This tour journal was writen by Silvia, a travel specialist from
EasyTourChina.com. In mid-Noverber, she had made study trips to Xi’an,
Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou.
When I arrange Xi’an tour for my clients, the attraction I would like to put in mostly isAncient City Wallbesides Terra Cotta Warriors, and usually clients like it.
Ancient City Wall, Xian
Ancient City Wall
is the first landmark visitors will encounter in Xi’an, stretches round
the old city. It’s very special among China there’s a completed and
occlusive wall in city center. When I rode bicycle on the wall with very
warm sunshine in Winter, I felt that it was really an enjoyment,
leisure and free. Cycling on City Wall is amazing way to overlook Xi’an.
On the way I saw people doing exercise in river bank parks, the railway
station and Muslim quarters with ancient style house, even the Guangren
Lama Temple. Most buildings inside the circle of city wall are ancient
style or very short, but the outside building are very high and modern. I
thought that’s like taking time boat.
Cycling on Ancient City Wall of Xian
Xian Ancient City Wall
The round trip cycling took around 2hrs, much less if you are not crazy interested in photos, surely we enjoy every minute.
This tour journal was writen by Silvia, a travel specialist from
EasyTourChina.com. In mid-Noverber, she had made study trips to Xi’an,
Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou.
When I arrange Xi’an tour for my clients, the attraction I would like to put in mostly isAncient City Wallbesides Terra Cotta Warriors, and usually clients like it.
Ancient City Wall, Xian
Ancient City Wall
is the first landmark visitors will encounter in Xi’an, stretches round
the old city. It’s very special among China there’s a completed and
occlusive wall in city center. When I rode bicycle on the wall with very
warm sunshine in Winter, I felt that it was really an enjoyment,
leisure and free. Cycling on City Wall is amazing way to overlook Xi’an.
On the way I saw people doing exercise in river bank parks, the railway
station and Muslim quarters with ancient style house, even the Guangren
Lama Temple. Most buildings inside the circle of city wall are ancient
style or very short, but the outside building are very high and modern. I
thought that’s like taking time boat.
Cycling on Ancient City Wall of Xian
Xian Ancient City Wall
The round trip cycling took around 2hrs, much less if you are not crazy interested in photos, surely we enjoy every minute.
Beijing will start a 72-hour visa-free stay policy for citizens of 45 countries in 2013 to boost tourism, Beijing municipal government announced on December 5.
the Forbidden City, Beijing, China
From Jan. 1, 2013, foreigners from 45 countries, landing in Beijing but destined for other countries, can hold third country visas and plane tickets to apply for a transit without visa (TWOV), at Beijing Capital International Airport. They will be able to stay in Beijing for 72 hours without a Chinese visa.
The 45 countries were listed in accordance with the numbers of inbound overnight visitors in Beijing from 2009 to 2011.
Austria
Hungary
Portugal
Cyprus
Chile
Belgium
Iceland
the Republic of Slovakia
Bulgaria
Australia
the Czech Republic
Italy
the Republic of Slovenia
Romania
New Zealand
Denmark
Latvia
Spain
Ukraine
the Republic of Korea
Estonia
the Republic of Lithuania
Sweden
the United States of America
Japan
Finland
Luxembourg
Swiss
Canada
Singapore
France
the Republic of Malta
Russia
Brazil
Brunei
Germany
the Netherlands
the United Kingdom of Britain
Mexico
the United Arab Emirates
Greece
Poland
the Republic of Ireland
Argentina
Qatar
Beijing Capital International Airport is the only entry-exit port applicable for the policy. And, the 72 hours will be calculated starting from the moment visitors get their transit stay permits.
Transit visitors have to carry identity documents with them while traveling during the 72 hours, and register at a police station with their documents within 24 hours of their arrival. Moreover, they will be not allowed to leave Beijing to other Chinese cities during the 72 hours, and have to depart from Beijing.
The visa-free policy is aimed at making Beijing more accessible to the world; and, more importantly, it is expected to attract more international travelers. Within a three-day stay, people are free to visit Beijing's well-known tourist spots, go shopping, and sample the local cuisine.
Every year, more than 1,000 swans would fly to a wetland beside the Qinghai Lakein northwest China’s Qinghai Province for wintering. This photo, taken
on November 27, 2012 by Xinhuanet.com, shows that swans swim in the
Qinghai Lake, making it a beautiful “swan lake”.
