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Missing tennis star makes public appearance

Missing Chinese tennis champion Peng Shuai has made her <a rel="noopener" href="https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/peng-shuai-hold-video-call-speaks-with-olympic-officials-ioc/231011ea-4cf6-4cee-910b-aae84a608433" target="_blank">first direct contact</a> with officials outside China in a video call with Olympic officials several weeks after she disappeared from public view. The three-time Olympian disappeared from public view on November 2 after alleging online that she was sexually assaulted by a former member of China’s ruling Communist Party. Ms Shuai spoke with officials from the International Olympic Committee from Beijing, and told them that she was safe and well, according to a statement from the organisation. “She explained that she is safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would like to have her privacy respected at this time,” the statement <a rel="noopener" href="https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-president-and-ioc-athletes-commission-chair-hold-video-call-with-peng-shuai" target="_blank">said</a>. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845785/peng1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9e6eafe7a6504dabad172c4a2ddd00f0" /> Image: International Olympic Committee Along with IOC President Thomas Bach, Ms Shuai spoke with Emma Terho, the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and IOC Member in China Li Lingwei, who the IOC said “has known Peng Shuai for many years from her time in the Chinese Tennis Federation”. Ms Shuai “thanked the IOC for its concern about her well-being” and said she is spending “her time with friends and family right now”. “Nevertheless, she will continue to be involved in tennis, the sport she loves so much,” the statement said. Mr Bach invited Ms Shuai to join him for dinner when he is in Beijing next year “which she gladly accepted”, the IOC said. Ms Terho and Ms Lingwei were also invited. “I was relieved to see that Peng Shuai was doing fine, which was our main concern,” Ms Terho said in the statement. “She appeared to be relaxed. I offered her our support and to stay in touch at any time of her convenience, which she obviously appreciated.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereIsPengShuai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhereIsPengShuai</a> <a href="https://t.co/t8SPCrqnMl">pic.twitter.com/t8SPCrqnMl</a> — wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1461418624858607616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2021</a></blockquote> Concerns about her safety began to grow after her disappearance and the rapid removal of her post from social media, prompting calls to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing in February. The 30-minute call came as footage emerged of her at a youth tournament in Beijing, according to images released by the organiser. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Peng Shuai autographs balls for the kids at the opening ceremony of Junior Tennis Challenger Finals in Beijing. <a href="https://t.co/uPVxlNK1cQ">pic.twitter.com/uPVxlNK1cQ</a> — Shen Shiwei沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) <a href="https://twitter.com/shen_shiwei/status/1462235050607472643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote> The images, posted by the China Open on social media service Weibo, made no mention of the allegations or Ms Shuai’s disappearance. She was pictured standing next to a court, waving and signing commemorative tennis balls. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/tennis-world-reacts-to-disappearance-of-chinese-player" target="_blank">Tennis stars</a> and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) have been especially vocal since Ms Shuai’s disappearance, while the IOC has previously remained quiet. On Saturday, the organisation said it would “continue our open dialogue on all levels with the Olympic movement in China”. WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon expressed concern for Ms Shuai’s safety after two videos appearing to show her in a restaurant were shared online by Hu Xijin, editor of nationalistic newspaper The Global Times. “While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference. This video alone is insufficient,” Mr Simon said. “Our relationship with China is at a crossroads.” Image: Getty Images

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Billionaire actress Zhao Wei erased from history

Zhao Wei, one of China’s top actresses, has all but vanished from the internet after the Chinese government scrubbed any record of her online. Serials and chat shows featuring the actress are no longer available on Chinese streaming sites and her name has been removed from online credits for movies she has appeared in. Ms Wei rose to fame in the late 1990s after appearing on China’s highly popular television series, My Fair Princess. Since then, she has gone on to become a director, pop singer, and businesswoman on top of being an A-list actress. But, after Ms Wei was accused of being unpatriotic in hiring a Taiwanese actor for a leading role in a 2016 film, she began to run into trouble. Her hiring decision was overturned and Ms Wei’s business acquisitions soon came under close regulatory and taxation scrutiny. Last month, a public relations agency she owns was hit with a nationalistic scandal after one of its clients took a selfie during a visit to Japan’s Yasukuni war dead shrine. Over the weekend, Chinese news sites reported that Ms Wei had fled the country and was spotted at France’s Bordeaux airport. The crackdown on Ms Wei comes as Beijing’s Cyberspace Administration agency issued a series of instructions for social media and internet operators to “rectify” issues with fan communities. The new instructions aim to ensure “political and ideological safety in the cyberspace as well as creating a clean internet”. This also means celebrities can no longer be ranked in terms of popularity, talent agencies must be overseen by the Community Party, and fan clubs must be licenced and officially authorised. Previously, China’s National Radio and Television Administration ordered that actors be banished if their “morality is not noble”, are “tasteless, vulgar and obscene”, or if their “ideological level is low and [they] have no class”. Ms Wei has also been accused by the Communist Party-controlled Global Times of being “entangled in various scandals over the years”, but provides no official reason for her erasure. Any discussions of why she has been erased is also being censored on social media. Image: Getty Images

