Yangtze River, 6, 300 km in length, is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. It originates from Mt. Tanggula on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and runs through Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shanghai till the East Sea. Along the banks inhabit more than 300 million people. There are 27 million hectares of farm land in the river valley which is abundant with rice, cotton, rape, natural silk, hemp, tea and tobacco. The output of rice accounts for 70 percent of the national total and that of cotton holds a one-third share.
The river system is quite satisfying, with some 900 billion cu. m. of water running to the sea at the river mouth every year, 20 times that of the Yellow River. The navigable waters extend some 70, 000 km on the Yangtze River with 30, 000 km for motorships. The reserved potential of hydroelectric resources is 230 million kw.
The distance between Chongqing and Wuhan is 1, 370 km and 2,495 km with Shanghai.
The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River are world famous for the colorful scenery as well as diversified cultural relics, unique folk arts of the Ba and Chu states. Pleasure boats can take tourists to Fengdu, Wanzhou, Wushan Mountain, Shennongxi, Badong, Zigui, Yichang and Jingsha and other scenic spots along the river. The Three Gorges Tour is one of the 10 best itineraries in China.
To enjoy the beauty of Yangtze River, take a grand Yangtze River Cruise on luxury cruise ships from Top China Trip. Some of available cruise routes are listed below for your choice.
1. 14 Days Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, Yangze River, Shanghai Tour
2.11 days Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River and Shanghai Tour
3. 14 Days Three Gorges with Guilin Shanghai Beijing Tour
2010年11月11日星期四
Miao Ethnic Minority
The Miao ethnic minority has a population of 8,940,116 which is larger than most of minority groups in China. After immigration in a long history, today they live mainly in Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan, Hubei, Hainan Provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Prefecture. They are divided into several branches, such as Black Hmong, White Hmong, Striped Hmong, etc.
The Miao language, which belongs to the Miao-Yao group of the Sino-Tibetan phylum, has developed into three dialects: the dialect of western Hunan Province, the one of eastern Guizhou Province and the one of ChuanQianDian (Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan). Due to a long time living with the Han and other people, they can also speak the Chinese, Dong and Zhuang languages. They have been writing their own Miao language based on Latin since 1956.The Miao people believe that everything in nature has a spirit, which incombination are mighty enough to control their lives. Every time there are disasters, they will invite a wizard to perform ceremonies designed to drive out the devil ghost. They worship their ancestors so much that memorial ceremonies are very grand. Sacrifices such as wine, meat, and glutinous rice are costly. Some Miao also believe in Catholicism or other Christian religions.The staple food of the Miao ethnic minority is rice. Other dishes are meat and acidic soups. Pickled vegetables, hot seasonings and home-made wine are common at the table. Glutinous rice becomes a must during festivals and celebrations.Divided by regions, the Miao people celebrate their festivals at different times, but they all have many, like the Dragon Boat Festival, the Huashan Festival, the Pure Brightness and the New Rice Tasting Festival (Chixin Jie). Among these, the Miao Spring Festival is the most important one that is held during the lunar ninth to the eleventh month.
The Miao language, which belongs to the Miao-Yao group of the Sino-Tibetan phylum, has developed into three dialects: the dialect of western Hunan Province, the one of eastern Guizhou Province and the one of ChuanQianDian (Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan). Due to a long time living with the Han and other people, they can also speak the Chinese, Dong and Zhuang languages. They have been writing their own Miao language based on Latin since 1956.The Miao people believe that everything in nature has a spirit, which incombination are mighty enough to control their lives. Every time there are disasters, they will invite a wizard to perform ceremonies designed to drive out the devil ghost. They worship their ancestors so much that memorial ceremonies are very grand. Sacrifices such as wine, meat, and glutinous rice are costly. Some Miao also believe in Catholicism or other Christian religions.The staple food of the Miao ethnic minority is rice. Other dishes are meat and acidic soups. Pickled vegetables, hot seasonings and home-made wine are common at the table. Glutinous rice becomes a must during festivals and celebrations.Divided by regions, the Miao people celebrate their festivals at different times, but they all have many, like the Dragon Boat Festival, the Huashan Festival, the Pure Brightness and the New Rice Tasting Festival (Chixin Jie). Among these, the Miao Spring Festival is the most important one that is held during the lunar ninth to the eleventh month.
Huangpu River
Nowadays the Huangpu River becomes a world famous tour bay. This river is a golden gateway of foreign trade as well as an important waterway to the Pacific Ocean from the Pudong new district. Cruising on the Huangpu river is an important traditional travel program in Shanghai. Riding a cruise boat along the Huangpu River, you will take a glimpse of Yangpu Bridge, Nanpu Bridge and Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower on both sides. Various exotic architectural buildings on the west bank of Huangpu River stand opposite to various modern skyscrapers on the east bank.
Wusongkou Port, a convergent point where the Huangpu River joins the Yangtze River, is adjacent to the eastern sea. Therefore, it is a place where three streams combine.
Huangpu River, a symbol of Shanghai, originates in Dianshan Lake and empties into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou (mouth of Wusong River). It is 114 kilometers (71miles) long and 400 meters (0.25 miles) wide. Huangpu River is ice-free year round. It has also become a demarcating line between two Shanghais, east and west, past and future. On its western shore, the colonial landmarks of the Bund serve as a reminder of Shanghai's 19th-century struggle to reclaim a waterfront from the bogs of this river; on the eastern shore, the steel and glass skyscrapers of the Pudong New Area point to a burgeoning financial empire of the future.The Huangpu's wharves are the most fascinating in China. The port handles the cargo coming out of the interior from Nanjing, Wuhan, and other Yangzi River ports, including Chongqing, 2,415km (1,500 miles) deep into Sichuan Province. From Shanghai, which produces plenty of industrial and commercial products in its own right, as much as a third of China's trade with the rest of the world is conducted each year.
Wusongkou Port, a convergent point where the Huangpu River joins the Yangtze River, is adjacent to the eastern sea. Therefore, it is a place where three streams combine.
Huangpu River, a symbol of Shanghai, originates in Dianshan Lake and empties into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou (mouth of Wusong River). It is 114 kilometers (71miles) long and 400 meters (0.25 miles) wide. Huangpu River is ice-free year round. It has also become a demarcating line between two Shanghais, east and west, past and future. On its western shore, the colonial landmarks of the Bund serve as a reminder of Shanghai's 19th-century struggle to reclaim a waterfront from the bogs of this river; on the eastern shore, the steel and glass skyscrapers of the Pudong New Area point to a burgeoning financial empire of the future.The Huangpu's wharves are the most fascinating in China. The port handles the cargo coming out of the interior from Nanjing, Wuhan, and other Yangzi River ports, including Chongqing, 2,415km (1,500 miles) deep into Sichuan Province. From Shanghai, which produces plenty of industrial and commercial products in its own right, as much as a third of China's trade with the rest of the world is conducted each year.
Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces
In the south-east of Longsheng County in Guangxi province and within the land of Ping Xiang, there is a group of large-scaled rice terraces built into the hillside. Some of the terraces look like great chains, other look like ribbons. They wind from the foot to the top of the hill. The smaller ones are like snails and the bigger ones like towers. There are layers on layers of terraces, high and low. The outline is very smooth. Its scale is enormous. It is called "The champion of the terrace world". It is the Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces. By the way, Long Sheng is also the gathering land for the minorities, such as Yao, Dong, Zhuang and Miao. The stockaded villages’ backs face the hills and their fronts face the river.
The Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces is 27 kilometers from Longsheng County, and it is 80 kilometers from Guilin city. Longji Mountain (the Dragon‘s Backbone Mountain) is a high mountain and its peak, Mao Er peak, is the highest in South China. With its foundation such a high mountain, how can the Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces not be winding and boundless! The total area of the Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces is 1014 hectares, and the whole terrace is built on the hillside with attitude from 300 meters to 1100 meters. Layers of terraces swirl and climb up from the river valley of torrent to the top of the hills where there are a lot of clouds. If you look toward the horizon, you would see that blocks of terraces are found to hand in hand, from the steep cliff to the end of the lush trees. Everywhere there is mud, there are cultivated terraces. Specifically speaking, the core of the terraces is a big land with area of two or three square kilometers.
The Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces is 27 kilometers from Longsheng County, and it is 80 kilometers from Guilin city. Longji Mountain (the Dragon‘s Backbone Mountain) is a high mountain and its peak, Mao Er peak, is the highest in South China. With its foundation such a high mountain, how can the Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces not be winding and boundless! The total area of the Dragon‘s Backbone Rice Terraces is 1014 hectares, and the whole terrace is built on the hillside with attitude from 300 meters to 1100 meters. Layers of terraces swirl and climb up from the river valley of torrent to the top of the hills where there are a lot of clouds. If you look toward the horizon, you would see that blocks of terraces are found to hand in hand, from the steep cliff to the end of the lush trees. Everywhere there is mud, there are cultivated terraces. Specifically speaking, the core of the terraces is a big land with area of two or three square kilometers.
Beijing Opera
As the most influential sort of traditional operas in China, Beijing Opera has a long history, following the Kunqu Opera (a class of tunes originating in Kunshan, Jiangsu). Since the fifty-fifth year (1791A.D.) of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty, the four major Anhui opera troupes who originally gave performances in South China entered successively into Beijing. They cooperated with actors from Hubei Province and accepted part of repertoires, tunes and performing methods of Kunqu opera and Qinqiang opera. In the meanwhile, they absorbed folk tunes in some regions and made continuous efforts in exchanges and assimilation. It is on this basis that they finally created Beijing Opera, which is the most influential type of opera with the most abundant repertoires and the largest number of actors, troupes and audience.
