The Temple of Heaven was initially built in Yongle year 18 of the Ming Dynasty (in 1420). Situated in the southern part of the city, it covers the total area of 273 hectares. With the additions and rebuild during the Ming, Qing and other Dynasties, this grand set of structures look magnificent and glorious, the dignified environment appears solemn and respectful, it is the place for both Ming and Qing Dynasty's Emperors to worship Heaven and pray for good harvest.
The northern part of the Temple is circular while the southern part is square, implies "sky is round and earth is square" to better symbolize heaven and earth. The whole compound is enclosed by two walls, dividing the whole Temple into inner and outer areas, with the main structures enclosed in the inner area.
The most important constructions are the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Heaven, The Imperial Vault of Heaven, Heaven Kitchen, Long Corridor and so on, as well as the Echo Wall, the Triple-Sound Stone, the Seven-Star Stone and others of historic interest and scenic beauty.
The Temple of Heaven is a comprehensive expression of the unique construction techniques from Ming and Qing Dynasties, it is China's most treasured ancient architecture, it is also the world's largest architectural complex for worship heaven. In 1998, it was included in the "list of the world heritages" by the United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Do you know? There are four wonderful sounds in the Temple of Heaven! It's worth your time to study the four wonderful sounds. 1. The echo from the Echo Wall - There is a circular wall around The Imperial Vault of Heaven, this is the famous Echo Wall. One person's mere whisper at any point close to the wall can be heard clearly on the other side if you draw your ear close to the wall, it is so clear that it is like talking on the phone. Do you want to know why? This is possible because the wall is round and hermetically constructed with smooth, solid bricks, so the sound wave can transmit to the other side via the extremely smooth inner circle. 2. The sound of the Dialogue Stone - If you speak while standing on the 18th stone in front of The Imperial Vault of Heaven, the sound can clearly pass to the northeast corner of the north side hall and the northwest of the west side hall that are both 36 meters away. The sound can be heard just as well on the stone when speaking from the corners of these two side halls, this is what we call the "Sound of the Dialogue Stone". 3. Repeating sounds of the Triple-Sound Stone - In front of the steps leading away from the hall is the Triple-Sound Stone. If you stand on the first stone and call out or clap your hands, the sound will echo once; on the second stone, the sound will be heard twice; and on the third stone, the sound will repeat three times. Hence it inherited the name. This is because the distances that the sound wave reflected from the round wall to the stone are different, the number of echo is also different. Take a guess which flagstone is at the center of the Echo Wall's? The third one. The echo actually gets repeated more than 3 times, it's just the sound is too weak to be heard after the 4th echo. 4. The hollow of the Heaven's Center Stone - There is a stone plate in the center of the Circular Mound Altar called the Heaven's Center Stone. Shouting aloud standing above, you will hear the reverberation of the echo. This is due to the refraction of the sound.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Tiananmen Square
The largest city central square in the world, the solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is not only the symbol of Beijing but also the symbol of China.
This immense courtyard is the site of many historic events.
The square is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices: Chinese Revolution History Museum, Mao Mausoleum, Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate), and Qianmen (Front Gate).
The daily flag ceremony at the square, performed at sunrise and sunset each day, is most exceptional and well-worth making time to view.
This immense courtyard is the site of many historic events.
The square is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices: Chinese Revolution History Museum, Mao Mausoleum, Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate), and Qianmen (Front Gate).
The daily flag ceremony at the square, performed at sunrise and sunset each day, is most exceptional and well-worth making time to view.
The Great Wall
The Great Wall, like the Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal(1) in India and the Hanging Garden of Babylon(2), is one of the great wonders of the world.
Starting out in the east on the banks of the Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi desert, thus known as the Ten Thousand Li Wall in China. The Wall climbs up and down, twists and turns along the ridges of the Yanshan and Yinshan Mountain Chains through five provinces--Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu--and two autonomous regions--Ningxia and Inner Mongolia, binding the northern China together.
Historical records trace the construction of the origin of the Wall to defensive fortification back to the year 656 B.C. during the reign of King Cheng of the States of Chu. Its construction continued throughout the Warring States period in the fifth Century B.C. when ducal states Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Qin were frequently plundered by the nomadic peoples living north of the Yinshan and Yanshan mountain ranges. Walls, then, were built separately by these ducal states to ward off such harassments. Later in 221 B.C., when Qin conquered the other states and unified China, Emperor Qinshihuang ordered the connection of these individual walls and further extensions to form the basis of the present great wall. As a matter of fact, a separate outer wall was constructed north of the Yinshan range in the Han Dynasty(206 BC--1644 BC.), which went to ruin through years of neglect. In the many intervening centuries, succeeding dynasties rebuilt parts of the Wall. The most extensive reinforcements and renovations were carried out in the Ming Dynasty (1368--1644) when altogether 18 lengthy stretches were reinforced with bricks and rocks. it is mostly the Ming Dynasty Wall that visitors see today.
The Great Wall is divided into two sections, the east and west, with Shanxi Province as the dividing line. The west part is a rammed earth construction, about 5.3 meters high on average. In the eastern part, the core of the Wall is rammed earth as well, but the outer shell is reinforced with bricks and rocks. The most imposing and best preserved sections of the Great Wall are at Badaling and Mutianyu, not far from Beijing and both are open to visitors.
The Wall of those sections is 7.8 meters high and 6.5 meters wide at its base, narrowing to 5.8 meters on the ramparts, wide enough for five horses to gallop abreast. There are ramparts, embrasures, peep-holes and apertures for archers on the top, besides gutters with gargoyles to drain rain-water off the parapet walk. Two-storied watch-towers are built at approximately 400-meters internals. The top stories of the watch-tower were designed for observing enemy movements, while the first was used for storing grain, fodder, military equipment and gunpowder as well as for quartering garrison soldiers. The highest watch-tower at Badaling standing on a hill-top, is reached only after a steep climb, like "climbing a ladder to heaven". The view from the top is rewarding, hoverer. The Wall follows the contour of mountains that rise one behind the other until they finally fade and merge with distant haze.
A signal system formerly existed that served to communicate military information to the dynastic capital. This consisted of beacon towers on the Wall itself and on mountain tops within sight of the Wall. At the approach of enemy troops, smoke signals gave the alarm from the beacon towers in the daytime and bonfire did this at night. Emergency signals could be relayed to the capital from distant places within a few hour long before the invention of anything like modern communications.
There stand 14 major passes (Guan, in Chinese) at places of strategic importance along the Great Wall, the most important being Shanghaiguan and Jiayuguan. Yet the most impressive one is Juyongguan, about 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing.
Known as "Tian Xia Di YI Guan" (The First Pass Under Heaven), Shanghaiguan Pass is situated between two sheer cliffs forming a neck connecting north China with the northeast. It had been, therefore, a key junction contested by all strategists and many famous battles were fought here. It was the gate of Shanghaiguan that the Ming general Wu Sangui opened to the Manchu army to suppress the peasant rebellion led by Li Zicheng and so surrendered the whole Ming empire to the Manchus, leading to the foundation of the Qing Dynasty. (1644-1911)
Jiayuguan Pass was not so much as the "Strategic pass Under the Heaven" as an important communication center in Chinese history. Cleft between the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the rolling Mazong Mountains, it was on the ancient Silk Road. Zhang Qian, the first envoy of Emperor Wu Di of the Western Han dynasty (206 B.C-24 A.D), crossed it on his journey to the western regions. Later, silk flowed to the west through this pass too. The gate-tower of Jiayuguan is an attractive building of excellent workmanship. It has an inner city and an outer city, the former square in shape and surrounded by a wall 11.7 meters high and 730 meters in circumference. It has two gates, an eastern one and a western one. On each gate sits a tower facing each other. the four corners of the wall are occupied by four watch towers, one for each.
Juyongguan, a gateway to ancient Beijing from Inner Mongolia, was built in a 15-kilometer long ravine flanked by mountains. The cavalrymen of Genghis Khan swept through it in the 13th century. At the center of the pass is a white marble platform named the Cloud terrace, which was called the Crossing-Street Dagoba, since its narrow arch spanned the main street of the pass and on the top of the terrace there used to be three stone dagobas, built in the Yuan Daynasty(1206-1368). At the bottom of the terrace is a half-octagonal arch gateway, interesting for its wealth of detail: it is decorated with splendid images of Buddha and four celestial guardians carved on the walls. The vividness of their expressions is matched by the exquisite workmanship. such grandiose relics works, with several stones pieced together, are rarely seen in ancient Chinese carving. The gate jambs bear a multi-lingual Buddhist sutra, carved some 600 years ago in Sanskrit(3), Tibetan, Mongolian, Uigur(4), Han Chinese and the language of Western Xia. Undoubtedly, they are valuable to the study of Buddhism and ancient languages.
As a cultural heritage, the Wall belongs not only to China but to the world. The Venice charter says: "Historical and cultural architecture not only includes the individual architectural works, but also the urban or rural environment that witnessed certain civilizations, significant social developments or historical events." The Great Wall is the largest of such historical and cultural architecture, and that is why it continues to be so attractive to people all over the world. In 1987, the Wall was listed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site.
Starting out in the east on the banks of the Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi desert, thus known as the Ten Thousand Li Wall in China. The Wall climbs up and down, twists and turns along the ridges of the Yanshan and Yinshan Mountain Chains through five provinces--Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu--and two autonomous regions--Ningxia and Inner Mongolia, binding the northern China together.
Historical records trace the construction of the origin of the Wall to defensive fortification back to the year 656 B.C. during the reign of King Cheng of the States of Chu. Its construction continued throughout the Warring States period in the fifth Century B.C. when ducal states Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Qin were frequently plundered by the nomadic peoples living north of the Yinshan and Yanshan mountain ranges. Walls, then, were built separately by these ducal states to ward off such harassments. Later in 221 B.C., when Qin conquered the other states and unified China, Emperor Qinshihuang ordered the connection of these individual walls and further extensions to form the basis of the present great wall. As a matter of fact, a separate outer wall was constructed north of the Yinshan range in the Han Dynasty(206 BC--1644 BC.), which went to ruin through years of neglect. In the many intervening centuries, succeeding dynasties rebuilt parts of the Wall. The most extensive reinforcements and renovations were carried out in the Ming Dynasty (1368--1644) when altogether 18 lengthy stretches were reinforced with bricks and rocks. it is mostly the Ming Dynasty Wall that visitors see today.
The Great Wall is divided into two sections, the east and west, with Shanxi Province as the dividing line. The west part is a rammed earth construction, about 5.3 meters high on average. In the eastern part, the core of the Wall is rammed earth as well, but the outer shell is reinforced with bricks and rocks. The most imposing and best preserved sections of the Great Wall are at Badaling and Mutianyu, not far from Beijing and both are open to visitors.
The Wall of those sections is 7.8 meters high and 6.5 meters wide at its base, narrowing to 5.8 meters on the ramparts, wide enough for five horses to gallop abreast. There are ramparts, embrasures, peep-holes and apertures for archers on the top, besides gutters with gargoyles to drain rain-water off the parapet walk. Two-storied watch-towers are built at approximately 400-meters internals. The top stories of the watch-tower were designed for observing enemy movements, while the first was used for storing grain, fodder, military equipment and gunpowder as well as for quartering garrison soldiers. The highest watch-tower at Badaling standing on a hill-top, is reached only after a steep climb, like "climbing a ladder to heaven". The view from the top is rewarding, hoverer. The Wall follows the contour of mountains that rise one behind the other until they finally fade and merge with distant haze.
A signal system formerly existed that served to communicate military information to the dynastic capital. This consisted of beacon towers on the Wall itself and on mountain tops within sight of the Wall. At the approach of enemy troops, smoke signals gave the alarm from the beacon towers in the daytime and bonfire did this at night. Emergency signals could be relayed to the capital from distant places within a few hour long before the invention of anything like modern communications.
There stand 14 major passes (Guan, in Chinese) at places of strategic importance along the Great Wall, the most important being Shanghaiguan and Jiayuguan. Yet the most impressive one is Juyongguan, about 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing.
Known as "Tian Xia Di YI Guan" (The First Pass Under Heaven), Shanghaiguan Pass is situated between two sheer cliffs forming a neck connecting north China with the northeast. It had been, therefore, a key junction contested by all strategists and many famous battles were fought here. It was the gate of Shanghaiguan that the Ming general Wu Sangui opened to the Manchu army to suppress the peasant rebellion led by Li Zicheng and so surrendered the whole Ming empire to the Manchus, leading to the foundation of the Qing Dynasty. (1644-1911)
Jiayuguan Pass was not so much as the "Strategic pass Under the Heaven" as an important communication center in Chinese history. Cleft between the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the rolling Mazong Mountains, it was on the ancient Silk Road. Zhang Qian, the first envoy of Emperor Wu Di of the Western Han dynasty (206 B.C-24 A.D), crossed it on his journey to the western regions. Later, silk flowed to the west through this pass too. The gate-tower of Jiayuguan is an attractive building of excellent workmanship. It has an inner city and an outer city, the former square in shape and surrounded by a wall 11.7 meters high and 730 meters in circumference. It has two gates, an eastern one and a western one. On each gate sits a tower facing each other. the four corners of the wall are occupied by four watch towers, one for each.
Juyongguan, a gateway to ancient Beijing from Inner Mongolia, was built in a 15-kilometer long ravine flanked by mountains. The cavalrymen of Genghis Khan swept through it in the 13th century. At the center of the pass is a white marble platform named the Cloud terrace, which was called the Crossing-Street Dagoba, since its narrow arch spanned the main street of the pass and on the top of the terrace there used to be three stone dagobas, built in the Yuan Daynasty(1206-1368). At the bottom of the terrace is a half-octagonal arch gateway, interesting for its wealth of detail: it is decorated with splendid images of Buddha and four celestial guardians carved on the walls. The vividness of their expressions is matched by the exquisite workmanship. such grandiose relics works, with several stones pieced together, are rarely seen in ancient Chinese carving. The gate jambs bear a multi-lingual Buddhist sutra, carved some 600 years ago in Sanskrit(3), Tibetan, Mongolian, Uigur(4), Han Chinese and the language of Western Xia. Undoubtedly, they are valuable to the study of Buddhism and ancient languages.
As a cultural heritage, the Wall belongs not only to China but to the world. The Venice charter says: "Historical and cultural architecture not only includes the individual architectural works, but also the urban or rural environment that witnessed certain civilizations, significant social developments or historical events." The Great Wall is the largest of such historical and cultural architecture, and that is why it continues to be so attractive to people all over the world. In 1987, the Wall was listed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Testing Equipment
Impact testing is designed to measure the performance of an object under high-rate loading. Instron offers a complete range of proven solutions for impact testing both raw material specimens and finished components. Our family of advanced instruments includes: instrumented drop weight towers, servohydraulic high rate systems, and pendulum testers.
