A ruler from the western state of Qin united and subjugated the Warring States and formed China in 221 B.C. He declared himself the first emperor of China and named himself Shi Huangdi (meaning First Emperor).
During the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221 B.C. - 206 B.C.), the emperor connected and extended the old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago), forming the Great Wall of China to stop invading barbarians from the north.
The Emperor standardized Chinese writing, bureaucracy, scholarship, law, currency, weights and measures. He expanded the Chinese empire, built a capital in Xian, a system of roads, and massive fortifications and palaces.
Shi Huangdi (259-210 B.C.) was a cruel ruler who readily killed or banished those who opposed him or his ideas. He is notorious for burning virtually all the books that remained from previous regimes. He even banned scholarly discussions of the past.
The Qin dynasty ended soon after his death, but a unified China remained for over 2,000 years. China's name is derived from his short but seminal dynasty, Qin (pronounced Chin).
In 1974, thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors and horses from the Emperor's extravagant tomb were unearthed in Xian.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
All About the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221 B.C - 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called "Wan-Li Qang-Qeng" which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).
After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.
The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.
The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.
After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.
The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.
The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Gift-Giving
General Guidelines
With few exceptions, good business relationships are built upon strong personal relationships. Selecting an appropriate and proper gift requires knowledge and sensitivity. The art of gift giving is a tradition that has been around for a long time. There exists an excellent suggestion is avoiding giving something people already have.
It is appropriate to bring a gift, particularly something representative of your town or region, to a business meeting or social event. A gift should always be wrapped, but avoid plain black or white paper because these are the colors of mourning.
Present the gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and always mention that this is only a small token of appreciation. Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence. This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value. Lucky numbers are 6 and 8 (especially in a series, such as 66 or 888).
Prepare a list of items that represent your local culture, region, country, company. Keep a detailed list of gifts that you have presented, and the names of recipients. Duplicating gifts shows lack of thoughtfulness. Keep a detailed list of gifts you have received. This is very helpful when preparing thank you letters, and it is an excellent way to evaluate relationships.
The Chinese will refuse a gift at first before finally accepting according to Chinese culture. You will have to continue to insist. Once the gift is accepted, express gratitude. You will be expected to go through the same routine if you are offered a gift.
In the presence of other people, never present a valuable gift to one person. This gesture will cause only embarrassment, and possibly even problems for the recipient, given the strict rules against bribery in Chinese business culture. Do not take any photograph of any gift giving unless it is a symbolic gift presented to the organization as a whole.
Giving a gift to the entire company, rather than an individual, can be acceptable in Chinese business culture. Make sure that all business negotiations be concluded before gifts are exchanged.
Specify that the gift is from the company you represent. If you can, explain the meaning of the gift to the receiver. Present the gift to the leader of the Chinese negotiating team. Do not get anything that is obviously expensive, so that the company will not feel obliged to reciprocate.
Valuable gifts should be given to an individual only in private and strictly as a gesture of friendship. Make sure that the gifts given to people of the same level of importance are equitable or of similar grade. Somehow, they may find out later, and the difference may lead to strains in your relationship.
Do not wrap a gift before arriving in China, as it may be unwrapped in Customs. If possible, have your gifts wrapped in red paper, which is considered a lucky colour. Plain red paper is one of the few “safe” choices since a variety of meanings, many of which are negative, are attributed to colours in Chinese culture.
Pink and gold and silver are also acceptable colours for gift wrap. Wrapping in yellow paper with black writing is a gift given only to the dead. Also, do check the variations from region to region about colours. Provide cultural training for employees who are responsible for making gift selections, and/or, work with cultural experts that can make suggestions, or review your corporate gift giving programs.
Appreciated Gifts
* a good cognac, or other fine liqueur
* a fine pen [not a pen with red ink--writing in red ink symbolizes severing ties
* solar calculators
* kitchen gadgets
* stamps, if the recipient is interested in them [stamp collecting is very popular here]
* a cigarette lighter, assuming the recipient is a smoker
Often, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.
Acceptable gifts for a company include items from your country or city, such as handicrafts, or an illustrated book. Be sure to bring a supply of these items with you, so that you can reciprocate if it happens that you are presented with a gift.
