Social Networking | Search results for "calendar"

In particular, there are three pieces of history that, should you make your way to China, you absolutely must see � the Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an, the Great Wall of China, and d the Forbidden City in Beijing. And for some of the prices available, you might want to do all your future Christmas and birthday shopping during your trip...In 1974, a local farmer tried to drill a well, and instead, discovered the first of more than eight thousand clay warrior statues that were buried with the first Emperor of Qin around 200 BC. But these ideas apply to any city you're visiting. Gift Guide for Kids Gift Guide for Her Gift Guide for Him If you are a history buff, Chinese vacations can offer you sights that you will find nowhere else on Earth. You can visit the excavation site, and see those warriors that have been uncovered.While you can find plenty of junk in the markets - and don't forget, practically everything at home is "made in China" - you might want to get something special. The Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an are an amazing sight. These gift guides for shopping in China give you helpful ideas of what to bring back to your family, friends and co-workers. It is estimated that it took nearly a million men to create this army of clay statues, and it is also said that the terracotta warriors are like snowflakes, in that no two are identical. Not all of the warriors have been excavated, but the ones that have been are miraculously well maintained. Because of my location in Shanghai, I've pinpointed shops where you can find these treasures. Year of the Horse China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find The Great Wall of China, the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors, and the Forbidden City all stand head and shoulders above any other hot spot in China. From its ancient past, which is on display in its many temples and other older buildings, to its more modern trappings, like the beautiful hotels and bustling business districts, Beijing offers sights and sounds that you can find nowhere else in China, let alone the world. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. Here are three places in China that you really must see, and one place that no one thinks of, but really ought to get out to! All of the venues are still intact in Beijing, and many of them have guided tours. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Popular Cheerful Skilled with money matters Hard-working Impatient Independent Intelligent Selfish Tigers, Dogs Rats Scientist Adventurer Politician Poet Thomas Edison, Davy Crockett, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Sandra Day O'Connor, Rembrandt, Teddy Roosevelt Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar If you are headed to China for your next vacation, you might be wondering what Chinas vacation hot spots are. Take your time to see as much of this city as you can. Many people quickly forget who has hosted the previous edition of the Games, but the infrastructure build for those sporting events lasts much longer. If you love to shop, you must go to the high end districts in Hong Kong, and check out the massive stores. Number two might be the city of Hong Kong. Long a British protectorate, it reverted to Chinese rule many years ago. The surprise might be the remnants of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. Number one has got to be a tie among some of the great historical buildings, statues and of course, walls. Long the capital city of China, it is amazing how much of the country is represented here in the big city. The culture, architecture and people of Beijing make it an amazing center that you will need a long time to properly explore. 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. You can wander the buildings, see the sights, and capture a little bit of the Olympic spirit, one of Chinas vacation hot spots that few people will remember to look for.As a result, Hong Kong is a thriving center of commerce and shipping. But despite having Chinese rulers again, Hong Kong enjoys certain protections that the rest of China does not. The other hot spot in China � and it is not fair to say it ranks below either of the other two listed choices here � could be the city of Beijing. These masterpieces and marvels are the sorts of things that you simply cannot miss out on when you visit China. Great Wall of China vacation in China China Packages china vacations

Tags: china, year, city, vacation, warrior

From pro-level baseball and basketball games featuring home-grown Chinese talent, to the elegant and graceful Chinese ballets, there are visual wonders everywhere. No better example of this exists than the Forbidden City complex in the heart of Beijing. 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. While they may not understand the language or the cultural significance of the differences, children will enjoy the leisure activities offered in China. China offers something for every member of the family, no matter what their interests are. A China family vacation might not be the most popular choice going in, but if you can convince your family to give it a shot, it will likely become the best vacation you have ever taken as a family, and one that you will talk about for the rest of your lives. For the kids, there is plenty to do in China. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Wise Gentle Compassionate Charming Elegant Slightly materialistic Quick to complain Shy Pessimistic Rabbits, Dogs Oxen Actor Gardener Beachcomber Mark Twain, Rudolph Valentino, Barbara Walters, Orville Wright Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar When most people consider a family vacation, they think of theme parks, camping trips, and long hours in the car. From the temples to the simplest buildings, Chinese architecture is so different and so beautiful that visitors cannot help but stop and stare. Children will also likely be amazed by the spectacle of the dragon boat race festivals, which include exciting boat races, unique cultural displays, and many other visually impressive and culturally meaningful events. But if you want to expose your children to something that will leave a lasting impact and widen their horizons, a China family vacation might be just the ticket. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. While Western architecture tends to build their structures tall and narrow, Chinese buildings are shorter and wider, and usually, much more ornate than visitors are accustomed to. For the parents, the architecture of China can be a very strong draw. Here, the intricate and detailed planning that went into the design of a city within a city will astound even moderate fans of good design, and completely overwhelm those who understand the intricacies of architectural design. But what is there for the family to do in China? More than you can imagine, really. For the whole family, there are plenty of amazing and educational sights to discover together, like the Great Wall of China; amazing restaurants to try, for the bold and for those who crave something simple; markets and shopping that are at once comfortably similar to home and wildly different than anything ever experienced before; the remaining buildings from the Olympics Games to inspire and awe; and so much more. Year of the Snake China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. You will see great sights, sample new cuisines, experience a vastly different and vibrant culture, and open your eyes to the world outside of your own country. Vacationing in China offers you the best use of your vacation time.If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Vain Selfish Sympathetic Charitable Romantic Charming Stingy Self-reliant Roosters, Oxen Boars Teacher Philosopher Writer Psychiatrist Charles Darwin, Elizabeth I, Picasso, Anne Frank, Mahatma Gandhi, Carole King, Abraham Lincoln, Edgar Allen Poe Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar In China, you will have the most original vacation out of all of your friends. While they go to Vegas to gamble or New York to shop, you will be halfway across the world, broadening your horizons and seeing sights that they have only ever heard about in glossy travel magazines.

