A Historic Corridor Goes Cashless In March 2025, Beijing unveiled a game-changer for international travelers: the Beijing Central Axis Barrier-Free Payment Service Tourism Demonstration Zone. Stretching 7.8 kilometers and encompassing 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites—from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven—this historic corridor is now a testing ground for seamless, globally inclusive payment solutions. A collaboration between China UnionPay, Visa, and Beijing's tourism authorities, the project aims to transform Beijing into "China's top destination for inbound tourism" by erasing payment headaches for foreign visitors. The timing couldn't be better. In 2024, Beijing welcomed 3.94 million international tourists, a 186.8% surge from the previous year, fueled by expanded visa-free policies and infrastructure upgrades. Yet, payment barriers persisted: only 30% of small merchants accepted foreign cards in 2023. Now, the Central Axis initiative tackles this with a "big swipes, small scans, cash backup" strategy, ensuring tourists can pay as they do at home—whether swiping a Visa card at a 600-year-old tea house or scanning a QR code for augmented-reality historical tours. Two Game-Changing Devices Launching in March Beijing's payment revolution just got smarter with two groundbreaking innovations rolling out in March 2025: The "Travel Pass" Pocket Companion This pocket-sized device—lighter…

In the heart of Beijing, where ancient Hutongs whisper tales of dynasties past, a culinary masterpiece has been perfected over 160 years—not in the quietude of a scholar's study, but in the roaring flames of a hanging oven. Quanjude (全聚德) Peking Duck, a dish synonymous with imperial grandeur and modern ingenuity. Since its founding in 1864 by Yang Quanren, a visionary duck vendor from Hebei, Quanjude has transformed the humble duck into a cultural icon, its roasting technique enshrined in 2008 as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Yang's genius lay not merely in recipe, but in ritual. Passing through seven generations of masters—each apprenticed in the sacred fires of the oven—the art of Quanjude's hanging-oven roasting (挂炉烤鸭技艺) has endured wars, revolutions, and the frenetic pulse of globalization. Today, as the aroma of applewood-smoked duck wafts through its doors, Quanjude stands as both guardian and innovator: a ¥1 billion-a-year empire straddling tradition and modernity. How to Handle Crisp and Tenderness To witness a Quanjude chef at work is to observe a choreography as precise as calligraphy. The creation of a perfect Peking duck unfolds in two acts: zhì bēi (制坯, crafting the blank canvas) and kǎo zhì (烤炙, the baptism by…

On March 10, 2024, Beijing's China Craft & Art Museum and China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum unveiled their most ambitious showcase yet: the 7th China Contemporary Craft Art Biennale. Titled "Epochal Ingenuity", the exhibition spotlights over 720 pieces of contemporary craftsmanship—from intricate jade carvings to avant-garde glass sculptures—crafted by 809 artisans across 31 provinces. Walking through the galleries, visitors encounter a bronze teapot etched with AI-generated fractal patterns, silk embroideries depicting urban skylines, and lacquerware fused with recycled tech components. One standout piece: a ceramic installation by 38-year-old artist Zhang Yue, who reimagined Tang Dynasty tri-color glazes using 3D-printed textures to critique digital-age isolation. Who's Shaping China's Craft Renaissance The biennale's roster reads like a who's who of China's creative vanguard: National Heritage Guardians: Like 72-year-old Su Xiu master Yao Huifen, whose embroidered scroll "A Thousand Threads of the Yangtze" took three years to complete. Provincial Innovators: Such as Yunnan's Li Jia, who blends Bai ethnic tie-dye with neon pigments for psychedelic wall hangings. Academic Pioneers: Tsinghua University's Prof. Wang Lin leads a team experimenting with nanotech-infused cloisonné. Notably, 45% of exhibitors are under 40—a shift from previous editions. Jiangsu-based metalworker Chen Hao, 28, exemplifies this new wave. His series…

