Chinese street food 中国街头食品

With CGTN Travelogue ... With Blondie in China ... Xiamen Visitor Guide Introduction Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, is known for its scenic views, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With its mix of modern urban life and traditional charm, Xiamen offers visitors an unforgettable experience. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to explore Xiamen's beautiful beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. Key Attractions 1. Gulangyu Island Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short ferry ride from Xiamen's main city. Known for its colonial architecture, winding streets, and absence of vehicles, Gulangyu offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Highlights include the Piano Museum, Sunlight Rock, and the Shuzhuang Garden. 2. Nanputuo Temple Nanputuo Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Located at the foot of Wulaofeng (Five Old Men Peaks), the temple complex includes beautiful halls, statues, and a large lotus pond. Visitors can also hike up the mountain behind the temple for panoramic views of Xiamen. 3. Xiamen University Xiamen University is often considered one of the most beautiful campuses in China. Visitors can explore its lush grounds, see the historic buildings, and walk around the tranquil Furong Lake. The university is located near Nanputuo Temple, making it convenient to visit both in one trip. 4. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street Zhongshan Road is a bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, street food vendors, and historic buildings. It's a great place to experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and taste Xiamen's famous snacks, such as peanut soup and oyster omelets. 5. Hulishan Fortress This coastal defense fortress was built in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty. The site includes ancient cannons, barracks, and a small museum detailing Xiamen's military history. Hulishan Fortress offers insights into China's coastal defense history and provides scenic views of the ocean. Cultural Activities Xiamen is a city rich in culture and tradition. Here are some activities to help you experience the local culture: Tea Tasting: Fujian Province is famous for its tea, and Xiamen is a great place to taste high-quality oolong tea. Visit a local tea house or the Xiamen Tea Culture Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Temple Visits: In addition to Nanputuo Temple, explore other local temples such as the Hongshan Temple and the Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Mazu. Attend a Minnan Opera Performance: Minnan opera, also known as Hokkien opera, is a traditional form of Chinese opera popular in Fujian. Catch a performance to experience this unique cultural expression. Explore Local Markets: Visit markets like the Eighth Market (Ba Jiao Ting Market) to see local produce, seafood, and traditional foods. It's a great way to experience the local lifestyle and cuisine. Dining Options Xiamen is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of local dishes and seafood delicacies. Here are some must-try dining experiences: Seafood: Being a coastal city, Xiamen boasts fresh seafood dishes. Try local specialties like sandworm jelly, steamed mantis shrimp, and crab porridge. Shacha Noodles: This famous noodle dish is made with a unique peanut-based shacha sauce, pork, and various vegetables. It is a staple of Xiamen's street food scene. Spring Rolls: Xiamen-style spring rolls are a popular snack. They are filled with a mix of vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood, wrapped in thin dough and fried to a crispy perfection. Local Snacks: Don't miss out on trying local snacks like peanut soup, oyster omelet, and rice dumplings (zongzi). You can find these at street food stalls and markets. Dim Sum: For a more formal dining experience, visit a local dim sum restaurant to enjoy a variety of steamed buns, dumplings, and other small dishes. Shopping Xiamen offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from modern malls to traditional markets: SM City Xiamen: This large shopping mall is one of the most popular in Xiamen, offering international brands, local shops, and a variety of dining options. Zhongshan Road: A pedestrian street known for its local boutiques, souvenir shops, and street food. It's a great place to buy local crafts, tea, and snacks. Shapowei Art Zone: A trendy area with art galleries, coffee shops, and boutique stores. It's an excellent spot for unique gifts and handmade items. Wuyuanwan Wetland Park Market: Visit this market for fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade goods. It's a perfect spot for those looking to experience local life and purchase fresh food. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Xiamen is from October to December when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Spring (March to May) is also a good time, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Getting Around: Xiamen is well-connected by public transportation, including buses, taxis, and a metro system. Biking is also a popular way to explore the city, especially along the scenic coastline. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Xiamen, though many people understand basic English, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app can be helpful. Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when shopping at local markets and street vendors. Respect Local Customs: Xiamen is a culturally rich city with many religious sites. Be respectful when visiting temples and other religious places. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples, and follow any rules regarding photography. Safety: Xiamen is a relatively safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and markets.