With unparalleled ease of use and quality of results, Instron’s MicroImpact Testing System is the next generation tool for measuring and comparing the impact performance properties of microelectronics materials and structures.
envitonmental monitoring and testing equipment
Impact resistance is one of the most important properties for a part designer to consider, and without question, the most difficult to quantify. The impact resistance of a part is, in many applications, a critical measure of service life. More importantly these days, it involves the perplexing problem of product safety and liability.
Detection equipment maintenance vehicles equipped with professionals engaged in the research and development of new products. 8 : latest products, the main beam infrared computer series four-wheel positioning devices, ultrasonic motor nozzle detection washing machine series Universal electrical test series, and the pumping / tanker Series microcomputer control functions and the various functions of the three-phase Charger and Charger Series Start of three-phase voltage regulator power supply exclusive deal serious motor vehicle starter and power series Automobile external plastic aircraft series, the word recycling machines R12/R134 series of oil-water separator. disassembly, cleaning machine scores of the series, more than 100 kinds of products.
integrated circuits, electronic components test, testing and technical advice, equipment and electronic products for testing computer software related research, technology development, and marketing of computer accessories, electronic products, instrument.
With unparalleled ease of use and quality of results, Instron’s MicroImpact Testing System is the next generation tool for measuring and comparing the impact performance properties of microelectronics materials and structures.
envitonmental monitoring and testing equipment
Impact resistance is one of the most important properties for a part designer to consider, and without question, the most difficult to quantify. The impact resistance of a part is, in many applications, a critical measure of service life. More importantly these days, it involves the perplexing problem of product safety and liability.
Detection equipment maintenance vehicles equipped with professionals engaged in the research and development of new products. 8 : latest products, the main beam infrared computer series four-wheel positioning devices, ultrasonic motor nozzle detection washing machine series Universal electrical test series, and the pumping / tanker Series microcomputer control functions and the various functions of the three-phase Charger and Charger Series Start of three-phase voltage regulator power supply exclusive deal serious motor vehicle starter and power series Automobile external plastic aircraft series, the word recycling machines R12/R134 series of oil-water separator. disassembly, cleaning machine scores of the series, more than 100 kinds of products.
integrated circuits, electronic components test, testing and technical advice, equipment and electronic products for testing computer software related research, technology development, and marketing of computer accessories, electronic products, instrument.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Cancer and food
Current research indicates that the foods we eat can influence our susceptibility to certain types of cancer. Generally, high energy and high fat diets, which can lead to obesity, are thought to increase the risk of some cancers. Plant-based diets high in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains may help to prevent cancer.
Diet is just one of the lifestyle factors that influence the risk of developing cancer. Smoking, obesity, alcohol, sun exposure and physical activity levels are also important.
Food and some common cancersSome common cancers (and how they are affected by what we eat) include:
Lung cancer – this is the leading cause of death from cancer in the world and smoking is mostly responsible. There is convincing evidence that diets high in vegetables and fruits are protective against lung cancer. It is thought that compounds called carotenoids (present in significant amounts in fruits and vegetables), as well as vitamin E, are probably responsible for some of this effect. However, the use of antioxidant supplements, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, has not been proven to be effective in either prevention or treatment of lung cancer and may, in fact, increase the risk of developing cancer in those who smoke. Breast cancer – this is the most common type of cancer in women in the world. There is an increased risk of breast cancer with factors such as rapid early growth, greater adult height and weight gain in adulthood. Much of the risk of developing breast cancer involves factors that influence oestrogen levels during a woman’s reproductive life, such as age of menarche (first period), number of pregnancies and breastfeeding practices. Obese postmenopausal women have more than twice the average risk of breast cancer. Diets high in mono-unsaturated fat and high in vegetables and fruits may reduce the risk, while alcohol consumption increases the risk. Prostate cancer – this is the third most common cause of death of men in Australia. Vegetables – soy in particular – may decrease the risk, while a high fat diet that comprises mostly animal fat sources (such as dairy products, fatty meats and takeaway foods) may increase the risk. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, tomato-based products, watermelon and strawberries. It may also help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Bowel cancer – this is the fourth most common cancer in the world. Up to 70 per cent of cases can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity and a diet high in vegetables and fibre are protective, while a high red meat intake (especially processed meat) and alcohol may increase the risk.Foods to ‘eat less’Foods to limit in your diet or eat less of include: Fatty processed red meats Highly processed foods that are low in fibre Heavily salted and pickled foods.Foods to ‘eat more’The strongest protective anti-cancer effect has been shown with: Vegetables, especially raw vegetables or salads Leafy green vegetables Carrots Tomatoes Citrus fruits Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and other Asian greens.Include more of these vegetables and fruits in your diet along with other varieties.
Seven a dayEating seven or more serves daily of a variety of grains, grain products, legumes, roots and tubers will also provide protective benefits against cancer. The less processed the grains, the better. Diets high in refined starch and refined sugar may increase the risk of stomach cancer and bowel cancer.
Meat and cancer – the research is not clearThere has been a lot of conflicting scientific evidence about the role of red meat, in particular processed meat, in relation to cancer risk. There is sufficient evidence to suggest a link between processed meat and an increase in colon cancer risk. While not all studies claim to see an effect, no studies have found that eating red meat is protective against developing cancer.
Some research suggests that eating burnt or charred meat may increase cancer risk, but the evidence is unclear.
It may be that meat itself does not cause cancer, but that meat-rich diets simply don’t provide as much protection against cancer as plant foods. Experts recommend eating around 65 to 100g of red meat three to four times a week.
Fats and cancerThere has been a great deal of interest in the possible association between fat and cancer. Current evidence does not indicate a direct link between fat intake and particular types of cancer (with the possible exception of prostate cancer). However, a high fat diet may lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for several cancers including cancer of the colon, breast, kidney, oesophagus, gallbladder and endometrium.
Supplements are not the answerResults of studies that show a protective effect of foods containing certain nutrients should not be taken to mean that these nutrients, when isolated and taken as supplements, will provide the same benefits for cancer prevention. In some cases, there has been an increased risk of cancer in those people who take supplements.
Suspect foods examinedWhile a high energy, low fibre diet may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer, some individual foods have also been singled out as potentially causing cancer (carcinogenic). These include: Artificial sweeteners – such as aspartame, saccharin and cyclamate. Laboratory rats can develop bladder cancer if fed huge amounts of saccharin or cyclamate, although this is at levels thousands of times greater than a normal diet. International studies agree that humans aren’t affected in the same way. Artificial sweeteners are considered safe to eat. Cured, pickled or salty foods – there is no conclusive evidence that red meat causes cancer. However, bacon and other cured or pickled meats contain a substance called nitrate, which has the potential to cause cancer in laboratory animals when eaten in huge doses. How this research relates to humans isn’t clear. To be on the safe side, it is best to limit the amount of cured meats in the diet because they are generally high in fat and salt. Salt has also been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer and should be consumed in limited amounts. Burnt or barbecued foods – a group of carcinogenic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be produced if foods are overheated or burnt. Although charred or smoked foods could contain traces of PAHs, experts agree that the amount in the average Australian diet is too low to be considered a significant cancer risk. When cooking, it’s best to use relatively low temperature methods wherever possible. These include steaming, boiling, poaching, stewing, casseroling, braising, baking, stir-frying, microwaving or roasting. Avoiding char-grilled meats and foods would also be smart. Peanuts – some laboratory animals can develop cancer after eating peanuts that are contaminated with toxin-producing moulds. However, peanuts sold in Australia are generally uncontaminated and contamination is routinely screened for. Alcohol – consuming alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, breast and liver. The risk is even greater in those people who smoke. Alcohol has also been associated with colon, breast and rectal cancers. Men should drink less than two standard drinks a day and women less than one standard drink a day.Treating cancer with foodWhile food plays an important role in preventing some cancers, the therapeutic value of food in treating existing cancer is less clear. It is true that a person with cancer needs excellent nutrition in order to better cope with the physical demands of the illness and the rigours of medical treatment. However, claims that particular foods, vitamins or micronutrients can kill cancer cells should be viewed with skepticism. To date, there is little scientific proof that a particular food or supplement can cure cancer or destroy cancer cells.
Recently some Japanese studies have found that green tea may delay the development and spread of certain cancers. Other studies have suggested that soy may also have a similar effect. Although this work is preliminary, it may suggest a more important role for food in the treatment of cancer in the future.
Nutrition for the person with cancer is important for many reasons, including: The immune system needs bolstering to fight at full strength. The diet may be adjusted to cope with various symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhoea or nausea. Loss of appetite or an increased metabolism means that high energy foods may need to be included in the daily diet. Extra protein may be needed to help prevent loss of muscle from weight loss.Where to get help Your doctor An accredited practising dietitian (APD) www.daa.asn.au Nutrition Australia www.nutritionaustralia.orgThings to remember High fat, low fibre diets may increase the risk of many cancers, including bowel, lung, prostate and uterine cancers. You can reduce your risk of developing cancer by eating more fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables and wholegrain foods. Even though diet can influence your risk of developing cancer, there is little evidence that special foods can be used to cure existing cancers.
Diet is just one of the lifestyle factors that influence the risk of developing cancer. Smoking, obesity, alcohol, sun exposure and physical activity levels are also important.
Food and some common cancersSome common cancers (and how they are affected by what we eat) include:
Lung cancer – this is the leading cause of death from cancer in the world and smoking is mostly responsible. There is convincing evidence that diets high in vegetables and fruits are protective against lung cancer. It is thought that compounds called carotenoids (present in significant amounts in fruits and vegetables), as well as vitamin E, are probably responsible for some of this effect. However, the use of antioxidant supplements, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, has not been proven to be effective in either prevention or treatment of lung cancer and may, in fact, increase the risk of developing cancer in those who smoke. Breast cancer – this is the most common type of cancer in women in the world. There is an increased risk of breast cancer with factors such as rapid early growth, greater adult height and weight gain in adulthood. Much of the risk of developing breast cancer involves factors that influence oestrogen levels during a woman’s reproductive life, such as age of menarche (first period), number of pregnancies and breastfeeding practices. Obese postmenopausal women have more than twice the average risk of breast cancer. Diets high in mono-unsaturated fat and high in vegetables and fruits may reduce the risk, while alcohol consumption increases the risk. Prostate cancer – this is the third most common cause of death of men in Australia. Vegetables – soy in particular – may decrease the risk, while a high fat diet that comprises mostly animal fat sources (such as dairy products, fatty meats and takeaway foods) may increase the risk. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, tomato-based products, watermelon and strawberries. It may also help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Bowel cancer – this is the fourth most common cancer in the world. Up to 70 per cent of cases can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity and a diet high in vegetables and fibre are protective, while a high red meat intake (especially processed meat) and alcohol may increase the risk.Foods to ‘eat less’Foods to limit in your diet or eat less of include: Fatty processed red meats Highly processed foods that are low in fibre Heavily salted and pickled foods.Foods to ‘eat more’The strongest protective anti-cancer effect has been shown with: Vegetables, especially raw vegetables or salads Leafy green vegetables Carrots Tomatoes Citrus fruits Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and other Asian greens.Include more of these vegetables and fruits in your diet along with other varieties.
Seven a dayEating seven or more serves daily of a variety of grains, grain products, legumes, roots and tubers will also provide protective benefits against cancer. The less processed the grains, the better. Diets high in refined starch and refined sugar may increase the risk of stomach cancer and bowel cancer.
Meat and cancer – the research is not clearThere has been a lot of conflicting scientific evidence about the role of red meat, in particular processed meat, in relation to cancer risk. There is sufficient evidence to suggest a link between processed meat and an increase in colon cancer risk. While not all studies claim to see an effect, no studies have found that eating red meat is protective against developing cancer.
Some research suggests that eating burnt or charred meat may increase cancer risk, but the evidence is unclear.
It may be that meat itself does not cause cancer, but that meat-rich diets simply don’t provide as much protection against cancer as plant foods. Experts recommend eating around 65 to 100g of red meat three to four times a week.
Fats and cancerThere has been a great deal of interest in the possible association between fat and cancer. Current evidence does not indicate a direct link between fat intake and particular types of cancer (with the possible exception of prostate cancer). However, a high fat diet may lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for several cancers including cancer of the colon, breast, kidney, oesophagus, gallbladder and endometrium.
Supplements are not the answerResults of studies that show a protective effect of foods containing certain nutrients should not be taken to mean that these nutrients, when isolated and taken as supplements, will provide the same benefits for cancer prevention. In some cases, there has been an increased risk of cancer in those people who take supplements.
Suspect foods examinedWhile a high energy, low fibre diet may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer, some individual foods have also been singled out as potentially causing cancer (carcinogenic). These include: Artificial sweeteners – such as aspartame, saccharin and cyclamate. Laboratory rats can develop bladder cancer if fed huge amounts of saccharin or cyclamate, although this is at levels thousands of times greater than a normal diet. International studies agree that humans aren’t affected in the same way. Artificial sweeteners are considered safe to eat. Cured, pickled or salty foods – there is no conclusive evidence that red meat causes cancer. However, bacon and other cured or pickled meats contain a substance called nitrate, which has the potential to cause cancer in laboratory animals when eaten in huge doses. How this research relates to humans isn’t clear. To be on the safe side, it is best to limit the amount of cured meats in the diet because they are generally high in fat and salt. Salt has also been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer and should be consumed in limited amounts. Burnt or barbecued foods – a group of carcinogenic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be produced if foods are overheated or burnt. Although charred or smoked foods could contain traces of PAHs, experts agree that the amount in the average Australian diet is too low to be considered a significant cancer risk. When cooking, it’s best to use relatively low temperature methods wherever possible. These include steaming, boiling, poaching, stewing, casseroling, braising, baking, stir-frying, microwaving or roasting. Avoiding char-grilled meats and foods would also be smart. Peanuts – some laboratory animals can develop cancer after eating peanuts that are contaminated with toxin-producing moulds. However, peanuts sold in Australia are generally uncontaminated and contamination is routinely screened for. Alcohol – consuming alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, breast and liver. The risk is even greater in those people who smoke. Alcohol has also been associated with colon, breast and rectal cancers. Men should drink less than two standard drinks a day and women less than one standard drink a day.Treating cancer with foodWhile food plays an important role in preventing some cancers, the therapeutic value of food in treating existing cancer is less clear. It is true that a person with cancer needs excellent nutrition in order to better cope with the physical demands of the illness and the rigours of medical treatment. However, claims that particular foods, vitamins or micronutrients can kill cancer cells should be viewed with skepticism. To date, there is little scientific proof that a particular food or supplement can cure cancer or destroy cancer cells.
Recently some Japanese studies have found that green tea may delay the development and spread of certain cancers. Other studies have suggested that soy may also have a similar effect. Although this work is preliminary, it may suggest a more important role for food in the treatment of cancer in the future.
