Archive for 'Culture'
Chinese Character of the Year 2013 Posted by sasha on Jan 3, 2014
There are thousands upon thousands of Chinese characters, the most interesting and frustrating aspect of this ancient language. With so many, is it possible that just one could be used to sum up the year 2013? Well, Singapore’s Chinese language newspaper, Lianhe Zaobao (联合早报 – lián hé zǎo bào), seems to think so. In fact…
Top 10 of 2013 Posted by sasha on Dec 31, 2013
Yet another year is coming to a close here, and while some people loathe end of the year Top 10 lists, I happen to be a huge fan of them. When I was a kid, I used to write down my Top 10 songs of the year every year, after much deliberation of course. I…
2013 Year in Review Video (Part One) Posted by sasha on Dec 31, 2013
2013 was a huge year of travel for this blogger. Join me on a video journey through this past year while learning the Chinese words for the seasons, a few Chinese holidays, and also plenty of countries and cities that I visited. Happy New Year everyone! 冬天 – dōng tiān winter 哈尔滨 – hā ěr…
How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Chinese Posted by sasha on Dec 24, 2013
Although most Chinese people don’t really celebrate Christmas (or understand what the holiday is, for that matter), it’s becoming more and more popular. In fact, if you visited Beijing in December, you’d probably think the entire population of the city celebrated Christmas – trees are everyone, “Jingle Bells” is playing non-stop, and you’ll even see…
Beihai and Houhai Posted by sasha on Dec 18, 2013
Get 海 in Beijing with us on a video tour through Beihai Park and around Houhai lake. These man-made bodies of water in the center of the city are one of the best places to experience real Beijing culture, whether it’s singing, exercising, or just playing games. 海 – hǎi sea; body of water 北海公园…
Chairman Mao – The Cultural Revolution Posted by sasha on Dec 16, 2013
After his disastrous Great Leap Forward failed, Chairman Mao sort of stepped to the side in Chinese politics. He officially resigned as State Chairman and was succeeded by Liu Shaoqi (刘少奇). A few years before this happened, China’s leaders got together at the Lushan Conference (庐山会议 – lú shān huì yì) to discuss the Great…
Changbai Mountain (West Side) Posted by sasha on Dec 12, 2013
Take the short train ride from the north to west side of the amazing Changbai Mountain, relax in a hot spring hotel, feast on delicious food, and explore the natural beauty of the mountain. 白河 – bái hé Baihe 松江河 – sōng jiāng hé Songjianghe 硬卧 – yìng wò hard sleeper 天域度假酒店 – tiān yù…