Legend of Zhen Huan (甄嬛传英文介绍)

Few people in china haven’t heard of the famous TV series legend of zhen huan, but do you know who she is? 

Check this out to discover more about the life of Zhen Huan.

Zhen Huan in history

http://www.beijing-haidian.com/2016/0606/36365.html

2016 The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge Beijing

　 About TNF100

　　In 2008, the North Face® launched The North Face 100® ultra-trail series in Asia-pacific area.

　　In 2011, the North Face 100® became the "Dakar " in China among running races as the challenges of race tracks elevated each year.

　　In 2013, the Fifth North Face 100® Ultra Challenge Beijing moved to Mentougou District in Beijing. The competition focused more on 50 kilometers and 100 kilometers competitors and the track experience is totally different from previous.

　　In 2014，the sixth “the North Face 100® Ultra Challenge Beijing” moved to Fenghuangling resorts in Haidian district. Meanwhile， Yanqiao Yun，who attended lots of major cross country matches and was sponsored by the North Face®， also joined tracks designing. The designing connected all the mountains and rivers of west Beijing，which made up one of the most challenging matches of the same kind in Asia-pacific area.

　　In 2015 , the Seventh " the North Face 100® Ultra Challenge Beijing" added 10 kilometer and 25 kilometer groups, and readjusted the starting time and finishing time of all games. In particular, the starting time was adjusted to midnight which emphasized the effects of night running skills and equipment in cross country race.

　　In 2016, with Marathon and trail race blossoming, the eighth "the North Face 100® Ultra Challenge Beijing" will add groups of trail relay race, which intends to involve more attendants and make The North Face 100® the first trail race for more new runners.

　　As a top outdoor sports brand worldwide, The North Face ® has been always following the concept of "never stop exploring" and put it into practice by hosting cross country races worldwide. In the past 10 years , the North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc which runs across three countries in Europe and which has been sponsored by the North Face®, is the ultimate dream for many cross country race runners. Each year, it attracts abundant runners joining in from European and American countries. In Asia-pacific area, the North Face 100® has developed into one of the largest cross country race serials, which covers six countries including China, Australia, Philippine, Japan, Singapore and Thailand and so on.

　　Discover more about this year's Beijing TNF100 Ultra Trail Challenge,official site:

    http://www.beijing-haidian.com/2016/0419/35991.html

Story of the Seventh Night Festival

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    Article from http://www.beijing-haidian.com

　　Qixi, or the Seventh Night Festival, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which is usually in early August. This year it falls on Thursday, August 11.

　　As the story goes, once there was a cowherd, Niulang, who lived with his elder brother and sister-in-law. But she disliked and abused him, and the boy was forced to leave home with only an old cow for company.

　　The cow, however, was a former god who had violated imperial rules and was sent to earth in bovine form.

　　One day the cow led Niulang to a lake where fairies took a bath on earth. Among them was Zhinu, the most beautiful fairy and a skilled seamstress.

　　The two fell in love at first sight and were soon married. They had a son and daughter and their happy life was held up as an example for hundreds of years in China.

　　Yet in the eyes of the Jade Emperor, the Supreme Deity in Taoism, marriage between a mortal and fairy was strictly forbidden. He sent the empress to fetch Zhinu.

　　Niulang grew desperate when he discovered Zhinu had been taken back to heaven. Driven by Niulang's misery, the cow told him to turn its hide into a pair of shoes after it died.

　　The magic shoes whisked Niulang, who carried his two children in baskets strung from a shoulder pole, off on a chase after the empress.

　　The pursuit enraged the empress, who took her hairpin and slashed it across the sky creating the Milky Way which separated husband from wife.

　　But all was not lost as magpies, moved by their love and devotion, formed a bridge across the Milky Way to reunite the family.

　　Even the Jade Emperor was touched, and allowed Niulang and Zhinu to meet once a year on the seventh night of the seventh month.

　　This is how Qixi came to be. The festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).

　　Traditionally, people would look up at the sky and find a bright star in the constellation Aquila as well as the star Vega, which are identified as Niulang and Zhinu.

　　The two stars shine on opposite sides of the Milky Way.

　　In bygone days, Qixi was not only a special day for lovers, but also for girls. It is also known as the "Begging for Skills Festival" or "Daughters' Festival."

　　In the past, girls would conduct a ceremony to beg Zhinu for wisdom, dexterity and a satisfying marriage in the future.

　　This was not the case all over China, as the festival varied from region to region.

