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China starts 3rd dig-up of terracotta warrior 1,000 of which were found in previous Chinese archaeologists started a
excavations. The State Administration
new excavation of the famous terracotta
of Cultural Heritage has approved a
army site on June 13th, hoping to find
five-year excavation plan submitted by
more clay figures and unravel some of
the Qinshihuang Terracotta Warriors
the mysteries left behind by the "First
and Horses Museum.
Emperor." It was the third excavation
Archaeologists hoped they might
in the pit -- the first and largest of three
find a clay figure that appeared to be
pits at the site near Xi'an, capital of
"in command" of the huge underground
northwestern Shaanxi Province -- since
army. They are also hoping to ascertain
1974 when the terracotta army was
the success of decades of preservation
discovered by peasants digging a well.
ef for t s to kee p t he u nd iscove red
The most important discovery on the first day is two four-horse chariots
terracotta figures intact and retain their original colors.
that are standing in tandem very closely
The army was one of the greatest
which is the first time find such an
archeological finds of modern times. It
existence in the excavation history. In
was discovered in Lintong county, 35
addition, another important discovery
km east of Xi'an, in 1974 by peasants
wa s t h at a few newly- u ne a r t he d
who were digging a well. The first
terracotta warriors were richly colored.
formal excavation of the site lasted
Archaeologists soon used plastic sheets
for six years from 1978 to 1984 and
to cover them for protection.
produced 1,087 clay figures. A second
T he 230 by 62-meter pit was believed to contain about 6,000 life-
excavation, in 1985, lasted a year and was cut short for technical reasons.
sized terracotta figures, more than
CONTENTS Focus China starts 3rd dig-up of terracotta 1 warrior Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum: To Dig or Not? 2 The First Emperor of China-Qin Shi Huang 3 Movie Related to the First Emperor and His Mausoleum 4 To Be a Real Terra Cotta Warrior 5
People Photographer Interview: Swanky Hsiao 6 Four Beauties of Ancient China 8
Culture Chinese Idiom-Chengyu
9
Food How to Make Fried Rice -The Easiest Easy Chinese Recipe Panacea-Chinese Green Tea
10 11
Jokes Four Chinese Jokes
12
Arts The Finest of Cuts Jade In China
13 13
Discovery China's Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 2008 14
Travel Go to Xi'an
I
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Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum: To Dig or Not? Written by Robert J Saiget(bt.com) Edited by Steve Cheng
VS
Zhang Wuchang
Duan Qingbo
be undertaken we have to ensure that what
quality work that was worsened by the
A H EAT ED debate over whet her
is found can be preserved, otherwise we will
intervening Cultural Revolution (1966-
to excavate one of the Qin Shi Huang’s
be killing the chicken that lays the golden
1976) when Red Guards destroyed some of
tombs dotting the outskir ts of China's
egg."
the finds, including the remains of the dead
ancient capital of Xian has resurfaced with
Over 40 million people have visited
a respected economist weighing in on the
the mausoleum of Qinshi Huang, China's
Shaan xi province once applied to
advantages of opening the royal grave in
first emperor and ruler of the Qin Dynasty
excavate Qianling in 2000, but was turned
2006.
(221 BC-207 BC), since the discovery of the
down by (China's cabinet) based on the
"The cult ural enlightenment from
Terracotta warriors in 1974. In the first half
opinions of archaeologists around the
excavating the tomb of Qinshi Huang will
of 2006, 356,000 foreign visitors and 12.6
country. But now techniques are getting
surpass the pyramids of Egypt," Zhang
million domestic tourists visited Xian, both
better and new techniques mean that the
Wuchang of Hong Kong University says in
up around 13 per cent from the previous
time is nearing when the state-protected
an article that has sparked the debate.
year, bringing in revenues of 8.49 billion
imperial tombs may be excavated.
"Not starting excavations is the same as having nothing. Only by excavating
yuan (US$1.1 billion), according to the Shaanxi Economic Information Centre.
emperor.
According to writ ten records, the Qianling tomb holds the Gaozong emperor's
will we find value capable of contributing
Other leading candidates for excavation
most pre ciou s p osse ssion s i nclud i ng
to society." Zhang's article, posted on his
include the Han Yangling mausoleum of
paintings, silks, lacquer objects, ceramics,
website in 2006, drew heated reaction with
Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) emperor
wooden objects, silver, gold and jewelled
Xinhua news agency reporting that over
Jing Di and the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)
articles.
240,000 people had weighed in with their
Qianling mausoleum of emperor Gaozong
own opinions.
and empress Wu Zetian.
Qinshi Huang's tomb is even more elaborate with historical records saying
According to Zhang, by opening up
Modern surveys indicate that the main
the coffin of the first emperor is encased
Qinshi Huang's tomb, the imperial tomb
burial vaults of the three imperial tombs
in molten copper and sits in a large tomb
that accompanies Xian's famed Terracotta
remain undisturbed, Duan says. Historic
chamber full of fine vessels, precious stones
Warriors, tourism revenues in Shaanxi
records however suggest that grave robbers
and rarities.
province would double.
cleaned out at least 17 of the Tang tombs in
The ceiling of the chamber is studded
However, Duan Qingbo,head of the
China's "Valley of the Kings", most of the
with jewels that represent the stars, sun and
excavation team of the Qinshi Huang
nine nearby Han tombs and even Qinshi
moon, while on the floor rivers of mercury
mausoleum disagreed with Zhang's idea.
