China's Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is called one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century and to be honest, it is one very impressive piece of ancient history. Where else in the world can you find a life size army of terracotta warriors over 2240 years old??? I'll tell you. NO WHERE!!! Like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army is one of the places in China you must see before you go back home.

Background - The first emperor of China, Ying Zheng united China, created the first version of the great wall, standardized the written language, killed a lot of people and lived a pretty violent and impressive life. The terracotta army was a part of an underground mausoleum built for him.

Work began on the mausoleum in 246 BC soon after Ying Zheng took to the throne as king and took 11 years to complete by 700,000 workers. The mausoleum was put to use later in 210 BC at Ying Zheng's death.

The army itself is estimated to be over 8000 warriors, horses and chariots and is buried in a series of four pits. Precise estimates are still not possible because excavation of the pits is not complete. The purpose of the army was to accompany Ying Zheng in the afterlife.

You can see from the pictures below that many of the actual statues are in pieces and putting them back together again is a long and painstaking task.

The pits holding the army are 1.5 kilometers east of the actual tomb of the emperor which remains unexcavated because archaeologists fear that excavating the tomb will damage or destroy its priceless contents.

Getting There - The Terracotta Army is near city of Xian in Shaanxin province south west of Beijing in the centre of China. The best way to get there is by catching an over night train from Beijing West train station. There are at least 3 trains leaving Beijing each evening and the train trip takes about 12 hours. Depending on the train you catch, you'll have a choice of a seat (no, no, no), hard sleeper (my favourite), soft sleeper (too pampered) and a deluxe soft sleeper (no comment).

Look for a train with the sign in the photo below and make sure you are in Beijing West train station not Beijing train station. To many hapless foreigners and locals have ended up at the wrong station.

You'll arrive in Xian in the morning so head of to your hotel, dump your bags and prepare yourself for a great day. I stayed at the Xian City hotel which was not the best but good enough. You'll need at least half a day to see the Terracotta Army and mausoleum. There are public buses leaving from different parts of the town that will take you all the way to the Terracotta Army. Ask your hotel staff for directions to the nearest bus stop. The bus trip will take about an hour.

Stay over night and catch an evening train the next day back to Beijing. Going back to Beijing there is also at least 3 trains in the evening. Xian is a great place and you'll find that even two days there is not quiet enough.

Trivia - The Chinese for Terracotta Army is bing ma yong which means soldier horse funeral statues. Tell your Chinese friends and travel companions you've been to see the bing ma yong and they will be impressed.

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.

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This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.

Guangdong Provincial Museum – Showcase of Antiquity in Guangzhou

With a history that can rival the splendours of Egypt, China is a timeless land with a colourful tale of many millenia and many ancient sites that can kindle your curiosity. But it would be nigh impossible to cover all that in one tour as China is not exactly a small place; and stretches the definition of a big place quite so much. For to make up for that, every city in China boasts a museum with a vast collection which brings together artefacts from the far reaches of the land to one place. The widely known port city of Guangzhou with its own intriguing past is home to one of the best historic collections of the country, housed at the Guangdong Provincial Museum.

Located at the original site of the Zhongshan University, the Guangdong Provincial Museum is today a tourist favourite in Guangzhou. Even if it is named as a provincial museum, the museum of Guangdong is today a leading cultural and historical showcase that relates to the heritage of China, and also happens to be a good place to learn about the history of this wonderful land in vivid detail. The museum houses a collection of more than 100,000 artefacts of pottery, bronze, and stone along with ancient art, manuscripts and fossils.

Originally the exhibit spaces of the Guangdong Provincial Museum were made up of four exhibits relating to Guangdong history, rare animals, rare coins and woodcarvings. However the museum was expanded later with many more interesting exhibits to captivate the visitor. The exhibition gallery that relates to Guangdong history is a must-visit to any history buff as this gallery has a rich collection of exhibits relating to the ancient human settlements of Guangdong, artefacts from the Bronze Age settlements, and many relics from the Han dynastic period of imperial China's infancy. There is also a vast collection of exquisite porcelain figurines and objects, as well as a collection of documents, manuscripts, paintings and other objects of interest dating back to the semi-colonial days of Guandong, when it was known as Canton in the west.

