Chinese Sports and Cuisine

Cuisine:
Chinese cuisine is extremely numerous, drawing on many millennia of culinary history. The dynastic emperors of ancient China were known to host banquets with over a hundred dishes served at a time, using countless imperial kitchen workers and concubines to arrange the food. Such royal dishes gradually became a district of wider Chinese culture. China's staple food is rice, however the country is additionally standard for its meat dishes. Spices are endemic to Chinese cuisine.
Numerous foreign offshoots of Chinese food, like Hong Kong cuisine and yankee Chinese food, have emerged within the varied nations that play host to the Chinese diaspora.

Sports

Dragon boat racing, a preferred ancient Chinese sport.
China has one in all the oldest sporting cultures within the world. there's proof that a variety of association soccer was played in China around one thousand AD.[357] Besides soccer,[358] a number of the foremost widespread sports within the country embrace martial arts, table tennis, badminton, swimming, basketball and snooker. Board games like go (weiqi), xiangqi, and a lot of recently chess, are played at knowledgeable level.
Physical fitness is widely emphasised in Chinese culture. Morning exercises are a typical activity, with elderly voters inspired to follow qigong and t'ai chi ch'uan. adolescents in China are keen on basketball, particularly in urban centers with restricted area and grass areas. The yankee National Basketball Association encompasses a huge following among Chinese youths, with Chinese players like Yao Ming being held in high esteem.
China has participated at the Olympic Games since 1932, though it's solely participated because the PRC since 1952. China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and received fifty one gold medals – the best variety of gold medals of any taking part nation that year. China can host the 2013 East Asian Games in Tianjin and therefore the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.
Physical fitness is widely emphasised in Chinese culture. Morning exercises are a typical activity, with elderly voters inspired to follow qigong and t'ai chi ch'uan. adolescents in China are keen on basketball, particularly in urban centers with restricted area and grass areas. The yankee National Basketball Association encompasses a huge following among Chinese youths, with Chinese players like Yao Ming being held in high esteem.

Many a lot of ancient sports are played in China. Dragon boat racing happens throughout the annual nationwide Dragon Boat competition, and has since gained popularity abroad. In Inner Mongolia, sports like Mongolian-style wrestling and horse racing are widespread. In Tibet, archery and equestrianism are a district of ancient festivals.

Culture of China

Since , Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by Confucianism and conservative philosophies. for hundreds of years, opportunities for social advancement might be provided by high performance within the prestigious Imperial examinations, that were instituted in 605 AD to assist the Emperor  skilful bureaucrats. The literary  of the exams affected the final perception of cultural refinement in China, like the idea that calligraphy and literati painting were higher styles of art than dancing or drama.
Some observers see the amount following the institution of the PRC in 1949 as a continuation of ancient Chinese dynastic history, whereas others claim that the Communist Party's rule has broken the foundations of Chinese culture, particularly through political movements like the Cultural Revolution of the Sixties, where several aspects of ancient culture were destroyed, having been denounced as 'regressive and harmful' or 'vestiges of feudalism'. several necessary aspects of ancient Chinese morals and culture, like Confucianism, Chinese art, literature, and performing arts like Peking opera, were altered to adapt to government policies and propaganda at the time.

The first leaders of the People's Republic of China were born into  imperial order, however were influenced by the  Fourth Movement and reformist ideals. They sought to vary some ancient aspects of Chinese culture, like rural land tenure, sexism,  Confucian system of education, whereas preserving others, like the family structure and culture of obedience to the state.
A number of  authoritarian and rational strains of thought were  influential, with Legalism being a outstanding example. There was usually conflict between the philosophies – as an example, the individualistic Song Dynasty neo-Confucians believed that Legalism departed from the initial spirit of Confucianism. Examinations and a culture of advantage stay greatly valued in China these days. In recent years, variety of latest Confucians have claimed that fashionable democratic ideals and human rights are compatible with ancient Confucian values.
Some observers see the amount following the institution of the PRC in 1949 as a continuation of ancient Chinese dynastic history, whereas others claim that the Communist Party's rule has broken the foundations of Chinese culture, particularly through political movements like the Cultural Revolution of the Sixties, where several aspects of ancient culture were destroyed, having been denounced as 'regressive and harmful' or 'vestiges of feudalism'. several necessary aspects of ancient Chinese morals and culture, like Confucianism, Chinese art, literature, and performing arts like Peking opera, were altered to adapt to government policies and propaganda at the time.

