The Chinese LanguageA brief introduction to the Chinese Language Writing Chinese script developed from pictograms. Early pictograms were in use about 3,500 years ago. Originally these were something like the pictograms we are familiar with from the ancient Egyptians. Over the years these gradually changed from depictional to be increasingly abstract although in some cases the similarity of original pictogram and modern character can still be seen. Many characters are composed of two or more simpler characters. Some words are composed of two or more characters. The meaning of such words of more than one character may be based on the combined meanings or the combined sounds. To be reasonably proficient one would need to know about 2,000 characters although there are many many more. On the mainland of China, the characters exist in a 'simplified' form, though perhaps do not look so to the western eye! The order that the strokes of a character are written is important. One starts at the top and then left to right as one works one's way down. When writing with speed, cursive styles are possible. Historically, this behaviour will have contributed to the evolution of characters. Cursive styles are also sometimes used in Chinese calligraphy, which is an important art-form in Chinese culture. What we call Chinese script is not the only script still used, but is the official common language (along with Mandarin for spoken Chinese). There are also Tibetan, Manchurian and Mongolian scripts. The Tibetan script, because of geographic location, resembles Indian and Arabic scripts. Pin-Yin, an alphabet-based phonetic rendition of spoken Chinese is learned by young schoolchildren as an aid to pronunciation, just as it is for the foreigner learning Chinese. Pin-Yin enables non Chinese speakers to get a rough idea of the sound of Chinese and also allows words to be more easily recognised and remembered by westerners. Hence, place names are usually marked in Pin-Yin as well as traditional Chinese script. Note that older Chinese people cannot read Pin-Yin. Spoken Chinese The official spoken language of China is called Mandarin and is based on the dialect native to Beijing. Mandarin is a tonal language with four tones: flat, rising, falling and falling then rising. Ideally, Pin-Yin would be written with accents to indicate the tones but seldom is. For example, the sound 'ba' means 'eight' if said with a flat tone but 'father' if spoken with a rising tone.
Related Videos
Featured Videos
|
With Dany Dev ...
A Guide to China's High-Speed Rail Network
China's high-speed rail (HSR) network is the largest and most advanced in the world, offering an efficient, modern, and fast way to travel across the country. Since its inception, the network has revolutionized travel within China, making it easier and quicker to connect cities and regions that were once separated by long distances.
Overview of the High-Speed Rail Network
Size and Scope: As of 2024, China’s HSR network spans over 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles), connecting nearly all major cities across the country. The network is continuously expanding, with new lines being constructed each year.
Speed: Trains on the high-speed network typically travel at speeds ranging from 250 to 350 kilometers per hour (155 to 217 miles per hour). Some of the fastest trains, such as those on the Beijing–Shanghai line, can reach speeds up to 350 km/h.
Key Routes:
Beijing-Shanghai: This flagship route is one of the busiest and most popular, covering a distance of 1,318 kilometers (819 miles) in about 4.5 hours.
Beijing-Guangzhou: One of the longest HSR routes in the world, spanning 2,298 kilometers (1,428 miles) and taking around 8 hours.
Shanghai-Hong Kong: Connects the financial hub of Shanghai with the vibrant city of Hong Kong, covering 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) in approximately 8 hours.
Xi’an-Chengdu: A scenic route that links the historic city of Xi’an with Chengdu, famous for its pandas, covering 658 kilometers (409 miles) in about 3 hours.
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong: This line offers a rapid connection between the three major economic hubs, with a travel time of about 14 minutes from Shenzhen to Hong Kong.
Features of China’s High-Speed Trains
Train Classes: China’s high-speed trains are classified primarily into three categories based on speed and service:
G-Class (Gaotie): The fastest trains, operating at speeds up to 350 km/h. These are typically used on major routes like Beijing-Shanghai.
D-Class (Dongche): Slightly slower, operating at speeds up to 250-300 km/h. These trains are often used on shorter or less busy routes.
C-Class: Suburban trains designed for short-distance travel, operating at speeds up to 200-250 km/h.
Comfort and Amenities:
Seating: HSR trains offer different classes of seating, including Second Class, First Class, and Business Class.
Business Class offers the most luxurious experience, with wide reclining seats and more space.
Facilities: Trains are equipped with modern amenities such as power outlets, Wi-Fi (on some trains), clean restrooms, and food and beverage services. Quiet carriages are also available for passengers who prefer a more serene environment.
Punctuality: The HSR network is known for its punctuality, with trains typically departing and arriving on time.
Key Stations and Infrastructure
Major Hubs:
Beijing South Railway Station: One of the largest and busiest HSR stations, serving as a key hub for northern and central China.
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: A massive transportation hub that integrates rail, air, and metro services, making it one of the most important stations in eastern China.
Guangzhou South Railway Station: A key gateway to southern China, connecting the region with major cities like Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Wuhan Railway Station: A central hub in the heart of China, crucial for connections between the east and west.
Modern Design: The stations are often architectural marvels, designed to handle large volumes of passengers efficiently. Many stations are integrated with other forms of transport, including metro lines and airports, making transfers seamless.
Benefits of Using the High-Speed Rail Network
Speed and Efficiency: High-speed trains are often faster than flying when considering the time spent on security checks and travel to and from airports. For distances up to 1,200 kilometers (746 miles), trains are often the quickest option.