Tags: year, china, vacation, family, chinese

Coming home without having experienced all three would be a terrible waste, and would require a return ticket as soon as possible!However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. But if you are a history fan, or you want to experience something uniquely Chinese, there are three main sights in China that you simply cannot miss out on � the Terracotta Warriors of Xi�an, the Great Wall of China, and the Forbidden City in Beijing. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Chivalrous Gallant Honest Tolerant Thirsty for knowledge Well-informed Quick tempered Avoid confrontation Naïve Sheep, Rabbits Other Boars Entertainers Lawyers Lucille Ball, Ernest Hemingway, Mahalia Jackson, Albert Schweitzer, Julie Andrews, Ronald Reagan Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar Any Chinese vacations are going to be busy � once you get there, you will find that there is so much culture, art, architecture, history, sports and other amazing things to see, do, taste and experience. 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. June in China Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are going to China for vacation but want to find some escapes from the business of your whirlwind trip, there are plenty of options for serenity seekers that make China a land of insight and quiet beauty. Wandering in these amazing places can give you hours or full days of sights to behold.From there, find peace in beauty with the Treasure Houses, or some spiritual peace at one of the many beautiful Buddhist temples in Beijing and other parts of China. You can visit Tiananmen Square, and go through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, or go to the Imperial summer home. china vacations China Packages Bejing vacation in China

Tags: year, china, vacation, chinese, boar

Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China. When you go to China on vacation, Xi�an must be on the itinerary � if not for the above-listed reasons, then for the infamous Terracotta Warriors that were found nearby.But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The capital city of China, it is the best known of the four Great Ancient Capitals of China. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. The city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. The city has an ancient history, and the many palaces, religious temples and old tenements give you a taste of what Beijing was like in the past. This has traditionally been the seat of power in China, and the Imperial Palace is still standing in the city, and now serves as a popular tourist attraction and museum. With over 13 million people within its borders and more than 17 million if you take into account the surrounding municipalities, Beijing is the second largest city in China, after Shanghai. It is one of the most densely populated areas of China, cramming seven million people onto an island of less than 500 square miles. A colony of Great Britain since the first Opium Wars of the 1800s, it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. Xi�an is less of a modern city than Beijing or Hong Kong, but it has important contributions to China that make it a worthy destination on your China trip. Hong Kong is unlike any other city in China. If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there. Hong Kong is among the world�s most important shipping and commerce centers. Xi�an was also the first capital city of what we now know as the country of China. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Where should you go in China on vacation? Hong Kong sits on the south coastal area of China, and is famous for its Western-style buildings and culture, despite a majority of the population being Chinese. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. Xi'An China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Martial arts. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. Dragon boat racing. This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day.Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China � not to mention, incredibly popular. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. China Packages china vacations Bejing Great Wall of China

Tags: china, city, popular, hong, vacation

The bureau expects license applications to increase exponentially. The Haikou Maritime Bureau was given the right to issue yachting licenses in 2008. For the kids, there is sports and culture all over the place. Hainan is to announce the opening of a yacht exchange during the Haikou Yacht Forum to be held March 19 to 20 as part of the Boao International Tourism Forum. Haikou Maritime Bureau says increasing numbers of people are attending sailing courses and applying for yachting licenses. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/01/content_19497900.htm www.china.org.cn Applications for yachting licenses are soaring in Hainan as the island promotes itself as a major international resort. Hainan is to announce the opening of a yacht exchange during the Haikou Yacht Forum to be held March 19 to 20 as part of the Boao International Tourism Forum. 2010-03-01 17:40:22.0 By Wang Yanfang Yachting license applications soar in Hainan yacht;hainan yacht Yachting license applications soar in Hainan Yachting license applications soar in Hainan 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Applications for yachting licenses are soaring in Hainan as the island promotes itself as a major international resort. For the parents, amazing architecture and historical sites. While this might sound like an odd choice next to the theme parks and all-inclusive resorts as an option for an ideal family getaway, it could be the best vacation your family has ever gone on. (China.org.cn March 1, 2010) http://www.bitf.org.cn/2010-02/28/content_19117698.htm When you are sitting down to debate your next getaway with the family, toss in the option of a China family vacation. In the first two months of the year, 21 people took the examination required to obtain a license – equal to the number for the whole of the previous year. As of January 2010 it had issued 41 licenses. For the family as a whole, there is no end to the excitement that can be found in China, from food to events, and from sights to actions. China really could be the best destination for you and your family. The Great Wall: a defensive structure you can view from space? Vacations to China Better Than Vegas Think about it for a moment; it's long, but what difference does that make? 2010-03-01 16:55:07.0 The Great Wall: a defensive structure you can view from space? Great Wall, structure, China,travelers, T-shirt slogans, The Great Wall: a defensive structure you can view from space? The Great Wall: a defensive structure you can view from space? 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Of course you can't. Northern trade was huge business, from tea to furs to horses. Hadrian's Wall served a similar purpose in Britain, as did the "Great Hedge of India," a two-thousand-mile-long mass of trees, brambles, and thorns planted by the British right across the country to enforce the notorious Salt Tax. The Walls themselves fell into disrepair for years, after the Qing conquest made them redundant. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. This is an old, old myth, popularized by Ripley's Believe it or Not, but it received tacit support from the state in the 1960s, when China wasn't even at the starting line in the US-USSR Space Race. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-03/01/content_19497640.htm www.china.org.cn Of course you can't. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. "Who cares if we're not on the moon?" the subtext went, "Look at what we were doing when you were still scrabbling in the mud!" But where to begin when it comes to Great Wall myths? Until relatively recently, Chinese foreign policy was orientated mostly towards the north, where a vigorous series of invaders and empires rose to challenge, and sometimes conquer, the Chinese state in its various incarnations. The Long Walls as often served as jumping-off points for Chinese military expeditions as they did as defensive positions against nomadic raiders. They were revived mostly through European admiration, which then filtered back into Chinese nationalist consciousness to create an idea of "the Great Wall" as a symbol of a unified nation – and to produce T-shirt slogans for tourists. Martial arts. This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day. Dragon boat racing. It's not that wide or tall at any point. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China � not to mention, incredibly popular. The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. In reality, the Wall is a collection of separate fortifications, collectively best labeled "the Long Walls," built by different dynasties for different purposes. Like most fortified positions, its intentions were as much aggressive as defensive. Think about it for a moment; it's long, but what difference does that make? On top of that, the Walls were often built around lands very recently settled by Han colonists; like colonial fortresses in the Americas, their purpose was to keep out the people whose lands had just been nicked. Much of the time, though, the Walls' most frequent function was to serve as a customs barrier. For starters, the very concept of a single unified "Great Wall" is a misleading one, a creation of European travelers and later, Chinese nationalism. Yangtze River Cruises china vacations Great Wall of China Bejing