In the words of a 9th-century Dunhuang scribe: "The winds of the Silk Road may fade, but the dance of the mural endures." Let Silk Road’s timeless tales stroke you like the Flower Rain. A Dance That Transcends Time When the curtain rises on Silk Road Flower Rain (丝路花雨), audiences are not merely watching a performance—they are stepping into history. For 45 years, this groundbreaking dance drama has enchanted the world, weaving together the artistry of Dunhuang's (敦煌) murals, the spirit of the Silk Road, and the universal language of human connection. As it prepares to grace the stage of Guangzhou's Friendship Theatre on April 18–19, 2024, the production reaffirms its status as a cultural titan, one that breathes life into ancient tales. Since its 1979 debut in Lanzhou, Silk Road Flower Rain has transcended borders, performing over 4,000 times across 40 countries, from the grand theaters of Paris to the historic stages of Kyoto. Its accolades—"the living Dunhuang murals (敦煌壁画)," "China's answer to Swan Lake"—speak to its unparalleled fusion of myth, movement, and music. At its heart lies a story as old as the Silk Road itself: the bond between a Dunhuang painter, Shen Bi Zhang (神笔张); his daughter…

What Exactly is Danxia? When you think of China's stunning landscapes, what comes to mind? The towering mountains of the Himalayas? The serene waters of West Lake? What many people overlook, though, are the Danxia landforms, a truly unique geological wonder that has been shaping the earth for millions of years. But first, what exactly is Danxia (丹霞)? This term, entirely coined by Chinese scholars, refers to a specific type of landform made from red sandstone and gravel, eroded by both wind and water. The result? Vibrant cliffs, rock towers, and unique formations, often painted in hues of red, orange, and purple, as if the landscape itself is alive and pulsing with color. Danxia is vast and diverse geological history. If you want to see nature's most extraordinary geological structures, China's Danxia areas should be at the top of your list. Why China's Danxia is So Special Danxia isn't just another natural wonder—it is, in fact, a landmark of Chinese heritage. The name itself comes from the ancient poet Cao Pi's line, "Danxia jiá míng yuè" (丹霞夹明月), where the brilliance of the red mountains is paired with the brightness of the moon. Over the centuries, the term has come to…

China's strongest kids in the street dance scene The roar of the crowd at Paris' Bercy Arena was deafening. Under the bright lights of the 2025 Juste Debout World Street Dance Finals, spectators from around the world held their breath as two young Chinese dancers took the stage. But what followed was unlike anything seen before. Ten-year-old Song Haoming from Jiangsu and twelve-year-old Fu Junxi from Guangxi were about to make history. Blending the fluidity of Tai Chi with the explosive energy of Shaolin whirlwind kicks (少林旋风腿), they performed an electrifying routine that seamlessly fused traditional Chinese martial arts with contemporary street dance. With every precise movement—whether the open-handed elegance of Drunken Fist (醉拳) or the controlled power of Southern Fist (南拳)—they shattered expectations, redefining the boundaries of urban dance. In a competition where age holds no restrictions, the duo's "martial arts street dance" stunned audiences and led them past two foreign teams into the final four—an unprecedented achievement for Chinese contestants. Online reactions exploded: "Are all Chinese kids born as Jackie Chan?" "Chinese artistry is always mesmerizing!" "This dance was mesmerizing—I absolutely love it!" Meanwhile, Chinese netizens celebrated their success, dubbing them "China's strongest kids" in the street dance…

