking place from July 23 to August 2, 1959. It also hosted the Second Plenum of the Ninth Central Committee in August 1970.

Tips：Due to the sharp difference in temperature between day and night, it is best to take a few extra clothes, even in mid-summer when the average temperature in the mountains is 22 degrees Centigrade. A raincoat for the ever-changing humid climate is essential.

Fujian Tulou,Misunderstood As Nuclear Reactor By FBI

2008-10-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Tulou has some other names, like Hakkas’ Earthen Buildings, The Earthen Buildings of Hakkas, Round-Dragon House, Round house.

A brief introduction
Tulou is a traditional communal residence of the Hakka and other people in the mountainous areas in southwestern Fujian, China. They are mostly built between the 12th to the 20th centuries. Tulou is usually of a circular configuration surrounding a central shrine. These vernacular structures were occupied by clan groups. There is something funny about it. It is not famous, until FBI and spy’s satellite found it and considered it as a kind of secret nuclear reactor in China for its unique look.

Although most tulou were of earthen construction, the definition "tulou", is a broadly descriptive label for a building type and does not indicate construction type. Some were constructed of cut granite or had substantial walls of fired brick. Most large-scale tulou seen today were built of a composite of earth, sand, and lime known as sanhetu rather than just earth.

Tulou are mostly located in the mountainous regions of Yongding County of Longyan City and Nanjing County of Zhangzhou City, both in the Fujian province of Southern China. 46 Fujian Tulou sites including Chuxi tulou cluster, Tianluokeng tulou cluster, Hekeng tulou cluster, Gaobei tulou cluster, Dadi tulou cluster, Hongkeng tulou cluster, Yangxian lou, Huiyuan lou, Zhengfu lou and Hegui lou have been inscribed in 2008 by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, "as exceptional examples of a building tradition and function exemplifying a particular type of communal living and defensive organization, and, in terms of their harmonious relationship with their environment".

Effective Defense Function

Besides living, Tulou has some other Effective Defense Function for its special physics structure and building material. It can be used to defense against bandits, and play an important role in quakeproof, fire prevention, guard against theft etc.

The Most Famous Fujian Tulou

Zhengcheng lou

Zhenchenglou, nicknamed "the prince of tulou", belongs to Hongkeng Tulou cluster. It is located in Hongkeng village, Hukeng township of Yingding county. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage 1113-002 It was built in 1912 by the descendents of a rich tobacco merchant. Zhenchenglou is a double ring tulou, its outer ring is 4 storey high, total 184 rooms, the inner ring is 2 storey with 32 rooms. The outer ring was partitioned into four segments according to Bagua concept of Chinese Fengshui.

Western influence is evident in the Greek style columns of the ancestral hall, and in the wrought iron railing of the second level corridor.

Chengqilou

Chengqilou, nicknamed "the king of tulou", of Gaobei Tulou cluster at Gaotou village was built in 1709. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site 1113-003 in 2008. It is massive rotunda tulou with four concentric rings surrounding an ancestral hall at the center, the outer ring is 62.6 meter in diameter and 4 storey tall 288 rooms, with 72 rooms on each level, circular corridor on 2nd to 4th floor, with 4 sets of staircases at cardinal points connecting ground to top floors. A big roof extending out ward covers the main ring. The ground floor rooms are kitchens for family branches, the second level rooms are grain storage rooms, and the 3rd and 4th floor rooms are living quarters and bedrooms. The second ring of 80 rooms is 2 storey high, with 40 rooms on each level, the third ring served as community library, one storey with 32 rooms; there are 370 rooms in all. The 4th ring is a circular covered corridor surrounding the ancestral hall. If a person stay only one night in each room, it would take more than a year to go through all the rooms[4]. The ancestral hall is at the center. Chengqilou has two main gates and two side gates. 15th generation Jiang clan with 57 families and 300 people live here. At its heyday, there were more than 80 family branches lived in Chengqilou.

Chuxi Tulou cluster

Located as Yongding county Xiayang township Chuxi village. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site 1113-001.