If you're staying at any Guangzhou hotel you can just take the metro to visit the museum. Guangzhou suites which offer great value for money like the Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou is available all through the year, so it's just a matter of checking in early and planning your visit to observe, enjoy and learn at the Guangdong Provincial Museum.

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Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Planning A Vacation To The City of Ice During Winter

Harbin,the capital of Heilongjiang province of People's Republic of China , is one of the sources of ice and snow culture in the world. Geographically, it is located in Northeast China under the direct influence of the cold winter wind from Siberia. The average temperature in summer is 21.2 degrees Celsius, -16.8 degrees Celsius in winter. It can be as cold as - 38.1 degrees Celsius in winter. Harbin is a famous international metropolis blending Western culture and Eastern culture perfectly. It is also called "Paris in the Orient", and "Moscow in the Orient". There are lots of famous tourist sites worth seeing. Besides, there are many interesting things to do in Harbin that must attract visitors.

Going for an outing: Influenced by the nomad in the North China in the ancient time, Harbin people like to go for an outing. A lot of companies arrange their staffs to go for an outing to rural areas or natural parks in the spring or autumn. With the development of Harbin people's life level, they will travel to farther places to enjoy the beautiful time.

Drinking Beer: In the twentieth century, it produces beer in Harbin. It has a history of about one hundred years. Harbin people love drinking beer. Most of them regard beer as a normal beverage. Some people drink much beer in order to show their heroism and passion to tourists.

Winter Swimming: It is a special sport in Harbin. As is known to all, it is freezing in the winter of Harbin. The outdoor temperature is almost twenty degrees below zero. The Song Hua River is frozen, but they dig the ice and build a swimming pool. People are swimming in the freezing water. It is a good way to keep a man's body healthy.

Enjoying the Ice Lantern: In the early 1930s, the ice lantern begins to develop basing on the folk and traditional art. The ice lantern is a very wonderful art. It relies on the landscape garden as the background. It regards architectures and sculptures as the way to exhibit. It uses lights as lamp-house. The various ice lanterns make up of amazing pictures. The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and the Lantern Expo become the grand view garden of the lantern art, which attract large quantities of people to visit.

Weddings on the Ice: It is the favorite activity that belongs to Harbin's young people. A lot of couples like holding weddings on the ice. They go on skating to enjoy the happiness on the ice. This activity has become one part of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. If the tourists are young couples, you may join them to spend the happy time together!

Harbin is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Its local people work hard and play harder. They have blended the local culture with exoticism in a way unique to Harbin. Harbin is one of a kind, and its friendly occupants are well known for their hospitality, and their ability to make tourists feel quite at home. Welcome to Harbin to enjoy the wonderful International Ice and Snow Festival, splendid culture, and the unique local lifestyle!

Read more picture about Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

Recommended China tour with Harbin in winter

9 days China Winter Tour - Ancient Culture and Snow Festival

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China Odyssey Tours - A China-based company provides tour packages for family, couple, individual & group. Help you plan & organize your tour to China according to your preferences.

Jiuzhaigou Valley - A Marvellous Fairyland in the World

Jiuzhaigou Valley, eulogized as a world of magical fairytale, has for years enchanted tourists with its mountains and luxuriant forests, colorful lakes, gushing waterfalls and abundant wildlife. To its south is the Huanglong (Yellow Dragon Scenic Area). Jiuzhaigou Valley is located in Nanping County, 450 kilometers (about 280 miles) to the north of Chengdu City , Sichuan, covers a total area of 720 square kilometers and the valley is 50 kilometers in length. In 1992, UNESCO entered this scenic area onto the world natural heritage list.

Jiuzhaigou, literally the Nine Village Valley, is hence known for the nine Tibetan villages within its boundary, Inhabited by Tibetans, the nine villages and alpine lakes, are like reflecting mirrors or crystal jade blocks inlaid in snow mountains and forests.

Jiuzhaigou's spirit is its pure, crystal clear water. Legend has it that long long ago, a beautiful Goddess received a mirror from her lover. The goddess was so excited that she dropped the mirror, smashing it into 108 small pieces. Over the centuries those pieces gave birth to 108 wonderful lakes.

