Xidi is a very beautiful village of Anhui Province, which is an optimum place to see the old typical folk houses of the southern Anhui Province. Besides, you may explore the source of the ancient culture of this area in this ancient village.

Xidi Village is 8km away from the east of Yi County, 54km from Tunxi City, and 40km away from Huangshan beauty spot. It has over 900 years old and is segmented by over 40 old winding and narrow lanes which are paved by bluestones. The laneways and the overall arrangement of the architecture make a very good harmony in this village. If you stroll in the village, you will find historic folk houses, ancestral temples, halls, academy of classical learning, archway, white walls and grey tiles, paned windows and projecting horse-head walls, flexural walls, stone benches, old well, and stone slab bridge etc. they still remain the style and features that the kinds of centuries ago.

From that moment when you step into this village you can feel that artistic feeling touches in every corner. On the marble doorframes, you will find flowers, birds and beasts are carved on; on the bricks, you will see the carved pavilions, kiosks, human figures and the actor's lines. Additionally, you can also enjoy the woodcarvings, murals, gardens, and the bonsai exhibition by some villagers. And if you are careful enough, you will find the indoor arrangement of the houses are not so different from those of the other ancient villages or ancient cities which you have visited. Here the arrangements of old furniture and the lay of calligraphy and paintings in the houses still keep the feature of the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1911AD).

Whenever you visit this ancient village, it will show you a charming pastoral scene, because this village is embraced by mountains, clear streams crooning through it, some fish ponds strew around it, and vast paddy fields place in front of it. In 2,000, this very quiet and peaceful village was listed as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Now, most architects, planners, sculptors, industrial artists, and painters are heading for Xidi as it provides them with abundant source of inspiration. And shoals of visitors from home or abroad have been enthralled by this village.

By: Mandy Lee
China Odyssey Tours specialize in providing Huangshan tour packages, discount Yangtze River cruises and best rate hotels.

Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province is famous for the terracotta warriors, its city walls, and the large wild goose pagoda. That is all most visitors to Xian know about this ancient and fascinating city. A visitor who does not go to visit the terracotta warriors will still have an amazing time in Xian. It is a city filled with interesting and historical sites. Being the capitol of 13 dynasties has left Xian filled with history, and culture. Although the aforementioned sites are amazing, they are also packed with visitors. There are many other sites, although just as spectacular, are not visited as often.

The Little Goose Pagoda Scenic Area features the newly opened Xian Museum (opened May 18th, 2007), is centered around the Little Goose Pagoda which although smaller than the more famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, its design is charming and from the top visitors can get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. The pagoda is in the middle of a small temple complex which features many beautiful small temple buildings, and courtyards. The newly built Xian Museum is built on an artificial lake and features an architectural design that follows the traditional Chinese concept that heaven is round, and earth is square.

The Temple of the Eight Immortals is the largest Daoist temple in Xian and is famous for its original Daoist architecture. The temple is dedicated to the eight immortals, and features many beautiful gardens, buildings, and courtyards. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to escape the fast pace of the city.

In the center of the city of Xian stands the Bell, and Drum Towers. Although very popular with visitors during the day, the towers are most beautiful at night when they are nicely lit. They offer spectacular photographic opportunities, and great view of Xian's nightlife. Behind the drum tower, is a large night market which features local arts and crafts and dozens of booths selling dried fruits. Xian is well known for its intricate shadow puppets, and many of the shops sell these beautiful puppets to visitors. Visitors walking through the market will see people cooking traditional Xian snacks in little booths. These cheap, yet delicious treats have been eaten by local people for hundreds of years.

The Shuyuan (Academy of Classical learning) Gate is located just inside the city wall on the south side of the ancient city. The gate is an entrance to a wonderful shopping street. Near the gate is an ancient stone pagoda, all that's left of a long since destroyed temple. This street is lined with shops built in the architectural style of the Qing dynasty is a little known shopper's paradise. The street sells only arts and crafts. Not cheap touristy souvenirs, but beautiful works of art. There are many shops selling traditional Chinese art supplies and visitors can watch many shops creating Chinese paint brushes by hand. There are shops selling fans, jade, traditional musical instruments, to name just a few. It is a great place to buy some real Chinese culture at good prices. It is not often visited by tourists, so it has not become too touristy.