Entertainment

New swine flu with pandemic potential found in China

Researchers in China have discovered a strain of swine flu that is capable of triggering another pandemic. A report published in peer-reviewed science journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences earlier this week identified the G4 EA H1N1 strain of flu, which is genetically descended from the H1N1 strain that caused a pandemic in 2009. It has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus”, scientists at Chinese universities and China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in the study. Researchers took 30,000 nasal swabs from pigs between 2011 and 2018. A total of 179 swine flu viruses were isolated, the majority of which were a new kind that has been dominant among pigs since 2016. Following various experiments, G4 was found to be highly infectious, replicating in human cells and causing more severe symptoms in ferrets than other viruses do. Any immunity humans gain from exposure to seasonal flu does not protect against G4, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-swine-flu-china-researchers-pandemic/" target="_blank">tests also showed</a>. As many as 4.4 per cent of the general population appeared to have been exposed to the virus, therefore showing that it has passed from animals to humans. There is no evidence yet that the virus can be passed between humans. “Controlling the prevailing G4 EA H1N1 viruses in pigs and close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in swine industry, should be urgently implemented,” the study authors said. The World Health Organisation will read the Chinese report carefully, spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a Geneva briefing on Tuesday. “It … highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. There is no imminent threat of a new pandemic despite the virus’ capability to infect humans, said Carl Bergstrom, a biologist at the University of Washington. “There’s no evidence that G4 is circulating in humans, despite five years of extensive exposure,” he said on Twitter. “That’s the key context to keep in mind.” The new swine flu is still “in the stage of examination”, said Anthony Fauci, the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. It’s not “an immediate threat where you’re seeing infections, but it’s something we need to keep our eye on, just the way we did in 2009 with the emergence of the swine flu.”

Travel

Shanghai Disneyland reopens with social distancing measures

Shanghai Disneyland reopened on Monday after 107 days of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park is now open to public with 30 per cent capacity. Visitors are required to book tickets online, have their temperatures checked ahead of entry and wear face masks. Hand sanitisers are also made available at queue entries and attraction exits. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Tears! Long time no see my pals! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShanghaiDisneyland?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShanghaiDisneyland</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SHDL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SHDL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E4%B8%8A%E6%B5%B7%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%82%BA%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#上海ディズニーランド</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Disney?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Disney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Disneypark?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Disneypark</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Disneyland?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Disneyland</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bsv51z84Ha">pic.twitter.com/Bsv51z84Ha</a> — DONGDONG (@gourmetdyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/gourmetdyy/status/1259672695668539392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote> The park also features yellow tape markers as part of social distancing efforts. Most of the park’s attractions – including rides, live shows, stores and restaurants – are accessible, but theatre shows are cancelled and the daily float parade is downsized. Cast members have also reportedly been trained to carry out <a href="https://deadline.com/2020/05/disneyland-shanghai-reopen-date-may-11-coronavirus-1202926767/">contactless guest interaction</a>. “We have cast members throughout the park. They’re continuously wiping down and making sure that everything is as disinfected and sanitized,” Andrew Bolstein, senior vice president of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort, told <a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story/opening-day-disney-shanghai-looked-70613135">Good Morning America</a>. The reopening came after Disney reported a $1 billion hit on its parks, experiences and products segment during the second quarter “primarily due to revenue lost as a result of the closures”. All other parks remain closed.

Travel

COVID-19 epicentre Wuhan records new cluster of cases after relaxing lockdown

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> The Chinese city of Wuhan has reported six new cases of COVID-19 over the last few days which marks the first officially documented re-emergence of the virus in over a month. Wuhan is the city where the coronavirus first broke out last December and had not recorded a new case since April 3rd. The city had since eased lockdowns and reopened schools. The first new Wuhan case was previously asymptomatic, and the 89-year-old man had not left his residential compound since the Lunar New Year in late January. His wife also tested positive for the virus despite showing no symptoms, the Wuhan municipal health commission said. The residential compound has had 20 confirmed cases and experts say that the new round of infections was mainly due to previous community infections. The new cases highlight the potential for new clusters of infections due to carriers who do not look ill or have a fever. On Sunday, authorities also reported new coronavirus cases in northeast China, with one city in Jilin province being reclassified as high-risk, the top of a three-tier zoning system. The city of Shulan was raised from medium to high after raising it from low to medium the day before after a woman tested positive on May 7th. The new cases spike the overall number of confirmed new cases in mainland China to 14, which is the highest reported number since April 28. In Wuhan, more than 20,000 people will be tested in the area where the cluster of new cases was found. Almost 4,000 people have died across the city according to the official tally. There is speculation that the figure could be higher as China faces questions from other countries about the accuracy of its reporting on COVID-19 cases. </div> </div> </div>

News

"Beaten and pinned down": Christian church members dragged into street after raid by Chinese officials

Shocking video footage from inside a Christian church in China shows officials raiding and violently dragging members out of the church mid-service. ChinaAid, a Christian watchdog group on persecution posted the story from the church in Xiamen, a Fujian province. In a video taken at the church, officers and attendees of Xinguang Church shout as attendees try and block the officials from entering. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UkHgvKcpsaM"></iframe></div> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Officials then drag a person to the door and the men who were guarding the door were “beaten and pinned down”, according to a statement from ChinaAid. "The state security police came banging at the door, then they kicked it down and dragged those in the way outside the doorway," <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/xiamen-church-05042020155239.html" target="_blank">Radio Free Asia</a> quoted Pastor Yang Xibo. Officers also confiscated phones and used “brutal force” against some Christian women as well. As the church’s meeting place is located at a private residence, police broke down barriers and dragged three people out. Church members had received no warnings, which an eyewitness confirmed. "They didn't say anything or show any documentation, but they just nailed a man and a woman to the ground, pinning them by the chest and legs using their knees. " No warrants were reportedly shown, and the church has since been banned. Gina Goh, International Christian Concern’s regional manager for Southeast Asia has said that China is resuming its crackdown on Christianity since the threat posed by COVID-19 has been reduced. "In recent weeks, we have seen an increased number of church demolitions and cross removals on state-sanctioned churches across China, as house church gatherings continue to face interruption and harassment. “It is deplorable that the local authorities not only conducted this raid without proper procedure, but deployed excessive use of force against church members and bystanders," she said. "ICC calls on the international community and the US government to condemn China's constant human rights abuses." Photo credits: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.chinaaid.org/2020/05/breaking-violence-erupts-when-officials.html" target="_blank">ChinaAid</a> </div> </div> </div>

