CHINA Yuanmingyuan precious artifacts

Zhongshan Park swimming across most of the people who have taken note of the Whitehead prayed 1.80 glass pavilion -- Lanting 8--Tablet - Kiosk, because the new pavilion created by clever chic, and because they Menuhin Jun generous, particularly striking. And located to the west of this Xuan west side of a large promenade Taihustone -- "Qingyun film" Stone, afraid of a lot of people may not pay attention too seriously, because Beijing's parks were too many rocks STONES, So people would not be too small to go it and sophisticated appreciation of it. In fact, this rocks and Lanting 8--Tablet - Kiosk belong to the Yuanmingyuan precious artifacts, should not be overlooked.

Yuanmingyuan instituted, it would be rich across its business to the imagination of its magic to be grand and luxurious satisfied Po Chu-chen's Shing. Yuanmingyuan was bestowed Kangxi Emperor Zhen four-Stars (later the Emperor Yongzheng) grant park, but after rehabilitation expansion Qianlong nine years (in 1744) was basically completed. Park halls and pavilions Menuhin Diange Museum of exquisite architecture, has 140 locations and compiled the Yangtze River, countless garden scenic spots, If imitation of the famous West Lake in Hangzhou "bridge Winter," "sad" and "Pinghu Qiuyue", "Leifeng afterglow" "Sandanyinru." So that construction can begin in the "beauty everywhere, King King live up to the garden."

Therefore, being dubbed the "Garden of Gardens." But very unfortunately, the ancient 10 years) in 1860) and British and French troops looted garden gift, it was arson burned all. Yuanmingyuan artifacts, in addition to the Yuanmingyuan ruins people can see the existing Changchun Garden floor, the Western part of Shicheng anomalies, Zhongshan Park's existing eight-Lanting-Tablet - Kiosk and Qingyun stone tablets -- two pieces from the ruins of Yuanmingyuan cleaning up the artifacts. is treasured a valuable heritage.

Qiao also said to the two pieces of artifacts, and the emperor are closely linked. Since the emperor was fond of calligraphy, in the Summer Palace, in particular the construction of a prominent Whitehead a glass pavilion, "Lanting 8--Tablet - Kiosk," has become the Yuanmingyuan Lane soliciting viewing one of the beautiful landscape.

This is because here, not only exquisitely beautiful building itself, but more importantly, to support the pavilion's eight columns, were painted engraved copy of the ancient calligrapher 8 "Lanting note." First columns engraved on the Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yu Shinan (AD 558 -- 638) of the copying. 2nd columns engraved on the of multi-copying. Third columns engraved on the Cheng-Cable copying. 4th columns engraved on the famous Chinese writer Liu Zongyuan "Lanting poem" authentic. Fifth columns engraved on the famous Chinese calligrapher Liu Gongquan stand recounts the "Lanting Poems" was originally. 6th columns engraved on the Qianlong of Qing Min shipwrecks were carved Liu Gongquan stand-written by T Lanting Que. 7th-pole, engraved with Ming painters Dong Qichang imitation written by Liu Gongquan stand "Lanting poetry." The eighth-pole, the moment is the emperor felt Dong Qichang imitates written by Liu Gongquan stand "Lanting poetry."

Not only that, there is also a pavilion built a stone tablet, inscribed Wang Xizhi "repair purification ceremony" of the story. Monument to the positive portrait of the pipa map, engraved in the back is the emperor of the poetry written. Speaking Qingyun Riprap the initial origin, and the emperor also has seen. Qianlong emperor, not only love of calligraphy, but also to look like rocks, sand, lost to the Royal garden. Now the Zhongshan Park this "Qingyun film" Point and recline in the Summer Palace courtyard within the Leshoutang posterity "Qingzhi cave," they are Law Chi by the Qianlong emperor of the imperial garden. "Qingzhi cave" and "Qingyun film" two stones are the original Ming Dynasty Jinshi, painters, Zumi and their love of Stone 1911 agony of 10,000 meters bell's possessions.

This two rocks were collected from the original southwest of Beijing Fangshan, arrived in Liangxiang, the 10,000 meters bell wealthy depletion, was forced to abandon in the country. After 100 years, two stone Qianlong was discovered and boulder Qingzhi Xiu shipped to the Summer Palace. Qingyun stone tablet when shipped to the Yuanmingyuan studio tours, Qianlong boulder Qingzhi said Xiu male stones, Qingyun said cobble stone tablets of estrogen. 1925, Qingyun stone tablets from the Yuanmingyuan ruins were ferreted out and relocated in Zhongshan Park. This stone is that the surviving Qianlong "Qingyun film" is a misnomer and eight poems proved to be the stone Qianlong The love for it.

China Hangzhou West Lake Scenic brief

Yunxi Penny Drive

5 Yunshan at the south dock Yunqi, for wooded hill Hollywood landscape, Bamboo-shaded, streams beautiful, very cool. 1 km long Yunxi Penny Drive, on both sides of Bamboo-shaded, meandering paths depth, brooks and Qingxi according Drive, Jiao wan sweet birds from the forest spread, the whole environment quiet cool, compared with the downtown, especially people feel relaxed and appropriate, Shuangxin excitement.

Sudi Chunxiao

Sudi Nanqi Nanping foothills north Qixialing, nearly three km long, she is the Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo state known as Hangzhou, Dredging West Lake, the use of dredged mud to build from turnip. Su descendants to commemorate the achievements governance Xihu her name Sudi. Promenades Wobo connects the northern Nanshan, the West Lake to add an elegant line on the landscape. Southern, Sudi Chunxiao was hit as the first West Lake, also known as the Yuan Dynasty, "Yan Liu 6 Bridge" and included in the Qiantang hit, Since ancient times, she shows very popular.

Winter off, Sudi like a flapping from the spring envoy reported, Willow Gaan, Yan Tao shining, the lake-more like a mirror. mapping the scene, infinite gentleness. Heart of the most touching is the beginnings of Operation Dawn, on the foot of the West Hills Shen, gentle wind slowly, Vol newcomer Liu Siyu placing embankment. Gouhun Reapproaching Saying Good. Sudi on the six arch bridge, from the south to the north known as video-on, lock Lan, Mount Hope, pressure embankment, and cross - Destination rainbow.

Qiaotou view, the market leader : Ying-Bridge and the park adjacent to spend, irrigation rain, Yanbo shake ripples; Lock Lan Bridge think of Chou Lin, Yuan Wang Bao Chan tower is actually quite far away empty; Mount Hope Bridge Xiwang, Ding Yi Lan Chui be bimodal Chap towering cloud the eye; Pressure embankment about Habitat Sudi bridge the north-south split-gold, old is West Lake shipowners to use the waterways to mouth, "Sudi Early Spring" King-Tablet - Kiosk on the southbound; Destination bridge has reason to suspect "beam Pu Bridge counter misinformation. This is a sunrise on Lake one of the best; - Hongqiao see JOINT rainbow after the rain the sky, Wu Mu-Hui is like entering paradise.