Convenience: With frequent departures, extensive coverage, and easy booking options (including online and mobile apps), the HSR network is extremely convenient for both domestic and international travelers.
Environmental Impact: HSR is a greener option compared to air travel, contributing less to carbon emissions per passenger kilometer.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Expansion to Rural Areas: While the HSR network covers most major cities, there are ongoing efforts to expand services to more rural and remote areas, ensuring broader access.
International Links: China is also exploring international HSR connections, such as a proposed high-speed rail link to Moscow, Russia, which could enhance connectivity beyond China's borders.
Technological Advances: China is investing in maglev (magnetic levitation) technology, which could further increase speeds to around 600 km/h (373 mph), positioning China at the forefront of global rail innovation.
Tips for Travelers
Booking Tickets: Tickets can be booked online, at stations, or through travel agencies. During peak travel times, such as Chinese New Year, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance.
Travel Documents: Foreign travelers will need to present their passports when booking tickets and boarding trains.
Luggage: There are generous luggage allowances on HSR trains, with space available for larger items in overhead compartments or at the ends of carriages.
Language: While English signage is available in major stations, it is useful to have your destination written in Chinese to show to station staff if needed.
Conclusion
China’s high-speed rail network is a remarkable achievement in modern transportation, offering an efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the country. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the HSR network provides an unparalleled travel experience that continues to set global standards.
|
|
Directed by, co-written by, and starring Jay Chou. With Gwei Lun-Mei, Anthony Wong and Alice Tzeng. Filmed in Taiwan; released 2007.
We cannot tell what happens. But don't miss it ...
As in life. Better late than never.
The secret is right there, if one has open eyes, and an open heart.
|
|
|
|
With Walking East ...
|
|
With Li JingJing and Ben Norton ...
|
|
Nine million bicycles in BeiJing, The closest thing to crazy, and many more ...
|
|
Plus a little Jive. ChengDu, SiChuan province.
Excerpts from the selection of the national squad that will go to Beijing for the WDSF World Championship September 2012.
Plus, an awesome feel-good dance video from Swing BeiJing.
Locations: The Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the “Bird’s Nest” Beijing National Stadium, QianHai – HouHai, the Temple of Heaven, ZhongShan Park and The Place mall.
Music：the fantastic Pink Martini – “Wo Yao Ni De Ai 我要你的爱” (I Want You, To Be My Baby) ...
Plus, a dance from the China Youth Dance Festival (great song) ...
For more dance videos, from classical Chinese dance to contemporary dance, click on the 'dance' tag below.
|
|
|
Essential Chinese Sauces, Spices and Oils for your kitchen cupboard:
Soy Sauce (酱油, Jiàngyóu): Soy sauce is perhaps the most essential condiment in Chinese cooking. It adds saltiness, depth, and umami flavor to dishes. There are different varieties of soy sauce, including light soy sauce (生抽, Shēngchōu) and dark soy sauce (老抽, Lǎochōu), each with its own flavor profile and usage.
Oyster Sauce (蚝油, Háoyóu): Oyster sauce is a thick, savory sauce made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It has a rich, umami flavor and is commonly used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
Sesame Oil (麻油, Máyóu): Sesame oil is a fragrant oil made from toasted sesame seeds. It has a nutty flavor and adds depth and aroma to dishes. Sesame oil is often used as a finishing oil, added at the end of cooking for its distinct flavor. It is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces. Try the toasted version.
Rice Vinegar (米醋, Mǐcù): Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar made from fermented rice. It adds acidity and brightness to dishes and is commonly used in marinades, dressings, dipping sauces, and pickling.
Chili Bean Paste (豆瓣酱, Dòubànjiàng): Chili bean paste, also known as doubanjiang or Toban Djan, is a spicy and savory paste made from fermented broad beans, chili peppers, and soybeans. It has a complex flavor with a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and heat. Chili bean paste is a key ingredient in Sichuan cuisine and is used in dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Twice-cooked Pork.
Shaoxing Wine (绍兴酒, Shàoxīngjiǔ): Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine made from fermented glutinous rice. It adds depth of flavor and aroma to dishes and is commonly used in marinades, braises, and stir-fries. Shaoxing wine is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine and is often referred to as the "cooking wine" in Chinese recipes.
Chili Oil (辣椒油, Làjiāoyóu): Chili oil is a spicy and aromatic oil made by infusing hot oil with dried chili peppers and other aromatics. It adds heat and flavor to dishes and is commonly used as a condiment in noodle soups, stir-fries, dumplings, and dipping sauces.
Hoisin Sauce (海鲜酱, Hǎixiānjiàng): Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory sauce made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and various spices. It has a complex flavor with notes of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a glaze for roasted meats, and a flavoring agent in stir-fries and marinades.
Five-Spice Powder (五香粉, Wǔxiāngfěn): Five-spice powder is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon (cassia), Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Five-spice powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor to dishes and is often used in marinades, rubs, braises, and stir-fries.
These essential Chinese sauces, spices, and oils add depth, flavor, and complexity to a wide range of Chinese dishes. Experimenting with these ingredients can help you create authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine at home!
We have recipes for Chili Oil and HoiSin Sauce but by all means try those from your Chinese supermarket first.
|