Social Networking | Search results for "chicken"

They originated here and theyÂ’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. You swallow. You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. Many airlines have partnerships with hotel providers and tour operators, and can either book you directly for the entirety of your package, or can at least direct you to their partner for more information. If you have booked a tour in China, this can be problematic.During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? ItÂ’s bite-sized comfort food. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. YouÂ’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . He then sets the steamer in front of you. Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. This is key, the pièce de résistance. I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just canÂ’t go back after youÂ’ve done Din Tai Fung). If you prefer not to deal with a travel agent, you can contact the airlines directly. The basket isnÂ’t even finished and youÂ’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isnÂ’t the case. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. Literally. Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. Be warned, if youÂ’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. It was over too quickly. They can hurt you!” And you know it, youÂ’ve been burned before. Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. The steamer arrives. You can also enquire with the airline about the availability of last minute saver fares to China, which would be substantially less expensive, but would require you to be on standby for a flight that you might not end up taking. A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. Churches in Shanghai China for Vacation Offers Serenity in Spades It was constructed in the 1400s, lasting more than 15 years and taking over a million men to build. These clay warriors were discovered near Xi’an in the 1970s by a farmer who was drilling a new well. Today, it is more commonly known as the Palace Museum. 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. The combination of walls is nearly 4,000 miles long. Only a small portion of the collection has been unearthed, but those that have been are an amazing sight. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. 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. The Forbidden City. Walls had been built at different times to keep out different groups, including the Xiongnu, Mongolian and Manchurian peoples. 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. What are commonly referred to as a single wall are, in fact, several walls that have been built, rebuilt and maintained for centuries. No china vacations could be complete without a visit to this former Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Beijing. 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. 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. 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. In total, there are more than 8,000 figures in this collection, each featuring an amazing level of detail and craftsmanship. However, from the ground, the Great Wall is an imposing and impressive sight to behold. The Mongols finally breached the Wall in 1644, and quickly took Beijing afterwards. Today, it is an architectural highlight of any trip to China.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. china vacations China Packages Bejing Great Wall of China

Tags: long, china, xiao, bao, wall

Literally. Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just can’t go back after you’ve done Din Tai Fung). 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. He then sets the steamer in front of you. The basket isn’t even finished and you’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isn’t the case. You’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. Wandering in these amazing places can give you hours or full days of sights to behold.They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. Be warned, if you’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. It was over too quickly. They originated here and they’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. 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 swallow. The steamer arrives. Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. They can hurt you!” And you know it, you’ve been burned before. During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? It’s bite-sized comfort food. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . You can visit Tiananmen Square, and go through the Heavenly Gate to the Forbidden City, or go to the Imperial summer home. This is key, the pièce de résistance. Churches in Shanghai China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find Another big appeal to the tour groups are the restaurants you will visit. The thing to remember with China vacation tours is that they are not all created equal. Everything from Chinese tea rooms to fancy full-course restaurants can be experienced this way. It is a massive set of buildings and green spaces, covering nearly three million square meters of land. The tour guides know the best places to eat, and will lead you to small, unknown little restaurants that will serve food so good, you will want to leave a trail of breadcrumbs back to the hotel. And there are some routes that are simply not rickshaw friendly. A great way to see the sights in between the sites is to hire a rickshaw. These conveyances should be used more for their odd appeal than their ability to get you around. One of the great sights that you might be able to view in China includes the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. For every great tour of an unknown but intense site, there are dozens more that will do little aside from dropping you off for an afternoon at a Great Wall tourist trap. Today, the temple is a popular tourist destination, both for the wonders of the temple itself, and for the grounds that surround it. These human-powered wagons offer a great view of the cities you visit, and often take you down routes that a cab or bus would never go. These tours take you to places in China that you normally would never get a chance to see. This temple, built in the 1400s, was a place for prayers for plentiful harvest for the Chinese people. Do your research before you buy. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are itching to do some travelling, but do not know where to begin, perhaps you ought to look into some China vacation tours. That can include narrow passages that will be much more visually interesting that the usual freeways. These rickshaw rides are often combined with a traditional tour, to give you a chance to pick up some local flavour. Of course, you are limited by the speed of your rickshaw runner, and the distance he can go before he tires out. Tour groups love to stop at sites like these, and often offer group tours through some of the buildings and parkways. These grounds tend to attract those looking to get some exercise outdoors, including everything from sparring martial artists to slow but steady joggers. China Packages Bejing china vacations Yangtze River Cruises