Today, the Chinese government has accepted various components of ancient Chinese culture as being integral to Chinese society. With the increase of Chinese nationalism and therefore the finish of the Cultural Revolution, numerous styles of ancient Chinese art, literature, music, film, fashion and design have seen a full of life revival, and folks and selection art particularly have sparked interest nationally and even worldwide.
Prior to the start of maritime Sino-European trade within the sixteenth century, medieval China and therefore the European West were linked by the Silk Road, that was a key route of cultural further as economic exchange. Artifacts from the history of the Road, further as from the natural history of the Gobi desert, are displayed within the Silk Route Museum in Jiuquan.
Today, the Chinese government has accepted various components of ancient Chinese culture as being integral to Chinese society. With the increase of Chinese nationalism and therefore the finish of the Cultural Revolution, numerous styles of ancient Chinese art, literature, music, film, fashion and design have seen a full of life revival, and folks and selection art particularly have sparked interest nationally and even worldwide.

A Tour to Thailand – The Land of Many Attractions

                                                                                                                                                                                      by Uzumaki Naruto

If you are considering going on a vacation plan a tour to Thailand, which has become one of the most well-loved tourist destinations. The landscape of Thailand is varied and has something on offer for all kinds of tourists. You will find beautiful mountainous regions in the north, vast plain lands in the eastern and central parts and pristine beaches down south. Infrastructure-wise Thailand is highly advanced and ensures that your stay is both comfortable and convenient. In fact, it is also easy to find Thailand packages with good confirm accommodation facilities in Thailand.

When on a tour to Thailand you must not miss its attractions. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and it is here where all the action lies. A trip to Bangkok is must during a holiday here as without visiting Bangkok no holiday in Bangkok is considered complete. This is the region where you can find the perfect amalgamation of old and new. The Grand Palace is a popular attraction of Thailand which plays host to the Buddha Temple. The Grand Palace lies on the banks of the beautiful river of Chao Phraya that runs through the city centre. You can enjoy a boat ride down the river in order to see the many beautiful sights around. There are many more attractions in Bangkok to explore.

The thirteenth century town of Sukhothai is a great instance of organized city planning complete with beautiful lakes and statues of Buddha all around. The temple town of Ayutthaya which is 300 years old is known for its exquisite temples whose architecture is inspired by both Hindu and Buddhist forms. A tour to Thailand is not complete without a visit to the city of Pattaya which is well-known for its activities like snorkeling, water sports, paragliding, etc. Also Pattaya is known for its rocking nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants and so on.

Packages Thailand give you the wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of Thailand-its tranquil beaches, exotic islands, rich flora and fauna, heritage sites and a pulsating night life. All these attractions are sure to give you a spell-binding experience. A package for Thailand includes a tour through the beautiful cities of Phuket, Bangkok and Pattaya. Some Thailand packages also include a visit to well-known tourist attractions like the Grand Palace, the Rewai beach, the famous Patong beach, the crocodile farm, the Bangkok National museum and water park in Pattaya.

Thailand is the perfect place where the confluence of tradition and modernity is most apparent. The people of Thailand are very warm, welcoming and take care of tourists very well. Book yourself a package for Thailand if you wish to experience the beauty and tranquility of this land. A package for Thailand also includes accommodation in some of the best hotels which includes luxury and budget ones. If you wish to indulge in adventure sports you can avail Thailand packages which include enthralling sporting activities.

To conclude, no matter what might be your preferences, a tour to Thailand will not disappoint any tourist.

Hungry Bags is a reliable source to look for Thailand packages or budget packages Thailand to plan for a tour to Thailand. Any of the package for Thailand available here is considered the best one in the market.

Festivals in Malaysia

Malaysia Festival

New Year's Day

National Public Holiday, New Year's Eve is usually celebrated by the urban community throughout Malaysia with lively parties to usher in the New Year. Sporting events, competitions, exhibitions and cultural performances by Malaysian multi-ethnic groups are held in various states.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Hari Raya Puasa (or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri) falls on the first day of the Muslim month of Syawal and is a joyous occasions for all Muslims. It marks the successful observance of fasting throughout the month of Ramadhan - the tenth month of the Muslim calendar. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. After morning prayers at the mosque followed by visits to the graves of family members to pay respects. Open house or invitation for relatives and friends to come to their house is practiced.Plenty of traditional Malay delicacies are served during this festive season.

All mosques, homes, government and commercial buildings are decorated and brightly lit to mark the significant day. The celebrations last a month and although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims have 'open houses' throughout the month to accommodate friends.