Tags: china, wall, license, family, great

The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. This together with upwelling at the edge of the continental shelf create ideal conditions to support a food chain all year round in the warm tropical waters. Ten Million People are Estimated to go Whale Watching Every Year Feb 28, 2010 Sanjiva Wijesinha The Deep South of Sri Lanka is becoming known as one of the world's best locations (amongst the top three possibly) for watching Blue Whales and Sperm Whales - two of the most sought after marine mammals. In April, they return past the south coast on the return journey travelling west to the Arabian Sea passing Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He had first postulated this theory in a paper published in 1999 which reviewed sightings in the Maldives. Having reviewed his records up to mid 2002, a total of over two thousand sightings, he refined his hypothesis further in a paper Observations of cetaceans in the Maldives, 1990-2002 published in 2005 in the 'Journal of Cetacean Research and Management'. Cetacean Species in Sri Lankan Waters Sri Lankan waters are very rich in cetacean species with twenty seven species being recorded to date. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. One hundred and five river systems contribute a steady nutrient flow to the ocean. de Silva Wijeyeratne, G.(2008).Best for Blue (SLTPB Edition) Martial arts. Marine biologist Dr Charles Anderson believes that sightings peak between December and April because of a migration of whales Migration of Whales Dr Anderson has been developing a theory that there is an annual migration of whales between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea which takes them near the shores of Sri Lanka. " The deep south of Sri Lanka may be one of the world's best locations (amongst the top three possibly) for watching Blue Whales and Sperm Whales which are two of the most sought after marine mammals. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day. Dragon boat racing. Due to the calm seas, Sperm Whales and Blue Whales come within sight of the land - and the period between December and April - offers an outstanding window of opportunity for observing these magnificent marine mammals. Ilangakoon A. (2002).Whales and Dolphins Sri Lanka (ISBN-10:955911428X) 2. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. In fact for seeing both Sperm and Blue Whales together, it may even turn out to be the best location in the world. It was only recently that the world became aware of the waters off the southern coast of this island nation off the south coast of India - the coastal strip between the ancient city of Galle and the new fishery harbour of Mirissa - as THE best place to watch Whales. "Whales can be seen with such ease here', says Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, perhaps the man who has done most to put this area on the world watching map, " by just sailing out from the fishery harbour of Mirissa." Continental Shelf off South Sri Lanka One of the reasons this area of sea is so good for whale watching is because the continental shelf is at its closest near Mirissa and Dondra, about 6 km aqway from the coast. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China � not to mention, incredibly popular. Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. However, to see marine mammals, location and time is all important. Observes Wijeyeratne," The south of Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful beaches, snorkelling and some of the best boutique hotels and villas in the tropics. In fact for seeing both Sperm and Blue Whales together, Sri Lanka may even turn out to be the best location in the world ." ). References: 1. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. He believes that the whales, especially Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, travel past the south coast in January from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. Trekking in Nepal Himalaya, Top Hiking Trails Vacations to China Better Than Vegas Wandering in these amazing places can give you hours or full days of sights to behold. Everest Base Camp, Annapurna and Langtang Helambu near Kathmandu Feb 28, 2010 Solange Hando Trekking in Nepal means steep hiking trails, up and down, measured in time not distance. Helambu, Langtang and Gosainkund can be tackled separately or combined in various ways, with treks from a few days to two weeks. The highest point is 3900 metres and one should allow up to two weeks for the return journey. The high Nepal Himalaya can induce altitude sickness but the risk may be minimized by climbing slowly and allowing plenty of rest. Nepal Top Hiking Trail, Everest Base Camp The trail starts from the end of the road in Jiri, involving a long demanding approach, or from Lukla with daily flights from Kathmandu, sometimes subject to delays. From Lukla, trekkers should allow at least eight days on the way up, including two nights in Namche and either Dingboche or Pheriche. You can visit Tiananmen Square, and go through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, or go to the Imperial summer home. Treks start from Dumre or Ghorka, with long bus journeys from Kathmandu, or Pokhara accessed by road or plane. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek has some steep climbs but anyone of average fitness should cope. Paths are easy to follow but hiring a guide is recommended for safety and local knowledge. Whether it’s Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or Langtang near Kathmandu, Nepal has two trekking seasons, late March-April when rhododendrons come into bloom, and October when the summer monsoon has cleared the air and views are stunning. This is best tackled in the morning before the Khumbu glacier begins to shift in the blazing sun. From there, find peace in beauty with the Treasure Houses, or some spiritual peace at one of the many beautiful Buddhist temples in Beijing and other parts of China. The Namche Hill is testing but rewarded with the first views of Everest and after that, the panorama is simply breathtaking. The last camp is at Gorak Shep, 5160 metres, where the final stretch leads to Everest Base Camp. There are peaks, glaciers and superb viewpoints. The trail meanders through paddies and villages before heading up to the Machapuchre and Annapurna base camps with windswept and awesome views. One can return the same way, cross a 5000 metre pass into Helambu or take in the high altitude Gosainkund lakes where pilgrims bathe during the August full moon. If you are going to China for vacation but want to find some escapes from the business of your whirlwind trip, there are plenty of options for serenity seekers that make China a land of insight and quiet beauty. One can’t see Everest from base camp but there are fabulous views of the whole range from Kala Pattar, 460 metres above Gorak Shep, especially at sunset or sunrise. Trekking in Nepal , Annapurna The Annapurna has a choice of trails, from the popular Jomson trek, below 3000 metres but by means easy, to the arduous 18 day Annapurna Circuit crossing the Thorung La pass, at 5416 metres. Helambu is popular for its quick and easy access from the capital and medium altitude, below 3500 metres. The Langtang trek begins in Dhunche, a fairly long but scenic drive from Kathmandu, and needs at least five days to reach Kyanjing Gompa. The slightly longer route via Ghorepani and Poon Hill is worth the detour for unrivalled views of the Annapurna range and beyond. Nepal Himalaya, Langtang and Helambu near Kathmandu There are three trekking areas relatively close to Kathmandu, ideal for anyone with limited time. china vacations vacation in China Bejing China Packages