Beijing Opera provides a set of standardized art-expressing rules in various aspects such as literature, performance, music and stage design. Roles in Beijing Opera are classified into Sheng (young male character), Dan (young female character), Jing ("painted face" character), Chou (clown) and other roles in line with natural attributes of the characters. More frequently, they are classified in accordance with the characters' personalities and appraisals of the originator on them. A set of performance rules is prepared for every role, with unique features in singing, speaking, acting and martial arts. With historical stories as the main performance content, Beijing Opera is provided with a variety of widely-known repertoires including Blade of Cosmos, Magnolia Denudate, A Gathering of Heroes, Empty-City Stratagem and The Drunken Beauty. Beijing Opera is classified into "Beijing School" and "Shanghai School". There appeared a large number of excellent actors in different periods, with Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Xun Huisheng and Shang Xiaoyun known as the famous "Four Famous Drama Roles".
Widely spreading throughout China with extensive influence, Beijing Opera is dubbed as "Chinese Opera". It has reached all corners of the world as a crucial means of introducing and spreading traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, the multiple art elements contained within have served as the symbol of traditional Chinese culture.
Beijing Opera provides a set of standardized art-expressing rules in various aspects such as literature, performance, music and stage design. Roles in Beijing Opera are classified into Sheng (young male character), Dan (young female character), Jing ("painted face" character), Chou (clown) and other roles in line with natural attributes of the characters. More frequently, they are classified in accordance with the characters' personalities and appraisals of the originator on them. A set of performance rules is prepared for every role, with unique features in singing, speaking, acting and martial arts. With historical stories as the main performance content, Beijing Opera is provided with a variety of widely-known repertoires including Blade of Cosmos, Magnolia Denudate, A Gathering of Heroes, Empty-City Stratagem and The Drunken Beauty. Beijing Opera is classified into "Beijing School" and "Shanghai School". There appeared a large number of excellent actors in different periods, with Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Xun Huisheng and Shang Xiaoyun known as the famous "Four Famous Drama Roles".
Widely spreading throughout China with extensive influence, Beijing Opera is dubbed as "Chinese Opera". It has reached all corners of the world as a crucial means of introducing and spreading traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, the multiple art elements contained within have served as the symbol of traditional Chinese culture.
Shaolin Kungfu—Legend Forever
Shaolin Kungfu is a kind of martial arts practiced by monks under the special Buddhist culture of the Songshan Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, Henan Province. Taking martial art skills and actions as the performance form and Buddhism belief and Zen wisdom as the cultural meaning, the Shaolin Kungfu has a complete technical and theoretical system.
The Shaolin Temple, built in the Nineteenth year of Taihe Period during the Northern Wei Dynasty (495), is a cultural space for the development of the Shaolin Kungfu. The Shaolin Kungfu, which is originally practiced by the Buddhist monks whose duties were to protect the temple, has been gradually developed into an art of perfect technology, abundant meanings and high reputation in the whole world after more than 1500 years of development. According to martial art books registered by the Shaolin Temple, there are several hundred sorts of routines of Shaolin Kungfu practiced by monks of generations, among which, several dozen are the representative of boxing routines that have been handed down. In addition, there are 72 stunts and Kungfu of special sorts like capture, wrestle, discharging bone, point percussion and Qigong. Altogether 255 routines of boxing art, weapon and mutual practice are still practiced today.
The Zen wisdom of Buddhism has endowed the Shaolin Kungfu with profound cultural connotations. The Buddhist commandment has evolved into the commandment of Kungfu practicing, displayed by the Kungfu morals of the practicers. This evolvement has endowed the Shaolin Kungfu with such characteristics as abstention, modesty and reservation, as well as taking regard to the inner strength, terseness and to winning by striking only after the enemy has struck.The Shaolin Kungfu is an outstanding representative of the Chinese Wushu culture, and is the most representative performance form of the
The Shaolin Temple, built in the Nineteenth year of Taihe Period during the Northern Wei Dynasty (495), is a cultural space for the development of the Shaolin Kungfu. The Shaolin Kungfu, which is originally practiced by the Buddhist monks whose duties were to protect the temple, has been gradually developed into an art of perfect technology, abundant meanings and high reputation in the whole world after more than 1500 years of development. According to martial art books registered by the Shaolin Temple, there are several hundred sorts of routines of Shaolin Kungfu practiced by monks of generations, among which, several dozen are the representative of boxing routines that have been handed down. In addition, there are 72 stunts and Kungfu of special sorts like capture, wrestle, discharging bone, point percussion and Qigong. Altogether 255 routines of boxing art, weapon and mutual practice are still practiced today.
The Zen wisdom of Buddhism has endowed the Shaolin Kungfu with profound cultural connotations. The Buddhist commandment has evolved into the commandment of Kungfu practicing, displayed by the Kungfu morals of the practicers. This evolvement has endowed the Shaolin Kungfu with such characteristics as abstention, modesty and reservation, as well as taking regard to the inner strength, terseness and to winning by striking only after the enemy has struck.The Shaolin Kungfu is an outstanding representative of the Chinese Wushu culture, and is the most representative performance form of the
Grand Song of the Dong Ethnic Minority
The Grand Song of the Dong Ethnic Minority – or the Grand Chorus, as we will call it here, though the Dong themselves call it Ga Lao ("Grand Tradition") – is the generally accepted title used by outsiders to describe the folk-song traditions of China's Dong ethnic minority. The Grand Chorus is performed entirely without the aid of musical instruments; it is what one would call a cappella in the West, to use the now popular Italian term, whose root is of course "chapel", but in a very particular sense: the small, semi-secluded room in a church, or at royal court, where the performing choir was located. In addition, the Grand Chorus is performed – sometimes even in groups that number the hundreds – without the benefit of a conductor, which is all the more impressive given the complex structure and the rapid changes in cadence of the Grand Chorus.
But the Dong people's Grand Chorus is much more than just an a cappella performance of folk songs – the songs of the Grand Chorus are intimately linked to all aspects of Dong culture, from the loftiest to the most mundane. The Grand Chorus, which also rests entirely on an oral tradition (indeed, the language of the Dong lacks its own orthography, or method of representing language sounds in written form), has traditionally been the Dong people's sole method of transmitting their culture down the ages; all of the "stories" of Dong culture, from creation stories to stories of kindness, sincerity, friendship, love, social harmony, respect for nature, respect for one's ancestors – in short, all of the stories deemed worthy of being remembered (not surprisingly the Grand Chorus has been called 'An Encyclopedia of Dong Social Customs') – are preserved in the songs of the Grand Chorus. As might be expected, elderly Dong singers are revered in much the same way that prize-winning writers and historians are revered in Western culture, for they are truly the guardians of Dong culture. Curiously, jealousy, distrust, strong feelings of dislike and dishonesty – in all its forms, from lying to cheating to stealing – seem to have been chastised from Dong social life, judging from the songs of the Grand Chorus, as if the aim of Dong social organization has been one of instilling a sense of communality in the group rather than one of celebrating the capriciousness of the individual.
But the Dong people's Grand Chorus is much more than just an a cappella performance of folk songs – the songs of the Grand Chorus are intimately linked to all aspects of Dong culture, from the loftiest to the most mundane. The Grand Chorus, which also rests entirely on an oral tradition (indeed, the language of the Dong lacks its own orthography, or method of representing language sounds in written form), has traditionally been the Dong people's sole method of transmitting their culture down the ages; all of the "stories" of Dong culture, from creation stories to stories of kindness, sincerity, friendship, love, social harmony, respect for nature, respect for one's ancestors – in short, all of the stories deemed worthy of being remembered (not surprisingly the Grand Chorus has been called 'An Encyclopedia of Dong Social Customs') – are preserved in the songs of the Grand Chorus. As might be expected, elderly Dong singers are revered in much the same way that prize-winning writers and historians are revered in Western culture, for they are truly the guardians of Dong culture. Curiously, jealousy, distrust, strong feelings of dislike and dishonesty – in all its forms, from lying to cheating to stealing – seem to have been chastised from Dong social life, judging from the songs of the Grand Chorus, as if the aim of Dong social organization has been one of instilling a sense of communality in the group rather than one of celebrating the capriciousness of the individual.
Giant Panda
As Grade I animal under national protection, the giant panda is a famous rare species of animal exclusively growing in China. Enjoying the fame of "National Treasure", it has been winning the favor of people with its plump body form, charmingly naïve motion as well as black and white fur color.
Giant panda belongs to carnivore ailuropodidae and is featured by bear-like figure, clearly demarcated black and white fur, round and big head, plump body, extremely short tail and stumbled motion. It mainly inhabits in the forest of mountainous areas 800-3000m above sea level, with bamboo culm, bamboo leaves and shoots as the main food. As its ancestor appeared in the early pluvial period 2-3 million years ago, it is also known as a living fossil. Habitat of the giant panda once included most eastern and southern areas of China, and now is distributed only in Minshan Mountain, Qionglaishan Mountain, Daxiangling Mountain Range and Xiaoxiangling Mountain Range in Sichuan Province, Qinling Mountain Range in Shaanxi Province and Minshan Mountain in the south of Gansu Province. About 1000 giant pandas exist at present. As a principal producing area of the giant panda, Wolong Nature Reserve has been listed in the UN's "Human & Ecosphere" nature reserve network and serves as a research center of giant pandas.
It is a long history since the giant panda became a messenger of peace and friendship. According to records in the Japanese Royal Annual, Emperor Wuzetian in the Tang Dynasty presented to Japanese Temmu a pair of living giant pandas and 70 pieces of fur of the animal as a national gift in 658 A.D. During the period between 1957 and 1982, a total of 23 giant pandas were successively presented by China to nine countries-the Soviet Union, North Korea, America, Japan, France, Britain, Federal Germany, Mexico and Spain. In 1990 Beijing Asian Games, the giant panda appeared as the mascot "Panpan"who was holding a medal in his hand. It then became a household image in China. Furthermore, Fuwa Jingjing, one of the five Fuwas as the mascot of Beijing 2008 Olympics Games, has been created with the giant panda as the prototype.