Nutrition for the person with cancer is important for many reasons, including: The immune system needs bolstering to fight at full strength. The diet may be adjusted to cope with various symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhoea or nausea. Loss of appetite or an increased metabolism means that high energy foods may need to be included in the daily diet. Extra protein may be needed to help prevent loss of muscle from weight loss.Where to get help Your doctor An accredited practising dietitian (APD) www.daa.asn.au Nutrition Australia www.nutritionaustralia.orgThings to remember High fat, low fibre diets may increase the risk of many cancers, including bowel, lung, prostate and uterine cancers. You can reduce your risk of developing cancer by eating more fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables and wholegrain foods. Even though diet can influence your risk of developing cancer, there is little evidence that special foods can be used to cure existing cancers.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Hong Kong to hold more promotional activities for 2008 Beijing
A series of promotional activities will be held for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, starting with 300-day countdown celebrations in mid-October, the Home Affairs Bureau of Hong Kong said here on Sunday.
A spokesman of Home Affairs Bureau said the atmosphere will continue to be built up with 200-day and 100-day countdown activities, and a torch relay in next May.
"We believe all of these events will attract a large audience and help promote Hong Kong's international image as a co-host Olympic city," the spokesman said.
The Home Affairs Bureau has engaged to arouse public awareness of the 2008 Beijing Olympics with special emphasis on the events co-hosted by Hong Kong, to promote the Olympic Spirit and equestrian sport, and to encourage community participation in full, through promotional activities locally and abroad.
The one-year countdown celebrations were held in August in front of Victoria Harbor with local athletes counting down the seconds to this world's great events.
A spokesman of Home Affairs Bureau said the atmosphere will continue to be built up with 200-day and 100-day countdown activities, and a torch relay in next May.
"We believe all of these events will attract a large audience and help promote Hong Kong's international image as a co-host Olympic city," the spokesman said.
The Home Affairs Bureau has engaged to arouse public awareness of the 2008 Beijing Olympics with special emphasis on the events co-hosted by Hong Kong, to promote the Olympic Spirit and equestrian sport, and to encourage community participation in full, through promotional activities locally and abroad.
The one-year countdown celebrations were held in August in front of Victoria Harbor with local athletes counting down the seconds to this world's great events.
Beijing Olympic "Bird's Nest" model on sale
Nearly a hundred medium-sized metal scale models of the Olympic centerpiece were sold at an Olympic-licensed flag-store, as the products were launched on the market.
It all looked like collector's fiesta. A long queue of customers awaited the opening of the store on Wangfujing Street, the busiest commercial street of downtown Beijing. One person said he had waited here all night since 11 pm Tuesday night. Within no more than one hour after the product was presented to the public, the products at the store were sold out.
"I am glad now that I have managed to lay hold of the first 'Bird' Nest' model. This model is very beautiful and of very high value for collectors," said a customer at the store, who admits he's not a professional.
With a limited issue of 99,999, the models are gold- and tin-plated, outlining the detailed structures of the stadium, including the entrances and stairways, as well as the surrounding landscape.
The models will also be available in two other sizes -- small and large -- and the price ranges from 900 yuan (120 U.S. dollars) to 4,000 yuan (530 dollars), depending on the size. The escutcheons of the models currently on sale, as well as the large-sized ones, are made of spare steel from the stadium.
The other two types will be launched at the end of this month. The large-sized models will have a limited issue of 20,000.
It all looked like collector's fiesta. A long queue of customers awaited the opening of the store on Wangfujing Street, the busiest commercial street of downtown Beijing. One person said he had waited here all night since 11 pm Tuesday night. Within no more than one hour after the product was presented to the public, the products at the store were sold out.
"I am glad now that I have managed to lay hold of the first 'Bird' Nest' model. This model is very beautiful and of very high value for collectors," said a customer at the store, who admits he's not a professional.
With a limited issue of 99,999, the models are gold- and tin-plated, outlining the detailed structures of the stadium, including the entrances and stairways, as well as the surrounding landscape.
The models will also be available in two other sizes -- small and large -- and the price ranges from 900 yuan (120 U.S. dollars) to 4,000 yuan (530 dollars), depending on the size. The escutcheons of the models currently on sale, as well as the large-sized ones, are made of spare steel from the stadium.
The other two types will be launched at the end of this month. The large-sized models will have a limited issue of 20,000.
Olympic champion Liu Xiang has no plan to retire
Chinese hurdler and superstar Liu Xiang has no plan to retire and may compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, his coach Sun Haiping has said.
Liu is preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and is in good conditions. He has the potential to break world record next year if weather, wind and other conditions permit, Sun, who is in Beijing attending the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a delegate, said on the sidelines of the conference.
"Possible injuries and illnesses during Liu's training concern me most," said the coach.
Liu, world record holder of the men's 110m hurdles at 12.88 seconds, became a hero and youth idol in China after he won the first Olympic track and field gold for the Chinese male athletes in the 2004 Athens Games.
Liu will be 29 years old when the London Olympic Games comes.
Sun said that Liu Xiang would attend less commercial and social activities next year so as to get better prepared for the Beijing Olympic Games.
Liu Xiang, a CPC member, saw Sun Haiping off when Sun left for the CPC National Congress in Beijing.
Liu Xiang and Chinese basketball star Yao Ming have been included in the second edition of the Encyclopedia of China.
While delivering a political report at the opening of the CPC national congress on Monday, Hu Jintao appealed for the success of the 2008 Olympic Games.
(Xinhua)
Vocabulary:
the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China
Liu is preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and is in good conditions. He has the potential to break world record next year if weather, wind and other conditions permit, Sun, who is in Beijing attending the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a delegate, said on the sidelines of the conference.
"Possible injuries and illnesses during Liu's training concern me most," said the coach.
Liu, world record holder of the men's 110m hurdles at 12.88 seconds, became a hero and youth idol in China after he won the first Olympic track and field gold for the Chinese male athletes in the 2004 Athens Games.
Liu will be 29 years old when the London Olympic Games comes.
Sun said that Liu Xiang would attend less commercial and social activities next year so as to get better prepared for the Beijing Olympic Games.
Liu Xiang, a CPC member, saw Sun Haiping off when Sun left for the CPC National Congress in Beijing.
Liu Xiang and Chinese basketball star Yao Ming have been included in the second edition of the Encyclopedia of China.
While delivering a political report at the opening of the CPC national congress on Monday, Hu Jintao appealed for the success of the 2008 Olympic Games.
(Xinhua)
Vocabulary:
the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China
Love of my life by Queen
Love of my life you've hurt meYou've broken my heart and now you leave meLove of my life can't you see Bring it back bring it backDon't take it away from meBecause you don't knowWhat it means to me
Love of my life don't leave meYou've taken my love you now desert meLove of my life can't you seeBring it back bring it backDon't take it away from meBecause you don't knowWhat it means to me
You will rememberWhen this is blown overAnd everything's all by the wayWhen I grow olderI will be there at your side to remind youHow I still love you I still love you
Back hurry backPlease bring it back home to meBecause you don't knowWhat it means to meLove of my lifeLove of my life
Love of my life don't leave meYou've taken my love you now desert meLove of my life can't you seeBring it back bring it backDon't take it away from meBecause you don't knowWhat it means to me
You will rememberWhen this is blown overAnd everything's all by the wayWhen I grow olderI will be there at your side to remind youHow I still love you I still love you
Back hurry backPlease bring it back home to meBecause you don't knowWhat it means to meLove of my lifeLove of my life
Yao Ming promotes bone marrow donation in Beijing
A nurse collects blood sample from NBA star Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets at an activity held in the Renmin University of China in Beijing September 4, 2005. Yao and students from ten Chinese universities took part in the event promoting the donation of hematopoietic stem cell, or bone marrow.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
AN BEST MBA PROGREM EARNING
With a Best MBA degree in business from the Berufsacademie in Lorrrach, Hans-Juergen Huber had already built a successful career in the multi-media sector when he decided it was time to take an MBA or Masters in Business Administration. “I felt that I needed a Best MBA greater appreciation of strategy and organisational development if I really wanted to make significant progress up the career ladder,” he says, “MBA and I wanted to build on the knowledge I’d picked up in my first degree. I also wanted the option to be able to work overseas, to see more of the world than just Germany and if I was going to satisfy this ambition, I knew I would need to get some sort of internationally recognised business qualification. An MBA was the logical choice.” Alfred Dietel from Munich, currently studying at Manchester MBA Business School in the UK shares Hans-Juergen’s view that an international career calls for an international qualification. “I had got used to working in an international environment whilst with Siemens,” he says. “I’d spent time in the MBA USA in a business development role and I’d been a part of teams with members from right around the world. After that, the idea of being confined to the boundaries of Germany held little appeal. An MBA seemed an ideal way of developing new skills and at the same time building an MBA international network of contacts that would be invaluable in my future MBA career.” One of the international organisations, which has shown a real commitment to the of an MBA is the global healthcare company Bayer, headquartered in Leverkusen. Bayer recruits potential future MBA managers into a professional apprenticeship scheme, which encompasses sponsorship of an MBA at a school in the USA, UK, Spain or Singapore. Susann Blankenhagel from Dresden joined the scheme straight from MBA university and has now been sent by the company to study for an MBA at the Spanish business school, IE-Instituto de Empresa, which is based in Madrid. “One of the main reasons for MBA joining Bayer was because it offered the chance to work overseas,” says Susann, “so it was a real bonus to be able to MBA study for what is now recognised as the top international MBA business qualification.” Excessive, repetitive, or irrelevant key words in the content or code of web pages Deceptive or manipulative content or MBA construction to improve your site's search engine ranking, For more details on these errors and how to resolve them, visit our Site Diagnostics entry. Your web page may MBA contain unfocused content.If your web page contains a large amount of unfocused content -- multiple navigation bars, blog posts which are unrelated to one another, or a large amount of text not relevant to the specific page -- our system may display ads which are more relevant to the MBA extraneous content than to the primary content. In these cases, we recommend using our MBA section targeting feature to help our crawlers determine which content to emphasize or downplay. At this time, pages that require a login can not be easily visited by our MBA crawlers. Additionally, since these types of pages are not easily visited for approval and it is difficult for our MBA specialists to verify that pages behind a log in follow policies, we are unable to offer support for these pages. Another MBA German company that has developed a global business is Allianz, which now owns businesses in some 70 countries around the MBA globe. According to Michael Diekmann, Chairman of the Board of Management, Allianz sees MBAs as an important source of international management talent in the same way as Deutsche Post World Net. “In Germany, for example, top MBA graduates with prior work experience may enter the ‘Fast-Track’ MBA Management Development program in insurance, finance or IT”, says Diekmann. “This consists of assignments over three to four years MBA building towards a significant strategic management role. online MBA degree Earning an Best MBA degree has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many business schools have recognized this trend and now offer correspondence programs.The admission process for online MBA programs varies depending upon the business school. Many MBA programs do not require face-to-face interviews, but other application procedures are similar to traditional MBA programs.An online MBA program has several advantages. It is more flexible because applicants can customize their schedules according to individual time constraints. Best MBA programs offer geographical flexibility, allowing students to attend online classes. An Best MBA program will cause little disruption to the applicant? professional life, and is the Best MBA people who wish to enhance their skill set or who require focused training. Seasoned managers often cannot afford the time required by a full-time MBA degree; an online program can offer them exposure to new knowledge and theories without the Best MBA .Students of MBA programs study the theory and application of business and management principles. This type of study equips students the Best MBA Program .
MBA FAQ
What is an MBA?
An MBA is a post graduate degree in business communication. MBA stands for Masters of Business Administration and is a very popular course for business students the world over. The MBA program is recognized worldwide and is considered as a major step towards a successful business management career.
What will I gain from doing an MBA?
An MBA program strives to equip its students with all the necessary knowledge, theoretical as well as practical, which can benefit them tremendously in managerial and administrative jobs. This does not apply only to business, as is usually understood by most people, but can also benefit people to get into executive positions in the public sector and government jobs as well.
What skills will I pick up from doing an MBA?
You will learn a range of valuable skills from the MBA program, such as:
Business Knowledge: The MBA program and business schools give you valuable knowledge about business and all its related aspects. You learn about business strategies and concepts, not just on paper, but the training and internship required in an MBA course, teaches you how to use these skills in practical life and in day to day business operations.
Leadership Abilities: An MBA degree involves rigorous training, assignments, reports, presentations, and group projects, all of which give you the necessary abilities to handle real-life business situations. This helps to set you apart from those who do not have such expertise and can make you a leader in your chosen field.
Networking: The alliances that you form with your classmates and the network that you create is deemed as one of the most important and valuable things that an MBA program can give you. MBA graduates have often felt that the associations formed during the MBA course are resources that are invaluable and can be drawn upon for years after the MBA degree has been achieved.
Who is eligible for these programs?
While most schools and educational institutions that offer MBA programs have their respective criteria for getting into an MBA course, the two most significant factors that are common to most schools and MBA courses are:
Age and Experience: The average age of students applying for the MBA is about 26-30 years. Most schools require their applicants to have 4-5 years of prior work experience before joining an MBA course. Since experience is usually believed to come with age, those under 25 are generally not accepted for an MBA program as it is assumed that such students do not have the required work experience.
GMAT Score: Having a GMAT score in excess of 600 is essential if you wish to get into the A grade MBA schools. Although just a good GMAT score is not a guarantee for admission to an MBA program, it does better your chances tremendously.
Will an MBA improve my career prospects?
An MBA degree provides you with innumerable career opportunities in various fields. It is especially beneficial to get jobs in high level positions such as managerial and executive level jobs. Whether you are looking to further your career in your existing job or are looking to change your job and start your career afresh, an MBA degree can be very valuable in either scenario.
With an MBA degree under their belt, employees have a whole new world opened up to them and are elevated to managerial positions on the strength of the additional abilities and knowledge gained through the MBA program. If you are looking for a change in careers, an MBA degree can be invaluable in careers such as:
Marketing
Finance
Government positions
Ability to improve your own business
An MBA is a post graduate degree in business communication. MBA stands for Masters of Business Administration and is a very popular course for business students the world over. The MBA program is recognized worldwide and is considered as a major step towards a successful business management career.
What will I gain from doing an MBA?
An MBA program strives to equip its students with all the necessary knowledge, theoretical as well as practical, which can benefit them tremendously in managerial and administrative jobs. This does not apply only to business, as is usually understood by most people, but can also benefit people to get into executive positions in the public sector and government jobs as well.
What skills will I pick up from doing an MBA?
You will learn a range of valuable skills from the MBA program, such as:
Business Knowledge: The MBA program and business schools give you valuable knowledge about business and all its related aspects. You learn about business strategies and concepts, not just on paper, but the training and internship required in an MBA course, teaches you how to use these skills in practical life and in day to day business operations.
Leadership Abilities: An MBA degree involves rigorous training, assignments, reports, presentations, and group projects, all of which give you the necessary abilities to handle real-life business situations. This helps to set you apart from those who do not have such expertise and can make you a leader in your chosen field.
Networking: The alliances that you form with your classmates and the network that you create is deemed as one of the most important and valuable things that an MBA program can give you. MBA graduates have often felt that the associations formed during the MBA course are resources that are invaluable and can be drawn upon for years after the MBA degree has been achieved.
Who is eligible for these programs?