　　In some parts of Shandong Province, young women offered fruit and pastries to pray for a bright mind. If spiders were seen to weave webs on sacrificial objects, it was believed the Waving Girl was offering positive feedback.

　　In other regions, seven close friends would gather to make dumplings. They put into three separate dumplings a needle, a copper coin and a red date, which represented perfect needlework skills, good fortune and an early marriage.

　　Girls also held weaving and needlework competitions to see who had the best hands and the brightest mind, both prerequisites for making a good wife and mother in ancient China.

　　Young women in southern China used to weave small handicrafts with colored paper, grass and thread.

　　Afterwards, they competed to pass a thread through the eyes of seven needles in a single breath.

　　Nowadays, however, these ancient customs are in danger of being forgotten. More and more young people celebrate Qixi in the same way that Valentine's Day is celebrated in western countries. Hotels, restaurants and flower shops capitalize on this by offering special sales on "Chinese Valentine's Day."

　　If it rains on the day, older people might say that Zhinu is crying on the day she meets Niulang and her family again. Maybe she'll also be shedding tears over the customs and traditions that are slowly being lost.

Chinese Fengshui

　　Chinese Feng Shui is a kind of geomancy, which guided ancient Chinese people to choose sites to build cities, houses and burial grounds. Feng means wind and Shui means water, both of them are the main components of the geographical surroundings. The core of Feng Shui is earthly breath (Qi). Ancient Chinese believed that Qi would disperse by wind and stop by water. It moves like wind but can eddy and stagnate. So the ideal site for building a city, a house, and a tomb must be able to gather the earthly breath of Qi. Chinese people also believed that Feng Shui can influence the fortune of the family and their descendants.

　　“Man is an integral part of nature”, “Harmony between man and Earth”, and “Heaven and Earth interacts on each other” , which were traditional concepts of Chinese people. So the view of Feng Shui actually is the manifestation of traditional view of environment.

　　Ancient Chinese supposed the heaven as the father, the earth as the mother. The heaven and the earth bred all creatures. The earth was like our human body with main and collateral channels and points. So the points of Feng Shui are the points of geographical surroundings, the place that has energy and life. The ideal point of Feng Shui is like the point of womb where breeding life, Yin and Yang combining, and Qi gathering. The site with ideal Feng Shui must be a place where natural geographical components are well-balanced. It should have good geology, topography, hydrology, soil, vegetation, sunshine and wind direction etc. All these key elements must be in unity and well-balanced and they can consist of an organic ecosystem. Artificial Feng Shui was also applied to produce an auspicious aura in which the cosmic currents may generate for the creation of favorable Feng Shui for the benefit of the people. For example, the artificial mountains, lakes built in the cities, symbolic figurines built on the roofs, and the pictures pasted on the doors.

　　Feng Shui theory produced in ancient China, after absorbed content from the traditional Chinese culture, philosophy, religious belief as well as superstitious thoughts it became very complicated. It contains scientific components, idealism and feudal superstition. Today it is still popular and we should discard the dross and assimilate the essence.

　　

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    Article from http://www.beijing-haidian.com

[Video] The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace (Chinese Pinyin: Yí Hé Yuán), northwest of Beijing, is said to be the best preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in China. It is only a short drive (15 km) from central Beijing but seems like another world.

The Summer Palace was initially built in 1750 by Emperor Qianglong. The architectural style of Summer Palace is to make others believe it is inartificial. It covers an area of 70 thousand square meters and holds over 3000 houses. In 1860 and 1900 it was destroyed by invaders and in 1912 it was rebuilt by the Government of Qing Dynasty. In 1924, it began to be open to tourists.

It is one of the loveliest spots in Beijing. Not all the buildings are open to the public, but many are, and the others continue to enhance the park with their design and decoration, nestled into the landscape.

The arched bridges, pretty promenades, decorated corridors, and ‘breezeways’ (a hallway that allows the passage of a breeze between structures)  lead visitors through ever-changing views and scenery.

Discover more about the Summer Palace, please visit http://www.beijing-haidian.com/garden/

9 Tips for Visiting the Summer Palace

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　　Plan your Beijing Tour? Summer Palace was a royal palace in later Qing Dynasty, only secondary to the Forbidden City ( now the Palace Museum ). Summer Palace is actually not just a royal palace where once Princess Dowager Cixi and the emperor lived and handled court affairs, accepted laudations and received foreign diplomats during their stay in the Summer Palace. It also epitomizes classical Chinese architecture, in terms of both garden design and construction. It is the largest royal garden in Beijing, now a good retreat for holiday makers.

