9 Days in China 中国 : ShangHai, BeiJing, Xi`An and ZhangJiaJie

The poetry of nature ...

On the south east coast of China, with ZheJiang to the north and GuangDong to the south. In part, FuJian is famous for its tea and lychee fruit. The largest cities include FuZhou (the capital) and XiaMen. Hakka, a Han Chinese people but with their own distinct identity, live in the southern parts of the province. The Hakka are most associated with their unique TuLou - large, round, communal dwellings.

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Capital of HuNan province.

Introduction China's traditional arts and crafts reflect its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic backgrounds. These art forms have been passed down through generations, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance. Here are the top 50 traditional Chinese arts and crafts, along with their origins and associated ethnicities. 1. Chinese Calligraphy (书法, Shūfǎ) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters with a brush and ink. It is highly regarded for its aesthetic qualities and expressive potential. 2. Chinese Painting (国画, Guóhuà) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Traditional Chinese painting involves brushwork on paper or silk, depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, and human figures. 3. Cloisonné (景泰蓝, Jǐngtàilán) Origin: Yuan Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with enamel, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors. 4. Chinese Embroidery (刺绣, Cìxiù) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han, Miao, Yi, Zhuang Chinese embroidery is a decorative art that involves stitching intricate patterns onto fabrics using silk or cotton threads. 5. Paper Cutting (剪纸, Jiǎnzhǐ) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper cutting is a folk art where designs are cut into paper, traditionally used for window decorations and festival celebrations. 6. Porcelain (瓷器, Cíqì) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese porcelain, known for its delicate beauty and durability, has been highly prized for centuries and is often decorated with intricate designs. 7. Jade Carving (玉雕, Yùdiāo) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Jade carving is the art of shaping jade into ornaments, figurines, and ritual objects, revered for its beauty and spiritual significance. 8. Chinese Opera Masks (戏曲面具, Xìqǔ Miànjù) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Opera masks are used in traditional Chinese theater to represent various characters and their traits through colors and patterns. 9. Silk Weaving (丝织, Sīzhī) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Silk weaving is an ancient craft involving the production of silk fabric, known for its smooth texture and luxurious appearance. 10. Chinese Knotting (中国结, Zhōngguó Jié) Origin: Tang and Song Dynasties Ethnicity: Han Chinese knotting is the art of creating decorative knots using a single length of cord, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. 11. Bronze Casting (青铜铸造, Qīngtóng Zhùzào) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Bronze casting is an ancient method of creating bronze objects, including vessels, weapons, and ritual items, through mold casting. 12. Batik (蜡染, Làrǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Buyi Batik is a traditional textile art involving wax-resist dyeing, creating intricate patterns on fabric, commonly practiced by the Miao and Buyi people. 13. Lacquerware (漆器, Qīqì) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Lacquerware involves coating objects with lacquer to create a hard, shiny surface, often decorated with intricate designs and inlays. 14. Bamboo Weaving (竹编, Zhúbiān) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Bamboo weaving is the craft of creating items like baskets, mats, and furniture using bamboo strips, valued for its durability and flexibility. 15. Chinese Puppetry (木偶戏, Mù'ǒuxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese puppetry involves using hand-crafted puppets to perform traditional stories and plays, combining art, music, and storytelling. 16. Thangka Painting (唐卡, Tángkǎ) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Thangka painting is a Tibetan Buddhist art form that involves creating religious images on cloth, used for meditation and teaching. 17. Pottery (陶器, Táoqì) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Pottery is one of the earliest forms of Chinese art, with hand-crafted ceramic vessels used for cooking, storage, and rituals. 18. Chinese Shadow Puppetry (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow puppetry involves manipulating flat puppets behind a screen to create shadows, telling stories with music and narration. 19. Rattan Weaving (藤编, Téngbiān) Origin: Ancient Times Ethnicity: Dai, Li Rattan weaving is the craft of making furniture, baskets, and other items using rattan, commonly practiced by the Dai and Li ethnic groups. 20. Dough Figurines (面人, Miànrén) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Dough figurines are traditional folk art made from colored dough, sculpted into various characters, animals, and scenes. 21. Silver Jewelry Making (银饰, Yínshì) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Yi Silver jewelry making involves crafting intricate silver ornaments, often worn during festivals and ceremonies by the Miao and Yi people. 22. Chinese Seal Carving (篆刻, Zhuànkè) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Seal carving is the art of engraving characters or designs onto stone or wood seals, used for stamping documents and artwork. 23. Tangka Embroidery (唐卡刺绣, Tángkǎ Cìxiù) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tangka embroidery combines traditional embroidery techniques with religious themes, creating elaborate and colorful textile art. 24. Peking Opera Costumes (京剧服装, Jīngjù Fúzhuāng) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Peking Opera costumes are elaborate and symbolic garments worn by performers, representing different characters and social statuses. 25. Wooden Fish Carving (木鱼雕刻, Mùyú Diāokè) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Wooden fish carving is a traditional craft involving the creation of wooden fish sculptures, often used in Buddhist temples as percussion instruments. 