Huang's tomb that lies east of Xian.
represent the earth.
"Many view this kind of thinking as the
Meanwhile, Duan recalls the late 1950
"Certainly recent initial surveys have
main problem facing China today." he
excavation of the Ming Dynasty mausoleum
found high concentrations of mercury under
says. "A lot of officials are only thinking
near Beijing that was supposed to have
the tomb chamber," Duan says. "But we
about money and the benefits that such an
brought China to the forefront of world
will never know how accurate the historical
excavation will bring to them. Meanwhile
archaeology.
records are until actual excavation takes
they ignore the science. If any dig is going to
The dig was a disaster due to poor
2
place."
The First Emperor of China ——Qin Shi Huang title for himself: "Huangdi" together with "Shi
him before he could find success on that
(means the first)", hence get the name "Qin Shi
matter. The emperor departed from the world
Huang" or "Qin Shi Huangdi", which means he
of the living in 210 BC while traveling. The
was the first emperor of China. He hoped his
Peasant Uprising led by Chen Sheng and Wu
descendants would follow in his steps to rule
Guang broke out soon after Hu Hai, the second
China for eternity.
generation, got onto the throne. Accordingly, the Qin Dynasty came to an abrupt end in 206
Achievements and Defects
In order to consolidate the nascent empire,
BC. Qin Shi Huang is truly an epoch-making historic emperor in China's history.
Qin Shi Huang reformed politics, economy and culture. In politics, he abolished the hereditary vassal enfeoffment system and established prefectures and counties, ruled directly by the
The Legend of Meng Jiang Nu —A Love Tragedy to Prove the Emperor's Cruelty
Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 BC - 210
emperor. Based on the original rules of the Qin
Meng Jiang Nu was a very pretty lady
BC) fascinates people when they talk about
State, the emperor adopted some regulations
living in the Qin Dynasty. She married a
the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors
of other rival states to form a workable law
handsome young man named Fan Qi Liang.
and Horses - his two greatest achievements to
of the Qin Dynasty. In economy, he claimed
But soon after their marriage, Fang Qi Liang
China. As the first emperor of China, he indeed
that both the agriculture and commerce were
was forced to leave Meng Jiang Nu to build the
has a profound influence on Chinese history
very important. People should have them
Great Wall. After his departure, the couple lost
and culture.
developed together. Besides, tax system began
contact for nearly a year. When winter came,
to function and coinage and metrology were all
Meng Jiang Nu sewed clothing for her husband,
standardized. In culture, the emperor unified
but she was forced to endure danger and
Emperor Qin Shi Huang, born as Ying
the Chinese characters in writing, which
countless hardships on her journey to the foot
Zheng in 259 BC, was the son of the king of the
promoted the development of the Chinese
of the Great Wall to meet her husband. Once at
Qin State. At the age of thirteen, he succeeded
culture. However, he also suppressed scholars
the Great Wall, she was told that her husband
his father's regality. Ying Zheng was very
who were not to his liking. Consequently, many
had already died of hunger and exhaustion.
aggressive and ambitious at an early age. He
scholars involved were killed in Xian Yang.
Even worse, his body had been built within the
How did he come to the throne?
assumed full power at 22 by ridding himself
The symbol of the Chinese ancient
base of the Great Wall. Meng Jiang Nu stayed
of his premier, Lu Buwei, who acted as regent
civilization, the Great Wall bears witness to Qin
by the Wall and wept for days and nights. Her
while he was a minor. He wanted to unify and
Shihuang's centralism. He ordered conscript
cries touched the Heaven above. Suddenly, 300
subjugate all the states like Han, Zhao, Wei,
laborers to link together the defensive works
miles wall collapsed and her husband's body
Chu, Yan and Qi by the powerful political,
against marauding nomads already built by the
appeared, amidst the rubble in front of her. Out
economic and military strength of the Qin
former states. That was the forerunner of the
of extreme grief, she buried her husband and
State. Ying Zheng realized his ambition and
modern Great Wall. Another world-famous
then jumped to her death into the sea.
built the first feudal and centralized empire in
achievement is the Terracotta Warriors and
Chinese history in 221 BC. This was what we
Horses in Xian, which was discovered nearby
called - the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC).
the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Ying Zheng was the first emperor of a united
Both are the wonders of China. But during their
China, so he proclaimed himself Qin Shi
construction, countless conscripts lost their lives
Huang.
（please read The Legend of Meng Jiang Nu）. It's really wasting manpower and resources.