As one of China's most versatile actors, Xiao Zhan (肖战) has carved a unique niche in the world of historical and fantasy serie. His roles often showcase not only his acting range but also the intricate beauty of traditional Chinese aesthetics—from flowing hanfu robes to meticulously recreated imperial settings. Whether you're drawn to epic tales of loyalty and heroism, intricate political intrigues, or soul-stirring romances set against mythical backdrops, Xiao Zhan's dramas deliver unforgettable narratives. This guide will spotlight his most iconic period dramas. Prepare to be captivated by sword-clashing grandeur, poetic storytelling, and a star whose talent shines as brightly as the worlds he brings to life. Cang Hai Zhuan 藏海传 Aired: 2025 (Upcoming) Genres: Historical, Political Intrigue, Revenge Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Cang Hai), Zhang Jingyi (Xiang Antu) Set in the fictional Great Yong dynasty, Cang Hai Zhuan revolves around the titular character (Xiao Zhan), a survivor of a clan massacre who dedicates a decade to mastering strategy, craftsmanship, and political manipulation. His mission: infiltrate the imperial court disguised as a scholar to unravel the conspiracy behind his family's annihilation. The story intertwines personal vengeance with national salvation as Cang Hai climbs the bureaucratic ladder, forging fragile alliances…

Imagine wandering through mist-shrouded mountains where immortal cultivators duel with spells, or bustling Tang Dynasty markets humming with Silk Road traders and political conspiracies. This is the world of Wang Yibo's Period dramas—a gateway to China's mythic past, where history and fantasy collide in breathtaking spectacle. Wang Yibo (王一博), a rising star with over 40 million Instagram followers, has become an unlikely ambassador of Chinese culture. His roles—whether as a stoic swordsman, a rogue prince, or a genius scholar—transcend language barriers, blending Confucian ideals with modern charisma. Below is a curated guide to his Top 3 Period Dramas. The Untamed 陈情令 Aired: June–August 2019 Period Background: Fictional ancient China, inspired by the Five Great Clans system. Genres: Fantasy, Xianxia (immortal heroes), Mystery, Bromance Main Roles: Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji (蓝忘机), Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian (魏无羡) Adaptation Source: Based on Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation At its core, The Untamed is a story of defiance and devotion. Set in a world where powerful clans cultivate spiritual energy to combat supernatural evils, the series follows two contrasting souls: Lan Wangji, the icy yet righteous heir of the Gusu Lan Clan, and Wei Wuxian, a free-spirited prodigy…

For centuries, studies of Yuan (1271–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912) dynasty art have orbited around Wenrenhua (literati painting), a genre dominated by scholar-officials who fused poetry, calligraphy, and ink landscapes. While masterpieces by iconic figures like Ni Zan or Wang Meng remain celebrated, this narrow focus has flattened our understanding of China's visual culture. How did literati painting ascend to dominance? What role did court commissions or commercial workshops play? And where do female artists and cross-cultural exchanges fit into this narrative? In Chinese Painting: Yuan to Qing (中国绘画：元至清)—the final volume of his groundbreaking trilogy—art historian Wu Hung (巫鸿) dismantles these entrenched hierarchies. By weaving dynastic timelines with layered analyses of materials, regional networks, and social ecosystems, he resurrects a vibrant scene of artistic production. At a recent Beijing forum co-hosted by The Beijing News and Shanghai-based publisher Horizon Media, Wu joined Huang Xiaofeng (黄小峰), a Central Academy of Fine Arts professor, to discuss how this "three-dimensional" approach revives overlooked voices. Below are highlights from their conversation. Rethinking the Grand Narrative The very act of writing a history of Chinese painting is, in itself, a daunting task. As Wu points out, the sources available to us today are vastly…

China, a land of timeless grandeur, boasts a history stretching over 5,000 years. Its legacy is preserved in the country's greatest museums—places where jade burial suits whisper secrets of the afterlife, where ink scrolls unfold poetic landscapes, and where terracotta soldiers stand in silent formation, guarding their emperor in eternity. Whether you are an enthusiast of ancient warfare, an admirer of fine porcelain, or a lover of intricate calligraphy, these institutions offer an immersive experience. Let us embark on a journey through China's most fascinating collections—each artifact a window into an unparalleled past. The Palace Museum 故宫博物院 Standing at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City—also known as the Palace Museum—was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Beyond its red walls lies a breathtaking collection of 1.86 million artifacts, ranging from imperial robes and jade carvings to ceremonial bronzes and priceless calligraphy. This museum is not only a testament to China's imperial power but also a masterpiece of architectural symmetry and philosophy. Every piece within its walls speaks to the imperial vision of grandiosity, the wisdom of rulers who believed their mandate came from the heavens, and the delicate relationship between life, death, and legacy. Highlights…