Swans swin in the Qinghai Lake.
Qinghai Lake, covering an area of 4,402.5 square kilometres, is the
largest inland saltwater lake in China. It is home to 189 species of
birds, including bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls, and swans. It is
an excellent place for bird watching.
Swans fly over the Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake is a wintering site for swans, while few other species
of bird are present here in the harsh winter months. This year, it has
witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of swans thanks to
government’s effective measures taken to protect the environment.
The Water-Splashing Festival is the New Year’s celebrations of the
Dai ethnic minority in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture,
southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Annually, it is held on the 24th to
26th day of the sixth month of the Dai calendar. In Gregorian calendar,
the festival always falls in the mid-April, and lasts at least three
days. Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, usually
celebrates it from April 13 to 15.
Water-Splashing Festival, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
For Dai people, the annual Water-Splashing Festival is the most
important holiday. The three-day celebrations are filled with various
activities, including dragon-boat races, traditional Dai dances, the
launching of rockets, parades and fairs; but water splashing is central
to all.
Dragon-boat racing during the festival
About the origin of the festival, legend has it that once upon a
time, there was a “demon of fire” who brought all the pains and
sufferings to the local people. All the people hatred him, but his magic
was too powerful for them to overcome. One day in the sixth month, his
seventh wife, who had been kidnapped from the village, tricked him into
revealing his weaknesses. As he slept, his wives killed the demon by
strangling him with a single hair of his own. Unfortunately, wherever
his cut-off head tumbled about, there were raging flames. However, once
the head was carried in the arms of one of the girls, the fire would
immediately go out. So the girls decided to hold the post in turn, each
for one year. At the time of New Year when they switch shifts, local
people would gather to splash water on the relieved girl to clean the
bloodstains on her body and help her recover from the year-long fatigue.
People splash water and give their best regards to each other.
Ever since, the Dai people have been celebrating the new year by
water-splashing to wash away the dirt, sorrow and demons of the old year
and bring in the happiness of the new. In the Dai culture, water serves
as a symbol of sanctity and brightness. On April 15, 2012, tens of
thousands of people throughout the world gathered to celebrate the
Water-splashing Festival in Jinghong City. Along the roadsides, in
public parks or squares, local people and tourists wearing colorful
clothes splashed water and give their best regards to each other. During
the festival, everyone is ready for blessing and receiving wishes from
others. Foreighers would get special attention so prepare to be drenched
all day. Remember, the wetter you get, the more luck you’ll receive.
The Sisters Festival, or Valentine’s Day for the Miao ethnic minority
in Taijiang County, southwest China’s Guizhou province, kicked off to
the sound of Lusheng, a reed-pipe wind instrument, and drumbeats on
April 5, 2012.
Girls dressed up at Miao Ethnic Sisters Festival
The three-day fest used to be a dating occasion for young Miao people
to find their Mr. or Mrs. Right, but now it is celebrated by more than
just hopeful singles.
Wu Li, 34, is a mother of two kids, but she is also very excited
about the festival in Taijiang county and got up at 5 a.m. to put on
make-up and get ready for the parade.
“Our ethnic costumes and the silver accessories on the head weigh
over 5 kgs, but they look so beautiful and I have fun dancing in them,”
Wu said.
Besides the parade, the Sisters Meal is a must during the festival.
Young women make flower-shaped rice dumplings with keepsakes wrapped
inside and serve them to the men they like, as the dumplings are shaped
like flowers, so the festival is also known as the “Festival hidden in
Flowers.”
Colorful Sister Meal - a must for the festival
Taijiang county is home to 159,000 people, of which the Miao account
for 98 percent. For Miao people, the Sisters Festival is one of the most
active festivals, and held annually from the 15th to 17th day of the
third lunar month. In the festival, young lads and girls sing gentle
love songs with soft emotion. It offers a good chance for them to meet
and begin their courtship. Girls, who are the center of the festival,
would invite their sweet hearts to eat Sister Rice. Also, there are
other traditional activities, including canoeing contest, dragon dance,
horse racing, and bullfighting.
Miao girls would serve Sister Meal to the men she likes.
Qingming, literally pure and brightness, is the fifth one of 24 solar
terms in Chinese lunar calendar. The day represents a welcome
transition from winter to spring. With the coming of spring, nature
wakes up, dressing the world in green. All is new, clean and fresh. It
always comes at April 4 or April 5 each year.
