The CCTV Spring Festival (CNY) Gala 2016

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Chinese 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' (??? tu�nni�nf�n), 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.

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BeiJing City Guide

Welcome to Beijing! Discover the vibrant capital city of China, where ancient history meets modernity. Beijing, with its rich heritage, iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and bustling streets, promises an unforgettable journey. About Beijing Beijing, also known as Peking, is the political, cultural, and educational center of China. As one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, Beijing has been the heart of Chinese history for centuries. Key features of Beijing include its historic hutongs (narrow alleys), ancient palaces, and temples alongside modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. The city is renowned for its role in Chinese history, serving as the capital of several dynasties. Top Attractions Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Explore the largest imperial palace complex in the world, with over 9,000 rooms filled with treasures and historical artifacts. Great Wall of China: Visit iconic sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling for stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Tiananmen Square: Discover the heart of Beijing and witness the monumental Tiananmen Gate, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China. Temple of Heaven: Experience the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Summer Palace: Wander through lush gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake at this UNESCO-listed royal retreat. Hutong Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through traditional hutongs to see local life and visit courtyard homes. 798 Art District: Explore Beijing's contemporary art scene in a former factory complex filled with galleries, studios, and cafes. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple): Admire the impressive Tibetan-style architecture and giant Buddha statue at this active Buddhist temple. National Museum of China: Learn about Chinese history, art, and culture through extensive exhibitions. Culture and History Beijing is steeped in cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into China's ancient traditions and customs. Peking Opera: Attend a live performance of this traditional art form known for its colorful costumes, music, and storytelling. Chinese Tea Culture: Visit tea houses to sample different teas and participate in tea ceremonies. Imperial Architecture: Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Traditional Festivals: Experience festive celebrations during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Beijing Cuisine: Indulge in local specialties such as Peking duck, hotpot, dumplings, and street food delicacies. Dining in Beijing Beijing offers a diverse culinary landscape, from gourmet dining to street-side snacks. Peking Duck: Savor the crispy-skinned duck at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong. Street Food: Explore Wangfujing Snack Street for a variety of local snacks, skewers, and sweets. Hutong Restaurants: Dine in historic courtyard homes serving homestyle Beijing cuisine. Hotpot: Enjoy interactive dining with a bubbling pot of broth and fresh ingredients. Dumplings and Noodles: Try handmade jiaozi (dumplings) and la mian (hand-pulled noodles) in bustling noodle shops. Teahouses: Relax in traditional teahouses and sample regional teas paired with snacks. Shopping in Beijing Discover unique souvenirs, antiques, and modern goods in Beijing's vibrant shopping districts. Silk Market: Bargain for silk products, clothing, and accessories at this bustling market. Wangfujing Street: Shop for international brands, local goods, and Beijing-style snacks. Panjiayuan Antique Market: Browse through a vast array of antiques, ceramics, and curios. Hongqiao Pearl Market: Find pearls, jewelry, and electronics at competitive prices. Dashilar Street: Explore historic Dashilar alley for traditional handicrafts and nostalgic items. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases; use translation apps for communication. Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY); major credit cards accepted in tourist areas. Transportation: Navigate the city with the extensive subway system, buses, taxis, and ridesharing apps. Accommodation: Choose from luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, or budget-friendly hostels. Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as using both hands to receive items and addressing people with courtesy. Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. Internet Access: Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data; free Wi-Fi available in many public places. Health and Hygiene: Carry bottled water and practice good hygiene; be aware of air quality during winter. Enjoy Your Journey in Beijing! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating experiences that Beijing has to offer. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks or indulging in local cuisine, Beijing promises an unforgettable journey that will leave lasting memories.

Panda Base : The Panda Research Center in ChengDu 成都

This center, 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地, in SiChuan province, has been created to imitate the natural habitat of the Giant Panda and other rare species, for research, breeding and education. One can also see the so-called Red Panda. Bonus films : ChengDu city center at night ... 10 great places to visit in ChengDu ... 11 : The largest building in the world: the New Century Global Center ... And ChengDu in timelapse ...