Thaipusam

Celebrated throughout Malaysia by Hindus on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar. Thaipusam is a day for penance and atonement among the Hindu community. Thaipusam an extraordinary festival, is a time for Hindu devotees to fulfil a vow they have made to the Lord Muruga, also known as Lord Subramaniam. The displays of devotion are varied, but the most devout prepare themselves for weeks, purifying themselves by fasting and celibacy. In a state of religious ecstasy thousands of devotees carrying body piercing kavadis - a frame decorated with colored papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits as a form of penance, makes this a once in lifetime experience. They move through the town up the hill to the Batu Caves with the kadavis tearing at their flesh, but without appearing to feel any pain. Kuala Lumpur is probably the best place to enjoy this colourful and fascinating festival as this is where Lord Muruga's jeweled chariot is led through the streets of the city, culminating at the Batu Caves in Selangor.

Chinese New Year

Celebrated over a periods of 15 days, beginning from the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, this is the most important annual festival for the Chinese community. Legend has it, Buddha invited all animals to his kingdom but only 12 attended. With that, Buddha dedicated a year to each animal. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals according to the Chinese Zodiac. Chinese New Year is celebrated with abundance of delicacies , family gatherings, & the lighting of fire crackers at midnight.  Ang Pows or red packets of money are given to the young and unmarried while the symbol of prosperity, the mandarin orange, is liberally consumed. It is the time when offerings are made to appease the spirits and gods. Houses are cleaned and decorated to prepare for the big day. New clothes are bought and worn. The colour red is vividly displayed in many homes for 'prosperity' and 'luck'. The traditional dragon and lion dances herald in the new year, amidst banging gongs and drums. Penang is the place to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 

Wesak Day

Celebrated around May by Buddhists which marks three momentous events in Buddha's life - his birthday, enlightenment, and achievement of Nirvana. As the most important figure in Buddhism his life is celebrated and revered. The celebration begins at dawn when devotees gathering at the temples to meditate on the Eight Precepts. The 'Bathing the Buddha' ceremony is often part of Wesak celebrations. Water is poured over the shoulders of the Buddha and serves as a reminder to purify the mind from evil. Donations, giving food to the needy, offerings of incense, joss sticks releasing of pigeons, ordination of monks and the offering of flowers normally takes place in temples. Chanting and praying are an important part of the Wesak celebration.   At night, processions of floats parade the streets, with devotees carrying candles.

Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festivals)

The indigenous tribes of the Kadazan, Dusun and Murut of Sabah celebrate their harvest festival in May.  Grateful thanks are offered to the spirit of the paddy, called Bambaazon / Bambarayon, by the Kadazan Dusun. A dance is performed by a high priestess, or Boohizan, to search for the Bambarayon.  Once found, a good harvest can be expected Agricultural shows, exhibitions, cultural programs, buffalo races, and other traditional games are held. There is much merrymaking and feasting with Tapai (rice wine) flowing freely throughout the festivities. A Unduk Ngadau ( Harvest Festival Queen ) pageant is held to seek the fairest maiden, honouring a sacrifice made by a maiden in legendary times.

Gawai Dayak

Gawai Dayak, a festive celebrated in Sarawak on 1st June every year is both a religious and social occasion. It is a thanksgiving day marking good harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season or activities ahead for the Dayaks, which generally refers to the Iban, Bidayuh and the Orang Ulu communities in Sarawak.  Their homes are cleaned and the graves of ancestors are tended to. Gawai is an occasion for parties, fun and games, processions and �open houses�. The Ibans working outside their village returned to the village for the celebration. Celebrations begin with a reunion dinner for the entire family.  Here, the youngest member of the family will offer the parents a plate of specially prepared food. There is singing, dancing and considerable drinking of tuak or rice wine in the local longhouses. Livestock is also sacrificed to ensure a good harvest the following season. 

Hungry Ghost Festival

Celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month by Buddhists and Taoist, it is believed according to Chinese tradition, that the gates of hell are opened to free the hungry ghosts who then wander to seek food on Earth. Some even think that the ghosts would seek revenge on those who had wronged them in their lives. The reason why the Chinese celebrate this festival is to remember their dead family members and pay tribute to them. They also feel that offering food to the deceased appeases them and wards off bad luck. Sacrificial offerings are made by burning fake money notes, which are also known as hell money and even paper television or radio sets. Some families also burn paper houses & cars to give to their dead relatives. The Chinese feel that these offerings reach the ghosts and help them live comfortably in their world. Religious ceremonies are also held at temples

Lantern & Mooncake Festival

Although its origins were founded in times of war in China where it celebrates the overthrow of the Mongols during the end of the Yuan Dynasty (120G- 1341 AD) in China. , the lantern and 'Mooncake Festival' or 'Tang Lung' has come more to symbolise a quiet celebration of peace and shared prosperity.  Legend has indicated that the secret about a plot against the Mongolians was hidden inside the mooncake and the mooncake was distributed widely. Lanterns were used at night as signals from higher grounds and hilltop. Today Malaysians of all walks of life celebrates this festival with colorful lantern hanging on the house & enjoying the highly delectable variety of mooncakes available. These cakes are rich, round pastries filled with a mixture of sweet red bean paste, lotus nut paste, or salted egg yolk. Mooncakes are available throughout the country for about a month while lantern processions and competition are held around in some neighbourhoods.