Moreover, it is a festival of remembrance. Chinese people sweep the
tombs of their ancestors in a yearly mark of respect. This is why
Qingming is also known as the Tomb-Sweeping Day. After slightly sweeping
the tombs, people offer food, flowers and favorites of the dead, then
burn incense and paper money and bow before the memorial tablet.
Qingming was frequently mentioned in ancient Chinese works, the most famous one is the poem by Du Mu.
清明时节雨纷纷，
A drizzling rain falls like tears on the Mourning Day;
路上行人欲断魂。
the mourner’s heart is breaking on his way.
借问酒家何处有？
Where can a wine house are found to drown his sadness?
牧童遥指杏花村。
A cowherd points to Xing Hua (Almond Flower) Village in the distance.
The Qingming Festival sees a combination of sadness and happiness. In
contrast to the sadness of the tomb sweepers, people also enjoy hope of
Spring on this day. It is a good time for people to go outside and
enjoy the greenery of springtime.
Qingming is also significant in Chinese Tea Culture since it is the
specific day which divides the fresh green tea by their picking dates. A
kind of green tea picked and dried before the Qingming Festival is
called “Mingqian tea”. Mingqian tea is known for its tender buds and
rich fragrant bouquet, and it’s valued for its quality.
What impresses me most of this Zhangjiajie tour is Baofeng Lake. It is so tranquil that I felt my mind got totally relaxed. I forgot the busy working days and the disturbing city scenes, when I finally reached these water and mountains, and got into this beautiful landscape painting.
Baofeng Lake with graceful mountains and charming waterway
It is a lake hidden and surrounded by a succession of mountains. We climbed on the steep road, went through the narrow lane, and then saw it. We arrived there late in the afternoon, and there were very few people there, so that we could really enjoy the quietness.
Boating excursion on Baofeng Lake
We were sitting in a boat, imaging sailing for a fairy world. We listened to the Tujia minority girl and boy singing folk songs, watched mandarin ducks swimming in pairs. We also saw a beautiful stone statue, and were told a fairy tale. A girl waited for her boyfriend, who had collected medicinal herbs and disappeared in the mountains. Years and years, she turned into a stone statue.
Before I came to Zhangjiajie city, I have been told that by one of my prior clients Golden Whip Stream was her most favorite place in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Wondering what is the attraction to her.
Beautiful scenery along Golden Whip Stream
Actually it’s different with my imagination. What I expected was “hiking”, which means the road along a stream is bumpy like mountain road. When I came to there, I found that the road is built very well, not too wide but enough for pedestrians. There’s also something interesting on road to please tourists such as short piles, wood suspension bridge and little monkeys. Certainly the views on both sides are amazing.
High and straight trees along the road
Even if it took around 2.5hrs by walking, but we didn’t feel tired. It’s a kind of leisure.
I like those high and straight trees along the road very much. Our guide told us, Golden Whip Stream locates on valley so it’s not easy to meet sunshine. Trees need to grow harder and harder to be tall for more time to enjoy the sunshine each day. Wow, how motivational these trees are.
Can you image a path suspends on a cliff more than 1,400m above sea level? We took a short trip to experience the road in the sky at the end of February, 2012. The road in the sky is also called the Plank Road along side Guigu Cliffs. It is located on the Shifou Mountain (also called Tianmen Mountain), Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. Tianmen is the highest peak in the Wulingyuan Mountains and is regarded as the “soul” of Zhangjiajie city.
Here our hearts were agitated by the extreme shock and stimulation. The walk is totally awesome. We like actions slithered along the cliff wall and when we spotted someone coming in the opposite direction. And we hadn’t seen them in hope that they would be the ones to risk their life with polite offering of allowing the other to pass. It was an adventurous experience!
Kilometres of paths was built alongside Guigu Cliff on Tianmen Mountain.
Tianmen mountain literally means Heavenly Gate Mountain, standing at 1,500 meters above sea level. Tianmen cave is a natural hole half way up the mountain of a height of 131.5 metres. It is just like a gate to the heaven. Also, the mountain got its name “Tianmen Mountain”. The cableway from Zhangjiajie downtown towards Tianmen Mountain is considered to be the longest cableway in the world, covering a distance of 7,455 meters and with a height of 1,279 meters. An 11km road with 99 bends also reaches the top of the mountain and takes visitors to Tianmen cave.