A banquet is usually a welcome gift; since it's likely you will be invited to one, you will have to follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate. In some parts of China, although senior local officials host the welcoming party, you might be expected to pay for the cost of the banquet. Check this out and be prepared.
Gifts of food are acceptable, but not at dinner parties or other occasions where appetizers and meals will be served. Candy and fruit baskets, however, are acceptable as thank-you gifts sent after these events.
Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of any item, consider it a gesture of good will. Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and problem free advances. Four is a taboo because it means 'death'. Other numbers such as '73' meaning 'the funeral' and '84' meaning 'having accidents' are to be avoided.
Gifts to Avoid
Never give sharp objects such as knives or scissors as they would signify the cutting of a relationship. As a gesture of friendship, if you do want to give these items as a gift, ask your friend to give you a very small amount of money, such as 10 cents or One RMB in return for this gift. By doing so, you would have 'sold' it to him rather than given it to him.
The following items are to be avoided as they are associated with funerals:
* Straw sandals
* chrysanthemums
* clocks
* handkerchiefs
* umbrella or white flowers
* four of any item [the Cantonese word for “four” sounds similar, in the same language, to “death”]
* gifts or wrapping paper in white, black, or blue
With few exceptions, good business relationships are built upon strong personal relationships. Selecting an appropriate and proper gift requires knowledge and sensitivity. The art of gift giving is a tradition that has been around for a long time. There exists an excellent suggestion is avoiding giving something people already have.
It is appropriate to bring a gift, particularly something representative of your town or region, to a business meeting or social event. A gift should always be wrapped, but avoid plain black or white paper because these are the colors of mourning.
Present the gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and always mention that this is only a small token of appreciation. Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence. This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value. Lucky numbers are 6 and 8 (especially in a series, such as 66 or 888).
Prepare a list of items that represent your local culture, region, country, company. Keep a detailed list of gifts that you have presented, and the names of recipients. Duplicating gifts shows lack of thoughtfulness. Keep a detailed list of gifts you have received. This is very helpful when preparing thank you letters, and it is an excellent way to evaluate relationships.
The Chinese will refuse a gift at first before finally accepting according to Chinese culture. You will have to continue to insist. Once the gift is accepted, express gratitude. You will be expected to go through the same routine if you are offered a gift.
In the presence of other people, never present a valuable gift to one person. This gesture will cause only embarrassment, and possibly even problems for the recipient, given the strict rules against bribery in Chinese business culture. Do not take any photograph of any gift giving unless it is a symbolic gift presented to the organization as a whole.
Giving a gift to the entire company, rather than an individual, can be acceptable in Chinese business culture. Make sure that all business negotiations be concluded before gifts are exchanged.
Specify that the gift is from the company you represent. If you can, explain the meaning of the gift to the receiver. Present the gift to the leader of the Chinese negotiating team. Do not get anything that is obviously expensive, so that the company will not feel obliged to reciprocate.
Valuable gifts should be given to an individual only in private and strictly as a gesture of friendship. Make sure that the gifts given to people of the same level of importance are equitable or of similar grade. Somehow, they may find out later, and the difference may lead to strains in your relationship.
Do not wrap a gift before arriving in China, as it may be unwrapped in Customs. If possible, have your gifts wrapped in red paper, which is considered a lucky colour. Plain red paper is one of the few “safe” choices since a variety of meanings, many of which are negative, are attributed to colours in Chinese culture.
Pink and gold and silver are also acceptable colours for gift wrap. Wrapping in yellow paper with black writing is a gift given only to the dead. Also, do check the variations from region to region about colours. Provide cultural training for employees who are responsible for making gift selections, and/or, work with cultural experts that can make suggestions, or review your corporate gift giving programs.
Appreciated Gifts
* a good cognac, or other fine liqueur
* a fine pen [not a pen with red ink--writing in red ink symbolizes severing ties
* solar calculators
* kitchen gadgets
* stamps, if the recipient is interested in them [stamp collecting is very popular here]
* a cigarette lighter, assuming the recipient is a smoker
Often, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.
