Yao Minority
The Yao are one of China’s 56 ethnic minority groups located mostly in the southern province of Guangxi, and descendants of the “savage Wuling tribes” that date back some 2,000 years. The Yao people have preserved a number of Intriguing customs, such as their unique dress, and the habit of singing while they work. Most importantly, they cherish their unique lifestyle, and are proud to share it with the world.
Beijing 798 Art District
Beijing’s 798 art district is a magnificent art district in northeast Beijing, located in what used to be a huge industrial compound. Through our relationships with local art galleries in the district, our clients have the distinct pleasure of attending private art openings and meeting local artists.
Yangshuo, Guangxi Province
There is an old Chinese saying that translates to “Guilin’s scenery is the best in the world, yet Yangshuo’s beats Guilin.” A perfect combination of sleepy farmlands in and around magnificent karst peaks, Yangshuo county in Guangxi Province is one of China’s most popular backpacking destinations. Spend your afternoon rock climbing, riding bikes, or lounging about in a local coffee shop, chatting away with people from all over the world.
Kashgar, Xinjiang
Kashgar, located in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, use to be an important hub along the Northern Silk Road. Presently, this dry, arid city continues to be an important commercial center, and home to a large portion of China’s ethnic Uyghur population. The Kashgar market, one of the best Sunday markets in the world, has been described as, “a kaleidoscope of colors in perpetual motion,” and contains a plethora of goods, hardly any of which have been freighted in.
Urumqi, Xinjiang
Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most remote city from any sea in the world. Situated in the far northwest of China between Mongolia and Kazakhstan, Urumqi was an important town along the northern route of the Silk Road. Urumqi’s night markets offer travelers a glimpse into local life, and are a lively affair that shouldn’t be missed.
Chang’an School, Xi’an
During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, an experimental style of Chinese ink and wash painting emerged in Xi’an, known as the Chang’an School. The works of Shi Lu, a key member in the Chang’an art movement, were noted by their “roughness, weirdness, disorder and blackness,” and were later censured during the Cultural Revolution. The Chang’an school of painting represented an attempt to push the boundaries, during a time of heated debate between traditionalists and those who wanted to see Chinese art progress towards new frontiers.
Feng Huang, Hunan Province
As legend suggests, the town of Feng Huang, or Phoenix in English, was given its name due to the presence of two Phoenix birds that found the town so beautiful that they were reluctant to leave. Currently, Feng Huang is a well preserved example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernization. It contains a part of the southern Great Wall, built by the Miao ethnic minority, and was the home of one of the godfathers of native Chinese literature, Shen Congwen (1902-88).
Sichuan Province
Sichuan is a beautiful, mountainous province located in south central China; buttressed up against the eastern slopes of the Himalayan mountains. Historically known as the “Province of Abundance,” Sichuan continues to live up to its reputation by being one of China’s most important agriculture producers and industrial bases. Prior to 1997, before the city of Chongqing was carved out into its own municipality, Sichuan was China’s most populated province. It comes at no surprise why the 2008 Sichuan earthquake was so horribly devastating.
Hakka
The Hakka people are descendants of the Han Chinese majority, yet with distinct customs and linguistic differences. Currently, they are predominantly located in the southeastern provinces of Fujian, Guandong, and Jiangxi. The Hakka migrated to these regions due to a tumultuous history of social unrest, upheaval, and foreign invasion. In effect, a unique and intriguing building style known as Hakka architecture emerged throughout the region. Traditionally built for defensive purposes, Hakka architecture consists of rounded buildings with one entrance, battlements, and no windows.
Tibet
The Tibet Autonomous Region is the second-largest province of China by area, and the highest region on Earth. Tibetan culture is greatly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is often reflected through arts and ritual practices. Qiangmu, a religious dance of Tibetan Buddhism, is a striking art form that combines scripture chanting in perfect unison with music and dance. It’s traditionally performed in the temples by monks, creating a solemn and enlightening atmosphere.
Yunnan Province
Yunnan Province is home to a multitude of China’s ethnic minority groups, the largest of which are the Dai people. The Dai are known for a number of unique customs, including the famous Water Splashing Festival. The Dai people splash water on each other to celebrate the New Year. Water is considered to be the symbol of goodness or brightness, and the more water one is splashed with the better.
Shanghai
Shanghai, China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, was the first place in China to install modern sewers and train tracks throughout the country. It’s seen as the birthplace of everything modern in China, and is a great place to experience what the locals do for fun. Considered brothels by some and family fun for others, Karaoke Television is China’s most infamous pastime. It’s true, however, that KTV’s, as they are commonly referred to, come in all shapes and sizes, and market to all types of clientele. The combination of bright lights, flat screen TV’s, amazing sound systems, and luxurious rooms make for a local experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Dai Minority
The Dai ethnic minority are most famous for their extraordinary dances. Depending on the occasion, the Dai perform a number of dances that imitate the movements of various subtropical creatures. Such dances include the Peacock Dance, Elephant-Foot-Drum Dance, the Fish Dance, and the Demon Dance, just to name a few. The rhythms are created by a diverse array of percussion instruments. However, besides just regulating the tempo, the drum beats also serve as a kind of language for the people to express their feelings.
Henan Province
Henan Province has been traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Chinese civilization, with archeological evidence suggesting the presence of a number of prehistoric cultures. Henan is also the cradle of one of China’s most renowned art forms: Henan Opera. Emerging during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Henan Opera is regarded as extremely passionate, yet down to earth. Unfortunately, with local interest dwindling, Henan Opera is experiencing the same fate as the region’s early prehistoric cultures.
China has an extensive history of competitive sports, and while cauldron lifting is no longer very popular, archery, evidenced by 3 medals in the 2008 Olympics, continues to be practiced throughout the country. Sporting culture in China is significant, especially in table tennis, badminton, and increasingly basketball, due to their cheap cost of play and ease of accessibility. In addition, more and more communities and neighborhoods are being outfitted with outdoor fitness facilities that promote overall wellness and athleticism. Enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised in finding that China’s big cities are fantastic sporting destinations.
