Discover China

At last another trip to China is very near. Over three weeks from the end of December we will visit China’s capital Beijing as well as Tianjin, located south of Beijing, Zhengzhou in central China, and possibly some other places too. Beijing has an abundance of historical and cultural attractions which we will explore over several days. As it is winter, impressive sites such as the Forbidden City and Summer Palace are likely to be framed in snow. From Beijing we’ll then take a 30-minute journey on one of China’s new high speed rail trains to the city of Tianjin, and then after that travel to Zhengzhou. I can hardly wait!

The largest ever Asian Games lowered its curtain in a festive closing ceremony, as host China showed its overwhelming prowess by sweeping 199 gold medals. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, president of the Olympic Council of Asia, hailed the Guangzhou Asiad “a huge success” and “the best ever” in history. Find out more in the CNTV story “Best ever” Asian Games close with China dominant as never before. The 10th Asian Para Games are now underway – read more in the CNTV Special Feature Guangzhou 2010, 16th Asian Games and 10th Asian Para Games.

Acupuncture and moxibustion used in traditional Chinese medicine along with Beijing opera have been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The list was established to preserve the diversity and creativity of humanity that was being rapidly lost in the wake of industrialization and globalization. Read more in the Shenzhen Daily article Acupuncture, Beijing opera recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

Winter sees many of China’s spectacular mountains take on added majesty with mist shrouded peaks dusted in snow. Read about the winter beauty of Emei, Lushan and Huangshan mountains in the Shenzhen Daily article The charm of mountains in winter.

An exhibition has opened in Sydney Australia, presenting over 120 ancient artifacts from China. Included in the display are 10 of the world-renowned terracotta warriors and horses, and other significant recent finds from the First Emperor Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum located in Shaanxi province of northwest China. To read more or view the video visit CNTV Culture Express story China’s Terracotta Warriors march on Sydney.