Powers of the Eastern New Year Dragon

By John Chan

Find out about the most revered Chinese symbol and its connection to the important events of the Chinese New Year.

Two things that have immense significance in Chinese culture are the images of the dragon and the event of the Chinese New Year. These things have been part of Chinese heritage for thousands of years and continue to have their presence up till today. Furthermore the two things have a deep interconnection between them.

The dragon is an integral part of Chinese culture. The westerners only happened to know about it through their explorations into martial art movies and Chinese art work. Whereas, for the Chinese, this dragon image stands for a immensely revered mythical creature that is prized for its beauty, uniqueness and spiritual abilities.

With due respect to the Chinese custom, firstly we must recognize the fact that the Chinese New Year does not coincide with the Western celebrations of the New Year. The cause behind this is that the western world follows the Gregorian solar calendar and the Chinese have always followed the lunar calendar. Thereby, the cycle of the moon decides the date on which Chinese New Year event is celebrated and this is completely on a different day from the Western New Year.

The New Year event is a magnificent time to be in China. People are high on festivity and enjoyment. As the ancient Chinese culture goes, these people associate animal symbols with the change of time and year. There are twelve animal signs in total which keep repeating after every twelfth year. So the sign of dragon comes into full force and fresh spirituality after the end of every twelfth year.

The dragon sign is supposed to be a symbolism of immense power. Moreover, the image of a dragon is mostly considered as a symbol of mystical power and anger. The anger of a dragon is always mysteriously justified and hence it signifies the correction of any mistake. So in this case, the angry dragon image is not evil but it plays a role of inspiration.

They say the streets have rights upon you. If you hang around on the streets and see some evil you then it is upon you to block it with your hands if you have the might. If you don't then at least make an attempt to stop it with your tongue. And if you cannot even do that then at least in your heart know that the act is evil and this is a very low level of trust.

The image of the fuming dragon seeks to repress the wrong doers. It does not represent wrong doing. Rather quite the opposite. The best of deeds is to avoid evil and discourage it while engaging in good deeds and encouraging them. Hence the Chinese New Year of the Dragon is all about bringing about a revolution through peaceful and festive means. - 30294

About the Author:

The traditional new year dragon is a colorful assault on the senses. If you would like more information on Chinese new year animals click on the links above.

Chinese tea sets: Preserving the Essence of Chinese Teas

By Sammia Cheng

China has been exporting tea to 90% of the world's market. Chinese teas are known for their superior quality especially when it comes to taste, texture, and flavour. Among the most commonly consumed beverages, tea ranks first amongst others. Chinese teas are best served with Chinese tea sets since they create a synergistic effect that enhances the experience.

Tea has become a part of life for most cultures, but it is said that most tea trees from other countries have their origin in China. People from different cultures call tea in different names. In China, tea is called "cha", more like "tsa-a" in the Philippines. Russians on the other hand, call their tea as "cha'i", pronounced as "chaye".

Japan started its love for tea during the 6th century while the American and Europeans discovered this aromatic beverage only after the 17th and 18th century. People from different parts of the world enjoy the relaxing attributes of tea, but it is beyond doubt that the passion for tea started in the Yixing town of China.

Teas can be classified in different ways, but the commonly used classification is on how they are made.

1. Green tea: The only variety of tea that can keep its natural color even after brewing is the green tea. Green teas that yield the perfect tea leaves are the following: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng from the mountains of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.

2. Black tea: Teas that are fermented before they are baked are classified as black teas. These teas are also known as "red teas" by tea lovers. The best tea leaves for black teas are: Suhong of Jiangsu, Qihong of Anhui, and Dianhong of Yunnan.

3. Wulong tea: Wulong teas are popular in the south-eastern parts of China that includes Taiwan, Guandong, and Fujian. Wulong tea is simply a mixture of black tea and green tea.

4. Compressed tea: Compressed tea or "brick tea" is a variety of black tea that is compressed into a certain shaped to be stored and transported commercially to a large number of consumers. Brick teas are made in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.

