Archive for 'Culture'
两只老虎: The Chinese Frère Jacques Posted by Ayana on Aug 1, 2016
The Chinese version of the well known nursery rhyme Frère Jacques (in English “Brother John”) is fun and catchy. Instead of a sleeping Jacques, the Chinese version features two running tigers. Therefore, unlike the English and the French tunes, the Chinese version’s tempo is a bit faster. Beside the context and the tempo, it is…
A Day in the Park Posted by sasha on Jul 18, 2016
Spending time in local parks is a huge part of Chinese culture. Since most people live stacked on top of one another in massive high-rise apartments, parks are the perfect place to get some fresh air, spend time with family and friends, and have some fun. Summer is in full swing, and parks all across…
Shandong Adventure – Mt. Tai and Qufu Posted by sasha on Jul 7, 2016
While it’s not exactly one of the most famous places in China, Shandong province has a lot to offer visitors. This coastal province located on the Yellow Sea is home to one of the nation’s four great culinary traditions (Lu), its most famous beer (Tsingtao), its most sacred mountain (Mt. Tai), and even Confucius himself. Take…
Badachu Video Tour Posted by sasha on Jun 22, 2016
Get out of the concrete jungle and take a day trip out to Badachu. The name means “Eight Great Sites” and refers to a collection of Buddhist temples and nunneries located in Beijing’s Western Hills.
All About Dumplings Posted by sasha on Jun 16, 2016
Over my 5+ years of living in China, I was often asked about what I missed from home. Aside from the obvious family and friends, food and drink always popped up in the discussion. When I first got to Beijing in 2008, I definitely found myself missing craft beer and certain comfort foods from home…
The Temple of Heaven Posted by sasha on Mar 17, 2016
There are many must-see sights in Beijing. One such place is the Temple of Heaven (天坛 – tiān tán), one of China’s most treasured relics. Every itinerary to Beijing includes a stop here. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the most holy of Beijing’s imperial temples. The temple complex consists of 92…
Real Chinese Food – Snacks Posted by sasha on Mar 7, 2016
We’ve already had three full meals of real Chinese food over the past few months – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you thought we were finished there, think again – there’s always room for more food in China! Anyone who’s ever been on a bus or a train in China knows just how popular snacks…