Qu Yuan Wind Load

Talk to a concept for the summer theme for the Chunxiao neighbors Sudi Xihu hit second. "Qu Yuan," was originally the creation of the Southern Song Dynasty imperial court of wine workshops in this way HONGCHUN Restaurant near the bridge, West Lake verge of the lakeshore, the lake shore lotus culture during the summer breeze Xu, the husband and Fragrance of Wine, Taste of four elegant. It also does not drink intoxicating. Southern Song Dynasty poet Wang Wei is a poem praising : "In the summer people from the cold seeps, the second domestic Yun brocade evening cooler days. Drainage love with the people of Hong RUF far, held Gaoqiao side to buy fishing vessels. "QU center gradually decline significantly, overgrown waste. Qing Emperor Kangxi goods that hit the West Lake, in Hongqiao Sudi inter-bank building Talk King-Tablet - Kiosk. The left is only a small courtyard before the lake only a small lotus.

Pinghu Qiuyue

Pinghu Qiuyue scenic attractions in the west, south Keeping the verge outside the West Lake. In fact, as the West Lake hit one of the Southern Song Dynasty when King Pinghu Qiuyue no fixed address, and from then, Ming dynasties Fu Yong literati treat that many poems from the Pan-night boat to the lake, the boat which celebrate the angle That is not hard to see that Rui Sun as the Southern Song Dynasty poem "On cold Hanquan not condensate flow, where water rafting table song" sentence; Bringing the motherland in the Hongwu poem reads : "Autumn Ge person board must waves wrinkle, mountains castles mirror dust." Chuan eternal stay out of the West Lake in the 1590s hit woodcut, "Pinghu Qiuyue" still has a map of tourists in the lake ship held for the first Wangyue1 main screen. Located in the west area of the lake-Pitt floor, where the Late-Jewish businessman. "adventurer" Kazakhstan with a private villa, "Luo Yuan," the artifacts. Later, as China's modern new wood cradle of the movement dates -- 8 Club location. Now, here designated Xi-Ling He Art Academy, as a top attraction in Hushan the air.

China's new Silk Road on the plot

New Silk Road Drama presentations : [Order article -- Director : Bin Ding Hong Bing Lin to set the screen the "Silk Road" concept of geography and culture, as a clue, linkage of the 10 critical locations. Designed to provide viewers with an overall concept. No. 1 [Life and Death of Loulan -- Director : Gu elephants in ancient Loulan Kingdom are located in the desert hinterland, unearthed a well-preserved with the dry corpse of the ancients. one of the most astonished who is known as the "Princess Creek," the "Loulan Beauty." Those ancient residents living in what era? They come from? What kind of way to live? Why is there suddenly disappeared? A series of questions and assumptions as of this episode important part. Set No. 2 [Turpan memory -- Director : Wei Dajun different races and different cultures have harmony in Turpan, Religious Art here has left a Astonishing masterpiece, this cultural phenomenon is a precious world heritage. Although we can use video to reinstate former splendor, but in the Turpan, the great regret is irreparable. Set No. 3 [grassland rock festival -- Director : Hong Ding vast grassland has been a northern nomadic life of the production and rely on. While raising a generation after generation of grassland subjects. But the other side but inevitable constraints and the impact of nomadic productivity and improvement of means of production and development. Nomadic or settle? Perhaps grassland on the minds of a nation can never be removed from the stones. Article 4 [a set of Kucha -- Director : Wei armies in the Silk Road, many monks had risked their own lives to faith, Kumarajiva Buddhist culture is the history of East - the most outstanding figures in one. Kucha in the space and time, fame and loneliness, a visionary and insignificant as the mountains and the gravel quietly change. Set No. 5 [Wada fun -- Director : Hong Ding Yu with a smile as beautiful murals in the East, lead the crew into the desert hinterland -- Dandanwulike, there have been at the center of the ancient Yutian. Jade is located in the Kingdom has always called the center of Hotan, it buried with jade treasures? The Silk Road, the East-West differences in the values embodied in Hotan. Set No. 6 [Dunhuang life -- Director : Elephant Cave Valley is the ideal history of the world-famous Buddhist holy places. Of which 10,000 square meters of ancient exquisite murals, colorful, and has become precious cultural heritage, is today the pride of Dunhuang. However, those murals happened with various diseases, a step by step toward death. How can these ancient frescoes live forever, of the Dunhuang's cultural life can continue. Article 7 sets [Qinghai Road -- Director : When Wei army in the northern Silk Road 4 -5 century into obstruction, East-West economic trade is through what channels the contacts? Qinghai unearthed from a large number of silk as "Qinghai Road," a powerful evidence, the Silk Road route map may need to re-drawn. Set No. 8 [visits Heishui City -- Director : Zhang Chaoying as the Silk Road city of Heilongjiang River City lost the majority of artifacts literature abroad the result of the city's information in a very long time in silence out of the museum coffers. When Professor Shi Jinbo deciphering the body language of Xixia grass, as if Heishui City revival. Set [No. 9 on the crossroads -- Kashi Director : Liuyongliang Kashi Silk Road since ancient times been an important supply cities. In the Chinese territory to the west end, it has been called the Silk Road, the "crossroads" of the title. Here still retained many Silk Road flourished during the construction and culture. Kashi has now become important in China's western frontier of open ports. If the former Kashi to the past to provide the security of life, Today, however, the Kashi is a symbol of a new hope for the rejuvenation of the Silk Road. Article 10 sets of Chang'an 【forever -- Director : Tang Wei of the Chinese army has a tremendous wealth, Kyoto Chang'an was the world's largest city, is also the starting point for the Silk Road. Due to the enormous Chinese culture inclusive, in the city 280 years of time, a big country feeling accepted and integration from a variety of exotic cultures and different groups of people.

Suzhou Wintersweet Garden (Mei Yuan)

Wintersweet Garden is situated at the west of the Linwu Cave in West Mountain Scenic Area, opposite of which stood Baoshan Temple, a famous scenic spot of Buddhism. It is named after several square kilometers of wintersweets.

Wintersweet Garden is connected with the natural country features of small bridge, flowing water and family house on the south of Yangtze River. There are four green themes viewing districts in the garden, which are Garden of Gentlemen, Three Friends in Cold Winter, Garden of Four Beauties and Wintersweets respectively.
In addition, the Tea House, Tablet Corridor, Exhibition of Literary and history and Leisure Grass Land are in the center. Generally speaking, the five districts of the garden pose a whole viewing ecology garden of agriculture and forest.
Name:Suzhou Wintersweet Garden (Mei Yuan)
City:Suzhou
Address:7km of Wuxi City
Admission:CNY30

Suzhou Classical Gardens

Suzhou is China’s well-known “city of gardens”, which tops all others in both the number and the artistry of gardens. Dating from Pi Jiang Garden of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Suzhou’s art of gardening has undergone a history of 1,500 years. There were once over 200 gardens in the city, and 69 of them are still in good preservation today. The concept of Suzhou classical gardens has gone beyond the city limits, since it generally refers to all those private gardens built in the regions south of the Yangtze. 　　