　　

　　Tip # 01: How to time your visit

　　Normally 2-3 hours are needed to walk around Summer Palace itself. With your time on the city transportation included, you are advised to have allocate at least half day in visiting Summer Palace. Summer Palace presents itself with different views for different seasons.Winter sees people skiing on the Kunming Lake; Spring time finds people breathe under fresh trees and flowers; Summer time often sees Summer Palace in a foggy day like a beautiful “water and mountain” Chinese scroll painting. Autumn is the best time walking around Summer Palace, clear and blue sky with comfortable weather.

　　Tip # 02: How to get to Summer Palace

　　Metro Line

　　1. Subway Line 4:

　　Take subway line 4 to the northest direction and get off at the last but one of Beigongmen (北宫门) and exit from Exit D and walk to the west, soon you will see the north gate ( Beigongmen Gate )to Summer Palace 颐和园 (entrance fee:RMB30) on your left side.

　　2. Subway Line 10

　　Take subway line 10 to Bagou station at the end of Line 10, and then get a taxi from outside the station to the New Palace Gate (新建宫门). Or you may just walk for about 1.5km from Bagou Station to the New Palace Gate. Get off Bagou Station, follow your nose, you will meet a river, then turn right and walk along the river bank till the New Palace Gate of Summer Palace. If confused upon which way to go upon leaving the subway, just follow the crowd.

　　Public Bus:

　　Buses via the East Gate of the Summer Palace (颐和园正门, 东宫门)

　　Bus 330、331、332、346、394、712、718、726、732、737、801、808、817、826

　　Buses via the North Gate of the Summer Palace (北宫门)

　　Bus 303、330、331、346、375、384、393、634、716、718、737、801、808、817、834、Express 5

　　Buses via the South Gate of the Summer Palace (新建宫门)

　　Bus 374、437、481、952、704、992

　　Taxi Fare

　　A taxi from Beijing city center will cost about RMB 80 and take about 50 minutes without much traffic. As you finish your tour and exit, you will find some taxi drviers are reluctant or even refuse to use the meter, only do a set rate, and most don’t want to go all the way back to Beijing at all, so this can be troublesome.

　　Tip # 03: Buy a correct entrance ticket

　　There are two kinds of tickets – Entrance ticket for the garden-like complex and through ticket both for the complex itself also attractions inside the Summer Palace complex.

　　The ticket prices are divided onto two categories – Low Season ad Peak Season.

　　

　　Note:

　　1. You are advised to buy entrance tickets instead of through tickets.

　　2. Once you enter the park of Summer Palace and are also interested in some of the paid attractions inside the park, you may purchase a separate admission ticket one by one.

　　3. Students enjoy half prices.

　　4. Children under 1.2m high are free of charge.

　　Tip # 04: English speaking tour guides in Summer Palace

　　As for English speaking tour guides in Summer Palace, you have the following three choices:

　　1. Hire the official tour guides attached to Summer Palace at East Palace Gate (the main gate) 东宫门.

　　2. Hire recorded audio guides at any of the four gates of Summer Palace. You can return the audio guide at any gates.

　　3. There are some self-employed English speaking tour guides by the entrance gates who will actively come up to you and ask you to buy their service. Not advised to use their service.

　　

　　Tip # 05: Choose the right entrance gate and tour route

　　So there are three main entrances to Summer Palace – East Palace Gate (the main gate), North Palace Gate and New Palace Gate (south gate). You should get to know the gate you will go through, especially when you take a taxi or bus. Entering Summer Palace via the different three gates, you will have three different tour routes visiting Summer Palace.

　　Starting from New Palace Gate (south gate) Loop Line Route: New Palace Gate – Walk north along East Dyke – the former Court Area (the East Palace Gate, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity…) – Long Corridor – Longevity Hill – Marble Boat – Ferry Boat and back to New Palace Gate (loop line)

　　Starting from East Palace Gate Route: East Palace Gate – the former Court Area (the East Palace Gate, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity…) – Long Corridor – Longevity Hill – Marble Boat – Ferry Boat – New Palace Gate

　　Starting from North Palace Gate: North Palace Gate – Suzhou Street – Marble Boat – Longevity Hill – Long Corridor – the former court area – East Palace Gate

　　Tip # 06: Familiar with its 3-part layout

　　The three tour routes are centered around the three main parts in Summer Palace:

　　The Former Court Area; a royal palace where once Princess Dowager Cixi and the emperor lived and handled court affairs, accepted laudations and received foreign diplomats during their stay in the Summer Palace.