Tags: long, china, bao, xiao, tour

They originated here and theyÂ’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. China really could be the best destination for you and your family.You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. For the parents, amazing architecture and historical sites. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. Be warned, if youÂ’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. They can hurt you!” And you know it, youÂ’ve been burned before. They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. You swallow. The basket isnÂ’t even finished and youÂ’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isnÂ’t the case. The steamer arrives. This is key, the pièce de résistance. Literally. You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just canÂ’t go back after youÂ’ve done Din Tai Fung). When you are sitting down to debate your next getaway with the family, toss in the option of a China family vacation. Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. 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. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? ItÂ’s bite-sized comfort food. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. 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. YouÂ’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! He then sets the steamer in front of you. During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. It was over too quickly. You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. For the kids, there is sports and culture all over the place. Churches in Shanghai China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities 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. This is beginning of the legendary Silk Road that was the main route for commerce and trade for centuries in Asia. 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. There are fossil records that show that this area has been populated as long as six thousand years ago. 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.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. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Where should you go in China on vacation? A colony of Great Britain since the first Opium Wars of the 1800s, it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. 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. The city is unique in China, and runs on a completely different system than the rest of the country. 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. The differences mean that visiting Hong Kong is unlike any other trip within China. But despite being the second largest, it was still the first choice for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. 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. The capital city of China, it is the best known of the four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Beijing is the obvious choice, as it will likely be the city that you fly into when you arrive in China. It is one of the most densely populated areas of China, cramming seven million people onto an island of less than 500 square miles. If you are going to China, there are three cities you must visit while you are there.

Tags: china, long, xiao, bao, dumpling

I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just canÂ’t go back after youÂ’ve done Din Tai Fung). If you want to take a vacation with a heavy sports theme, you could do worse than to take a China vacation. And if you want to see something that you likely won’t see outside of Asia, the dragon boat race festival in China is something to behold.You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. If you want something that the average Western sports fan is only beginning to catch on to, you can find many great martial arts competitions. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. They can hurt you!” And you know it, youÂ’ve been burned before. Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? ItÂ’s bite-sized comfort food. It was over too quickly. During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. He then sets the steamer in front of you. Literally. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. YouÂ’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. The steamer arrives. Be warned, if youÂ’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. This is key, the pièce de résistance. You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. The basket isnÂ’t even finished and youÂ’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isnÂ’t the case. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. If your tastes run to sports that you will be familiar with as a Western sports fan, you will be able to find an elite level of baseball being played in China. They originated here and theyÂ’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. You swallow. Churches in Shanghai China Family Vacation Offers Plenty to Work With ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. 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. 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. china vacations Bejing China Packages Yangtze River Cruises