The Tang Paradise opened in 2005 is a very large park. Its theme is the Tang Dynasty. Every aspect of the park is based on the Tang Dynasty originals. The designers have not only copied the Tang Dynasty imperial gardens, but have integrated almost everything representative of the Tang Dynasty, such as the poetry, songs and dances, marketplaces, food, women's lifestyles and sciences into the park. The buildings in the park area representative of almost every style of architecture found in the Tang Dynasty, from palaces and temples, to shops and common people's homes. There are many gates, tea houses, and beautifully designed pavilions located throughout the gardens. There is incense burners located every few meters along the paths in Tang Paradise. The burning incense adds a sense of mystery to the park. There are many shows for visitors throughout the park, many of which feature beautiful women in traditional Tang Dynasty costume dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments. One of the highlights of the park is every evening the park features a movie shown on a waterfall. It is a unique experience that makes the actors appear three dimensional, and lifelike. The movie like every other part of the park is Tang Dynasty themed.

Xian has held onto many of its traditional arts, which makes this city a wonderful place to experience the arts that has made China so famous.

The paintings from Huxian County have become famous throughout China for their bright colors and simple designs of peasant life. The artists who create these paintings are local farmers, who paint in their free time. These simple, but beautiful paintings have been attracting visitors from not only China, but abroad.

Drum Music:

Drum music has been performed in Xian for more than a thousand years. It is a form of percussion music. Two forms of drums are used. One form is a drum that can be tuned, which means that the drum skin can be tightened to make a different pitch. The other form is a straightforward drum used to keep the rhythm. The sounds can be surprisingly complex letting the performers play a variety of music.

Xian Lanterns:

Xian has been making lanterns since the Han Dynasty, when they were hung in the streets as a light source. The lanterns of today are made not only for lighting, but for decorative purposes. They are a really beautiful accent for any home. The lanterns can be made of paper, silk, or gauze attached on frames of bamboo, wood, or metal.

Colorful Breads:

The colorful steamed breads created by farmers are used for festive occasions like festivals, weddings, and birthdays. The dough is formed into the shapes of birds, tigers, butterflies, and many other shapes before being steamed. Colors are then added to the breads. They are very beautiful, and would be a shame to eat if they were not so delicious.

Shadow Puppets:

Shadow puppet shows are a traditional art form found in the north of China. It consists of a white piece of cloth with a light source behind it. Musicians and puppeteers work behind this screen. The puppeteers control thin leather puppets and the shadows they produce is projected on the cloth. The musicians perform accompanying music. The puppets themselves are works of art. They are made from thin transparent ox, or donkey hide. They are intricately cut into jointed puppets. Color is added to make them even livelier. They are works of art in their own right. The shadow puppets of Xian are famous throughout the world, and can be found in many markets. They can be framed, and are beautiful additions to any home.

Paper Cuts:

Paper cuts are an art form enjoyed throughout China. Paper cutting is done by making a large stack of paper, with a pattern on top. The artist then uses a very fine pair of scissors to cut the paper into designs. The designs usually feature auspicious symbolism, or fanciful ones. The paper cuts are traditionally pasted onto windows during the Spring Festival. During weddings, paper cuts in the shape of the Chinese Double Happiness are used throughout the newlywed's home to symbolize health, and happiness.

Fengxiang Painted Clay Figurines:

The brightly colored painted clay figures created around Xian are small, colorful, and beautiful works of art. The figurines were originally made by farmers to give to their children as toys. They are made from local clay and are shaped into mythological creatures, and characters from popular myths and fairytales. Their design is simple, but charming. These little figures can be found at many local markets.

By: Mandy Lee
China Odyssey Tours specialize in providing package China tours, discount Yangtze River cruises and best rate hotels.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is the world's largest surviving palace complex. Built by a million men in the period 1406 to 1420, it has been home to twenty-four Chinese emperors and is an impressive representation of Chinese imperial power in all its majesty. The Forbidden City is still an important part of Chinese society and attracts countless visitors because of its history and beauty.

Step into the Forbidden City and be transported to a time of emperors, eunuchs and concubines. The palace's quintessentially Chinese architecture is fascinating to behold, and the imperial gates, courts and halls are sure to spark your imagination. The City is also surrounded on three sides by imperial gardens, each with unique features and equally matched in beauty. In spring, these gardens come alive with flowers and provide excellent photo-taking opportunities.

There are two shrines near the Forbidden City - the Imperial Shrine of Family and the Imperial Shrine of State. This is where the Emperor used to pray to the spirits of his ancestors and of the nation, respectively. It is a cultural eye-opener.

The Palace Museum is a national museum located within the Forbidden City. It boasts an impressive collection of ceramics, porcelain, jade and bronze ware. There are many rare paintings and artwork, some personally commissioned by the Emperor himself. The Museum also features ancient mechanical pieces as well as imperial artifacts. While there are some foreign artifacts, a significant number of the museum's collection is obtained from the Qing and Ming imperial collection. A trip to this museum is a must, as it is a vivid depiction of life in imperial times.

