Dancing dolphins make a big splash for to kids
As International Children's day approaches, Beijing Aquarium will provide a series of activities for kids to get close to sea animals. On Friday, June 1, a grand ceremony will be held in the shark town; while dolphins, and sea lions will dance for the visitors. Children will also be able to take photos with these stars from sea. The park is located near the north gate of Beijing Zoo, in Gaoliangxiejie, Haidian District. Ticket prices are 100 yuan for adult, 50 for children. 6217-6655.
Top 20 Chinese tourist destinations
Hangzhou, Nanjing, Lhasa, and Chengdu are on the "top 20 tourist cities list", released on May 24 in a large-scale TV program. The program, whose sponsors include Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd, China Central Television and the UN World Tourism Organization, judges cities on their tourism appeal, culture and history. From May 16 to August 28, there will be variety shows to be held in each of the 20 cities. "The 2008 Olympics Games provides all Chinese cities with a great opportunity to show the world their culture and history, and we hope the program will encourage each citizen's passion to love the environment," said Jing Zhiguo, Tsingtao Brewery GM.
Lost language: Few Manchu experts remain
Manchu language used to be the official language of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and while it has been passed down for 400 years it is not widely spoken anymore. Recently, the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences applied for the language to be added to the list of intangible culture heritage, while Manchu lectures were delivered at the China Ancient Architecture Museum last week. Many books, official papers and files written in the Manchu language recording the Qing Dynasty were kept but only a few experts can read them. Those interested in learning more about the language should go to www.qiren.cn.
Sino-Russian friendship trip
More than 40 journalists from China Radio International, Xinhua News Agency, China News, People's Daily and China Central Television, and 12 major media groups from Russia departed from Tian'anmen Square as part of a special media tour to mark "The Year of Russia in China" on May 25. As this year's most important media cooperation program between the two countries, the trip aims to increase communication between the two nations. The reporters will drive a dozen SUVs across Asia and Europe, travel around 16,000 kilometers and pass nearly 20 cities in 45 days before arriving at their final destination, the Red Square in Moscow.
Sweet Swiss music
More than 50 diplomats from foreign embassies in Beijing enjoyed a pleasant and inspiring concert at the residence of the Swiss ambassador on May 26. The ambassador of the Swiss embassy and his wife showed their hospitality by inviting the Ensemble Perlaro, a troupe from Basel in Switzerland, to play a repertoire of medieval and renaissance music works. The vocal ensemble, accompanied by instruments such as lute, harp and guitar, was appreciated by the guests.
Space painting insured for meteoric sum
A huge Chinese ink painting named Ode to China was insured for 290 million yuan by China United Property Insurance Company Ltd on May 20. The painting, altogether 90 meters long, was drawn by 168 celebrated Chinese artists, and was used to accompany the spacecraft Shenzhou VI to travel in the space. It will now be exhibited in seven foreign countries including Canada and the US. After the trip, it will be auctioned in China this September.
Party time to protect the earth
A party and workshop themed on protecting the earth was held by Trio bar last weekend. The common goal of the club is to enrich environmental culture and lifestyle through the artistic media. Children, parents, artists and scholars participated in a series of colorful events all related to environmentally-friendly themes. Artists, performers, musicians, magicians, schools, companies, and community-based organizations also took part in the event.
(China Daily 05/30/2007 page19)