Cable car, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie city
In 1999, in an acrobatic show, three airplanes flew through Tianmen Cave.
Impressively, a 60-metre-long glass path has been built 4700ft high on the western side of Tianmen Mountain. The walkway is so high up that it allows visitors to looking down at the peaks of smaller mountains below.
Visitors tread nervously over the see-through "sky walk".
Huangyao ancient town is situated in the northest of Zhaoping County, Guangxi, some 200 km away from Guilin and 90 km from Yangshuo. The town is just like a shy maiden, standing quietly by the low reaches of Li River. It has been relatively unknown until Hollywood filmed The Painted Veil a few years ago.
The idyllic Huangyao presents a typical Chinese scene - "small bridge over the flowing stream".
The history of Huangyao town can be traced back to Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was constructed again during the Wanli Period (1573-1620) of the Ming Dynasty, and boomed during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) of the Qing Dynasty. The family names of the townspeople were mainly Huang and Yao, hence the town got the name “Huangyao”.
Huangyao, with an area of 3.6 sq km, has long been known as a
mini-Guilin for its typical karst landform. A river named Yaojiang
passes through it, and the whole town is embraced by flows of winding
water. So, according to Chinese fengshui, Huangyao is an ideal place for
people to live. There are over 300 houses of Ming and Qing style, built
in an array of Nine-Palaces and Eight-Diagrams. All the eight streets
in Huangyao are paved with flagstone, and it is said that there are
99,999 flagstones altogether. Those houses along the streets have a
functional design combining business and living into one unit. They are
more than 20 small temples to visit, a number of pavilions and an old
stage.
Ancient residences, with wooden doorways and tiled rooftops, along street in Huangyao
This gorgeous 900-year-old Huangyao, with its laid back lifestyle,
can’t fail to wow visitors with its bucolic rhythms. Two 500-year-old
banyan trees wind their way up from the river’s edge to the side of the
town. Mountains go with water, water goes with bridge, bridge goes
without pavilion, pavilion goes without couplet, and couplet can not go
without stele, which forms a unique scene of the ancient town.
Impressively, the local live as they did in old times –the old people
sit gossiping on their doorsteps; young women wash vegetables or clothes
by the riverside; children play games…
The locals wash vegetables or clothes by the ancient Well.
Home-made wines are sold along the street, and free for tasting.
Owing to its isolated location – surrounded by mountains and the
inconvenient transportation, Huangyao always keep its half-closed
condition. Thus, it makes the ancient house and cultural relics are
well-preserved. With tourism development, more and more people from home
and abroad visit Huangyao. And, the town, along with West Street in Yangshuo, famed as one of most valuable 50 places for foreign tourists in China.
"...the city remains an epicenter of tradition with the treasures of nearly 2,000 years as the imperial capital still on view—in the famed Forbidden City and in the city's lush pavilions and gardens..." — National Geographic
Beijing is the capital of China, and also the nation's political, educational and cultural centre. Its history can dates back several thousand years. Stop-start capital since the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271 - 1368), it has been the heart of China's history for centuries. The city name, from the Chinese characters 北 for north and 京 for capital, means literally the "Northern Capital". For travelers, Beijing is truly awe-inspiring with its epic imperial grandeur.
The Forbidden City - Fourteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368- 1644) and ten emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) lived and ruled China in this palace for as long as 490 years from 1421 to 1911.
The Great Wall, one of the world's most popular tourist attractions, is 3,333 miles long and was built, section by section, between the 5th century BC and 16th century AD.
Temple of Heaven, literally the Altar of Heaven, served as a vast stage for solemn rites performed by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, who prayed here for good harvests, and sought divine clearance and atonement.
Summer Palace - the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. it was once a summer retreat for Empress Dowager Cixi, combining palace temples, gardens, pavilions, hill and lakes.
Beihai Park is the capital's oldest imperial garden, with an 800-year history. It's a relaxing place to stroll around, or go boating on the lake.
Yonghe Lamasery - the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It was converted to a lamasery in 1744 after serving as the former residence of Emperor Yong Zheng.
Prince Gong's Mansion - one of Beijing's largest private residential compounds. It shows how the upper class lived during the Qing Dynasty.