Giant panda belongs to carnivore ailuropodidae and is featured by bear-like figure, clearly demarcated black and white fur, round and big head, plump body, extremely short tail and stumbled motion. It mainly inhabits in the forest of mountainous areas 800-3000m above sea level, with bamboo culm, bamboo leaves and shoots as the main food. As its ancestor appeared in the early pluvial period 2-3 million years ago, it is also known as a living fossil. Habitat of the giant panda once included most eastern and southern areas of China, and now is distributed only in Minshan Mountain, Qionglaishan Mountain, Daxiangling Mountain Range and Xiaoxiangling Mountain Range in Sichuan Province, Qinling Mountain Range in Shaanxi Province and Minshan Mountain in the south of Gansu Province. About 1000 giant pandas exist at present. As a principal producing area of the giant panda, Wolong Nature Reserve has been listed in the UN's "Human & Ecosphere" nature reserve network and serves as a research center of giant pandas.
It is a long history since the giant panda became a messenger of peace and friendship. According to records in the Japanese Royal Annual, Emperor Wuzetian in the Tang Dynasty presented to Japanese Temmu a pair of living giant pandas and 70 pieces of fur of the animal as a national gift in 658 A.D. During the period between 1957 and 1982, a total of 23 giant pandas were successively presented by China to nine countries-the Soviet Union, North Korea, America, Japan, France, Britain, Federal Germany, Mexico and Spain. In 1990 Beijing Asian Games, the giant panda appeared as the mascot "Panpan"who was holding a medal in his hand. It then became a household image in China. Furthermore, Fuwa Jingjing, one of the five Fuwas as the mascot of Beijing 2008 Olympics Games, has been created with the giant panda as the prototype.
Erlongshan Ski Resort—Winter Vacation
Erlongshan Ski Resort, aka Longzhu (Dragon Pearl) Ski Resort, is located in the Erlongshan Scenic Reserve near the city of Binxian, some 65 kilometers from the capital city, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. The ski resort covers some 780,000 square meters of forested terrain. "Rolling hills" is a fair description of the terrain surrounding Mount Erlong itself. Erlongshan Ski Resort was the venue for the 2004 International Ski Federation's World Cup of Freestyle Aerials.
The sharper gradients of Mount Erlong's slopes lend themselves admirably to Alpine skiing rather than to Nordic, or Cross-Country, skiing. In spite of the excellent gradient on the steepest slopes (30° as indicated in the summary above), the ski resort is very family-friendly, since every effort is made to keep skiers with different skill levels apart. Safety is one of the chief concerns of the ski resort's operators, as safety is the basis for a worry-free, pleasurable experience, both for the younger neophyte as well as for the more seasoned skier, and this concern is reflected in the well-thought-out organization of Erlongshan Ski Resort as well as in the professionalism of the management staff.
The winter weather on Mount Erlong is cold enough to ensure about 170 days of snow per year, though the prime ski season is only about 120 days, or 4 months, long – the usual for China. However, should mother nature fail at any time, the ski resort has two snow-making machines, as well as a snow-grooming machine to keep the "powder" on Mount Erlong's Alpine slopes in tip-top condition.
Besides being family-friendly, Erlongshan Ski Resort is very all-around in the sense that it offers a variety of snow-related activities besides skiing. In addition, all types of snow-related equipment – from skis to snowmobiles to snowboards and toboggans – is rented here. The ski resort also has a competent staff of ski instructors whose skills range from providing "hands-on" tutoring for beginners to tips for more experienced skiers who may be struggling with certain difficult techniques.
Erlongshan Ski Resort can accommodate up to 4000 guests at any given time. Lodgings range from the well-appointed Fengchen Villa to budget-priced bed & breakfast affairs (guest houses). The ski resort also sports a sauna for those who enjoy the relaxation of a good, deep cleansing. There are restaurants and bars here that cater to both Asian and Western tastes. Should you tire of skiing, you can always try your hand – foot? – at skating on the ski resort's large skating rink, you can try snowboarding, tobogganing, or rent a snowmobile, or you can play a game of snow soccer with friends and/or fellow guests on the "snow playground", where you might also get drawn into a bit of fun in an old-fashioned snowball free-for-all.
If you are in the Harbin area during the off-ski season, you should seriously consider a trip to the ski resort, where you will find some beautiful landscapes that invite you for a refreshing stroll through verdant pine forests and along the willow-lined shores of pristine lakes. The restaurants and bars are of course open year around. The ski resort was the venue for the 2008 Chinese Table Tennis Amateur Invitational. In addition, Erlongshan Ski Resort, which has an impressively large banquet hall, has served as a conference center for important national and international meetings.
The sharper gradients of Mount Erlong's slopes lend themselves admirably to Alpine skiing rather than to Nordic, or Cross-Country, skiing. In spite of the excellent gradient on the steepest slopes (30° as indicated in the summary above), the ski resort is very family-friendly, since every effort is made to keep skiers with different skill levels apart. Safety is one of the chief concerns of the ski resort's operators, as safety is the basis for a worry-free, pleasurable experience, both for the younger neophyte as well as for the more seasoned skier, and this concern is reflected in the well-thought-out organization of Erlongshan Ski Resort as well as in the professionalism of the management staff.
The winter weather on Mount Erlong is cold enough to ensure about 170 days of snow per year, though the prime ski season is only about 120 days, or 4 months, long – the usual for China. However, should mother nature fail at any time, the ski resort has two snow-making machines, as well as a snow-grooming machine to keep the "powder" on Mount Erlong's Alpine slopes in tip-top condition.
Besides being family-friendly, Erlongshan Ski Resort is very all-around in the sense that it offers a variety of snow-related activities besides skiing. In addition, all types of snow-related equipment – from skis to snowmobiles to snowboards and toboggans – is rented here. The ski resort also has a competent staff of ski instructors whose skills range from providing "hands-on" tutoring for beginners to tips for more experienced skiers who may be struggling with certain difficult techniques.
Erlongshan Ski Resort can accommodate up to 4000 guests at any given time. Lodgings range from the well-appointed Fengchen Villa to budget-priced bed & breakfast affairs (guest houses). The ski resort also sports a sauna for those who enjoy the relaxation of a good, deep cleansing. There are restaurants and bars here that cater to both Asian and Western tastes. Should you tire of skiing, you can always try your hand – foot? – at skating on the ski resort's large skating rink, you can try snowboarding, tobogganing, or rent a snowmobile, or you can play a game of snow soccer with friends and/or fellow guests on the "snow playground", where you might also get drawn into a bit of fun in an old-fashioned snowball free-for-all.
If you are in the Harbin area during the off-ski season, you should seriously consider a trip to the ski resort, where you will find some beautiful landscapes that invite you for a refreshing stroll through verdant pine forests and along the willow-lined shores of pristine lakes. The restaurants and bars are of course open year around. The ski resort was the venue for the 2008 Chinese Table Tennis Amateur Invitational. In addition, Erlongshan Ski Resort, which has an impressively large banquet hall, has served as a conference center for important national and international meetings.
Chao Lake
Chao Lake is located in the middle of Anhui Province near the provincial capital Hefei, and is one of the five largest fresh-water lakes in China. The lake is named for its resemblance to a bird's nest. As the legend goes, the site of Chao Lake was once a city called Chaozhou. One day, an old lady named Jiao had a premonition that the city would soon sink. She informed people living in the city of this bad news and led them to safety. To commemorate this great old lady, the lake was also called Jiao Lake later on.
Covering an area of about 750 square kilometers (290 square miles), Chao Lake is a national key scenic spot. The lake is dotted with many tourist sites, such as Laoshan Island, Zhongmiao Temple, the three famous hot springs - Bantang, Tang Pool and Fragrant Spring, four national forest parks and five water-eroded caves.
Located at the center of Chao Lake, Laoshan (Mt. Lao) Island is the most renowned site. Many cultural sites are scattered on the island, such as Wenfeng Pagoda, Shengfei Temple, Nantang Port and some other pavilions. Built in 1631, Wenfeng Pagoda is an octagonal brick building with a height of about 50 meters (164 feet). On the walls of each storey are inscribed some epigraphs and poems. The pagoda also houses about 802 Buddhist figures and 25 horizontal boards.
Zhongmiao Temple is situated on the northern bank of Chao Lake. Reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the temple consists of the front hall, the middle hall and the rear hall. Buddhist activities are mainly held in the middle hall. In the temple is enshrined the statue of Bi Xia Yuan Jun, a Taoist deity. At present, people go there mainly to appreciate the magnificent vista of Chao Lake instead of worshiping the god and praying for blessings.
Bantang, Tang Pool and Fragrant Spring are the three most celebrated hot springs around the lake. Bathing in the hot springs is good for your health. It can cure several kinds of diseases, for example, skin disease.
Chao Lake has abundant aquatic products such as silver fish, shrimps and crabs which are reputed as the 'Three Treasures'. Paying a visit there, tourists can have a feast of the 'Three Treasures' while appreciating the appealing scenery.
Covering an area of about 750 square kilometers (290 square miles), Chao Lake is a national key scenic spot. The lake is dotted with many tourist sites, such as Laoshan Island, Zhongmiao Temple, the three famous hot springs - Bantang, Tang Pool and Fragrant Spring, four national forest parks and five water-eroded caves.
Located at the center of Chao Lake, Laoshan (Mt. Lao) Island is the most renowned site. Many cultural sites are scattered on the island, such as Wenfeng Pagoda, Shengfei Temple, Nantang Port and some other pavilions. Built in 1631, Wenfeng Pagoda is an octagonal brick building with a height of about 50 meters (164 feet). On the walls of each storey are inscribed some epigraphs and poems. The pagoda also houses about 802 Buddhist figures and 25 horizontal boards.
