Discover China

In 2008 I had the pleasure of visiting the White Horse Temple in Luoyang in central China’s Henan Province (see story and pictures). With over 1900 years of history, White Horse Temple is described as the cradle of Buddhism in China.

Over the next eight years, the temple will be expanded into an 87 hectare cultural park, the largest in China, with an International Temples Zone showcasing 10 exotic shrines from foreign countries. One can already be visited – an Indian shrine opened in May 2010. Two more will open shortly – a Thai shrine built in the 1990s is being expanded and will open in April, and a Myanmar Buddhist garden will be created in April.

Find out more in the China Daily article ‘Cradle of Chinese Buddhism’ embraces world.

In the China Daily life article Singing the praises of Xibaipo Mike Peters writes that a tour of the revolutionary sites of Hebei province ideally takes in Xibaipo Museum, an interactive guide to China’s civil war, Ranzhuang’s Underground Tunnel Museum account of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and the military base of Handan – leaving time for the attractions of Baiyangdian Lake and Goddess Nuwa’s Temple as a natural counterpoint to history.

In the further China Daily article The light at the end of the tunnels of war, Angela Shen writes that visiting the Underground Tunnel Museum in Ranzhuang is easily one of the most stimulating ways to experience China’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945).

In the China Daily travel article Seriously fun, Raymond Zhou reveals the enjoyments of a weekend getaway in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, with a few surprises.

This oasis city in the Xinjiang autonomous region has welcomed travelers since the days of the Silk Road. In the China Daily travel article Streets of Kashgar, photographer Wang Jing explores with his camera and an artist’s eye.

They are more than just a place to lay your head down for a night. Hotels have become attractions on their own, the reason for the journey. In the China Daily travel article Themes for dreams, Shi Yingying visits a few outstanding examples at Shenzhen’s OCT East theme park and resort – the Mahayana Boutique Hotel, Otique Aqua Hotel and Cargo Hotel.