Acceptable gifts for a company include items from your country or city, such as handicrafts, or an illustrated book. Be sure to bring a supply of these items with you, so that you can reciprocate if it happens that you are presented with a gift.
A banquet is usually a welcome gift; since it's likely you will be invited to one, you will have to follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate. In some parts of China, although senior local officials host the welcoming party, you might be expected to pay for the cost of the banquet. Check this out and be prepared.
Gifts of food are acceptable, but not at dinner parties or other occasions where appetizers and meals will be served. Candy and fruit baskets, however, are acceptable as thank-you gifts sent after these events.
Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of any item, consider it a gesture of good will. Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and problem free advances. Four is a taboo because it means 'death'. Other numbers such as '73' meaning 'the funeral' and '84' meaning 'having accidents' are to be avoided.
Gifts to Avoid
Never give sharp objects such as knives or scissors as they would signify the cutting of a relationship. As a gesture of friendship, if you do want to give these items as a gift, ask your friend to give you a very small amount of money, such as 10 cents or One RMB in return for this gift. By doing so, you would have 'sold' it to him rather than given it to him.
The following items are to be avoided as they are associated with funerals:
* Straw sandals
* chrysanthemums
* clocks
* handkerchiefs
* umbrella or white flowers
* four of any item [the Cantonese word for “four” sounds similar, in the same language, to “death”]
* gifts or wrapping paper in white, black, or blue
Addressing Chinese
Chinese family name comes first and then a given name. Generational and given names can be separated by a space or a hyphen, but are frequently written as one word. For example, in the case of Teng Peinian, Teng is the family name and Peinian is the given name. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ask a native speaker which name is the family name. The first names of those born during the cultural revolution era usually carries political meaning showing support toward Chairman Mao and his wife, Jiang Qing.
For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese person by the surname, together with a title, such as "Director Wang" or "Chairman Li." Avoid using someone's given name unless you have known him or her for a long period of time. If a person does not have a professional title, address a person using his or her family name only, such as Mr. Chen or Ms. Hsu. Formality is a sign of respect, and it is advisable to clarify how you will address someone very early in a relationship, generally during your first meeting.
Do not try to become too friendly too soon, and do not insist that your Chinese counterparts address you by your given name. The American pattern of quick informality should be resisted.
A married Chinese woman usually retains her maiden name; she will use her husband's last name on occasions for formal addressing only.
Address people using official titles such as "General" "Committee Member",or "Bureau Chief" whenever possible. It is customary to address the deputies by skipping the word 'deputy,' such as, 'Chief' for 'Deputy Chief,' 'Chairman' for 'Vice Chairman' 'General Manager' for 'Assistant General Manager'.
Unless you're a Communist, never refer to someone as “Comrade”, which means guy.
For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese person by the surname, together with a title, such as "Director Wang" or "Chairman Li." Avoid using someone's given name unless you have known him or her for a long period of time. If a person does not have a professional title, address a person using his or her family name only, such as Mr. Chen or Ms. Hsu. Formality is a sign of respect, and it is advisable to clarify how you will address someone very early in a relationship, generally during your first meeting.
Do not try to become too friendly too soon, and do not insist that your Chinese counterparts address you by your given name. The American pattern of quick informality should be resisted.
A married Chinese woman usually retains her maiden name; she will use her husband's last name on occasions for formal addressing only.
Address people using official titles such as "General" "Committee Member",or "Bureau Chief" whenever possible. It is customary to address the deputies by skipping the word 'deputy,' such as, 'Chief' for 'Deputy Chief,' 'Chairman' for 'Vice Chairman' 'General Manager' for 'Assistant General Manager'.
Unless you're a Communist, never refer to someone as “Comrade”, which means guy.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Chinese Museums
IMPERIAL CHINA - THE DYNASTIES - There is little doubt that the era of Imperial China is a major part of the Chinese legacy. It is here that you will find the roots to many of the Chinese’s greatest cultural themes. Imperial China begins during the Qin Dynasty in 221 B.C. and during this time period, many rulers would come - and each would leave their mark on this great country.
