The Folklore And The Artistry Of Flying Kites In China

One of the famous civilizations that had a great influence in today’s habits, China has many different traditions and beliefs that are carried over up to the present time. One of these is the artistry and the tradition of kite flying. The kite is a kind of toy that the public is hugely familiar with, as we have played with one at least for a time in our lives. From children to adults, we are all still delighted with the bright and multicolored kites that flutter in the breeze, even more so when they are designed whimsically.

In Weifang, China’s kite capital, the city upholds more than 500 years’ worth of folklore with an amazing carnival for kite enthusiasts coming from different countries all around the world. This internationally known carnival was started back in 1984 in observance of the invention of the first kite more than 2000 years ago. This carnival is an event where local and international artists unfold kites of different colors and shapes together with song and dance numbers. Imagine seeing a great number of kites against a clear blue sky with family and friends, while remembering the history of the kite that was once produced as a necessity for warfare by the ingenious Chinese people.

The Grounds Behind Different Family Names In China

The civilization of the societies of China has been one of the longest and still persisting in the world. There are various things about the largest vast of land in the Asian continent -- the Great Wall of China, the Chinese zodiac, the different dynasties, and their unique family names. Compared to the naming process in Western cultures, the locals of China write their family names ahead of their given name.

In general, personal Chinese names are patrilineal, which means that their names have been taken from the father to the children. However, in China, compared to Western societies, the last names of the women were not substituted. During the 5th century B.C., royalties and the privileged were the only individuals allowed to have a surname. In addition, the different Chinese surnames were given based on their tribe. Moreover, individuals had two classes of surnames namely the xing and the shi.

Furthermore, the current naming process of the Chinese have been taken up by most countries in the Eastern part of Asia. However, individuals who have resided or engaging in business in Western countries have substituted their names so that it can be applicable to the Western naming system.

Nonetheless, individuals cannot deny the concept that surnames represent the character, clan, or origin of the inhabitants of China.

The Veracity About Your Esteemed Chinese Recipe -- Chop Suey

If you are asked to name at least one mouthwatering inclusion in a sumptuous Chinese fine dine, I bet you'll instantly quip Chop Suey, which literally translates "mixed pieces". But did you know that when you move to Mainland China, there's no such thing as "Chop Suey" and they will only indicate to it by adding "American" to it?

Chop Suey is basically a assortment of quickly cooked vegetables and/or meat in thick sauce prepared with starch modification can be all-vegetable or what some would say as special preparation. American Chop Suey, however, is downright different for it has already assimilated Italian-American ingredients such as pasta, tomato sauce, pepper, and onions.

The primary dish is believed to be a Chinese-American discovery, which dates back in 19th century during the time of the US Transcontinental Railroad construction, although there are other circulating stories regarding its real origin. Some say that it has sprung from a Taishan dish, while some insist that it came from New York City's Chinatown.

But despite errors and folk belief surrounding Chop Suey, it has remained a part of today's popular culture. Musicians, poets, writers, and even films bring up to it in relating to anything Chinese - people, food, and culture.

Environment-friendly Concept Rules The Breath-taking World Of Chinese Fashion

As I was straggling down the streets of Shanghai, I noticed that most of the locals were wearing fascinating clothes with intricate embellishments. When I asked my companion what the latest thing was in the world of Chinese Fashion, she told me that it was clothes and accessories covered with environment-friendly designs.

The nature-friendly creations are mostly made of raw materials, such as paper and grass, and are woven to form delicate intricate patterns with breath-taking details. My companion also told me that this newest fashion trend not only provides a more nature-friendly option, but the market demand for such products provide a source of income for local producers coming from the different regions of China. In order to join in on the newest fashion style, I and my companion went on a shopping spree for clothes and dresses adorned with green embellishments. My favorite item was a babydoll dress ornamented in green flowers made of raw resources. The even texture of the silk fabric goes well with the astounding floral designs, and the quality of the overall work is world-class. My companion even noted to me that some high-class US-based stores are getting their supply of green embellishments from China.

Go on a Shopping Bout in Enchanting Xiamen

China is cautiously opening its doors to the outside world, and with this, it has taken on majority of the features usually found in many capitalist-centered economies. As such, it has begun to allow the operation of innumerable shopping centers in various Chinese regions, with Xiamen being just one of many.

If you plan to go shopping in Xiamen, the downtown district is the place to go, specially along Zhong Shan road. Then, after getting your bags filled to the brim, you could settle to check in at Gem Hotel, which has the basic convenience of being nestled right within the vicinity of the shopping complex. Additionally, the hotel allows sightseers to have access to the local spots of the city, including the Nanputo Temple and the Botanical Gardens. However, if you desire a water-based tour, ferry rides can also be availed of, which have regular tours to enchanting Gulangyu Island.

There are at least 110 elegant rooms within the hotel, all beautifully adorned and constructed with the most modern facilities, including a private bathroom, phone, cable TV, and air conditioning system, among others. The resident restaurant gives an array of tempting cuisines, but if you desire to sip a glass of cocktail before having your meal, there is the cozy in-house bar to go to.

Access to Gem Hotel is not a great question since Xiamen Airport is essentially about 18 kilometers away. On the other hand, taking a train bound for the hotel should likewise prove to be perfect as the nearest Xiamen train facility is a mere three kilometers away.