5. Scented tea: This type of tea mixes fragrant flowers with tea leaves to create an aroma that is unique to teas. The most commonly used flowers are magnolia and jasmine.

Teas are best served with tea sets since they preserve the natural flavor of tea. Tea sets are high quality, durable set of dishes that are used for afternoon tea or a formal tea party. Most of these tea sets are made of porcelain, bone china, or silver.

In China, the most popular type of tea set is made of Yixing clay. Historically, teas were believed to be brewed from these Yixing clay pots and are served to the guests after it has been cooled enough to drink. The Yixing tea set is named after a town in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China.

In assessing a quality of a pot, there are a number of things that a tea enthusiast should consider. Tapping the body of a pot with another pot is a simple test to determine its quality. If the light tap creates a metal like sound, then the pot is of good quality.

A different way to assess the quality of a clay pot is to fill it up with water then close its lead. If the water flows smoothly out of the pot, it tells us that the pot is made to serve its purpose.

The Yixing tea pots are also known for their ability to retain the flavour of tea. When a tea is brewed using the Yixing pot for a long period of time, a coating is created, and this coating preserves the natural flavour of tea. Washing the pot with soap will wash away the coating, this is the reason why these types of teapots should only be washed with water and air dried.

It is undeniable that tea has become a part of life for most people. Teas can be brought in a variety of mixes and flavours. Most teas taste best when they are served in their appropriate tea sets. Chinese tea sets, specifically the Yixing clay pots, are best with Chinese teas since they do not only preserve the flavour of tea, but the tradition of Chinese tea as well. - 30294

About the Author:

S. Cheng is a lifestyle magazine editor situated in Beijing, China. She has a fascination for Chinese Tea Sets and many other chinese style of living. Check out her site about the Chinese Tea Sets here.

China 101: From Beijing Hotels to Courtyards of the Forbidden City

By Efrenn Larson

China, the sleeping Dragon of Asia, is now opening its doors to the world. Most people would probably think of the Chinese people as strict and stiff because of their political background. But far from the racial issues, lie a rich culture that is yet to be uncovered.

The Forbidden City, along with the Great Wall of China, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Beijing. During the afternoon breeze, one could see the distinct beauty of the Forbidden City from afar. Its golden roof and bright red walls magnificently reflect the symbol of China's longstanding power and grandeur.

Beijing, being the most anticipated economic powerhouse player of today, offers a number of hotels for her visitor and guests who are into Asian culture and dining. There are also a number of hotels in Beijing that are also proximal to the cultural centers of China, making it easier for tourist to organize their time efficiently while enjoying city's sights and sound.

When visiting China's Forbidden City, it is best to schedule your tour on a weekday since crowding usually happen on the weekends. It would also be best to take a tour guide with you during your tour so you could accurately understand the unique and stunning architectural designs and structures of the palace. If you plan on going the extra mile, then buying a guidebook from a near by coffee shop or hotel lobby would also work for that matter.

Considered as the world's largest palace, The Forbidden City, locally known as Gugong or Zinjincheng, has an area that covers 0.3 square miles or 720,000 square meters of land. There are only four gates that connect the palace to the outside world, the Tiananmen Gate, which is located at the southern end of the complex, serves as the main gate to the palace.

After entering the main gate, you should see an inner gate, this is the Meridian or the Interior Gate, and this gate will lead you to the heart of the palace. Beyond the Interior Gate, is a vast plaza that is connected to another sacred gate, the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

This Imperial Court of Harmony has two divisions to it: There is an inner court that serves as a living quarter for both the emperor and his subordinates, and another court, dubbed as the outer court; that contains the Hall of Supreme Harmony, China's larges wooden structure to date.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony, back in the olden times, played a very important role in shaping Chinese culture and tradition. This is the hall where most of China's important gatherings have taken place, from enthroning a King to celebrating royal marriages.