26. Tie-Dye (扎染, Zhārǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Bai Tie-dye is a textile art practiced by the Bai people, involving the tying and dyeing of fabric to create intricate patterns and designs. 27. Paper Fans (纸扇, Zhǐshàn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper fans are traditional hand-held fans made from paper and bamboo, often decorated with calligraphy and paintings. 28. Dragon and Lion Dance (舞龙舞狮, Wǔlóng Wǔshī) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han The dragon and lion dance are traditional Chinese performances involving large, colorful costumes, performed during festivals to bring good luck. 29. Ethnic Costumes (民族服饰, Mínzú Fúshì) Origin: Varies Ethnicity: Various (e.g., Yi, Zhuang, Miao) Ethnic costumes are traditional garments worn by various ethnic groups in China, each with distinct styles, colors, and patterns reflecting their culture. 30. Kesi Weaving (缂丝, Kēsī) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Kesi weaving is a highly intricate form of silk tapestry weaving, creating detailed and colorful patterns often used for clothing and artwork. 31. Woodblock Printing (木版画, Mùbǎn Huà) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Woodblock printing is a technique for printing text, images, and patterns, involving carving designs into wooden blocks and pressing them onto paper or fabric. 32. Shadow Play (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow play is a traditional form of storytelling using silhouetted figures manipulated behind a translucent screen, accompanied by music and narration. 33. Chinese Garden Design (中国园林, Zhōngguó Yuánlín) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese garden design is the art of creating harmonious landscapes that combine natural elements like rocks, water, and plants with architecture and art. 34. Miao Silver Jewelry (苗银, Miáo Yín) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao Miao silver jewelry is known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship, often worn during festivals and ceremonies by the Miao people. 35. Chinese Paper Umbrellas (油纸伞, Yóuzhǐ Sǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper umbrellas are traditional umbrellas made from oiled paper and bamboo, used for protection against rain and sun, and as decorative items. 36. Tibetan Thangka Painting (唐卡, Tángkǎ) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan Thangka painting involves creating religious images on cloth, used for meditation and teaching in Tibetan Buddhism. 37. Chinese Shadow Puppetry (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow puppetry is a traditional form of storytelling using silhouetted figures manipulated behind a translucent screen, accompanied by music and narration. 38. Hunan Embroidery (湘绣, Xiāngxiù) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Hunan embroidery is a traditional Chinese embroidery style known for its fine craftsmanship and lifelike images, often depicting nature and animals. 39. Guizhou Batik (贵州蜡染, Guìzhōu Làrǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Buyi Guizhou batik is a traditional textile art involving wax-resist dyeing, creating intricate patterns on fabric, commonly practiced by the Miao and Buyi people. 40. Tibetan Rugs (藏毯, Zàngtǎn) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan rugs are hand-woven woolen rugs known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, used for both practical and decorative purposes. 41. Hanfu Clothing (汉服, Hànfú) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Hanfu is traditional Chinese clothing worn by the Han people, characterized by flowing robes, wide sleeves, and intricate embroidery. 42. Tibetan Singing Bowls (西藏唱盘, Xīzàng Chàngpán) Origin: 8th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan singing bowls are metal bowls that produce a resonant sound when struck or rubbed, used in meditation and healing practices. 43. Manchu Embroidery (满绣, Mǎnxiù) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Manchu Manchu embroidery is a traditional embroidery style known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, often depicting nature and animals. 44. Suzhou Embroidery (苏绣, Sūxiù) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Suzhou embroidery is a highly detailed and refined embroidery style known for its realistic images and delicate stitching, often depicting landscapes and flowers. 45. Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments (传统乐器, Chuántǒng Yuèqì) Origin: Various Ethnicity: Various Traditional Chinese musical instruments include the guzheng, erhu, pipa, and dizi, each with its own unique sound and playing technique, used in various forms of Chinese music. 46. Tibetan Butter Sculpture (酥油花, Sūyóu Huā) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan butter sculpture is a traditional art form involving the creation of intricate sculptures from colored butter, often used in religious ceremonies. 47. Yi Embroidery (彝绣, Yíxiù) Origin: Ancient Times Ethnicity: Yi Yi embroidery is a traditional embroidery style known for its bold colors and geometric patterns, often depicting nature and cultural symbols. 48. Dong Brocade (侗锦, Dòngjǐn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Dong Dong brocade is a traditional textile art practiced by the Dong people, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often used for clothing and household items. 49. Zhuang Brocade (壮锦, Zhuàngjǐn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Zhuang Zhuang brocade is a traditional textile art practiced by the Zhuang people, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often used for clothing and household items. 50. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony (茶道, Chá Dào) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han The traditional Chinese tea ceremony is a cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea, reflecting Chinese values of harmony, respect, and tranquility. Conclusion These traditional Chinese arts and crafts offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the creativity and skill of various ethnic groups. They continue to be celebrated and preserved, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of China.