The Qin Dynasty is said to be the beginning of Imperial China. In its first years, King Zheng would lead the country through a series of battles that would eventually defeat all of the rival states. The country was divided and ruled through governors. We also see the standardization of weights, writing, money, measures, and more. In fact, during this period, the Great Wall of China was first built. But, King Zheng was fearful of subversion and he tended to treat scholars brutally. During this period of early imperial China the terracotta warriors guarding the tomb were fashioned – some 6000 soldiers of pottery making the Terracotta Army.
The next significant dynasty we encounter is that of the Han Dynasty which followed on the short reign of the Qin Dynasty. This dynasty dates from the time that Lui Bang battled with the Qin army and won. This was a long, 400 year ruling in which many things of note happened. The Silk Route was established and trade flourished. The Imperial Academy was established. Education was beginning to shift to a more merit driven system rather than lineage. You will also find the first dictionary of over 9000 characters coming from this time frame. Iron was used more so and paper was refined. We also find that in tombs, more rural and daily life events were captured in paintings. The beliefs in yin and yang begin here as well. During this time period we also find the beginnings of the Buddhism religion, although it took time to find its place.
After the Han Dynasty there was much strife and fighting and many kingdoms were set up and overcome. In 580 AD the Sui dynasty began. There were two Emperors in this dynasty and the canals were extended and the Great Wall further fortified.
The T’ang Dynasty was to bring even more change in culture and customs to Imperial China. Poets and all sorts of artists were beginning to appear. Travel abroad brought more literature and a new way of looking at life. Trade continued to flourish and tourists came to one of the largest cities in the world, Chang’an. Things such as imported horses and jewelry as well as various spices were found and brought to this culture. One of the largest differences during this time period was that women were offered a higher status. They played polo, rode horses and enjoyed dance and music. The canals were further extended allowing increased trade and travel. Great strides were made in rice growing. When this dynasty came to an end around 900 AD a period of strife followed.
The Later Imperial China period starts with the Yuan Dynasty – 1279 during a time when China were ruled by the Mongols and the grandson of Ghengis Khan, Kubla Khan became the first Yuan emperor. This was a troubled time in Chinese history with the Chinese being oppressed by their Mongol rulers.
The Ming Dynasty began around 1360 and lasted for almost three hundred years. It was unique in that the founder of the Ming Dynasty was a peasant and he tended to improve the lot of the ordinary Chinese people. Writing and art flourished. Ming pottery, with its distinctive coloring became popular as did general learning with a new Chinese dictionary being devised and widely introduced. Earlier dynasties had built many great walls but it was during the Ming Dynasty that the Great Wall of China was strengthened, enlarged and the result was much as we see it today.
The Qing Dynasty followed and again China was ruled by outsiders – the Manchu. Dating from 1644, the Qing dynasty continued right up to 1911. Although the start of this dynasty was a peaceful time many Chinese customs and dress were changed. Men had to shave their heads and wear Manchurian style clothes. Trade was increased and in particular much trade was conducted with England. There were a number of internal rebellions and this weakened the country. Following the reign of Tzu His and a short reign of a very young emperor a Rebellion succeeded and in came the Republic of China.More detailed information on the dynasties can be found on this mnsu.edu website.
The Qin Dynasty is said to be the beginning of Imperial China. In its first years, King Zheng would lead the country through a series of battles that would eventually defeat all of the rival states. The country was divided and ruled through governors. We also see the standardization of weights, writing, money, measures, and more. In fact, during this period, the Great Wall of China was first built. But, King Zheng was fearful of subversion and he tended to treat scholars brutally. During this period of early imperial China the terracotta warriors guarding the tomb were fashioned – some 6000 soldiers of pottery making the Terracotta Army.
The next significant dynasty we encounter is that of the Han Dynasty which followed on the short reign of the Qin Dynasty. This dynasty dates from the time that Lui Bang battled with the Qin army and won. This was a long, 400 year ruling in which many things of note happened. The Silk Route was established and trade flourished. The Imperial Academy was established. Education was beginning to shift to a more merit driven system rather than lineage. You will also find the first dictionary of over 9000 characters coming from this time frame. Iron was used more so and paper was refined. We also find that in tombs, more rural and daily life events were captured in paintings. The beliefs in yin and yang begin here as well. During this time period we also find the beginnings of the Buddhism religion, although it took time to find its place.