Tags: long, china, bao, xiao, dumpling

These two territories are called Special Administrative Regions or SARs. Even if you are not among the faithful of these religions, there is much beauty to be found in the buildings and surrounding grounds, and a fascinating history as well.Built around 70 AD, the White Horse Temple would be the first Buddhist temple in the country. This return is called the "Handover" as the colonial city-state was handed back to China from the United Kingdom on this date. Answer: Yes. Despite its Taoist roots, it was originally used as a site to make prayers to Heaven, asking for a plentiful harvest season in China. The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and consists of a group of buildings used by Taoists throughout the years, and constructed in the 1400s. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction and main Taoist prayer site, and the surrounding parks are popular spots for Tai Chi practitioners and joggers. Buddhism was introduced to China in this time by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who sent emissaries to India to learn about their religion. It was closed down and abandoned during the Cultural Revolution and following Communist rise to power, but it was kept in good condition. China conceded Hong Kong to the United Kingdom in 1841 after their loss to the UK in the First Opium War. Today, it once again operates as a Taoist temple, and inspires those who visit it. The site was renovated and overhauled in the 18th century, and again just prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. After the construction was completed, the building changed hands many times, being used by different groups and religions over the centuries. The horse that bore the messengers from India was white, and so when the temple was constructed, it was named for the animal that carried the message of Buddhism into China. The Temple of Heaven was commissioned around the same time as the Forbidden City – both were completed at the bequest of the Yongle Emperor. Today, China treats Hong Kong (and Macau) with special rights. But if you are on a tight time frame, here are three sights that a religious study of China must include. The White Horse Temple is one of the most important Buddhist structures in China. While you are on vacation to China, you should take the time to visit these sites. It was built in the eight century, under the Emperorship of the Tang Dynasty. Hong Kong returned to China on July 1, 1997. The White Cloud Temple is a Taoist temple that is located in Beijing, and it is one of the great Ancestral Courts in the study of Taoism. Other Chinese geo-political territories are called provinces and autonomous regions . For more about the history of Hong Kong see the following articles by the Hong Kong Travel Guide: History of Hong Kong Beginnings to WWII History of Hong Kong WWII to the Present A Guide to the Hong Kong Handover If you are interested in history and religion, you should go on vacation to China. There, you will find an amazing history of religion that you could easily lose yourself in study of. A hundred-year lease on part of the colony expired in 1997 and the UK negotiated the handover to the PRC. Fu 1039: Shanghainese Cuisine China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun This building complex was once the Imperial Palace, and now houses the Palace Museum. Head up the stairs for larger banquet rooms and even further up for small private rooms. Downstairs you'll find the main dining rooms and bar. There are other wonderful sights to see in China, but these three are ones that simply cannot be missed when you visit the country. Step into history. We began with three cold starters: Drunken chicken , a famous local dish of poached chicken soaked in shaoxing wine; Vegetables in chili sauce , which had the unfortunate accompaniment of chicken feet; and Boiled bean curd skin roll with vegetables and minced pork , a tofu packet of sorts. Each dish had its own unique flavor with perhaps a hint of sweetness but nothing overpowering. Thank goodness the pot was bottomless. With several mains and limited space, I must point out the highlights: Stewed pork with sweet soy sauce , a dish that arrived in a giant ceramic pot and invited us to dig in with our chopsticks; Hairy crab legs with asparagus , another local delicacy that was thankfully pre-shelled heightening our enjoyment of the small creatures; and surprisingly the Sauteed seasonal vegetables , done in such a light garlic sauce that the crunchy greens became addictive. The Villa Not overdone, period art-deco and traditional 1930s pieces augment the experience that you're stepping back into Shanghai's past to dine on its specialties. The vegetables in chili oil looked innocuous enough but had a deadly finish that left us downing our chrysanthemum and Pu'er tea. Eating at Fu 1039 lets you feel like you're walking back in time. Experience the flavors of authentic Shanghainese cuisine: delicate yet well-defined. Moderate prices don't make you feel like you're spending a fortune. Wonderfully attentive yet unobtrusive staff: your wine glass and tea cup will never be empty. Private dining options perfect for groups or families with little ones. Limited wine list and seemingly limited stock. A wee bit hard to find: no signage outside. Fu 1039 Lane 1039 Yu Yuan Road, Shanghai 200050 Tel: 021-5237-1878 Expect to spend : 200-250rmb (US$ 25-30) per person The Food I have to jump right in because as beautiful as the ambiance is at Fu 1039, the food is the reason to go. Your group will be accommodated but don't forget to reserve first. The Forbidden City complex in Beijing is another must on any sight-seer’s list of amazing Chinese places. It was known as the Forbidden City, because during its heyday, permission to enter or leave its walls had to be granted by the Emperor himself. Chinese vacation goers are often overwhelmed by this site, and have been known to spend hours, wandering the length and breadth of it. Today, it is a major tourist attraction in Beijing, drawing people freely through its gates to admire the architecture, the parks and green spaces, and the narrow passages between them.

