Beijing Travel Tips

Mandarin is the national language of China. However, there are many local dialects which pronounce vary greatly even they are using the same character as mandarin. English is not widely spoken but most of Beijing famous attractions are equipped with English language explanation kit to let for the convenience of international travelers. Besides that, you don’t need to worry about language if you go for shopping in famous shopping arcade or restaurant as there are always be some English literate servant to aid you. Please be reminded that live animals, fresh produce as well as printed matter is not allowed to import into China. Chopsticks are the most common used tableware in Chinese restaurant.

Beijing Festivals-Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Chinese New Year or more commonly named as Spring Festival occurs in late January or early February depends on lunar calendar. The celebrations normally tend to last for at least 15 days even though officially scheduled is just for first three days. Spring Festival can be considered as a festival for family gathering. Normally youngsters who are working at other places will back to their home town at least a day before Chinese New Year in order to reunion and celebrate this festival with their beloved families. Although the authority of Beijing has restricted the people from playing fireworks, the sky will still be filled with colorful fireworks especially the day before Chinese New Year.

Beijing Festivals-Qingming Festival: Qingming Festival is a festival which is held to honor ancestors; normally falls in April depends on lunar calendar. Upon this festival, Chinese people will visit the graves of their ancestors as well as beloved one to clean the area as well as to pay respect. Normally children are not allowed to take part in this visit.

Beijing Festivals-Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival): Duanwu Festival is more commonly known as Dragon Boat Festival by European countries. Duanwu Festival is on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. This festival is held to honor Qu Yuan, a famous scholar and also a politician. According to the history, Qu Yuan had suggested a change in political applications. However, his prediction had displeased the emperor and he was ended being banished to an isolated place. His prediction came true on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month; he was sad and finally had drowned himself in despair. Local fishermen tried to safe him but failed. There was a fisherman who tossed rice balls into the river and hoped the fish would not feed on Qu Yuan’s body. Nowadays, the Chinese people will prepare rice ball called ‘Zong’ when celebrating this festival. At the same time, Dragon Boat races with the beat of drum are held in re-enactment of the search of Qu Yuan’s body.

Beijing Festivals-Mid Autumn Festival (Moon Festival): Mid Autumn Festival is more commonly known as Moon Festival. This festival is held on the 15th day of the 9th lunar month. According to Chinese culture, full moon has the similar meaning of perfect gathering. So, most of the Chinese family will take the opportunity of this festival to gather together during this festival. The moon cake and lantern plays a very important role in this festival. It is a very common picture that the adults are chit chatting while eating moon cake, whereas the kids are playing around with the well-decorated lanterns.

Beijing Festivals-National Day: The 1st October is the national day of China. Celebrations are normally held at Tiananmen Square. Besides the official holidays, the government is normally schedule a 7-day long holiday for the public in order to encourage tourism. You are suggested to avoid these few days as all Beijing attractions will be too crowded.

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Beijing Travel Tips