With Walk East ... With Seiu Travel ... Visitor Guide to TaiYuan City, ShanXi Province Overview TaiYuan, the capital city of ShanXi Province, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern development. Known for its rich cultural heritage, TaiYuan offers visitors a glimpse into China's past while also showcasing its rapid modernization. Getting There By Air: TaiYuan WuSu International Airport (TYN) serves the city with both domestic and international flights. It is located about 15 kilometers from the city center, and you can reach downtown by taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus. By Train: TaiYuan Railway Station and TaiYuan South Railway Station connect the city with major destinations across China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. High-speed trains offer convenient and quick travel options. By Bus: Long-distance buses from nearby cities and provinces also provide access to TaiYuan. The main bus stations in TaiYuan are TaiYuan Long-Distance Bus Station and TaiYuan West Bus Station. Getting Around Public Transport: TaiYuan has an extensive public bus network and a developing metro system, making it easy to navigate the city. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also widely used. Biking: Bike-sharing services are popular and provide a convenient way to explore the city at your own pace. Main Attractions JinCi Temple JinCi Temple, located about 25 kilometers southwest of TaiYuan, is a historic site with beautiful architecture, ancient trees, and intricate carvings. The temple, dating back over 1,400 years, is dedicated to the worship of Prince Shuyu of the Zhou Dynasty. ShanXi Museum ShanXi Museum, one of China's most important museums, offers a comprehensive look at the history and culture of ShanXi Province. The museum's exhibits include ancient relics, artifacts from the Silk Road, and displays on ShanXi's rich coal mining history. TaiYuan Ancient City Wall The TaiYuan Ancient City Wall is a significant historical landmark that reflects the city's ancient military architecture. Portions of the wall have been restored, and visitors can walk along it to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Fenhe Park Fenhe Park, situated along the Fen River, is a large urban park offering beautiful landscapes, walking paths, and recreational facilities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and experience the local lifestyle. Twin Pagoda Temple The Twin Pagoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, features two impressive pagodas dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The temple is a serene spot with beautiful gardens and ancient architecture. Local Cuisine TaiYuan offers a variety of local and regional dishes. Here are some must-try foods: ShanXi Sliced Noodles (DaoXiaoMian): A famous local dish made with hand-sliced noodles, usually served with a savory broth and various toppings. Vinegar Culture: ShanXi is known for its aged vinegar, which is a staple in many local dishes. Be sure to try dishes that highlight this unique flavor. ShanXi Meat Patties (RouJiaMo): Often referred to as the "Chinese hamburger," these meat-filled buns are a delicious and popular street food. Fenhe River Fish: Fresh fish from the Fen River, prepared in a variety of ways, is a local specialty. Shopping Liuxiang Pedestrian Street: A bustling shopping area offering a mix of traditional and modern shops, local snacks, and souvenirs. Chongshan Monastery Market: A market near Chongshan Monastery where you can find local handicrafts, antiques, and traditional ShanXi products. Coal Museum of China: The museum shop offers unique souvenirs related to ShanXi's coal mining history. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: TaiYuan has several high-end hotels offering excellent amenities and services, such as the Kempinski Hotel TaiYuan and the Shanxi Grand Hotel. Mid-Range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range options providing comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices, including international chains like Holiday Inn and local boutique hotels. Budget Accommodations: Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels throughout the city. Historical Background of TaiYuan TaiYuan, with a history spanning over 2,500 years, has been a significant political, economic, and cultural center in northern China. Founded during the Spring and Autumn period, the city has witnessed numerous historical events and developments. During the Tang Dynasty, TaiYuan was a strategic military base and the hometown of the Tang emperors. The city played a crucial role in various dynastic changes and military campaigns. In modern times, TaiYuan has developed into an industrial powerhouse, particularly known for its coal mining and steel production. Despite its industrialization, the city has preserved many of its historical and cultural sites, offering a rich tapestry of the ancient and modern. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit TaiYuan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. Bring a hat and sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: TaiYuan offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Plan your visit to include both cultural sites and modern amenities to get a complete experience. Conclusion TaiYuan, with its rich historical heritage and vibrant modern culture, offers a unique and diverse travel experience. From ancient temples and city walls to modern parks and shopping streets, TaiYuan provides a fascinating journey through time. Whether you're exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, or experiencing the city's contemporary side, TaiYuan is a destination that promises a memorable visit. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time in this dynamic capital of ShanXi Province.

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