Travel

Newborn tested positive for coronavirus 30 hours after birth

A 30-hour-old infant born in a Wuhan hospital has become the youngest person to catch the new coronavirus. The newborn’s mother was found to have contracted the virus before giving birth on February 2 at Wuhan Children Hospital. The baby’s case suggested that the new virus could be passed on to unborn children, scientists said. “This reminds us to pay attention to mother-to-child being a possible route of coronavirus transmission,” said Zeng Lingkong, the chief physician at the hospital’s neonatal department. The infected infant has no fever or cough but experienced shortness of breath, according to CCTV. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> An infant in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> has tested positive for the novel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> just 30 hours after birth, said the city's children's hospital, raising concerns that infection could be contracted in the womb <a href="https://t.co/j8FIdqKgAS">pic.twitter.com/j8FIdqKgAS</a> — People's Daily, China (@PDChina) <a href="https://twitter.com/PDChina/status/1225042136980230144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote> The hospital also confirmed a second case of a newborn showing symptoms 16 days after their birth. The baby’s mother and nanny were <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/newborn-infected-with-coronavirus-raising-fears-illness-can-be-transmitted-from-mother-to-unborn-baby/ar-BBZGdIh?li=AAgfYrC">found to be infected</a> in the days following the birth on 13 January. The infant is not in a critical condition, doctors said. “Whether it was the baby’s nanny who passed to the virus to the mother who passed it to the baby, we cannot be sure at the moment,” Zeng said. “But we can confirm that the baby was in close contact with patients infected with the new coronavirus, which says newborns can also be infected.” However, Stephen Morse, an epidemiologist at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/wuhan-coronavirus-in-infant-born-from-infected-mother-2020-2?r=US&IR=T">Business Insider</a> that an in-utero transmission was unlikely. “It’s more likely that the baby contracted the virus from the hospital environment, the same way healthcare workers get infected by the patients they treat,” Morse said. “It’s quite possible that the baby picked it up very conventionally – by inhaling virus droplets that came from the mother coughing.” More than 24,500 people around the world have now contracted the virus, with the death toll approaching 500.

News

Bei Bei the giant panda leaves Washington for China

Bei Bei the giant panda was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C in 2015. However, he’s heading back to China after an agreement with the zoo. It means that giant pandas go back to China after the giant panda turns 4. Bei Bei was named by former First Lady Michelle Obama and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan and was the first generation of pandas to live at the National Zoo. "Bei Bei is part of our family," Steve Monfort, a zoo director, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/17/us/bei-bei-giant-panda-national-zoo-trnd/index.html">CNN</a>. "Our team has cared for him, learned from him and, along with millions, loved watching him grow." “We’re sad he’s leaving, but excited for the contributions he will make to the global giant panda population. Bei Bei is an ambassador for conservation and part of a 47-year program that proves bringing species and habitats back from the brink is possible through global cooperation.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Bei Bei always sticks the landing. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ByeByeBeiBei?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ByeByeBeiBei</a> <a href="https://t.co/gEFU641UGs">pic.twitter.com/gEFU641UGs</a> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1196422839672475648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">18 November 2019</a></blockquote> If you’re worried about how he’s travelling, Bei Bei gets his own private jet for the journey from Washington to China. It’s called the Panda Express and he has great snack options on board, including 66 pounds of bamboo, snacks and water. As giant pandas eat 20 to 40 pounds of bamboo each day, this should last Bei Bei a day and a half on his long journey. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Wheels up on the FedEx Panda 🐼 Express! ✈️ You can track Bei Bei’s flight FDX9759 here: <a href="https://t.co/PizokJyYDt">https://t.co/PizokJyYDt</a> Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a>! <a href="https://t.co/N93Y7HVS3r">pic.twitter.com/N93Y7HVS3r</a> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1196844909979938818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 November 2019</a></blockquote> Bei Bei is the third giant panda that was born at the zoo to move to China, following Tai Shan who moved in 2010 and Bao Bao who moved in 2017. In order to celebrate his time at the zoo, Bei Bei was awarded with an ice cake which had some of his favourite treats, such as sugar cane and sweet potato. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> 🐼🎂 Here’s a close up of Bei Bei’s ice cake! It featured some of his fav treats like sugar cane and sweet potato! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ByeByeBeiBei?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ByeByeBeiBei</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandaStory?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandaStory</a> <a href="https://t.co/MJYuLAoHEG">pic.twitter.com/MJYuLAoHEG</a> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1196115384354721792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17 November 2019</a></blockquote> He has now arrived safely in China and is in safe hands at the Bifengxia Panda Base. The animal care team at the Smithsonian zoo will stay with him for a few days to make sure that Bei Bei adjusts well to his new home. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> 🐼 🛬 Bei Bei has arrived safely in China. Our animal care team will go with Bei Bei to his new home and stay with him for a few days at the Bifengxia Panda Base. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a> and their crew! Thanks for the outpouring of support for Bei Bei ❤️and our panda team! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ByeByeBeiBei?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ByeByeBeiBei</a> <a href="https://t.co/rFf9aXZYQc">pic.twitter.com/rFf9aXZYQc</a> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1197090641177649153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 November 2019</a></blockquote> There are an estimated 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild and they are listed as “vulnerable” in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Lifestyle

