China-Family-Adventure.com News

Feb 3, Did You Know that Chinese Dragons have...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:26:29 GMT

The body of a serpent
The claws of an eagle
The legs of a tiger
The whiskers of a catfish
The antlers of a deer
The scales of a fish

Since the Dragon is a creature from Chinese mythology and not a real animal, it adopts characteristics from several animals!

Jan 31, We Want Your Pictures! How Are You Celebrating Chinese New Year?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:01:41 GMT

There are many Traditions which have been passed on from generation to generation. There are also many new ways people around the world are celebrating the festivities. Together with the time-honored Dragon Parades, the energetic Lion Dances, the fireworks, the red envelopes... communities are finding other ways to celebrate. A good Chinese New Year celebration is not far from you, so come and share your celebrations with us. We, and I'm sure all our visitors, would love to learn how others are celebrating the festivities, and whether they can also take part in a celebration nearby. It's easy to share, just fill out the form on this page and you can also take a look at what others have shared!

Jan 29, Asian New Year in San Antonio Texas

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:11:07 GMT

The Asian Festival at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures is a community event honoring Asian cultures and traditions from the Pacific Rim.

In addition to the wide variety of delicious foods including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Filipino and Polynesian.

The festival showcases a wide variety of performances, including martial arts and dance demonstrations.

Other activities include Ikebana floral arrangement, seminars, Asian games like Go and Mah-jong and vendors selling Asian crafts, jewelry, clothing and more.

Jan 28, Chinese New Year Hokkien Style in Malaysia

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:56:41 GMT

According to Hokkien traditions, the "Pai Thien Kung" Celebration which occurs on the 9th Day of the New Year, is celebrated in grand style throughout the island.

The preparations start early on, Pai Thien Kung is a celebration of praying to the Gods of Heaven.

The houses and streets are lavishly decorated. Here we are busy preparing some josticks which will be lit on the eve of the celebration.

And here are a few photos from our Chinese New Year celebration in Penang, Malaysia. It was a great start to the New Year.

Jan 26, Chinese New Year in Albuquerque NM

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:11:14 GMT

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Albuquerque with traditional Oriental festivities at the Chinese Culture Center. The revelry includes:

The Dance of the Dragon, with a 60-foot Chinese dragon operated by ten people
Colorful ribbon and flag dances
Adorable little girls dancing with fans
An expanded Lion Dance team
Demonstrations of Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu fighting forms
Exciting drumming and more!

Jan 24, The Lantern Festival is coming!

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:23:46 GMT

The Lantern Festival 2012 is on February 6, 2012.

As the Chinese New Year Celebrations are in full swing, keep an eye for Dragon and Lion Dances in your neighborhood, maybe your Chinese Restaurant or Chinese Association in your local college will put one together!

The New Year Celebrations culminate on the 15th day of the New Year with the Lantern Festival.

Jan 22, Let the Chinese New Year Celebrations begin...!

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:18:31 GMT

With all the preparations behind us, New Year's Day finally arrives and the Chinese New Year celebrations begin.

Gong Xi Fa Cai !!!

Family and friends visit each other. Traditional New Year's gifts are oranges, tangerines and sweets.

At home, the feast has been prepared. The entire family enjoys the big dinner on New Year's Day with all the traditional foods for good fortune and luck...

Also part of any Chinese New Year celebration are the Red Envelopes, the Lion and Dragon Dances and of course, Fireworks!!!

Jan 16, Good Luck Banners Part 3!!! "Fu" Abundance, Prosperity, Wealth...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:28:18 GMT

Today we learn to write the character for "Fu". "Fu" is a very lucky word, it represents wealth, prosperity and abundance and is one of the most popular symbols you will find at home entrances during the New Year celebrations.

Sometimes you see it pasted "upside down", and that is because of a play of words, "upside down fu" sounds like "good fortune or prosperity arrives" so many Chinese will post their "Fu's" upside down near their doors to let the "good luck in".