美國大叔賣掉房屋，移居中國14年：在百年老宅找到人生理想

Filmed in the summer of 2010.

With Wei's Travel ...

Introduction: Chili oil is a versatile and flavorful condiment widely used in Chinese cuisine, particularly in SiChuan and HuNan dishes. It adds heat, depth and aroma to a variety of dishes, from noodles and stir-fries to dumplings and marinades. Making chili oil at home allows you to customize the flavors and heat level to your preference, and it's surprisingly simple to prepare, with just a few key ingredients. Ingredients: A neutral Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, grape-seed oil, or peanut oil. This will serve as the base for the chili oil and carry the flavors of the aromatics and spices. Dried Chilies: Use dried chili peppers of your choice, such as Chinese facing-heaven chilies, Thai bird's eye chilies, or arbol chilies; but any will be fine. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of heat. If whole dried chilies, crumble into flakes. Some sliced fresh chilis can also be included. Sichuan Peppercorns: Optional but highly recommended for authentic Sichuan flavor. Sichuan peppercorns add a citrusy, floral aroma and a distinctive numbing sensation to the chili oil. Can be bought at a Chinese grocery store or online. Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and scallions are common aromatics used in chili oil. They add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Spices: Optional spices such as star anise and cloves can be added for additional flavor and complexity. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the chili oil. Method: Prepare the Ingredients: If using whole dried chilies, remove the stems and cut or tear them into smaller pieces. Peel and slice the garlic and ginger. Cut the scallions into small pieces. Infuse the oil: In a saucepan or skillet, heat the neutral oil over low to medium heat. Add the dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns (if using), garlic, ginger, plus any optional spices. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Cool the oil: Remove the pan from the heat and let the oil cool. This allows the flavors to infuse into the oil. Strain the oil: Once the oil has cooled, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Storage: In an airtight container, store the chili oil in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. Tips: Adjust the quantity of dried chilies and SiChuan peppercorns to your preferred level of heat and numbing sensation. Experiment with different aromatics and spices to customize the flavor of your chili oil. A little sesame oil can be added at the end to further enhance the flavor and aroma of the chili oil. Toasted sesame oil, in particular, adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the spices and aromatics. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause the aromatics and spices to burn and develop off-flavors. Enjoy your homemade chili oil drizzled over noodles, stir-fries, dumplings, or any dish that could use a spicy kick and aromatic depth! Give some to your friends and relatives : )