Jiqinglou

The largest rotunda tulou also the oldest in this cluster, built in 1419 during the reign of Emperor Yongle Ming dynasty. It consists two concentric rings, the out ring building is 4 storey tall, with 53 rooms on each level. The outer ring has 72 staircases. The second ring is one storey building.

My Travel in Xiamen,Fujian

2008-10-18T00:27:00.001-07:00

Xiamen is a beautiful coastal city in Fujian Province, which was recently voted China's cleanest city and has many attractions for the tourist. It’s praised as Xiamen and its surrounding countryside provides spectacular scenery and pleasant tree-lined beaches.

International Marathon in Xiamen

Xiamen International Marathon, one of the two leading marathon competition in China co-organized by Xiamen Municipal Government and Chinese Athletic Association, is registered with International Marathons and Road Races in 2004.It is held on the last Saturday of each March.
Consistiong of full marathon, half marathon, 10-km and 5-km races, Xiamen International Marathon attracts over 20000 participants. The Whole course runs largely through the scenic sections of the city, including Huandao Lu(Ring Road) and large landscaped areas, which are flat and considered to be ideal for a marathon race. In particular the scenic Huandao Lu is regarded among the most beautiful marathon courses in the world.

Gulangyu

Gulangyu, is one of the most beautiful attractions in China, also known as Piano Island, for every 100 people have 3 pianos and the Piano Prince Kong Xiangdong was born here. It’s a romantic place, with a piano port, a concert hall, a musical school, a museum of piano, even the roads are lettering by musical note. It is also a popular, peaceful weekend getaway with amazing views of the city and features many Victorian-era style European edifices.

Botanical Garden

It is a nature lover's paradise. There are Several botanic garden zones and many significant and historical commemorative plants.

Bailuzhou Park

A beautiful scenical park, with the satue of egret goddness in it.

Nanputuo Temple

The Buddhist Nanputuo Temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, is a famous ancient temple construction built along the moutains, higher gradually from the bottom to the top ,solemn and venerable. It is close to Xiamen University. Set up in the period of YongLe (1403-1424).

Kinmen

Xiamen is also famous for its history as a frontline during the war with Kinmen (also known as Jinmen or Quemoy) 50 years ago. One attraction for tourists is to view Kinmen island, a few kilometres away and under Taiwanese control, from Xiamen island.

Zhongshan Lu

This is the main commercial street in Xiamen. It includes traditional shophouses with the latest fashion, shoes and wide variety of products. A large section of the street (between the ferry landing and Siming Street) has recently been fully pedestrianized.

Xiamen University

Xiamen University is very famous for its beautiful campus. Located at the foot of the green mountains, facing the blue ocean and surrounded by Xiamen bay. The main campus is picturesque with beautiful scenery and parks. The university has campuses at Jimei and Zhangzhou in addition to the Xiamen campus located in the southern part of Xiamen Island.

In 1919 Mr. Tan Kah Kee (Chen Jiageng), the well-known overseas Chinese leader, donated millions of dollars to establish and endow Xiamen University, officially founded in 1921. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious and selective universities in China.
Mr. Tan handed over Xiamen University to the government in 1937 due to lack of funds, and the institution subsequently became a national university.
In 1938, at the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the university temporary relocated to Changting in Min Xi county, western Fujian.
At the end of World War II in 1946, Xiamen University moved back to Xiamen and resumed normal operations.
In 1952, Xiamen University became a comprehensive university, and has been designated as a national key university since 1962.
When the Cultural Revolution began in 1966, daily operations at the University were suspended and a subsidiary of faculties moved to Fuzhou, forming the initial polytechnic departments of Fuzhou University.

My Travel in Yangshuo

2008-10-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

Last summer, to celebrate my graduating from university, I had a travel to Yangshuo with some friends. It’s really a beautiful and attractive place. I would like to share my experience here.