So hurry and make your "Fu" signs, paste them by your doors and let the good luck come in! Otherwise all the wealth will flow out next door (ok so I made that last part up) but upside down or not, we are definitely not taking any chances letting OUR FU get away, so wallpapering the whole entrance just for good measure!

May the Dragon bring lots of luck and good fortune your way, abundance of happiness, abundance of love, abundance of peace to your homes!

Jan 13, Good Luck Banners Part 2!!!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:36:39 GMT

Chinese New Year came about from ancient celebrations to mark the end of the long winter season and the beginning of spring. It celebrates the earth coming back to life and the beginning of the growing cycle.

This is why the Lunar New Year is also called the Spring Festival.

Today we learn how to write the Chinese Character for "Spring". This is an easy one, only 9 steps.

Follow the stroke-by-stroke instructions here!

Jan 12, Cultura China... para Niños!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:32:14 GMT

Aqui exploramos muchos aspectos de la Culura China, comida, festivales, dragones y tigres, escritura y Confucio...

Jan 12, Harbin Ice Festival is on!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:47:33 GMT

The Harbin International Ice Festival is one of world's largest international ice festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival.

It is held annually from the beginning of January and depending on weather, lasts usually to the end of February.

During the snow festival, top class ice and snow artwork will be exhibited. Film festivals and group wedding ceremonies will also be held on ice.

Check out these awesome photographs from this year's event.

Jan 12, Time to start making those Good Luck Banners!!!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:31:32 GMT

Chinese New Year is fast approaching, it's time to start making those Good Luck Banners!

Red banners with New Year messages of good luck decorate the main entrance of your house/room. Red is a very lucky color and symbolizes vitality of life and happiness.

Let's start with GOOD FORTUNE or DA JI. It's two characters, so grab a piece of Bright RED paper and some markers, here's stroke by stroke instructions!

Jan 9, Year of the Dragon Celebrations in Hong Kong

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:20:24 GMT

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations are some of the liveliest and most colorful we have ever experienced. This is a great time to visit and share in the spirit of the festivities as the city prepares to welcome another year.

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Dragon heralds good fortune, wealth, prosperity and longevity, a very lucky and highly anticipated year. Chinese New Year will be on January 23, 2012.

Preparations in Hong Kong are well under way for the festivities which traditionally include the Chinese New Year Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui and a world class fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.

Jan 5, Welcoming the Year of the Dragon - The Chinese Dragon Dance

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:30:58 GMT

Chinese New Year is right around the corner. This year, the Lunar New Year begins on January 23rd, 2012 and it happens to be the Year of the Dragon. Dragon Dances and Parades will be very much a part of the celebrations. Every Chinese New Year Parade ends with a Dragon Dance. The parades start on New Year's Day and continue for the next fifteen days until the end of the festivities with the Lantern Festival. The Dragon Parade is a highlight of the festivities. The Dragon represents wisdom, power, and wealth and a very important aspect of Chinese Culture. It is also said that the Dragon Dance performed on New Year's Day scares away the evil spirits and all the bad luck with them... During the Dance, a dozen or so performers hold the dragon up on poles. They raise and lower the Dragon making him "dance" as they wind through the masses to the sounds of horns, drums and gongs.

Jan 2, 2012 Year of the Dragon... the Water Dragon!

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:12:30 GMT

2012 is the year of the Dragon, the year of the Water dragon to be more precise. What does it have in store for you? The Dragon is full of strength and energy, a very lucky animal that brings wealth and good fortune. The Water element represents flow and therefore flexibility and fluidity. Water at the same time can also be very powerful, as in the power of a flood or surging water. What will the Dragon combined with the Water element bring in 2012?

Dec 31, Ano Nuevo Chino - Para Ninos!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:25:09 GMT

De todos los festivales chinos, el Ano Nuevo Chino es para ninos de todas las edades uno de los mas queridos y esperados: los festines, los faroles, los desfiles, los cohetes...