While most schools and educational institutions that offer MBA programs have their respective criteria for getting into an MBA course, the two most significant factors that are common to most schools and MBA courses are:
Age and Experience: The average age of students applying for the MBA is about 26-30 years. Most schools require their applicants to have 4-5 years of prior work experience before joining an MBA course. Since experience is usually believed to come with age, those under 25 are generally not accepted for an MBA program as it is assumed that such students do not have the required work experience.
GMAT Score: Having a GMAT score in excess of 600 is essential if you wish to get into the A grade MBA schools. Although just a good GMAT score is not a guarantee for admission to an MBA program, it does better your chances tremendously.
Will an MBA improve my career prospects?
An MBA degree provides you with innumerable career opportunities in various fields. It is especially beneficial to get jobs in high level positions such as managerial and executive level jobs. Whether you are looking to further your career in your existing job or are looking to change your job and start your career afresh, an MBA degree can be very valuable in either scenario.
With an MBA degree under their belt, employees have a whole new world opened up to them and are elevated to managerial positions on the strength of the additional abilities and knowledge gained through the MBA program. If you are looking for a change in careers, an MBA degree can be invaluable in careers such as:
Marketing
Finance
Government positions
Ability to improve your own business
Friday, October 19, 2007
God’s Boxes
have in my hands two boxes which God gave me to hold. He said, ”Put all your sarrows in the black box,and all your joys in the gold.” I heeded his words, and in the two boxes both my joys and sarrows I stored. But though the gold became heavier each day, the black was as light as before. With curiosity, I opened the black: I wanted to find out why. And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole which my sorrows had fallen out by.I showed the hole to God, and mused, “I wonder where my sarrows could be.” He smiled a gentle smile and said, “My child ,they’re all here with me.”I asked God, why he gave me the boxes, why the gold, and the black with the hole? “My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings; the black is for you to let go.”
The Two Roads
It was New Year\'s Night. An aged man was standing at a window. He raised his mournful eyes towards the deep blue sky, where the stars were floating like white lilies on the surface of a clear calm lake. Then he cast them on the earth, where few more hopeless people than himself now moved towards their certain goal——the tomb. He had already passed sixty of the stages leading to it, and he had brought from his journey nothing but errors and remorse. Now his health was poor, his mind vacant, his heart sorrowful, and his old age short of comforts. The days of his youth appeared like dreams before him, and he recalled the serious moment when his father placed him at the entrance of the two roads——one leading to a peaceful, sunny place, covered with flowers, fruits and resounding with soft, sweet songs; the other leading to a deep, dark cave, which was endless, where poison flowed instead of water and where devils and poisonous snakes hissed and crawled. He looked towards the sky and cried painfully, "O youth, return! O my father, place me once more at the entrance to life, and I\'ll choose the better way!" But both his father and the days of his youth had passed away. He was the lights flowing away in the darkness. These were the days of his wasted life; he saw a star fall from the sky and disappeared, and this was the symbol of himself. His remorse, which was like a sharp arrow, struck deeply into his heart. Then he remembered his friends in his childhood, who entered on life together with him. But they had made their way to success and were now honoured and happy on this New Year\'s night. The clock in the high church tower struck and the sound made him remember his parents\' early love for him. They had taught him and prayed to God for his good. But he chose the wrong way. With shame and grief he dared no longer look towards that heaven where his father live. His darkened eyes were full of tears, and with a despairing effort, he burst out a cry: "Come back, my early days! Come back!" And his youth did return, for all this was only a dream which he had on New Year\'s Night. He was still young though his faults were real; he had not yet entered the deep, dark cave, and he was still free to walk on the road which leads to the peaceful and sunny land. Those who still linger on the entrance of life, hesitating to choose the bright road, remember that when years are passed and your feet stumble on the dark mountains, you will cry bitterly, but in vain: "O youth, return! Oh give me back my early days!"
The Apple Tree
A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and lay around it every day. He climbed to the tree top, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow... He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him.
Time went by... the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree every day. One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad. “Come and play with me,” the tree asked the boy. “I am no longer a kid, I don’t play around trees anymore.” The boy replied, “I want toys. I need money to buy them.”“Sorry, but I don’t have money...but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money.” The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.
One day, the boy returned and the tree was so excited. “Come and play with me,” the tree said. “I don’t have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?”“Sorry, but I don’t have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house.” So the boy cut all the branches off the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.
One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. “Come and play with me!” the tree said. “I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?”“Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy.” So the boy cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time. The tree was happy, but it was not true.
Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years. “Sorry, my boy. But I don’t have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you...” the tree said.
“I don’t have teeth to bite,” the boy replied.
“No more trunk for you to climb on.”
“I am too old for that now,” the boy said.
“I really can’t give you anything... the only thing left is my dying roots,” the tree said with tears.
“I don’t need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years.” The boy replied.
“Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, Come sit down with me and rest.” The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears...
This is a story of everyone. The tree is our parent. When we were young, we loved to play with Mom and Dad... When we grown up, we left them, and only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble. No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could to make you happy. You may think that the boy is cruel to the tree but that’s how all of us are treating our parents.
Take time out during the day for quiet time to listen to your inner voice. You may want to use your quiet time to meditate or pray. However you use this time, the key is to shut out all of the noise around you by focusing deep within yourself. Breathing deeply during quiet time will also help you focus. I know it’s hard to find quiet time during a particularly busy day, but it’s so important even if it’s just 10 minutes a day and you have to sneak away to get it. Quiet time can really make a difference in your life. It enables you to hear God speaking to your heart reminding you of His perfect love for you.
Be honest with yourself by paying attention to your actions. Actions speak louder than words, and they always tell the truth. What do your actions say about you? If you say you love your job, but your actions say otherwise, which do you think is more true your words or your actions? On the other hand, if you say you’re not good at a certain job, but your actions say otherwise, that’s also important. What do you do with this insight? You can use it to make more beneficial choices in your life. By being honest with yourself based on your previous actions, your actions moving forward will be based on truth instead of just what you tell yourself.
Despite what your subconscious may be telling you, you can have love with no limits. The key is to unconditionally love yourself first.
Time went by... the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree every day. One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad. “Come and play with me,” the tree asked the boy. “I am no longer a kid, I don’t play around trees anymore.” The boy replied, “I want toys. I need money to buy them.”“Sorry, but I don’t have money...but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money.” The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.
One day, the boy returned and the tree was so excited. “Come and play with me,” the tree said. “I don’t have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?”“Sorry, but I don’t have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house.” So the boy cut all the branches off the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.
One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. “Come and play with me!” the tree said. “I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?”“Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy.” So the boy cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time. The tree was happy, but it was not true.
Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years. “Sorry, my boy. But I don’t have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you...” the tree said.
“I don’t have teeth to bite,” the boy replied.
“No more trunk for you to climb on.”
“I am too old for that now,” the boy said.
“I really can’t give you anything... the only thing left is my dying roots,” the tree said with tears.
“I don’t need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years.” The boy replied.
“Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, Come sit down with me and rest.” The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears...
This is a story of everyone. The tree is our parent. When we were young, we loved to play with Mom and Dad... When we grown up, we left them, and only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble. No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could to make you happy. You may think that the boy is cruel to the tree but that’s how all of us are treating our parents.
Take time out during the day for quiet time to listen to your inner voice. You may want to use your quiet time to meditate or pray. However you use this time, the key is to shut out all of the noise around you by focusing deep within yourself. Breathing deeply during quiet time will also help you focus. I know it’s hard to find quiet time during a particularly busy day, but it’s so important even if it’s just 10 minutes a day and you have to sneak away to get it. Quiet time can really make a difference in your life. It enables you to hear God speaking to your heart reminding you of His perfect love for you.
Be honest with yourself by paying attention to your actions. Actions speak louder than words, and they always tell the truth. What do your actions say about you? If you say you love your job, but your actions say otherwise, which do you think is more true your words or your actions? On the other hand, if you say you’re not good at a certain job, but your actions say otherwise, that’s also important. What do you do with this insight? You can use it to make more beneficial choices in your life. By being honest with yourself based on your previous actions, your actions moving forward will be based on truth instead of just what you tell yourself.
Despite what your subconscious may be telling you, you can have love with no limits. The key is to unconditionally love yourself first.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Simatai Great Wall
As a historical scenic spot focusing on the Ming Great Wall, it is located in the Gubeikou Town to the northeast of Miyun County, and one can arrive there by going along the 101 National Road or Jingcheng Expressway. The Simatai Great Wall was first built in 1368, re-built in the period from Longqing to Wanli in the Ming Dynasty when Qi Jiguang was the general guarding the Ji Town. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ji Town. In 1987, Beijing government conducted maintenance work on the Simatai Great Wall. In 1990, it was formally opened to the public.
Simatai Great Wall starts from Wangjing Building in the east and ends at Houchuankou in the west. Stretching for 5.7 kilometers and containing 35 watch towers (including the tower in the water which has been damaged), it is one section of the Great Wall with concentrated watch towers. The distance between the nearest two towers is shorter than 20 meters. Simatai Great Wall has an imposing manner and strategically important situation. The whole section is carefully designed with various types of walls and watch towers. Most of them are well preserved, which shows the wisdom of laborers in ancient times, and has high values in military, art and architecture. Professor Luo Zhewen, the famous expert in Great Wall, points out that “China’s Great Wall is number one in the world, and Simatai Great Wall is number one in China’s Great Wall”.
Going through more than 400 years of weathering, Simatai Great Wall maintains the original looks of the Ming Great Wall, a large quantity of bricks engraved with words, exquisite embossment, perfect construction technology, so it preserves the historical information to the maximum degree. Simatai Great Wall stretches both eastwards and westwards. The east part is built on the sharp mountain ridges, rising from 295 meters to 986 meters within only 2.7 kilometers, so it looks like a huge dragon flying out from the lake towards the clouds. One may overlook the Great Wall from air, and appreciate various types of watch towers, obstacle walls, and marvelous Tian Pools, and huge tortoise stones. There are 15 watch towers on the summits. The “General Tower” is original in its type; The elegant “Fairy Tower” is the 15th watch tower on the east line of Simatai Great Wall, with coupled lotus embossment engraved on the white marble archway. It stands erectly like a fairy on the top of the summits. There is still the beautiful legend of the love story between the fairy and the shepherd. The next sight is the “Heaven Bridge” hanging on the steep summits and cliffs. Closely connecting to it is the “Wangjing Tower”, which the 16th watch tower on the east line of Simatai Great Wall, at a height of 986 meters. Standing on top of the Tiger Mount, it is the highest point of the Great Wall from Simatai to Gubeikou, enjoying the fame of “commanding point of cultural heritages in Beijing”. Standing on the tower, one can see the outline of Beijing in daytime and the lights of Beijing at night. There are two springs hidden in the valley, which converge into a lake. The lake is warm in one half and cold in another half. The smooth west part of Simatai Great Wall is quite attractive, with its original buttressed walls, parapet, crenel, doors and windows, top of buildings, holes for shooting, drain, water faucet, etc. On the thirteenth watch tower of the west section of the Simatai Great Wall, there is a kylin wall. The wall is on the southwest part of the upper layer crenel, with tiles on top of it. There is a vivid kylin composed of 15 square bricks in the middle part of the wall. Since the Simatai Great Wall was opened to the tourists, many sightseeing facilities including ropeway, rope-bridge, yacht, rapido for climbing the Great Wall, and strop have been built. Since 2002, the activities of crossing the Great Wall were held every year, which attracted a great deal of tourists.
Simatai Great Wall starts from Wangjing Building in the east and ends at Houchuankou in the west. Stretching for 5.7 kilometers and containing 35 watch towers (including the tower in the water which has been damaged), it is one section of the Great Wall with concentrated watch towers. The distance between the nearest two towers is shorter than 20 meters. Simatai Great Wall has an imposing manner and strategically important situation. The whole section is carefully designed with various types of walls and watch towers. Most of them are well preserved, which shows the wisdom of laborers in ancient times, and has high values in military, art and architecture. Professor Luo Zhewen, the famous expert in Great Wall, points out that “China’s Great Wall is number one in the world, and Simatai Great Wall is number one in China’s Great Wall”.
Going through more than 400 years of weathering, Simatai Great Wall maintains the original looks of the Ming Great Wall, a large quantity of bricks engraved with words, exquisite embossment, perfect construction technology, so it preserves the historical information to the maximum degree. Simatai Great Wall stretches both eastwards and westwards. The east part is built on the sharp mountain ridges, rising from 295 meters to 986 meters within only 2.7 kilometers, so it looks like a huge dragon flying out from the lake towards the clouds. One may overlook the Great Wall from air, and appreciate various types of watch towers, obstacle walls, and marvelous Tian Pools, and huge tortoise stones. There are 15 watch towers on the summits. The “General Tower” is original in its type; The elegant “Fairy Tower” is the 15th watch tower on the east line of Simatai Great Wall, with coupled lotus embossment engraved on the white marble archway. It stands erectly like a fairy on the top of the summits. There is still the beautiful legend of the love story between the fairy and the shepherd. The next sight is the “Heaven Bridge” hanging on the steep summits and cliffs. Closely connecting to it is the “Wangjing Tower”, which the 16th watch tower on the east line of Simatai Great Wall, at a height of 986 meters. Standing on top of the Tiger Mount, it is the highest point of the Great Wall from Simatai to Gubeikou, enjoying the fame of “commanding point of cultural heritages in Beijing”. Standing on the tower, one can see the outline of Beijing in daytime and the lights of Beijing at night. There are two springs hidden in the valley, which converge into a lake. The lake is warm in one half and cold in another half. The smooth west part of Simatai Great Wall is quite attractive, with its original buttressed walls, parapet, crenel, doors and windows, top of buildings, holes for shooting, drain, water faucet, etc. On the thirteenth watch tower of the west section of the Simatai Great Wall, there is a kylin wall. The wall is on the southwest part of the upper layer crenel, with tiles on top of it. There is a vivid kylin composed of 15 square bricks in the middle part of the wall. Since the Simatai Great Wall was opened to the tourists, many sightseeing facilities including ropeway, rope-bridge, yacht, rapido for climbing the Great Wall, and strop have been built. Since 2002, the activities of crossing the Great Wall were held every year, which attracted a great deal of tourists.
The Great Wall at Badaling
The Great Wall at Badaling is located in Yanqing County, which is about 60 kilometers northwest of Beijing. It is widely known as the most representative section of the “Great Wall” from the Ming Dynasty. Well laid out with huge uniform bricks, the wall was built on the ridges of the mountains. Various beacon towers were erected at strategic points along the wall. Badaling is a place of strategic importance and its wall is high and sturdy. With its many beacon towers, the wall looks magnificent and best epitomizes traditional Chinese architecture.
Sitting at the highest point of the strategic pass leading to Beijing from the northwest, The Great Wall at Badaling consists of the main wall and several subordinate walls. It is flanked by steep mountains and popularly known as the “key to the northern gate”. Now 3741 meters of the Great Wall at Badaling and 21 beacon towers are open to visitors.