Ming Tombs are the final resting place of 13 of the 16 Ming Emperors. At the gate of the tomb area stands a marble archway which leads to the Sacred Road linced by 12 pairs of stone animals followed by 6 pairs of stone civil and military officials on both sides of the way.
Old Summer Palace, known in China as Yuan Ming Yuan, was an extremely large complex of palaces and gardens next to Summer Palace. After it was torched by invading British and French forces in 1860, a melancholic array of broken columns and marbel chunks remain.
Importantly, a journey into the city's Hutong - the traditional living quarters of the locals; and pay a family visit to the old walled Siheyuan (a compound with houses around a courtyard). From spring to autumn, Beijing residents collect outside their gates, drinking beer, playing chess, and... After a hutong tour, it is the time for you to enjoy local flavour snacks. Some of the cheapest and most delicious meals can be had on the streets. Whatever you taste, a Peking roast duck dinner is an essential part of your visit to Beijing - another one is climbing the Great Wall. Peking duck has the reputation of being the most delicious Beijing food. It is mostly prized for the thin, crispy skin, though the meat is fat, it is tender and tasty, not greasy. In the evening, a Peking Opera show would be a good choice to entertain you. The show combines singing, musical dialogue, martial arts and fantastic coustumes. It is widely regarded as the highest expressionof the Chinese culture.
With an investment of 500 million yuan (79.4 million U.S. dollars),
the museum, located in Confucius’ hometown, the county-level city of Qufu,
which is administered by the city of Jining, will cover 56,135 square
meters, according to the Jining Tourist Information Center.
Qufu's South Gate
Construction on a Confucius museum recently began in east China’s Shandong province, local authorities said Feb. 28, 2012.
A total of 110,000 pieces of cultural relics and 260,000 archived
materials about Confucius and his families will be showcased when the
museum is completed in three years.
Confucius was giving lecture.
Confucius (551-479 BC), an educator and philosopher, founded a school of thought called Confucianism
that deeply influenced later generations. He was also the first Chinese
person to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of
life.
Qufu is the hometown of the great sage – Confucious, and his
ancestors – the Kong clan. The city contains numerous historic palaces,
temples and cemeteries. Collectively, the principal sights – the Confucius Temple, the Confucius Mansion and the Confucius Cemetery
– are now known as the ‘San Kong’ (Three Confuciuses). Together, these
three sites have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Overall, Qufu is a testament to just how important Confucian thought
once was in imperial China.
Courtyard of Confucius Mansion (Kong Fu), Qufu, China
Confucius Temple (Kong Miao),Qufu, China
Confucian Cemetery（Kong Lin） - the graveyard of Confucius and his decedents.
Losar is the Tibetan word for “new year”. Losar Festival in Tibet is
the biggest event, just like the Christmas in the West. It marks the
beginning of Tibetan New Year.
The festival lasts for 15 days, from the 1st to 15th day of the first
month in Tibetan calendar. Since most Tibetans practice Tibetan
Buddhism, celebrations of Losar are permeated with strong religious
atmosphere. They feature ancient rituals, stage fights between good and
evil, chanting and passing fire torches.
Tibetan people are dacing for celebrating Tibetan New Year
DateHistorically, since the systematization of the
Tibetan calendar in 1027 A.D., the first day of the first month became
fixed as Losar – the New Year. The Tibetan calendar is made up of 12 or
13 lunar months, each beginning and ending with a new moon. A thirteenth
month is added every two or three years, thus an average Tibetan year
is equal to the solar year. Tibetan people follow a lunar calendar, so
the date of Losar changes from year to year. In 2012, the Tibetan New
Year begins on February 22.
Kasai - a special kind of fried curled dough sticks
PreparationActually, preparations for Losar start a
month or days earlier. Tibetans buy food, clothing, furniture, and
decoration materials for the coming celebrations. On the 19th day of the
twelfth lunar month, tradition says that it is a day for cleaning.
People would clean their houses very thoroughly to sweeps away bad luck.
Offerings on household shrine
Traditions & CelebrationsTraditionally, the
celebrations begin on the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month,
that is, the day before the Tibetan New Year’s Eve. The custom that day
is to make a traditional noodle soup called “Guthuk”. It is made from
nine different ingredients including dried cheese and various grains.