Dec 16, Old China Pictures - Beijing in the 80s

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:34:03 GMT

Here are some pictures from some of our very first trips to China in the '80s. Things have certainly changed! Enjoy!

Tiananmen Square
No more bicycles and Mao suits.
But the portrait of the chairman is still at the gate. The Great Hall of the People
is still across from Tiannamen Square,
but the Lenin and Stalin Portraits are no longer there. The Great Wall at Badaling
No cable cars, zip lines, or toboggans back then.

Dec 9, Dealing with Pollution in China

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:17:08 GMT

The rapid pace with which China has grown in the past few years has taken its toll on the environment. Air pollution has become a major threat to the population's health. We noticed the heavy smoggy air as soon as we got off the plane. In urban areas, heavy traffic and increased number of cars contribute to the permanent hazy layer covering the cities. As we traveled inland the problem did not go away. The fast pace of industrialization and migration to urban areas is well beyond the heavily populated areas of the coast. Most of the energy supply comes from coal, not the cleanest of sources but most readily available. You might experience the effects of the poor air quality in different ways: Air pollution has become a major threat to the population's health. We noticed the heavy smoggy air as soon as we got off the plane. In urban areas, heavy traffic and increased number of cars contribute to the permanent hazy layer covering the cities. As we traveled inland the problem did not go away. The fast pace of industrialization and migration to urban areas is well beyond the heavily populated areas of the coast. Most of the energy supply comes from coal, not the cleanest of sources but most readily available. You might experience the effects of the poor air quality in different ways: dry eyes, nasal congestion, tiredness and an occasional minor headache. Here are some suggestions that can help you deal with pollution in China during your travels.

Dec 5, China Travel Tips: About Chinese Money, Exchange Rates, Where to Exchange, How Much to Bring

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:24:13 GMT

The most frequently asked questions regarding Chinese Money have to do with how much to bring, where to exchange local currency and are there ATM's in China. How much money to bring? Here is an idea of how much things cost so you can decide. China is considerably cheaper than the U.S. and Europe, Shanghai is probably the most expensive city. Boat rides, entrance fees, etc, are reasonable, allow on average US$5 each per activity, some will be less, some a bit more. For example, entrance to the Beijing Zoo was about US$2, to the Forbidden City US$8, the Terracotta Warriors were a bit more US$12, the boat ride to the Summer Palace less than a dollar, renting bikes at the Xian Wall about $2 each. For food, with $3 - $4 per person you will eat really well, with $5 per meal you will eat like kings, except in Shanghai, Hong Kong (and some of the larger "touristy" cities) Regarding transportation, taxis are inexpensive, metro and buses even more so. A single ride in the Shanghai Metro for example is only a few cents (Rmb3-8) There are ATM's everywhere, specially at airports and train stations, so there is no need to bring too much cash. You can always make a stop at the ATM if you are running low and incidentally, this is one of the best ways to exchange money as you get a better rate and save the high commissions charged by hotels/exchange bureaus.

Dec 2, Tips on Choosing Your China Tour Operator

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:13:45 GMT

A simple search on the internet for "China Tours" will give you literally millions of options. So, which one do you select? How do you know which ones will deliver what they promise? They all seem to offer pretty much the same programs. Here's help on choosing a China Tour Operator: 1. Compare what they offer, there are always differences: Tour Director/Tour Guides: will your guide accompany you throughout the entire trip in China or will you have a different guide at each place you visit? Your guide plays an important role in your trip. In many cases, the local guides/drivers are "outsourced" from the local state-owned agencies in China and quality may vary as you go from place to place. Domestic Transport: Will you be flying or taking trains? Is the domestic airfare included in the price of the tour? If it isn't the add-on might be substantial. Meals: see how many are included. Some tours offer a few meals where you can order "a la carte". Are drinks with your meals included? 2. Where is the Tour Operator registered? If you are searching online, they could be anywhere in the world. Remember you will be asked to send a deposit to secure your booking. Do they offer some sort of guarantee to make sure the funds you are sending are safe?