Zhongmiao Temple is situated on the northern bank of Chao Lake. Reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the temple consists of the front hall, the middle hall and the rear hall. Buddhist activities are mainly held in the middle hall. In the temple is enshrined the statue of Bi Xia Yuan Jun, a Taoist deity. At present, people go there mainly to appreciate the magnificent vista of Chao Lake instead of worshiping the god and praying for blessings.
Bantang, Tang Pool and Fragrant Spring are the three most celebrated hot springs around the lake. Bathing in the hot springs is good for your health. It can cure several kinds of diseases, for example, skin disease.
Chao Lake has abundant aquatic products such as silver fish, shrimps and crabs which are reputed as the 'Three Treasures'. Paying a visit there, tourists can have a feast of the 'Three Treasures' while appreciating the appealing scenery.
2010年11月9日星期二
Go south to Yangzhou in the flowered March
Chinese old saying, “Go south to Yangzhou in the flowered March”, to describe the beauty of Yangzhou in the season of spring.
Located in the middle of Jiangsu Province, China, Yangzhou is among the first batch of the 24 historical & cultural cities issued by the Chinese government in 1982.
Yangzhou enjoys a history of about 2500 years. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Yangzhou was so prosperous that it was titled “the most prosperous city in the whole world”. The construction of the Jing-hang Grant Canal during the reign of Emperor Suiyang made the ancient Yangzhou a traffic hinge. During the middle period of the Qing Dynasty, Yangzhou, as a water transportation hinge and the biggest salt distribution center in China at that time, became one of the 10 biggest cities with the population of above 500 thousand in the world.
Due to its long history, the old town of Yangzhou with an area of 5.09 square kilometers is one of the well preserved ancient historic cities in China. There are many historic sites and cultural relics, among which 148 are of Cultural Relic Protection units located in the city zone. Among these sites, following ones are the most famous: the Hangou Canal, the Guangling Tomb of the Han Dynasty, the Mausoleum of Emperor Suiyang, Daming Temple of the North and South Dynasty, sites of old towns of the Tang and Song dynasties, the Tang Jianzhen Memorial Hall, the Islamic Puhading Tomb built during the Song Dynasty, the Immortal Crane (Xianhe) Temple, the Slender West Lake, the private Garden of Ming and Qing styles, and the He Garden. These sites add charm to Yangzhou city.
During its long cultural development, numerous statesmen, literati and artists left many masterpieces during their visit in Yangzhou. For example, famous poets of the Tang Dynasty like Li Bai, Du Fu and Du Mu once lived in Yangzhou; the painting school “Eight crackpots of Yangzhou”, which was represented by Zheng Banqiao and Jin Nong, was developed in its own style during the Qing Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty Yangzhou culture underwent a rapid development in terms of the Yangzhou Opera, Comic Dialogue, colleges, engraving printing, epitaph making and book collection.
Located in the middle of Jiangsu Province, China, Yangzhou is among the first batch of the 24 historical & cultural cities issued by the Chinese government in 1982.
Yangzhou enjoys a history of about 2500 years. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Yangzhou was so prosperous that it was titled “the most prosperous city in the whole world”. The construction of the Jing-hang Grant Canal during the reign of Emperor Suiyang made the ancient Yangzhou a traffic hinge. During the middle period of the Qing Dynasty, Yangzhou, as a water transportation hinge and the biggest salt distribution center in China at that time, became one of the 10 biggest cities with the population of above 500 thousand in the world.
Due to its long history, the old town of Yangzhou with an area of 5.09 square kilometers is one of the well preserved ancient historic cities in China. There are many historic sites and cultural relics, among which 148 are of Cultural Relic Protection units located in the city zone. Among these sites, following ones are the most famous: the Hangou Canal, the Guangling Tomb of the Han Dynasty, the Mausoleum of Emperor Suiyang, Daming Temple of the North and South Dynasty, sites of old towns of the Tang and Song dynasties, the Tang Jianzhen Memorial Hall, the Islamic Puhading Tomb built during the Song Dynasty, the Immortal Crane (Xianhe) Temple, the Slender West Lake, the private Garden of Ming and Qing styles, and the He Garden. These sites add charm to Yangzhou city.
During its long cultural development, numerous statesmen, literati and artists left many masterpieces during their visit in Yangzhou. For example, famous poets of the Tang Dynasty like Li Bai, Du Fu and Du Mu once lived in Yangzhou; the painting school “Eight crackpots of Yangzhou”, which was represented by Zheng Banqiao and Jin Nong, was developed in its own style during the Qing Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty Yangzhou culture underwent a rapid development in terms of the Yangzhou Opera, Comic Dialogue, colleges, engraving printing, epitaph making and book collection.
Kunqu Opera—Art of Beauty
Kunqu Opera is the gem of Chinese cultures. Kunqu Opera is a sort of stage art. Its name suggests that it originates in Kunshan of Jiangsu Province. Originally called "Kunshan Accent" or abbreviated as "Kun Accent", it has been called "Kunqu Opera" since the Qing Dynasty. It is also called "Kun Opera" nowadays. The accompanying musical instrument in Kunqu Opera is mainly bamboo flute, with Chinese wind pipe, clarionet, Chinese clarinet, and ballon guitar, lute, etc (percussion instruments are available) as complements. With unique system and style in performance, Kunqu Opera has the most outstanding properties including that its lyricism is strong; its actions are exquisite; and its singing and dancing are artfully and harmoniously combined by performers.
The elegance of Kunqu Opera finds expression in its absorption of the essences of the classic art of China. In most circumstances, the libretto and spoken parts of Kunqu Opera follow the style of Song lyrics (songci) and Yuan melody (yuanqu) directly. Even its language and words are artful "poems", enjoying fairly high value of literal art.The aria of Kunqu Opera also absorbs the acoustic essence of the classic poems of China. The acoustic charm in ancient China aimed at adjusting the rhythm and tones of Chinese characters, so that the articles would be easy for reciting and could be recited fluently like a song. The art of Kunqu Opera pays heavy attention to the stage performance of actors and actress. The performers of Kunqu Opera are all necessary to receive strict trainings on the gesture performance. Only through gestures, expressions, and dancing motions can these performers show all works of all themes of Kunqu Opera very well.
Kunqu Opera has a wide scope of subject matter, mainly including love, marriage, society, politics, history, and moral education. The Peony Pavilion is a representative of the love theme of Kunqu Opera. Since April 2004, the "youth edition" of The Peony Pavilion, created by lots of artists under the leadership of Bai Xianyong, a famous Taiwan writer, has been making a global performance tour, which endows the old art of Kunqu Opera with a youthful enjoyment and life.
With more and more audiences beginning to really appreciate and understand its beauty, Kunqu Opera will have an everlasting art life on the stage.
The elegance of Kunqu Opera finds expression in its absorption of the essences of the classic art of China. In most circumstances, the libretto and spoken parts of Kunqu Opera follow the style of Song lyrics (songci) and Yuan melody (yuanqu) directly. Even its language and words are artful "poems", enjoying fairly high value of literal art.The aria of Kunqu Opera also absorbs the acoustic essence of the classic poems of China. The acoustic charm in ancient China aimed at adjusting the rhythm and tones of Chinese characters, so that the articles would be easy for reciting and could be recited fluently like a song. The art of Kunqu Opera pays heavy attention to the stage performance of actors and actress. The performers of Kunqu Opera are all necessary to receive strict trainings on the gesture performance. Only through gestures, expressions, and dancing motions can these performers show all works of all themes of Kunqu Opera very well.
Kunqu Opera has a wide scope of subject matter, mainly including love, marriage, society, politics, history, and moral education. The Peony Pavilion is a representative of the love theme of Kunqu Opera. Since April 2004, the "youth edition" of The Peony Pavilion, created by lots of artists under the leadership of Bai Xianyong, a famous Taiwan writer, has been making a global performance tour, which endows the old art of Kunqu Opera with a youthful enjoyment and life.
With more and more audiences beginning to really appreciate and understand its beauty, Kunqu Opera will have an everlasting art life on the stage.
Gua Sha—Magical Therapy
Years ago, there used to be a film named Gua Sha, which introduced the gem of traditional Chinese medecine to the world. Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is one technique that intentionally raises Sha rash or petechiae. Gua Sha is used whenever a patient has pain whether associated with an acute or chronic disorder. . There may be aching, tenderness and/or a knotty feeling in the muscles. Palpation reveals Sha when normal finger pressure on a patient's skin causes blanching that is slow to fade. In addition to resolving musculo skeletal pain, Gua Sha is used to treat as well as prevent common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, as well as any chronic disorder involving pain, congestion of Qi and Blood. Sha is raised primarily at the Yang surface of the body: the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs. On occasion, Gua Sha is applied at the chest and abdomen. The area to be Gua Sha-ed is lubricated with oil. The skin is then rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes. One area is stroked until the petechiae that surface are completely raised. If there is no Blood stasis the petechiae will not form and the skin will only turn pink. For lubrication I use Vick's Vapo-rub because my patients are familiar with its smell and are comforted by it. Thick oil such as peanut oil was used traditionally. A soupspoon, coin, or slice of water buffalo horn is used in Asia. I have found that a simple metal cap with a rounded lip works best and is by far more comfortable to the patient. The color of the Sha is both diagnostic and prognostic. Very light colored Sha can indicate Deficiency of Blood. If the Sha is fresh red, it is of recent penetration. If the Sha is purple or black, the Blood stasis is long-standing. If brown, the Blood may be dry. Dark red Sha can indicate heat. The Sha petechiae should fade in 2-4 days. If it is slower to fade, indicating poor Blood circulation, the practitioner must ascertain whether it is deficiency of Blood, Qi or Yang, a deeper stagnation or organ deficiency at the root. In most cases the patient feels an immediate shift in their condition particularly in their pain or sense of constraint. Gua Sha moves stuck Qi and Blood, releases the Exterior mimicking sweating, and moves Fluids. In a modern medical construct these fluids contain metabolic waste that congested the surface tissues and muscles. Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes. It is a valuable treatment for both external and internal pain, and facilitates the resolution of both acute and chronic disorders. Gua Sha is a completely safe technique, but it is serious medicine. Knowing when to use it and what to expect from treatment is as important as good technique. People who live in chronic pain often erect emotional defenses to cope with it or can feel completely hopeless. Having that pain ‘touched’ and relieved can be unsettling, even shocking. It is good to be moderate in activity after treatment, even rest. I have always told my patients after treatment: no drugs, booze, sex, fasting, feasting or hard labor, including working out, for the rest of the day. In other words, mellow mode.
