cex.com.au
october- november 2013
around the
globe
Travel tales with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel and Journeys.
22
China
China isn't just a country. It's a completely different world.
It's the place where you can speed down alleyways on your
Beijing bicycle, slurp steaming noodles in the shadows of the
skyscrapers in shanghai, shop until you drop in the bustling
street markets of Hong Kong or try your luck at the las
Vegas of the east in Macau. Travellers dream of visiting the
Forbidden City, which is neither Forbidden nor a City but a
World Heritage listed collection of 980 palaces, buildings and
museums dating back to the early 1400's. Another not-to-
be missed site in China is the most significant archaeological
excavation of the 20th century, the Terracotta Warriors.
In the 1970's local farmers uncovered the breathtaking
collection of The Terracotta Army. The life-sized figures
dating back as far as 210BC vary in height, according to the
roles that they played in society. Current estimates are that
there are over 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses
and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried
deep underground in the pits. The great Wall originally built
to protect China, winds up and down across deserts and
mountains and stretches more than 8,800 kms from east to
West. With a history of more than 2000 years it remains
one of the most popular attractions in China.
The food in China is something to experience. A morning
spent in the local markets will uncover delicacies such as
fish bladder, scorpions, and jellyfish but no trip to China is
complete without a traditional serving of the national dish,
Peking Duck where the crispy skin duck is carved at the table
and served with freshly steamed pancakes, spring onions and
a sweet bean sauce. every meal is accompanied by
Chinese Tea.
intereSting factS
about china
Ice cream was invented in China
around 2000BC
In the Chinese calendar, each year is
represented by an animal. According
to readings, Buddha named these years
after the twelve animals that visited him
before he left earth. The Chinese believe
that you have some of the characteristics
of the animal representing the year in
which you were born
Red is lucky colour in Chinese culture.
Banners, clothing and lucky money
envelopes are all red. A wealthy (and
lucky) bride may also choose red for her
wedding gown.
In fact in Chinese culture, tea is consumed for a variety
of reasons; for good health, to celebrate, to apologize, as a
mark of respect and to connect with family at large family
gatherings. It is bad luck and extremely offensive to refuse
tea if it is offered to you. With a population of more than
1.3 billion...yes billion! China is a fascinating country home
to more than 56 ethnic groups and hundreds of dialects but
with a history that dates back thousands of years it remains
one of the more popular destinations for travellers
from Australia.