　　

　　Long Corridor and Longevity Hill; The second part features the Long Corridor, the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Hall of the Sea of Wisdom, the Back Lake, the Suzhou Market and Longevity Hill.

　　Kunming Lake and Nanhu Isle: The last part is Kunming Lake, which consists of the Marble Boat, Nanhu Island, the Bronze Ox and the beautiful 17-Arch Bridge.

　　Tip # 07: Prepare for a 2-3-hour outdoor sightseeing

　　Visiting Summer Palace needs some a little bit strong legs with a lot walking since Summer Palace is huge. Dress for the Hot or cold weather. The summer in Beijing could be humid and closed, simetimes extremely hot.

　　

　　Also winter could be very cold. So well prepared for the uncomfortable weather both in winter and summer. You are advised to wear your most comfortable shoes. It’s a long walk! Food choice in the complex is poor – typical fast food and snacks. So bring your own.

　　Tip # 08: Get to know the official notice to the visitors

　　1. No visitors are allowed to cross, climb, smoke, swim, skate, fish, spit, foul and litter and so on.

　　2. No visitors are allowed to camp, cook, fish, capture animals and dig plants inside.

　　3. No visitors are allowed to paint and carve on the buildings, ground, stone, facility and tree, and to pick the flowers and spoil the lawn and trees.

　　4. The north of pavilion of Wenchang and the east of Jiehu Bridge are fist-level fire-proof non-smoking

　　5. Expect for hand-powered wheelchairs and baby carriers used by the aged, the disabled, and children, any other vehicle are not allowed to enter without any permission.

　　6. The professional camera equipments are not allowed to use inside without any permission.

　　7. Without any permission, don’t perform, sing and make a noise so as to influence and disturb other visitors.

　　8. The tour guides inside must have guide qualification.

　　

　　Tip # 09: Opening Time:

　　High Season (From April 1 to Oct. 31)

　　Open: 6:30

　　Tickets stop selling at 18:00;

　　Close: 20:00

　　Low Season (From Nov. 1 to Mar. 31 next year)

　　Open: 7:00

　　Tickets stop selling at 17:00;

　　Close: 19：00

　　After the tickets stop selling, the visitors are not allowed to enter, and to leave on time.

What is Peking Opera?

　　Beijing Opera, also called "Eastern Opera," is a principle tradition in Chinese culture. It is called Beijing Opera because it is formed in Beijing.

　　Beijing Opera has a history of 200 years in which its fountainhead can be dated back to old local operas, especially Anhui Opera, which was very popular in northern China in the 18th century. In 1790, the first Anhui Opera performance was held in Beijing to celebrate the Emperor's birthday. Later, some other Anhui Opera troupes went on to perform in Beijing. Anhui Opera was easy to move and good at absorbing the acting styles of other types of operas. Beijing accumulated many local operas, which made Anhui Opera improve quickly.

Peking Opera

　　At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, after merging for 10 years, Beijing Opera finally formed, and became the biggest of all operas in China. Beijing Opera has a rich list of plays, artists, troupes, audiences, and wide influences, making it the foremost opera in China. Beijing Opera has a rich list of plays, artists, troupes, audiences, and wide influences, making it the foremost opera in China.

　　Beijing Opera is a comprehensive acting art. It blends singing, reading, acting, fighting, and dancing together by using acting methods to narrate stories and depict characters. The roles in Beijing Opera include the male, female, painted-face, and comedic roles. Besides, there are other supporting roles as well.

　　In addition, the types of facial make-up, especially concerning the color, are the most particular art in Beijing Opera, because they can symbolize the personalities, characteristics, and fates of the roles. It is widely acknowledged that the end of the 18th century was the most flourishing period in the development of Beijing Opera.

Peking Opera

　　During this time, there were lots of performances not only in folk places, but also in the palace.

　　The noble class loved Beijing Opera; the superior elements in the palace played a positive role in the performances, make-up, and stage setting. The mutual influence between palace and non-government places promoted Beijing Opera's development. From the 1920's to the 1940's of last century was the second flourishing period of Beijing Opera. The symbol of this period was the emergence of lots of sects of the opera. The four most famous were "Mei" (Mei Lanfang 1884-1961), "Shang" (Shang Xiaoyun 1900-1976), "Cheng" (Cheng Yanqiu 1904-1958), and "Xun" (Xun Huisheng 1900-1968). Every sect had its groups of actors and actresses. Furthermore, they were extremely active on the stage in Beijing, Shanghai, and so on. The art of Beijing Opera was very popular at that time.

     Dicover more about Beijing, please visit http://www.beijing-haidian.com/