The Great Wall at Badaling was listed in the first group of major historic sites under state protection in 1961. In 1987 it was included in the "World Heritage List ". In 1991 the Great Wall at Badaling, as a representative of the Chinese “Great Wall”, was listed in the "World Heritage Certificate" by the United States. In the same year it was selected as the best of the 40 best Chinese scenic spots. In 2001, it was among the first scenic spots to be awarded with a 4A rank and in 2002 it again represented the “Great Wall” to receive a Guinness World Record issued by the Guinness Headquarters in U.K..
The Great Wall at Badaling is a world-renowned scenic spot, and also an important place for receiving foreign guests, the vistor numbers have by now surpassed 130 million. More than 420 foreign leaders and heads of state, including Nixon, Reagan, Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Mrs. Thatcher, George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin have at various times climbed the wall.
Today, holding more than 30 both domestic and international cultural and sports activities every year, the Great Wall at Badaling has become an embodiment of the peace and friendship among the peoples. An International New-Year Climbing activity has been held for 9 years consecutively now, and has become one of the 8 world-famous New-Year outdoor activities. The Great Wall has also hosted such events as Pele’s soccer show, a concert by Japanese solo singer Saijo Hideki, magician Robert Gallup’s great escape and a second visit by Steven Hawking; the CCTV’s popular program “The Same Song” once held a major concert named “Witnessed by the Great Wall, Long Live the Love” on the wall…With their clear themes, these various brand-new activities are being watched by people all around the world and are exerting a great influence on the world.
Electronic Guiding Service: (Chinese\Japanese\Korean\English\French) Fees: Chinese: 10 yuan, Foreign languages: 40 yuanGuide Service: (Chinese and English) Fees: Chinese: 80 yuan/hour, English: 100 yuan/hour
Sitting at the highest point of the strategic pass leading to Beijing from the northwest, The Great Wall at Badaling consists of the main wall and several subordinate walls. It is flanked by steep mountains and popularly known as the “key to the northern gate”. Now 3741 meters of the Great Wall at Badaling and 21 beacon towers are open to visitors.
The Great Wall at Badaling was listed in the first group of major historic sites under state protection in 1961. In 1987 it was included in the "World Heritage List ". In 1991 the Great Wall at Badaling, as a representative of the Chinese “Great Wall”, was listed in the "World Heritage Certificate" by the United States. In the same year it was selected as the best of the 40 best Chinese scenic spots. In 2001, it was among the first scenic spots to be awarded with a 4A rank and in 2002 it again represented the “Great Wall” to receive a Guinness World Record issued by the Guinness Headquarters in U.K..
The Great Wall at Badaling is a world-renowned scenic spot, and also an important place for receiving foreign guests, the vistor numbers have by now surpassed 130 million. More than 420 foreign leaders and heads of state, including Nixon, Reagan, Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Mrs. Thatcher, George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin have at various times climbed the wall.
Today, holding more than 30 both domestic and international cultural and sports activities every year, the Great Wall at Badaling has become an embodiment of the peace and friendship among the peoples. An International New-Year Climbing activity has been held for 9 years consecutively now, and has become one of the 8 world-famous New-Year outdoor activities. The Great Wall has also hosted such events as Pele’s soccer show, a concert by Japanese solo singer Saijo Hideki, magician Robert Gallup’s great escape and a second visit by Steven Hawking; the CCTV’s popular program “The Same Song” once held a major concert named “Witnessed by the Great Wall, Long Live the Love” on the wall…With their clear themes, these various brand-new activities are being watched by people all around the world and are exerting a great influence on the world.
Electronic Guiding Service: (Chinese\Japanese\Korean\English\French) Fees: Chinese: 10 yuan, Foreign languages: 40 yuanGuide Service: (Chinese and English) Fees: Chinese: 80 yuan/hour, English: 100 yuan/hour
The Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs were opened to the public in 1959. In 1991 they were listed by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage among the ’Top 40 Famous Tourist Attractions in China’. In 1992 they were designated by the judging board of ‘World No. 1 Tourist Attractions in Beijing’ as ‘the best-preserved tomb group, with the largest number of buried emperors’. The tombs lie at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, in Changping District, about 50 kilometers from the urban area; they may be reached by bus.
The Ming Tombs, which form a group of mausoleums, are those of 13 emperors in the Ming Dynasty (1368~1644). They cover an area of about 120 square kilometers. Screened on the northwest by the lofty Yanshan Mountains, they sit on a small basin formed by floods; water flowing down the ravines meets on the plain and meanders to the east. Magnificent cemetery buildings with red walls, yellow tiles, upturning eaves stand on the eastern, western and northern slopes. In particular, the mausoleum of Emperor Chengzu lies in the center of the northern slope, which is flanked by the other twelve. The general layout conveys a solemn, harmonious order of importance, which is accentuated by the mountains and rivers.
The mausoleums, in chronological order of construction, are the Chang Mausoleum (see ‘Chang Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’), the Xian Mausoleum, the Jing Mausoleum, the Yu Mausoleum, the Mao Mausoleum, the Tai Mausoleum, the Kang Mausoleum, the Yong Mausoleum, the Zhao Mausoleum (see ‘Zhao Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’), the Ding Mausoleum (see ‘Ding Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’), the Qing Mausoleum, the De Mausoleum, and the Si Mausoleum. Besides the 13 emperors, there were also others buried in the mausoleums, including 23 empresses, one guifei (highest-ranking imperial concubine), and dozens of servants buried alive. There are also seven cemeteries of concubines, a tomb of eunuchs buried alive, and temporary abodes with gardens for emperors and empresses coming to offer sacrifices. Defenses were set up around the mausoleums, with bulwarks and barricades on naturally formed mountain passes.
Among the mausoleums, the largest is the Chang Mausoleum while the smallest is the Si Mausoleum, but all of them were built in roughly the same way. They form a group, yet each of them stands alone as an independent unit. Before each tomb there is a stone stele, and each mausoleum is enclosed with a wall. Along the central axis of each one stand the following structures: the gate, Ling’en Gate, Ling’en Hall, Lingxing Gate, stone wugong, Ming Tower. The Ming Tower houses a stele inscribed with the posthumous title and honorary title of the emperors. Behind the tower is Treasure Town filled with loess. Next is the shrine of the empress. Each mausoleum has a room for eunuchs looking after it, a garden for planting vegetables and fruits for sacrifice, and was guarded by troops stationed in Changping.
The Ming Tombs are characterized by its large size, complete system, and intact preservation. As the representative of ancient Chinese imperial mausoleums, they reflect the richness of traditional Chinese culture, with very high historic and cultural value. As part of the age-old Chinese culture, they adorn the land of Beijing like pearls. Entirely forbidden in the past, they are now a tourist attraction famous at home and abroad. Currently four spots are officially opened to the public, namely the Ding Mausoleum, the Chang Mausoleum, the Zhao Mausoleum and the passages to the tombs.
The Ming Tombs, which form a group of mausoleums, are those of 13 emperors in the Ming Dynasty (1368~1644). They cover an area of about 120 square kilometers. Screened on the northwest by the lofty Yanshan Mountains, they sit on a small basin formed by floods; water flowing down the ravines meets on the plain and meanders to the east. Magnificent cemetery buildings with red walls, yellow tiles, upturning eaves stand on the eastern, western and northern slopes. In particular, the mausoleum of Emperor Chengzu lies in the center of the northern slope, which is flanked by the other twelve. The general layout conveys a solemn, harmonious order of importance, which is accentuated by the mountains and rivers.
The mausoleums, in chronological order of construction, are the Chang Mausoleum (see ‘Chang Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’), the Xian Mausoleum, the Jing Mausoleum, the Yu Mausoleum, the Mao Mausoleum, the Tai Mausoleum, the Kang Mausoleum, the Yong Mausoleum, the Zhao Mausoleum (see ‘Zhao Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’), the Ding Mausoleum (see ‘Ding Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’), the Qing Mausoleum, the De Mausoleum, and the Si Mausoleum. Besides the 13 emperors, there were also others buried in the mausoleums, including 23 empresses, one guifei (highest-ranking imperial concubine), and dozens of servants buried alive. There are also seven cemeteries of concubines, a tomb of eunuchs buried alive, and temporary abodes with gardens for emperors and empresses coming to offer sacrifices. Defenses were set up around the mausoleums, with bulwarks and barricades on naturally formed mountain passes.
Among the mausoleums, the largest is the Chang Mausoleum while the smallest is the Si Mausoleum, but all of them were built in roughly the same way. They form a group, yet each of them stands alone as an independent unit. Before each tomb there is a stone stele, and each mausoleum is enclosed with a wall. Along the central axis of each one stand the following structures: the gate, Ling’en Gate, Ling’en Hall, Lingxing Gate, stone wugong, Ming Tower. The Ming Tower houses a stele inscribed with the posthumous title and honorary title of the emperors. Behind the tower is Treasure Town filled with loess. Next is the shrine of the empress. Each mausoleum has a room for eunuchs looking after it, a garden for planting vegetables and fruits for sacrifice, and was guarded by troops stationed in Changping.
The Ming Tombs are characterized by its large size, complete system, and intact preservation. As the representative of ancient Chinese imperial mausoleums, they reflect the richness of traditional Chinese culture, with very high historic and cultural value. As part of the age-old Chinese culture, they adorn the land of Beijing like pearls. Entirely forbidden in the past, they are now a tourist attraction famous at home and abroad. Currently four spots are officially opened to the public, namely the Ding Mausoleum, the Chang Mausoleum, the Zhao Mausoleum and the passages to the tombs.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace mainly consists of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, occupies an area of 3.02 square kilometers, three quarters of which are water. In the Summer Palace, palatial chambers and ancient garden structures of various forms cover a floor space of 70,000 square metres. There are about 1,600 famous trees planted in ancient times in the imperial garden. It also boasts a collection of cultural relics. It belongs to the first group of major historic sites under state protection.
The Summer Palace was originally named the Garden of Clear Ripples. It was first constructed in 1750 (the 15th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty). In 1860 (the 10th year of the reign of Emperor Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty) the garden was burned down by Anglo-French allied forces. In 1886 (the 12th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the late Qing Dynasty), the Qing government had it reconstructed by embezzling funds from the navy. Two years later, its name was changed to the current one, and it became the living place of The Empress Dowager Cixi in her later years. In 1900, it suffered again, being ransacked by the allied forces of the Eight-Power allied Forces. In 1902, it was restored. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several major renovations. Several important scenic spots such as the Four Great Lands, Suzhou Market Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery, the Hall of Tranquility, and the Garden of Farming and Weaving have been successively restored while the Garden of Virtuous Harmony, a new scenic spot, has been built. Therefore the top-quality cultural relics of the Summer Palace can be exhibited in a concentrated way.
The Summer Palace combines all of the traditional styles in garden design and construction. Based on the surrounding landscape, it shows not only the grandeur of an imperial garden, but also the beauty of nature, thus it gives full expression to one guiding principle in the construction of Chinese gardens, creating “an artificial work bearing the resemblance to a natural one.” The landscape of lakes and hills is dotted with palaces, temples and garden structures, which are laid out in three parts. Centered on the Hall of Benevolence of Longevity was the court area where the Empress Dowager Cixi used to attend to court affairs behind a screen during most of her later years. The residential area, composed mainly of the Hall of Jade Ripples, the Hall of Happiness in Longevity and the Hall of Pleasure Rue, was where the empress lived her daily life. The tourist area integrates the landscape, architecture and plants into a whole and was the place where the rules sought refuge with rest and entertainment. Standing tall and overlooking the lake, the magnificent Tower of Buddhist Incense stands at the center of all of the buildings in the entire garden. Kunming Lake boasts a vast water area under a boundless sky, giving an impression of enchantment. In the vast expanse of misty water, hills and charming islands stand like the three legs of a tripod. Looking like a rainbow, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans the blue water. With the supple and graceful Six Bridges and the West Dyke running north and south, the landscape looks as if it was made by Heaven. Walking on the Rear-Hill and along the Back-Lake, you can hear the sighing of the wind in the pines while in the court market you can see flags fluttering in the wind. The imperial palaces are majestically built and the lake and the hill add beauty to each other. Notably, the garden takes as its background the peaks of the Lake Spring Hill and the Western Hills. Ingeniously conceived and exquisitely constructed, it is a collection of all the masterpieces in the art of Chinese garden-building and is known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens”. The Summer Palace is the best preserved imperial garden in the world with such rich landscapes and a concentrated collection of buildings. In December 1998, it was included in the World Heritage list by UNESCO.
The characteristics of the Summer Palace:
1) The Summer Palace in Beijing is an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape-garden design, building the works of man and nature into a harmonious whole;
2) The Summer Palace epitomizes the philosophy and the practices of Chinese garden design, which played a key role in the development of this cultural form of oriental gardening;
3) The imperial gardens in China as represented by the Summer Palace are a potent symbol of one of the major civilizations in the world.
The Summer Palace was originally named the Garden of Clear Ripples. It was first constructed in 1750 (the 15th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty). In 1860 (the 10th year of the reign of Emperor Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty) the garden was burned down by Anglo-French allied forces. In 1886 (the 12th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the late Qing Dynasty), the Qing government had it reconstructed by embezzling funds from the navy. Two years later, its name was changed to the current one, and it became the living place of The Empress Dowager Cixi in her later years. In 1900, it suffered again, being ransacked by the allied forces of the Eight-Power allied Forces. In 1902, it was restored. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several major renovations. Several important scenic spots such as the Four Great Lands, Suzhou Market Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery, the Hall of Tranquility, and the Garden of Farming and Weaving have been successively restored while the Garden of Virtuous Harmony, a new scenic spot, has been built. Therefore the top-quality cultural relics of the Summer Palace can be exhibited in a concentrated way.
The Summer Palace combines all of the traditional styles in garden design and construction. Based on the surrounding landscape, it shows not only the grandeur of an imperial garden, but also the beauty of nature, thus it gives full expression to one guiding principle in the construction of Chinese gardens, creating “an artificial work bearing the resemblance to a natural one.” The landscape of lakes and hills is dotted with palaces, temples and garden structures, which are laid out in three parts. Centered on the Hall of Benevolence of Longevity was the court area where the Empress Dowager Cixi used to attend to court affairs behind a screen during most of her later years. The residential area, composed mainly of the Hall of Jade Ripples, the Hall of Happiness in Longevity and the Hall of Pleasure Rue, was where the empress lived her daily life. The tourist area integrates the landscape, architecture and plants into a whole and was the place where the rules sought refuge with rest and entertainment. Standing tall and overlooking the lake, the magnificent Tower of Buddhist Incense stands at the center of all of the buildings in the entire garden. Kunming Lake boasts a vast water area under a boundless sky, giving an impression of enchantment. In the vast expanse of misty water, hills and charming islands stand like the three legs of a tripod. Looking like a rainbow, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans the blue water. With the supple and graceful Six Bridges and the West Dyke running north and south, the landscape looks as if it was made by Heaven. Walking on the Rear-Hill and along the Back-Lake, you can hear the sighing of the wind in the pines while in the court market you can see flags fluttering in the wind. The imperial palaces are majestically built and the lake and the hill add beauty to each other. Notably, the garden takes as its background the peaks of the Lake Spring Hill and the Western Hills. Ingeniously conceived and exquisitely constructed, it is a collection of all the masterpieces in the art of Chinese garden-building and is known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens”. The Summer Palace is the best preserved imperial garden in the world with such rich landscapes and a concentrated collection of buildings. In December 1998, it was included in the World Heritage list by UNESCO.
