White House of Potala Palace in Night, Lhasa, Tibet _HXT4763
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Early legends concerning the rocky hill tell of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara), that was used as a meditation retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD. In 637 Songtsen Gampo built a palace on the hill. This structure stood until the seventeenth century, when it was incorporated into the foundations of the greater buildings still standing today. Construction of the present palace began in 1645 during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama and by 1648 the Potrang Karpo, or White Palace, was completed. The Potrang Marpo, or Red Palace, was added between 1690 and 1694; its construction required the labors of more than 7000 workers and 1500 artists and craftsman. In 1922 the 13th Dalai Lama renovated many chapels and assembly halls in the White Palace and added two stories to the Red Palace. The Potala Palace was only slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the invading Chinese in 1959. Unlike most other Tibetan religious structures, it was not sacked by the Red Guards during the 1960s and 1970s, apparently through the personal intervention of Chou En Lai. As a result, all the chapels and their artifacts are very well preserved.
From as early as the eleventh century the palace was called Potala. This name probably derives from Mt. Potala, the mythological mountain abode of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara / Kuan Yin) in southern India. The Emperor Songtsen Gampo had been regarded as an incarnation of Chenresi. Given that he founded the Potala, it seems likely that the hilltop palace of Lhasa took on the name of the Indian sacred mountain. The Potala Palace is an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters. Fulfilling numerous functions, the Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas. Within the White Palace are two small chapels, the Phakpa Lhakhang and the Chogyal Drubphuk; dating from the seventh century, these chapels are the oldest surviving structures on the hill and also the most sacred. The Potala's most venerated statue, the Arya Lokeshvara, is housed inside the Phapka Lhakhang, and it draws thousands of Tibetan pilgrims each day.
The Heaven Worship Ceremony, Beijing
Every year during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, multitudes of people flock to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing to take part in the Royal Heaven Worship Ceremony.
Built in the Ming dynasty the Temple of Heaven is one of the most recognizable landmarks in China. Emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasty would use the temple as a retreat to pray to the heavens for a good harvest.
As an annual event from 2008, the Heaven worship and this year that mark in the year of the Dragon will be held on January 23rd, 2012. As usual, hundreds of performers in garb from the Ming and Qing dynasties act out the Heaven Worship ceremony as what their ancestor did for centuries.
Witnessing history come alive with an incredible display of color and pageantry dating back hundreds of years, the leaders of China nowadays would probably be praying for a high developing rate out of the country as well as a good harvest, while people who are lucky enough to attend this big event are likely to pray for their happy family and better life.
Hong Kong Victoria Harbour Cruise
Hong Kong's Victoria harbor is one of the busiest and awe-inspiring harbors in the world. Apart from the multitude of hipping and aquatic traffic both private and commercial it manages every day; the harbor also contains the backdrop of Hong Kong's modern skyline, which illuminates for all to see every night.
This is never more evident than leading up to the Chinese New Year celebration or Spring Festival when river cruises become a scolding hot commodity for all visitors and residents of Hong Kong. Moreover, it is easy to understand 'why'.
When the clock strikes zero and every Chinese person on earth yells 'Xin nian Kuai le', the night sky around Victoria harbor becomes an apocalyptic fireball of colors and light. The light completely engulfs the night sky, which would have many doomsayers believe their theory that the world is ending.
Nevertheless, for the lucky people able to secure a seat on a river cruise around Victoria Harbor on Chinese New Year, it is an incredible and beautiful event that would leave a lasting impression on every one who is lucky enough to witness it.
Ready for winter vacation? Here comes Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is an annual event held in Harbin city which locates in Northeastern China.
What makes it stand out? A propaganda film may give us some sense:
Propaganda film for Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Ok, let’s ignore those Chinese captions; just enjoy those beautiful pictures and funny activities.
And another one, the fireworks on the opening ceremony of the festival 2010:
The fireworks on the opening ceremony 2010
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 2012 will begin from January 5th. Most of the activities will be hosted in Harbin Ice World. Some useful tips to keep you away from troubles:
1. Taking the ticket of Harbin Ice World, you can play almost all the activities inside. So, keep your ticket carefully.
2. If you prefer to watch those pretty ice lanterns and spend less time on daytime activities, 3-4 o’clock in the afternoon would be the best time to get in the Ice World.
3. Prepare one more energy set for your camera. Or you will miss a lot of unforgettable memories. And keep your camera warm enough all the time to ensure it works well.
4. Because of the dry weather of Harbin, it’s a good idea to bring some hot water with you when going out.
5. Take the best winter clothes from your ears to feet. Notice that the shoes need to be skid-proof.
To avoid the crowded, another tip is to enjoy the festival two or three days later from its beginning.
So take your time to make plan and enjoy your winter vacation.