Tags: china, temple, hong, kong, history

In Las Vegas, one of the few popular non-gambling activities is going to see the shows. 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. 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. 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. Chinese workers usually get a week of holiday over Chinese New Year. 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. Businesses and factories usually only take about one week off. In essence, Chinese New Year is spending time with family, gift giving and, the all important, food-fest. While Americans, if we're lucky may get Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day off, and Europeans may take a whole week holiday, Chinese New Year festivities officially last for fifteen days. There are thousands of offers to get you to Vegas – but what if you crave something different? 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. 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. 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. The Chinese Lunar Calendar & Zodiac: The Chinese Lunar Calendar & Chinese Zodiac article will explain the origins and the meaning of the calendar and zodiac animals. The Twelve Animal Signs: Just for fun, take a look at your Chinese Zodiac sign to see what characteristics you share with your designated animal and some interesting career advice. In Las Vegas, gambling may be the favorite sport, but drinking is a close second. 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 Chinese New Year Food Here are some wonderful articles about what is traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year from our guide to Chinese cuisine: Symbolic Chinese Food and Recipes Chinese New Year Menus Chinese New Year Recipes Chinese New Year Around the Globe If you're not going to be in China, here's what's happening closer to home: Chinese New Year in Canada Chinese New Year in Dublin Chinese New Year in Hong Kong Chinese New Year in London Chinese New Year in Los Angeles Chinese New Year in Montreal Chinese New Year in New York City Chinese New Year in Paris Chinese New Year in San Francisco Chinese New Year in Scandinavia Chinese New Year in Sydney Chinese New Year in the UK Chinese New Year in Washington DC Event Round Up (Travel With Kids) 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. Really, it is the entire reason for the existence of the city in the first place. In China, drinking is far from illegal – you will soon learn the phrase “Gan bei!” means literally, bottoms up. There's actually a lot more to it than lion dances and firecrackers, although these two pieces of tradition are integral and more visible, Chinese New Year to China is like Christmas to the West. Vacations to China are less likely to be shown in those ad spaces, but they ought to be. Read answers to those questions about Traveling During Chinese New Year . Chinese New Year Defined: Just what is Chinese New Year? But that is no knock on the Vegas operations – China has been practicing the art of the opera for centuries. Of course, part of the fun of staying in Las Vegas is the immense and elaborate hotels. But generally, aside from New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, most service facilities (restaurants, hotels) and certainly tourist sights are open. Still have questions about openings and closings? Just how do the Chinese people spend time during the fifteen days of celebration? Find out by reading the Chinese New Year Traditional Calendar of Events . When is Chinese New Year? In 2009, New Year's Day falls on January 26. 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. 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.The whole of Las Vegas is intended to empty your pockets with a quick flourish at the card tables. History of Chinese New Year: Read a brief article about the origins of Chinese New Year . 2010 - The Year of the Tiger: 2010 brings us the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese lunar calendar. What's Your Sign? This means that offices and factories are closed and shops and banks may have limited hours. Vaccinations for China Travel Vacationing In China Offers Everything Japanese Encephalitis is recommended for longer-term travelers, especially children, who are susceptible to mosquito bites and will be outdoors during mosquito season (which can last from May to November in southern China). Hepatitis B is also recommended for longer term visitors/residents as it is very common throughout China. Rabies is recommended for any traveler who may come in contact with or handle animals, especially dogs. Rabies is common in China while the vaccination is not. The most famous examples include the Great Wall of China, and the Terracotta Warriors. The museum that houses them is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and definitely worth a trip.If you are moving to China for longer than three months, you’ll want to visit a physician to find out what is recommended for living in the area to which you’ll be moving. Routine immunizations should be up to date. There is almost 4000 miles of the Wall itself, but one of the most famous areas is the North Pass, which helped to defend the city of Beijing. Travel to China is different from living in China. These include Tetanus-diphtheria (DPT) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Varicella (chickenpox) Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers over 12 months of age to China. The Terracotta Warriors were discovered near Xi’an in 1974, and includes over 8,000 figures. Typhoid is recommended especially if you’ll be in rural areas where you may eat or drink outside large restaurants and hotels where you may come in contact with contaminated water or food. Yellow Fever is required by Chinese law only if you are arriving from an infected area such as Africa. The original Great Wall was constructed around 200 BC, but many other walls have been built since that time that are considered to be part of the Great Wall. This is a collection of information that can be found on the Center for Disease Control and MD Travel Health specifically for China. In China, there is history everywhere.