Five-Coloured Lake There is a fairy tale in ancient China that the princess of heaven has a five-colored lake called Jasper Lake in her palace. In Jiuzhaigou Valley you can see that lake of legend. Through forest clearings and the briefest of glimpses between needle clad branches you may catch a glimpse of the water which sparkles in a scope of sky blues, light greens, yellows, greys, pinks and blues.

Five Flower Sea Rize Gully Five Flower Sea is even more magnificent. Surrounded by mountains, the sea looks like a huge calabash infusing colorful water continuously into the foot of the mountain. The strange part is that on the belly of the calabash, there is a ten-meter long light blue design which looks like the leg of a deer. Legend has it that it is the residing spirit of a spotted deer which slipped and fell down the cliff.

The Changhai Sea A large lake located at an altitude of 3000 meters, Changhai, 'the King of the Lakes' is surrounded by snow year round. In spring and autumn, the lake reflects the mountain snow or the maple trees. In winter the lake freezes into a spectacle of icy beauty.

Waterfalls Waterfalls make attractive views. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a paradise surrounded by mountains, with tranquil lakes like pearls. But the quietness is sometimes broken by the waterfalls, which take you to another world. The waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou are like green looms weaving different silks. Varying in shape some are like dragons, some like snow and some like pearls. The sun often casts rainbows across their fronts.

The Nuorilang Waterfall is a perfect case in point. At the top of the great waterfall, which is about one hundred meters in width, are a line of willows which form a monumental green wall. Like the teeth of a comb their trunks seem to be running constantly through the water, untangling it. Pear Shoal Waterfall is one of Jiuzhaigou's most mysterious waterfall. It takes its name from the water that thunders into the stones below forming pearl-like waterdrops.

Colorful Forest Colorful Forest is something you can't miss. With more than 2000 different plants, beautiful flowers, lovely grass and numerous rare species the forest is unique in China and is the stuff fairytales are made of. In deep autumn orange trees, golden yellow birches and red maples flourish in warm autumnal glory. In winter, the forest becomes a twinkling wonderland of grace and elegance.

Collecting the primitive, natural beauties best demonstrated in its lakes, waterfalls, beaches, water currents, snow peaks, virgin forests and Tibetan customs, when you capture the rare beauty of Jiuzhaigou, you must gush: "How could it possible that there are such a marvellous fairyland in the world!" You can visit: chinaodysseytours.com to get more information about this.

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China Odyssey Tours - A China-based company provides tour packages for family, couple, individual & group. Help you plan & organize your tour to China according to your preferences.

Things to Do in Shanghai for Free?

One of the most economically significant metropolis of China known for its historic landmarks and bustling culture - Shanghai is a "must-visit" destination during your China tour. Although, the city is known to be expensive, there are many activities that you can indulge in for free while touring Shanghai.

Xintiandi

Explore this unique area of reclaimed shikumen ("stone gate") houses built in 1920's. This shopping, eating, and entertainment district of Shanghai has an active nightlife and is considered as the first lifestyle centers in China. Walk through the charming lanes of this complex that once upon a time comprised of old houses which have been rebuilt and remodeled to accommodate shops restaurants, cafes, and bookstores. Visit this popular hangout for free during your Shanghai Tour.

Public Parks in Shanghai

Shanghai houses some of the most beautiful parks in China. These parks usually don't charge an entry fee and are a wonderful way to blend into the Chinese culture. To get a glimpse of the Chinese culture and lifestyle, make sure that you visit some public parks during your tour to Shanghai.

The Shanghai Museum

To view the best collection of China's ancient treasures, you must visit the Shanghai Museum. This is most definitely the best way to get to know the history and ancient culture of China. If you can spend an entire day at the museum, then you can also take the inexpensive audio tour.

Moganshan Road Art District

The old factories and warehouses that once existed along the Moganshan Road have been transformed into one of Shanghais most fashionable art districts. It is now the premier location for Shanghai's modern art movement. The factories on the small and winding lanes have been rebuilt into small workshops or large exhibition areas, showcasing both established artists and the up-and-coming artists. You will find exhibitions of everything from contemporary sculpture and oil paintings to old Art Deco furniture and objects made out of scrap metal. Take a stroll in this vibrant district that will introduce you to the essence of Shanghai city.