"Qin Shi Huang"
When Ying Zheng unified China, he
considered his achievement surpassing the
Decline of the First Emperor
Qin Shi Huang longed for longevity, so he
legendary "San Huang (three emperors)" and
sent his ministers to go on quests seeking for an
"Wu Di (five sovereigns)". He created a new
elixir of immortality. However, death claimed
3
Movie Related to the First Emperor and His Mausoleum 1.the terra cotta warrior(1990)—古今大战秦俑情 China 3000 years ago. It's the time of the Qin dynasty. The emperor seeks immortality by busily letting his alchemists search for a formula and building the famous terracotta army from the bodies of outlaws and the condemned. This is the time Mong Tiang Fong(Yimou Zhang) and court lady Twon(Li Gong) fall deeply in love. Such a thing is not tolerated at the court and when their relationship is discovered both are sentenced to death. In the meantime the alchemists have discovered the formula of immortality, but decide to destroy their work. However Twon gets possession of one immortality pill which she manages to give to Tiang Fong before he's made a terracotta warrior too. China 1930. While on location a film crew discovers parts of the grave of emperor Qin guarded by the terracotta warriors. Tiang Fong, being immortal, awakes...
2.the myth (2005)—神话 Intrepid archeologist Jack (Jackie Chan) and ambitious scientist William (Tony Leung Ka Fai) set out on an adventure that leads them to the greatest discovery in Chinese history. Their journey starts in Dasar, India, where they stumble upon an ancient sword from the Qin Dynasty, and a magical gemstone that appears to be able to defy the force of gravity. These finds not only lead them to a mythical mausoleum, but also connects Jack to his dark past life. Through strange and provocative dreams, Jack sees himself reincarnated as Meng Yi, a general who fell for the First Emperor's beautiful consort Ok Soo (Kim Hee Seon) some 2,000 years ago. As Meng Yi commands his troops in an increasingly desperate war against rebels, he also has to battle his own inner desires in choosing between eternal love and loyalty...
3.the mummy tomb of the dragon emperor(2008)—木乃伊3：龙 帝之墓 The blockbuster global "Mummy" franchise takes a spellbinding turn as the action shifts to Asia for the next chapter in the adventure series, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." Brendan Fraser returns as explorer Rick O'Connell to combat the resurrected Qin Emperor (Jet Li) in an epic that races from the catacombs of ancient China high into the frigid Himalayas. Rick is joined in this all-new adventure by son Alex (newcomer Luke Ford), wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah). And this time, the O'Connells must stop a mummy awoken from a 2,000-year-old curse who threatens to plunge the world into his merciless, unending service...
4
To Be a Real Terra Cotta Warrior
I'm a real Terra Cotta Warrior.
the terracotta figures like one of them P a bl o , a t o u r i s t f r o m G e r m a n y
followed with numerous visitors took
plunged into the Ter ra Cotta War riors
photos of him. After strong dissuasions,
and Horses' No.1 Pit in Xian wearing
security men lifted him out of the pit.
his self-made terracotta figure costume
It is because he is so obsessed with
on Sep 16thďźŒ2006. He is the first tourist
the ter racotta f igures that he behaved
ju mpi ng i nto t he pit; for t u nately, no
in this way. As he has no pur pose of
damage is caused to the cultural relic.
m a k i ng d a m age t o t he rel ic, he wa s
Havi ng a st rong favor to the
on ly c r it ici z e d . It is st ipu lat e d t h at
Chinese ter racotta f igures and
anyone who plunges into the pits will
d re a m i ng t o t a ke phot os w it h t he m ,
be punished according to the damage
Pablo visited the Museum of Qin Terror
deg rees to the relics. No mat ter how
Cotta War riors and Horses the second
c r a z y o n e i s t o t h e c u l t u r a l r el i c s ,
time on Sep 16th. He made a simulated
he should have the st rong protect ive
cost u me li ke ter racot t a f ig u re wea rs
consciousness to them. Hopef ully, no
a nd wore it sec retly i n t he mu seu m.
si m i l a r b e h av io r w i l l a p p e a r i n t he
Before the security guards saw him, he
future.
sprang the guardrail and stood among
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Photographer Interview:
Swanky Hsiao Source: asianpose.com
As we were searching Flickr for images to use in our poses gallery, one photographer’s 1. How did you get into photography? I like to take photos, even when I was a
name kept cropping up. Swanky. He has taken thousands of photos of beautiful Asian
child. Now I major in computer science, not
Swanky Hsiao comes to us from Taipei, Taiwan. He is a PhD student majoring in
photography or art.
girls, and he is the subject of our first ever photographer interview. computer science. “I am also a photographer, but I am not a professional one,” he says.
In May 2006, I bought my first DSLR Canon 30D and a Tamron 18-200mm lens. Then, I started to learn photography by self-study. I read lots of photography books and photography articles on the Internet. As I upload photos to my Flickr album, lots of people say they like my photos and give me comments. I’m very happy that others love my work. So I bought more equipment and I take more photos! But I have to admit, I think I’m still an
3
5
amateur!