Tags: year, chinese, china, vegas, day

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. The culture, architecture and people of Beijing make it an amazing center that you will need a long time to properly explore. Take your time to see as much of this city as you can. 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! 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. Long the capital city of China, it is amazing how much of the country is represented here in the big city. The surprise might be the remnants of the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. As a result, Hong Kong is a thriving center of commerce and shipping. 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. If you love to shop, you must go to the high end districts in Hong Kong, and check out the massive stores. But despite having Chinese rulers again, Hong Kong enjoys certain protections that the rest of China does not. These masterpieces and marvels are the sorts of things that you simply cannot miss out on when you visit China. 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.Many people quickly forget who has hosted the previous edition of the Games, but the infrastructure build for those sporting events lasts much longer. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are headed to China for your next vacation, you might be wondering what Chinas vacation hot spots are. Number one has got to be a tie among some of the great historical buildings, statues and of course, walls. Long a British protectorate, it reverted to Chinese rule many years ago. All of the venues are still intact in Beijing, and many of them have guided tours. Number two might be the city of Hong Kong. Xiao Long Bao China on Vacation Means Three Must-See Cities They originated here and theyÂ’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. YouÂ’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! 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. 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. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. The basket isnÂ’t even finished and youÂ’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isnÂ’t the case. You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. 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.A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. 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. 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. 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. 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. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. Be warned, if youÂ’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. 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. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. They can hurt you!” And you know it, youÂ’ve been burned before. He then sets the steamer in front of you. Literally. 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. But that is no knock on the Vegas operations – China has been practicing the art of the opera for centuries. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. This is key, the pièce de résistance. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? ItÂ’s bite-sized comfort food. Really, it is the entire reason for the existence of the city in the first place. You swallow. In Las Vegas, gambling may be the favorite sport, but drinking is a close second. Of course, part of the fun of staying in Las Vegas is the immense and elaborate hotels. The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. In China, drinking is far from illegal – you will soon learn the phrase “Gan bei!” means literally, bottoms up. You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just canÂ’t go back after youÂ’ve done Din Tai Fung). 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. It was over too quickly. 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. In Las Vegas, one of the few popular non-gambling activities is going to see the shows. Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. The steamer arrives. Vacations to China are less likely to be shown in those ad spaces, but they ought to be. Bejing China Packages vacation in China Yangtze River Cruises

Tags: china, long, xiao, bao, vegas

Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. You swallow. This is key, the pièce de résistance. Be warned, if youÂ’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. It was over too quickly. At its height, the wall stood nearly four thousand miles long. I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just canÂ’t go back after youÂ’ve done Din Tai Fung). The Great Wall of China should really be known as the Great Walls of China. Ever since that time, and until the 1600s, the Chinese have added, maintained, lengthened and fortified the walls that guard their lands. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. Literally. During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. They can hurt you!” And you know it, youÂ’ve been burned before. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. The steamer arrives. The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . They originated here and theyÂ’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. The basket isnÂ’t even finished and youÂ’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isnÂ’t the case. You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? ItÂ’s bite-sized comfort food. While its width means that no, it is not the only man-made structure that would be visible from the moon, the sheer size and skill of the wall is still something that draws tourists from around the world, and even features a marathon along part of the wall itself.The first piece was built around 200 BC to protect a relatively small area. Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. YouÂ’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! He then sets the steamer in front of you. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. Churches in Shanghai China Vacation Tours Show You More Than You Could Find But while you are in China, you can view some great parts of this ancient trade route that brought commerce and adventure from every corner of the known world.From China, you can travel the Silk Road to India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, and Iran, covering some 4000 miles. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. When you are looking to take your next vacation, you might decide that the all-inclusive resorts and identical beach hotels of any given island resort are getting a little old. In China, you will find adventure around every corner. Of course, unless you have a very extended vacation schedule, you won’t have time to travel the whole thing. If that is the case, why not consider vacationing in China? Where else on earth can you travel on the fabled Silk Road? You crave adventure, history, , culture and something completely original.