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Articles by Tia Jones, a freelance writer who contributes for affordable travel tours for tours4fun.com.For more information about how Tours4fun can help you plan a trip to your next travel destination visit: tours4fun.com.

Beijing's fabulous Forbidden City?

Beijing's fabulous Forbidden City is the large palace complex in the world, definitely the No.1 tourist attraction included in all Beijing Tour itineraries. Construction of The Forbidden City began in 1406 during the reign of the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1911), Emperor Yongle. Before Emperor Yongle moved the capital it was located in the city of Nanjing in Jiangsu Province. There are many theories as to why he decided to move his capital to Beijing. The most popular theory was that since when he was the crown prince, Yongle was in charge of the Beijing area and being fond of the area he decided to move the capital there. The new capital city was built around The Forbidden City. Beijing was built with an axis line that ran north to south and through the center of the Forbidden City. The Chinese name for The Forbidden City when it was home to China's Emperors was "The Purple Forbidden City", it is called the Palace museum today. The Forbidden City was the imperial palace until 1911 when the last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Emperor Xuantong, gave up his throne. He was allowed to remain in The Forbidden City until 1924. In 1925 The Forbidden City was turned into The Palace Museum to save the buildings and their treasures in perpetuity.

Most visitors to The Forbidden City are immediately overwhelmed by not only the scale of the palace, but of the grandeur of it. They find it hard to believe that such an extraordinary place could be built for one man. Very little of the original Ming Dynasty Palace exists now. During the Qing Dynasty, especially during the reigns of Emperor Kangxi and Qianlong extensive remodeling was done. Colors during China's feudal reigns buildings needed to meet strict guidelines as per size, color, and even roof style. The Forbidden City is a prime example of this. Almost every roof in The Forbidden City is covered with golden tiles. Only the Emperor and temples he deemed worthy were allowed to use golden tiles. The roof structures also denote importance of the building. The number of hips the roof has and protective animals on the corners of them follow strict guidelines. The size of rooms and the number of posts, windows, doors, and even steps were strictly enforced. According to Taoist tradition women are even numbers and men are odd numbers. Since the number 9 is the highest single digit odd number, it was reserved for the emperor, so most things in The Forbidden City come in sets of nine.

The palaces and halls located inside The Forbidden City are each filled with priceless treasures. The greatest emperors of the Qing Dynasty were avid art collectors and historians. Having the power and the money to acquire the greatest masterpieces in Chinese history, they amassed huge collections of art and filled their palace with them. Everything in the buildings, not to mention the buildings themselves are made of the finest materials. The wood structures are made from rare namu wood, the posts and rafters are covered with gold leaf, and even the tiles in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, crafted in Suzhou, are reported to have taken ten years to produce and cost their weight in gold. Nothing was skimped in the building and decorating of The Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City was designed to show the power and status of "The King of Heaven". It is impossible for a visitor to see everything The Forbidden City has to offer with just one visit. It was and remains a place of impressive beauty. It was designed to instill a sense of wonder in visitors and even in this modern age, it still has the capability to do just that. You can visit : chinaodysseytours.com to get more information about The Forbidden City

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China Odyssey Tours - A China-based company provides tour packages for family, couple, individual & group. Help you plan & organize your tour to China according to your preferences.

The White Snake in Hangzhou

If you go to China one of the places you must visit is Hangzhou and its West Lake. Let me bore you with some quick short history facts of this old and important city in China.

+ During the 1127-1279 (southern song Dynasty) Hangzhou became the capital city of the southern Song Dynasty.

+Over 2,200 years ago Hangzhou was founded by the Qin Dynasty labeling one of the Seven ancient cities of China.

+When Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in 1290 his breath was taken away after he saw the west lake and made a popular Chinese Saying "Shang you tiantang, xia you Hangzhou" = In Heaven there is paradise, on earth there is Hangzhou"

Hangzhou is the starting point of the tale "The White Snake".

The first tale of this story was found during the Tang Dynasty (618 AD). This is a love story filled with loss and romance. There are many versions as it has been re written many times in many types of media.