The Suzhou garden originated from the desire to retire from the strife of officialdom and to shun from worldly affairs. It seeks the return to Nature and the cultivation of temperament. In Taoist philosophy and the refinement of culture underlies the theme of the garden. Hills and waters, flowers and trees, pavilions, terraces, towers and halls constitute the basic garden elements, while the prominent tone is expressed in the dark colour of rooftiles, the grey of bricks, and chestnut brown of wooden pillars.

Suzhou garden is the Nature in nutshell, which enables one to “fell the charm of mountains, forest and springs without going out of the noisy surroundings of the town”. Its human interest also lies in that the architect, philosopher, poet, painter, and common folk can all find in it the idea, the flavour, the lines and the rhythm. The unfolding of the garden vistas is the verisimitude of a landscape scroll. When enjoying tea, poem, flower arrangement or playing musical instrument in the garden, one gains the most natural inspiration. To those tourists desiring to understand China, Suzhou garden is the best museum.

Tramcar will reappear in Shanghai

China Travelling:


Chinanews, Shanghai, May 14 – Some tramcars might be able to run in the Zhangjiang area in Pudong, Shanghai, which might bring a nostalgic sentiment for local residents.
In 1908, the first tramcar in Shanghai was put into operation. At that time, it ran from the Hongkou park to Jing'an Temple. Even now, many old local residents in Shanghai still remember such tramcars, which the Shanghai people called "dang dang che", or "clanging cars".
Experts say that tramcars are quite common in cities such as Berlin, Birmingham, Geneva, and Paris. At present, such tramcars are often made with high technologies and are driven by advanced locomotives.
Experts at Tongji University say that currently, autos running on Shanghai’s city rail transportation travel at a speed of 35 kilometers an hour, and public buses travel at a speed of 15 kilometers an hour. Tramcars can travel at a speed of 25-35 kilometers an hour. They go fast and can usually arrive on time. They also have a large holding capacity and need less investment. Compared with public buses, tramcars send out less emission into the air.
Officials from the Pudong Development Zone said they would designate some stops in Zhangjiang, Lujiazui and Sanlin, for tramcars to operate during the trial period.

Beijing picture tour book published for foreigners(China Travelling)

China Travelling:

Chinanews, Beijing, Apr. 16 – From now on, Beijing will have a city guide book giving information about Beijing with more pictures and fewer words. The book, I Love Beijing, was recently published both in English and Chinese by the Chinese Development Press. With only 30,000 words but 20 illustrations and over 120 pictures, the book covers nearly everything about the city, including its history, cultural heritages, religions, education, science, eating, and courtyard houses.
The author of the book, Wu Jisong, is an advisor to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Organizing Committee. He is also head of the School of Business Administration at the Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
Professor Wu has lived in Beijing for over 60 years. He once served in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was an attache of the International Tourism Association. Since 1979, he has visited 80 countries and regions, which resulted in the publishing of a 16-volume picture book series, Glimpses of 80 Countries in the World, with a total of text of 3.1 million characters.
Professor Wu said that many world metropolitan cities, such as Paris, London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, Cairo, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro, have their own city guide book, which is usually made in a picture format. Feeling regretful that Beijing did not have such books, he began to write articles about Beijing. At the same time, he also asked a photographer to spend one year to take pictures around Beijing.
“With the help of this book, foreigners can tour around Beijing by themselves,” Wu said.
Apart from the English version, I Love Beijing has recently been translated into Korean and published. The Japanese and French versions of the book, which are being made at present, will be published in the near future.

china Qingdao to build 140-m ferris wheel

Chinanews, Qingdao, May 15 - According to the information from Qingdao urban planners, Qingdao will build a 140-m tall ferris wheel, one of the biggest of its kind in the world, at the top of which the whole city can be seen when completed.
The project will be built by the developer of the current biggest ferris wheel in London, which is only 135 m tall.
The ferris wheel will be buit at the south end of Haier Road, at the former entrance to the Shilaoren Beach. It can be estimated that the ferris wheel will be a new icon of Qingdao's modernity.

Chinese gongfu;Chinese wushu

Chinese martial arts (wushu), which is not only a daring operation, more than simple hand-to-hand movement. It is the crystallization of wisdom of the nation, as well as traditional cultural expression is unique in the world, "Wu culture." It is the core of the thinking of Chinese Confucian and raising gas said, while the integration of the Taoist Shou Seichi Sophie, the Buddhist meditation Austerities. thus constituting a profound Wushu system. Chinese martial arts herself and economic stress, and Out, both just cnta U.S. appearance, a more elegant and profound connotation, contains the wise men to life and the universe Austerities. The book is written in simple language, rich pictures, a lot of history, exposed the efforts of the mystery : the seven-punches, secretive An Qi, Wu various realms, unique witnessing the ring, uniquely Chinese martial arts as well as complex derivatives martial arts culture. Chinese martial arts of all sorts, one could not be found, obsession.

Palace Museum in Beijing, China introduced

This is the Palace Museum, also known as the Purple Forbidden City. It is the largest and most well reserved imperial residence in China today. Under Ming Emperor , construction began in 1406. It took 14 years to build the Forbidden City.

The red and yellow used on the palace walls and roofs are also symbolic. Red represents happiness, good fortune and wealth. Yellow is the color of the earth on the Loess Plateau, the original home of the Chinese people. Yellow became an imperial color during the Tang dynasty, when only members of the royal family were allowed to wear it and use it in their architecture. The Forbidden City is rectangular in shape. It is 960 meters long from north to south and 750 meters wide from east west. It has 9900 rooms under a total roof area 150000 square meters. A 52-meter-wide-moat encircles a 9.9 –meter- high wall which encloses the complex. It is believed that the Palace Museum got its name from astronomy folklore. The ancient astronomers divided the constellations into groups and centered them around the Ziwei Yuan.

The constellation containing the North Star was called the Constellation of Heavenly God and star itself was called the purple palace. The Forbidden City is divided into an outer and an inner count. We are now standing on the southernmost part of the outer count. In front of us lies the Gate of supreme Harmony. The gate is guarded by a pair of bronze lions, symbolizing imperial power and dignity. The lions were the most exquisite and biggest of its kind. The one on the east playing with a ball is a male, and ball is said to represent state unity. The other one is a female. Underneath one of its fore claws is a cub that is considered to be a symbol of perpetual imperial succession.