The characteristics of the Summer Palace:
1) The Summer Palace in Beijing is an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape-garden design, building the works of man and nature into a harmonious whole;
2) The Summer Palace epitomizes the philosophy and the practices of Chinese garden design, which played a key role in the development of this cultural form of oriental gardening;
3) The imperial gardens in China as represented by the Summer Palace are a potent symbol of one of the major civilizations in the world.
Beihai Park
BeihaiParkis an AAAA tourist attraction and a key historic site under national protection. Its east and south sides are close to the Palace Museum. It can be reached by many bus routes.
The park used to be an imperial palace serving for the emperors of five dynasties (Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing) and their families to stay for a short time, handle political affairs, or offer sacrifices. At the age of 800, it is the earliest built and best preserved imperial garden in the world.
It was called Yao Yu, or Jade Island, in the Liao Dynasty. In 1166, or the 6th year of Dading reign in the Jin Dynasty, a magnificent palace called Taining was built, an artificial island called Qionghua was created, and some Taihu Lake stones were moved here from the imperial garden of the northern Song Dynasty in Bianliang (present-day Kaifeng in Henan). In 1267, or the 4th year of Zhiyuan reign in the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan had an imperial city called Dadu built around the Qionghua Island. He called the island Longevity Hill, and the lake around it Taiyechi.
In 1420, or the 18th year of Emperor Yongle’s reign in the Ming Dynasty, the state capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. The Longevity Hill and Taiyechi Lake were incorporated into the Forbidden City, and were collectively named the West Garden.
During Emperor Shunzhi and Qianlong’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, the West Garden was greatly expanded to its present-day scale. After the 1911 Revolution, it was opened to the public as a park. Since the founding of the People’s Republic, the Party and the central government, attaching great importance to protecting the park, have appropriated large sums of funds for its renovation.
The park, which creatively follows traditional Chinese architectural tenets and techniques, is a classical Chinese garden and a valuable cultural heritage. It covers 682,000 square meters, with a 389,000-square-meter water-covered area. Its layout–one lake dotted with three isles–embodies a Chinese mythology about the fairyland, and achieves an artistic blending of natural and cultural landscape. Two of the Eight Attractions of Yanjing (Beijing) are located here–Spring Shade on Qionghua Island and Autumn Breeze over Taiyechi.
The park has three major attractions–Qionghua Island, Tuancheng Island, and the north bank. The white pagoda on Qionghua Island has become synonymous with Beihai Park. In the shades of the willows framing the lake are many well-known scenic spots, such as Haopujian, Jingxinzhai, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Kuaixue Hall, Nine-dragon Screen, Five-dragon Pavilion, Chanfu Temple, and Xiaoxitian. There is a well-known children’s song that describes the beauty of the park:
Athwart the waves a boat we row;
Pagoda, trees and red walls, lo!
The park offers a variety of boating entertainment and holds exhibitions all the year round. It’s a wonderful stop for tourists.
Qionghua Isle: The isle is like a pearl at the center of the lake, offering composite attractions of gardening, architecture, and art. It is covered with lush groves of trees and many halls and pavilions. Its landmark is a white Tibetan lama pagoda. In front of it is Shanyin Hall, which houses a statue of one of Buddha’s warriors. The outer walls of the hall are adorned with 455 small glazed Buddha figures. The principal building on the south of the isle is Yong’an Lamasery built on the slope of a hill. It is complete with a bell tower, a drum tower, and three halls named Falun, Zhengjue and Pu’an which respectively house the figures of Sakyamuni, Zongkeba (the founder of Tibetan Buddhism), the eight Bodhisattvas, and the eighteen Arhats. To its west are Yuexin Hall, Jingqi Pavilion, and Qingxiao Tower. The former two used to be the place where Qing emperors handled political affairs, granted audience to ministers, read, and rested. On the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, Emperor Qianlong would ascend Qingxiao Tower with his mother and ministers to watch Bingxi, a ball game on the ice.
Tuancheng: This is the smallest ancient city building complex in the world, with magnificent, original halls and vigorous old pines and cypresses. Here there are three treasures: a jade urn dating to Yuan Dynasty, a 1.5-meter-high Buddha figure carved out a single block of white jade, and two pines conferred the titles ‘Marquis Shade’ and ‘General White Robe’ by Emperor Qianlong.
The Nine-dragon screen: This was built with glazed tiles and bricks of seven colors in 1756, or the 21st year of Qianlong. It is 5.96 meters high, 1.60 meters thick, and 25.52 meters long. On either side are nine large colored dragons flying in a sea of clouds. The large and smaller dragons on both sides number 635. It is a classic of Chinese glaze architecture.
The Palace Museum
Panjiayuan Antique Market
Honglingjin (Red Scarf) Park
Tuanjie Lake Park
Temple of Sun Park
Beijing Crab Island Green Ecological Resort
Dongyue Temple
Chinese Ethnic Museum
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Dongyue Temple
The temple, which lies on the north of Chaoyangmen Outer Street, Chaoyang District, is also known as Beijing Folk Custom Museum. It is a spot of interest on folk customs. It enshrines Emperor Dongyue, the deity of Taishan Mountain. Its first construction in Yanyou reign in the Yuan Dynasty was funded by Zhang Liusun, head of a Taoist school named Zhengyi, and Wu Quanjie, one of his disciples. After frequent expansions in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it came to acquire a three-courtyard layout, with a main courtyard flanked by an east one and a west one. The whole complex covers an area of 0.04 square kilometers, with over 300 ancient buildings that reflect the architectural styles in three dynasties–Yuan, Ming, and Qing. It is the largest temple of Zhengyi school in north China.
The main buildings of the temple are concentrated in the main courtyard. Orderly arranged and magnificent, it was built as an imperial palace. The courtyard has a central axis, on which sit a glazed tile archway, the gate of the temple (already demolished), a gateway, Zhandai Gate, Daizong Hall, and Yude Hall. These are symmetrically flanked by Sanmaojun Hall, Binglinggong Hall, Fucaishen Hall, Guangsishen Hall, 76 sacred offices, and east and west imperial archways. All these buildings are divided into six courtyards which are separate but connected along the central axis.
The temple is well known for housing many figures of deities, couplets and plaques, and stele inscriptions. It enshrines Emperor Dongyue and related deities as well as founders of many trades or professions. The great number of deities it enshrines translates into little difficulty in finding the suitable ones to worship, which has been attracting, since ancient times, a huge number of worshippers. All the gates of the halls are flanked or topped by couplets and plaques inscribed with adages or sayings of great literary and artistic value, exhorting people to do goodness and keep away from evil.
In history the number of steles in the temple had ranked first in Beijing. A saying among old dwellers of Beijing goes to the effect that the number is uncountable, yet records show that it is more than160. Most of the steles record renovation efforts in the past dynasties and sacrifices offering by common people. Four very special steles have been given funny nicknames in a doggerel well known to old Beijing dwellers. Now there are 89 steles in the east and west ‘stele forests’ in the middle courtyard. After renovation, the temple has been made the only state-run museum of folk customs in Beijing, and named Beijing Folk Custom Museum. In 1999 the main courtyard was open to public.
The temple offers a series of programs for praying for good fortune, such as walking down the fortune road, rounding the fortune tree, and hanging the fortune plaques. The museum holds folk customs exhibitions all year round, and folk-custom garden parties on the Spring Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Moon Festival, and the Double Ninth Festival.
Daiyue Hall: This is the main building of the temple. It was built in 1322, or the 2nd year of Zhizhi reign in the Yuan Dynasty; in the Qing Dynasty it was rebuilt during Emperor Kangxi’s reign and renovated during Emperor Qianlong’s reign. It enshrines Emperor Dongyue.
Master Zhang Stele: The account of Zhang’s career as a Taoist inscribed on it was composed and written by Zhao Mengfu, a calligrapher in the Yuan Dynasty. It is popularly known as the Taoist stele. It lies in the east ‘stele forest’ before Zhang Liusun Temple. It is a national first-class cultural relic.
Three kings and nine ministers: Yude Hall houses the figures of the king of heaven, the king of earth, the king of water, and their military and civil ministers. They were carved of nanmu in 1481, or the 17th year of Chenghua reign in the Ming Dynasty. As classics of ancient religious art, they are national first-class cultural relics.
Address:No. 141 Chaoyangmen Outer Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
The main buildings of the temple are concentrated in the main courtyard. Orderly arranged and magnificent, it was built as an imperial palace. The courtyard has a central axis, on which sit a glazed tile archway, the gate of the temple (already demolished), a gateway, Zhandai Gate, Daizong Hall, and Yude Hall. These are symmetrically flanked by Sanmaojun Hall, Binglinggong Hall, Fucaishen Hall, Guangsishen Hall, 76 sacred offices, and east and west imperial archways. All these buildings are divided into six courtyards which are separate but connected along the central axis.
The temple is well known for housing many figures of deities, couplets and plaques, and stele inscriptions. It enshrines Emperor Dongyue and related deities as well as founders of many trades or professions. The great number of deities it enshrines translates into little difficulty in finding the suitable ones to worship, which has been attracting, since ancient times, a huge number of worshippers. All the gates of the halls are flanked or topped by couplets and plaques inscribed with adages or sayings of great literary and artistic value, exhorting people to do goodness and keep away from evil.
In history the number of steles in the temple had ranked first in Beijing. A saying among old dwellers of Beijing goes to the effect that the number is uncountable, yet records show that it is more than160. Most of the steles record renovation efforts in the past dynasties and sacrifices offering by common people. Four very special steles have been given funny nicknames in a doggerel well known to old Beijing dwellers. Now there are 89 steles in the east and west ‘stele forests’ in the middle courtyard. After renovation, the temple has been made the only state-run museum of folk customs in Beijing, and named Beijing Folk Custom Museum. In 1999 the main courtyard was open to public.
The temple offers a series of programs for praying for good fortune, such as walking down the fortune road, rounding the fortune tree, and hanging the fortune plaques. The museum holds folk customs exhibitions all year round, and folk-custom garden parties on the Spring Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Moon Festival, and the Double Ninth Festival.
Daiyue Hall: This is the main building of the temple. It was built in 1322, or the 2nd year of Zhizhi reign in the Yuan Dynasty; in the Qing Dynasty it was rebuilt during Emperor Kangxi’s reign and renovated during Emperor Qianlong’s reign. It enshrines Emperor Dongyue.
Master Zhang Stele: The account of Zhang’s career as a Taoist inscribed on it was composed and written by Zhao Mengfu, a calligrapher in the Yuan Dynasty. It is popularly known as the Taoist stele. It lies in the east ‘stele forest’ before Zhang Liusun Temple. It is a national first-class cultural relic.
Three kings and nine ministers: Yude Hall houses the figures of the king of heaven, the king of earth, the king of water, and their military and civil ministers. They were carved of nanmu in 1481, or the 17th year of Chenghua reign in the Ming Dynasty. As classics of ancient religious art, they are national first-class cultural relics.
Address:No. 141 Chaoyangmen Outer Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Beijing Crab Island Green Ecological Resort
The resort, a national sample spot of agricultural tourism, is located at No. 1 Xiedao Road, Jinzhan Town, Chaoyang District, about 10 kilometers from the center of the city. It is a comprehensive tourist resort that integrates eco-agriculture sightseeing, catering, conference service, accommodation, leisure and vacation.
The resort covers a total area of 2 square kilometers, with a 0.2-sqaure-meter resort area and a 1.8-square-meter eco-agriculture sightseeing area. It integrates eco-agriculture sightseeing, organic food production, logistics processing and sale into a complete, self-contained system by following the field-behind-shop mode that combines farming with tourism, and the principle of ‘Being Ecological, Environmental-Friendly and Sustainable’ that is embodied by material circulation (coexistence of crops and crabs), energy circulation (comprehensive utilization of water resources and waste), and information circulation (coordination and integration of industries). Stressing harmony between man and nature, the area has well adjusted its industrial structure and finished the industrialization process.
The resort focuses on reproducing the appearance of the countryside of old Beijing. Following the tenet of ‘back to nature’, it has sited a modernized comfortable holiday resort in a rural landscape characterized by lush groves of trees, aromatic crops and wheat, herds of farm animals, and ponds teeming with crabs and fishes. In this way, farming and hotel operation, city culture and countryside scenery, development-generated profits and ecological protection may circulate and develop in a sustainable way in a natural biological chain. Tourists coming here for vacations may try living in a farm house and eating farm-style food; they may also choose from healthy, safe organic foods in the rural supermarket. They have chances to try doing farm works and get closer to nature and animals, thus learning more about nature and farm science. Every year the resort holds many festivals, such as Lotus Festival, Crab Festival, Delicacies and Beer Festival, Chrysanthemum Festival, Hot Spring Festival, and Snow and Ice Festival.
Ancient-style farm: The farm is composed of 24 old-Beijing-style Quadrangle Dwellings, with grey bricks, grey tiles, and white-washed walls. They are named after traditional trades of handicraft and decorated accordingly to show the life of various classes of people in old Beijing and the Quadrangle Dwelling culture.
Kaifanlou Restaurant: Unlike the other four restaurants, each of which has its own special qualities, Kaifanlou is a large farm-style dining hall that can house one thousand people. It sells genuine farm-style dishes made of high-quality organic produces that come from the farm in Crab Island.
Comprehensive Building: The building, which serves for conferences, has 28 meeting rooms well equipped with audio, illuminative and electronic devices and European style private suites with deluxe waterbeds, and offers valet-butler services.
Agricultural sightseeing area: This 1.8-square-meter area combines traditional farming with high-tech organic agriculture. Being capable of organic agriculture production, it also offers popular science education on agriculture, picking for leisure, and demonstration of ecological protection facilities.
Hot spring bath center: The center uses 65℃mineral-rich hot spring water that originates from 2,400 meters underground. It integrates leisure, gymnastics, and body beautifying.
Popular science center: The center, which covers 13,000 square meters, is capable of popular science education, environmental protection promotion, and rescue of wild animals.
Address: No. 1 Xiedao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
The Palace Museum
Panjiayuan Antique Market
Honglingjin (Red Scarf) Park
Tuanjie Lake Park
Temple of Sun Park
Beijing Crab Island Green Ecological Resort
Dongyue Temple
Chinese Ethnic Museum
The resort covers a total area of 2 square kilometers, with a 0.2-sqaure-meter resort area and a 1.8-square-meter eco-agriculture sightseeing area. It integrates eco-agriculture sightseeing, organic food production, logistics processing and sale into a complete, self-contained system by following the field-behind-shop mode that combines farming with tourism, and the principle of ‘Being Ecological, Environmental-Friendly and Sustainable’ that is embodied by material circulation (coexistence of crops and crabs), energy circulation (comprehensive utilization of water resources and waste), and information circulation (coordination and integration of industries). Stressing harmony between man and nature, the area has well adjusted its industrial structure and finished the industrialization process.