This dish is served with small dumplings. The dumplings are stuffed with
one of various things such as chilies, salt, wool, rice and coal. The
ingredients one finds hidden in one’s dumpling are supposed to be a
lighthearted comment on one’s character. Wool means “good-heartedness”,
and coal “black heart”. It is a good way of merrymaking. After dinner,
people let off firecrackers and torches are used to rid the homes of
evil spirits which may be lurking. On the last day of the year, Homes
are freshly painted, families dress up in new clothes, good food and
special dishes are cooked. People then honor the gods in their household
shrines and place offerings before them. Also, Monasteries are all
deckled up in the finest decorations and a Blessing Ceremony is
performed on the first day of Losar.
"Night of Guthuk" on the 29th day of the 12th lunar month
By tradition, the most important thing on the first day of Tibetan
New Year is to seek “holy water”. In the morning, Housewives would get
up very early, and cook a pot of barley wine for the family. When dawn
breaks, they head for a nearby river, or well, to fetch the first bucket
of water. For the “holy water”, the family would be blessed with good
luck for the New Year. Also, family member will greet each other with
well-meaning wishes – “Tashi Delek”. In the coming two weeks of
celebrations, Tibetans will also exchange New Year’s greetings, worship
gods and horse-racing.
Tianshan Mountains (or Celestial Mountains) in Xinjiang Uyghur
Autonomous Region of Northwest China, with their spectacular glaciers
and diverse wildlife, have been nominated for inclusion on the U.N.’s
World Heritage list, local officials said on Feb. 13.
Snow-covered peak and spectacular glacier within Tianshan Mountains range
Green and boundless glassland with beautiful natural scenery
The government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region recently
submitted an application to the UNESCO World Heritage Center for review
and evaluation, said officials from the Tianchi Administration
Committee, a body that oversees preservation efforts for the Tianshan
Mountains.
The Tianshan Mountains stretch for 2,500 km in Xinjiang, bordering
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The range is home to 15,953
glaciers, the most of any mountain in the country, as well as the
endangered snow leopard. About 66 percent of the world’s 2,500 remaining
snow leopards live in Xinjiang.
Vanishing Snow leopards in Tianshan Mountains
Bogda Peak, one of the snowy peaks within the tianshan mountain
range, is covered with snow all the year round and thus nicknamed “the
sea of snow”. On the mountainside of Bogda Peak, there’s a lake called
“Tianchi” (meaning “heavenly lake“).
It is 1,900 meters above sea level and as deep as 90 meters. The
crystal-clear lake water is made up of melted ice and snow. The lake is
like a big mirror reflecting the snow-white peak and emerald-green
spruce trees. The picturesque spot is a famous tourist attraction.
Tianchi or Heavenly Lake on the mountainside of Bogda Peak
Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan province in Southwest China. Its name literally means "becoming a city", and dates back to the city's founding over 2,300 years ago. For Chengdu, it is perhaps best known outside of China for lovely Giant Pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Actually, it is a tourism paradise for travelers, with enchanting natural scenery, amazing historical sites, unique cultural ambience, and leisurely lifestyle. It is also called 'a city where one would not think of leaving once there'.
Like many major cities in China, Chengdu is a place of contrasts - modern and ancient. Traditional wooden architecture and tree-lined streets are giving way to flashy malls and glassy high-rises. New western style buildings can be found everywhere in the downtown. However, the city still boasts a long glorious history and rich culture that can'be rivaled. Among many historical sites in and around Chengdu are Wuhou Memorial Temple, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Sanxingdui Ruins, Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Buddhist Mountain, Qingcheng Taoist Mountain, and... Whatever one's interests, there is always plenty to do.
Impressively, Chengdu has the reputation as a very "laid-back" city for its carefee lifestyle. Something is still present in the city's teahouse where locals will spend the day relaxing, drinking tea and playing mah-jong. Traditional teahouses in Chengdu feature bamboo chairs and wooden tables, and jasmine tea is served as the local staple. They can be spotted on almost every city corner, and are a focal point of Sichuan culture. Besides, Chengdu people clearly know how to enjoy their colorful nightlife, from dinner party at hotpot restaurants, tasting snacks at night markets, singing KTV, to dancing at night clubs.
And of course, no visit to Chengdu is complete without going to see the pandas. As China's national treasure, the giant panda is one of the rarest animals in the world. For protection, a breeding center for giant pandas was founded in the north suburbs of Chengdu. It offers a good chance to go eye to eye with cute pandas.