The Forbidden City consists of an outer count and an inner enclosure. The outer count yard covers a vast space lying between the Meridian Gate and the Gate of Heavenly Purity. The “three big halls” of Supreme Harmony, Complete Harmony and Preserving Harmony constitute the center of this building group. The great three halls are built on a spacious “H”-shaped,8-meter-high, triple marble terrace. Each level of the triple terrace is taller than the on below and all are encircled by marble balustrades carved with dragon and phoenix designs. This area is called the Hall of Supreme Harmony Square, which covers a total of 30000 square meters. Without a single tree or plant growing here, this place inspires visitors to feel its solemnity and grandeur. In the middle of the square there is carriageway that was reserved for the Emperor. On both sides of the road the ground bricks were laid in a special way seven layers lengthwise and eight layers crosswise,making up fifteen layers in all.

Regarding China's everything: Olympic champion Chen wins at taekwondo worlds (photos attached)

BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Double Olympic champion Chen Zhong beat South Korean Han Jin Sun 5-4, adding a second gold medal to host China in women's heavyweight (over 72kg) in the closing game of the taekwondo worlds here on Tuesday.

Regarding China's everything: Ticket Ordering Terms and Conditions

Regarding China's everything: Ticket Ordering Terms and Conditions

Regarding China's everything: Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, China Tourism

Regarding China's everything: Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, China Tourism

Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, China Tourism

Badaling Great Wall in Beijing Yanqing County. Is a pass of the Great Wall. The concern that the city of East West narrow wide trapezoidal, Built Annals 1929 (1505), 1560, the 1590s have upgrade.

City concerned with two things that honor for "folk outside the town," engraved on 1560 1929 (1539); Simon amount that the "North-door locks and keys," carved in the Ming dynasty (1582).

Two are brick structure, coupons hole on the platform, north and south of Taiwan's own walkway linking the relevant city wall surrounding the platform puzzle defenders. Zhang Jing from the Shing Mun Highway, which was adopted as a gateway to Beijing's throat. From the "North Gate locks and keys" on each side of the rostrum, extending from the undulating and twisted sheets of the Great Wall. 6,700 km long Great Wall, is the world's oldest one of the great building.

Badaling Great Wall near the mountain and build, height varies in width (an average of 6-7 meters high, wide 4-5 meters) with neat tremendous Bricks to build a wall of the shell. The lower part of the foundation of stone, and build walls on the Avenue, within the walls of loess and gravel fill. The top ground Shop steamed bread additives, medial wall of words, the lateral wall of the crib.

Crib side wall of defenders, under-hole gap to hope and shooting. To defense needs, in the visibility of the Heights, wall corners, or strategic in nature, to build the fortress-city of Taiwan. Said the tall, hollow enemy Taiwan, mostly built to Chong, for the upper and lower levels. Top of the upper platform, surrounded by a rectangular hole and radio; Lower vacancy to be unmanning and storage of weapons. Low wall Taiwan said, mostly built slowly, and build the fence or abdomen wall, with its high walls equal, Taiwan has around defenders and firing hole. Great Wall to the Qing Dynasty defense has been gradually losing the historical role, as long attack by the elements and human destruction gradually abandoned. After the liberation has phased conversion to the country concerned and the rostrum of the Board of the four cities north and south of Taiwan. Spring 1978 also reconstructed songs outside the town red.

Olympic champion Chen wins at taekwondo worlds (photos attached)

BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Double Olympic champion Chen Zhong beat South Korean Han Jin Sun 5-4, adding a second gold medal to host China in women's heavyweight (over 72kg) in the closing game of the taekwondo worlds here on Tuesday.

The tournament reached its climax as Chen came up to the platform to realize China's long-awaited expectation of winning the heavyweight at the World Championships.

Among the thundering cheers and applauses, Chen brushed aside stiff challenge from Han Jin Sun 5-4 to achieve her first gold medal at World Championships.

The two players showcased an splendid game of aggression and attacks.

Chen came ahead to score the first two points before ending the first round 3-2.

In the second round, Chen made the only effective kick to lead 4-2. Both scored two points in the third round, but Chen was penalized one point, wrapping up the gold 5-4.

"It means something special for me to win in Beijing. I could not control my emotion when the national anthem sounds up," said Chen.

"I finally won at world championships. Now I proved to everybody that I am capable of winning the world title.

"You need to fight at least five games in the afternoon to win the final, but it only takes four games to win in Olympic Games," added Chen. "So I feel World Championships are more challenging than Olympic Games."

"Every country can apply to compete here, so you need to face more opponents in order to win. Now I am very confident with the Beijing Olympic Games for I have received help from coaches, teammates and friends."

Chen raised the Chinese national flag and saluted the cheering audience all around after the final whistle.

Luo Wei, the only other Chinese Olympic champion in taekwondo,was knocked out by Lee In Jong from South Korea 1-3 at the of women's under 72kg on Sunday.

Luo's exit pressed the Chinese team no leeway in the heavyweight, so Chen took up the great hope from the crowd.

Wu Jingyu won China the first title in women's finweight (47kg) in the opening day.

BOCOG attaches importance to one-year countdown

(BEIJING, May 24) -- The activities to mark the one-year countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games was a key topic at the 82nd meeting of the Executive Board of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) on Thursday.

The meeting heard a report on the draft of the celebrations of the countdown, and noted that the countdown is the most important milestone date in the preparatory work for the Olympics. The celebrations should be held in an extensive and magnificent style and in an enthusiastic and festive atmosphere. They should have both national characteristics and an international flavor. They will send Beijing's messages to warmly welcome the guests from all over the globe and showcase the Chinese people's understanding and pursuit of the Olympic spirit. Through the celebrations, the people across the nation will be mobilized to fulfill the Olympic preparations, while the attention of the nation and the world will be attracted to the forthcoming Olympics.

The meeting noted that the celebrations should also highlight the conviction of the Chinese government and people in the success of the Games through their united efforts, the rising passion of all walks of life to participate in, support and contribute to the Games, as well as the festive atmosphere of the nation to look forward to the successful Olympic Games.

The meeting also listened to a proposal to open the central area of the Olympic Green and the Olympic Forest Park to the public, and dealt with other matters.

The meeting was chaired by BOCOG President Liu Qi, who is also member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of Beijing Municipal CPC Committee.

Present at the meeting was also Chen Zhili, State Councilor and BOCOG First Vice-President.