The hall is bounded with numerous symbols that symbolize China's magnificent culture. The dragon, being the known symbol of imperial supremacy and power, is one of the most diverse structures found in the room that would surely get ones attention. Another vital configuration which lies afar from this hall is the Midway Hall of Harmony, where the sovereign exposes himself to the common people to tackle issues that surrounds his statute.

The Hall of Heavenly Purity houses the emperor, his eunuch, and some concubines. Eunuchs are political advisers to the emperor, it is said that these advisers were forced to get their testicles remove to satisfy the emperor's security with regards to his position in the dynasty. During the Ming dynasty, there was a slight change in the room assignment, instead of the emperor and empress sleeping together, they were separated by another hall.

Finally, The Imperial Garden, where the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity is located. This Garden lodges the overwhelming artifacts and astounding remnants of China's civilization which proves its passion for excellence and perfection.

No doubt, China, its people and its culture has proven in many ways their active participation and exceptional part in the world's history. Today, being the pioneer of the world's most life changing technologies and inventions, China is encouraging foreigners and locals to experience a unique and more exciting of scenes in the city. From the Hotels in Beijing to the Forbidden City Courtyards, the marvelous blend of culture, history and technology, will surely bring a new flavor to the table, a person should never miss this once in a lifetime experience - 30294

About the Author:

Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Phoenix Palace Beijing hotel and many other beijing hotels. Go to his website on the Phoenix Palace Beijing Hotel here.

Beijing Hotels Boost Tourism in the 2008 Summer Olympics

By Efrenn Larson

China, one of the world's emerging superpowers, recently increased her exposure in the world stage as she hosted the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. The Olympics is a quadrennial event which is participated by about 120 countries, with players engaging themselves in various sports, from track-and-field to javelin throwing, from basketball to soccer, from swimming to diving, you name it.

Beijing, after being chosen to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, immediately selected the site where future delegations will stay and where majority of the games will be played. The city and the national government summoned the finest team of architects, engineers and landscape designers to begin this remarkable task which would usher huge investments to the country. In addition to this, foreign hotel groups started to set up their branches of hotels in Beijing in anticipation of increased tourists during the event.

The government planned to use a site wide enough to put the various stadiums and complexes in one place. By doing such, travel time will be significantly reduced, thereby increasing the players' productivity. The Olympic Green was the name chosen for the site. In there, thirty-one sporting venues can be seen. It is situated at the north end of the central axis of Beijing.

The Olympic Green is accessible to most of the hotels in Beijing since it is well within the city's cultural and business districts, where thousands of tourists and businessmen flock to. Many significant sporting venues are located within the green. The biggest of these is the Beijing National Stadium. The building's design was inspired by Chinese ceramics, which depicted intricacy and beauty rolled into one. Also called the 'Bird's Nest,' it hosted 91,000 spectators during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as in the football and athletics finals.

Another unique structure is the Beijing National Aquatics Center, better known as the 'Water Cube.' Its design is based on the structure of soap bubbles, which are air-filled pockets of translucent plastic. At night, the structure illuminates with colors which change from time to time. This was where swimming, diving and synchronized swimming competitions were held.

The Beijing National Indoor Stadium, dubbed 'The Fan' due to its design similar to a traditional Chinese holding fan, hosted Artistic Gymnastics, Handball events and Tramp lining. The Convention Center, a 270,000 square-meter structure, used for Fencing and the Modern Pentathlon, can also be found within the Green. It was also the International Broadcast Center where the press covered the entire games.

The Beijing Olympic Village was the temporary home of the athletes. It resembles some of the hotels in Beijing since it is made up of twenty-two six-storey buildings and twenty nine-storey buildings.

Beijing hotels were having good occupancy rates during the games. The city and the country were the stars of the show. Indeed, China and its people were in the limelight. People can finally say that the Sleeping Dragon has finally awakened! - 30294

About the Author:

Author E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fraternal Cooperation Hotel Beijing and many other beijing hotels. Learn even more about the Fraternal Cooperation Hotel Beijing here.