Fugitive found in a cave after 17 years on the run

A Chinese fugitive who had been on the run for 17 years has been found living in a mountain cave. Song Jiang escaped from prison camp in 2002 while serving time for trafficking women and children. Yongshan police tracked down the 63-year-old’s whereabouts to the mountains behind his hometown in Yunnan province after receiving a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/man-found-living-cave-fugitive-mountains-17-years-yunnan-province-yongshan-police-prison-a9125941.html" target="_blank">tip-off</a>. The police’s drones spotted a piece of blue steel on a cliff in the forest, along with household garbage. Police said Song had been living in a cave measuring less than 21 square feet (1.95 square metres) in size. Pictures from inside the cave released by police showed blackened pots and layers of makeshift bedding. According to state media, he survived by collecting river water in a plastic bottle and making fires with tree branches. Investigators said Song had trouble communicating and had not taken a bath or done laundry in “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/chinese-fugitive-found-living-cave-after-17-years-run-n1060166" target="_blank">a long time</a>” due to his seclusion. Song has now been sent back to jail. Scroll through the gallery to see the pictures from the cave. Photo credit: Yongshan Police

Travel

Beijing opens massive new airport

China has officially opened a vast, multibillion-dollar airport in the country’s capital ahead of its National Day. The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/25/daxing-international-airport-zaha-hadid-starfish-opens-beijing">450 billion yuan</a> (about SG$87 billion) Daxing International Airport was launched in late September in a ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping. The new mega-airport was designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid and her Chinese partners in the shape of a starfish with five connected concourses. It is said to have no more than 600 metres – about eight minutes’ walk – between security checkpoints and the furthest gates. At 700,000 square metres – about the size of nearly 100 football pitches – the airport boasts four runways and is expected to handle 72 million passengers annually by 2025. Budget carrier China United Airlines will be the sole operator at Daxing until <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/willhorton1/2019/09/29/beijing-daxing-airport-opens-but-you-wont-be-using-it-soon/#27d797bb6af1">October 27</a>, when other Chinese and foreign airlines will begin flights to the new airport. Critics have expressed concern that Daxing, the second airport in Beijing, will exacerbate traffic jams and flight delays. Officials said the new airport will alleviate traffic pressure around the existing Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in the city’s north-east, and reduce delays through its multi-directional runway design. China is projected to overtake the United States as the world’s largest air travel market by 2022.