The first month of the Chinese lunar calendar is called yuan month,
and in ancient times people called night xiao. On the fifteenth day of
the first lunar month, it is the first night to see a full moon after
the New Year. Thus, the day is called “Yuanxiao Festival” or “Shangyuan
Festival”. According to Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a
new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there
should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to
appreciate. Also, Chinese people celebrate it as Lantern Festival. The
date in the Western calendar changes annually; and in 2012, it falls on
February 6.
Various lanterns displayed to greet Lantern Festival
Of course, for Lantern Festival, the displaying of lanterns is a
major event at night. In the moonlight, lanterns with various colors,
shapes, and sizes are hung in the streets. People walk at a leisurely
pace, and appreciate the creativity of diverse lanterns. Children carry
self-made or bought paper lanterns, and have fun with their family.
“Guessing lantern riddles” is an essential part for lantern watching.
The puzzles or riddles were written on a piece of paper and posted on
the lanterns. If one can solve that puzzles, a little gift would be
given.
And, Tangyuan, a traditional food for Lantern Festival, is eaten
together with family. Its name has a similar pronunciation as the word
for “reunion” in Chinese. In Northern China, it is also called “Yue
Xiao”, which derives from the festival. The food is made from glutinous
rice flour with stuffing in round shape. The difference between Tangyuan
and Yuanxiao is the way they are made. People in north China make
yuanxiao by rolling a hard stuffing in glutinous rice flour. In south
China, tangyuan is prepared by placing the filling inside rice flour
wrapping, similar to the making of jiaozi. The round shape of the balls
and the bowls where they are served, come to symbolise the family
togetherness.
Tang Yuan - Lucky food eaten on Lantern Festival
Besides, some performances would be staged in the daytime of the
festival, like setting off fireworks, dragon dance, lion dance, land
boat dance, yangge dance, and walking on stilts, etc.
For more infos about Lantern Festival, please follow this link: http://www.easytourchina.com/fact-v354-the-lantern-festival
As a popular Chinese saying goes, food is heaven for the people. It
is not surprising that food plays a major role in any Chinese festivals.
During Spring Festival,
several “lucky” foods are served to celebrating Chinese New Year. As
their names are homophones for words that mean good things, they are
consumed to usher in wealth, happiness, and good fortune.
Fish
Fish is always a must for new year’s celebration because it is a symbol
of prosperity. The pronunciation of “fish” (鱼) in Chinese makes it a
homophone for “surpluses”(余). It is customary to serve a fish for the
New Year’s Eve dinner. Usually, fish is not cut into pieces, but cooked
as a whole. When fish is placed on the dining table, its head must be at
the elders, as a sign of respect. In most areas, fish is not eaten
completely (and the remainder is stored overnight), as the Chinese
phrase “may there be surpluses every year” (年年有余) sounds the same as
“may there be fish every year”.
Fish, a symbol of prosperity, make it a homophone for "surpluses".
Jiaozi
Jiaozi or Chinese dumplings are one of the major foods eaten during the
Chinese New Year and year round in the Northern provinces. Jiaozi
symbolize wealth because its shape resembles a gold or silver ingot.
Chinese people make dumplings after reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve,
and the preparation is similar to packaging luck inside the dumpling.
When people eat Jiaozi around midnight, they hope that it will bring
prosperity and good luck for the forthcoming year.
Jiaozi symbolizes wealth, for it looks like a gold or silver ingot.
Niangao
Niangao literally means “new year cake” with a homophonous meaning of
“higher year”. It is a kind of sticky cake made of glutinous rice flour
and sugar in the shape of rectangle or circular. The color of the sugar
used determines the color of Niaogao (white or brown). Chinese people
usually send pieces of it as gifts to relatives and friends in the
coming days of the new year. It is considered good luck to eat nian gao
during Spring Festival, for its symbolism of “promoting year by year”.
Niaogao, with a meaning of "promoting year by year".
Tangyuan
Tangyuan, also called Yuexiao in Northern China, is a boiled glutinous
rice ball with stuffing. Its name “Tang-yuan” in Chinese has similar
pronunciation as the word for “reunion”. It is eaten traditionally on Lantern Festival,
which falls on the 15th day of the 1st month in Chinese lunar calendar.
Thus, Chinese people also call the day “Yuanxiao Festival”. It
officially ends the 15-day Chinese New Year celebrations.
Tangyuan signifies "reunion" for their similar pronunciation in Chinese.