Fengdu—Ghost Town on Yangtze River
Fengdu County is a county of Chongqing Municipality in China.
There is a necropolis called Fengdu modelled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology, built over 1800 years ago. The famous ghost town will become an island after the Three Gorges Dam project is completed. Specifically, part of the ghost town of Fengdu will be submerged, but scenery above the "Door of Hell" will remain.
Having a history of nearly 2,000 years, Fengdu County has formed a special culture of ghosts and the afterlife. Well known as the resting place of the spirit of the dead, Fengdu is now the most characteristic and reputed historic and cultural town in China.
Tourist resorts in Fengdu are abundant. Both the natural beauty and historic relics are immediately available to all tourists. Fengdu is a must see attraction on Yangtze River for visitors with great adventure interest.
Some natural scenes like virgin forests, mountains, everglades, grassland, canyons, and karst caves can be admired. On the southern bank of Yangtze River, the Snow Jade Cave is the most attractive one. Some Yangtze Cruise ships usually stop in Fengdu enabling visitors a shore excursion opportunity to visit the cave. As most of the stalactites in the cave are white and pure, the cave looks like a world of snow. Many world wonders can be found in the cave.
As for the historic relics, Mt. Ming is a mountain combining the religion of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Sculptures, paintings, and architecture are unique characteristic of the mountain. The Ghost City on Ming Mountain has become a popular resort for Yangtze River Cruises. It is the best place where one can learn all about Chinese ghost culture. In addition, the "damned king stone" inscription is the largest rock-side stone carving statue in the world.
Other attractions like Shuangguishan National Forest Park and the impressive Han Tombs which are the largest in scale and numbers in China are also worth visit.
Part of the territory of Fengdu is now submerged in the river due to the Three Gorges Dam Project. The new county of Fengdu has been constructed on the southern bank of the Yangtze River which faces the old county across the river. During years of development, it has become the center of politics, economy, culture and tourism of Fengdu. More and more local residents will move to the county as the water rises over the next several years.
There is a necropolis called Fengdu modelled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology, built over 1800 years ago. The famous ghost town will become an island after the Three Gorges Dam project is completed. Specifically, part of the ghost town of Fengdu will be submerged, but scenery above the "Door of Hell" will remain.
Having a history of nearly 2,000 years, Fengdu County has formed a special culture of ghosts and the afterlife. Well known as the resting place of the spirit of the dead, Fengdu is now the most characteristic and reputed historic and cultural town in China.
Tourist resorts in Fengdu are abundant. Both the natural beauty and historic relics are immediately available to all tourists. Fengdu is a must see attraction on Yangtze River for visitors with great adventure interest.
Some natural scenes like virgin forests, mountains, everglades, grassland, canyons, and karst caves can be admired. On the southern bank of Yangtze River, the Snow Jade Cave is the most attractive one. Some Yangtze Cruise ships usually stop in Fengdu enabling visitors a shore excursion opportunity to visit the cave. As most of the stalactites in the cave are white and pure, the cave looks like a world of snow. Many world wonders can be found in the cave.
As for the historic relics, Mt. Ming is a mountain combining the religion of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Sculptures, paintings, and architecture are unique characteristic of the mountain. The Ghost City on Ming Mountain has become a popular resort for Yangtze River Cruises. It is the best place where one can learn all about Chinese ghost culture. In addition, the "damned king stone" inscription is the largest rock-side stone carving statue in the world.
Other attractions like Shuangguishan National Forest Park and the impressive Han Tombs which are the largest in scale and numbers in China are also worth visit.
Part of the territory of Fengdu is now submerged in the river due to the Three Gorges Dam Project. The new county of Fengdu has been constructed on the southern bank of the Yangtze River which faces the old county across the river. During years of development, it has become the center of politics, economy, culture and tourism of Fengdu. More and more local residents will move to the county as the water rises over the next several years.
Emei Martial Arts—Chinese Kung Fu Lenged
Mount Emei, a sacred mountain for Buddhists in China, stands towering the southwestern part of the Sichuan Basin. Its summit the Wanfo (Tens of Thousands of Buddhas) Peak rises up to 3099m in altitude and the whole mountainous area covers more than 4 square kilometers. Seen from afar, the undulating mountain silhouette looks like the face and long eyebrows of a demure young lady; hence the name Emei (long eyebrows).
Mount Emei is known for its picturesque landscape and legendary Buddhist sites. It possesses geographical and topographic varieties as well as well-preserved environment. High mountains, deep valleys, secluded forests with all kinds of birds chirping and chattering provide tourists enjoyment and serenity.
Emei Martial Arts, Shaolin Martial Arts and Wudang Martial Arts are the three major schools of Chinese martial arts with the longest history and widest influences.
The Emei School of Martial Arts got its name from Mt. Emei. In a general sense, Emei is the name of Bashu (present Sichuan and Chongqing) in ancient times. Therefore, the Emei School of Martial Arts can be also called "Bashu Martial Arts".
The origin and development of Emei Martial Arts have got everything to do with the history of Buddhism and Taoism of Mt. Emei. According to Records of Mt. Emei, Buddhist temples were first constructed in Mt. Emei in as early as the Wei and Jin Dynasties. In the Tang and Song Dynasties, Buddhist temples began to increase in Mt. Emei with the rising of Buddhism. Till the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Buddhism reached its prime time in Mt. Emei, which boasted as the top four renowned Buddhist Mountains in China together with Mt. Wutai, Mt. Putuo and Mt. Jiuhua. As Buddhism and Taoism were spread into Mt. Emei, monks and Taoist priests often practiced some martial arts after meditation, reading sutras and worshiping Buddha so as to strengthen their bodies and protect the temples. Since they had deep inner gong through constant meditation; and the Buddhist and Taoist systems would exchange experience, learn advantages from each other and create respective new approaches during the practice of martial arts, the unique school of Emei Martial Arts was gradually formed in this way. The Emei School of Martial Arts combined the advantages of both Buddhist and Taoist systems by absorbing the dynamic Taoist qigong and static qigong of Buddhist meditation to create a practicing way with both dynamic and static exercises. The practice has then been held together with various boxing, instruments, free sparring and qigong to form a huge martial arts system of Emei School.
Mount Emei is known for its picturesque landscape and legendary Buddhist sites. It possesses geographical and topographic varieties as well as well-preserved environment. High mountains, deep valleys, secluded forests with all kinds of birds chirping and chattering provide tourists enjoyment and serenity.
Emei Martial Arts, Shaolin Martial Arts and Wudang Martial Arts are the three major schools of Chinese martial arts with the longest history and widest influences.
The Emei School of Martial Arts got its name from Mt. Emei. In a general sense, Emei is the name of Bashu (present Sichuan and Chongqing) in ancient times. Therefore, the Emei School of Martial Arts can be also called "Bashu Martial Arts".
The origin and development of Emei Martial Arts have got everything to do with the history of Buddhism and Taoism of Mt. Emei. According to Records of Mt. Emei, Buddhist temples were first constructed in Mt. Emei in as early as the Wei and Jin Dynasties. In the Tang and Song Dynasties, Buddhist temples began to increase in Mt. Emei with the rising of Buddhism. Till the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Buddhism reached its prime time in Mt. Emei, which boasted as the top four renowned Buddhist Mountains in China together with Mt. Wutai, Mt. Putuo and Mt. Jiuhua. As Buddhism and Taoism were spread into Mt. Emei, monks and Taoist priests often practiced some martial arts after meditation, reading sutras and worshiping Buddha so as to strengthen their bodies and protect the temples. Since they had deep inner gong through constant meditation; and the Buddhist and Taoist systems would exchange experience, learn advantages from each other and create respective new approaches during the practice of martial arts, the unique school of Emei Martial Arts was gradually formed in this way. The Emei School of Martial Arts combined the advantages of both Buddhist and Taoist systems by absorbing the dynamic Taoist qigong and static qigong of Buddhist meditation to create a practicing way with both dynamic and static exercises. The practice has then been held together with various boxing, instruments, free sparring and qigong to form a huge martial arts system of Emei School.