Horse-face skirts, also known as "Mamian Skirts," are a timeless and iconic part of traditional Chinese clothing. Originating from the Song Dynasty and popularized during the Ming Dynasty, these skirts have evolved from simple functional garments to sophisticated fashion statements that blend cultural heritage with modern style. Whether you're a seasoned Hanfu enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of traditional Chinese attire, this guide will help you navigate the intricacies of choosing the perfect horse-face skirt. Understanding the Structure and Design A horse-face skirt consists of two main pieces that overlap at the front, creating four skirt doors (two on each side). The outer skirt doors are often decorated, while the inner ones may have minimal or no embellishments. The sides of the skirt are pleated, and the waistband is typically made of white fabric, symbolizing longevity and marital bliss. This design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides practicality, allowing for ease of movement. Key Features to Consider Skirt Length Shoe-On Style: Ideal length is leg length + 7 cm, ensuring a balanced look without compromising mobility. Long Style: Opt for leg length + 9-10 cm for a more flowing silhouette that complements various occasions.…

Tucked along China's southern border with Vietnam, Chongzuo is Guangxi's best-kept secret—a city where misty karst peaks, sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon, and a fusion of Zhuang and Vietnamese cuisines create a sensory feast. Let's dive into why Chongzuo deserves a spot on your China travel radar. While Guangxi's Guilin and Liuzhou hog the spotlight, Chongzuo offers an authentic, crowd-free taste of China's southern frontier. Here, every meal is a cross-cultural journey, and every landscape feels plucked from a poet's dream. As one local chef told me: "We don't just cook food—we stir-fry mountains and steam rivers." Nature's Masterpieces Start with the Detian Waterfall, Asia's largest transnational waterfall straddling the China-Vietnam border. Imagine turquoise cascades thundering through emerald forests—it's like stepping into a fantasy film. Detian Waterfall is a thunderous spectacle where turquoise waters plunge 70 meters into a misty basin. Take a bamboo raft ride to feel the spray on your face—and snap a photo with Vietnam's side of the falls in the background. For history lovers, the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features 2,000-year-old cliff paintings that whisper tales of ancient rituals. Detian Transnational Waterfall: Asia's Most Dramatic Cascade And don't miss Mingshi…

The recently premiered historical drama Si Jin (思锦) has captivated audiences with its compelling narrative of personal awakening and growth, seamlessly woven into the exquisite aesthetic of Song Dynasty culture. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Dong Tian De Liu Ye, Si Jin is helmed by artistic director and lead producer Yang Xiaopei. The series follows the journey of Jiang Si, the fourth daughter of the Dongping Marquis household, who is betrayed and seemingly perishes at the hands of her lover, Yu Qi (also known as Yu Jin). However, fate grants her a second chance—this time, she is determined to seize control of her destiny. By reinterpreting a classic "rebirth" trope with a fresh perspective, the series not only explores a nuanced portrayal of female agency but also introduces a more immersive engagement with traditional aesthetics—giving historical elements a more dynamic role in the storytelling rather than treating them as mere decorative backdrops. A New Take on Female Strength While rebirth and revenge narratives are hardly new in historical dramas, Si Jin breaks away from the conventional "black lotus" trope, which often portrays female protagonists as extreme avengers. Instead, the show emphasizes intelligence and strategy as the…