Travel

Why you will love the Terracotta Warriors

Travel

7 unique festivals to celebrate in China

Festivals are an intrinsic part of Chinese culture. Mostly based on the Chinese lunar calendar. These festivals are a time for connection with friends and family, appreciation for people and place. It is also a grounding for culture and understanding the traditional way of life. With several Chinese festivals on the calendar for the coming months, below is a guide of the 7 unique and exciting festivals to celebrate in China. 1. Celebrations and Sweets At The Lantern Festival The wondrous Lantern Festival is an incredible light-filled experience with cultural performances for all ages. Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month of each Lunar New Year (typically in January or February). It is a time for Chinese families to bond, whilst sharing a hearty meal. Tuck into a warm bowl of famed Tangyuan (glutinous flour and bean paste balls in sweet broth) while gazing at the full moon during the Lantern Festival (元宵节). The act of eating tangyuan signifies the addition of one year to your age. Also known as the last day of the Spring Festival, youths in ancient China were said to tour the streets freely on this occasion with lanterns. Their goal? To find a suitable life partner! 2. Women’s Day 8 March is Women’s Day in China. An opportunity for men to express love and appreciation for the women in their lives. Women’s Day has now evolved into a celebration of women’s purchasing power. Often clothes, shoes, and cosmetics are discounted online. The best thing about this occasion? Women can leave work early and enjoy a half-day holiday! Many companies are also taking the celebration a step further. This honouring includes a working half-day, catering breakfast in the office, or throwing women a dinner party. 3. Paying Tribute To A Patriot: The Dragon Boat Festival During the warm summer periods, the Dragon Boat Festival (also called Duanwu Festival) memorializes loyalty and filial piety. This occurs every fifth day of the fifth Lunar month, which is in late May or early June. The date was made famous by the well-loved minister and scholar Qu Yuan, who took his life in 278 BC after his political exile. A senior political office holder, Qu was known for his loyalty to the state of Chu. Betrayed by his rivals to the detriment of his homeland, the distressed Qu drowned himself in the Miluo River after the fall of the state. Local villagers threw balls of rice wrapped in leaves into the river to prevent fish from eating Qu’s body as boatmen rowed out to find him. To commemorate the occasion, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves (zongzi or 粽子) are eaten. The wrapped dumplings have become so popular that you can now buy them any time of the year at food stalls. 4. Fly Over The Milky Way On Qixi: Chinese Valentine’s Day Known as the Qixi (七夕) Festival or Double Seventh Festival, Chinese Valentine’s Day falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (usually in August). Like Valentine’s Day in the West, Qixi Festival has its touching tale. According to legend, a cowherd and a weaver girl (or Zhinü) were banished to different parts of the Milky Way. Allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the couple would reunite by walking over a bridge of magpies in the sky. In ancient China, Qixi was a time for single women to pray to Zhinü and burn paper offerings. Newlywed couples also paid their respects to the heavenly couple for the last time as a farewell to their singlehood. 5. Feast on Sweet Mooncakes During The Mid-Autumn Festival The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) is celebrated across China and the Chinese diaspora. The festival occurs when the moon is said to be at its fullest in the year. This is on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, normally in September or October of the Gregorian calendar. Sweet round mooncakes representing reunion and connection are served during this occasion. To join the fun, head to your nearest Chinese mall or city plaza. You can participate in lantern exhibitions, lantern riddle competitions, food fairs, and carnival games for both the young and old. The story of the mythical figure Chang’e (嫦娥)—an immortal woman living on the moon with a pet rabbit, is often retold during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chang’e was famed for being the wife of archer Hou Yi, a hero who shot down nine of ten suns and saved humanity from disaster. Gifted a potion of immortality, Hou Yi let Chang’e safe keep it. To prevent a robbery attempt, Chang’e swallowed the potion and flew towards the moon where she is now said to live. 6. Chongyang Festival: A Chinese Tradition of Climbing High Getaway from the city and inhale some fresh autumn air. Also known as the Chongyang Festival (重阳节) or the Double Ninth Festival. This day marks the impending arrival of winter and falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, usually in October. The Chongyang festival is celebrated by baking and steaming Chongyang Cake. This cake is made from rice flour, sugar, almonds and other nuts, this is a sweet treat not to be missed. Since the Chinese word for ‘cake’ (糕) is a homonym for ‘height’ (高), celebrants often climb tall mountains and appreciate chrysanthemum blooms on this occasion. After the cake, work off those extra calories by hiking. This also allows you to get in touch with nature. Gathering with your family and friends to honour deceased relatives by burning paper clothing offerings at their graves. Declared as Seniors’ Day in 1989, Chongyang Festival also allows numerous seniors’ nature walks, which are led by community associations. 7. A Shopping Extravaganza: The Double 11th Shopping Festival China’s answer to Black Friday is the annual Double 11th Festival (双十一), when people in China can grab a discount on Chinese online shopping platforms such as <a href="http://taobao.com/">Taobao</a>, <a href="https://www.tmall.com/">Tmall</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.cn/">Amazon.cn</a>, and more. This festival happens on the 11th of November. Purely commercial, November 11, 2016, saw Alibaba post a staggering <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-alibaba-singlesday-idUSKBN13605X">120.7 billion yuan</a> worth of sales by the end of the day. The symbolism of the four 1s has given the day the second meaning of Singles’ Day (光棍节) in China. Celebrate your single status by tucking into a fried dough fritter (youtiao) for breakfast. Youtiao is eaten on this day, as it looks like the number one. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/7-unique-festivals-to-celebrate-in-china/">MyDiscoveries</a>.

Travel

Rude! 7 things you should never do in other countries

Travelling abroad is an ideal way to discover new cultures and find out more about yourself – and others. Just don’t make a fool of yourself by doing the following things. 1. Don’t talk with your hands in your pockets in Germany It’s considered bad manners. It’s also customary to keep your hands on the table while you’re eating. 2. Don’t tip in Japan Service at restaurants and hotels will likely be exceptional in Japan, but tipping isn’t done; and it could be seen as degrading. 3. Don’t smile at strangers in Russia They’ll see it as an intimate gesture, indicating a genuine affinity toward another person. If you don’t know them, they might consider you insincere. 4. Don’t use your left hand in India The left hand is thought of as unclean in Indian culture, so always use your right hand to greet someone, exchange money, or pick up merchandise. 5. Don’t wave your chopsticks around in China It’s like drumming with your knife and fork. Best not. 6. Don’t honk while driving in Norway It’s only used in an emergency – so your unnecessary beeping could cause drivers to panic. 7. Don’t forget to say hello in France “Bonjour madame, monsieur” should be the first words out of your mouth, otherwise you’re subtly showing you feel the person is beneath you. Written by Reader’s Digest Editors. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/rude-7-things-you-should-never-do-other-countries">Reader’s Digest</a>.

Travel

ustralian swimmer Mack Horton refuses to share podium with China's Sun Yang

Mack Horton has received a flurry of criticism online through his social media platforms from furious Chinese swimming fans. The Australian swimmer sparked a heated debate after refusing to stand on the podium next to his Chinese rival "drug cheat" Sun Yang at the swimming championships on Sunday night. The bold move of refusing to stand next to Yang by Horton made international headlines. Sun underwent a three-month doping suspension in 2014 and is now being investigated again finishing first in the 400m freestyle – beating Horton by 0.73 of a second. The Australian Olympian made his anger apparent by snubbing the medal podium where he would stand next to Yang – a clear protest to show he was unhappy with the Chinese swimmer being allowed to compete in the eight-day championship. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828825/new-project.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9c9a3591c0ac4d3b90f22c561d1ca172" /> Silver medalist Mack Horton of Australia, gold medalist Sun Yang of China and bronze medalist Gabriele Detti of Italy. The incredible move and bitter rivalry between the two has sparked an intense international debate after Yang accused Horton of disrespecting China. “I was aware that the Australian athlete had dissatisfaction and personal feelings towards me,” Yang said via an interpreter. “But it was unfortunate because disrespecting me is okay but disrespecting China was very unfortunate and I felt sorry about that. “I’m aware of the rumours (about his alleged hammer attack). (But) I think this has been the greatest achievement in history for the Chinese (swimming) team.” 10-time world champion Yang is accused of smashing vials of his blood during a clash with drug testers last year, however, he was allowed to compete in the eight-day swimming event while he awaits a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing in September. Horton has not been shy of his feelings on Yang, suggesting <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/aussie-team-stands-by-mack-horton-in-china-swimming-feud" target="_blank">he was a “drug cheat” at the 2016 Rio Olympics.</a> The Olympian admitted on Sunday he was unhappy with the results of the race. “Frustration is probably it,” Horton said after the race. “I think you know in what respect.” Andrew Horton, father of the swimmer, told 3AW Radio their family have a “huge respect” for China. “There’s a lot of commentary about China. We have huge respect for China. This is about ensuring that there are systems and processes in the sport that keep the sport clean,” he said.

