Chinese New Year : The people’s fireworks, ChengDu 成都

What it is like in a Chinese city during the Spring Festival ...

Warning - loud !

[640],shadow=true,start=,stop=170Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. It is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, as well as in other East Asian countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Here's an overview of Chinese New Year and its traditions:

Timing and Duration:
Lunar Calendar: Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, with the date falling between late January and mid-February each year. The exact date varies because it is based on the lunar phases.

Festival Period: The celebrations typically last for 15 days, beginning on the eve of Chinese New Year and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.

Traditions and Customs:
Family Reunions: Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many people travel long distances to reunite with their relatives, leading to the largest annual human migration in the world, known as Chunyun.

Cleaning and Decoration: In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. They also decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets (duilian), and paper cutouts featuring auspicious symbols.

Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner: The New Year's Eve dinner, known as 'reunion dinner' (??? tunninfn), is a lavish feast shared with family members. Traditional dishes include fish (symbolizing prosperity), dumplings (symbolizing wealth), and various other symbolic foods.

Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Red envelopes containing money are given as gifts during Chinese New Year, especially to children and unmarried individuals. The red color symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.

Fireworks and Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are set off at midnight on New Year's Eve and throughout the festival period to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Lion and Dragon Dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are performed in streets, parks, and public squares to bring prosperity and good fortune to communities.

Zodiac Animals:
Each Year is Associated with an Animal: Chinese New Year is symbolized by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Each animal is believed to influence the personality traits and destiny of individuals born in that year.

Travel and Celebrations:
Spring Festival Gala: The Spring Festival Gala, broadcasted on Chinese television on New Year's Eve, features a variety of performances, skits, and musical acts. It is one of the most-watched television programs in the world.

Temple Fairs: Traditional temple fairs are held throughout China during Chinese New Year, offering food stalls, performances, games, and cultural activities for visitors to enjoy.

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, reunion, and renewal, filled with rich traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. It is a celebration of family, community, and the arrival of spring, marking a fresh beginning and the promise of prosperity in the year ahead.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle. Here's a guide for tourists visiting Chengdu:

Cultural and Historical Attractions:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: One of the most popular attractions in Chengdu, this conservation center allows visitors to observe giant pandas in a semi-natural habitat.

Jinli Ancient Street: Located next to Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street is a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional Sichuan-style buildings, shops, teahouses, and street food stalls.

Wuhou Shrine: Dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist of the Three Kingdoms period, and Liu Bei, the emperor of the Shu Kingdom, Wuhou Shrine is a historic complex with beautiful gardens and ancient architecture.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage: This museum and park commemorates the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu and features reconstructions of his former residence and gardens.

Culinary Delights:
Sichuan Cuisine: Chengdu is renowned for its spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like mapo tofu, hot pot, and dandan noodles.

Hot Pot: Chengdu's hot pot is famous nationwide. Enjoy a communal dining experience where you cook various meats, vegetables, and other ingredients in a bubbling pot of spicy broth.

Natural Beauty:
Mount Qingcheng: Located about an hour's drive from Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng is one of the birthplaces of Taoism and offers picturesque hiking trails, ancient temples, and serene scenery.

Jiuzhaigou Valley: While it's a bit further from Chengdu (requiring a flight or long bus ride), Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and colorful forests.

Modern Attractions:
Chengdu Research Base of Tianfu Giant Panda Breeding: In addition to the Giant Panda Breeding Base, this newer facility focuses on breeding and research for giant pandas and other endangered species.

Sichuan Opera: Experience traditional Sichuan opera performances featuring colorful costumes, face-changing (bian lian) techniques, acrobatics, and puppet shows.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Chengdu has an efficient public transportation system, including a subway and buses. Taxis and ride-hailing services like DiDi are also readily available.

Weather: Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

Language: While Mandarin is the official language, the local dialect in Chengdu is Sichuanese. English may not be widely spoken outside of tourist areas, so consider learning a few basic phrases or carrying a translation app.

Chengdu offers a blend of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and natural beauty, making it an enticing destination for travelers seeking an authentic Chinese experience. Whether you're exploring historic sites, savoring spicy cuisine, or marveling at the region's natural wonders, Chengdu is sure to leave a lasting impression.