The supermodel Gemma Ward. 3. Your favorite photo in your Flickr
She has very special face and a perfect
2. How do you find models for your shoots? When I started, I went to shows and took
photostream? My favorite photo is this portrait of Mikako.
body. I like her works with lots of great
photos of showgirls and cosplayers. In Taiwan,
She is my favorite model and this is the first time
if one day I can take photos like that.
there are many shows and activities where you
I met her in a beauty photography competition.
can practice your photography, like computer shows, game shows, and cosplay shows. Then I joined photo-shooting activities
photographers on fashion magazines and wonder
I won an award with this photo. Because
5. The best story you can tell us that arose
this was my first time entering a photography
from one of your shoots? This photo of Daphny had been picked up
competition, I was really encouraged by the win.
held by photography websites. They will invite
by a Wikipedia editor to represent Taiwanese
models and I can take photos with these more
4. Which celebrity would you most like to take
people. Although the image used by Wikipedia
professional models.
pictures of?
was changed to a Taiwanese celebrity’s photo,
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the experience of seeing my work on Wikipedia was very interesting to me.
8. Your favorite pose? I like this wink and pout pose.
6. What tips would you give to someone picking up a camera for the first time? Move your feet and get as close as possible
What others say: “ S w a n k y i s o n e of m y f a vo r i t e
to your main subject. Be passionate about
photographers – although he says taking pictures
photography and make light your friend!
is only a hobby, his photographs are some of the best China, or rather all of Asia has to offer!” -Ella 甜蜜蜜
7. Can you name some photographers you’ve encountered on Flickr who deserve more
“I like to appreciate Swanky’s portraits by
attention? The list is too long so I just pick some of
looking through the models’ eyes; every photo
whom I like most.
(translation)
looks comforting and beautiful.” -AehoHikaruki
I really learn a lot from all of them!
“Portraits at a certain level capture
東方顏 , 友善的小徐 (Shengyuan Hsu),
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HaoJan, Jersey Yen, mark chang, akenisa, Miss Aniela, merkley???, zemotion, _rebekka, 米 死 米 (MSM), *Zara
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the model’s spirit.” - 艾 薩 克 也 / Hello Kit (translation)
Studying women in Chinese history, one must start with the Four Beauties. They are legendary females who are well known in Chinese history for how they used their looks to help a greater cause. Most of the time was the downfall of some evil tyrant. Thus, their stories are not just of their beauty but of their cleverness as well. These four women have been depicted in literature, art, screens, music, and stories to young girls. Many paintings from China have tried for centuries to depict their true beauty in their portraits. Movies, Chinese Operas, and even songs have been written about their lives.
Yang Guifei
Xi Shi Xi Shi was the first of the four beauties, lived during the period
As wife to the son of the emperor in the Tang Dynasty, she
of time known as the Spring and Autumn Period, 722 BC - 481 BC.
came in contact with Emperor Xuanzong. It should be noted that
The period got its name from writings by Confucius and is a time
it was not unusual for Chinese custom to have a very young son,
of many warring states. The king of her land was defeated by King
especially a Prince, marry a woman older than him as his first wife.
Fu Chai, the ruler of a neighboring state, and he was not only long
The Emperor fell in love with Yang but could not show affection
imprisoned but also humiliated. In order to revenge, he recruited
for his daughter-in-law. So instead, he declared she becomes a nun
the most beautiful woman of his lands, Xi Shi, and trained her in
and through his right as Emperor, he brought her into his court and
the ways of espionage and seduction. With her help, King Fu Chai
eventually made her his top concubine. However, there was unrest
killed his general of the army, and the imprisoned king, Gou Jian
in the country and while the Emperor spent his time thinking about
was set free. King Gou Jian made efforts to strengthen his land and
Yang Guifei, his empire was falling apart. Yang was blamed for
finally brought King Fu Chai’s rule to an end. On her way to King
his downfall and the Emperor's men and advisors demanded she
Fu Chai’s land, she met her love, Fan Li, but she left him for her
be killed or they would no longer protect him. He gave into the
land.
demands and Yang Guifei sacrificed her life so that the Emperor and the empire might continue.
Four Beauties of Ancient China
Xi Shi
Diao Chan
Wang Zhaojun
Diao Chan
Yang Guifei
Wang Zhaojun
Diao Chan is believed now to simply be a character written in
Wang Zhaojun was living during the Han Dynasty (206 BC -
a story called Romance of the Three Kingdoms during the Ming
220AD), Wang Zhaojun is believed to have lived around 30 BC.
dynasty, but this fictional character continues to hold a place in
The time was known for many problems with the "barbarians" to
Chinese history. During the later part of the Han Dynasty, a tyrant
the West, known as the Xionghu and later Hun tribes. The Xionghu
warlord named Dong Zhuo destroyed many parts of the land,
chief demanded to marry one of the concubines from the Han court.
including causing the death of Diao Chan's parents. She was adopted
Wang volunteered, sacrificing herself for the peace of the land. The
by an official named Wang Yun. But when Dong Zhuo threatened the
Emperor agreed to send Wang, finding out only too late that she
life of her new father, she stepped up and used her beauty to become
had been his most beautiful concubine rather than his most ugly.
a concubine to Dong Zhuo and a wife to his best warrior, Lu Bu.
Because of her courage, the China and Xionghu existed in relative
Through manipulating jealousy between the two, she convinces Lu
peace for 60 years.