Lifestyle

5 tourist attractions you didn’t know were illegal to photograph

Many people while travelling like to take photos of their trips so they can go back and look at it later once they’re home. Although you might see something interesting on your travels, make sure that before you take that snap that you’re not breaking local law. Here are five places you can’t take photos of. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLOuXvSA3rt/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLOuXvSA3rt/" target="_blank">Hats I don't hate</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/harleyvnewton/" target="_blank"> Harley Viera-Newton</a> (@harleyvnewton) on Oct 6, 2016 at 10:36am PDT </div> </blockquote> 1. The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London In the area inside the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept, cameras are strictly forbidden, and visitors are not allowed to take pictures. The jewels themselves are protected by bombproof glass and there are more than 100 security cameras in the room where the jewels are kept. Couldn’t take a photo if you tried. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLgLFmg3a6/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLgLFmg3a6/" target="_blank">¿Quién visitará ésta maravilla en 2019? . . #india #tajmahal #wonders #travel #leisure</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/travelleisuremx/" target="_blank"> Travel+Leisure México</a> (@travelleisuremx) on Jan 3, 2019 at 8:50am PST </div> </blockquote> 2. Inside the Taj Mahal, India As the Taj Mahal is a place of worship, photography is forbidden in certain areas inside. You’re able to take photos of the outside, but there are strict rules dictating what you can and can’t take photos of once you’re inside. There are guards to make sure you’re not taking photos inside the building as well. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvGctZHqZs/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvGctZHqZs/" target="_blank">Enquanto na China fomos até Chendgu e aproveitámos para ir ao Chengu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding! Situado a 10 km do centro de Chendgu é facimente acessível e barato chegar lá através do Didi Chuxing (Uber Chinês) por cerca de 4€. A base está aberta todos os dias das 7h30 às 18h e a entrada custa cerca de 7€. Dica extra: levem comida, lá dentro é tudo caro e foi provavelmente a comida mais picante que provámos... e nós gostamos de picante!!! Foi um dia bem passado até Base fechar. E vocês, gostam de pandas???</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/viagensbarataspt/" target="_blank"> Viagens Baratas</a> (@viagensbarataspt) on May 21, 2019 at 12:15pm PDT </div> </blockquote> 3. Pandas in China Due to new rules introduced in 2018, forestry authorities issued a notice banning visitors from getting too close to the giant pandas, which includes taking photos with them. The notice was enforced to protect the animals from being introduced to new diseases. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwTC9BAi52/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwTC9BAi52/" target="_blank">#katadjuta #theolgas #desert #sun #nature #mirror #water</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/amel.glnd/" target="_blank"> Amélie Galand</a> (@amel.glnd) on May 21, 2019 at 11:24pm PDT </div> </blockquote> 4. Uluru at Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia You’re not allowed to take photographs of Uluru, despite it being one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. According to <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/about/faq/">Parks Australia</a>, you need a photography permit to take photos for commercial purposes, which can include social media. The Anangu, who are the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta land, believe that their culture is degraded if images of sacred sites are <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/culture/respecting-culture/">captured or displayed</a>. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwR7E0oQ1J/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwR7E0oQ1J/" target="_blank">Beau Paris ❤! #paris #city #citytrip #cityphotography #eiffeltower #eiffelturm #travel #travellove #photography #cloudysky #beautifullife #cityoflove #villedamour #love #lovethesecity #loveparis</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/starry_sky24/" target="_blank"> Bärbel Riemenschneider</a> (@starry_sky24) on May 21, 2019 at 11:14pm PDT </div> </blockquote> 5. The Eiffel tower at night in Paris, France You’re not allowed to take photos of this historic landmark in France as it’s regarded as an artistic work. In 1985, 20,000 lights and 280 projectors were installed at the Eiffel Tower by Pierre Bideau. Because of this installation, it’s regarded as an artistic work and according to the <a href="https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr/entreprise/utiliser-image-tour-eiffel">Societe d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel</a> (SETE), you could be charged a fee if you take a photo of it. The site reads: "The various lights of the Eiffel Tower (golden illumination, flicker, lighthouse and event lighting) are protected. The exploitation of the image of the Eiffel tower at night is subject to prior authorisation from the SETE. This exploitation is subject to fees payment, the amount of which depends on the intended use, of the media plan."