It starts with a little white snake and a little green snake that gets trapped by Fa Hai, this man tries to kill both the little white and green snake. However Xu Xian (another man) intervenes and saves both the snakes.

1000 years go past and both snakes take human form and become very powerful and very beautiful women. The white lady (formerly the white snake) wants to find Xu Xian and marry him to reward him for saving her during her time of need but Xu Xian has died and had been re-born more than 14 times. Using her special power which enables her to look into people's past lives, she looks high and low but can not find him. Until one day she is by the west lake in Hangzhou and its starts to rain, a man runs up to her and gives her his umbrella.

Bai shen (Lady White ) looks into this man's eyes and falls in love with him but she can't make herself look into his past, for the fear of finding out that this man is not the same man she promised to marry.

After a week Lady White gets the courage and looks at the man's past and it turns out he is the one she wanted all time. They marry and live quite happily with the Lady green (formerly the green snake) until the monk Fa hai returns into their lives. They set up an Herbalist shop and White Snake uses her magical powers to make the medicines especially potent. All is well and soon Lady White becomes pregnant

While Lady White is out Fa Hai, now a monk comes in and tells Xu Xian that is wife is a giant white snake.Xu xian laughs in disbelief and tells the monk to leave, however fa hai tells him to make his wife drink one cup of realgar wine

During Dragon Boat Festival, Chinese families drink a kind of yellow (realgar) wine. However this drink is dangerous to the lady white as it returns her to her snake form. She drinks the wine to please her husband not knowing what wine she was drinking. During the night Xu Xian pulls the covers away on their bed and sees a huge white snake and dies of sheer terror.

When Lady White regains form she is distraught, filled with pain and anger she go to steal the resurrection plant on the Kunlun Mountain. Battling untold numbers she gets the plant and brings her husband back to life. Lady White tricks her husband into believing that the white snake was not her but another different snake.

When Xu Xian is out walking he meets Fa hai, Fai hai convinces Xu Xian that his wife is actually a white snake and takes him away. The Lady White and her sister goes to beg the monk for her husband and he refuses, so she raises the lake and summons water creatures to do battle against the monk and beings from the heavens, that the monk calls.

Lady White and fa hai are in a stale mate, neither of the sides can defeat the other. However because Lady White is pregnant she can not continue the battle and flees. Xu Xian finds out that his wife want to see him after the battle and sneaks away realizing how much his wife loves him and his mistake for trusting Fa hai.

When Xu xian finds his wife, lady green is furious at his betrayal and tries to attack him but Lady White intervenes and after many tears the truth is told from the very beginning, Xu xian realize why he loved her in the first place and they begin their life, once again happy in their love.

Fa hai goes and asks heaven for help to defeat Lady White and save Xu xian from her; he receives a power to revert Lady White back to her snake form and so allowing him to imprison her. After getting this new power he chases after her and confronts her but the power doesn't work, due to the baby inside her womb. Fai hai warns that when the baby is born, he will claim her and take her away.Lady White knows that she is unable to fight this power and goes into a depressed mood. The husband becomes aware of what will happen when he sees his wife making many different sizes of clothing, so the child can wear them as he grows.

He pleads with the monk but he refuses saying that one day she will turn on him. When the baby is born, the monk comes and traps Lady White and imprisons her under the pagoda in HangZhou, declaring she can only escape once the pagoda has crumbled and the lake drained.

There are many different ending to this story, below are two of the ending;

+ That lady green flees and trains to become even more powerful and after fa hai, xu xian and lady white's son is dead; attacks the pagoda with an army, destroying it and freeing lady white.

+ That the son and lady green unites.The son goes on a mission, which ends up in releasing lady white from her prison, reuniting the family and sending the monk,the son, the husband and both the snakes to heaven, where they are immortal.

My Blog- Giving you Information on learning Mandarin, living and working in china

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Feel The Silence And Tranquility At The Land Of Halong Bay

The Halong Bay is the best and most visited spot of South East Asia. You can spend most of your time in standing at one part of the yacht. Of course in the mean time you can take the snaps of the most appealing and striking panoramas. These wooden yachts will directly take you on the land of the Halong bay. At the moment you keep your foot at the isle of Halong Bay, you can feel the sense of peace and calmness that will surround you all the way at your trip.