The resort focuses on reproducing the appearance of the countryside of old Beijing. Following the tenet of ‘back to nature’, it has sited a modernized comfortable holiday resort in a rural landscape characterized by lush groves of trees, aromatic crops and wheat, herds of farm animals, and ponds teeming with crabs and fishes. In this way, farming and hotel operation, city culture and countryside scenery, development-generated profits and ecological protection may circulate and develop in a sustainable way in a natural biological chain. Tourists coming here for vacations may try living in a farm house and eating farm-style food; they may also choose from healthy, safe organic foods in the rural supermarket. They have chances to try doing farm works and get closer to nature and animals, thus learning more about nature and farm science. Every year the resort holds many festivals, such as Lotus Festival, Crab Festival, Delicacies and Beer Festival, Chrysanthemum Festival, Hot Spring Festival, and Snow and Ice Festival.
Ancient-style farm: The farm is composed of 24 old-Beijing-style Quadrangle Dwellings, with grey bricks, grey tiles, and white-washed walls. They are named after traditional trades of handicraft and decorated accordingly to show the life of various classes of people in old Beijing and the Quadrangle Dwelling culture.
Kaifanlou Restaurant: Unlike the other four restaurants, each of which has its own special qualities, Kaifanlou is a large farm-style dining hall that can house one thousand people. It sells genuine farm-style dishes made of high-quality organic produces that come from the farm in Crab Island.
Comprehensive Building: The building, which serves for conferences, has 28 meeting rooms well equipped with audio, illuminative and electronic devices and European style private suites with deluxe waterbeds, and offers valet-butler services.
Agricultural sightseeing area: This 1.8-square-meter area combines traditional farming with high-tech organic agriculture. Being capable of organic agriculture production, it also offers popular science education on agriculture, picking for leisure, and demonstration of ecological protection facilities.
Hot spring bath center: The center uses 65℃mineral-rich hot spring water that originates from 2,400 meters underground. It integrates leisure, gymnastics, and body beautifying.
Popular science center: The center, which covers 13,000 square meters, is capable of popular science education, environmental protection promotion, and rescue of wild animals.
Address: No. 1 Xiedao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
The Palace Museum
Panjiayuan Antique Market
Honglingjin (Red Scarf) Park
Tuanjie Lake Park
Temple of Sun Park
Beijing Crab Island Green Ecological Resort
Dongyue Temple
Chinese Ethnic Museum
Temple of Sun Park
RitanPark, a national AAA tourist attraction and a historic site under national protection, is located on Ritan North Road, Chaoyang District, about 10 kilometers from the center of the city. It is a spot of cultural interest in classical garden. Ritan, or Temple of Sun, was built in 1530, or the 9th year of Emperor Jiajing’s reign in the Ming Dynasty. Before the People’s Republic was founded, many pieces of ancient architectures had been vandalized or stolen. In 1951, the government of Beijing decided to turn it into a park. In 1956, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Parks requisitioned surrounding lands and expanded the park to 206,200 square meters, and opened it to the public.
Ritan (Temple of Sun) is one of the five altars, famous historic sites in Beijing. It was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of the Sun. It covers an area of 206,200 square meters, of which 124,273.36 square meters are covered by greenery, 4,700 square meters covered by water, and 10,357 square meters covered by ancient architectures. There are 44 ancient trees in the park. In the past few years, while maintaining its cultural traits, the park has been updated with modernized facilities.
The park has completed and opened to the public a children’s amusement park and a fishing area. Since 1992, it has attracted large numbers of tourists with activities that are rich in culture, such as music festivals, flower shows in the spring, morning exercises performances, and adoption of ancient trees.
The major attractions of the park are: the Altar,West Heavenly Gate, North Heavenly Gate, Divine Depot and Divine Kitchen, Slaughter Pavilion, Dressing Hall, sacrificial mural, the southwest scenic area, China Rose in Round Ponds, Yuxin Garden, Peony Garden, and senior citizens’ area. The altar to the sun is a west-facing square platform built of white stones. There are three Lingxing gates built of white stones on its due west, and another three respectively on its east, south, and north. Between the outer altar, which lies directly opposite the west Lingxing gates, and West Heaven Gate is a sacred road that used to be taken by the emperor when he came for offering sacrifices.
Dressing Hall: This is a square courtyard, with a three-bay south-facing main hall in the north, which is flanked by a three-bay east-facing wing hall and a west-facing one. The halls, surrounded by palace walls, were for the emperor to change his clothes or rest.
The southwest scenic area: This blends the view of South China courtyard and the plain elegance of the northern garden. In its vicinity is a 4,700-square-meter lake, on the bank of which are ancient-style waterside houses, a stone boat, and little pavilions. A curved bridge and an arch bridge span it from north to south. It is girt with a meandering path; a eastward stroll along which leads to a secluded place. The cliff beside the lake commands a view of the lake blended with the hills.
YuxinGarden: This 3,000-square-meter garden has pleasant scenery. A tortuous path runs across it in the cool shade of 40-year-old chinars with a diameter of 1 meter.
Senior citizens’ area: This area covers an area of 5,000 square meters. There are 6 stone sculptures based on folklore that stand on its west side, in keeping with the cultural atmosphere in the park. There are many kinds of trees and 300 peonies of famous species, whose fragrance pervades the area when they are in blossom. This is a beautiful, quiet, and comfortable place for senior citizens to rest and exercise.
Address: No. 6 Ritan North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Ritan (Temple of Sun) is one of the five altars, famous historic sites in Beijing. It was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of the Sun. It covers an area of 206,200 square meters, of which 124,273.36 square meters are covered by greenery, 4,700 square meters covered by water, and 10,357 square meters covered by ancient architectures. There are 44 ancient trees in the park. In the past few years, while maintaining its cultural traits, the park has been updated with modernized facilities.
The park has completed and opened to the public a children’s amusement park and a fishing area. Since 1992, it has attracted large numbers of tourists with activities that are rich in culture, such as music festivals, flower shows in the spring, morning exercises performances, and adoption of ancient trees.
The major attractions of the park are: the Altar,West Heavenly Gate, North Heavenly Gate, Divine Depot and Divine Kitchen, Slaughter Pavilion, Dressing Hall, sacrificial mural, the southwest scenic area, China Rose in Round Ponds, Yuxin Garden, Peony Garden, and senior citizens’ area. The altar to the sun is a west-facing square platform built of white stones. There are three Lingxing gates built of white stones on its due west, and another three respectively on its east, south, and north. Between the outer altar, which lies directly opposite the west Lingxing gates, and West Heaven Gate is a sacred road that used to be taken by the emperor when he came for offering sacrifices.
Dressing Hall: This is a square courtyard, with a three-bay south-facing main hall in the north, which is flanked by a three-bay east-facing wing hall and a west-facing one. The halls, surrounded by palace walls, were for the emperor to change his clothes or rest.
The southwest scenic area: This blends the view of South China courtyard and the plain elegance of the northern garden. In its vicinity is a 4,700-square-meter lake, on the bank of which are ancient-style waterside houses, a stone boat, and little pavilions. A curved bridge and an arch bridge span it from north to south. It is girt with a meandering path; a eastward stroll along which leads to a secluded place. The cliff beside the lake commands a view of the lake blended with the hills.
YuxinGarden: This 3,000-square-meter garden has pleasant scenery. A tortuous path runs across it in the cool shade of 40-year-old chinars with a diameter of 1 meter.
Senior citizens’ area: This area covers an area of 5,000 square meters. There are 6 stone sculptures based on folklore that stand on its west side, in keeping with the cultural atmosphere in the park. There are many kinds of trees and 300 peonies of famous species, whose fragrance pervades the area when they are in blossom. This is a beautiful, quiet, and comfortable place for senior citizens to rest and exercise.
Address: No. 6 Ritan North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tuanjie Lake Park
The park, a national AAA scenic spot, lies at East 3rd Ring Road North, Chaoyang District, about 8 kilometers from the center of the city. It is a city park with characteristics of classic South China gardens. The lake is named Tuanjie, or solidarity, because it was dug on the site of an old kiln pit by government-mobilized citizens. The park was completed and opened to tourists on Sept. 26, 1986.
The park covers a total area of 123,000 square meters, of which 54,000 square meters are covered by water. Architectures in it combine the solemn simplicity of northern houses and South China style, with grey-tile roofs and whitewashed walls. With 8,676 trees of different species, 36,970 squares meters of lawn, 72% of the park is perennially covered with greenery.
Major attractions are cloud hill, Deyue Corridor, Lotus Aroma Wafting to Water-side Pavilion, Mingyi (stone) Boat, Jingxiang Pavilion, Evening Clouds Pavilion, Flowing Water Screen Wall, Lancui Pavilion, and simulated seaside garden. All these are neatly arranged on an ingenious layout. The lake is spanned by three bridges of different designs and styles, named Huanbo, Jiexiu and Yinsheng respectively. Such views as Mingyi Boat and the Deyue Corridor evince an intoxicating South China aura.
The park adheres to a high standard. To maintain a good environment, it has developed an adoption system of greenery management. The park has been classified Category A, Level B in the registration of parks in Beijing. It has been awarded such titles as one of the ‘400 Best Greening Institutions in China’, ‘National Advanced Greening Collective’, and ‘Sample of Safe Scenic Area in Beijing”. In 2002 it passed ISO9001 certification for quality control and ISO14001 certification for environment control.
Address:No. 16 Tuanjiehunanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing
The park covers a total area of 123,000 square meters, of which 54,000 square meters are covered by water. Architectures in it combine the solemn simplicity of northern houses and South China style, with grey-tile roofs and whitewashed walls. With 8,676 trees of different species, 36,970 squares meters of lawn, 72% of the park is perennially covered with greenery.
Major attractions are cloud hill, Deyue Corridor, Lotus Aroma Wafting to Water-side Pavilion, Mingyi (stone) Boat, Jingxiang Pavilion, Evening Clouds Pavilion, Flowing Water Screen Wall, Lancui Pavilion, and simulated seaside garden. All these are neatly arranged on an ingenious layout. The lake is spanned by three bridges of different designs and styles, named Huanbo, Jiexiu and Yinsheng respectively. Such views as Mingyi Boat and the Deyue Corridor evince an intoxicating South China aura.
The park adheres to a high standard. To maintain a good environment, it has developed an adoption system of greenery management. The park has been classified Category A, Level B in the registration of parks in Beijing. It has been awarded such titles as one of the ‘400 Best Greening Institutions in China’, ‘National Advanced Greening Collective’, and ‘Sample of Safe Scenic Area in Beijing”. In 2002 it passed ISO9001 certification for quality control and ISO14001 certification for environment control.
Address:No. 16 Tuanjiehunanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Honglingjin (Red Scarf) Park
The park, a national AAA scenic spot, lies at the junction of East 4th Ring Road and Chaoyang North Road, to the northeast of Honglingjin Bridge, about 10 kilometers from the center of the city. It is the only theme park for children named ‘Red Scarf’ in the country. It is a place for patriotic and popular science education for teenagers with distinctive characteristics. Built in 1958, now it covers an area of 389,000 square meters, of which 160,000 square meters are covered by water, and has a 96% greenery coverage rate. The lawn surrounding the clear lake is dotted with trees and flowers. Major attractions are a theme square named ‘Song of the Red Scarf’, Ginkgo Square, children’s playground, Practical Road Safety Education Base, and several groups of artistic sculptures. Every year the park holds a scientific garden party on June 1st and a cultural festival for twins in Beijing on October 1.
‘Song of the Red Scarf’ theme square: This 3,000-square-meter square lies in the west of the squares zone near the south gate of the park. At its north end stands a theme sculpture named ‘Song of the Red Scarf, which consists of five radial steel columns topped by a glittering golden torch with a semicircle relief sculpture as the backdrop. On both sides of the square stand the sculptures of such young revolutionary martyrs as Lei Feng, Liu Hulan, Liu Wenxue, and ‘Little Carrot’, which are surrounded with flowers and green lawns. The square has a solemn atmosphere.
Ginkgo Square: This 5,000-square-meter square, which lies behind the south gate, is the most popular spot in the park with 27 large ginkgo trees. The square is paved with terrazzo. On its east side is a 1,920-square-meter tiered flower bed that runs to 240 meters along the eastern bank of the lake.
Practical road safety education base for minor citizens: The base mainly consists of a central square, a car ground, an inner ring road and an outer one. Here learning and playing are blended. Children learn about traffic laws and regulations by driving electric cars on a simulated highway.
Children’s playground: This is divided into two sctions, one in the north and the other in the south, which cover a total area of 6,300 square meters. In the north one there are fruit-worm gliding cars, wave cars, battery cars, a merry-go-round, and dodgems. In the south park there are artificial sandlot, inflated toys, and indoor entertainment facilities. The amusement facilities are available all year round.
Steps in the Sun: There are 18 groups of artistic sculptures scattered in the park. They blend very well with their surroundings, offering knowledge, entertainment, and aesthetic education for children and teenagers.
Address: No. 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing
‘Song of the Red Scarf’ theme square: This 3,000-square-meter square lies in the west of the squares zone near the south gate of the park. At its north end stands a theme sculpture named ‘Song of the Red Scarf, which consists of five radial steel columns topped by a glittering golden torch with a semicircle relief sculpture as the backdrop. On both sides of the square stand the sculptures of such young revolutionary martyrs as Lei Feng, Liu Hulan, Liu Wenxue, and ‘Little Carrot’, which are surrounded with flowers and green lawns. The square has a solemn atmosphere.
Ginkgo Square: This 5,000-square-meter square, which lies behind the south gate, is the most popular spot in the park with 27 large ginkgo trees. The square is paved with terrazzo. On its east side is a 1,920-square-meter tiered flower bed that runs to 240 meters along the eastern bank of the lake.
Practical road safety education base for minor citizens: The base mainly consists of a central square, a car ground, an inner ring road and an outer one. Here learning and playing are blended. Children learn about traffic laws and regulations by driving electric cars on a simulated highway.
Children’s playground: This is divided into two sctions, one in the north and the other in the south, which cover a total area of 6,300 square meters. In the north one there are fruit-worm gliding cars, wave cars, battery cars, a merry-go-round, and dodgems. In the south park there are artificial sandlot, inflated toys, and indoor entertainment facilities. The amusement facilities are available all year round.
Steps in the Sun: There are 18 groups of artistic sculptures scattered in the park. They blend very well with their surroundings, offering knowledge, entertainment, and aesthetic education for children and teenagers.