Tags: long, xiao, bao, dumpling, china

You’re so hungry, you want to scoop a dumpling onto your plate before the last of the steam cloud dissipates but that little voice inside your head says “Wait! They originated here and they’ve been copied throughout China and Asia but Shanghai remains THE place to experience them. I waited over an hour one day doing the “tourist thing” but was slightly disappointed (you just can’t go back after you’ve done Din Tai Fung). A China vacation, timed properly, could allow you to view all three of these popular Chinese sporting events within one trip, and show you the sporting side to this rich culture.The basket isn’t even finished and you’re already flagging down a waitress to order more. Where Can You Get Them? The expectation is that the best place to eat xiao long bao is some undistinguished street stall but surprisingly, that isn’t the case. You open your eyes, look at the basket of diminished xiao long bao, look around at your dining partners and quickly snatch another one. The steamer arrives. Originally from Taiwan, these guys have mastered the creation of the Shanghai dumplings. He then sets the steamer in front of you. You gingerly dip it into a little Chinese vinegar and then pop the dumpling into your mouth savoring the sensation that bursts forth. You carefully bite, letting the broth escape and fill your mouth. You swallow. The best, hands-down-no-one-will-argue-best, place to eat xiao long bao is Din Tai Fung . Be warned, if you’re an orthodox xiao long bao eater, you might be put off by this heretical supplement. You sip your tea idly as the minutes tick by, waiting for the dumplings to cool. Eventually, you can wait no longer. They can hurt you!” And you know it, you’ve been burned before. Introduction Pronounced “show” (rhymes with cow) “long” “bow” (rhymes with cow), these little babies are the quintessential Shanghai cuisine. A waiter holds the tray and another removes the lid letting a cloud of steam escape from its bamboo confinement. Picture this: You await your order of xiao long bao. Inside each of these little angels hides the hot soup that cradles the ball of minced pork. Literally. Crystal Jade This popular eatery has all kinds of dumplings (dim sum) on offer and their xiao long bao are acceptable. Nanxiang Restaurant Famous as the inventor of xiao long bao, Nanxiang at the heart of the Yu Garden area (look for the line outside waiting for take-away xiao long bao) is the most famous. The Chinese name means “little basket dumplings” and they arrive at your table in a little bamboo steamer in groups of four to eight. What Are They? Simply, xiao long bao are little balls of minced pork combined with jellified pork or chicken stock wrapped in a thin flour skin. During the steaming process, the stock liquefies creating soup within the dumpling. You delicately take a dumpling between two chopsticks, being careful not to puncture the thin flour wrapper. Then you chew, relishing the delicateness of the flour wrapper and the juiciness of the pork. This is key, the pièce de résistance. It was over too quickly. The combination of flavors and textures makes this “snack” worth traveling for. Why Are They So Good? It’s bite-sized comfort food. They follow strict guidelines actually weighing each ball of dough before wrapping the meat to ensure that the wrapper is consistently paper thin. Read More: Din Tai Fung Other popular places to eat xiao long bao are Le Platane Singapore celebrity chef Justin Quek has added his signature: foie gras pre-steam to give the little Shanghai dumplings a French twist. You can go inside and sit, but the tourist thing to do is wait in line for your 8rmb box of 16 xiao long bao. Churches in Shanghai China Vacation Sports Lots of Fun They play their home games in Lucheng, just south of Beijing. The Chinese Baseball League began operation in 2002, and has enjoyed a lot of success since its inception. ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. If you are a fan of sports, there is no greater trip than a China vacation. While in China, you will see many wonderful sights, but there are three that will rival anything you can see anywhere else in the sporting world: Baseball. The CBL is now partnered with the more established Nippon Professional Baseball league of Japan, allowing for transfers between the two countries to better grow the sport. The Beijing Tigers actually predate the league by many years, and have been the most successful team in the CBL, winning the championships three times. For any baseball fan, this is a great chance to see players that you would normally never get a chance to watch, and see a ball park that most people will only ever hear about. China Packages Bejing china vacations Great Wall of China

Tags: long, xiao, bao, dumpling, china

In today's USA Today paper, there's a half-page feature article about urban chickens . In the print version of the paper, the story takes up the whole above-the-fold section of page 6D and includes a list of communities that we know have changed local laws to allow for urban chicken farming: Durham, NC; Portland, ME; Camden, ME; Huntington, NY; Lawrence, KS; and Longmont, CO. Great to see all these smart cities doing the right thing! Unfortunately, in what I'm hoping was a quest for "a balanced look at the issue," the author provided even more airtime for Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey and her peculiar concerns about urban chickens: Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey opposes efforts to allow backyard chickens in her community. One concern: University students often leave pets behind, she says, and the city – home to the University of Iowa – would need to develop facilities to shelter abandoned chickens. Another problem: Small Midwestern farmers are increasingly trying to raise a diversity of organic produce beyond corn, oats and soybeans. But that movement faces an uphill battle, Bailey says, when locals who are passionate about high-quality eggs bypass their local farmers. "We have a lot of small farmers around here making chickens and eggs available for sale," Bailey says. "My fundamental question is: Why aren't we supporting the regional economy?" I'd love to see the data that Bailey's consulting in order to form her opinion that she needs to create abandoned chicken shelters. If I'm lucky, it'll be the same data set that's showing backyard chicken owners will be putting small Midwestern farmers out of the organic produce business. How about it Mayor Bailey? Care to share what's informing your concerns? Or is it just more smoke-and-mirrors in City Hall? Photo credit gingerjess on Flickr backyard chickens chicken coops chickens chicken coop designs