2010年11月7日星期日
A Panorama of Chinese Garments
Clothes of Chinese ethnic minorities are flowery and colorful, extremely exquisite, and highly characteristic. They constitute an important part of the rich history and culture of the nationalities. Every aspect of their garments, such as raw materials, textile technology, fashion and decoration, retains a distinct character of the nationality and the locality. The Mongolians, Tibetans, Kazakstans, Khalkhases, Yugurs, etc., who are mainly engaged in stockbreeding, make their apparel mostly from animal skin and hair. On the other hand, farming ethnic minorities usually take the locally produced cotton or hemp thread as raw material to spin cloth and silk and make clothes. Ethnic minorities' techniques of spinning and weaving, tanning, felting and so on have undergone a long history. There are numerous designs and forms in the clothing of Chinese ethnic minorities. On broad lines, they can be classified into two types: long gowns and short clothes. Those who are in gown usually wear a hat on the head and boots on the feet while those who are in short clothes usually wear a handkerchief and shoes. The forms of the gowns are various too: the high-collar and big-front type worn by the Mongolian, the Man, the Tu and so on; the collarless tilted-front type worn by the Tibetan, the Moinba and so on; the tilted-front type worn by the Uygur and other nationalities; the kanjian-type long gown...As for short clothes, they fall into the following two types: trousers and skirts. In the fashions of skirts, there are pleat skirt, tube skirt, short skirt, one-piece and so on. In any kind of clothes, the gown, the coat, the skirt, or the trousers, different nationalities vary in their structure, technique, style and any other aspect. For example, high-collared big gowns fall into many types: those with a vent and those without a vent, those with vents both in front and in back, those with front and back vents and edging all around, and so on. Garments of ethnic minorities vary greatly not only with different nationalities, but also with different branches and different regions within the same nationality. Difference can be seen from province to province, from county to county, and even from village to village: just like a hundred flowers in bloom. The garment is the most obvious mark of the nationality, and in history, many nationalities were named just according to their garments. In a country like China, with such a vast land, so many nationalities and an unbalanced social development, different economic lives, cultural levels, natural environments and geographical conditions and climatic conditions have led to the great variety of clothes, which should be said to be one of the characteristic points of folk garments. Some techniques of Chinese ethnic minorities such as embroidery, batik and so on, are very developed, and are widely used in their clothing adornments, which is another feature of their garments. Because of relatively plain design and structure of traditional Chinese clothing, embroidered edgings, decorated bands, draped cloth or silks, patterns on the shoulders, and sashes were often added as ornamentation. These varied designs came to be one of the unique features of traditional Chinese dress.
Darker colors were much more favored than lighter ones in traditional Chinese clothing so the main color of ceremonial clothing tended to be dark while bright, elaborate tapestry designs accented. Lighter colored clothing was worn more frequently by the common people for everyday use.
The Chinese associate certain colors with specific seasons: green represents spring, red symbolizes summer, white represents autumn, and black symbolizes winter. The Chinese are said to have a fully developed system of matching, coordinating, and contrasting colors and shades of light and dark in apparel. Red is favorite for most Chinese people since Red symbolizes good luck in traditional mind. Chinese people prefer to wear in red when they are celebrating some important festivals or events in their life, such as wedding ceremony. The Han nationality is the most populous nationality both in China and in the world. Its history is of long standing and its culture is resplendent. From the history of thousands of years，you may see there are chiefly two basic forms in design of the clothing of the Han nationality: the upper coat plus the lower skirt, and the combination between the coat and the skirt; the dajin(front of a Chinese garment which buttons on the right) has remained to be the most striking feature. The main raw materials of Han clothes include flax, silk, cotton, woolen cloth, leather and so on. The products of dyeing and weaving of the Han nationality are unique in the world and enjoy a high reputation for their long history, advanced technology and elegant fashioning. For quite a long time in history, the dyeing and weaving technology，especially in silk weaving，could not be found elsewhere in the world. The ancient staining technique of China was very superb and advanced，too: not only the colors were many and gorgeous, but the dyeing was fast, not easy to wade. Thus, it was called the mystical“Chinese art”by Westerners. The methods are roughly classified into the four types: inweaving, dye printing, embroidery and pattern drawing. After the Revolution of 1911, the chief types of clothes of the male of the Han nationality were changpao(long gown) plus magua(mandarin jacket), changpao plus kanjian(sleeveless jacket), Sun Yat Sen's uniform, school wear and western-style clothes, etc. On the other hand, Chinese-style shan'ao(coat) and mindangku (trousers with the waist tucked together without button) were the major garments of the laboring people. Such a difference resulted from different economic conditions and ways of life. In that period, women's clothes were chiefly qipao, kanjian, upper coat with lower skirt, and trousers.
Zhongshan Scenic Spot
Zhongshan Scenic Spot locates in Nanjing of Jiangsu with Mountain Bell (Purple Mountain) and Xuanwu Lake as the center. Zhongshan Scenic Spot is undulating, running as floating dragon, including Purple Mountain, city wall of Ming Dynasty, Xuanwu Lake, and connection parts between mountain and lake, Fugui Mountain around the lake, Fuzhou Mountain and Jilong Mountain and several low mound, cities wall and castles as well. The Spot is characterized by blue mountain and green water, the well integration of mountain, water, town and forest. Viewing from Mountain Bell, all the sceneries such as Wuzhou Smoke Willow, Ten-Mile Spring Breeze, Beam Wave and Wall Shadow of Yan Que Lake, Forest Pearl of Purple Cloud Lake are in full view and make people completely relaxed and happy. Fugui Mountain, Fuzhou Mountain and Jilong Mountain are packed with beautiful scenery and lush vegetation. The natural beauty of wild forest, together with the unique delicate construction, makes the Zhongshan Scenic Spot as the high-class combination of natural beauty with humanity beauty.Around three sides of Xuanwu Lake are the mountains with one side facing the City. Mountain Bell stands at the east side of the Lake, the ancient city is close to southwest, and Fugui Mountain, Fuzhou Mountain and Jilong Mountain are located at the south. In addition, the beautiful and lush vegetation are expressing themselves fully to each other, Zhaoyang and Mufu Mountains run along the north side of the Lake, surrounded by mountain city and packed with a great number of famous places of interests along the Lake. Xuanwu Lake used to be called as Sangbo, Moling Lake, Hou Lake and Kunming Lake. It is said that, during Liu-Song Period, a black dragon appeared, hence its name Xuanwu Lake. In Northern Song Dynasty, Wang Anshi has issued the new law, changed the lake into field, therefore, from then on, Xuanwu Lake disappeared. In Ming Dynasty, the Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang built up high walls and began to recover the Xuanwu Lake and made it the natural moat.The east suburb of Nanjing which was the capital city of six dynasties in Chinese history takes the first place in terms of mountain quantity and it is called as Jinlin Mountain in ancient time. The mountain got its name because the Kingdom of Chu had established Jinlin City here. In Han Dynasty, people began to call it Mountain Bell and its name changed into Purple Mountain in Eastern Jin dynasty due to its purple rock, its peak assuming purple cloud looking from afar. Three peaks of Mountain Bell are connected as a huge dragon. Mountain, water and city integrate into a whole, characterized by splendor and grandeur. Thus, there is an ancient saying of “Dragon dominated in Mountain Bell and Tiger occupied the Stone City”. Mountain Bell locates at the junction of North Temperate Zone and Subtropical Zone, serving as the transitional region for plants of south and north. It boasts a great number of plant varieties and flourishing forests as well. The Zhongshan Tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen who was the forerunner of the Chinese revolution was here together with tombs for other famous people who joined the Chinese revolution. In addition, there are still many famous places of interests such as Sun Quan Tomb, Xiao Mausoleum of the Ming, Linggu Temple and so on.
Living and Values - The Important Days of the Chinese
Traditional festivals are important events in the life of every Chinese, beginning right from childhood. Festivals such as the Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Winter Solstice are more or less evenly distributed across the four seasons. In China's traditional agricultural society, festivals served to mark the passing of time.All Chinese festivals include common elements such as a desire for happiness and well-being, the warding off of misfortune, experiencing a connection between man and heaven, and family reunion. And, of course, Festivals are an opportunity for rest and relaxation. The Chinese are hard workers, so festivals and celebrations are a welcome chance for a change of pace. During China's traditional agricultural society, festivals were even national holidays.The rhythm of China's traditional festivals was set by the sowing and reaping of crops. The Chinese New Year comes in winter when farmers are unable to work in the fields. The Lantern Festival ends the Chinese New Year season. Tomb-Sweeping Day, which is a day to pay respect to the deceased, comes between spring plowing and summer weeding. The Dragon Boat Festival is held after one of the harvests of the year is completed. The Chung Yuan Festival (to remove the guilt incurred by the sins of the dead) occurs in the middle of summer when not much work in the fields can be done because it is so hot. The Mid-Autumn Festival is held around the final harvest of the year. The Double Ninth or Senior Citizens' Festival occurs as farmers prepare for the coming winter. And the Tung Chih festival falls on or around winter solstice.The Chinese New Year is also know as the Spring Festival. This is a time for family members to come together to "Guo Nian" or pass into the new year. Money in little red envelopes are given to children for good fortune. Homage is also paid to ancestors and gods. Firecrackers are set off everywhere, and dragon and lion dances are performed from the busiest cities to the most remote villages.The Lantern Festival has been celebrated since the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-221 A.D.). During this festival, everyone carries colorful lanterns and gathers in a public place to have a lantern fair. It is also a time to eat glutinous rice dumplings which symbolize family unity.The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the date that an ancient poet and patriot committed suicide by jumping into the Milou River after losing the trust of the emperor. Because of this, the festival is also called Poet's Festival. According to the legend, people then launched boats to find his body and give it a proper burial. However, they could not find it. Then, the people threw rice dumplings into the river to satisfy the hunger of the sea creatures, so that the poet's body would not be mutilated. That is the origin of the dragon boat races and the eating of glutinous rice dumplings, which consists of sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.The Mid-Autumn Festival is a day to worship the moon god. It is also the birthday of the earth god. The Chinese use this opportunity to express their gratitude to heaven and earth (represented by moon and earth respectively) for the blessing they have enjoyed. Round moon cakes are eaten on this day and are also symbolic of family unity. Unlike most other festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival is characterized by serenity and delicacy.The lifestyles of the Chinese people have changed, but the importance of traditional festivals in their lives has not faded. Along with these major festivals, many other traditional festivals are observed in modern China that demonstrate the important place that tradition and longing for times past occupy in the life of the Chinese people. Besides the ethnic, geographic, historic, and linguistic ties that unite the Chinese, traditional festivals are one of the strongest bonds reinforcing the cultural identity of the Chinese.