The beautiful rural villages of AnHui 安徽 province

East China

How to eat Hot Pot 火锅 HuǒGuō, plus ingredients – in both Chinese script and pinyin

Hot pot dining is a communal and interactive meal enjoyed by many in China and beyond. A hot pot meal consists of a simmering broth into which fresh ingredients are cooked, then dipped into a sauce before eating, bit by bit. Meats are thinly sliced and can cook in just 20 seconds (be sure to cook only one slice at a time). One can have tomatoes or cucumber as a side dish to eat raw. Typically, the dipping sauce is sesame sprinkled with chopped spring onions though one add add various condiments such as chopped garlic. Spicy (Hot) Broth (麻辣汤 - Má là tāng): This broth is typically made with a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and various spices. It's known for its fiery and numbing flavor, characteristic of Sichuan cuisine. It adds a spicy kick to the ingredients cooked in the hot pot, offering a tingling sensation on the palate. Non-Spicy (Not Hot) Broth (清汤 - Qīng tāng): This broth is a milder option compared to the spicy broth. It's often made with a clear or lightly flavored base, such as chicken, pork, or vegetable broth. It allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through without the overpowering heat of spices. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle and refreshing taste. Two-in-One (Yuan Yang) Broth (鸳鸯锅 - Yuān yāng guō): The two-in-one broth offers the best of both worlds by dividing the hot pot into two sections, allowing diners to enjoy both spicy and non-spicy options simultaneously. One side typically contains the spicy broth, while the other side contains the non-spicy broth. It caters to groups with varying preferences, providing a versatile dining experience where everyone can find something they enjoy. Meat: * Beef: Niú Ròu (牛肉) * Lamb: Yáng Ròu (羊肉) * Chicken: Jī Ròu (鸡肉) Pork: Zhū Ròu (猪肉) Sausages: Xiāng Cháng (香肠) * Fish / Shrimp/Prawn Balls: Yú Qiú / Xiā Qiú (鱼球 / 虾球) Seafood: - Shrimp: Xiā (虾) - Fish: Yú (鱼) - Shellfish: Háimǔ (海蜇) - Mussels: Gēn Mǔli (蚌肉) - Squid: Yóu Yú (鱿鱼) Vegetables: * Coriander: Xīng Cài (香菜) Potato slices: TǔDòu (土豆) Tomatoes: Fān Qié (番茄) Cucumber: HuángGuā (黄瓜) Bean Sprouts: Dà Suàn (大蒜) Lotus Root: Lián'ǒu (莲藕) Bamboo Shoots: Zhú Sǔn (竹笋) Cabbage: Xīng Cài (白菜) Spinach: Bō Cài (菠菜) Mushrooms: - * Enoki Mushroom (long thin white): Jīn Zhēngū (金针菇) - * Shiitake Mushroom: Xiāng Gū (香菇) - Oyster Mushroom: Mù Ěr (木耳) - Wood Ear Mushroom: Xīng'ěr (杏鲍菇) - King Oyster Mushroom: Xìng Bàogū (杏鲍菇) Tofu: * Iced Tofu: Dòng Dòufu (冻豆腐) * Tofu Skin: Dòu Pí (豆皮) Firm Tofu: Làn Dòufu (蓝豆腐) Silken Tofu: Dòufu Rǔ (豆腐乳) Bean Curd Sheets: Dòu Piàn (豆片) Noodles: * Clear (bean) Noodles: Tāng Fěn (汤粉) Rice Noodles: Mǐ Fěn (米粉) Udon Noodles: Wǔdūn Miàn (乌冬面) Other Ingredients: * Dumplings: JiǎoZi (饺子) Eggs: Jī Dàn (鸡蛋) Fried Dough Sticks: Yóu Tiáo (油条) Sauce Bowl: * Sesame Sauce: Zhī Málà Jiàng (芝麻麻辣酱) Peanut Sauce: Huā Shēng Jiàng (花生酱) Condiments one can add to sauce bowl: * Scallions (chopped spring onions): Cōng Jiàng Yóu (葱酱油) Soy Sauce: Jiàng Yóu (酱油) Vinegar: Cù (醋) Chili Sauce: Làjiāo Jiàng (辣椒酱) Garlic Sauce: Sào Jiàng (臊酱) Sesame Oil: Zhī Yóu (芝麻油) Well known hot pot chains include XiaoBu XiaoBu and HaiDiLao but one can also enjoy many one-off independent restaurants.

A day in Beijing 北京

A liitle jet-lagged, our travelers spend a day in Beijing before setting off for other parts of China. Places visited : Tian'AnMen Square, the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) plus JingShan and BeiHai parks, all within easy walking distance of each other. Then it is on to DeShengMen to take the bus to BaDaLing Great Wall of China (one can also take a train from Beijing North railway station, near XiZhiMen). Welcome to the blue sky city ...