Tags: chicken, bailey, city, concern, farmers

People often wonder how much it’s going to cost them to build their own chicken coop in their backyard. There are a plethora of both free and pay chicken coop plans available on the internet and a startling variance among projected material costs. With a bit of research you’ll find that it’s actually not as [...]No related posts. Tips for Chicken Coop Designs Raising chickens is a fun hobby and can lead to a nice, small income for those willing to put the effort into it. Like people, chickens have to have lodging and that lodging can come in all forms. You can buy chicken coop designs for as few or as many chickens as you plan to [...]No related posts. chicken coop designs backyard poultry chicken coops chicken coop

Tags: chicken, coop, cost, designs, posts

People often wonder how much it’s going to cost them to build their own chicken coop in their backyard. There are a plethora of both free and pay chicken coop plans available on the internet and a startling variance among projected material costs. With a bit of research you’ll find that it’s actually not as [...]No related posts. Tips for Chicken Coop Designs Raising chickens is a fun hobby and can lead to a nice, small income for those willing to put the effort into it. Like people, chickens have to have lodging and that lodging can come in all forms. You can buy chicken coop designs for as few or as many chickens as you plan to [...]No related posts. chicken coops chickens chicken coop backyard poultry

Tags: chicken, coop, cost, posts, designs

Machines are essentially complex tools that increase the efficiency of a given task, or permit the operator(s) to conduct missions that would otherwise be impossible or prohibitively dangerous due to limitations imposed by nature.  Although many people lament that machines have facilitated many acts of evil in this world, especially through their use in war, [...] The Feast of the Frozen It is the middle of January.  A deep blanket of snow is covering the gardens and draping the forest.  It has been nearly two months since our final harvest, and three months before our first garden plantings (peas).  Yet, this deep into the winter, and it appears that we grew more food than we can [...] backyard poultry backyard chickens chicken coops chickens

Tags: machines, chicken, months, garden, deep

If you are building your own chicken coop then it is best to work from a set of tried and tested chicken coop plans rather than making it up as you go. If you have a set of plans and checklist of required materials you are going to save a lot of time and money. [...] Catawba Chicken Coop Plans One of my site advertisers catawbacoops.com (thats right, this site does cost money to host) is having an anniversary sale on its chicken coop plans. They are selling their coop plans for half price.These plans look great. To be honest, I have not built from these plans but from what I understand they [...] chickens chicken coop chicken coops chicken coop designs

Tags: coop, chicken, plans, set, money

In today's USA Today paper, there's a half-page feature article about urban chickens . In the print version of the paper, the story takes up the whole above-the-fold section of page 6D and includes a list of communities that we know have changed local laws to allow for urban chicken farming: Durham, NC; Portland, ME; Camden, ME; Huntington, NY; Lawrence, KS; and Longmont, CO. Great to see all these smart cities doing the right thing! Unfortunately, in what I'm hoping was a quest for "a balanced look at the issue," the author provided even more airtime for Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey and her peculiar concerns about urban chickens: Iowa City Mayor Regenia Bailey opposes efforts to allow backyard chickens in her community. One concern: University students often leave pets behind, she says, and the city – home to the University of Iowa – would need to develop facilities to shelter abandoned chickens. Another problem: Small Midwestern farmers are increasingly trying to raise a diversity of organic produce beyond corn, oats and soybeans. But that movement faces an uphill battle, Bailey says, when locals who are passionate about high-quality eggs bypass their local farmers. "We have a lot of small farmers around here making chickens and eggs available for sale," Bailey says. "My fundamental question is: Why aren't we supporting the regional economy?" I'd love to see the data that Bailey's consulting in order to form her opinion that she needs to create abandoned chicken shelters. If I'm lucky, it'll be the same data set that's showing backyard chicken owners will be putting small Midwestern farmers out of the organic produce business. How about it Mayor Bailey? Care to share what's informing your concerns? Or is it just more smoke-and-mirrors in City Hall? Photo credit gingerjess on Flickr chicken coops backyard poultry chickens chicken coop

Tags: chicken, bailey, city, farmers, iowa

“An article you had earlier, about not damaging a film on the egg if you want to hatch them, has caused another concern in my mind. I clean all my eggs under cool water and soap before storing them. Is this the proper way to do it, or am I causing the storage life span [...] A Hen That Crows Like A Rooster? “Hi! Love your newsletter! I have four Banty Hens and a Rooster. Mr. Ricardo crows when I cone home in the morning. Lately, Lucy, one of my hens has been crowing after the rooster crows! It was an awkward crow at first, but now she’s a little louder, and she definitely crows.The locals here in [...]