Ticket Ordering Terms and Conditions

1. The following terms and conditions apply to all ticket buyers or ticket holders of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and is valid for all tickets sold by BOCOG at any sales phase or under any sale methods.2. The explanations for ticket application, payment instruction for each sales phase of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and all policies, regulations, audience guidelines published in the future regarding ticketing of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are integral parts of this document.3. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games ticket(s) include the opening and closing ceremony tickets and the sports competition tickets. Excluding the Olympic Games accredited personnel, all persons shall buy tickets for entrance. The tickets shall only be sold to individuals and will not be sold to any organizations or groups.4. When buying the tickets to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the ticket buyers may submit the application only after they accept all terms and conditions.5. BOCOG reserves all rights to refuse or accept any applications which are not completly filled, are inaccurately filled, or do not satisfy any or all of the terms or conditions under this document. BOCOG may, under its sole discretion, refuse applications submitted by anyone who plans to illegally resell the tickets or who fails to follow the rule allowing each person to submit only one ticket application.6. The tickets sold during the first and second phases will be delivered to the buyer at the Bank of China branch as selected by the ticket buyer. The ticket buyer may pick up the tickets at the branch based upon the confirmation letter issued by BOCOG and the valid identification card.7. The ticket buyer shall be responsible for all tickets after they have been picked up. BOCOG shall not compensate for lost, stolen, or damaged tickets. Any damage to the tickets may result in ticket holder not being allowed to enter the stadium or venue and BOCOG will not be responsible.8. In consideration of the significance of the opening and closing ceremonies, all persons who have successfully purchased the tickets for the ceremonies will be required to sumbit their photos (the submission deadline and methods will be published separately) and only the person themselves will be allowed to enter the stadium. Persons who do not submit photos pursuant to the submission terms and rules will be deemed as automatically waiving the tickets they had booked and the payment will be refunded. The transfer of tickets for opening or closing ceremony shall be approved by BOCOG in writing and meet the required legal formalities (which will be published separately). Any transfer which does not meet the required terms or rules published by BOCOG will result in the ticket holder not being allowed to enter the stadium and BOCOG will not be responsible.9. Any ticket holder who enters into a specific area, whether outside of or within the stadium or venue area, shall comply with the rules for ticket holders published by BOCOG and the Rules and Regulations printed on the reverse side of the tickets.10. Children two years old or under may enter the stadium or venue without a ticket. However, they shall share the seat with their guardians.11. If a competition or event is cancelled, the ticket holder may apply for a refund after Beijing Olympic Games. Such ticket holder shall submit an application form to BOCOG with his signature affixed on the tickets. The application form must be postmarked no later than December 31??2008. BOCOG will not pay any interest on the refund. BOCOG will not accept any applications for refund in which the non-attendance is due to the ticket holder??s waiver or any other personal reasons.12. The ticket holder shall undertake all risks and dangers which the ticket holder may face while attending any competition or event. The ticket holder accepts that there are risks on the way to, and outside of or within the stadium or venue. The risks may include change in weather, the distance to and from the bus station or parking area and the stadium or venue, the stituation on surface or underground, collision with athletes, volunteers, staff of BOCOG or other ticket holders. The ticket holder hereby clearly states that he will undertake all these risks or dangers. The ticket holder will undertake all risks regarding the possibility of not seeing any specific athlete due to the delay or cancellation of any competition or event. The ticket holder will further undertake all risks of loss of properties in the stadium.13. The ticket holder agrees that the tickets will not be used for any politics, advertisement or promotion. The ticket holder shall not solicit donation, circulate propaganda material or leaflets or promote any commodities in the stadium. Ticket holder is further prohibited from wearing or taking any goods or clothing for political, advertising or promotional intentions into the stadium. Any propaganda or demonstration related to religion or race is prohibited in the stadium or venue. Any person who violates the above regulations will be required to immediately leave the stadium without any refund.14. The ticket holder agrees that IOC, BOCOG and their authorized third parties may use the photos, video recordings, sound recordings or other images resemblying of such ticket holder without any compensation. The ticket holder further agrees that, under no circumstances will he distribute images, sounds or videos he takes related to Beijing 2008 Olympic Games or the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games by camera, video machine, video tape recorder and/or other photography, video recording or sound recording equipment or any other measures through any channels for any business purposes.15. The ticket holder is not allowed to carry weapons, ammunition, dangerous articles, or explosive, chemical or flammable devices outside or within the stadium or venue and all of the above articles are not allowed to be deposited in the stadium or venue. Any ticket holder who possesses any forbidden articles or devices will be required to immedidately leave the stadium and will not receive a refund. Any ticket holder who is in possession of any illegal article or device will be investigated. The ticket holder shall undergo inspection for forbidden articles and devices and any other security inspection implemented by BOCOG. The ticket holder who rejects the security inspection or refuses to comply with rules and security notice published by BOCOG will be required to immediately leave the stadium. Under all these circumstances the ticket holder and related ticket buyer will not be given a refund. BOCOG reserves the right to refuse entrance of such person within the proxmity of or into the stadium and or expel him out of the stadium or venue. Anyone who is not in compliance with this document or other related rules, who is deemed as interfering with the competition or event by BOCOG, who is disturbing the enjoyment of the competition or event of other ticket holders, or who is disrupting the comfort or safety of other ticket holders, shall be required to immediately leave the stadium and shall not receive a refund.16. Certain specific areas of the stadium, such as designated areas for media or atheletes, will not be opened to the public.17. Each ticket holder will only be allowed one entrance per ticket. If the ticket holder leaves the stadium or venue for any reason, the same ticket may not used to re-enter the stadium or venue.18. The ticket buyer and ticket holder shall be in compliance with all contents set out in this document. BOCOG will not take any responsibility for the ticket buyer or ticket holder who violates the responsibilities he should undertake.19. The ticket buyer hereby acknowledges and confirms that once the ticket buyer becomes the ticket holder, he will be in compliance with all rules and regulations related to the use of ticket and viewing of the competition or event set out or recognized by IOC or BOCOG.20. The ticket buyer agrees that BOCOG may adjust competition or event schedule, ticket price and other specific regulations according to the organization and preparation of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and IOC without taking any responsibility on issuance of any notice or distribution of such notice to the ticket buyers.21. If the ticket buyer has signed the ticket application or submitted the application through the offical website of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, it is acknowledgment that the ticket buyer has read all contents of this document, filling out instruction, and the payment instruction. The ticket buyer understands and accepts the methods of purchasing the ticket, payment and allocation methods of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The ticket buyer will accept and be in compliance with all related regulations. Otherwise, it will be deemed that the ticket buyer does not accept the related regulations.

Wangwu Mountain will welcome tourists

Wangwu Mountain is in the northwest of Jiyuan City in Henan province, occupying 272 square meters. It has more than 100 attractions, being one of the nine Taoism mountains in China. The main peak Tiantan Mountain has an altitude of 1715 meters, being a worship ceremony place in ancient China and the ridge of Taihang Mountain.
According to the government's plan, the mountain will be developed and protected. A new scenic area will be built and different routes will be recommended to different customers. Wangwu Mountain will be a place of interest for sightseeing, vacation travel and exploring Chinese cultural spirit.
Chinese legend of Yu Gong moving the mountain:
There were two high mountains between Jizhou in the south and Heyang in the north. One was called Taihang Mountain and the other Wangwu Mountain. Both of the mountains were more than three hundred kilometers around and rose as high as 3,000 meters.
Just to the north of the mountains lived an old man called Yu Gong who was nearly ninety years old. With the two high mountains just in front of his house, his family and he had to walk a long way around the mountains when they had something to do on the other side of the mountains.
One day, Yu Gong called all his family together to talk about how to move the two mountains to other places. His wife said, "An old man like you cannot even move a small hill, not to mention the two high mountains. Even if you can, where can you throw so much earth and stone?"
"The Bohai Sea is big enough to contain all the earth and stone." Yu Gong said.
It was decided. His children started to dig the mountains, led by the old man Yu Gong.
A man named Zhi Sou saw them working and tried to stop them with a smile, "You are so silly! You're so old and weak that you can't even take away the grass and trees. How can you move the high mountains?"
"You're wrong." Yu Gong said with a sigh. "Look, my sons can continue my work after my death. When my sons die, my grandchildren will continue. So generation after generation, there's no end. But the mountains can't grow higher. Don't you think I can move them away?"
Seeing the old man so confident, Zhi Sou was tongue-tied.
Later the Heaven God was reported the story of Yu Gong, and greatly moved by the old man's determination. He then ordered another god to come down and take the two high mountains away.
The story tells us that so long as one is determined and sticks to it long enough, anything can be done, no matter how difficult it is.