If one could time-travel back to the bustling streets of the Song Dynasty, the most astonishing sight might not be the vibrant marketplaces or the lively entertainment districts, but rather the mesmerizing artistry found in everyday food. Vendors pushed wooden carts filled with lifelike fruit confections), crafting stunning edible illusions. Among these, the smiling face snacks stood out—honey-glazed plum slices carved into smiling female faces, with dried peaches as blushing cheeks and almonds as delicate teeth. These delicate creations often prompted literati to pause and compose verses, likening the treats to well-crafted smiles. At the grand feasts of the capital's famed establishments, culinary creativity reached new heights. The spectacle of pavilion desserts amazed onlookers: dough tinted with locust flower juice formed gray-tiled roofs, malt sugar spun into intricate railings, and date paste molded into miniature rock formations. Green bean jelly shimmered like a pond's surface, while delicate layers of green bean powder mimicked mossy textures. These microcosmic landscapes were not only admired but also eaten with ceremony—at one banquet, guests were instructed to first drink three cups of wine before disassembling the meandering stream pavilion by consuming its sugar pillars. Poetic Bites: Where Literature Meets Cuisine The rise of symbolic…

In Suzhou, a bowl of noodles isn't just a meal—it's a symphony of flavors, seasons, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Dive into the world of Suzhou-style noodles, where diners choose from over 20 toppings and recite poetic codes to customize their perfect bowl. Broth, Noodles, and the Art of Jiaotou Walk into any Suzhou noodle shop—Zhu Hong Xing, Yu Xing Ji, or a humble alleyway stall—and you'll witness a ritual as precise as calligraphy. The city's signature noodles revolve around three pillars: tang (broth), mian (noodles), and jiaotou (toppings). But first, you'll need to speak the local lingo. Broth: Suzhou's broth is a study in contrast. Hong tang (red broth), infused with soy sauce and pork bone essence, offers a rich umami depth, while bai tang (white broth), simmered from poultry and fish, is a translucent elixir. Regulars might order kuan tang (extra broth) to savor the liquid gold or jin tang (less broth) to spotlight the noodles. Noodles: Unlike northern China's hand-pulled varieties, Suzhou favors delicate machine-pressed strands as thin as silk threads. The magic lies in the jiyu bei ("crucian carp back") technique—a dome-shaped nest of noodles that traps heat and flavor. "Only the first batch of morning noodles, cooked…

The Art of Tea Reimagined In the misty foothills of China's Sichuan province, a father-daughter duo is rewriting the rules of cultural preservation—one bamboo-wrapped teacup at a time. At Chongzhou's Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, a groundbreaking fusion of Daoming bamboo weaving (a 1,200-year-old craft) and Dehua porcelain (from Fujian's "China White" ceramic tradition) has birthed the viral "Panda Embracing Bamboo" tea set . Bai Jingbo, 52, the mastermind behind the design, explains: "The challenge was to make a 1,200-year-old tea ritual resonate with Gen-Z." His solution? A porcelain core fired at 1,320°C, sheathed in bamboo strips from 2-3-year-old ci bamboos—chosen for their flexibility and 120MPa tensile strength . Each cup undergoes 32 precise weaving steps, transforming rigid bamboo into undulating "water ripple" patterns that cradle the porcelain like a second skin. The pièce de résistance is the panda motif: traditional ink-wash paintings of pandas clutching bamboo stalks are kiln-fired onto the porcelain, creating a dialogue between Sichuan's ecological identity and its craft heritage . Three Generations, One Vision This project thrives on a cross-generational alliance: - Yang Yong, 68, a Chongzhou shadow puppet master, sketches initial panda designs using centuries-old ink techniques . - Bai Jingbo translates these into ceramic…

The clock struck 9 PM in Beijing, but inside Paris's Palais de Tokyo, the night was just beginning. Editors from Vogue, influencers clutching their iPhones, and celebrities like Liu Yu and Yuan Shanshan buzzed under the cavernous ceilings, their eyes fixed on towering embroidered tapestries depicting mythical butterflies, celestial cranes, and love stories woven into silk. This wasn't just another Paris Fashion Week spectacle—it was SHIATZY CHEN's Fall/Winter 2025 collection, a masterclass in bridging 1,000-year-old Miao traditions with the pulse of contemporary luxury. For founder Shiatzy Chen (Wang Chen Tsai-Hsia), this show wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a manifesto. "When I first started, department stores told me, 'No one wants Chinese styles—give us international,'" she recalls, her voice steady yet charged with defiance. Nearly five decades later, her brand stands as a beacon of neo-Chinese chic, proving that heritage isn't a relic—it's a revolution. Ancient Stitches and Avant-Garde Craft The collection, titled Far&Near, hinged on a radical proposition: What if Miao embroidery—a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage—could speak the language of modern urbanites? To answer this, Chen and her team embarked on three pilgrimages to Guizhou's remote Miao villages, collaborating with seven intangible cultural heritage artisans. Their mission? To decode…