Gunpowder
Gunpowder is the first explosive substance mankind learnt to use and also one of the four great inventions of ancient China. The invention of gunpowder should in a way be attributed to alchemists of ancient China, who drew inspiration from the fire-ignition of pill-making process during which sulfur, niter and other substances were used. They subsequently created the formula for gunpowder. When the formula was in the hands of strategists, the gunpowder was turned into black powder used in warfare.The military applications of gunpowder began at the end of the Tang Dynasty. According to record, there were siege-breaking battles using “flying fire” at that time. People used a stone-projector to send off lit gunpowder packs to burn the enemy. In the Song Dynasty, the government set up gunpowder workshops, where flammable or explosive weapons like "fire cannon", "rocket" and "missile" etc were produced in various periods. In 1,259 AD, something called “erupter” was introduced. It was a device with bamboo pipes, in which gunpowder was loaded. In the Yuan Dynasty, a weapon named bronze cannon came into being. In mid-16th century, a new type of rocket called “the Fire Dragon Issuing from the Water” was introduced. The rocket is regarded as the earliest ancestor of two-stage rockets. In the Ming Dynasty, there was a military rocket called “flying crow with magic fire” with rather strong explosive power. These primitive firearms propelled by gunpowder explosion demonstrated unprecedented power in warfare. They are the originators of modern-day weapons.Gunpowder was also used in acrobat and puppet shows to decorate the stage and create a mysterious atmosphere. People of the Song Dynasty used gunpowder in stunning performances like spraying fire, invisiblizing stage characters and conjuring up things etc. The audience couldn’t help but marvel the magic.In the 12th and 13th century, gunpowder was introduced to Arab countries before its journey to Greece and other European countries. Gunpowder put an end to the “cold weapon era” and ushered in a new chapter in war history, causing a far-reaching impact on the development of human history. Gunpowder was also used in other areas, such as the making of fireworks and firecrackers, making people’s life more colorful.
Umbrella
As early as 3500 years ago, umbrella had emerged in China. Regarding the invention of umbrella, there are many folk legends, among which the most widely spread one is the story about Luban inventing umbrella. According to the records of “Jade Chips”, umbrella was invented by Luban’s wife out of care and concern about her hardworking husband. As the folklore tells, daily meals delivered by Luban’s Wife Yun were often spoilt by downpours. So Luban built pavilions along the road. Later on, as inspired by children using lotus leaves for rain shelter, he invented the first umbrella by making a flexible framework covered by a cloth. In ancient China, the umbrella was not only a day-to-day appliance, but also with sociological significance. In late Wei Dynasty, umbrella was used in official ceremonies and rites and was called the Luo Umbrella. According to Tso Chun, Jin Book • Clothing and Chariot Records, the Luo Umbrella is the symbol of rank and status as the official robe. For example, officials of the Han Dynasty above the third rank used Green Umbrella and emperors in Song dynasty used yellow and red umbrellas. Therefore, umbrellas were used in the inspection tours of emperors or senior officials in ancient times to show protection over the people. As umbrella indicates wealth and honor, it is often used in wedding ceremonies in China. Umbrella is often used in opera, song and dance, and acrobatics art as well. With the increasing foreign exchanges, umbrellas gradually spread abroad. For example, Japan dispatched 19 batches of missionaries to the Tang Dynasty to learn Chinese culture. Thus, the umbrella making techniques were introduced to Japan. In the mid-18th century, British businessmen brought back an umbrella after traveling in China, which aroused great repercussion in the United Kingdom. Till the mid-19th century the umbrella had become a must for the British.
2010年11月4日星期四
Three Carvings of Huizhou
The three most famous caving styles in Huizhou are, brick, stone, and wood carving. The three carvings originated in Song Dynasty and reached their peak in Ming and Qing Dynasty. The carvings are mainly used as decorations for civil residences, ancestral temples, arches and handicrafts like furniture, shelters, pencil vases and etc.Brick carving, done in fine gray bricks of varying shapes and sizes, mainly decorated brick frames and eaves above the gates.
The process had two steps: the first step was composing and chiseling an outline in the brick, usually done by a veteran artisan who was familiar with many traditional themes and composition; the second step was carving the relief into the outline, usually done by the apprentices.With the gray brick being more brittle than ivory, animal bone or wood, but easier to process than the stone, the art of brick carving has a unique style.
The exaggeration and distortion of images required by the limited frame they were cut within, and the neat high relief determined by the texture of bricks, help to strengthen the ornamental effect of the work.The diversified themes of brick carvings can be divided into the following two kinds: historical, and flora & fauna.The first kind includes scenes from myths, legends, opera stories, folk customs and so on. Dignitaries in a procession, woodcutters or farmers at work, and shepherd boys on the back of buffaloes are constant images. There are also scenes of people feeding farm animals and fowl, pushing carts, carrying water, and poling boats, as well as scenes of entertainment and performances.
The second kind includes images of animals, birds and flowers. Temples were usually decorated with images of dragons and phoenixes. The southern Anhui artisans were most skilled at carving lions. Following traditional images, they portrayed the lions in various imaginary poses playing with balls and dancing. Each lion was given a personality -- some fierce, some naive, some naughty. More than two lions appearing in one scene are carefully arranged and portrayed so that their poses together form a coherent whole. Other animals like elephants, tigers, dogs, rabbits and monkeys were also common images in brick carving.
Plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, pomegranate, orange, tangerine, loquat and lichi were other popular objects for brick carvers. There is a carving of an egret standing beside blossoming and budding lotus flowers -- with images vivid and true to life, the composition discards the traditional symmetry and distortion. This makes the whole work resemble a beautiful painting. These carvings are always framed by symmetrical ancient vessel patterns, eight-treasure patterns and cloud patterns.Brick carving in the Ming Dynasty was simple and plain, like Han-dynasty stone carvings in tombs. The sculptured main figures and the background in low relief combine without proper perspective.
The simple themes, stereotyped figures and symmetric composition make the carving highly decorative. During the last years of the Ming Dynasty and the first years of the Qing Dynasty, brick carving started to show certain influences from the rising of the Xin'an painting school in southern Anhui and the spread of elegant, colorful Anhui-style woodcuts. During the Qing Dynasty, when the merchants were wealthier, brick carving became more exquisite and complex to suit their magnificent houses.
A carving in a brick with a surface less than 0.1 square meter would show several gradations of perspective, with a composition like that of a Chinese painting.Wood carvings were often found on beams, pillars and their above brackets, upturned eaves, railings, doors, windows and such furniture as cupboards and tables. The application of tung oil instead of colorful paint exposed the natural texture of wood while at the same time protecting the carvings from corrosion.Stones were used to build the house foundations, memorial archways or bridges, and stone carvings are often seen on roof-beam plates, eaves and socles. The range patterns include Hindu swastika, diamond, plum blossom, bamboo, and dragon.
Stone carvings are used on memorial archways or bridges, house foundations, and stone pillars of ancestral temples, leaking house windows, roof-beam plates, and eaves, etc. The archways are majestic with a lot of carved patterns.But neither the memorial archways nor the house foundations and stone pillars of ancestral temples have the most stone carvings. It is the carved stone leaking windows of the house.
The patterns of the leaking windows show the owner's pursuits. If the owner wants perfect morals, he would choose "the three friends in cold months" pattern of pine, bamboo and plum. If the owner desires to go back home after becoming successful, he would choose the falling leaves as the pattern, which represents the wish for a person residing elsewhere to finally return to his ancestral home. The designs on the windows not only make the house more beautiful, but lend it a more cultured atmosphere.
The five mimic-animal games
It is a classical physical exercise which imitates the motions of the five animals of tigers, deer, bears, monkeys and birds. The exercise has been the method for Chinese people to build up health and to prolong life since the ancient times. The game of mimic-tiger It imitates the tiger's image, adopts the tiger's air and its perfect utilization of its paws as well as its motions of shaking the head and wagging the tail, bulging and vibrating the whole body. The game requires concentration of the mind on Mingmen (GV4). It has the functions of strengthening the kidney and waist, enhancing the bone and promoting the production of marrow. The exercise may remove obstruction of governor vessel and eliminate pathogenic wind. The game of mimic-deer It imitates the deer's image. adopts the animal's longevity and intelligence as well as its perfect use of the coccyx. The games requires concentration of the mind on the coccyx. It can remove obstruction of meridians and collaterals, promote blood circulation, limber up muscles and joints. The game of mimic-bear It imitates the bear's image of being clumsy in bodily movement and great in physical strength, static ill exterior and dynamic in interior. The game requires concentration of the mind on Zhong-gong (within the navel), and puts emphasis on being dynamic in the interior and static in exterior. The game of mimic-monkey It imitates the monkey's image of being alert, dexterous and quick in action, and liable to movement. The game requires concentration of the mind on the navel to seek for physical movement and mental peace. The game of mimic-bird It is also called the game of mimic-crane which imitates the crane' s image of being lithe in flying and unfolding in action. Practicing this games requires concentration of the mind on Qihai (CV6). It can regulate and promote qi flow and blood circulation, dredge meridians and collaterals, limber up the tendons, bones and joints.The five mimic-animal games not only include bodily movements, but also requires elimination of all stray thoughts, concentration of the mind on Dantian as well as the cooperation of respiration. The games can regulate yin and yang, promote qi flow and blood circulation, strengthen the body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors. Therefore, it has better actions of nourishing the mind, regulating qi flow and blood circulation, strengthening viscera, dredging meridians and collaterals, limbering up muscles and joints, and facilitating flexible movement of joints. Clinically, the game is commonly applicable to patients with hemiplegia, paraplegia, arthralgia syndrome, flaccidity syndrome, osteoporosis, Parkinson's syndrome, etc. at the stage of recovery.