Putuo Shan Island, Zhejiang

Destination Guide:Putuo Shan (Mount Putuo) Island is a small, beautiful and peaceful island. Mount Putuo is one of China's Buddhist Sacred Mountains, and so an array of temples and pagodas are featured and many of the residents and visitors are monks and pilgrims. It is a very tranquil place to escape to for a weekend (if you live in Eastern China), and a place where you can enjoy the haven of blue sea, golden beaches and stunning views. The island is lush in vegetation and you can easily just stroll around the island and climb (or cable car!) to the top of the hill. The main site is a statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, who is said to look after the fisherman and guide the boats in safely. And with it being an island, sampling the fresh seafood dishes is an indispensable part of any visit.
Why visit? To treat yourself to a relaxing weekend on China's paradise island, where you can enjoy the sun, sea, beaches and breathtaking views.
Where: Putuo Shan Island is part of the Zhoushan Archipelago, which is part of Zhejiang Province in the East China Sea The island is approximately half way between Shanghai and Ningbo.
Getting there: You can get a ferry from Shanghai or from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.There is the option of a fast boat or an overnight boat between Shanghai and Putuoshan.
Cost: General Island admission is RMB110 (October 2003), which you pay when you arrive at ferry pier. Scenic spots each have their own small entrance fee.
Accommodation: There are several hotels on the island, varying from four star to ordinary standard rooms, but all can be quite expensive. They advertise themselves to you as you disembark from the boat, so you can bargain and try to get yourself a good deal. However, if you visit in peak season or weekends it is recommended you make a reservation, as the hotels get very busy. If you visit during a weekday you should expect to get a 30-50% discount off the stated price.
My Itinerary:I went for a long weekend, 3 days, and to just relax and enjoy the weather.Day 1 - Visited the Puji Temple in the morning and spent the afternoon on Hundred-Step beach and enjoying the view at Chaoyang Pavilion (Sunrise Pavilion). Dinner at one of the beachfront seafood restaurants and then spent the evening sitting on the beach listening to the waves.Day 2 - Visited Fayu Temple and the Guanyin Statue in the morning and then walked around the island, and explored the coastal rocks. In the late afternoon caught the cable car up Foding Hill and walked back down the other side.Day 3 - Strolled around enjoying the sun and doing some shopping. Got a fast boat back to Shanghai in the early afternoon.
Puji TempleThis is the islands biggest temple and is set in a very peaceful environment with a beautiful lake in front. There are some small shops and teahouses nearby.
Fayu TempleThis temple is famous for its ancient architecture, delicate woodcarvings and inscribed calligraphy by ancient emperors.
Hundred Step beach and Thousand Step beachThese beaches are fine-grained and ideal for sunbathing. They both lie on the eastern edge of the island, separated by a rocky hill with the famous Chaoyang Pavilion on top. There are good facilities close by for your convenience.
My recommendation: Bring a torch (flashlight) because when the sun goes down there are very few streetlights on the island and you may need a torch to help you get back to your hotel, or go for an evening walk.

Hangzhou Introduction

Hangzhou was established as a major commercial city in China during the Sui Dynasty (581-618). In Southern Song Dynasty, it was one of the largest and finest cities in the world. Numerous philosophers, politicians, and men of letters, including some of the most celebrated poets in Chinese history such as Su Shi, Lu You, and Xin Qiji came to this little bit of paradise to live. Marco Polo claimed to have visited Hangzhou at this time, calling it Kinsai or Quinsay.Since 1279 AD, Hangzhou remained a commercial and trading center, but slowly declined as a port. Since the construction of railways and highways in the 20th century, Hangzhou has increased in economic importance again. With its cultural relics now restored and preserved, Hangzhou is renowned as one of the six famous ancient capitals of China. West Lake (Xihu) is an especially popular destination for its picturesque scenery and associations with many famous emperors, poets and painters.

Beijing Introduction

As the capital of modern China, Beijing is fast becoming a popular destination. As the center of 1000 years of imperial rule, Beijing was built to awe central power. The city's central axis of the city is 7.5 km long, cutting through Beijing in a line from north to south. On this central line, are Yongding Gate, Qianmen Gate and Tian'anmen (The Gate of Heavenly Peace).
Tian'anmen is the front entrance to the imperial city. Going north through Tian'anmen, you arrive at the Forbidden City. On the south end of this axis, are the Temple of Heaven and Xiannongtan Temple. Almost all of Beijing's streets are constructed according to this axis. It's a good idea to take a walk along the axis and appreciate the harmony of the design. And if you want to know Beijing deeper, explore the windy alleyways (known as Hutongs) between the city's main boulevards.

Where is Beijing ?

Just where exactly is Beijing anyway ?? So many foreign tourists and business people come to Beijing with no real idea of where they are, or how big the country is। This page will help you get your bearings.