About Tai Chi Techniques and Training

By Walter McKibbin

Derived from the Taiji symbol which, in the Western areas is known as the yin and yang, Tai Chi was said to be the practice that preserved the oldest schools of learning which study the receptive and active principles.

As a practice, Tai Chi's core training features 2 forms: first, the solo form, which stresses slow sequence of movements while keeping the spine straight and firm, maintaining the range of motion and constant breathing. The Push Hands being the second core of Tai Chi training involves training of the principles of movement in a manner that is more practical and convenient.

As the word implies, the solo form of Tai Chi, requires only the one person to conquer the movements. It would take the students through a natural and complete range of motion over gravity's center. If repeated accurately, the practice of the solo form can retain posture, maintain honest flexibility going through the joints and muscles, encourage proper circulation from any point of the student's body, and let students be more familiarized with some of the important martial art application sequences that are usually implied by the different forms.

Major styles of traditional Tai Chi have forms that somewhat differ from the others in its presentation. Some differ in the wave of the hands, in the position of the legs, the reaction of the body and the pace of the movement. But these things don't matter at all because what is important to Tai Chi practice is that it benefits not just your body but your mind as well. And besides, there are still many similarities coming from the point of their common origin that are obvious enough to recognize, anyway.

Solo form, weapons and empty-hands are the basic steps to start off with learning Tai Chi. Many other martial arts application do this in their trainings. This is especially intended to prepare the students for self-defense.

The philosophy goes: if one becomes stiff and equally uses hardness in attending to violence, otherwise resisting it, then it is expected that both sides can be injured at a certain degree. An injury like that is a Tai Chi theory that coincides with the consequence of fighting brute with brute, which, in Tai Chi is far beyond the right attitude and style.

Unlike in other martial arts where force is encourage to be applied to some extent, in Tai Chi, students are taught to face battle with delicate movements and gentleness, following every attacking motion and in the end, tiring their opponent. This is even done while remaining at a close contact. This is the principle wherein the yin and yang is applied - the main goal of training Tai Chi.

Aside from that, Tai Chi schools also focus their attention on how the energy of a striking person affects his opponent. For example, the palm can strike physically looking the same and performing the same but has a different and dramatic effect on the target.

With your palm you can push a person forward or backward, do it in such a way that the opponents are lifted vertically from the ground, this way their center of gravity will be shaken and eventually fall.

After which, this technique can literary terminate the striking force within the body of the person with the dearest intention of causing traumatic internal damage. - 30294

About the Author:

Forget everything you thought you knew about living a healthy life because you won?t be able to have it when what you are sustaining is just your physical body. Overall health isn?t just about physical wellness. This website, Tai Chi in Los Angeles, shatters the current myths and gives it to you straight.

Overlooking the Forbidden City of China from Hotels in Beijing

By Efrenn Larson

The People's Republic of China, home to the world's largest population, carries with her a rich culture and a continuing tradition wrought about by 5,000 years of history. Throughout this time, many characteristics of their culture was preserved and enhanced. One of these and probably the most visible is their architecture.

The Forbidden City, one of China's most sought after man-made wonders, was the Chinese imperial palace of the Ming down to the Qing dynasty. Since the spot is centrally-located, many hotels in Beijing abound, making it more practical for tourists to include this site in their daily itineraries.

The Forbidden City is the world's biggest surviving palace complex and sits in a total of 72 hectares of land. It is made up of 980 buildings and houses a wide array of artwork and artifacts from many dynasties. When one is outside, he would notice high walls made from rammed earth core and overlaid with baked bricks which served as defense from invading tribes. Aside from this, the four lookout towers at each city corner, were and still are the most visible parts of the palace to commoners.

As one enters the city, he will find that it is subdivided into two: the Outer court, mainly used for ceremonial purposes and the Inner court, where the emperor and his family and servants resided.