After the Han Dynasty there was much strife and fighting and many kingdoms were set up and overcome. In 580 AD the Sui dynasty began. There were two Emperors in this dynasty and the canals were extended and the Great Wall further fortified.
The T’ang Dynasty was to bring even more change in culture and customs to Imperial China. Poets and all sorts of artists were beginning to appear. Travel abroad brought more literature and a new way of looking at life. Trade continued to flourish and tourists came to one of the largest cities in the world, Chang’an. Things such as imported horses and jewelry as well as various spices were found and brought to this culture. One of the largest differences during this time period was that women were offered a higher status. They played polo, rode horses and enjoyed dance and music. The canals were further extended allowing increased trade and travel. Great strides were made in rice growing. When this dynasty came to an end around 900 AD a period of strife followed.
The Later Imperial China period starts with the Yuan Dynasty – 1279 during a time when China were ruled by the Mongols and the grandson of Ghengis Khan, Kubla Khan became the first Yuan emperor. This was a troubled time in Chinese history with the Chinese being oppressed by their Mongol rulers.
The Ming Dynasty began around 1360 and lasted for almost three hundred years. It was unique in that the founder of the Ming Dynasty was a peasant and he tended to improve the lot of the ordinary Chinese people. Writing and art flourished. Ming pottery, with its distinctive coloring became popular as did general learning with a new Chinese dictionary being devised and widely introduced. Earlier dynasties had built many great walls but it was during the Ming Dynasty that the Great Wall of China was strengthened, enlarged and the result was much as we see it today.
The Qing Dynasty followed and again China was ruled by outsiders – the Manchu. Dating from 1644, the Qing dynasty continued right up to 1911. Although the start of this dynasty was a peaceful time many Chinese customs and dress were changed. Men had to shave their heads and wear Manchurian style clothes. Trade was increased and in particular much trade was conducted with England. There were a number of internal rebellions and this weakened the country. Following the reign of Tzu His and a short reign of a very young emperor a Rebellion succeeded and in came the Republic of China.More detailed information on the dynasties can be found on this mnsu.edu website.
China Treasures
CHINESE TREASURES, CHINESE PORCELAIN, CHINESE SILKS - Some of the most amazing things that you will see in Chinese museums and the countryside are their cultural treasures. These pieces of history really do tell a story - each piece tells its part in the story of China, and there are many reasons to understand and admire them. The most important of these is the understanding of what makes the Chinese people who they are.
Some of the Chinese treasures will include such things as ancient tombs, ancient jewels, and silks of all sorts in various rarities as well as ceramics, and so much more.
Let us explore one type of treasure that can be found within China – historic tombs. For example, the 2500 year old tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. This tomb was discovered in 1977 in the city of Suizou. The ruler was in power during the period of 482-221 B.C. during the Warring States Period. Inside the tomb were a number of treasures. There were 21 human sacrifices made for this ruler - they were women, concubines or maybe his wives or musicians that were killed to escort him to his new life. But, there was much more to be found than bodies. Some of the most astonishing things found were the musical instruments that were there. Flutes, panpipes, drums and bells were only the start of the collection that was found. In a nearby tomb even more musical instruments of various types were found, and the remarkable thing about them was their exceptional quality. There were weapons as well as armor found.
Chinese porcelain and pottery are famous – everyone longs to own one of these wonderful pieces. Porcelain made for the imperial emperors and their entourage is referred to as Imperial Porcelain and is of very fine quality and all pieces are identified as such on the base. Imperial Chinese Porcelain was always made from the finest materials; also too it was usually decorated with marvelous paintings – most usually in a darkish blue colour. One of the highest prices ever paid for an antique vase was the $10m for the vase shaped like a pear which was a copper glazed vessel with deep copper red embellishments. f you are interested in learning more about porcelain you will find much to fascinate you here Porcelain. Chinese porcelain is still made to day – and used in China on a daily basis. This is usually of a high quality and very pretty – it is also indeed very similar to that which has been made for centuries for the general population, and alas lacks the great value attaching to Ming pieces.