Beijing is situated towards the north east corner of China. The map above is of northern Asia with China being the light colored un-marked area. If you have no idea where the area above is located in the world, we suggest you visit worldatlas.com where you can locate the Asia region.
Beijing China city facts
Population: approx 14,000,000 fluctuating daily
Distances to other cities in China and nearby countries
Data provided by timeanddate.com - click to see time and telephone information about the city
Tianjin
112 km
69 miles
Tangshan
149 km
93 miles
Shijiazhuang
264 km
164 miles
Jinan
347 km
216 miles
Zibo
371 km
230 miles
Taiyuan
408 km
254 miles
Jinzhou
420 km
261 miles
Dalian
464 km
288 miles
Baotou
549 km
341 miles
Qingdao
552 km
343 miles
Anshan
571 km
355 miles
Zhengzhou
641 km
398 miles
Fushun
666 km
414 miles
Luoyang
668 km
415 miles
North Korea - Pyongyang
813 km
505 miles
Changchun
859 km
534 miles
Xi'an
913 km
567 miles
Mongolia - Choibalsan
919 km
571 miles
South Korea - Inch'on
929 km
577 miles
Jilin
952 km
591 miles
South Korea - Seoul
960 km
597 miles
Qiqihar
1031 km
641 miles
Wuhan
1055 km
655 miles
Harbin
1060 km
659 miles
Shanghai
1068 km
664 miles
Hangzhou
1136 km
706 miles
South Korea - Taegu
1162 km
722 miles
Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar
1169 km
726 miles
Lanzhou
1188 km
738 miles
South Korea - Pusan
1237 km
769 miles
Nanchang
1255 km
780 miles
Russia - Vladivostok
1337 km
831 miles
Changsha
1343 km
834 miles
Japan - Fukuoka
1423 km
884 miles
Japan - Kitaky¨¹sh¨¹
1447 km
899 miles
Chongqing
1461 km
908 miles
Chengdu
1518 km
943 miles
Japan - Hiroshima
1548 km
962 miles
Fuzhou
1570 km
975 miles
Japan - Okayama
1652 km
1027 miles
Russia - Irkutsk
1660 km
1031 miles
China(Taiwan) - Taipei
1726 km
1072 miles
Guiyang
1734 km
1077 miles
Japan - K?be
1756 km
1091 miles
Russia - Khabarovsk
1768 km
1098 miles
Japan - ?saka
1785 km
1109 miles
Japan - Ky?to
1790 km
1113 miles
China(Taiwan) - Taichung
1798 km
1118 miles
Japan - Okinawa - Naha
1852 km
1151 miles
Canton
1864 km
1158 miles
Japan - Nagoya
1881 km
1169 miles
China(Taiwan) - Kaohsiung
1914 km
1189 miles
Kowloon
1966 km
1221 miles
Macau
1990 km
1237 miles
China(Hong Kong) - Hong Kong
2024 km
1258 miles
Kunming
2087 km
1297 miles
Japan - Tokyo
2098 km
1304 miles
Japan - Yokohama
2100 km
1305 miles
Japan - Sapporo
2101 km
1305 miles
Japan - Kawasaki
2103 km
1307 miles
Japan - Sendai
2114 km
1314 miles
Mongolia - Hovd
2194 km
1363 miles
Vietnam - Hanoi
2326 km
1445 miles
Ur¨¹mqi
2407 km
1496 miles
Russia - Krasnoyarsk
2490 km
1547 miles
China(Tibet) - Lhasa
2556 km
1588 miles
Russia - Novokuznetsk
2670 km
1659 miles
Laos - Vientiane
2763 km
1717 miles
India - Shillong
2777 km
1725 miles
Bhutan - Thimphu
2816 km
1750 miles
Bangladesh - Sylhet
2830 km
1758 miles
Philippines - Manila
2849 km
1770 miles
Thailand - Khon Kaen
2923 km
1816 miles
Bangladesh - Mymensingh
2950 km
1833 miles
Russia - Novosibirsk
2982 km
1853 miles
Bangladesh - Saidpur
2982 km
1853 miles
Bangladesh - Comilla
2988 km
1857 miles

This content was originally published by Beijing Travel Tips andis reproduced here with kind permission. All images and contentcopyright Blissweb.

Shanghai Introduction

ChinaShanghai is the " Oriental Paris " and "Pearl of China". As the largest and most prosperous city in the nation, Shanghai is the economic, financial and cultural center. What makes Shanghai particularly attractive are the many different styles of architecture and design throughout the city.The famous Bund was the "British Public Park", reminding of Shanghai's days of decadence. The Japanese and the French Concessions too, are fascinating areas to explore. The French Quarter is a particularly charming district to wander, and there are many former residences to look at and discover something about old Shanghai and the people who lived here.The area known as the "Chinese City" is also worth visiting. Take a break from the tourists around the Yuyuan and do some serious antique shopping or just wander amidst the old alleys and streets.Shanghai is a spectacularly modern city. The pace of development here is unbelievable. The newest area of the city, Pudong, has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Two of the most impressive city structures can be found here, the Jinmao Tower and the Oriental TV Tower.For any visitor to चाइना , perhaps the most attractive thing about this city is just how fashionable it is. Museums, galleries, restaurants and bars have emerged in the past few years. The heydays of the 1920s and 30s and the newfound wealth in the city are making Shanghai a place with a fabulous and optimistic style and attitude.

National Level EDZ - Suzhou New & Hi-tech District & Huqiu District

Suzhou New & Hi-tech District was certified by StatCouncil of PRC on 18 November 1992 and it was one of the first industrial parks open to APEC economies as well as an export base of national hi-tech products. In 2003, the whole district has realized a total output value of
25.1 billion yuan, industrial sales of 70.06 billion yuan, The local budget revenue registered 1.53 billion yuan and export of 8.76 billion USD.Up to the end of 2003, the district has attracted a total of over 800 foreign projects including 40 MNCs of the Fortune 500. The contracted foreign investment has reached over 6 billion USD while the actually utilized investment reached 3.4 billion USD. In the district, an industrial framework of electro-information, precise machinery, bio-pharmaceuticals, and new materials has taken shape.
Business development bases including Suzhou New & Hi-tech Initiative Center, Business Incubator for Returned Scholars, Suzhou New & Hi-tech Incubator, Suzhou Science and Technology Town have all been constructed and optimized. Suzhou New & Hi-tech District was accredited with “ISO 14000 National Demonstration Zone”and has led the nation in building itself into an environmental friendly zone. The construction of the National Industrial Park of Env-ironmental Protection, Science and New & High Technology has made its debut in December 2003.

National Level EDZ - Suzhou Industrial Park

Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) is a cooperative project of priority between Chinese and Singaporean governments and saw its debut in February 1994 as certified by the State Council of PRC. During the past decade, SIP has seen quick development and the chief economic indices all grow at a rate of around 50%. In 2003 alone, the investment
in fixed assets in SIP exceeded 20.2 billion yuan, an increase of 94% over the previous year. The total output value reached 36.5 billion yuan, an increase of 45% over 2002. The local budget revenue registered 2.05 billion, up by 55.8%. The total value of import and export was 14.4 billion USD, in which export accounted for 6 billion, growing 150% and 134% respectively. The newly contracted foreign investment reached 2.1 billion USD and the utilized investment reached 1.2 billion USD, increasing 20% and 32% respectively. The registered domestic investment reached 11.1 billion yuan. During the past decade, SIP has provided over 120, 000 new jobs.
SIP is targeting at, by the year 2005, a GDP of 70 billion
yuan, financial revenue of 10 billion yuan, import and export of 20 billion USD, rural per capita income of 12,000 yuan RMB and urban per capita income of 30,000 yuan. By then, the SIP will lead the municipality in realizing a well-off life standard for its population on a high level. By 2010, the SIP will realize basic modernization and build itself into a development zone of international competitiveness.