In the Outer Court, one could view the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Just a few steps away, he will be awed by the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a magnificent edifice built above three stone foundations and bordered by bronze incense burners. It was here where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties celebrated their wedding and enthronement ceremonies. Further down is the Hall of Central Harmony, a smaller hall used by the ruler to prepare and rest before and during special occasions. Finally, there is the Hall of Preserving Harmony which was used for rehearsing activities.

In the inner court, one will be delighted by the sight of its largest building, the Palace of Heavenly Purity. It was once the emperor's audience hall where he received visitors from other countries. The residence of the empress, The Palace of Earthly Tranquility, can be found within striking distance.

After a worthwhile time of touring this historic site, one could take a break in the Imperial gardens which are dispersed just outside the city. Famous parks include the Jingshan Park and the Zhongnanhai. One will be amazed by the lakes, multicolored flowers, fountains and soothing trees which can ignite the senses.

For those who want to take a piece of the Forbidden City, they can also buy souvenir items which are readily found outside the city's walls. Shirts, mugs, caps and replicas will help them rekindle their amazing experience. Alas, as the sun sets and breeze starts to cool, it is now time to head back to one of the nice hotels in Beijing to relax and prepare for the next journey ahead. - 30294

About the Author:

Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fuhao Hotel Beijing and other hotels in Beijing. Check out his website about the Fuhao Hotel Beijing here.

One of Beijing Hotels' Top Destinations: The Great Wall of China

By Efrenn Larson

The world's tourism industry is already gaining ground. Many individuals in different parts of the globe slowly realize that it is time to set foot and learn more things in foreign soil. This is the reason why the hotel industry is now creating giant leaps in many nations.

The facts and figures of the United Nations - World Tourism Organization in 2008 have shown that the People's Republic of China placed fourth as the country where tourists frequently visit. With an astounding 53 million tourist arrivals, one cannot help but be amazed, but there is in actuality little surprise to that, since the world has known that the country houses many natural and man-made wonders.

As China's capital, Beijing is one of the major gateways of the country. This translates to increased occupancy rates in Beijing hotels, more shoppers in malls and diners in fine restaurants, eventually leading to increased tourist receipts vital in pump-priming their economy.

One of the most notable of these Chinese landmarks is the Great Wall of China. Recently, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This structure is 8,851.8 kilometers long, stretching from the Northeastern shores of the seaside town of Shanhaiguan to the cold and mountainous Gansu Province in the Northwest.

The Great Wall is a chain of stone and earthen defenses which was constantly built, rebuilt and maintained between the 5th and 16th centuries to safeguard the country from invading Mongolians and other tribes. It also provided protection to the country's economic and cultural progress, watched over the Silk Route and secured the transmission of information and transportation. Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, facilitated the construction of the wall and the emperors of the Ming dynasty continued and brought the wall to its present state.

The Great Wall is not just a wall. Throughout its area, one could see defensive structures such as forts, passes and beacon towers which were once used to house soldiers, store grain and weapons and pass on military information.

Although the Great Wall lasts more than a lifetime and can be treasured throughout the year, the best time to have ones' vacation to the place is during spring and autumn, primarily to avoid multitudes of people. In spring, one could see the flowers abloom with pastel colors and the lush greenery, creating an atmosphere of freshness. In the winter, when it is glacial, the surrounding terrains and the wall itself are blanketed with snow, making it the perfect time for one to see the entirety of the wall. From Beijing, a 65-minute bus drive will get you to Badaling, which is the most accessible site. Other sites are Mutianyu and Jinshanling. The itineraries of Beijing hotels make it sure that the tourists will not find it difficult to travel to the place.

The Great Wall of China is one of mankind's best achievements. That is why for transients to completely enjoy their tours, they should dress suitably for the season, bring their versatile cameras, and of course, they must be open and friendly to co-travelers. Wherever they stay, be it in Beijing hotels or in any accommodations from other neighboring areas, one must take time to visit this wonder and who knows, maybe it is in here that he will find what he desires the most. - 30294

About the Author:

E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Fuhao Hotel Beijing and many other beijing hotels. Learn even more about the Fuhao Hotel Beijing here.