Tags: whale, china, sri, lanka, annapurna

Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Martial arts. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China � not to mention, incredibly popular. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day.What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. Dragon boat racing. Reflexology shoes China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities From state-sponsored open spaces, to ancient Imperial homes and even religious and spiritual sites, there is something for everyone who visits China with the aim of finding relaxation.While it might not be the location that naturally comes to mind when you think about getting away for some relaxation, there are some things in China that will make your trip a truly special and relaxing one. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are looking for your next vacation destination, you might want to consider going to China for vacation.

Tags: china, vacation, popular, boat, styles

The Summer Palace is virtually a museum of traditional Chinese gardening that uses rocks, plants, pavilions, ponds, cobble paths and other garden styles to create a poetic effect between different scenes. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " border="" height="141" hspace="" id="12351631" md5="" relativeid="12351632" relativepic="/data/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf0629521.jpg" sourcedescription="编辑提供的本地文件" sourcename="本地文件" src="http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100225/000d87ad3cdd0cf0629520.jpg" title="The Summer Palace is located on the western edge of Beijing, between the fourth and fifth ring roads, close to the western hills, 12km from central Beijing.It is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill (60 meters high) and the Kunming Lake. The Summer Palace is virtually a museum of traditional Chinese gardening that uses rocks, plants, pavilions, ponds, cobble paths and other garden styles to create a poetic effect between different scenes. The square was designed to reflect the pride of China. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " width="188"/>   While there are some negative impressions and events attached to it now, Tiananmen Square was meant to be a very peaceful part of Beijing. [Photo by Zhang Xiaobo] " width="188"/> http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19474170.htm www.china.org.cn The Summer Palace is located on the western edge of Beijing, between the fourth and fifth ring roads, close to the western hills, 12km from central Beijing. 2010-02-25 14:53:40.0 Human landscape from Summer palace Human landscape,Summer palace,China, tour, Beijing, Human landscape from Summer palace Human landscape from Summer palace 1007 7082651 High Definition Photos /enpproperty--> Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. Seven days is not enough," Wang said, from his 10 years of experience in the field. He added that his clients usually stay 10 to 15 days in China to visit the three must-go cities - Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an. "I think a seven-day TWOV will only attract 10 to 15 percent more international travelers," he said. Kempinski Hotel Beijing welcomed the proposal, believing it would benefit the hotel business and local economy. "We had 170,000 customers last year and 60 percent of them were international visitors," said Li Bo, Kempinski's regional manager of China. The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China � not to mention, incredibly popular. Dragon boat racing. The goal set by the Beijing Tourism Administration in 2010 is 4.25 million trips and $4.8 billion. Martial arts. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. "This plan will put a lot of pressure on national security," he said, stating that many countries have tighter TWOV rules than in Beijing. In 2009, Beijing received 4.12 million inbound travelers, contributing $4.35 billion. They seldom have the chance to travel to China because of the long distance, so they always enjoy themselves when they do. This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day.What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. However, he is not optimistic of a high quantity. "Most of our customers are from the US, Australia, Canada and the UK. Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471855.htm www.china.org.cn The tourism administration has joined Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) to apply to extend the current 24-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy to seven days, after the head of the airport raised the proposal in the municipal people's congress in late January. 2010-02-25 10:38:27.0 Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension Tourism ,bureau ,transit visa , China, beijing, Hotel,airport Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension Tourism bureau applies for transit visa extension 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The tourism administration has joined Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) to apply to extend the current 24-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy to seven days, after the head of the airport raised the proposal in the municipal people's congress in late January. Li said a seven-day TWOV could save travelers a mountain of paperwork. However, a police officer from the exit and entry administration of the Beijing public security bureau, who asked not to be named, expressed concern. As many as 4.5 million international travelers are expected to be affected, the tourism administration said. Statistics on spending among travelers said the local tourism industry should benefit from an extra $4.5 billion due to the extension, according to the Beijing News yesterday. Wang Meng, a travel agent for China Wonderful Tour, which receives about 300,000 international travelers annually, said a longer TWOV would attract more international travelers. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China.