Chinese silk is another great treasure of this country. Most museums have wonderful examples of silk artistry through the ages. In ancient time, the Chinese learned to use the silk thread spun by silkworms to weave into wonderful pieces. During the Han Dynasty, this art grew greatly and Chinese Silk was exported to many parts of the known world. The silks were carried by horses and mules and the route they covered became known as the Silk Road with some silks going by ship. The legendary Silk Road started at Xi’an (Chang’an) the largest producing area and went west across China to Teheran, Baghdad, Constantinople and on to Rome and Europe. The beautiful silks were woven into everything from light gossamer garments to heavy bejeweled brocades with each Dynasty having its own characteristics. The Chinese National Silk Museum is the largest of its kind in the world though most of the world’s museums have a section devoted to Chinese silks they are so beautiful and famous.
There are also many jeweled treasures from China. Rich Golden Pagodas with precious stones, models accurate in every detail, golden buddhas and stunning jewelry – all are glimpses of the wonderful ancient Chinese heritage.
These are of course only a glimpse at the wonderful and rich treasures that the Chinese people have to offer. People from around the world search out these treasures to see with their own eyes the remarkable images of Chinese history. Information on a few of Beijing’s museums where you can see just some of the wonderful treasures can be found in the Beijing CityTourist Guide.
Some of the Chinese treasures will include such things as ancient tombs, ancient jewels, and silks of all sorts in various rarities as well as ceramics, and so much more.
Let us explore one type of treasure that can be found within China – historic tombs. For example, the 2500 year old tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. This tomb was discovered in 1977 in the city of Suizou. The ruler was in power during the period of 482-221 B.C. during the Warring States Period. Inside the tomb were a number of treasures. There were 21 human sacrifices made for this ruler - they were women, concubines or maybe his wives or musicians that were killed to escort him to his new life. But, there was much more to be found than bodies. Some of the most astonishing things found were the musical instruments that were there. Flutes, panpipes, drums and bells were only the start of the collection that was found. In a nearby tomb even more musical instruments of various types were found, and the remarkable thing about them was their exceptional quality. There were weapons as well as armor found.
Chinese porcelain and pottery are famous – everyone longs to own one of these wonderful pieces. Porcelain made for the imperial emperors and their entourage is referred to as Imperial Porcelain and is of very fine quality and all pieces are identified as such on the base. Imperial Chinese Porcelain was always made from the finest materials; also too it was usually decorated with marvelous paintings – most usually in a darkish blue colour. One of the highest prices ever paid for an antique vase was the $10m for the vase shaped like a pear which was a copper glazed vessel with deep copper red embellishments. f you are interested in learning more about porcelain you will find much to fascinate you here Porcelain. Chinese porcelain is still made to day – and used in China on a daily basis. This is usually of a high quality and very pretty – it is also indeed very similar to that which has been made for centuries for the general population, and alas lacks the great value attaching to Ming pieces.
Chinese silk is another great treasure of this country. Most museums have wonderful examples of silk artistry through the ages. In ancient time, the Chinese learned to use the silk thread spun by silkworms to weave into wonderful pieces. During the Han Dynasty, this art grew greatly and Chinese Silk was exported to many parts of the known world. The silks were carried by horses and mules and the route they covered became known as the Silk Road with some silks going by ship. The legendary Silk Road started at Xi’an (Chang’an) the largest producing area and went west across China to Teheran, Baghdad, Constantinople and on to Rome and Europe. The beautiful silks were woven into everything from light gossamer garments to heavy bejeweled brocades with each Dynasty having its own characteristics. The Chinese National Silk Museum is the largest of its kind in the world though most of the world’s museums have a section devoted to Chinese silks they are so beautiful and famous.
There are also many jeweled treasures from China. Rich Golden Pagodas with precious stones, models accurate in every detail, golden buddhas and stunning jewelry – all are glimpses of the wonderful ancient Chinese heritage.
These are of course only a glimpse at the wonderful and rich treasures that the Chinese people have to offer. People from around the world search out these treasures to see with their own eyes the remarkable images of Chinese history. Information on a few of Beijing’s museums where you can see just some of the wonderful treasures can be found in the Beijing CityTourist Guide.
