GRERAT WALL
It's more than...
by zys1
GRERAT WALL
It's more than 2,000 years old, but the Great Wall of China remains one of the great wonders of the world, an engineering feat rarely matched in the 22 centuries since its construction began. Stretching 4,500 miles, from the mountains of Korea to the Gobi Desert, it was first built to protect an ancient Chinese empire from marauding tribes from the north. But it evolved into something far greater — a boon to trade and prosperity and ultimately a symbol of Chinese ingenuity and will.
The truth is, though, that the Great Wall is actually a series of walls built and rebuilt by different dynasties over 1,000 years. And while they often served the same purpose, these walls reflected the worlds — both natural and cultural — in which they were erected. For all its seeming timelessness, the Great Wall is an emblem of China's evolution.
Nanxinhua Jie street festival
by DSwede
My visit was on New Year's Day (Lunar New Year that is). Other than the holiday times, this street is just a normal city scene with vendors and businesses. However, on these holiday times, the road is blocked off and becomes a wonderful street festival.
There were folk dancers, stage performances, Chinese mimes, performers dancing on stilts (see photo on my Beijing page) and of course a plethora of vendors, hustlers and food tables... and did you know in China you can buy just about any food imaginable on a stick...
It does not cost a dime, but is an easy way to see some of the locals in their own environment, enjoying the holiday times.
Nanxinhua Jia is the street that runs south immediately from the Hepingmen metro station.
A night time congregation point for local families
by stevemt
There is this park just over the road from the Tiaoqiao Acrobatics Theatre on Beiwei Lu thta is not an actual park. Its a concreted area with bronze's, fountains etc.
The locals bring their families here at night to relax, the children play, the men play cards or domino's, and the women chat or join groups.
Its kinda interesting
Enjoyable shopping street
by calcaf38 about Liulichang Antiques Street
Liulichang starts with large, gorgeous art supply stores, and ends in small flea market type stalls.
This is the spot to have your "name chop" made, buy calligraphy and Mao buttons, jade trinkets and little stone carvings.
Vendors respond well to reasonable negociating.
I had a blast trying fancy teas in small and large tea houses. The teas don't come cheap (compared to CDs for instance), but they are splendid, and the presentation of the samples is a delight.
Chinese Opera
by eva_oberg about Chinese Opera
You haven't experienced the Chinese culture if you haven't been to a Chinese Opera. Be sure to visit an opera with English translations! When I went to see the opera, the translation machine broke down after 5 minutes. I'll tell you that it wasn't quite as entertaining afterwards... The cookies and jasmine tea that usually is served is yummy though.
If you're a big Pavarotti fan, don't think you can compare this opera with the western opera. Chinese opera takes you to another dimension - it is a combination of acrobatics and singing. The singing is very different (and sometimes even annoying) from the way I'm used to, so be prepared for a cultural shock!
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