Address: No. 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Panjiayuan Antique Market
The market lies to the southwest of Panjiayuan Bridge, East 3rd Ring Road South, Chaoyang District. It covers an area of 48,500 square meters, of which 26,000 square meters are for business. It mainly deals in antiques and old articles, handiwork, collections, and decorative articles, with an annual business volume of RMB several hundred million. There are over 4,000 shops in the market, with nearly 10,000 dealers, 60% of whom come from 28 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions outside Beijing and over a dozen nationalities such as Han, Hui, Manchu, Miao, Dong, Uigur, Mongolian, and Korean.
This spontaneous market came into being in 1992 as a roadside market. As trade in folk antiques and handiwork grew, it had become a large antique and handiwork market spreading folk culture in 2002. Many Chinese antique collectors believe that they started their career in Panjiayuan. A visit to the market has become as important a part of a foreigner’s tour in Beijing as the Great Wall, the roast duck, and the Palace Museum.
The shops in the market are open every day, while the stalls operate on weekends. This is the most attractive antique market in the country. On weekends the number of customers reaches 60,000~70,000 a day, including over 10,000 foreigners. Here tourists with different skin colors, speaking different languages, from different classes, and having different beliefs are intermingled. Dozens of important foreign politicians, such as Hilary Clinton, Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Romanian Prime Minister Nastase, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, and Thai Princess Sirindhorn have visited the market and bought things here. Some of them spend a very long time here, stopping before every stall.
The market has the greatest variety of collected articles in the country. Common kinds for sale are: ancient-style furniture, traditional stationery, ancient books, paintings, calligraphic works, old books, agate, jade, porcelain, Chinese and foreign coins, bamboo, wood, or bone carvings, shadow play masks, Buddhist articles, ethnic costumes, and relics of the Cultural Revolution.
The market is the largest distributing center of folk handicrafts, including snuff bottles made in Hengshui, Yangliuqing New Year paintings, embroidery made in Jiangsu, wood carvings from Dongyang, stone carvings from Quyang, shadow play paraphernalia from Shandong, porcelain and crystal ornaments from Jiangxi, boccaro wares from Yixing, bronze wares from Shaanxi, costumes from Yunnan, Tibetan Buddhist articles, white jade from Xinjiang, and Jiaozhi pottery from Taiwan. These folk handicrafts are gathered in the market before being distributed all over the world.
In 2004, at the prize-awarding ceremony of the first Annual Top Ten Lists of Collection in China, the market was elected one of the top ten antique markets in China.
Address:No. 18 Huaweili, Chaoyang District, Beijing
This spontaneous market came into being in 1992 as a roadside market. As trade in folk antiques and handiwork grew, it had become a large antique and handiwork market spreading folk culture in 2002. Many Chinese antique collectors believe that they started their career in Panjiayuan. A visit to the market has become as important a part of a foreigner’s tour in Beijing as the Great Wall, the roast duck, and the Palace Museum.
The shops in the market are open every day, while the stalls operate on weekends. This is the most attractive antique market in the country. On weekends the number of customers reaches 60,000~70,000 a day, including over 10,000 foreigners. Here tourists with different skin colors, speaking different languages, from different classes, and having different beliefs are intermingled. Dozens of important foreign politicians, such as Hilary Clinton, Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Romanian Prime Minister Nastase, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, and Thai Princess Sirindhorn have visited the market and bought things here. Some of them spend a very long time here, stopping before every stall.
The market has the greatest variety of collected articles in the country. Common kinds for sale are: ancient-style furniture, traditional stationery, ancient books, paintings, calligraphic works, old books, agate, jade, porcelain, Chinese and foreign coins, bamboo, wood, or bone carvings, shadow play masks, Buddhist articles, ethnic costumes, and relics of the Cultural Revolution.
The market is the largest distributing center of folk handicrafts, including snuff bottles made in Hengshui, Yangliuqing New Year paintings, embroidery made in Jiangsu, wood carvings from Dongyang, stone carvings from Quyang, shadow play paraphernalia from Shandong, porcelain and crystal ornaments from Jiangxi, boccaro wares from Yixing, bronze wares from Shaanxi, costumes from Yunnan, Tibetan Buddhist articles, white jade from Xinjiang, and Jiaozhi pottery from Taiwan. These folk handicrafts are gathered in the market before being distributed all over the world.
In 2004, at the prize-awarding ceremony of the first Annual Top Ten Lists of Collection in China, the market was elected one of the top ten antique markets in China.
Address:No. 18 Huaweili, Chaoyang District, Beijing
The Palace Museum
Apart from the complex of immovable palace buildings, the Palace Museum houses over 1.5 million items or sets of relics. Over 8,000 of them are designated as first-class relics. They fall into the following categories: paintings, calligraphy, rubbings from tablets, inscriptions, sculptures, copperwares, porcelain, textile or embroidery, jade or stone wares, gold or silver wares, jewelry, lacquerworks, enamel wares, carvings, miscellaneous handiworks, stationery, daily appliances, clocks and instruments, imperial seals and certificates of the conferring of titles, religious relics, weapons carried by guards of honor, ancient books, and foreign relics.
Ancient architectural relics and other cultural relics fall into 25 categories, which are further divided into 69 sub-categories. Those used for government affairs and daily life are displayed in their original places; such works of art as porcelain, paintings and calligraphy, jewelry, clocks, stone drums, and bronze wares are kept in special halls. There are also halls for short-term exhibitions. The museum is open to the public all year round.
Key attractions:
The Meridian Gate: This is the main gate of the Forbidden City. It sits on the north-south axis of the city. It was built in 1420, or the 18th year of Emperor Yongle’s reign in the Ming Dynasty. It was the place where imperial edictsor calendars were issued.
The Hall of Great Harmony: This is the largest and most prestigious building in the Forbidden City. It was built in 1420. It was here that 24 Ming and Qing emperors were crowned.
The turrets: These are located at the four corners of the Forbidden City. They were built in 1420. They are so architecturally complex that, as folklore has it, each has 9 beams, 18 pillars, and 72 roof ridges.
The Hall of Heavenly Purity: This is the first of the three halls of the inner court. It was first built in 1420. fourteen emperors, from Zhudi to Zhu Youjian, had lived here.
The Hall of Military Prowess: This Hall was first built in the early Ming Dynasty. It is located to the west of the Xihe Gate of the outer court. Starting from the 40th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, a great number of books and pictures had been printed here. Known as ‘the Hall edition’, they are highly valued for their exquisite, elegant workmanship.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation:This Hall was built during Emperor Jiajing’s reign in the Ming Dynasty. It is located to the west of the Hall of Heavenly Purity in the inner court. During the Qing Dynasty, eight emperors lived here. It was also the place where the Empress Dowagers Cixi and Ci’an “held court from behind a screen”.
Address: No. 4, Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Ancient architectural relics and other cultural relics fall into 25 categories, which are further divided into 69 sub-categories. Those used for government affairs and daily life are displayed in their original places; such works of art as porcelain, paintings and calligraphy, jewelry, clocks, stone drums, and bronze wares are kept in special halls. There are also halls for short-term exhibitions. The museum is open to the public all year round.
Key attractions:
The Meridian Gate: This is the main gate of the Forbidden City. It sits on the north-south axis of the city. It was built in 1420, or the 18th year of Emperor Yongle’s reign in the Ming Dynasty. It was the place where imperial edictsor calendars were issued.
The Hall of Great Harmony: This is the largest and most prestigious building in the Forbidden City. It was built in 1420. It was here that 24 Ming and Qing emperors were crowned.
The turrets: These are located at the four corners of the Forbidden City. They were built in 1420. They are so architecturally complex that, as folklore has it, each has 9 beams, 18 pillars, and 72 roof ridges.
The Hall of Heavenly Purity: This is the first of the three halls of the inner court. It was first built in 1420. fourteen emperors, from Zhudi to Zhu Youjian, had lived here.
The Hall of Military Prowess: This Hall was first built in the early Ming Dynasty. It is located to the west of the Xihe Gate of the outer court. Starting from the 40th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, a great number of books and pictures had been printed here. Known as ‘the Hall edition’, they are highly valued for their exquisite, elegant workmanship.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation:This Hall was built during Emperor Jiajing’s reign in the Ming Dynasty. It is located to the west of the Hall of Heavenly Purity in the inner court. During the Qing Dynasty, eight emperors lived here. It was also the place where the Empress Dowagers Cixi and Ci’an “held court from behind a screen”.
Address: No. 4, Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Monday, October 15, 2007
爱如断臂
“But what if I break my arm again?” my five year-old daughter asked, her lower lip trembling. I knelt holding onto her bike and looked her right in the eyes. I knew how much she wanted to learn to ride. How often she felt left out when her friends pedaled by our house. Yet ever since she’d fallen off her bike and broken her arm, she’d been afraid. “Oh honey,” I said. “I don’t think you’ll break another arm.” “But I could, couldn’t I?” “Yes,” I admitted, and found myself struggling for the right thing to say. At times like this, I wished I had a partner to turn to. Someone who might help find the right words to make my little girl’s problems disappear. But after a disastrous marriage and a painful divorce, I’d welcomed the hardships of being a single parent and had been adamant in telling anyone who tried to fix me up that I was terminally single. “I don’t think I want to ride,” she said and got off her bike. We walked away and sat down beside a tree. “Don’t you want to ride with your friends?” I asked. “And I thought you were hoping to start riding your bike to school next year,” I added. “I was,” she said, her voice almost a quiver. “You know, hon,” I said. “Most everything you do comes with risks. You could get a broken arm in a car wreck and then be afraid to ever ride in a car again. You could break your arm jumping rope. You could break your arm at gymnastics. Do you want to stop going to gymnastics?” “No,” she said. And with a determined spirit, she stood up and agreed to try again. I held on to the back of her bike until she found the courage to say, “Let’s go!” I spent the rest of the afternoon at the park watching a very brave little girl overcome a fear, and congratulating myself for being a self-sufficient single parent. As we walked home, pushing the bike as we made our way along the sidewalk, she asked me about a conversation she’d overheard me having with my mother the night before. “Why were you and grandma arguing last night?” My mother was one of the many people who constantly tried to fix me up. How many times had I told her “no” to meeting the Mr. Perfect she picked out for me. She just knew Steve was the man for me. “It’s nothing,” I told her. She shrugged. “Grandma said she just wanted you to find someone to love.” “What grandma wants is for some guy to break my heart again,” I snapped, angry that my mother had said anything about this to my daughter. “But Mom.” “You’re too young to understand,” I told her. She was quiet for the next few minutes. Then she looked up and in a small voice gave me something to think about. “So I guess love isn’t like a broken arm.” Unable to answer, we walked the rest of the way in silence. When I got home, I called my mother and scolded her for talking about this to my daughter. Then I did what I’d seen my brave little girl do that very afternoon. I let go and agreed to meet Steve. Steve was the man for me. We married less than a year later. It turned out mother and my daughter were right.
L-Z
.Lily ladles little Letty‘s lentil soup. Listen to the local yokel yodel. Lovely lemon liniment. M.Meet Sir Cecil Thistlethwaite, the celebrated theological statistician.Mix, Miss Mix! Moose noshing much mush.Moses supposes his toeses are roses, but moses supposes erroneously. For moses, he knowses his toeses aren‘t roses as moses supposes his toeses to be! Mrs. Smith‘s Fish Sauce Shop. My dame hath a lame tame crane. My dame hath a crane that is lame. Mr. Cook said to a cook: "Look at this cook-book. It‘s very good." So the cook took the advice of Mr. Cook and bought the book.N.Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely.O.Of all the felt I ever felt, I never felt a piece of felt which felt as fine as that felt felt, when first I felt that felt hat‘s felt. Old oily Ollie oils old oily autos. Once upon a barren moor there dwelt a bear, also a boar. The bear could not bear the boar. The boar thought the bear a bore. At last the bear could bear no more of that boar that bored him on the moor, and so one morn he bored the boar - that boar will bore the bear no more. One smart fellow, he felt smart. Two smart fellows, they felt smart. Three smart fellows, they all felt smart.One-One was a racehorse. Two-Two was one, too. When One-One won one race, Two-Two won one, too. P.Pacific Lithograph. Peggy Babcock. Plague-bearing prairie dogs.Please pay promptly.Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper prepared by his parents and put them in a big paper plate. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.Did Peter Piper pick a peck of pickled peppers?If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,where‘s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked? Q.Quick kiss. Quicker kiss. R.Real weird rear wheels. Red lorry, yellow lorry, red lorry, yellow lorry. Robin Redbreast‘s bad breath.Sam‘s shop stocks short spotted socks. Sarah sitting in her sitting room, all she does is sits and shifts, all she does is sits and shifts.Say this sharply, say this sweetly, Say this shortly, say this softly. Say this sixteen times in succession. Selfish shellfish.She said she should sit.She sees cheese. She sells seashells by the sea shore. The shells she sells are surely seashells. So if she sells shells on the seashore, I‘m sure she sells seashore shells. She sifted thistles through her thistle-sifter.Sheep shouldn‘t sleep in a shack. Sheep should sleep in a shed. Shelter for six sick scenic sightseers. Shredded Swiss cheese. Shy Shelly says she shall sew sheets. Silly Sally swiftly shooed seven silly sheep. The seven silly sheep Silly Sally shooed shilly-shallied south. These sheep shouldn‘t sleep in a shack; sheep should sleep in a shed. Silly sheep weep and sleep. Six sharp smart sharks. Six shimmering sharks‘ sharply striking shins. Six short slow shepherds. Six silly sisters sell silk to six sickly senior citizens.Six slippery snails, slid slowly seaward. Six sticky sucker sticks. Six twin screwed steel steam cruisers. Six thick thistle sticks. Six thick thistles stick."Surely Sylvia swims!" shrieked Sammy, surprised. "Someone should show Sylvia some strokes so she shall not sink."So she bought a bit of butter,better than her bitter butter,and she baked it in her batter,and the batter was not bitter.So ‘twas better Betty Botterbought a bit of better butterT.Thank the other three brothers of their father‘s mother‘s brother‘s side. The blue bluebird blinks.The cat catchers can‘t catch caught cats. The crow flew over the river with a lump of raw liver. The epitome of femininity. The sixth sick sheik‘s sixth sheep‘s sick. The soldiers shouldered shooters on their shoulders. The sun shines on shop signs. The two-twenty-two train tore through the tunnel.There was cinnamon in the aluminum pan. Thieves seize skis. Three gray geese in the green grass grazing. Gray were the geese and green was the grass.Tim, the thin twin tinsmith. Tiny orangutan tongues!Toy boat. Toy boat. Toy boat. Tragedy strategy.U.Unique New York. Urgent detergent! W.We surely shall see the sun shine soon. Which wristwatches are Swiss wristwatches? While we were walking, we were watching window washers wash Washington‘s windows with warm washing water.Who washed Washington‘s white woollen underwear when Washington‘s washer woman went west? Will you, William? Where is the watch I put in my pocket to take to the shop because it had stopped? You sent me your bill, Berry, Before it was due, Berry; Your father, the elder Berry, Isn‘t such a goose, Berry.
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