Tags: crow, egg, rooster, hen, soap

Raising chickens and yielding maximum egg output is always easiest with a quality chicken coop. House-style designs are by far the best choice, as they provide both protected nesting space and a large running area. This will ensure your birds remain relaxed, healthy and safe enough to consistently provide good quality eggs. This article shows [...]Related posts: Chicken Coop Designs – Complete Chicken Coop Designs For All Skill Levels If you have ever looked into building your own chicken...

Tags: chicken, coop, designs, egg, quality

If you are building your own chicken coop then it is best to work from a set of tried and tested chicken coop plans rather than making it up as you go. If you have a set of plans and checklist of required materials you are going to save a lot of time and money. [...] Catawba Chicken Coop Plans One of my site advertisers catawbacoops.com (thats right, this site does cost money to host) is having an anniversary sale on its chicken coop plans. They are selling their coop plans for half price.These plans look great. To be honest, I have not built from these plans but from what I understand they [...] backyard chickens chicken coop designs chicken coops chicken coop

Tags: coop, chicken, plans, set, money

If you've taken a look at the nascent Urban Chickens Network Legal Resource Center , you know that trying to keep track of the seemingly endless variations of ordinances regarding keeping chickens in the backyard is a difficult task, at best. It seems every town and city has to have its own version of the law allowing urban chickens (if, indeed, they are allowed), and depending on just where you're geographically located, you may not enjoy the same chicken-owning rights as your next door neighbor. Thanks to frequent reader Linda S, I've been alerted to an interesting approach being proposed in the state of Georgia. The Georgia General Assembly is considering a statewide law governing the growing of crops and keeping of small animals in HB 842 - Agriculture; preempt certain local ordinances; protect right to grow food crops; provisions . The First Reader Summary says A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to agriculture, so as to preempt certain local ordinances relating to production of agricultural or farm products; to protect the right to grow food crops and raise small animals on private property so long as such crops and animals are used for human consumption by the occupants, gardeners, or raisers and their households and not for commercial purposes; to define a term; to provide for effect on certain private agreements and causes of action; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. Now, whether or not the bill passes, I like this approach: deal with matters on a state level so that the constituents don't have to scratch their heads wondering whether something legal or illegal based on the whims of the local government. It'd sure go a long way toward simplifying the process of knowing where your food comes from. Does anyone know of another state that is considering (or has even passed) such a law? Oh, and have you yet added your own town's urban chicken ordinance to the Urban Chickens Network Legal Resource Center ? We're at 36 cities and growing! Photo credit: atlexplorer on Flickr Urban Chickens on the Martha Stewart Show? Be There! Got an email this morning from Anne who works in the audience department at the Martha Stewart Show in NYC.  They're taping a show on urban farming in March 2010 and are looking for urban chicken farmers (among others) to be in the audience. If you're interested in being there, you have to request tickets and help them understand why you should be in the audience. The details are in Anne's email: If you or someone you know have recently turned your backyard space into a chicken coop or turkey pen, we have a special show that's just for you! We're filling our studio audience with individuals who raise livestock in urban environments as we celebrate the backyard farming movement. If you're interested in attending this show, please be sure to tell us about yourself and your backyard farm, as well as why you'd like to be part of this special audience. Please feel free to spread the word and request tickets as soon as you can if you're interested!  The link to request tickets is www.marthastewart.com/get- tickets ; scroll down to ‘calling all urban farmers.'  I hope to see you there next month (if they approve my request to attend, that is... fingers crossed!)

Tags: urban, chicken, audience, show, backyard

With food costs sky rocketing you may have considered ways to produce your own food such as purchasing chickens but then changed your mind once you realized how much money it can take to start building a chicken coop. After all, unless you purchase a set for building a chicken coop you have nowhere to [...]Related posts: Chicken Coops Plans That Cover the Basics Trying to design your own chicken coops plans can be... Chicken Coop Designs – Complete Chicken Coop Designs For All Skill Levels If you have ever looked into building your own chicken... 3 Common Questions About Building a Chicken Coop Public interest in keeping backyard chickens is currently undergoing a... Building Chicken Coops the Easy Way There are thousands of plans, designs and ideas for buildings used in housing chickens. They range from elaborate two story structures right on down to a small doghouse type dwelling surrounded by a few feet of chicken wire. Before you invest a lot of money and time setting up costly coops, learn about building chicken [...]No related posts. backyard chickens chicken coop chickens chicken coops

Tags: chicken, coop, building, design, plans