Culture of शेन्ग्क्षिअओ china

In the Chinese zodiac, twelve animals are used to denote the year of a person's birth: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This is called a person's shengxiao (sheng means the year of birth, xiao means resemblance) or shuxiang.
Since ancient times, Chinese have denominated years using combinations of 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches to form sixty-year cycles. The 10 Heavenly Stems are: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren and Gui. The 12 Earthly Branches are: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu and Hai. This year, February 9 is the first day of Yiyou, which is the twenty-second year of the sixty-year cycle.
As well as being associated with each year, the same twelve animals and Earthly Branches are assigned to each month and to a two-hour period of the day. Their origin is variously explained by a number of stories and theories.
One legend is that the order of animals is the result of squabbles that followed Emperor Xuanyuan's summoning them to be his imperial bodyguards. The rat tricked the cat out of going, and ever since they have been enemies. The rat also managed to drive the elephant away by climbing into his trunk. Of the other animals, the ox took the lead, but the rat jumped onto its back, hitching a ride into first place. The pig, busy complaining about this, came last. Since the tiger and dragon refused to accept the result, the Emperor compensated them with the titles "King of the Mountain" and "King of the Ocean," and placed them immediately after the rat and ox. But the rabbit would not accept this either, so raced and won against the dragon for fourth place. The dissatisfied dog bit the rabbit, and was punished with penultimate place. The other animals filled the other positions in the order in which they arrived.
The use of 12 animal symbols is not unique to the Hans in China. Many minority ethnic groups have their own series with minor differences. For example, Mongolians use tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, pig, rat and ox; the Dai people use rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and elephant; and the Li people use rooster, dog, pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep and monkey. Some believe that the Han inherited their twelve from northern tribes in ancient times. Another possibility is that exchange between different cultures cultivated the various sequences of twelve.
Shengxiao are held to be of great significance by many Chinese, and people tell numerous stories and follow rich and colorful customs associated with the Earthly Branches:

Rat (1924 – 1936 – 1948 – 1960 – 1972 – 1984 – 1996 – 2008 – 2020 – 2032)
Zi means seed, fruit, root and inheritance. It represents due north, the eleventh Chinese lunar month, when many animals begin to hibernate, and 11 PM to 1 AM, when the rat is most active.

Ox (1925 – 1937 – 1949 – 1961 – 1973 – 1985 – 1997 – 2009 – 2021 – 2033)
Chou corresponds to the ox. The shape of its Chinese character is like threads coming together to form a strong rope, so represents things being connected. It denotes the twelfth lunar month, known in some places as Muyue or "month of harmony." In northern China, it is freezing winter, when people gather round the fire and wait for spring. It also stands for 1 PM to 3 PM, when the ox is chewing the cud, and even the grass and trees are thought to be asleep.

Tiger (1926 – 1938 – 1950 – 1962 – 1974 – 1986 – 1998 – 2010 – 2022 – 2034)
Yin is associated with northeast by east and 3 AM to 5 AM, when the tiger is most ferocious. In the Chinese lunar calendar it represents month one, the time trees begin to sprout.

Rabbit (1927 – 1939 – 1951 – 1963 – 1975 – 1987 – 1999 – 2011 – 2023 – 2035)
Mao represents due east and 5 AM to 7 AM, when the moon, the home of the legendary jade rabbit, still hangs in the sky. It also denotes the second lunar month, a time of reawakening and new life. The rabbit's relatively meek temperament makes it an appropriate symbol for the sun just coming up over the horizon.

Dragon (1928 – 1940 – 1952 – 1964 – 1976 – 1988 – 2000 – 2012 – 2024 – 2036)
Chen symbolizes southeast by south and 7 AM to 9 AM, believed to be the best time for the magic dragon to generate rain and when the sun strengthens and everything is about to wake up. The dragon is the only mythological animal in the system, and was considered one of the "four sacred animals" along with the phoenix, kylin and tortoise. It was imagined to have a horse's head, snake's body and chicken's claws, with 81 scales on its back. It could fly and swim, and appear and disappear mysteriously. In the Chinese lunar calendar, it represents month three.

Snake (1929 – 1941 – 1953 – 1965 – 1977 – 1989 – 2001 – 2013 – 2025 – 2037)
Si represents south by east and 9 AM to 11 AM, when the snake is most lively. It is associated with the fourth lunar month, when green abounds and seedlings begin to grow.

Horse (1930 – 1942 – 1954 – 1966 – 1978 – 1990 – 2002 – 2014 – 2026 – 2038)
Wu stands for due south and the time around noon, when the sun is most severe. It is believed that 11 AM to 1 PM is when horses travel best. It also signifies the fifth lunar month, when farmers till the land and everything is full of vigor.

Sheep (1931 – 1943 – 1955 – 1967 – 1979 – 1991 – 2003 – 2015 – 2027 – 2039)
Wei represents the sixth lunar month and the height of summer. It also stands for 1 PM to 3 PM, when it is said that if a sheep eats a patch of grass it will grow more luxuriously, and for the direction of southwest by south. The sheep represents love, happiness and perseverance of spirit.

Monkey (1932 – 1944 – 1956 – 1968 – 1980 – 1992 – 2004 – 2016 – 2028 – 2040)
Shen's character in Chinese looks like two hands grasping a stick and, with one addition, becomes another shen meaning to stretch, with the implication of using one's mind to the full and with flexibility. 3 PM to 5 PM is believed to be when monkeys play.

Rooster (1933 – 1945 – 1957 – 1969 – 1981 – 1993 – 2005 – 2017 – 2029 – 2041)
You represents the eighth lunar month in early autumn and 5 PM to 7 PM, when the sun sets and the rooster returns home - an animal considered by many to be associated with prophecy. You also symbolizes due west.

Dog (1934 – 1946 – 1958– 1970 – 1982 – 1994 – 2006 – 2018 – 2030 – 2042)
Xu, associated with the dog, represents northwest by west, 7 PM to 9 PM, when the dog is said to watch the night, and the ninth lunar month, when grass and trees start to wither but the weather is pleasant.

Pig (1935 – 1947 – 1959 – 1971 – 1983 – 1995 – 2007 – 2019 – 2031 – 2043)
Hai represents month ten in the Chinese lunar calendar, when everything begins to stagnate. It also represents 9 PM to 11 PM, when all is silent apart from the pig's snores.

China introduced to the new taxi

The world famous purpose-built London taxi will be unveiled to the Chinese public for the first time at the country’s largest motor show this month.
Manganese Bronze Holdings, the parent company of LTI Vehicles, manufacturer of the famous London taxi, has recently signed a deal with Chinese firm Geely for the vehicles to be produced at a new Shanghai factory for the Chinese market.
So the company is using the city’s motor show to showcase the taxis to the public for the first time.
The new TX4 taxis, including a gold-coloured, gold-specification model, were shipped to China last month, and will be on display from 20 to 28 April.
“We obviously already have very strong ties with China and are looking forward to getting to know the people there even better,” said John Russell, Chief Executive of Manganese Bronze Holdings, who will speak at the exhibition.
Launched last October to wide acclaim, the TX4 retains the distinctive look of the traditional London taxi but with a host of improved features, including a cleaner, Euro IV-compliant engine, anti-lock brakes as standard and new suspension.
Production at the new Shanghai plant is due to start in 2008।