Discover China

The Shenzhen Daily article Low-profile ‘beauties’ introduces three enchanting destinations:

• Banliang ancient village in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province
• Beihai in Guangxi which prides itself on its uncrowded beautiful beach and neighbouring islands
• Chaozhou in the easternmost part of Guangdong Province, a famous historical and cultural city

Hutongs are Beijing’s ancient city alleys, and are a major tourist attraction. Surrounding the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City), many of the hutongs were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. You can learn more about Beijing’s hutongs in the CNTV Culture Express series Exploring Beijing hutongs and story 10 most attractive hutongs in Beijing.

Beijing’s Xianyukou Hutong, with a history of 570 years, has long been celebrated for its refined dining tradition. The CNTV Culture Express story Old hutong regains former glory reveals the traditional architecture and cornucopia of Beijing delicacies that visitors can experience in the newly reopened Xianyukou Hutong.

Ancient Buddhist sculptures are scattered throughout Shanxi Province, including in the world-famous Yungang Grottoes and Tianlongshan Grottoes. In the “Solemn Images of Buddhist Sculptures from Shanxi Province” exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum people can find out more about the Shanxi Province’s history and culture. The Shenzhen Daily article A showcase of Buddhist art in Shanxi reports that the exhibition is scheduled to run until 28 August and features 61 sculptures, 23 of which are national first-class cultural relics.

Chinese folk temples and local halls share many characteristics, especially on the outside. However, as James Baquet explains in the Shenzhen Daily article Temples vs. halls, the interior of the building will betray its true purpose.