Bu to kill Dong Zhuo and the warrior is killed for his betrayal.
One thing that the four beauties have in common is their intimate relations with the potentates, and they finally bring the emperors or kings to an end. As a result of this, beautiful women are unfairly considered “a terrible disaster” by some men, like “Helen of Troy” in western countries. But for men, who can resist the smile of the beauties?
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Chinese Idiom—
Cheng yu Chinese is nowadays becoming popular all over the world due to China’s increasing inf luence on the world. For those who want to learn Chinese, they usually are frustrated by complex Chinese characters. But they must lear n chengyu, a more complex part of Chinese, if they want to see the essence of Chinese language. Cheng y u are a t y pe of t raditional Chinese idiomatic expressions, which were widely used in Classical Chinese and are still common in Chinese writing and Spoken Chinese today. According to the most stringent definition, there are about 5,000 chengyu in the Chinese language, though some dictionaries list over 20,000. But learners need not be frightened by the figure, because only a few of them are commonly used in modern Chinese. Most of chengy u are derived from ancient literat u re, stor ies, my th and history. When learning chengyu, people ca n also obt ai n some k nowle dge of Chinese literature, historical facts, and some interesting stories. For example, “不 耻下问” (literally, “not ashamed to learn from one's subordinates”) comes from the
Typical Chengyu most famous classical work, Analects of Confucius, which has influenced China for more than two thousand years. “杯 酒释兵权” (literally, “relinquish one's military command over a glass of wine”) is about an incident that took place in Song Dynasty of ancient China. “自相矛 盾” (literally, “using one's spear to thrust one's own shield”) tells a story about a man who boasted the spear and shield he sold, and finally put himself in trouble. As an essential part in Chinese language, chengyu, offer people various information that has accumulated for thousands of years, just like an encyclopedia. When learning chengyu, people would find it easier to understand chengyu after studying the context from which the chengyu was born. The meaning of a chengyu usually
surpasses the sum of the meanings carried by the four characters, as chengyu are often closely linked with the myth, story or historical fact from which they were derived. chengyu do not follow the usual grammatical structure and syntax of the modern Chinese spoken language, and are instead highly compact and synthetic. So chengyu may be misused by foreign students learning Chinese, and even for Chinese students, they make mistakes, too. “瓜田李下” literally means “melon field, under the plums”, but it has a deeper meaning that implies suspicious situations. It tells people not to adjust your shoes in a melon field and not to tidy your hat under the plum trees in order to avoid suspicion of stealing. The literal meaning of the idiom is impossible to understand without the background knowledge of the origin of the phrase, and reading background stories is also a necessary step during the process of learning chengyu. Learning chengyu is learning the wisdom of Chinese ancestors. Many chengyu tell people what should be done and what should not. “光明磊落” requires people to be straightforward and upright men, and “开卷有益” tells us that reading is always beneficial. Chengyu are compact in form, and common people maybe easily remember them, so that they can be passed down from generation to generation. As a result, the wisdom is also passed down.
Stories of Chengyu 自相矛盾
(literally, “using one's spear to thrust one's own shield”)
Explanation: Said of someone's words or action conflict, one who can not justify himself. Once upon a time, there was a man who wanted to sell his spear and shield. He held the spear and said, "My spear is the sharpest one in the world, and it can thrust through any shield no matter how firm the shield is." Then he pointed at his shield and shouted: "It is the firmest, soundest, strongest shield in the world; no spear can thrust through it regardless of how sharp it is." When onlookers heard this, they couldn't help laughing at him. One of them asked: "You said your spear is the sharpest and your shield is the firmest. How about thrusting your spear through your shield. What will happen then, eh?" The man was speechless.
四面楚歌
(literally, “hearing the Chu Songs from four sides”) Explanation: Use this to describe someone who is helplessly surrounded or defeated After the overthrow of the Qin Dynasty, vicious wars broke out between the army led by Xiang Yu, the king of Chu, and the army led by Liu Bang, the king of Han. The Chu army was defeated and retreated to Gaixia where the Han Army besieged it. At that time, Xiang Yu had only a few troops left and provisions were running out. One night, the Han army sang songs to Chu to weaken their spirits. Xiang Yu wondered why there were so many Chu natives in Liu's army! He thought Liu Bang had taken over Chu's territory. On realizing that he had lost the upper hand, Xiang Yu bid farewell to his favorite concubine, Yu Ji. Then he led the rest of his army of 800 men, and made a run to the south. When he reached the bank of Wujiang River, there were only more than 20 men left and they were pursued by thousands of Han soldiers. Realizing he was defeated completely, he pulled out his sword and committed suicide.
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How to Make Fried Rice —The Easiest Easy Chinese Recipe The classic Chinese comfort dish, it's believed that fried rice (Chao Fan)
originated in the city of Yangzhou in eastern Jiangsu province. Made with barbecued pork, shrimp and spring onions, Yangzhou Fried Rice is still the standard by which all other fried rice dishes are judged. But you don't need to follow a special recipe to enjoy fried rice - it's a great way to use up leftovers. This basic fried rice recipe makes a nice alternative to steamed rice as a side dish, or you can turn it into a main meal by adding meat/seafood and vegetables.