Travel

10 things that are considered “extremist tendencies” in China

A list of “extremist tendencies” has been pulled together in a book called the Australian National University’s 2018 China Story Yearbook. This book casts a spotlight on China’s disturbing crackdown on Muslims in the far west region of Xinjiang. The United Nations has said that between one and two million members of China’s Uyghur ethnic minority, who the majority practice Islam, have disappeared. Dr Gerry Groot, senior lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Adelaide, told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/having-a-beard-and-owning-a-compass-seen-as-extremist-tendencies-in-china/news-story/d0a2cfcdf1b07c2f9478a6a68f5359a2">news.com.au</a> that many of these people have been sent to “vocational-education facilities” and prison following random police checks. “A lot of these people will be stuck in there for years and be doing hard labour under the guise of education,” he said. In his chapter, he explains that the missing people in Xinjiang are a result of the Chinese Communist Party not knowing how to deal with the country’s religious minorities. Groot also explains that state “encouragement” of China’s ethnic Han majority to Xinjiang and the reward of intermarriage over decades has dramatically reshaped the ethnic makeup of the region. Ever since the September 11 attacks in 2001, Groot says that the Chinese government has sought to link any unrest among the Chinese Muslims with foreign radical Islamist movements. “There’s zero interest against changing it within China, it probably has overwhelming support in so far as the average person knows what it’s about,” he said. “There’s almost zero support for Uyghurs among the general population because the Communist Party and, in particular, (Chinese leader) Xi Jinping, have framed these existential crises.” The issue lies with seeing religion and God above the Chinese Communist Party. “So, the party sees religion itself as part of the problem,” Dr Groot said. “If you believe in god then god is above the party and that’s a problem and they have to be crushed. You can’t have a different moral vision; you can only have a supportive moral vision.” The following ten reasons are just some of the 48 reasons you can be sent to an education camp. <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Owning a tent</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Telling others not to swear</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking with someone who has travelled abroad</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Owning welding equipment</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Telling others not to sin</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Owning extra food</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Eating breakfast before the sun comes up</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Merely knowing someone who has travelled abroad</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Owning a compass</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Arguing with an official</li> </ol>

Travel

Explore the great Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is a massive tempestuous monster. For centuries it has been both the life and death of the Chinese people, providing food, water for irrigation and a critical transport route, but turning fierce with immense and destructive floods. In 1998, the last such flood drowned some 2000 people and millions more made homeless. This final malicious act of the Yangtze would be the last. If China was to grow and prosper, the beast must be tamed and made to work for the masses. Our journey begins in Chongqing, a vast, sprawling metropolis now bearing the title of world’s largest city. With a population of 32 million it is three times the size of New York City thanks mainly to the relocation of former riverside inhabitants displaced by the Yangtze’s rising. Both shores are undergoing momentous transformation with great cranes and concrete pourers working overtime to construct new apartment blocks and shopping centres. The ancient riverside villages are gone, replaced by the energetic and progressive new 21st Century China. We visit some of the few remaining archaeological sites en route and the macbre Ghost City of Fengdu is a standout. Visitors are welcomed by a parade of stone demons each depicting unholy vices and terrifying acts. Displays inside the temple are guaranteed to leave you squeamish. The Three Gorges themselves are Qutang, Wu and Xiling, occupying a section of about 120 kilometres of the river between Fengjie and Yichang. Despite their stunning scenery it was one of the most hazardous stretches. As river levels rose and fell with the seasons, navigating the fury of its waters was a white-knuckle experience for crew and passengers alike. We divert from the main channel to the Daning River and proceed up the “Lesser Three Gorges” (Dragon-Gate, Misty and Emerald) where former farmers and river traders are now tour guides in one of the most scenic locations in all of China. The few farms and dwellings we see are slowly being consumed by the rising waters. Mr Zhang, our boatman, now sports smart leather shoes and trousers but dons a traditional fishing jacket and headdress as he sings a song and poles us up the narrow tributary bordered by dizzying, sheer cliffs. He’s happy that his boat is full of paying travellers, but the notes of his song are tinged with sadness. He’ll never sing this tune like his father and grandfather did, hauling in the nets and selling the fish. After four days cruising, we meet the manmade monster designed to subdue the Yangtze and in the middle of the night, we toast the new Great Wall as we descend 100 metres via a series of locks to the old riverfront at Sandouping. Any way you look at it, the Three Gorges Dam is one of the world’s engineering marvels, rivalling the Panama Canal or even the original Great Wall itself. Always controversial, the dam was first proposed in 1919. Proponents argued that flood mitigation would save many thousands of lives and improve irrigation, navigation and water utilisation The hydro-electric plant would produce 22,500MW or the equivalent of ten per cent of China’s industrial requirement. Opponents cited the dislocation of millions of residents, hundreds of tonnes of damaging sediment, loss of historic relics and the danger of catastrophe due to earthquake or landslide. Begun in 1994 and completed in 2006, the dam comprises 27 million cubic of concrete, all of which had to be laid in one continuous pour. The dam wall is 2335 metres wide, 101 metres high and contains 39.3 cubic kilometres of water. After breakfast we gather our cameras and floppy hats and prepare to embark a fleet of buses. Clearly visiting the dam is a popular outing for the Chinese. Hundreds of folk are jostling and nudging, as is the Chinese way, for the few vantage points and I hurriedly snatch a few photos before my arbitrary time limit. Downstream of the dam, the river is much less affected and the water levels are more-or- less unchanged. Traditional villages reappear and there are glimpses of what life must have been like once upon a time on the other side. While we can lament how the Three Gorges Dam has transformed the Yangtze forever, the enormous upheaval thrust upon those along its course is indicative of a rapidly changing China, a country throwing off the ancient shackles of reluctance and charging headlong towards a prosperous future with the promise of plenty for all. Let’s hope the Eastern wisdom doesn’t repeat the many mistakes of the West. Written by Roderick Eime. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/locations-in-china-including-the-great-wall-for-the-mature-adventure-traveller/">MyDiscoveries.</a>