Nov 30, Family China Tours - is it for you?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:54:20 GMT

A typical day on a regular China tour that includes a couple of temples, a stop at the imperial palace, a visit to the monastery and a couple of museums, three factory shopping stops in between, and the Peking Opera to cap it all off would not be quite a hit with the children... and I wouldn't blame them... There are a number of tour operators that have designed their tours with families in mind:

China tours that are tailored for families are slower paced than the regular tours
The itineraries include lots of activities to keep the children entertained like kite flying, face painting and bike excursions
You join other families with kids. It is fun to go with others that share the same interests, the children also have pals to run around with. You don't worry if your kids are being too noisy, get cranky or start acting up. Your fellow travelers are also parents and they know...
The groups are normally smaller than with a regular China tour, between 16-20 to a group or about 3-4 families

Here is more on China Tours for families, find out if this could suit your family travel plans to the Middle Kingdom!

Nov 29, China Travel Guide: With a Tour or On your Own?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:34:50 GMT

When I first traveled to China in 1986, options were very limited. There were few hotels and quality was hit or miss. You could not venture easily on your own since most places were still closed to foreigners. Roads and infrastructure was chaotic to say the least. Tourism has come a long way since then. Hotels are popping up everywhere with excellent standards that rival and in many cases, surpass the West. Transportation networks are extensive and modern although still chaotic. There is no shortage of travel offers to China in the internet. You can go cheap and you can go as luxurious as you wish. Some people prefer to arrange it all by themselves, some people prefer to leave it all to "the experts". There's a wide range of options, from group tours that organize everything for you, to private tours where you can customize most of it, or just going off on your own. Here's some popular ways and tips for choosing what's right for you.

Nov 28, China Travel with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:28:03 GMT

Traveling to China with Toddlers and Preschoolers is an entirely different game. Children at this early age will not care about the largest palace in the world or 5,000 years of history! As with most places with young children, it is about the "mundane" daily experiences that are most interesting and most memorable... What children remember is the markets, the smells, the people, the activities... not the museums or even the Great Wall... Here are some tips from our readers for some of the most popular places: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong, etc.

Nov 26, Traveling to China on Business? Bring the Kids along!

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:00:07 GMT

If you are a business traveler to China, you have seen first hand the opportunities and trends emerging out of this nation and the impact these developments could have on our and our children's future. We talked with Lisa La Valle-Finan, MA a cross-cultural specialist who recently developed a presentation for women traveling and doing business in China. She is the Creative Director of getGlobalized and we talk to her about her views among other things:

Why you would want to bring the children on your next business trip to China
A primer on Chinese Business Etiquette
Her views on helping children develop their own multi-cultural attitudes

Nov 22, Cycling from Xian to Chengdu

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:14:14 GMT

Bicycling in China is for most people as unimaginable as traveling with children in this "hostile" country. After all, "China is a country full of people who speak only Chinese, are only interested in ripping you off and making your life in the country as hard as possible". True? Of course NOT! It used to be a hard country to travel, in Yangshuo there's still the reminder with the Hard Seat Cafe. But nowadays China is an excellent country for everyone, it's quite easy to go around and it offers everything for everyone.

Nov 10, Expo 2010 Shanghai

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:04:08 GMT

La Expo 2010 en Shanghai tambien conocida como la Feria Mundial, es el equivalente de las Olimpiadas en Economia, Cultura, Ciencias y Tecnologia y promete ser el mayor evento de Exposicion Mundial organizado hasta la fecha.