Recipe from chinesefood.about.com
(If you are adding other ingredients, increase the number of eggs to three).
Photographs from Rhonda Parkinson
Basic Fried Rice Ingredients 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt Pepper to taste 3 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed 4 cups previously cooked rice, at least 1 day old 1 – 2 tablespoons light soy sauce or oyster sauce as desired (see Add the Seasonings for more suggestions) Methods 1. the most important tip in making fried rice is to use rice that has been previously cooked. Using previously cooked rice helps keep the dish from turning out wet or mushy. While you can use rice that has
1
been cooked the night before, 2 or 3-day old rice is even better. Gently rub the rice between your finger to break up any clumps (this will help the rice cook more evenly). 2. In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork or chopsticks until they are frothy. 3. Heat a frying pan or wok on medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil, swirling so that the bottom of the pan is coated. When the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the eggs. Cook the eggs, stirring, until they are lightly scrambled but not too dry. Remove the eggs and clean out the pan. 4. Add 1 tablespoon oil, swirling so that the bottom of the pan is coated. Add the rice. Stir-fry for 2 -
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3 minutes, until the rice is heated through. 5. Stir in the soy sauce or oyster sauce as desired. Note: Traditionally, the Chinese do not add soy sauce to rice. If you like, you can serve the dish plain, without the soy or oyster sauce. Another option is to add a small amount (1/2 - 1 teaspoon) of XO sauce or thick soy sauce, or to use 2 - 3 teaspoons of dark soy sauce - these will give the rice a darker color. 6. When the rice is heated through, add the scrambled egg back into the pan. Add the green onion. Stir-fry to heat everything through.
step1 step2 step3
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7. Enjoy your work, chef! Basic Fried Rice makes a nice alternative to plain steamed rice as a side dish. Here it is paired with a Basic Beef Stir-fry.
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step4、step5、step6
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Panacea－Chinese Green Tea "Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb) Is any other food or drink reported to
Harmful Effects? To date, the only negative side effect
have as many health benefits as green tea?
r e p or t e d f rom d r i n k i ng g r e e n t e a is
The Chinese have known about the medicinal
insomnia due to the fact that it contains
benefits of green tea since ancient times,
caffeine. However, green tea contains less
using it to treat everything from headaches to
caffeine than coffee: there are approximately
depression. Today, scientific research in both
thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six -
Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for
eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-
the health benefits long associated with drinking
hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
green tea. Here are just a few medical conditions
How much Green Tea should you
in which drinking green tea is reputed to be
drink? T here a re as ma ny a nswers to
helpful:
·cancer ·rheumatoid arthritis ·high cholesterol levels ·cariovascular disease ·infection ·impaired immune function
this question as there are researchers investigating the natural properties of green Other BeneFts New evidence is emerging that green tea
tea. Given all the conflicting evidence that
can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the
probably safe to plan on drinking four to
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published
five cups of green tea per daily. If you're a
the results of a study at the University of Geneva
real devotee, by all means drink more; but
The Secret of Green Tea The secret of green tea lies in the fact it
in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who
whether or not you'll derive added health
were given a combination of caffeine and green
benefits remains to be determined by further
is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly
tea extract burned more calories than those
research.
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is
given only caffeine or a placebo.
scientists get from their investigation, it is
a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting
Green tea can even help prevent tooth
the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells
decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can
How to Brew a Cup of Green Tea Producing the perfect cup of green tea
without harming healthy tissue. It has also been
help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the
is a tricky process. If not handled properly,
effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and
bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile,
those same polyphenols that provide health
inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots.
skin preparations containing green tea - from
benefits can ruin the flavor, making the tea
The latter takes on added importance when
deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on
taste "gassy." It's particularly important
you consider that thrombosis (the formation of
the market.
not to overbrew. While it's best to follow
abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of
the manufacturer's instructions for each
heart attacks and stroke.
variety of green tea, here are some general
Why don't other Chinese teas have similar
instructions:
health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and
·Use one tea bag, or 2 - 4 grams of tea, per
black teas all come from the leaves of the
cup.
Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea
·Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a
apart is the way it is processed. Green tea
boil.
leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG
·After unplugging the kettle, allow it to
compound from being oxidized. By contrast,
stand for up to 3 minutes.
black and oolong tea leaves are made from
·Pour the heated water over the tea bag or
fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG
tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes.
being converted into other compounds that are
If using a tea bag, remove the bag.
not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting
·Allow
various diseases.
minutes.
the tea to cool for three more
Source:chinesefood.about.com
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drunk guest said, "I'm the nearest." A few other guests muttered: "No, the host is the nearest." The drunk guest mumbled: "Not so. He has to walk all the
Buck,Chuck and Fu..
way to his bedroom. All I have to do is to collapse on the floor here."
