The Chinese LanguageA brief introduction to the Chinese Language Writing Chinese script developed from pictograms. Early pictograms were in use about 3,500 years ago. Originally these were something like the pictograms we are familiar with from the ancient Egyptians. Over the years these gradually changed from depictional to be increasingly abstract although in some cases the similarity of original pictogram and modern character can still be seen. Many characters are composed of two or more simpler characters. Some words are composed of two or more characters. The meaning of such words of more than one character may be based on the combined meanings or the combined sounds. To be reasonably proficient one would need to know about 2,000 characters although there are many many more. On the mainland of China, the characters exist in a 'simplified' form, though perhaps do not look so to the western eye! The order that the strokes of a character are written is important. One starts at the top and then left to right as one works one's way down. When writing with speed, cursive styles are possible. Historically, this behaviour will have contributed to the evolution of characters. Cursive styles are also sometimes used in Chinese calligraphy, which is an important art-form in Chinese culture. What we call Chinese script is not the only script still used, but is the official common language (along with Mandarin for spoken Chinese). There are also Tibetan, Manchurian and Mongolian scripts. The Tibetan script, because of geographic location, resembles Indian and Arabic scripts. Pin-Yin, an alphabet-based phonetic rendition of spoken Chinese is learned by young schoolchildren as an aid to pronunciation, just as it is for the foreigner learning Chinese. Pin-Yin enables non Chinese speakers to get a rough idea of the sound of Chinese and also allows words to be more easily recognised and remembered by westerners. Hence, place names are usually marked in Pin-Yin as well as traditional Chinese script. Note that older Chinese people cannot read Pin-Yin. Spoken Chinese The official spoken language of China is called Mandarin and is based on the dialect native to Beijing. Mandarin is a tonal language with four tones: flat, rising, falling and falling then rising. Ideally, Pin-Yin would be written with accents to indicate the tones but seldom is. For example, the sound 'ba' means 'eight' if said with a flat tone but 'father' if spoken with a rising tone.
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With Valeriy Blank ...
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The delightful China Central TV concert of 2013 ...
* Children of the Dragon (HOU Dejian, 侯德健), performed by Green QIU (QIU Wutong, 邱梧桐, 10 years old), Xiaolong (小龙, 11 years old), and JIN Zhuofan (金卓凡, 12 years old), all from China.
* Memory (musical Cats, Andrew Loyd Webber), performed by Jessie Hillel (11 years old) from New Zealand.
* You Raise Me Up, performed by LI Zewei (李泽维, 11 years old), ZHONG Chenle (钟辰乐, 11 years old), and LIU Bo (柳博, 10 years old), all from China.
* Turkish March (土耳其进行曲), by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (莫扎特), performed by ZOU Yufei (邹宇飞, 4 years old), WANG Liya (王丽雅, 11 years old), ZHU Zihe (朱梓赫, 8 years old), and YE Zifan (叶子凡, 12 years old), all from China.
* He is a Pirate, performed by CHEN Qingli (陈庆丽) from Hong Kong, China.
* I can fly, performed by Teressa from the U.S. (5 years old). Teressa is of Chinese and American heritage.
* Baby, performed by NIE Jieming (聂杰铭, English name: James Robert Nicol, 11 years old) from Australia.
* Spicy Girl, performed by Tianyuan (Chinese name:恬源, English name: Tyerra, 8 years old) from the U.S. Tianyuan is of Chinese and American heritage.
* Kalinka, performed by Russian children from Russian Embassy School in Beijing, and Xiao Ding Dang Childrens Choir of the Russian Culture Center in Beijing.
* Love to Flowers and Earth Song, performed by Fairies in Rain Forest (Chinese name:雨林精灵, Pinyin: Yu Lin Jing Ling). Fairies in Rain Forest is formed by two sisters: Linda LEE (李林妲, LI Linda) and Wanda LEE (李宛妲, LI Wanda) of Chinese and German heritage. Their fater, Josef Margraf, is a German ecologist. Love to Flowers is a folk song of ethnic Hani Chinese, sung in the Hani language. Earth Song by Michael Jackson.
* I Just Can't Wait to be King (from The Lion King), performed by the Popcorn Band (Chinese name: 爆米花乐团) from China and Chelsey Mark (Chinese name: 麦小龙, Pinyin: MAI Xiaolong) from Canada; Chelsey Mark is a well-known host of CCTV.
* You'll Be in My Heart (Phil Collins), performed by Ming-An Fasquelle (11 years old, French-American, born in France, raised in Beijing).
* I Have a Dream (Abba), performed by WANG Xinyi (王馨怡, 10 years old) from China.
* ABC (Jackson 5) performed by SH' Boss Boys from the U.S.