Halong bay

As soon as you are at this exotic and calm spot of China make sure that you have planned out to get around the caves. This is the most pretty and impressive spot on this bay. In spite of the fact that this place was knocked out by the neon lights and not the natural lightening, this place is able to create a center of attention the visitors at this part of nation. The main part of this bay is the haphazard rubbish bins that are placed at every corner of this bay. You can explore the entire land of this bay on a yacht.

There is a local discotheque at this bay which serves as the prime centre for recreation to the visitors. The Casinos of this bay have proved as the main centre for amusement to many celebrities. The superstars like Enrique Iglesias, Emma Watson, Hritik Roshan, John Abrahim, Angelina Jolie and many more in this list have paid a visit to this casino and tried their hands in gambling.

Apart from the nightclubs and the discotheques you can get the pleasure from the gorgeous panoramas at this seaside. The trippers who come at this bay experience the fun and cozy moments that are offered by the beauty of the natural world. If you are also one of those people who love to spend some cozy moments away from the hectic and busy routine life then I am sure that this is a perfect place for you.

You can spend the comfortable and leisure moments with your family members and friends in the lapse of some adventure related to the natural world. This is the best spot that can provide you with the relaxing and soothing environs to enjoy your vacations. It is a romantic, quixotic and passionate spot of South East Asia. So the next time when you make a tour at China, be sure that you visit the spot and take pleasure of every second at this spot.

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Backpacking Information on China

CHINA

The People's Republic of China - one of the world's oldest and thriving civilizations consisting of states and cultures dating back to more than 6 millennia, outpacing the rest of the world in arts and sciences. Ancient China is the master creator of four of the most critical innovations in our modern world: paper, compass, gunpowder, and printing, says British biochemist and scholar Joseph Needham. Besides, who does not know of the Great Wall, Jackie Chan, or the Peking Man who used fire 300-780 millennia ago?

China's cultural sphere has extended to the tiny corners of the world from Southeast Asia, East Asia, America, Australasia, to Europe. CHINATOWN contributes significantly to this mobility with its presence celebrated in the whole of Asia, Middle East, Oceania, North America, Latin America, Europe, and even Africa. The first Chinatown was established in Manila, but this is more of a commerce and trade hub nowadays, than as ethnic enclaves for overseas Chinese. This is mostly the world's (AND our) orientation to Chinese culture; however, Chinatown is apparently a part and parcel of this greater culture.

GEOGRAPHY

China, an East Asian country on coordinates 35 00 N, 105 00 E, is the 4th largest country in the world after Russia, Canada, and the U.S. with a total area of 9,596,960 km². It has a terrain of mostly plains, hills, and deltas in the East, and mountains, plateaus, and deserts in the west, with rivers flowing from West to East, i.e. Yangtze and Huang Ho (main rivers), emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Elevation extremes comprise of Turpan Pendi, the lowest point (-154 m), and Qomolangma (Mount Everest), the highest point (8,850 m). China currently deals with ecological concerns of air and water pollution, water shortages, deforestation, and trade of endangered species.

CLIMATE

With an extremely diverse climate brought about by a vast territory, China experiences frequent typhoons, floods, tsunamis, land subsidence, earthquakes, and droughts in some regions.

Northern Zone: Summer-30 ° C; winter- sever arctic

Central Zone: Temperate continental

Southern Zone: Subtropical

PEOPLE

China ranks as the most heavily populated country in the world with 1,336,860,000 people, comprising 19.62% of the world's population as of April 10, 2010, not even including Hong Kong, China, and Macao. Of this population are 56 ethnic groups with the Han Chinese taking the cake as the largest single ethnic group in the world with 92% of the PRC population. Nonetheless, all Chinese, regardless of ethnicity, have equal national rights and privileges.

LANGUAGE

MANDARIN is Modern China's official language spoken by 850 million Chinese. The Standard Mandarin is of the Beijing dialect and one of the six official languages designated by the United Nations. ENGLISH is the nation's language for business and education with a growing demographic of 20 million speakers produced annually. A majority of China's 55 ethnic groups have their own varieties and dialects, like Cantonese, Fukien, and so on.