Tags: palace, summer, jpg, photo, zhang

From its ancient past, which is on display in its many temples and other older buildings, to its more modern trappings, like the beautiful hotels and bustling business districts, Beijing offers sights and sounds that you can find nowhere else in China, let alone the world. "You have to dig deep enough that they'll put down solid roots, but not too deep so the sprout can easily break through the earth," he says. It is also the most cognitively demanding form of agriculture," Malcolm Gladwell of the New Yorker magazine wrote in his 2008 book Outliers. "It's much better to experience it in person than online." If you are headed to China for your next vacation, you might be wondering what Chinas vacation hot spots are. Many people quickly forget who has hosted the previous edition of the Games, but the infrastructure build for those sporting events lasts much longer. Take your time to see as much of this city as you can. Long a British protectorate, it reverted to Chinese rule many years ago. The answer may have as much to do with a video game as it does with nostalgia for an idyllic existence. In the game "Happy Farm", players run their own farms, plant crops, raise livestock and steal from their neighbors across social networking sites similar to Facebook. The surprise might be the remnants of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471642.htm www.china.org.cn Li Yan stoops down over a field of cabbage plants with a small spade in his hand. The culture, architecture and people of Beijing make it an amazing center that you will need a long time to properly explore. The date of the Spring Festival, still far more widely celebrated than holidays like National Day and International Workers' Day, changes in accordance with the lunar calendar. Around one-fourth of China's cultivated land is used for growing rice. Planting for fun So with growing crops as difficult as it is, what's making city folk like Li Yan rush off to the nearby farmland every weekend to plant their own vegetables? The sun is low and it's been a hard day. If you love to shop, you must go to the high end districts in Hong Kong, and check out the massive stores. Eating what you've planted yourself is a great experience." "I started out with 'Happy Farm', but then thought it got boring and I was stuck inside all day," Li the accountant says. As a result, Hong Kong is a thriving center of commerce and shipping. Number one has got to be a tie among some of the great historical buildings, statues and of course, walls. "I have such a sense of accomplishment." While planting crops for several hours is perfectly normal for China's 800 million farmers, for Li, an accountant in his mid-twenties, it's become something of a hobby, an escape from long hours at a multinational firm in Shanghai. Farm country Agriculture dates back at least nine millennia in the region now known as China. But despite having Chinese rulers again, Hong Kong enjoys certain protections that the rest of China does not. All of the venues are still intact in Beijing, and many of them have guided tours. Here are three places in China that you really must see, and one place that no one thinks of, but really ought to get out to! The other hot spot in China � and it is not fair to say it ranks below either of the other two listed choices here � could be the city of Beijing. Long the capital city of China, it is amazing how much of the country is represented here in the big city. Li finishes off plant-ing the last of the seeds and gets ready to head home. "This has been a really relaxing day," he says. "People come over as families and farm together. These masterpieces and marvels are the sorts of things that you simply cannot miss out on when you visit China. Many Chinese don't even know when their birthday is according to the Gregorian calendar, despite widespread use for several decades. But it has never been easy to be a farmer here. The Great Wall of China, the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors, and the Forbidden City all stand head and shoulders above any other hot spot in China. "You have to dig deep enough that they'll put down solid roots, but not too deep so the sprout can easily break through the earth," he says. 2010-02-25 10:27:27.0 By Michele Scrimenti Down on the 'happy farm' farm, China, holiday, Shanghai, pie, Guizhou, cuisine, tourism Down on the 'happy farm' Down on the 'happy farm' 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> Li Yan stoops down over a field of cabbage plants with a small spade in his hand. "Rice farming is the most labor-intensive form of agriculture known to man. You can wander the buildings, see the sights, and capture a little bit of the Olympic spirit, one of Chinas vacation hot spots that few people will remember to look for.Even today, the importance of farming is obvious in Chinese society. The game's creator, Five Minutes, claims there are more than 15 million active users. "Everyone has been excited about this game "Happy Farm" for a while, so we thought we'd open up a real-life version to let kids and adults from the city experience farming first-hand," the owner of a farm said to a local newspaper in Luzhou, Sichuan last month. Number two might be the city of Hong Kong. Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look For me, I buy luxury brands because they offer quality. Many Chinese tourists bought everything they thought is cheaper than at home," he said. China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Among the many things to see are the Great Wall, a series of structures that have survived for centuries and long ago, kept marauding invaders from attacking Chinese cities; the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors, discovered less than fifty years ago by a farmer trying to drill a new water well, and featuring over eight thousand individual figures; and the Forbidden City, a former Imperial Palace that got its name from the days when no one could leave or enter it without the approval of the Emperor. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2010-02/25/content_19471605.htm www.china.org.cn The Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a gala for domestic retail sales, but a feast for overseas retailers, too. 2010-02-25 10:21:41.0 Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Chinese tourists ,money, abroad,China, tourism, New year,United States,   Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad Chinese tourists spend lots of money abroad 1007 7074061 Highlights /enpproperty--> The Chinese Lunar New Year is not only a gala for domestic retail sales, but a feast for overseas retailers, too. Some 1,200 Chinese tourists celebrated the lunar New Year in New York between Feb 14 and 20, spending an estimated $6 million in the United States, said Zheng Wenqing, a public relations manager for New York Tourism Board's China office. Japanese retailers also reaped gains from Chinese tourists during the week. I traveled to France a decade ago, and I didn't buy any luxury goods simply because I couldn't afford them," said Cui Xiaoping, in his 50s, who traveled around Europe, including France, with his wife in January. But during the January trip, he bought so many things, including designer handbags and clothes, that he needed to buy an extra suitcase to carry them home. "Chinese people these days are more informed about the luxury brands. A local home appliance retailer, Bic Camera, reported that its store in Akihabara, Tokyo, saw its sales increase by 20 to 30 percent thanks to Chinese tourists, Japan-based Chinese language newspaper Jnocnews reported. The newspaper quoted a salesman as saying that a Chinese tourist pointed to and bought cameras and lenses worth more than 70,000 yuan ($10,500) at one time. Chinese tourists spent 155 million euros ($220.2 million) in 2009, followed by the Russians who spent 112 million euros and the Japanese who spent 99 million euros, the report said. The Galleries Lafayette in Paris reported that a typical Chinese tourist spent 1,000 euro in two hours last year, topping tourists from other countries. Some 87 percent of the Chinese's average total bill was on fashion items, including shoes and handbags, and 93 percent of their shopping was done in and around the French capital. Purchases made by the Chinese represented 15 percent of total spending by tourists in France in 2009 and their total bill rose 47 percent from 2008, it said. Chinese tourists are also among the top five spenders in countries like Singapore and South Korea, reports said. Insiders said the shopping craze is mainly due to two reasons - a booming economy in China, and a price gap caused by a high tax levied on luxury goods. "People have more spare money to spend now. Another Chinese tourist bought 20 rice cookers at one shot. In Berlin, half of eight counters selling luxury watches in KaDeWe department store on Feb 15 were receiving Chinese tourists, Xiao Yun, a tourist who just came back from Europe told Beijing Youth Daily. He also saw the counters of top cosmetic brands crowded by Chinese tourists at the Munich airport, and one of them bought five bottles of a toning lotion priced at 2,000 yuan each. Chinese consumers have become the No 1 spender in more and more countries, studies and experts said. The latest report by Global Refund, a company specializing in tax-free shopping for tourists, said Chinese tourists outspent the Russians in France last year. Buying them in Europe is a lot cheaper than in China due to the competitive exchange rate between euros and renminbi, plus there is no import tax," he said. In addition, Chinese tourists are impulsive shoppers, said Li Meng, deputy general manager of the outbound department with the China International Travel Service head office. "Chinese tourists are different from the Japanese tourists, who would make shopping lists beforehand.