The Development of Chinese Music
The ancient Chinese bamboo flute, which dates back 7000-8000 years was a relatively advanced instrument, showing that the development of Chinese music had reached a high level even by that early time.As in many other nations, the arts of music and dancing were originally closely related during early Chinese cultural development and did not become independent branches of art until the Xia Dynasty. From then on, the development of Chinese music entered and glorious stage of "Bell and Drum Music", which that lasted for more than 1300 years. This lasted through many dynasties including Xia, Shang, and Zhou. During the 1200 years from the Qin Dynasty to the Han Dynasty, this music for dancing was the major form of Chinese music.Until the Sui Dynasty, Chinese music was something of a luxury, reserved for nobles and monarchs. When the Sui Dynasty began, the public gradually had the opportunity to share, play and enjoy music in the temple fairs of Buddhist temples, in restaurants and in tea bars. The popularity of music increased during the Song Dynasty, especially in public areas such as opera theatres and cafes, and the music was often accompanied by dancing. Later, many other artistic forms involving music performance appeared such as Guzi Opera, Poetic Drama set to Music, and Local Classical Opera in South China. After the Song Dynasty, "music of literateurs", a musical form that focuses on keyboard music developed, together with "music of the average". Many musical instruments, such as the lute, guzheng, flute, panpipe, and Chinese windpipe were also further developed at this time. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, various musical forms, such as opera and speaking whilst singing, gradually matured and became enriched. String and band music features instruments like the fiddle played an increasingly important role in accompaniment to concertos and operas, such as the Peking Opera.Traditional Chinese musical instruments have developed over thousands of years and a variety of types for different musical categories has evolved. In general, traditional Chinese musical instruments can be divided into ensemble and solo instruments. Ensemble instruments include the gong, drum, sauna, two-stringed Chinese fiddle, four-stringed Chinese mandolin, Chinese dulcimer, three-stringed Chinese guitar, Chinese bamboo flute, Chinese windpipe, and Chinese vertical bamboo flute. Solo instruments include the seven-stringed Chinese zither, two-stringed Chinese fiddle, four-stringed Chinese mandolin, time beater, Chinese bamboo flute, and 21 or 25 stringed Chinese zither.After the foundation of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese government implemented a policy that encouraged numerous music schools to flourish. This gave rise to many great works that celebrated the national feeling and art and features other characteristics of the era. Examples include the epic The Red in the East, TV music Liu Sanjie, opera The Red Army at Honghu Lake, and the piano-based The Yellow River, etc.Since China reformed and opened up to the outside world 20 years ago, Chinese music has been heavily influenced by music from western countries, and vice versa. This close interaction between western and Chinese music has ushered in a new era of rapid development and prosperity for Chinese music, influencing wide ranging aspects of Chinese musical culture including music creation, performance, music education, music theories, publication and the marketing of music.The rise of new music and rapid growth of pop music are two of the most important phenomena in the process of recent Chinese musical development. In the last 20 years, Chinese musicians and musical groups have participated in various international events and contests aimed at improving communication regarding music. Many of them ranked highly, some even coming first. By travelling all over the world, they have displayed Chinese traditions and musical culture to the people of other nations, and at the same time have introduced the new ideas and music into China.In order to enrich the musical life of Chinese people and raise their understanding and appreciation of music, large music festivals are regularly held throughout the nation. These festivals include "Spring in Shanghai", "The Beijing Chorus Festival", and "The Yangcheng City Music and Flower Festival". In addition, musical festivals performed by amateurs are also very popular, these festivals, which include "Blossoms in May", Music Party in October", "School Music Party", are held regularly in certain cities and generally prove very popular.
Traditional Chinese Masks and Culture
Even in this day and age Chinese Masks are used within two main elements of Chinese culture. The New Year masks which are worn by Chinese people to welcome the New Year throughout the world. And the Opera masks which are painted and drawn on the faces of the actors and singers and are used to depict the traits and characteristics of the role each actor is playing.Chinese New Year’s masks are not seen at any other time of the year. The exciting and extravagant Chinese New Year can last for a week or longer and ends with the Yuanxiao which is a lantern festival. The masks used depict the moods and emotion of enjoyment and happiness which tie in with the ceremonies and festival. Chinese people typically will buy presents, buy new clothes and cook expensive meals for the New Year period. Throughout this period many works of art and crafts like the Chinese masks in their rich and vivid colors are worn and displayed to show the nature of the festivity.Chinese Masks are made up of numerous materials like stones and metals, leather and cloth, paper and grass and more. They are then painted in different color themes and designs. Some masks may represent animal or human characteristics like the lion or the dragon. Red is also a popular color, thought to bring prosperity and many red masks will be seen during the celebrations.Chinese New Year is based in lore of deities, spirits, good and evil beings and animal ancestors. Masks commonly depict these characteristics and powers and are held in high esteem during the ceremonies and dances involved in the Chinese New Year.The dragon holds special significance at new years and is a bringer of good luck and fortune, especially for farming and harvesting and is also the bringer of rain. The New Year’s celebrations mark the beginning of the planting and farming seasons in China, and so the two tie closely together.The dragon mask is a key symbol of fortune and prosperity for the New Year. The dragon mask is an important part of Chinese heritage and specifically New Year parades. While the dragon mask may not hold the same importance that it did during ancient times, no present day New Year’s parade is without it.The dragon mask began as this kind of symbol, but through the centuries the role of the mask in Chinese society has changed. The mask is no longer seen as such an important part of agricultural prosperity today, but it is still a very important symbol to the Chinese people.The dragon masks used during parades are commonly very complex and elaborate with vivid colors, usually in gold, red and blue with fur and feathers headed by the large dragon mask which usually features bright red. A traditional dragon mask will typically have either a wide rounded mouth or a yawning jaw. The person at the head of the dragon dance procession will wear the mask or hold it above his or her head as the dragon dances and snakes along through the streets.The other type of masks in Chinese culture is the modern Chinese Opera masks which are either painted on or are worn as thin cloth masks. The tradition of facial make up started from totems created centuries ago times which later became facial paintings. Basic depictions of painted faces were discovered in tomb murals during the Song dynasty. Later this evolved and as the paints improved, along with the skills of the painters and crafters and the tools they used the masks evolved to don full color themes and designs and came to depict different artistic roles, different emotions and different moods.Frequently used facial make ups include yellow which represents cruelty, Silver and Gold which are typically used to represent gods and demons and for spirits and ghosts, blue which is vigor and valor and green which depicts justice and chivalry. These color themes have remained the same for ages and were handed down and refined throughout the ages of Chinese art, culture and history.
The Bamboo Building of Dai Ethnics
The bamboo building of Dai ethnic minority is the stilt style building that takes bamboo as the main construction material. The buildings of this kind are mainly distributed in the whole territory of Xishuangbanna, and Ruili of Dehong Prefecture. Generally, the people living in the bamboo buildings of the Dai ethnic minority are called shuidai (Water Dai people). The reason is that they mostly live in the river valleys that are characterized by low terrain and abundant rainfall. The stilt style building is conducive for avoiding insects, snakes and beasts; they are also damp-proof and well ventilated. As a result, the bamboo building that is built by taking the local materials becomes the main form of folk houses of the Water Dai people. The bamboo building of Dai ethnic minority uses wood as the framework of the house, and bamboo is taken as the purlin, rafter, floor, wall, ladder, handrail and so on. The roof is laid with grass or tile. The bamboo buildings of this kind are completely different from the closed yard of the Han Nationality, whose house are characterized by symmetry and compact forms. The yard of the bamboo building is open and the layout is flexible and changeable. In general, the building is made up of a hall, rooms, the front corridor and terrace in the upstairs and staircase as well as the stilt layer in the downstairs. Fireplace in the hall is the center of the bamboo building. The fire is handed down by the ancestors of the family and it shall be kept burning forever. Usually, the family members uses the fireplace to cook or dry clothes; when there are guests, they will surround by the side of the fireplace to enjoy tea and have a cozy chat. The roof, commonly called "the cap of Kongming", is molded like a mountain. The name is originated from the legend that Zhuge Liang (whose literary name is Kongming) taught the local people to build the house according to the shape of his cap. Each bamboo building has a small yard surrounded by fence, with the tropical plants such as banana and so on planted inside. So the small yards are full of vigorous life. In Xishuangbanna where the temperature is very hot, the main house of the bamboo building is expanded with a circle of peripheral columns for the purpose of keeping out burning sun, or windows are opened on the exterior wall of the hall so as to make it convenient for the circulation of air and cooling. Dai people follow the youngest son inheritance system which means that the older sons and daughters have to separate with their parents and live all by themselves. As a result, the bamboo buildings of the Dai people are usually single building which is suitable for the living of a small family. Usually, the scale and size of bamboo building can be reflected by the number of wooden pillars in the floor of the building. Larger bamboo building has seventy to eighty pillars. The Water Dai people also take advantage of the different color and texture of the front and back side of bamboo to arrange different beautiful and unique pictures with bamboo. The Water Dai villages and stockaded villages, usually distributed by the hilly country near the paddy field or by the side of mountains, are made up of folk houses and Buddhist temples. The local people believe in Buddhism, so folk houses cannot be located in the neighborhood, especially the opposite side of Buddhist temples. What’s more, the height of floor of folk houses cannot surpass the plane of seat stand of Buddha statue. Buddhist culture deeply influences the distribution and folk house forms of the Water Dai people's villages and stockaded villages.
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