RELIGION

China's social values are rooted on Confucianism and Taoism. The nation respects multi-religiosity with Taoism practiced by 400 million of the Chinese population (30%), whereas Buddhism is practiced in harmony with Taoism. Freedom of religion and activities relating to belief are protected by the constitution, hence the presence and acceptance of Christianity and Islam in the region as well.

ATTRACTIONS

In China, "attractions" is an understatement, but the most famous are the majestic Great Wall, out-of-this-world Tibet, the unmatched Silk Road, the mystifying Terra-Cotta warriors, the imperial Forbidden City, and the grand Yangtze River. Hainan Island, a Special Economic Zone, remains a total backpacker destination for its natural grandeur coupled with a mild climate and favourable environment the whole year round. Tagged as "The Oriental Hawaii" for its unmatched beach landscapes, this is China's sweet winter escape where young people like to chill and old people prefer to live.

Natural or man-made, China takes pride in them all. Indeed, Chinese architecture is greater than just its wall. From China's temples to palaces, the traveller will note of the principle of balance and symmetry smeared from its ornate roofs to the infinitesimal design details. In modern architecture, China has the largest number of high-rise buildings in the world.

FOOD

Every single human being has an established concept of "Chinese food" such as rice or noodle toppings in a box, but it really is a general term as "European cuisine" as food is diverse as the regions in China. Rice is the staple in the South, while wheat noodles, in the North. We're talking Guang Dong's Dim Sum, Shanghai's spring rolls and pulled noodles, and Szechuan peppery dishes to cite some. Beijing may be the home of the Peking duck, but Cantonese food is the most popular to the world. Food trip alone will be a good reason to take a trip to China for its enthusiastic gastronomic culture. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Chinese gourmands on and off the street ensure fresh and clean food. For "dog lovers", they also serve dog meat, camel's paw, snake, shark's fin and other bizarre exotica.

ODD-BALL HABITS

Spitting ubiquitously (hotels, hospitals, banks, supermarkets, etc.);
Slurping noodles (compliments to the chef!);
Staring incessantly due to curiosity;
Shoving in queues and accepted negligence to laws and regulations i.e. driving, smoking zones, etc.;
Shouting or loud speech is simply vivacity and interest in conversation (not anger) and is very standard.

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Changzhou Tianning Temple

With a history that dates back to the Western Zhou dynasty, Changzhou is over 3,000 years old. Scenic for its location along the Yangtze River, this city is nicknamed the 'Dragon Town'. Popular attractions in the city include the China Dinosaur Park, which boasts a large collection of dinosaur bones and fossils from across China, Bamboo Comb Lane, Hong Mei Park, Wei Yuan and Changzhou Tianning Temple.

The Changzhou Tianning Temple has been around for over a thousand years, and even today many believers frequent this age old site to partake in rituals. Dedicated to the Chinese Chan Buddhist doctrine many believers and tourist flock to the temple to get a glimpse of its ornate beauty and partake in its spirituality. Considered to be a popular attraction, the temple overlooks the Jing-Hang Canal, and is just outside the East Gate of Changzhou. Also operating as a monastery, the Changzhou Tianning Temple is made up of 33 Buddhist halls, 24 pavilions and 497 rooms.

An astonishing weight of 68, 038 kg in brass and gold has been used for the rooftops of the pagoda. Jade and bronze decorations can also be seen, enhancing the overall beauty of the temple. Yet another highlight is the large bronze bell that weighs 30,000 kg in the top most floor of the pagoda.

The tallest wooden pagoda in the world is also said to reside in this wonderful attraction that stands at a height of 154 meters (13 stories high). The Heavenly Kings Palace is said to be one of the most beautiful halls in the country which is adorned with ancient inscriptions and Buddhist statues. In the Arhat Hall, a visitor will come across the 500 sages who are featured in life like form and covered in gold leaf. The Precious Hall of the Great Hero is where the visitor will find the largest hall in the complex, and three statues of the Lord Buddha, Bhaishajyaguru, Amitabha and Shakyamuni. Be inspired by this wonderful attraction and explore the rest of the city from a centrally located Changzhou hotel. Traders Fudu Hotel Changzhou offers spacious Changzhou Hotel accomodation to cater to the needs of both the leisure and business traveller.

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Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.