The Lucky Winners of our Free Pearl River Night Cruise
A month ago, we hosted a lucky prize draw game where Facebook users simply like our page to participate in a lucky draw and have the chance to take a free Pearl River Night Cruise with their special someone. And it’s our pleasure to announce the winners:
1. Amit Jain. 2. Chris James. 3. Musah Sani.
Congratulations! Our service team will contact you via emails.
And thank you all for your participation.
Marketing Team of China Tour Guides
Impression Liu San Jie, refreshes your imagination
A cast of over 600 actors.
A stage over 2 kilometers long between 12 mountain peaks.
Come and witness the majesty and brilliance of the Liu San Jie Impression show in Yangshuo, in China's Southern province of Guangxi. Set amongst the ancient mountain scenery of Yangshuo, on the banks of the Li River this pictorial event will remain etched in your mind long after you have left.
With nature as its stage, "Impression Liu San Jie" is the masterpiece of Director Zhang Yimou. The performance which lasts for 70 minutes will transcend you through time and place. Through mist and rain; bamboo forests with streams of crystal water running through them to a mystical land, will make you feel like to stay forever once you are there.
Happy Losar!! Happy Tibet!!
Happy Losar!!!! Well that is what you’d be saying if you are in Tibet from 22nd of February, 2012. 'Losar' is the Tibetan word for the start of Tibetan New Year.
During Losar the Tibetan people pretty much celebrate New Year the same as the rest of the world would: dance, party, drinking, eating good food and everyone having a good time. Except Losar lasts for two weeks, it is more like the combination of Christmas and New Years. On Losar day dough balls are given with presents hidden inside them and in the same instance if you have been naughty in the previous year, you will receive a lump of black coal hidden in your dough ball which signifies you have a black heart. Apart from the gift giving part, Losar is a hub of numerous ceremonies and performances, including the comedic battle between the king and his ministers. Hundreds of tourists every year come to Tibet to celebrate this incredible festival of color and amazement.
Yangshuo Cooking Class
Yangshuo is only a few hours away from Guilin the famous city of China's Southern Guangxi province. It is a hot bed for western tourists who are attracted to its mythical scenery and western atmosphere.
Although, if you asked most Guilin or Yangshuo locals they would insist that the best way to experience Guilin is through its local cuisines and delicacies.
They are definitely not Hell's kitchen, but Yangshuo's cooking schools are certainly the hottest places for all amateur or professional chefs who want to learn traditional Chinese cooking.
Either in a traditional farmhouse or a cooking school located on the Li River in Guilin or Yangshuo; under the guidance of an experienced English-speaking tutor who will skill you in the art of preparing local Guilin dishes and the many secrets that go with them. All of the teachers are not as your typical stressed out angry chefs you might find in a typical restaurant or hotel; they are friendly and warm, eager to share their traditional cooking methods and secrets with visitors.
Huangshan: A Land Time Forgot
After a walk through a mythical landscape which seems to project you back a thousand years, you come across a sea of clouds which surrounds you and even dares you to walk upon its white fluffy surface. Huangshan, a celestial mountain in China's Anhui province is a land time forgot. With scenery straight out of a Chinese mythological story its rocky surroundings and ancient fauna in correlation with its epic sunrise and sunsets is a display of beauty which Mother Nature shows off in this magical place.
Under a sea of clouds this mountain kingdom is covered by pine trees that are said to be over 1500 years old, and gives Huangshan and an extra sense of ancient tranquility and increases the majesty of its name.
Dotted around the base of Huangshan are villages each with its own diversity, culture and stories, which date back hundreds of years. Each has its own streets where ancient China is visible in architecture and its residents which fuse together with the modern culture brought by the many tourists it receives every year.
The Long Street Banquet in China’s Southern Yunnan province
With a spread which runs for more than 100 tables long, the Long Street Banquet, hosted by the villagers in Yuanyang in China's Southern Yunnan province, is certainly the correct title for this remarkable event. The Long Street Banquet is held annually in Yunnan and is the major part of the Angmatu Festival, which signals the beginning of the New Year for the local Hani people, a minority group native to Yunnan and is similar in significance to the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year which is celebrated by most other Chinese minority groups including the Han, the largest ethnic group in China.
On the first day of the Angmatu Festival, the Hani will share a holy sacrifice of an animal to pray for peace and harvest of the village next year. This usually followed by the banquet which takes place on the second day. During the banquet, each family in the village will prepare a meal per table. It is considered a great honor to the family hosting the table if you sit down to enjoy their food and beverage. The men are always sat at the head of the tables while the women are sat at the foot of the tables. The tables are placed end to end with no gap permitted between them, stretching over hundreds of metres in length with the first table called the ‘dragon head’ while the last table is called the ‘dragon tail’. The people attending the banquet are able to savour the tastes of hundreds of different foods and flavours during this prestigious time in the Hani calendar.
Usually there will be a big party after the banquet in the central village. Hani people will sing and dance for the whole night. And it welcomes all the visitors to take part in as well.