Tags: chinese, tourist, china, million, year

The beginning of each lunar month is marked by the New Moon on a Western calendar. The Chinese calendar counts years in cycles of sixty years. Before all this, the rat and the cat were good friends. The cat slept in and missed the gathering, and since then, the two have been enemies.Here is an index of the twelve animal signs and their associated characteristics: Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar Back to the Chinese New Year Article Index While you are on vacation to China, you may want to find out more about the religions that have helped to shape China into the country it is today. But on the morning of the meeting, the rat, in her excitement, forgot to wake up the cat and through various means of trickery (or cleverness, as this rat interprets) got to the gods first and was thus chosen first. The elements are further associated with the animal zodiac signs. Each year has a label consisting of two parts. Some use the Chinese gods, some use Buddha, but the essence of the story is that a higher being called all animals to a meeting and the first to arrive would be chosen. Every two and a half months an additional month is added creating a lunar leap year. A lunar year is made up of twelve months with twenty-nine and a half days in each month. Every twelve-year sequence, the animal takes on one of the elements, until all five have been used. There are various stories about the origins of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The equation becomes five multiplied by twelve equaling sixty, or one cycle in the Chinese calendar. There are five universal elements in Chinese philosophy: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The second component is the terrestrial branch being one of the twelve animal (zodiac) signs. Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds.And while China is ripe with temples, shrines and holy buildings for a number of faiths and religions, there are three specific sites that every visitor to China should take the time to visit, no matter their faith or beliefs � the White Cloud Temple, The Temple of Heaven, and the White Horse Temple. The elements were associated with five planets in ancient times, Jupiter=Wood, Mars=Fire, Saturn=Earth, Venus=Metal, Mercury=Water. The first component is the celestial stem being one of the five elements. Astrologers read the planets' positioning to understand what influences would be dominant in a person's life. The elements are also associated with colors: Green (Wood), Red (Fire), Brown (Earth), White (Metal) and Black (Water). Year of the Dog China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun Primarily, you should see Beijing � but you will not have much choice in the matter, as you will likely be flying in through this capital city. Hong Kong is perhaps the most futuristic cities in the country. This city features some amazing historical sites, and now has some great modern wonders, thanks to their hosting of the latest Olympic Games. 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Honest Faithful Loyal Trust-worthy Worrisome Sharp-tongued Horses, Tigers Dragons Leader Secret agent Teacher Business people Cher, Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, Dorothea Dix, Benjamin Franklin, George Gershwin, Jane Goodall, Golda Meir, Socrates Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar When you go to China on vacation, there are three cities that you absolutely must visit. Hong Kong should also be on your list of cities to see, as it is unlike any other city in China. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Xi�an has an amazing history that no traveller should skip seeing.However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. China Packages Bejing china vacations Yangtze River Cruises