Travel

8 top tips for travel to China

Between the great firewall, visas, money and the language barrier – travel to China can be a little bit daunting. But it is actually easier than you think – if you are prepared. A holiday in China offers a cultural experience like no other. You can walk on crumbling sections of the Great Wall, watch archaeologists at work digging out the Terracotta Warriors and chuckle at the antics of the pandas in Chengdu. Here’s our list of things you need to arrange and consider before you travel to China. 1. Visas The thought of Chinese visas scared me so much that I put it off for months. The form looks huge. But once you get started, it’s actually incredibly easy. Many companies offer to do a Chinese visa for you – for a fee. But you can save that cash and do it easily yourself online. First you will need to find the Visa for China website for your capital city. <a href="https://www.visaforchina.org/SYD_EN/">The link here is for the one in Sydney</a>. You can read the step-by-step instructions or head straight to the Quick Access section. Fill in all the details in the form. Make sure you complete one for each person who will be going on the trip. Then book an appointment at your local visa for China centre. At that appointment comes, you will need to have print outs of your flight and accommodation details and photocopies of your passports. You will need to hand the passports over for processing. Don’t worry if you forget the print outs. The Visa centre has photocopiers and you can email the details to the security guard who will print out any documents you need for free. Take a number at the entrance to the Visa centre and wait your turn. Once at the counter, all you need to do is hand over the forms you filled in online, the passports, the photocopies and the details of all flights and hotels. One week later, you come back to the centre, pay the fee and collect your Visa. It really is that simple. 2. Internet China could offer a chance to break free from social media, to unplug and take a technology break. Access to Google is limited. The Great Firewall of China really does exist. There’s NO Facebook access. No Instagram. But, if you can’t live without it, there is a way around the firewall. All you need is a VPN app. Install one before you go onto your phone and you will be able to access Facebook and Instagram and Google. We used Express VPN. Once installed on our devices it was as simple as logging into the app, choosing an internet connection in another city such as Hong Kong, LA or Tokyo and search away. If you don’t have a VPN, you won’t have access to Google. Try Bing.com for internet searching instead. Don’t even bother with Google maps in China. You are far better off downloading local maps of Beijing and other cities you plan to visit. Tales of tourists trying to find restaurants in the middle of the Forbidden City that don’t exist, simply because they are following Google maps about. It’s often wrong. Don’t use it. 3. Money Your credit card will be fairly useless in China. Most Chinese locals pay for things using their phone. WeChat and AliPay are the two most common mobile payment systems. We tried to get access but failed. You need to have a Chinese bank account to make the WeChat wallet work. You could do this by asking a friend with a Chinese bank account to send you a “red packet” – a transfer of money. But you can’t keep asking them to do that all trip. The only other option really is cash. Before you go, find out which banks in China will accept Australian cards. Not all do. When you spot one of those banks – make it count. Avoid multiple withdrawals as much as possible so you reduce the bank fees. 4. WiFi In most countries, it’s possible to pick up a portable Wifi device at the airport so you can reduce your use of data when out and about. But in China, that’s not your best option given the Great Firewall. You’re better off actually getting a Chinese Sim card and using the data on that when outside the hotel. Many companies will actually deliver Chinese sim cards to your hotel for arrival. We used one of these companies. They emailed instructions to us in both English and Mandarin. At check-in, all we had to do was show the receptionist the email and she immediately grabbed the package for us. Simple, easy, internet access. Pop the sim card in your phone and you are ready to go. You can set one person up as the main account holder and the other as a partner on that plan. One word of warning though – ignore every random text message in Mandarin that you are sent. If you don’t understand it – don’t click on it. 5. Trains Think you can rock up to the station and jump on a bullet train? Think again. The best/fastest trains usually sell out a few days before, leaving only the option of a much longer multi-stop journey. If you want to avoid those extra hours – book ahead. You can go to the large train stations and seek out the English-language service window to book. Or – a really easy way – is to book online and just pick the tickets up with the email (with instructions in English and Mandarin) from the station before you travel. Another great tip is to download an app that plans subway travel in China – showing the connections you need to take to get somewhere in English. Some stations – like the one in the photo below, have limited English. This app will be your lifeline. Be prepared to put all your bags through an X-ray machine at every train station. You get used to it after a while. 6. Water and snacks You CAN NOT drink the water in China. That means you will be carrying a lot of water each day. Market stalls often sell fresh fruit – grab items such as bananas and oranges whenever you see them. We found finding snacks was often difficult in both Beijing and Xian. Fill up on breakfast at the hotel before you head out. There are convenience stores such as Our Hours that sell snacks, but we found most of the items on offer had little nutritional value. Eat to your fill in restaurants. 7. Dining out Many restaurants will have an English menu. If you have installed a VPN, you will be able to use Google translate to hover over menus to see what you want to eat. Then all you need to do is point when the waiter comes and tell them how many you want. Dumplings are always a good bet. As are noodles. Dandong Duck does tasty Peking Duck in Beijing. First Noodle Under the Sun in Xian is fantastic. Our best advice? Check Trip Advisor and see what other travellers recommend in your area. That way you can be fairly certain that it will be tasty and accommodate for your lack of Mandarin. 8. DIY? Or guide? Unless you are prepared to speak a little Mandarin, do a LOT of pointing and use a translation app or sometimes just wing it, a guide is a good safe option. Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/top-tips-for-travel-to-china-visa-vpn-trains-internet/">MyDiscoveries</a>.

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