Nov 7, My China Internship Experience - 7 Months On A Boat

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:04:29 GMT

on a five s

My China internship took place tar cruise ship that sailed the Three Gorges (between Wuhan and Chongqing). My job was to be the tour guide who looked after the English speaking passengers. I translated cultural lectures, gave outdoor narrations as we sailed through the gorges, hosted evening parties, and got to work with a 300+ person Chinese staff. It was a great experience and prepared me a great deal for the China business travels that are such a big part of my life now.

Oct 28, Remote China: Off the Beaten Path... with kids

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:23:48 GMT

So you've climbed the Great Wall, seen the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, eaten dumplings in Shanghai, cuddled with Pandas in Chengdu... and you know that's just the tip of this vast land. How about traveling to the more remote areas of China, the "off the beaten path" places away from the main tourist cities? Can this be done with children? Is it safe? Is it worth it?

We talked to Carolyn B. Heller, a contributing author of Lonely Planet's China guide who has traveled extensively throughout the Region, and has gotten off the beaten path all the way to Inner Mongolia with kids in tow.

Here's what she has to say...

Oct 6, China Travel: Tibet With Children

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:08:25 GMT

For anyone thinking about traveling to Tibet with children, there are a few issues that need your consideration. Here are recommendations and advice regarding:

Altitude Sickness
Strong Sun
Food
Tibetan Dogs
Alternatives at lower altitudes where Tibetan Culture can be experienced and enjoyed by the family

Sep 30, China Travel: Yangtze River Dam - Crossing the Locks

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:07:25 GMT

The Yangtze River Dam is the largest hydro development project ever built. It is the backbone undertaking in the development and harnessing of the Yangtze River in China. By the time the project was finally completed in 2009, water levels had been raised by almost the 175 meters (575 feet) expected target and over one million people in 116 towns had been resettled.

It took 17 years to build. The structure created the world's largest reservoir, and it is a monumental achievement measuring 2 kilometers wide and 185 meters high, a very impressive sight.

Benefits will be mainly in

flood control
power generation and
navigation improvement

Sep 28, China Travel: Yangtze River Cruise and the Shennong Stream

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:44:15 GMT

All Yangtze river cruises in China offer different excursions along the way. One such side trip is the one to the Shennong Stream, where you go on small "peapod" style rafts and navigate through the shallower and ever narrower waters of this side arm of the Yangtze.

You are completely dwarfed by the towering peaks raising tall on both sides of the stream.

We first disembarked the Cruise Ship and boarded a Ferry which brought us into the opening of Shennong Xi. The Ferry trip took about 45 minutes.

From here, we boarded the "peapod" style rafts, each manned by four "trackers" which brought us to the narrower and shallower waters of the stream.

Sep 26, China Travel: Yangtze River Gorges

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:18:15 GMT

The Yangtze River Gorges are one of China's most famous scenic spots. They extend for 200 km. and cliffs on both sides of the narrow passageways are hundreds of meters high.

Peaks are as high as 2,000 meters. Even as the water level of the reservoir has been raised the full 175 meters, the visual impact of the gorges has maintained its splendor.

We had an early 6 a.m. wake up call as we approached the first of the Three Gorges:

Qutang Gorge, the shortest at only 8 km. but considered the most spectacular because of the gigantic peaks that seem to enclose you as the river snakes and curves in very short intervals, truly a beautiful sight.

Sep 20, China Travel: Yangtze River Cruise and the Ghost City of Fengdu

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:50:12 GMT

Fengdu, the Ghost City, is scattered with temples, shrines and statues of wicked demons. This was our first stop after we left the hustle and bustle of Chongqing on our Yangtze River Cruise.

It's a short climb to the top of the hill where the temples are, but if you prefer, there is a cable car that will zip you there in minutes. At the temples, with evil names such as "Palace of the King of Hell" and the like, there are tons of sculptures of demons and assorted wicked beings. The kids were more interested in what the trinket vendors had to offer...

Sep 16, China Travel: Shanghai with kids - Watertowns

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:18:54 GMT

Chinese traditional water towns are notorious for their very old houses lined up along canals and the bridges criss-crossing them.