Tags: year, china, chinese, month, elements

Among the many things to see are the Great Wall, a series of structures that have survived for centuries and long ago, kept marauding invaders from attacking Chinese cities; the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors, discovered less than fifty years ago by a farmer trying to drill a new water well, and featuring over eight thousand individual figures; and the Forbidden City, a former Imperial Palace that got its name from the days when no one could leave or enter it without the approval of the Emperor.If your birthday falls in these months, and you're not sure where you land, use this website to find your zodiac sign. Intelligent Clever Good memory Popular Judgemental Dragons, Rats Tigers Anything! 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 *For the sake of simplicity, I have noted the years per the Gregorian calendar. However, since we're talking about the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the New Year can be any time between January and February. The monkey will almost always be successful. Julius Caesar, Bette Davis, Annie Oakley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betsy Ross, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Harry S. Truman, Leonardo da Vinci, Alice Walker Year of the Rat Year of the Ox Year of the Tiger Year of the Rabbit Year of the Dragon Year of the Snake Year of the Horse Year of the Sheep Year of the Monkey Year of the Rooster Year of the Dog Year of the Boar China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. Panjiayuan Market Chinese Vacations Offer Historical Amazement It is called the Forbidden City because, during its time as a functioning walled city and imperial palace, no one could leave or enter without the approval of the Emperor himself. In total, there are more than 8,000 figures in this collection, each featuring an amazing level of detail and craftsmanship. Chinese purveyors are experts at making fakes look like ancient treasures dug up and on sale for a fraction of what you'd pay at Sotheby's. Walk away. Sometimes it works...The Chinese address is 潘家园桥西.Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm; Sat-Sun 4:30am-6pmIn Mandarin, the market is called Pan Jia Yuan Jiu Huo Shichang . For bargain hunters it's a dream come true. Panjiayuan Antiques Market (潘家园旧货市场) is in the southeast corner of the Third Ring Road, just east of Longtan Park. Wares are somewhat divided according to type, so you'll find jewelry (pearls, amber, jade) in one section, furniture in another, etc. The Mongols finally breached the Wall in 1644, and quickly took Beijing afterwards. Only a small portion of the collection has been unearthed, but those that have been are an amazing sight. You may find the item again, but you may not. Bargaining 101: Eight Rules and Two Myths About Shopping in China will give you more guidance to shopping and bargaining. The answer is just about anything. In my experience, the best thing to do is make some snap decisions and then start the negotiations at the low end. but be prepared when it doesn't. Decide if you really want it. It's hard to extract a real price so you'll have to bargain to get close. Decide how much you're willing to pay. How much is it worth to you? No china vacations could be complete without a visit to this former Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Beijing. This is pronounced: "pan jya yoo-an jyoh hwoh shih-chahng". It's rather a mouthful. Panjiayuan Market is a sprawling gargantuan living being that comes to life in the wee hours of Saturday morning as the vendors set up their stalls and display their wares. The project was said to have taken the labors of over 700,000 men, and incredibly, each of the figures is completely original � no two warriors were allowed to be made the same. The Xi�an Terracotta Warriors. Originally built around 200 BC, there is very little that remains of the first Wall, but those that sprung up afterwards continue to stand to this day. (Don't forget to take a taxi card from your hotel so you can get back with your treasures!) Please, don't be fooled by the offers of "antiques". The warriors are part of a funereal display for the first Emperor of Qin in 200 BC, around the time that the first part of the Great Wall was built. One day, even one weekend, isn't enough to see everything there is on offer, but thankfully, there is some method to the shopping madness. The combination of walls is nearly 4,000 miles long. Walls had been built at different times to keep out different groups, including the Xiongnu, Mongolian and Manchurian peoples. Today, it is more commonly known as the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City. Your best bet is to show your hotel concierge the name in English and he will be able to communicate to your taxi driver. The best thing to do is go with and open mind, a limited budget and a few ideas about what you'd like to have.Some say offer 10% of what the vendor is asking, some say 25% and work up from there. It was constructed in the 1400s, lasting more than 15 years and taking over a million men to build. Today, it is an architectural highlight of any trip to China.But someone who wants to see the beauty and wonder of this world really ought to consider going to China, if only to see these three wonders: The Great Wall of China. A quick list of some of the things you'll find: Jewelry such as amber, jade, pearls, coral, turquoise and much more Chinese furniture Ethnic minority pieces such as Miao embroidery and silver clothing accessories Cultural Revolution-era items Chinese paintings and calligraphy objects Buddhist statuary Porcelain & ceramics Cloissone Out of all of the destinations on this planet, China vacations seem to be pretty low on the �gotta go� list of the average Western traveller. However, from the ground, the Great Wall is an imposing and impressive sight to behold. What are commonly referred to as a single wall are, in fact, several walls that have been built, rebuilt and maintained for centuries. Unless you are a dealer in Chinese artifacts and have years of experience, trust me, you won't be able to tell the difference, and even the dealers get fooled . A common misconception is that the Great Wall can be seen from space � while the length of it would certainly be discernable, the width of less than thirty feet at its widest would mean that it would be impossible to see from space without a great amount of magnification. Here's a look at what's on offer through a virtual tour . These clay warriors were discovered near Xi�an in the 1970s by a farmer who was drilling a new well.

Tags: year, wall, chinese, china, great

They ordered the baking of special cakes to commemorate the festival. Even those who are not Taoist or Buddhist will be fascinated by these buildings and their surrounding grounds.Read on...There are savory types as well and these days, you can even get them from Haagen Dazs. The Chinese people celebrate by coming together as families to eat, drink and be merry. Enjoying the moon is an ancient tradition in China going back nearly 1,400 years. In these night sky conditions, the moon appears to be the brightest. Visit any historical palace or classical garden and you will very likely find a "Moon Viewing Pavilion" or two. Rebels used the festival as a method to convey their plans for revolt. Companies use the festival as a time to thank clients with boxes of moon cakes. Read more about moon cakes and how to make them from Rhonda Parkinson, Guide to Chinese Cuisine. According to one legend, it was with the help of the moon cake that the Ming Dynasty established. You can read a few of the historical legends about the origin of the festival. Besides the obvious, moon-gazing, Chinese families celebrate by getting together and eating. But what the Mongol leaders didn't know was that secret messages were tucked into the cakes and distributed to allied rebels. Moon cakes are typically round, symbolizing the full round moon of the mid-autumn festival. Boiled peanuts, slices of taro, rice gruel, fish and noodles are all traditional dishes to eat during the festival, but none of these takes the place of the moon cake. Ubiquitously on sale in every supermarket and hotel, moon cakes are now a highly prized commodity. They are usually made with four egg yolks, representing the four phases of the moon, and are sweet, filled with sweet bean or lotus seed paste. Becoming grander over time, by Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) times, the mid-autumn festival was second only in importance to the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) . It is lovely to think about actually, isn't it? And while China is ripe with temples, shrines and holy buildings for a number of faiths and religions, there are three specific sites that every visitor to China should take the time to visit, no matter their faith or beliefs � the White Cloud Temple, The Temple of Heaven, and the White Horse Temple. The fifteenth of the eighth month is the middle of autumn, thus the festival celebrates the moon's appearance as the brightest and most beautiful throughout the year. In 2008 the mid-autumn festival falls on September 14, and is observed on the 15th, just a few weeks before the beginning of the October holidays starting October first, marking National Day , the date of the founding of the PRC on October 1, 1949. The full moon is traditionally a symbol for reunion, tuanyuan , as yuan means round. During fall, the skies are commonly clear and cloudless and the nights crisp and sharp. In the Chinese lunar calendar tradition, the seventh, eighth and ninth months comprise autumn. Taking time with your friends and family to sit outside under a starless sky, gazing at the round white orb shining brightly from the heavens above, is something we, in this century, ought to schedule in our daytimers. While celebrating the moon during mid-autumn appears to have occurred since Zhou Dynasty (ending in 221BC ) times, it was during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that the festival was made official. You may be wondering just what a moon cake is? On the night of the festival, the rebels successfully attacked, overthrowing the Mongol government and establishing a new era, the Ming Dynasty . While you are on vacation to China, you may want to find out more about the religions that have helped to shape China into the country it is today. Lantern Festival Origins China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities She suggested that the emperor should make the city look like it was already burning so the God of Fire wouldn’t bother them. The emperor took the threat seriously and had the entire court and city put up colored lanterns and light firecrackers to mimic a great fire. Legend has it that Yuanxiao was a beautiful maid in the emperor’s palace. The palace was so busy with the preparations that Yuanxiao was able to sneak home! In China, culture is an important part of everyday life. Chinese operas are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike. Despite her opulent lifestyle, she missed her family and desired only to be home with her family during Chinese New Year. The story goes that she told the emperor the God of Fire visited her and told her that he planned to burn down the city. A beautiful example can be seen in the stunning design of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which was once the Chinese Imperial Palace, and is now the Palace Museum, and like the Xi�an Warriors, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Architecture in China is also an important part of their culture, with an emphasis on symmetry and width in their designs. Bejing China Packages china vacations vacation in China