SiChuan map

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30 Chinese drinks
30 Chinese drinks
30 popular drinks and beverages you might encounter in China, including traditional favorites and popular choices: Green Tea (绿茶, lǜchá) - Refreshing and commonly served in Chinese restaurants and households. Black Tea (红茶, hóngchá) - Another classic tea variety enjoyed across China. Oolong Tea (乌龙茶, wūlóngchá) - Semi-oxidized tea with a diverse range of flavors. Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶, mòlìhuā chá) - Fragrant tea infused with jasmine flowers. Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶, pǔ'ěrchá) - A fermented tea known for its earthy flavor and health benefits. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, júhuā chá) - Light and floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers. Hawthorn Juice (山楂汁, shānzhā zhī) - Tart and slightly sweet juice made from hawthorn berries. Coconut Water (椰子水, yēzi shuǐ) - Refreshing and hydrating natural drink from young coconuts. Soy Milk (豆浆, dòu jiāng) - Nutty and creamy beverage made from soybeans. Milk Tea (奶茶, nǎichá) - Popular sweetened tea with milk, often served cold or hot. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) - Sweetened tea or milk drink with chewy tapioca pearls. Lemon Tea (柠檬茶, níngméng chá) - Tea infused with lemon juice, often served cold. Lü Cheng Ice Tea (绿茶, lǜchá) - A popular bottled tea often found in convenience stores. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, júhuā chá) - Light and floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers. Soy Milk (豆浆, dòu jiāng) - Nutty and creamy beverage made from soybeans. Milk Tea (奶茶, nǎichá) - Popular sweetened tea with milk, often served cold or hot. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) - Sweetened tea or milk drink with chewy tapioca pearls. Lemon Tea (柠檬茶, níngméng chá) - Tea infused with lemon juice, often served cold. Lü Cheng Ice Tea (绿茶冰, lǜchá bīng) - Bottled green tea served chilled with ice. Beer (啤酒, píjiǔ) - Commonly enjoyed alcoholic beverage in China, with popular brands like Tsingtao and Snow Beer. Rice Wine (米酒, mǐjiǔ) - Traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Baijiu (白酒, báijiǔ) - Strong Chinese distilled spirit made from grains, commonly consumed during celebrations. Plum Juice (酸梅汤, suān méi tāng) - Tangy and sweet juice made from preserved plums. Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶, dōngguā chá) - Refreshing tea made from winter melon, often sweetened. Red Bean Soup (红豆汤, hóngdòu tāng) - Sweet soup made from boiled red beans, served hot or cold. Honey Citron Tea (柚子蜂蜜茶, yòuzi fēngmì chá) - Tea infused with honey and citron fruit, served hot. Laba Congee (腊八粥, làbā zhōu) - Sweet rice porridge traditionally enjoyed on Laba Festival, made with various ingredients like nuts and dried fruits. Wolfberry Tea (枸杞茶, gǒuqǐ chá) - Tea made from goji berries (wolfberries), known for their health benefits. Osmanthus Tea (桂花茶, guìhuā chá) - Fragrant tea made from osmanthus flowers, often sweetened. Lemon Water (柠檬水, níngméng shuǐ) - Simple infused water made with lemon slices and water. These are just a few examples of the diverse and delightful drinks you can enjoy in China. Each region may have its own specialties and variations of these beverages.
A taste of China at home : HoiSin sauce
A taste of China at home : HoiSin sauce
Introduction: Hoisin sauce is a thick, flavorful condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for meat dishes. While store-bought hoisin sauce is readily available, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste preferences. This DIY hoisin sauce recipe is simple to prepare and uses easily sourced ingredients. Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth) 1 tablespoon honey or molasses 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili oil or paste, or sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for heat) Method: Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey or molasses, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and chili paste (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust Consistency: If the hoisin sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or additional soy sauce. If it's too thin, you can add more peanut butter or honey to thicken it to your desired consistency. Taste and Adjust: Taste the hoisin sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, or chili paste for heat, according to your taste preferences. Store: Transfer the homemade hoisin sauce to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least an hour before using the sauce. Usage Tips: Use homemade hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or roasted meats. Brush it on grilled chicken, pork, or tofu as a flavorful marinade or glaze. Stir it into stir-fries or noodle dishes for added depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness of the hoisin sauce to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade hoisin sauce in your favorite Chinese dishes! Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a condiment for Peking Duck. Peking Duck is a famous dish from Beijing (formerly known as Peking), where roasted duck is served with thin pancakes, along with condiments such as hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and cucumber. When enjoying Peking Duck, diners typically spread hoisin sauce onto a pancake, then add slices of roasted duck, along with some sliced scallions and cucumber. The pancake is then rolled up and eaten as a delicious and flavorful wrap. Hoisin sauce complements the rich, savory flavor of the roasted duck with its sweet, salty, and umami notes. It adds depth and complexity to each bite and enhances the overall dining experience. While hoisin sauce is a key component of Peking Duck, you can also use it as a condiment for other dishes, such as stir-fries, grilled meats, spring rolls, and more. Its versatility makes it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

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