* We Will Rock You (Brian May / Queen), performed by Xiaolong (小龙), Huolong (火龙), LI Shuxi (李淑昕), ZHENG Xiao (郑宵), Tianyuan (恬源), 奥斯卡 (Oscar), 成宇朵儿 (CHENGYU Duo-Er), Popcorn Band (爆米花乐队), Zaizai (仔仔), and Kent Niepert (Xiaolong's dad).
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South east section of the lake.
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The YaNoDa RainForest Park Scenic Area is located 35 kilometers from SanYa, HaiNan Island, south China ...
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With Brian Berletic ...
With Johnny Harris ...
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Plus a first look at Xi'An ...
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Welcome to Hong Kong!
Explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where East meets West in a dazzling fusion of culture, cuisine, and modernity. From towering skyscrapers to tranquil islands, Hong Kong offers a captivating experience.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a dynamic city known for its stunning skyline, bustling street markets, and picturesque harbor. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong has its own unique blend of Chinese and Western influences.
Key features of Hong Kong include its vibrant nightlife, world-class dining scene, and diverse shopping options.
Top Attractions
Victoria Peak: Ride the Peak Tram for panoramic views of Hong Kong's skyline.
Star Ferry: Take a scenic ride across Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Ngong Ping 360: Visit Lantau Island and see the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
Temple Street Night Market: Explore this lively market for street food, souvenirs, and bargain shopping.
Victoria Harbour Light Show: Watch the Symphony of Lights show illuminating Hong Kong's skyscrapers.
Ocean Park: Enjoy thrilling rides and see marine life at this popular amusement park.
Stanley Market: Visit this waterfront market for arts, crafts, and seaside dining.
Wong Tai Sin Temple: Experience traditional Chinese architecture and visit a popular Taoist temple.
Hong Kong Disneyland: Discover magical attractions and meet Disney characters.
Culture and History
Hong Kong's culture is a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences.
Chinese Festivals: Experience traditional festivals like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Colonial Heritage: Explore historic sites such as the Former British Consulate and Western District Public Cargo Working Area.
Lamma Island: Escape to this laid-back island with hiking trails and seafood restaurants.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum: Learn about the city's history, art, and culture through exhibitions.
Dining in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of culinary delights.
Dim Sum: Enjoy traditional Cantonese dumplings and tea at famous dim sum restaurants.
Street Food: Try local favorites like egg waffles, fish balls, and roast meat on rice.
Seafood: Feast on fresh seafood at fishing villages like Sai Kung or Lei Yue Mun.
Michelin-Starred Dining: Indulge in gourmet cuisine at acclaimed restaurants around the city.
Shopping in Hong Kong
Explore Hong Kong's diverse shopping scene, from luxury boutiques to bustling street markets.
Causeway Bay: Shop for international brands and designer labels in this vibrant shopping district.
Mong Kok: Browse through markets like Ladies' Market and Sneakers Street for trendy fashion and accessories.
Central District: Discover upscale shopping malls and department stores in Hong Kong's financial hub.
Stanley Village: Find unique gifts, home decor, and clothing at this waterfront market.
Getting Around Hong Kong
Explore Hong Kong's efficient transportation network to navigate the city and its surrounding areas.
MTR (Mass Transit Railway): Use the extensive subway system to reach major attractions and districts.
Star Ferry: Take a scenic ferry ride across Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Trams: Ride the iconic double-decker trams for a leisurely tour of Hong Kong Island.
Buses and Minibuses: Use public buses or minibus services for convenient transportation.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Hail taxis or use ride-hailing apps like Uber for quick trips.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Choose from a variety of accommodations in Hong Kong, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
Luxury Hotels: Experience world-class hospitality at luxury hotels in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Causeway Bay.
Boutique Hotels: Stay in stylish boutique hotels offering personalized services and unique designs.
Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget-friendly options with shared facilities, ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.
Serviced Apartments: Rent furnished apartments for extended stays and added convenience.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: Visit in autumn (October to December) for pleasant weather and clear skies.
Language: English and Cantonese are widely spoken; use basic phrases for communication.
Currency: Use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD); major credit cards accepted in most establishments.
Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions; queue patiently and avoid loud behavior in public.
Safety: Hong Kong is generally safe, but be cautious in crowded areas and watch for traffic.
Internet Access: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi available in public areas and cafes.
Enjoy Your Trip to Hong Kong!
Get ready for an unforgettable journey in Hong Kong, where every corner reveals something new and exciting. Whether you're exploring iconic landmarks or savoring delicious street food, Hong Kong promises an enriching travel experience.
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Filmed, edited and produced by : Maarten de Haas.
Places include GuiLin, YangShuo, The Great Wall of China, the 'Avatar mountains' of ZhangJiaJie, DeQin, ShangRiLa, Tibet and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
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Beautiful, extended scenes.
The concert featured many international stars, dance and wonderful stagecraft and the finale combined fireworks with bold lighting, fountains and dramatic music ...
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