The Tiananmen Square, located adjacent to the Forbidden City, also merits a visit. This is the largest open urban square in the world, but more than that, this was where a great number of historical events took place. It was in here that Mao Zedong, in 1949, declared the People's Republic of China. It has also been the site of numerous historical Chinese protests. Within the square, you can also find the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, also known as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This is the final resting place of Mao Zedong, who was the Chinese Communist leader from 1945 to 1976. His embalmed remains are held within a crystal coffin and can be viewed by the public.

The Forbidden City is a must-see for any visitor looking for a greater understanding of Chinese history, culture and politics. It takes an average of three hours to fully explore. An English audio tour read by Roger Moore is available to visitors.

By: Orson Johnson
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing vacation apartments in China & holiday stays in Europe.

Beijing is the capital of China, a country with more than 5000 years of ancient history, and now Beijing is home to more than 14 million people. Beijing is considered to be the political, educational and cultural centre of China. Beijing offers an infinite amount of things to see and experience, and it is never too late to visit.

Chinese Cuisines

Being China's capital city, you can imagine Beijing has a lot to offer, including every kind of Chinese cuisine you can imagine. In Beijing, you can even sample regional Chinese cuisine, including those from Shanghai, Sichuan, Dongbei, as well as specialty cuisines that the 56 minority cultures has to offer and more. One very notable cuisine type everyone must try in Beijing is the very impressive 12 course Imperial meal! The best restaurants are situated in the CBD, the financial district and on main streets close to the embassies. You can also go ahead and try out all different sorts of Chinese food at Ghost Street ("gui jie").

Beijing Nightlife

As for nightlife, every 2 months there is a new grand opening for another huge club. There are clubs throughout the first ring to the sixth ring of Beijing city. Most foreigners like to go to Vics or Mix, situated at the Workers' Stadium.

Living Standards

Living standards in Beijing compared to the rest of China is considered expensive. However, in comparison to America, it is almost minimal. If you are looking for accommodation, you can contact PRC Study as they can help you find accommodation across China. Finding a place in China to stay can be a total disaster, as most landlords do not speak any English. PRC Study offers many different types of accommodations, and all are suited at student rates.

Living Expense

An average foreign student spends about 60-80RMB (~8-11 USD) a day on food and transportation. An average Chinese student spends about 40RMB (~5 USD) a day. Depending on your tastes for luxuries, there can be a huge diversity. With decent restaurants averaging to around 50RMB (~7 USD) per person, and DVD's for as low as 6RMB (~0.85 USD), you can splash the extra cash towards traveling around China.

China and Opportunities

The rapid growth of China's economy is attracting more and more multinational companies to come and invest. In fact, China's rapid economic growth is no threat to other countries, but an open door to more opportunities. After China's globalization, a forever increasing amount of foreigners are coming to China to learn Mandarin, as well as to work. Fully experience Beijing with the assistance of PRC Study to let your 5 senses indulge into a never ending experience.

By: Amit Salkar
To find out more about learning Mandarin, accommodation in China, traveling in China and/or working in China you can contact PRC Study.

China has 33 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Choosing which to travel can be quite frustrating, considering that each are unique and attractive in their own right. Here we have picked the top 5 based on the most authentic Chinese experience travelers can expect from each:

Shandong (East China)
Where Chinese civilization as we know it began, Shandong is a wealth of history and tradition. From the birthplaces of Sun Tzu and Confucius to sacred Tai Shan, this is Han culture at its most unadulterated.

Ningxia (North China)
The smallest and least touristed province, Ningxia is truly one of those places where travelers feel like the only yangren in China. Droves of unemployed workers on the street corners take unabashed fascination in watching you watch them.

Yunnan (South-West China)
This kaleidoscope of culture has the highest concentration of minority groups in all of China, whom appear to us not unlike resplendent yet elusive jungle birds in an effort to preserve their centuries-old customs.

Beijing (East China)
Compared to gleaming Shanghai and Hong Kong, we come to Beijing because of its venerable charm, not in spite of it. Amidst the commotion of hyper urbanization, the capital city’s remaining hutongs capture life exactly as it has been in China for a thousand years.

Tibet (West China)
China’s final frontier and spiritual Shangri-la. Lhasa might be destined to succumb to red-hat tourism, but journey to the far eastern or western regions, where nomadic shepherds, colorful pilgrims and remote monasteries have yet to encounter a foreign face.

By: Tom Carter
Tom Carter of San Francisco is an internationally published freelance photographer and travel writer specializing in the People's Republic of China. Tom has traveled extensively throughout all 33 Chinese provinces and autonomous regions and currently resides in Beijing.