Recently, the television adaptation of Northward (北上), based on the Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel, has captivated audiences in China. Airing in prime time on CCTV, the drama transports viewers to the banks of the Grand Canal, where a group of young dreamers navigate the currents of life. More than just a coming-of-age story, the series breathes fresh life into the rich heritage of the Grand Canal, bridging historical and contemporary narratives with an innovative approach. In recent years, adapting literary masterpieces for television has become an increasingly popular trend, and Northward offers a compelling case study of how literature and cinema can reinforce one another. By blending traditional storytelling with a fresh cinematic vision, the show opens up new possibilities for literary adaptations. A Bold Reinterpretation of a Literary Classic As one of Xu Zechen's most celebrated novels, Northward carries a distinctive literary voice. The creative team behind the series has worked meticulously to preserve the novel's core themes while reinterpreting them for a contemporary audience. Instead of simply recounting historical events set in the Qing Dynasty, the adaptation shifts the focus to the 1990s, a period of rapid change in China. This bold reimagining places the narrative within…

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport has redefined layovers with a groundbreaking attraction: the Western Airport Museum, the world's first in-terminal archaeological exhibition. Opened on February 26, 2024, this innovative space blends modern air travel with China's ancient heritage, offering a time-traveling journey for history buffs and curious globetrotters alike. Whether you're transiting through Xi'an or starting your Silk Road adventure, here's why this museum deserves a spot on your itinerary. A Gateway to China's Glorious Past Located within the newly operational T5 Terminal, the Western Airport Museum turns wait time into wonder. Its permanent exhibition, "Chang'an·Everlasting Peace: Relics from Xi'an Airport and the Legacy of Ancient Chang'an", showcases artifacts unearthed during the airport's construction. These relics, spanning millennia, narrate Xi'an's role as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the heart of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an) was the world's largest cosmopolitan city. Highlights include: Silk Road Trade Relics: Exquisite Tang-era pottery, foreign coins, and glassware revealing cross-cultural exchanges. Interactive Displays: Holographic projections recreate bustling Tang marketplaces and caravan routes. Airport Archaeology: Rare photos and tools used in rescue excavations during T5's development, emphasizing how infrastructure projects preserve history. For travelers en route to the Terracotta…

In 2024, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security officially recognized Cultural Creative Product Planning and Operations Specialist as a new profession. At the forefront of this movement is Zeng Zhou, a 90s-born visionary transforming ancient artifacts into playful, market-savvy cultural icons. From enigmatic Sanxingdui bronzes to Chengdu's stone rhinos, Zeng's creations bridge millennia-old traditions with today's pop culture, proving that history can be both educational and irresistibly cool. Gaming Designer and Innovator Zeng Zhou's journey began with a passion for pop culture collectibles. Growing up surrounded by anime figurines and movie memorabilia, he noticed a gap in the market: few products celebrated China's own rich history. "I loved Marvel action figures, but I wondered—where are our stories?" he recalls. This realization drove him to pivot from his career in game design to pursue cultural innovation. In 2018, a visit to the Sanxingdui Museum in Sichuan sparked a breakthrough. The museum's enigmatic bronze relics, such as the Sacred Bronze Tree and Zoomorphic Masks, captivated Zeng. "The masks' exaggerated eyes felt almost anime to me," he says. This observation led him to reimagine these artifacts through a contemporary lens. By merging the solemnity of 3,000-year-old bronzes with whimsical "chibi" (super-deformed)…