First, a brief introduction of Yangshuo. Yangshuo is located in Guangxi province, china. It’s one of the most famous tourist destinations of China. You may have heard ,’East or west, Guilin landscape is the best’. then there is another saying you should know. Yangshuo is the most beautiful scenery of Guilin. Tt’s a place that provides the opportunity to escape the city life .People around the world come here to enjoy breath-taking natural scenes and have a good relax.

The best time to visit Yangshuo will be from April to October when it is relatively warm and pleasant and the scenery is more lush and beautiful. If you want to get an overview of Yangshuo, four days will be enough. But it’s not a boring place, even you spend a year here.

The attractions should not be missed

West Street (Xi Jie)

There are just several streets in Yangshuo and the most famous must be West Street (Xi Jie). It’s also called the 'Global Village', because it attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. You can see all kinds of colors here. There are bars, stores, cafes and restaurants along West Street. The interesting thing is that these bars, stores, cafes and restaurants are not only managed by local people, but also many foreigners. So you can notice that the names of them are written by English and you may feel a strong exotic flavor by staying on the street.

At night, West Street is very lively and colorful. There are light, music, chatting, singing, dancing, drinking around here. Big smile appears on everyone’s face. Sitting in a bar, chatting with closed or strange friends, tasting delicious food, What can be more better than enjoying life before amazing natural scenes? Therefore, Yangshuo is also praised as the 'Paradise of Petty Bourgeois' in China.

Li River
If you have enough time, it will be memorable experience to have a hike along Li River. The pure water, ancient bridges, mysterious local villages, green hills of various sizes, all of these are impressived. Last time I had seen a foreigner reading books lonely beside a bridge, and I was so moved at that moment. Besides hiking, I suggest to take a bamboo raft visit during the part of Yulong River, the so called Little Li River, is also the perfect way to relax.

Along Li River, there are many spectacular scenic places. Sanjie Liu Above-water Park, where the film 'Sanjie Liu' was made, provides you the opportunity to enjoy the famous performance 'Impression on Sanjie Liu'. Sanjie Liu was a famous person in China that represent good singing and brightness. The scene that Chinese government used as 20RMB’s background, Some people take photos with a 20RMB in hand before the scene. Another famous scene is named Nine Horse Hill which has interesting legends. People believe that more horses you see, the wealther you are. It’s said that Mao Zedong had seen nine, Zhou Enlai had seen six.

Apart from the scenes mentioned above, there are also other special places worth visiting. For instance, Xingping, which is the oldest town of Yangshuo. In Xingping, a village calledFishing Village is very famous. In 1998, Bill Clinton had visited here.

Moon Hill
You can have a bicycle ride from Yangshuo to Moon Hill. There are many bikes for rent in Yangshuo and they are all very cheap. Moon Hill is a romantic place where you can see the wax and wane of the moon from different angles (refers to a moon-like hole on the top of the Moon Hill). The hole can be used for rock climbing, Some rock climbing lovers come here for enjoying the exciting sport..

Butterfly Spring Park
Thousands of kinds of butterflies live in the Butterfly Spring Park, where butterflies flying and dancing between flower shrubs. It’s a magnificent place for the butterfly enthusiasts, the biggest park of butterfly in China. The park also provides the opportunity to rock climbing, The Second Rock Climbing Competition of China was hold here.

There are also many traditional and unique dishes in Yangshuo, for example, Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu), Liangfen, Lipu Kourou, Niang Dishes. If you are not interested in these local food, you can also choose Western Food Restaurants. So once you get Yangshuo, I believe you will love this place and have a good travel.

Welcome to my blog !

2008-10-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, all coming friends, welcome to my blog.

I am Sherry.I come from China, graduted from Sun Yat-Sen University of Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, PRC.

I like traveling. When i was very young, i have a dream of traveling around the world. But i haven't the opportunity to go abroad till now, so in my blog, i want to show you around China.

If you have something to share or talk with me, pls leave your comment here, i will contact you soon.my email address: smilingysh@gmail.com.

Thanks all and enjoy yourself.