Following the Threads

China has a wide variety of items on its official intangible cultural heritage(ICH)list,and one of the most colorful folk crafts included is the embroidery of the Yi ethnic group.With a history stretching back 1,700 years,this art form has been handed down from mother to daughter and its designs reflect their close relationship with nature.

Wonders of The Silk Road Uncovering the rich cultural heritage and history in Gansu

From its geological wonders to its cultural riches,the Hexi Corridor in northwestern Gansu Province is a fascinating part of the ancient Silk Road.It's the place where the Great Wall ends,and where ancient caves house historical Buddhist treasures,and some of the world's most colorful land formations impress tourists from China and around the world.

An Authentic Celebration

The Dragon Boat Festival-Duanwu Jic honors a famous episode in China's long history.In the U.S.,the festival remains largely unknown and I had not heard of it before coming to China eight years ago.Moving here has opened my cyes to fascinating cultural tales and holiday traditions.This festival.celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar cal-endar,is ccrtainly onc of the most fun.

Memento of a Maestro

White. Black. Bright blue. Those colors frame my artistic impression of Suzhou. The ancient city’s historical areas, its distinctive low white buildings with black trim and roofs offered a stark contrast to the intensely blue skies during my recent visit to the city long known as the 'Venice of the East.'

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE

October 1 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. During the past seven decades, tremendous changes have taken place in China's society, economy, standard of living and international status. To put its achievements into perspective, Beijing Reviewbreaks down the numbers behind China's development across a wide sphere of sectors.

Experiencing Cupping Therapy

During the 2016 Rio Olympics, the big question from everyone outside China seemed to be"what are those red circles" on the back of U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps? My response was cupping, of course.U.S.news outlets had to explain cupping therapy and why it is used by some Olympic athletes, because many people had no idea what it was. Apparently, athletes on

Surprises in Store

University stores are central to campus life.They usually sell everything a student might need for class or dorm room.Living on the Tsinghua University campus, I enjoy shopping at the university stores. Past shopping excursions have added university logo jackets, hoodies and stylish backpacks to my wardrobe. I usually also grab necessities at the same time.

Spice Girl of China

Considering the spiciness of its fabled cuisine,Chengdu is remarkably laid-back and mellow.Maybe the heat of the chili and the tingling of the Sichuan pepper that tickles the taste buds also balances a person out. On a weekend visit to the city with my husband and a friend,I was determined to experience Chengdu in all its fabulousness.

One Steppe From Russia

Upon my first sighting of the steppes of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region near the China- Russia border, my mind began playing the refrain from the Broadway musical Oklahoma: "Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain."

The Last Masters

On a cool weekend in mid-October,an eager group of 12 boarded a small bus for a four-hour drive to the western edge of Hebei a province neighboring Beijing.Their destination was Nuanquan Town,or Warm Spring Town,with its ancient walled villages dating from the Ming(1368-1644)and Qing(1644-1911)dynasties,relatively untouched by the influence of modem redevelopment They were traveling for a weekend of learning how to make traditional paper lanterns.

Agenda 2022

In a recent interview,State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi defined priorities for China's diplomacy in 2022.His main points follow:Creating a favorable external environment for the 20th Communist Party of China National Congress Making solid efforts for the success of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 Shaping the course of reform of the global governance system.China will take over as the chair of BRICS and host the BRICS Summit.

A Tea Toast to the Women Of China

The slow warm-up to spring promises not only multitudes of cherry blossom and other flowers,but it also heralds International Women's Day,March 8.Each year before COVID-19,the All-China Women's Federation used to hold a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in celebration of China's women and their accomplishments.

ONE PRESIDENT,ONE FIRST LADY AND ONE GREAT WALL

The Great Wall was at the top of my must-see list on my first trip to China as a tourist in May 2014. Over the past seven years, this wondrous engineering miracle and historical landmark has become my most frequently visited treasure on China's long list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Hiking Xinjiang

For many people in China, traveling during the national Golden Week holiday in early October means taking excursions around China or to foreign destinations. And those trips usually involve seeing the famous sites and monuments of whatever place is chosen. For me and

My Ride to Work

Arriving in China several years ago,I was struck by the sheer number of bicycles and electric motor scooters that zipped around the bike lanes of Beijing’s streets.At fi rst,it was intimidating to cross at intersections,but in time I grew accustomed to the hectic activity.I began by riding an old bicycle around the campus neighborhood where I live,getting a feel for being amid the riding masses.

Folowing the Scent of Jasmine

Tea has been linked with China for centuries,but I grew up knowing little about China’s tea or even China.Before coming to Beijing,I was familiar with green tea and black tea,but not much else.As an American with southern roots,black tea was usually served over ice in the summer,with sugar(which counteracted

A Feast for the Senses

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is a study in contrasts. It is everything you expect and yet nothing like what you expect Spices perfume the air in markets, redolent of chili, cardamom and cumin, with a hint of rose. Colorful mgs are rolled up and stacked upright like boxes of crayons. Brightly colored fabrics hang as they wait to be sewn into garments or curtains. Stacks of beautifully embroidered traditional Uygur caps are balanced on shelves. Carts full of freshly picked grapes and pomegranates dot the streets. The delicious aroma of lamb chunks roasting over open grills is all-consuming. Everywhere there is a whirl of color, from womens outfits to vividly painted and intricately carved doors and trim.

Land of Blessings

Fuzhou is currently reaching back into its long history to re-establish its links to the maritime Silk Road,placing a special emphasis on tourism.The abundance of blue skies,clean air,clear waters and green mountains give the city and its environs a great deal to experience.With the theme of"Refreshing Fujian,"and a city name that means"Land of Blessings,"the area has much to offer visitors.Most international tourists have a familiar itinerary when they come to