With Pandaland Villager ... Visitor Guide to ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, SuZhou Overview ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, located in SuZhou, JiangSu Province, are renowned for their picturesque beauty and historical significance. Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," ShanTang Street is a perfect blend of traditional Chinese architecture, serene waterways, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination. Historical Background of ShanTang River ShanTang River, also known as the "Seven-Li Shantang," was originally constructed in 825 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The construction was overseen by Bai Juyi, a renowned poet and the then governor of SuZhou. The canal was built to connect SuZhou city with HuQiu (Tiger Hill), facilitating trade and transportation while providing a scenic route for travelers. The project was an ambitious undertaking aimed at promoting economic development and improving water management in the region. The construction of the canal also helped to control flooding and provided a reliable source of water for irrigation, which was crucial for local agriculture. Over the centuries, ShanTang River became a vital artery for the transportation of goods and people. It also served as a cultural hub, with the development of markets, temples, and residential areas along its banks. The river and the adjacent ShanTang Street became synonymous with prosperity and cultural richness, attracting scholars, merchants, and artists who contributed to the flourishing of SuZhou. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is SuZhou Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX), located about 40 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach ShanTang Street. By Train: SuZhou Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Shanghai, HangZhou, and Nanjing. From the station, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach ShanTang Street. By Bus: SuZhou is well-served by long-distance buses from nearby cities. The main bus station in SuZhou is SuZhou North Bus Station, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to ShanTang Street. Getting Around Walking: The best way to explore ShanTang Street is on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the historical buildings, quaint shops, and beautiful scenery. Boating: Taking a boat ride along the ShanTang River offers a unique perspective of the ancient town and its waterways. Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of SuZhou. Main Attractions ShanTang Street This ancient street, with a history of over 1,100 years, stretches for about 3.5 kilometers along the ShanTang River. It is lined with well-preserved traditional buildings, charming shops, tea houses, and restaurants, offering a delightful walking experience. ShanTang River The ShanTang River is a scenic waterway that flows through the heart of the town. Boat rides along the river provide a tranquil and picturesque journey, showcasing the town's beautiful bridges, ancient buildings, and lush gardens. Pingjiang Road Located nearby, Pingjiang Road is another historic street that complements your visit to ShanTang Street. Known for its classical SuZhou gardens, traditional houses, and cultural sites, it offers a deeper understanding of SuZhou's rich heritage. Baosheng Temple Baosheng Temple, located along ShanTang Street, is a historic Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and serene gardens. It provides a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the town's religious heritage. Tiger Hill Just a short distance from ShanTang Street, Tiger Hill is a popular tourist attraction known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and the iconic Yunyan Pagoda, often referred to as the "Leaning Tower of China." Local Cuisine SuZhou's cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes: Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish: A signature dish of SuZhou, featuring fresh fish cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish: A beautifully presented dish with a crispy exterior and tender meat, often served with a sweet and sour sauce. SuZhou Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles served in a rich broth with various toppings, including pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Local Pastries: Try the traditional SuZhou-style mooncakes and other pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Shopping Local Handicrafts: ShanTang Street is famous for its traditional handicrafts, including silk products, embroidery, and paper-cutting. These items make for unique souvenirs. Antique Shops: Explore local antique shops for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles. Tea Houses: Purchase high-quality Chinese tea from the local tea houses along ShanTang Street. Accommodation Traditional Inns: For an authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional inn or guesthouse, which often feature historical architecture and local decor. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the SuZhou Garden Hotel and local boutique hotels provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the SuZhou Marriott Hotel or the SuZhou Jinji Lake Grand Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanTang Street are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: ShanTang Street is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, with their rich history, traditional architecture, and picturesque scenery, offer a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient streets, savoring local cuisine, or taking a serene boat ride along the river, ShanTang provides an unforgettable glimpse into SuZhou's past. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this charming destination in JiangSu Province.