China Artifacts
ANCIENT CHINESE ARTIFACTS - Throughout China, you will find wondrous ancient Chinese artifacts of all types. Many of these represent the culture and the history of China through the ages. We start with the 13 Tombs of the Ming Dynasty.
The Ming Tombs would be the world’s largest collection of royal tombs. The Ming Dynasty was during the years of 1368 – 1644. In the tomb area, which is northwest of Beijing, and convenient to visit when returning from The Great Wall of China, the tombs are built at a cluster of hills. In front of them, is a small plain.
Each of the Ming tombs is at the foot of its own, separate hill. Each of the tombs is linked by the Sacred Way, a road that connected them all. At the south end of this road, you will find a stone archway, and this archway is one of the largest stone archways in the country. Along the avenue you will find 18 pairs of human figures and animals made from stone inside the gate of the Sacred Way. This Sacred Way is a wonderful experience as each of the figures are of a very immense size.
ForThere are many more ancient artifacts of China to look at as well. One of the largest discoveries of treasures and artifacts of ancient China was found in Dunhuang in the Cave of Manuscripts. In this area there are 492 caves, and the area covers 45,000 meters. It has 2415 statues that are painted and five more that are wood - but, that is not nearly all there is to see here. The Mogao Grottoes is filled with wonderful artifacts including paintings, Buddhist scriptures (50,000 of them!), as well as textiles, and many other historical documents. This evidence of the ancient Chinese culture is very impressive.
Another remarkable artifact that was found in China is the Chechen Man. For those that do not know about him, he along with 3 women and a small infant, were mummified and buried in a tomb along the Silken Road. What makes this story so unique though, is that through discovery and research it was found that this man and the others were not Asian or Eastern at all, but rather Caucasians. This is remarkable in that it was not known that people from Western culture had come to this area until almost a thousand years later. The Chechen Man is thought to be over 3,000 years old. Today, he rests, as if he has just fallen asleep. Eyes are closed and his hands lie in his lap. Buried in a heavily salted area, he was preserved remarkably well. Truly an amazing relic of Chinese history.
These are only a few of the ancient Chinese artifacts that are found throughout China. Learning of them is like unraveling a piece of time. On other pages you will find information on many other great Chinese treasures..
The Ming Tombs would be the world’s largest collection of royal tombs. The Ming Dynasty was during the years of 1368 – 1644. In the tomb area, which is northwest of Beijing, and convenient to visit when returning from The Great Wall of China, the tombs are built at a cluster of hills. In front of them, is a small plain.
Each of the Ming tombs is at the foot of its own, separate hill. Each of the tombs is linked by the Sacred Way, a road that connected them all. At the south end of this road, you will find a stone archway, and this archway is one of the largest stone archways in the country. Along the avenue you will find 18 pairs of human figures and animals made from stone inside the gate of the Sacred Way. This Sacred Way is a wonderful experience as each of the figures are of a very immense size.
ForThere are many more ancient artifacts of China to look at as well. One of the largest discoveries of treasures and artifacts of ancient China was found in Dunhuang in the Cave of Manuscripts. In this area there are 492 caves, and the area covers 45,000 meters. It has 2415 statues that are painted and five more that are wood - but, that is not nearly all there is to see here. The Mogao Grottoes is filled with wonderful artifacts including paintings, Buddhist scriptures (50,000 of them!), as well as textiles, and many other historical documents. This evidence of the ancient Chinese culture is very impressive.
Another remarkable artifact that was found in China is the Chechen Man. For those that do not know about him, he along with 3 women and a small infant, were mummified and buried in a tomb along the Silken Road. What makes this story so unique though, is that through discovery and research it was found that this man and the others were not Asian or Eastern at all, but rather Caucasians. This is remarkable in that it was not known that people from Western culture had come to this area until almost a thousand years later. The Chechen Man is thought to be over 3,000 years old. Today, he rests, as if he has just fallen asleep. Eyes are closed and his hands lie in his lap. Buried in a heavily salted area, he was preserved remarkably well. Truly an amazing relic of Chinese history.
These are only a few of the ancient Chinese artifacts that are found throughout China. Learning of them is like unraveling a piece of time. On other pages you will find information on many other great Chinese treasures..
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