Marco Polo Spea k i ng of t ravels, I hea rd t hat when Marco Polo first opened the trade routes to China, he was quite impressed
1
2
with their rockets. Now, these weren't quite the fireworks we now know, but they did shoot into the air, explode and make some pretty patterns. Strangely, no matter where he went, there were people who
T he re I s No Us e C h a nt i ng Buddha, Ma
I've called you a few times. Image how
made fireworks, but he had trouble finding
angry the Buddha will be when he hears you
someone to demonstrate them for him.
Zhai Yongling had a mother who was
chanting his name thousands of times a day."
a devout Buddhist. She would recite the scriptures from morning to night.
"Not here!" they said. It was ver y con f usi ng. Unt il ol' Ma rc ca me upon
Three Brothers From China
an ancient militar y for tif ication at the
One day, Yongling got an idea. He
There were 3 brothers from China, Bu,
community of Chu'Lai. Here, fireworks were
pretended to have something to talk to his
Chu and Fu. When they moved to America,
launched every night, and Marc was very
mother about so he called her while she was
they decided to change their names.
impressed!
chanting the name of Buddha. His mother
Bu changed his name to Buck.
heard Yongling calling her so she stopped
Chu changed his name to Chuck.
the end of every week, people came from
and answered him. However he kept on
And Fu...
great distances, bringing their own fireworks
calling her.
Well, he had to go back to China.
to launch. So Marco Polo asked his guide
His mother finally lost her temper and shouted: "Stop it! Why do you keep calling
But still he wondered, "Why here?" At
why everyone came here to launch their
The Farthest And The Nearest
fireworks.
After a party, the guests discussed
Marc's guide replied, "Why honored
Yongling laughed and replied:" Well,
how far they needed to travel before they
sir, we always set off fireworks on the Forts
you see, mother, you get angry just because
could reached their beds. One particularly
of Chu'Lai."
me like that?"
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4
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The Arts
The Finest of Cuts During the Beijing 2008 Olympic
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Derived from
traditional arts and crafts from Shanxi
Games, the ancient county of Guangling
traditional embroidery, the Guangling style
Province with its unique style, bright colors,
was radiant in festive atmosphere, dressed
incorporates single and multiple colors with
vivid composition, graceful lines, lifelike
up and plentiful with colorful paper-cuts and
elements of traditional Chinese painting.
expression, and fine craftsmanship.
red lanterns hung high.
Guangling paper-cuts, natural white
To increase awareness and public
In mid 2008 the people of Guangling
and dyed, are famous for clear, graceful
ap pre ciat ion for t he a r t , a pap e r- cut
were pleased to learn that the Chinese
lines, while also featuring a robust and
museum, the largest of its kind in China,
Ministry of Culture had classified their style
vigorous appeal. The delicate product is
was established in Guangling. W hat’s
of colorful halftone paper-cuts as being
reputed as a “unique skill of the traditional
more, the county’s Jiaoshan Village was
among the second group of China’s National
Chinese art” for its vivid composition,
designated by the State as the “Home of
Intangible Cultural Heritage.
lifelike expression, exquisite craftsmanship,
International Paper-Cutting.” A newly-rising
rarefied material and color, and elaborate
cultural industry, paper-cutting has served
packing.
to showcase the folk custom, traditional
Paper-cutting in Guangling originated i n the early Tang Dy nast y (618-907), took on a distinct form during the Ming
As one of the three famous represen-
and modern, while also serving as a major
Dynasty (1368-1644), and matured during
tatives of traditional Chinese paper-cutting,
means to benefit local residents during the
the reign of Emperor Daoguang of the
Guangling holds a position displaying the
farming off-season.
Jades are extremely hard stones. They
grade pieces are extremely valuable today.
were shaped and carved using ropes and
Jade ranges in color from pure white to black,
bamboo with grains of sand. The piece was
and from pale yellow to dark green. It has
coated with sand rubbed back and forth with
a very creamy appearance, and has always
the rope or bamboo to slowly wear away
been considered more valuable in Chinese
the stone. A single piece could take months
society than any other substance.Jadeite is
to produce. Today, modern diamond tipped
very similar to Jade in appearance, however
tools, drills, and grinders make the job much
it is a completely different substance. It is
quicker. The art of Jade carving has been in
harder, more translucent, and has a crystalline
existence in China since 3500 BC. The most
structure. Jadeite is found in all the colors of
famous Jade works were produced in Suzhou,
Jade, but also in shades of purple and blue.
which still produces some of the finest Jade
Most of the Jadeite used in China comes
and Stone carvings in the world. Nephrite
from Burma. New Jade and Serpentine Jade
Jade that was used by the Chinese came from
is basically anything that might pass for Jade,
East Turkistan. Throughout history, China
but isn't Jade!
has gained and lost control of that region which had greatly affected the supply and quality available to the craftsmen. During
Jade In China
the periods of low supply, smaller pieces were produced. Craftsmen were required to produce Snuff Bottles using very low quality Jade, much of which had off-color inclusions. These inclusions were frequently worked into the design of the piece. Many of these low-
13
Discovery
China's Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 2008 Zhou Gong (around 1,100 years
States Period (475-221 B.C.) in
1. The Yangguanzhai ruin in
B.C.), an outstanding politician,
central China's Henan Province
northwest China's Shaanxi
st rategist and thin ker in
The discovery of the site
i n t he Sp r i ng a nd Aut u m n
Province
Wester n Zhou Dynasty. The
and related relics is of great
Period. The structure and design
T he on ly ent i re rou nd-
site owns the most relics of
significance to the research of
inside were rare among similar
moat site for a settlement of
scripts on tortoise shells and
the settlement and culture of
discoveries of the same period.
the Miaodigou Cultural Period
animal bones found in China.
the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256
(4,000-3,500 B.C.)