Deepavali

Commonly known to Hindus as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar. Deepavali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, when Lord Krishna defeated Narkansura.  Oil baths are taken in the morning, before donning new clothes and paying a visit to the temple.  Homes are lit with oil lamps, called vikku, signifying victory over darkness.  This is believed to invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth who will not enter an unlit house. As with all open houses in Malaysia, friends join in the celebrations by visiting the homes of Hindu friends and relatives to extend good wishes and to partake in the feasting and jollity.

Christmas

Witness the Portuguese Settlement transformed into a spectacle of brilliant lights with beautiful decorated Christmas Trees in every house and the sweet sounds of carolling in the air. Midnight services are held in churches, to celebrate to birth of Christ. Christians in Malaysia celebrates by decorating Christmas trees, attending church services and carolling. 'Open Houses' are also held on Christmas Day, during which guests are treated to food and drinks. Exchange of gifts are popular. Roast turkey is a common and traditional dish.

 Courtesy-http://bit.ly/xPYudl

5 Outdoor Adventures Around Guilin, China

Blog: GoBackpacking - 26 December 2011

By: Mark Wiens

Hiking Near Yangshuo, China

Guilin city is an extremely beautiful town located in the northern part of Guangxi Province, China.

After arriving, I asked a local about the population of Guilin. “It’s very small, about 6 million,” she replied. I guess by Chinese standards that is rather small.

Anyways, don’t let the mid-sized city population of Guilin throw you off, there are plenty of cool outdoor adventures in and around the area.

1. Go Hiking

Though there are many hiking destinations around Guilin, one place famous for its scenic views is the hike from Yangdi to Xingping.

It’s a long hike, about 25 kilometers, but the views of the Li River and the incredible karst mountains were absolutely breathtaking. The hike took us about 5 hours to complete but it was worth every step.

The actual small town of Yangshuo, situated about 1.5 hours from Guilin is also surrounded by mountains and offers a wide selection of different hikes. Try hiking up TV Tower or hike to the top of Moonhill.

Go Bike Riding

2. Bike Riding

A different way to see the scenery around Guilin is to rent a bicycle and take a cruise. Within the city of Guilin there are plenty of parks and outdoor public areas that make great areas to bike around.

Outside of Guilin, again in the town of Yangshuo, there are lots of bicycle route options. Many bike rides are accessible by provided roads that have very little motor traffic, however if you enjoy off-road biking you can easisly pedal down one of the countless rice farming trails.

One of the great things about Yangshuo is that even though there are plenty of tourists, it is still easy to escape the crowds when you are on a bike.

You can either choose a real mountain bike or a Chinese style one speed bike. Mountain bikes go for around $5 – $10 per day while one speed bikes (like the one above) can be rented for just $1 or less per day.

Rock Climbing in Guilin

3. Rock Climbing

All the karst cliffs and mountains make the area of Guilin one of the most well-known spots in China for rock climbing enthusiasts.

From organized rock climbing tours put together by official companies to just getting out there and tackling the adventure on your own, if you like rock climbing you will have a blast in Guilin and Yangshuo.

There are possibilities to go rock climbing if you are a highly experienced climber or even if you are just a beginner.

Bamboo Rafting in Yangshuo

4. Bamboo Rafting

China is probably the most famous country in the world for bamboo. Bamboo is a wonder plant that produces perfectly round poles that have been used for countless purposes throughout China’s lengthy history.

One of those ancient uses was to construct floating river boats. While there are quite a few fake bamboo rafts made from plastic tubes these days, there are also plenty of real bamboo rafts.

The slow-moving Yulong River near Yangshuo is one of best places to rent an authentic bamboo raft and enjoy a lazy floating time down the river.

5. Caving

Due to the natural landscapes and abundance of mountainous rock formations, Guilin is home to some amazing scenery below its surface too.

One of the most popular and closest caves to visit in Guilin is the Reed Flute Cave. As proven by ancient Tang Dynasty rock carvings and etching, the Reed Flute Cave has been enjoyed by Chinese visitors starting over 1200 years ago.

Closer to Yangshuo are even more caves including the Silver Cave, Dragon Water Cave, and the Seven Star Cave. The Crown Cave even includes tours by railroad car and underground river boat tours.

Getting Married on a Bamboo Raft

If you are really looking for an outdoor adventure near Guilin, China, you may want to consider getting married on an authentic bamboo raft…lots of Chinese do!

---------