Water towns sprung up along the many waterways as these have always been historically important means of communication and supplies distribution.

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town in the western side of Shanghai. It is about 1,700 years old. Here, residents strive to maintain their traditional customs and heritage.

Sep 13, China Travel: Shanghai with kids - Huangpu River Cruise

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:40:14 GMT

A HuangpuCruise is probably the best place to witness the pulse and dynamism of Shanghai. The Huangpu river extends for 110 km (68 miles) from its source in Dianshan Lake to its intersection with the Yangtze River about 17 miles downstream from the city.

During the day, you can see the activity bustling from the docks. Nearly a third of China's trade enters through here. There is lots of riverfront activity at this permanent rush hour water traffic venue. Freighters cruise along barges, junks and sampans.

At night, the boat takes you on an spectacle of lights, from the Bund and heart of colonial Shanghai, to the fantastic sights of Pudong's futuristic skyline.

Sep 12, Happy Moon Festival!

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:13:16 GMT

On the 8th full moon of the lunar year comes the Moon Festival. On this night, the moon is at its brightest. Friends and family gather together to enjoy the moonlight and of course eat mooncakes!

This Festival is the equivalent of Thanksgiving Day and its origins go back to ancient times, when people would get together on the 15th day of the 8th moon (around September or October in our Calendar, that's today) on a day of thanksgiving for a good rice harvest. This is the time when crops and fruits are at their best and the weather is pleasant.

In ancient China, emperors would make offerings and sacrifices to the sun in spring and to the moon in autumn. And so it is also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Sep 12, Hong Kong with Kids: Victoria Peak

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:03:47 GMT

The Peak and the Peak Tram are also some of Hong Kong's classics. Hong Kong Island's highest point is at Victoria Peak which overlooks the harbor and is home to some of the top real estate in the planet.

The fun way to get there is of course with the Peak Tram, which is pulled by a single steel cable up the steep slope and ends the ride at the Peak Tower.

The Peak Tower, in contrast to the century-old Peak Tram, is a new seven-story structure, complete with viewing platforms, restaurants and shops.

Sep 9, Great Wall at Simatai: Riding the Zipline

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:10:53 GMT

The trek from Jinshanling to Simatai is about 10 km. and will take you about 4 hours. The first part of this trek is in fairly good shape, but then it deteriorates and becomes more treacherous, very steep at points with loose stones and bricks, so watch out.

There is a great incentive at the end, a zip-line that whips you from the final few hundred feet and over a river, down to the other side of Simatai.

Sep 7, Beijing with Kids: The Great Wall at Juyongguan

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:35:59 GMT

Juyongguan is one of the three great passes of the Great Wall of China. It was considered one of the major strategically important sections because of its position as a link to Beijing.

The Great Wall at Juyongguan is the closest section to Beijing and has been newly renovated.

If you are in a hurry, this is your best bet. However, there are no cable cars to bring you to the top and the climb is a steep one. Something to consider if you are traveling with really small children and/or grandparents.

Sep 6, Beijing with Kids: At the Temple of Heaven

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:28:31 GMT

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is one of the largest park complexes in the city. It was completed during the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor would come and pray for a good harvest and worship heaven here.

The main temple and most well-known is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.

Blue is the color of Heaven. Red is an Imperial color. This temple is 38 meters high and the wooden pillars support the ceiling without nails or cement. Truly amazing.

Sep 3, Beijing with Kids: A Kung Fu Show

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:50:07 GMT

Kung Fu is a generic term for the many diverse Chinese Martial Arts. Martial Arts have been applied by the Shaolin Monks for over fifteen hundred years, as a distinctive expression of their religion. The term Shaolin has become to represent discipline, power and courage.

The Shaolin Shows in Beijing are action-packed performances, dynamic and mystical, full with quantum leaps, power and speed.

Watch this short clip.

Aug 31, Giant Pandas at the Beijing Zoo

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:27:00 GMT

Giant Pandas are unique to China. If you won't be going to Chengdu or any of the other Wildlife Preserves, take some time and stop at the Beijing Zoo to take a look at these beautiful creatures.

They are an endangered species. Pandas were once found all across the southern part of China. However, overpopulation and rapid urbanization have left few forests for them to live. In addition, poachers used to hunt them for their furs.

Giant Pandas feed mainly on bamboo, about 35 to 65 pounds a day! They eat so much because bamboo provides little nourishment.

Aug 30, Beijing Travel with Kids

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:30:19 GMT

Beijing Travel with Kids. The Forbidden City... the largest palace in the world...the sight is impressive. Yet, to the kids the rows of buildings are starting to look all the same. What to do?

Aug 26, Beijing with Kids: Great Wall of China: climb up and toboggan down!

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:43:48 GMT

The Great Wall of China, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, is the longest man-made structure ever constructed.

It snakes through 4,000 miles across the mountains of northern China.

The Great Wall can be visited from several points. Each section is different in its own way, some sections are easier to climb, others offer cable cars or trolleys, you can come down on zip lines or toboggans in another.

Check out the list of sections open to visitors and what they offer!

Aug 25, Beijing with Kids: Flying Kites at Tiananmen Square

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:31:01 GMT

Tiananmen Square is the world's largest square and one of Beijing's most often visited sites by tourists. When flying kites, afternoon is the best time as it will not be as crowded.

You can buy kites from the many vendors at the square, but if you are going later in the day, you are safer bringing your own, as there might not be many vendors left.

Stay to the side of the Square to catch the wind. If you stand in the middle, there isn't enough wind to get the kites up because of the surrounding buildings.

Aug 24, Beijing with Kids: Rickshaws in the Hutongs

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:00:30 GMT

Beijing Hutongs are the old traditional alleys and thousands of lanes weaving in between the courtyard homes surrounding the Forbidden City where most Beijing residents used to live.

Although many still remain, the old Hutongs are sadly being replaced by high-rise buldings to give way to the modernization of Beijing.

A trip through the Hutongs gave us a glimpse of Chinese traditional life. There were groups of elderly people playing Mahjong, some were practicing their early morning exercises. There were colorful markets and small stalls selling the local foods.

Aug 20, What is Chinese Hot Pot?

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:14:07 GMT

Chinese Hot Pot Cooking is a fun way to enjoy a meal together where everyone cooks his or her own food right at the table.

Chinese Hot Pot, also known as Chinese Steamboat or Chinese Fondue because of its similarity to the French counterpart, is prepared in a metal pot which is placed in the center of the table.

The pot is filled with simmering stock and all the ingredients are added and cooked in the broth.

Aug 19, Chinese Cooking Utensils

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:33:27 GMT

Among the many Chinese Cooking Utensils that make preparing a Chinese meal a breeze, these are some of our favorites we keep in our kitchen:

A Wok
Chinese Cleaver, Chopping knife and Boards
Ladles, Frying Spoons, Long Chopsticks
Metal or Bamboo steamers

Almost any Chinese dish can be prepared using your normal pots and pans, but if I were to pick one utensil from a whole selection of Chinese cooking equipment, the Wok would certainly be up on the list. Why? What makes cooking with a wok so special?

Aug 18, Chinese Food Ingredients and Staples

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:09:32 GMT

Here is a list with some basic Chinese Food Ingredients, which should be present in your Chinese shelf and are used to prepare some of the most common Chinese Food Recipes.

Most can be obtained at your local supermarket, look in the Asian or Ethnic Supplies section. Others like the Chinese fresh vegetables can be found at the local Asian Grocer.

Aug 13, China Travel Guide Books

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:01:51 GMT

Our favorite China Travel Guide Books we frequently use and consult to plan our trips, or simply for inspiration!