B.C.)
in China's Anhui Province It was the tomb of a seigneur
9. A graveyard of the Spring and
5. The Bronze-Age site in
Autumn Period in Henan Province
2. The Bronze-Age graveyard in
s o u t h we s t C h i n a's Yu n n a n
7. The capital of Wu State in the
It was conf i r med to be
northwest China's Gansu Province
Province
Spring and Autumn Period in east
the mausoleum of a king of the
China's Jiangsu Province
Han State of the late Warring
A site of g r aves of t he
T he la rge st sit e of t he
Qijia C u lt u re (2 ,0 0 0 -1,9 0 0
baluster-style architecture in
T he only site for the
States Period. The arrangement
B.C.), a civilization from the
t he Bron ze Age, prov id i ng
capit al of the Wu St ate
of the tombs is important to the
upper reaches of the Yellow
p r e c io u s e x a m pl e s fo r t h e
conf irmed today. The 2 km-
research on the patriarchal clan
River
research of the prehistorical
long stone city wall is proved to
and burial systems of the state.
settlement types.
be the earliest and largest Great
3. Salt-making site in east China's Shandong Province
6. The ruins
Wall found in
10. Ruins of an ancient city of
south China.
the Tang and Song dynasties in
Dating back to the Shang
of an ancient
southwest China's Sichuan Province
(16th century to 10th century
city of the
The brick-paved street and
B.C.) and Western Zhou (1046-
Western Zhou
771 B.C.) dynasties, the site
Dynasty and
is the largest group of sites
the Warring
of salt-making found in the
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8. A tomb of
barrel-drains conserved well
the Spring and
were discovered in the site. Other
Autumn Period
relics, including porcelains and Buddha statues made in that
coastal area of China
period, were found there. Such a large scale site of the Tang and
4. Zhougong Temple in northwest China's Shaanxi Province A large-scale burial site of
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3
2
Song dynasties is very rare in China.
6
5 8
9 14
10
Go to xi’an
established under earlier Qin rulers as the capital,
Xi'an to central Asia and Europe. Although
Xi'an was one of the most important cradles
became heavily populated, so that in 313 BC,
damaged by several wars, Xi'an, covering 880
of Chinese civilization. The famous “Silk Road”
Emperor Qin decided to move his court to the
square miles and with a population of 3,915,000
that linked China with central Asia and the
south bank of the Wei River. A vast palace was
still contains a host of historical sites.
Roman Empire starts in Xi’an in the east. The
begun. However, the work was never completed
city served as the first capital of a unified China
in his lifetime, and some years later when the
SHAANXI PROVINCIAL MUSEUM (Forest of Stele)
and capital of 11 dynasties periodically from the
Qin fell to the Han (306 BC), this and most of the
The Shaanxi Provincial Museum is an
11th century BC to the early 10h century AD.
other palaces were set ablaze and destroyed.
expansion of the Forest of Stele, located on
Located between rivers and mountains
The conqueror, Liu Bang, first emperor of
the site of the ancestral temple of the Tang
in the center of the fertile Guanzhong Plain
the Han Dynasty, established his capital only a
Dynasty. The garden-style museum of ancient
in Shaanxi province, Xi'an--the provincial
few miles north of modern day Xi'an.
architecture is kept to protect the cultural relics
capital--is the natural place to nurture the
From about 35 AD, the town went into a
and for the display and study of antiquities. The
nation's civilization. Back in the Neolithic Age,
decline that lasted about five and a half centuries,
Forest of Stele was first founded in 1090, during
about 6,000 years ago, as excavations show, a
until, in 583 AD, the Sui emperor, Wen Di,
the Song Dynasty. It is the oldest and richest
matriarchal clan was formed at Banpo village in
established his capital southeast of Changan. The
collection of stele in China. The steles are in
the region.
area flourished and developed so quickly under
such large quantity that they are likened to a
Thousands of years later, the Zhou kings
the Tang Dynasty that in time it became the most
forest, hence the name. The forest consists of six
established their capital in settlements only a few
prominent city in Asia, with a population of about
large exhibition halls, seven corridors and a stele
miles from the present-day city. In 331 BC, Qin
a million people living in a vast, well-planned
pavilion. There are more than 1,000 stele from
Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China,
area protected by large walls with ramparts.
eight dynasties from the Han down to the Qing.
set about expanding the settlement of Xianyang,
For over a millennium from the Second
about 15 miles northwest of the city. This town,
Century BC, China's silk was transported from
15
They are of great value to historians and for the study of calligraphic development.
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