Tags: moon, festival, china, cake, chinese

This is an enormous site that can easily take up the better part of a day, should you wish to take your time and soak in the ambiance and quiet beauty. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. The other Imperial holdover that will aid in your search for relaxing but stimulating sites is the Summer Palace. This former summer home features beautifully manicured gardens and green spaces, surrounding natural bodies of water. Chinese New Year Origins China Vacation Packages worth a Hard Look Chinese New Year celebrations have their origin with end-of-harvest celebrations when people would offer thanks to gods for good harvests and entreaty for a good crop in the following year. Traditional customs around superstitions and worship gradually became means for people simply to celebrate and enjoy time with their families. Back to the Chinese New Year Article Index China vacations might not have the popular appeal of some destinations, but there are some truly wonderful sights to behold in China. During the economically prosperous and politically stable Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), celebrations around the New Year blossomed. Although they varied according to the different calendars used, the customs were formalized under Han Dynasty (206BC-AD 25) rule. Varied festivals around god worship, sacrifice and celebration held at the end of the winter season and at the beginning of the spring were unified under the Han Dynasty rulers and consolidated, with their adoption of the formal Taichu calendar, to the first day of the first lunar month. Among the many things to see are the Great Wall, a series of structures that have survived for centuries and long ago, kept marauding invaders from attacking Chinese cities; the Xi�an Terracotta Warriors, discovered less than fifty years ago by a farmer trying to drill a new water well, and featuring over eight thousand individual figures; and the Forbidden City, a former Imperial Palace that got its name from the days when no one could leave or enter it without the approval of the Emperor.

Tags: year, chinese, celebration, china, time

This holiday is a chance for Chinese citizens to enjoy the dragon boat races and other cultural activities, although the races are the focus of the day.The different styles are usually broken up into families or sects, depending on their influence. The festival begins on the �double fifth�, or the fifth day of the fifth lunar month on the Chinese calendar. The annual Duanwu Festival for dragon boat racing is a regular and popular holiday in China. The races are so popular, that the influence has bled over into other Asian cultures and countries. The popular martial art of Kung Fu originated in China, although it is sometimes referred to in China by the original Mandarin term, wushu. What is usually seen as a fun little event in Western culture is a much bigger deal in China. There are many different styles of combat training that fall into this category, and public displays and competitions are common in China � not to mention, incredibly popular. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Martial arts. This means that, on the Western calendar, the date can fluctuate wildly, being as early as May and as late as June. Dragon boat racing. Some fighting styles are based on the movements of predator animals, while some are meant to be used more purely as self defence, and others use the ancient movements of historical warrior training. Mao T-shirts China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. You will see plenty of advertisements in the newspaper for vacations to all corners of the world, but most of ad space seems to be dedicated to the crass and tacky. But that is no knock on the Vegas operations � China has been practicing the art of the opera for centuries. There are thousands of offers to get you to Vegas � but what if you crave something different? The whole of Las Vegas is intended to empty your pockets with a quick flourish at the card tables. In Las Vegas, gambling may be the favorite sport, but drinking is a close second. In China, drinking is far from illegal � you will soon learn the phrase �Gan bei!� means literally, bottoms up. Built in sections and pieces for centuries to keep out invaders, these sites will not empty your wallet, but they will fill your mind with true wonder. Vacations to China are less likely to be shown in those ad spaces, but they ought to be. Vacations to China take on a whole new meaning when you spend your time at this luxury accommodation, which is walking distance from the Forbidden City.In China, gambling is illegal, but you can wager on spending a lot of time visiting the historic sights of China � the Great Wall, for instance. These theme resorts may cover the spectrum from fun and hokey to glittery and elaborate, but none could hold a candle to the Wangfujing Grand Hotel in Beijing. While we can agree that there are some interesting acts in Vegas, it can be argued that not even the popular Cirque du Solais shows can hold a candle to a good Chinese opera. Really, it is the entire reason for the existence of the city in the first place. In the Chinese opera style known as Beijing Opera, the actors display great skills in dance and other movements, song and other spoken word pieces, and physical acting. In Las Vegas, one of the few popular non-gambling activities is going to see the shows. The entire town reeks of booze, and you will find people with open containers of alcohol stumbling along the main drag at all hours of the day. But rather than filling your stomach with cheap, bottom shelf booze, China will offer you Bai Jiu, and makes drinking into almost a social ritual meant to bring people closer together. If Las Vegas is not your cup of tea, here is why a trip to China might be the perfect anti-Vegas vacation: In Las Vegas, you gamble. Of course, part of the fun of staying in Las Vegas is the immense and elaborate hotels. china vacations China Packages Bejing Great Wall of China

Tags: china, vegas, vacation, las, popular