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Showing posts from September, 2020

Meet Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, A Brilliant Leader

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Taizong Li Shimin (598 - 649) , the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty , is a brilliant politician, strategist, militarist, and poet. He served under his father, Li Yuan, as a general at a young age and gained prestige among soldiers and people. Later, he was made Qin Wang (Lord of the Qin State) for his extraordinary contributions during the founding of the Tang Dynasty. In 626 , Li Shimin staged a coup in Xuanwu Gate, killing the crown princess Li Jiancheng and other princes against him. He also forced his father, Li Yuan, the Gaozu Emperor, to abdicate. In the same year, Li Shimin established himself the Emperor Taizong and began his reign. He proved himself an outstanding emperor, creating a golden age of the Reign of Zhenguan. He was so successful that people forgave his crime of murdering brothers. On July 10, 649, Taizong passed away and was buried in Zhaoling Mausoleum .  Tang Taizong Basics of Emperor Taizong’s Life Name : Li Shimin Title : Emperor Taizong of the Tang D...

Solo Travelers: 12 Tips for You!

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I know traveling alone can be a little intimidating, especially for those first-timers to a huge country like China. There are safety concerns, hygiene issues, travel plans, single supplement, and more to worry. However, you can enjoy a fulfilling trip with the right preparations and realize your solo travel dream. Here are ten tips I offer you as a Chinese friend. #1 Do Your Homework Whenever you go, always do your homework in advance. You need to know everything you can collect about your destination, especially about your fellow travelers' complaints during their trips. China is a vast country with many hot travel destinations. For a first-timer, big cities are recommended, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, etc.. The advantage of choosing one of these cities to start is that you will have an international-level of travel experience without worrying. However, you still need to understand the cultures, customs, sights, food, and the best places to stay. ...

Why Do Chinese Have 12 Zodiac Animals?

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The Chinese zodiac signs refer to the twelve animals that match the twelve earthly branches. They originated from animal worship in ancient times. According to the Qin dynasty bamboo slips excavated in Yunmeng Shuihudi of Hubei and Fangmatan of Gansu, a relatively complete zodiac system existed in pre-Qin ages (earlier to 221B.C). However, the oldest record identical to the modern 12 zodiac signs is from the book Lun Heng by Wang Chong from the Eastern Han dynasty. How did Chinese zodiac signs come into being?  Origin of Chinese Zodiacs There is no unanimous conclusion regarding how were Chinese zodiacs come into being, but there are some theories for reference. Chinese Zodiac Was Introduced By Xiongnu The history chronicles reveal that the Chinese zodiac was developed at least in the Eastern Han Dynasty. In old China, there were multiple ways to count years, but the best recognized chronological method was using the heavenly stems and earthly branches, which involve twelve earthly...

20 Ways to Explore Suzhou City

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Top 10 Scenic Train Rides in China

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In a modern society like this, people are obsessed with speed and efficiency. The journey to a travel destination can be endlessly boring unless you take one of the top ten scenic train rides listed below. Over the past decades, China has built 124,000 km of railways, including 250,00km of high-speed rails. Therefore, the train can take you anywhere in China. Let’s buckle up and enjoy the top ten most beautiful train rides! No. 1: Qinghai - Tibet Railway The Qinghai - Tibet Railway has been eye-catching since its construction. It must pass the areas with the highest elevation and the longest frozen route in the world. With a journey of nearly 2,000km, the Qinghai - Tibet railway passes the depopulated zone, snow-capped Kunlun Mountain, clear and picturesque Qinghai Lake, and endless grasslands with Tibetan antelopes and yaks grazing leisurely. Not to mention the vast clear and blue skies. It’s a pure enjoyment riding the train. Major cities on the way: Xining , Golmud, Naqu, Dangxiong...

Meet Genghis Khan, the Founder of the Mongol Empire

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Genghis Khan (1162-1227) , also called Borzhijin Tiemuzhen, was a brilliant politician, militarist, and Mongol empire founder . He rose to power in his middle ages, established the Mongol Empire in 1206 , and claimed himself the emperor the same year. Later, Genghis Khan launched a series of wars of conquest, and he even went as far as to the central Asia and the short of the Black Sea. In 1227, Tiemuzhen caught ill on conquering the Western Xia Kingdom and died before the surrender of the conquest. He left the strategy of uniting the Southern Song dynasty and eradicating the Jin Kingdom first. Genghis Khan was buried in a mysterious place, and he was revered as the Yuan Taizu by his grandson Kublai Khan after the founding of the Yuan dynasty. Resume of Genghis Khan Name: Borzhijin Tiemuzhen Title: Genghis Khan Genghis Khan Tribe: Kiyan Nationality: Mongolian  Birthplace: north of the Mongolian grasslands Birth and Death: May 31, 1162 - August 25, 1227 Occupation: politician, ...