Famed Symbols and Beliefs in Chinese Dishes

One simple question could also lead to a series of explorations and amusing discoveries -- a scenario most commonly associated with the experiences of Marco Polo and Charles Darwin, who brought answers to some of life's mysteries. In China, however, no scientific explanation is needed to qualify some trivial theories. In fact, this old-fashioned belief still affects the lives of many Chinese individuals up to this very day. Call it ridiculous or even dumbfounded, but this culture has truly served as an inspiration even in other parts of the world. Besides, it also adds spice to life, while a lot of foreigners still marvel at some of its eccentricities, making China a good magnet for tourist discoveries.

At the event of the Chinese New Year, some citizens also identify their fate by way of consulting the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac calendar. But apart from this, their culture also believes in celebrating the Spring Festival with a usual serving of what they believe the "lucky food". Some symbols are fairly hard to grasp, but for chicken, noodles, spring rolls, and clams, the answers may all be found through their mere appearances. For instance, a serving of a whole chicken suggests togetherness, while the noodles suggest longer life. In the case of spring rolls and clams, both indicate wealth because of their distinct shapes, in which the spring rolls resemble a gold bar, while the clam, a bouillon. Lettuce, orange, and pomelo are also said to bring fortune and success, though fish and rice cakes hold a more substantial symbol on the table. The fish, which indicates abundance, is also served with its tail and head still intact as trademarks of a pleasant beginning and a good ending for the New Year. Meanwhile, the sweet flavors of rice cakes could mean a sweet, gratifying life, while their layers suggest a rising abundance and their round shape, family reunion.

Well-known Chinese Actresses Lead Some Fashion and Beauty Ads

Who said that yesterday's actresses can still make the large ads and other commercials today? Well, conceivably not the Chinese actresses. If before, the actresses that we see campaigning for large fashion and beauty labels have been mostly 'Western,' today, Asians are already making their way to be the fresh and new personas representing the products. This phenomenon is particularly embodied in well-known Chinese actresses like Ziyi Zhang and Gong Li, who are currently making waves with their ads.

Ziyi Zhang and Gong Li are only two of the most outstanding Asian faces nowadays. Fanatics out there may already be familiar with their features, which also experience estimatedly the same level of popularity as their leads. Ziyi Zhang has been included in feature projects like "Rush Hour 2," "Memoirs of a Geisha," and the acclaimed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Meanwhile, Gong Li has also been expanding her horizons by taking on more recognized features such as "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Miami Vice," and "The Curse of the Golden Flower," where she was included with another great Asian actor, Chow Yun-Fat.

Today, apart from their outstanding skills in acting and sense of fashion on the red carpet, these gals are known for endorsing popular, Western labels. Ziyi Zhang is currently known on Maybelline ads on television and on magazines, carrying the lipstick line. On the other hand, Gong Li can be known on L'oreal ads, also carrying for the cosmetics line.

Getting a Suitable Chinese Hotel with the Olympics not Inherently in Mind

China is set to become a highly visited district in Asia in the next few years basically because it is scheduled to be the host of the 2008 Olympics. With that in mind, guests should try to visit the many attractions that the area has to offer before everyone else gets to know about them.

The more prominent places led by Beijing will always be priority places for foreign travelers, but China has many other areas that are undeniably worth paying a visit. The state of Dunhuang, for example, is an excellent alternative since it is an ancient Chinese city that has already existed during the dynasty period in China. It has several crude caves and ancient artifacts dating back to the early years of Buddhism, making the place an important tourist site in China.

Staying in Dunhuang to see these monuments should not be a problem with the presence of various hotels settled all across the region. One of these, the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, is advised for both business and leisure trips because of its wide choice of rooms that even include a villa. Built with the latest facilities, what makes the rooms exceptional is the meal plan feature, where breakfast in bed is available upon request.

A joint venture of China and Hong Kong, the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel offers a thoroughly luxurious accommodation that should make a sojourn to China a thoroughly enjoyable one, second only to the forthcoming Olympics.