These elements are commonly used in various combinations to form place names throughout China, reflecting geographical features, cultural aspects, and historical significance. Tiān 天 - Heaven: TianAnMen 天安门 - TianAnMen Mén 门 - Gate: DongMen 东门 - East Gate Sì 寺 - Temple: ShaoLinSi 少林寺 - ShaoLin Temple Shān 山 - Mountain: HuangShan 黄山 - Yellow Mountain Hé 河 - River: HuangHe 黄河 - Yellow River Jiāng 江 - River (large): ChangJiang 长江 - Yangtze River Hú 湖 - Lake: XiHu 西湖 - West Lake Hǎi 海 - Sea: QingDao 青岛 - QingDao Zhōu 州 - State or Prefecture: GuangZhou 广州 - GuangZhou Shì 市 - City: ShangHai 市 - ShangHai City Zhèn 镇 - Town: ZhouZhuang 镇 周庄镇 - ZhouZhuang Town Cūn 村 - Village: ZhouCun 周村 - Zhou Village Miào 庙 - Temple: WenMiao 文庙 - Confucius Temple Qiáo 桥 - Bridge: LuGouQiao 卢沟桥 - Marco Polo Bridge Dòng 洞 - Cave: YunGang ShiKu 云冈石窟 - YunGang Grottoes Bǎo 堡 - Fort or Castle: ZhangJiaJie 张家界 - ZhangJiaJie Tái 台 - Platform or Terrace: DongTai 东台 - DongTai Lǐng 岭 - Ridge or Mountain Range: WuLing 五岭 - Five Ridges Gǎng 港 - Harbor or Port: XiangGang 香港 - Hong Kong Yuàn 苑 - Park or Garden: YiHeYuan 颐和园 - Summer Palace Quán 泉 - Spring: JiNan 济南 - JiNan Wān 湾 - Bay: ShenZhen Wan 深圳湾 - ShenZhen Bay Dǎo 岛 - Island: HaiNan Dao 海南岛 - HaiNan Island Chéng 城 - City or Town: NanJing Cheng 南京城 - NanJing City Guǎngchǎng 广场 - Square: TianAnMen GuangChang 天安门广场 - TianAnMen Square Gōng 宫 - Palace: GuGong 故宫 - Forbidden City Yuàn 院 - Courtyard or Compound: BeiJing DaXue 北京大学 - Peking University Cūnzhuāng 村庄 - Village: ZhouZhuang Cun 周庄村 - ZhouZhuang Village Qū 区 - District or Area: ChaoYang Qu 朝阳区 - ChaoYang District Lù 路 - Road or Street: Chang'An Lu 长安路 - Chang'An Road Jiē 街 - Street: WangFuJing Jie 王府井街 - WangFuJing Street Fāng 坊 - Lane or Alley: NanLuoGuXiang 南锣鼓巷 - NanLuoGuXiang Běi 北 - North: BeiJing 北京 - BeiJing Nán 南 - South: NanJing 南京 - NanJing Dōng 东 - East: DongGuan 东莞 - DongGuan Xī 西 - West: Xi'An 西安 - Xi'An Zhōng 中 - Central: ZhongShan 中山 - ZhongShan Wài 外 - Outer: WaiTan 外滩 - The Bund Nèi 内 - Inner: NeiMengGu 内蒙古 - Inner Mongolia Xīn 新 - New: XinJiang 新疆 - XinJiang Jiù 旧 - Old: JiuJinShan 旧金山 - San Francisco Shàng 上 - Upper: ShangHai 上海 - ShangHai Xià 下 - Lower: XiaGuan 下关 - XiaGuan Qián 前 - Front: QianMen 前门 - QianMen Hòu 后 - Back: HouHai 后海 - HouHai Cháng 长 - Long: ChangChun 长春 - ChangChun Duǎn 短 - Short: DuanShan 短山 - DuanShan Gāo 高 - High: GaoXiong 高雄 - KaoHsiung Dī 低 - Low: DiCun 低村 - DiCun Dà 大 - Big: DaTong 大同 - DaTong Xiǎo 小 - Small: XiaoZhen 小镇 - XiaoZhen Lóng 龙 - Dragon: LongYan 龙岩 - LongYan Fèng 凤 - Phoenix: FengYang 凤阳 - FengYang Fú 福 - Fortune: FuZhou 福州 - FuZhou Ān 安 - Peace: Xi'An 西安 - Xi'An Qìng 庆 - Celebration: QingYang 庆阳 - QingYang Xīng 兴 - Prosperous: XingHua 兴化 - XingHua Jí 吉 - Lucky: JiLin 吉林 - JiLin Xiáng 祥 - Auspicious: XiangFu 祥符 - XiangFu Guāng 光 - Light: GuangZhou 广州 - GuangZhou Míng 明 - Bright: MingGuang 明光 - MingGuang Hékǒu 河口 - River Mouth: HeKou 河口 - HeKou Qiáotóu 桥头 - Bridgehead: QiaoTou 桥头 - QiaoTou Shānjiǎo 山脚 - Foothill: ShanJiao 山脚 - ShanJiao Hǎibīn 海滨 - Seaside: HaiBin 海滨 - HaiBin Mǎtóu 码头 - Wharf: MaTou 码头 - MaTou Gǔ 古 - Ancient: GuZhen 古镇 - GuZhen Wén 文 - Culture: WenHua Cun 文化村 - WenHua Village Chāng 昌 - Flourishing: ChangPing 昌平 - ChangPing Cuì 翠 - Emerald (green): CuiHu 翠湖 - CuiHu Jīn 金 - Gold: JinShan 金山 - JinShan Yín 银 - Silver: YinChuan 银川 - YinChuan Qīng 青 - Blue/Green: QingDao 青岛 - QingDao Hóng 红 - Red: HongHe 红河 - HongHe Huáng 黄 - Yellow: HuangShan 黄山 - HuangShan Bái 白 - White: BaiYun 白云 - BaiYun Hēi 黑 - Black: HeiLongJiang 黑龙江 - HeiLongJiang Yáng 阳 - Sun: LuoYang 洛阳 - LuoYang Yīn 阴 - Shade: YinShan 阴山 - YinShan Xīng 星 - Star: XingZi 星子 - XingZi Yuè 月 - Moon: YueLiang Wan 月亮湾 - Moon Bay Huā 花 - Flower: HuaDu 花都 - HuaDu Cǎo 草 - Grass: CaoYuan 草原 - Grassland Shù 树 - Tree: ShuCun 树村 - ShuCun Lín 林 - Forest: LinHai 林海 - LinHai Yuán 园 - Garden: YuanLin 园林 - YuanLin Nóng 农 - Agricultural: NongChang 农场 - NongChang Gōng 工 - Industrial: GongYe Qu 工业区 - GongYe District Shāng 商 - Commercial: ShangYe Jie 商业街 - Commercial Street Xué 学 - Learning: XueYuan Lu 学院路 - XueYuan Road Yī 医 - Medical: YiYuan Jie 医院街 - YiYuan Street Zhàn 站 - Station: HuoChe Zhan 火车站 - Train Station Shì 室 - Room: BanGong Shi 办公室 - Office Lóu 楼 - Building: GaoLou 高楼 - Tall Building Qū 区 - Area/District: ShiQu 市区 - Urban Area Yuánqū 园区 - Park/Zone: GongYe YuanQu 工业园区 - Industrial Park Jīdì 基地 - Base: KeJi JiDi 科技基地 - Technology Base Jiēdào 街道 - Street: Gu JieDao 古街道 - Ancient Street Xiǎoqū 小区 - Residential area: XiaoQū 小区 - Residential Area Zhōngxīn 中心 - Center: Shi ZhōngXīn 市中心 - City Center Chinese city names and their meanings : BeiJing 北京 - North Capital ShangHai 上海 - Above Sea ChongQing 重庆 - Double Celebration TianJin 天津 - Heavenly Ford GuangZhou 广州 - Expansive Prefecture ShenZhen 深圳 - Deep Ditch ChengDu 成都 - Become Capital Nanjing 南京 - South Capital Xi'An 西安 - Western Peace HangZhou 杭州 - Hang Prefecture Wuhan 武汉 - Combined from WuChang (武昌) and HanKou (汉口) SuZhou 苏州 - Su Prefecture Shenyang 沈阳 - Rising Sun Dongguan 东莞 - East Pass Ningbo 宁波 - Tranquil Waves Qingdao 青岛 - Green Island Guiyang 贵阳 - Precious Sun Haikou 海口 - Sea Mouth Kunming 昆明 - Bright Merits Xiamen 厦门 - Door of the House

With Daniel Dumbrill and The New Atlas ... Bonus film - Uighur separatists funded by the US - with the Moderate Rebels ... Bonus film 2 - Chris Hedges discusses the work of political philosopher Sheldon Wolin with Professor Wendy Brown ...

"On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Retired US Army Major Danny Sjursen, author of ‘A True History of the United States: Indigenous Genocide, Racialized Slavery, Hyper-Capitalism, Militarist Imperialism and Other Overlooked Aspects of American Exceptionalism’. He discusses the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the different strands of American imperialism from liberal to neoconservative and the many US interventions in the global south, national myths about the story of the United States that are taught, the uncomfortable religious history of the US, the horrors of the settler-colonial genocide of indigenous people, the ‘club’ environment surrounding Washington DC resulting in favourable coverage for the US establishment and much more!" Bonus film - Oliver Stone exposes the JFK assassination cover-up ...