Chinese New Year in Hong Kong
In January or February of each year, the Chinese celebrate the beginning of their new year . . .
I have seen Chinese New Year in two dynamic settings: San Francisco, California and Hong Kong.
San Francisco is my home town, and my family saw the annual Chinese New Year Parade snake through the streets along Market and through Chinatown for years on end.
It is always wonderful, as are the events surrounding the event, such as the crowning of Miss Chinatown, U.S.A.
PyroSpectacular is one of the finest pyro companies in the world. They stage many of the largest exhibitions around the country, including San Francisco's Fourth of July (which used to be sponsored by The San Francisco Chronicle when the paper was owned by the deYoung-Thieriot family and shot from three different locations over the bay).
Travelling to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year . . . or any time of year for that matter. It is safe, wonderful, a shopper's paradise -- I still have knock-off Cashmere sweaters bought in Kowloon for about $15 each when they were selling in the United States for $100++.
Well worth it in every respect
Do include a side trip to Macau to see the Blessing of the Fleet, which also takes place during the Chinese New Year Celebration.
The trip to Macau via boat passes Lantau Island. Unfortunately, there was no time to stop as this would have been an excellent opportunity to visit the Tian Tan Buddha sometimes locally referred to as the Big Buddha. It can be seen from the boat, but not in any detail. Fashioned of bronze and completed in 1993, the statue is the main feature of the Po Lin Monastery, symbolizing harmony between man, nature, people and religion. The statue is named Tian Tan Buddha because its base is a replica of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The statue sits on a lotus throne on top of a three tiered altar. At 34 meters (110 feet) tall, the Tian Tan Buddha is presented in a posture of serenity. His right hand is raised to remove affliction. His left hand rests on his knee, representing happiness.
Emperor Qin and His Terracotta Warriors
Reader's Digest Association
Since their excavation, the Terracotta Warriors have impressed the whole world with their artistic, cultural, and scientific significance. They are considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in China and an eighth Â?Wonder of the WorldÂ?. In 1987, UNESCO listed the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum and Terracotta Warriors as one of the worldÂ's Cultural Heritage sites. Learn the history of the time; witness the sites through artifacts, diagrams, and panoramic views of the formations in the vaults; see how headgear, uniforms, armor, and facial features distinguished the ranks of the figures; and much more. Over 150 inspiring photographs will thrill and impress any adventurer and traveler alike.| This book also includes tips on the best time to travel to the region, how to get there, schedules and ticket information, hints how to experience the museum, and even what to eat where youÂ're thereÂ?this captivating look at these masterpieces will be a impressive spectacle for any reader.
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude