Tongliang Athletic Dragon

China: History of the Dragon Dance! (19.2.2024)

Hakka people – who are originally from Central and Northern China perform the ‘Phoenix’ Dance. A Chinese Phoenix looks like a Dragon (with different and darker colouring) – but has a central horn (like a Unicorn) on its forehead. Where this idea comes from no one is sure – but there is a rumour that Hakka people are a mixture of Han Chinese and the invading European ‘Hunnish’ Tribes that plagued the Northern borders of China thousands of years ago! The Hakka (Guest People) are responsible for the Qin and Han Dynasties and have spent their time migrating forever Southward over the centuries (bringing their Northern language, culture and martial arts with them).

Working in the Rice Fields!

Hakka Farming & Gongfu! (16.2.2024)

A post regarding the link between the farming environment, keep fit and Hakka martial arts. Of course, this is not ordinary keep fit – but body and mind conditioning linked to feudal and medieval warfare – primarily for self-defence as far as Hakka communities are concerned. The use of farming implements developed the strength of body and mind to fight-off oppression and tyranny throughout the ages! We develop the strength of the Bear and quiet endurance of the Ox!

Family is the Esseence of Qi!

Year of the Green [Wood] Dragon Has Arrived! (10.2.2024)

It is time for Cards, red envelopes, coins, incense and banging the gong! The head of the household (me) – walks around the house banging a small gong over three-laps! The news is said to drive-out the old (stale) ‘Qi’ (Virtuous Energy) and welcome-in the ‘new’ energy – which in this year takes the form of a ‘green’ (wood) Dragon! As the Dragon is elusive, and given that I am embodying its Spirit at this precise moment – I do not appear in the photographs – and yet I am ‘everywhere’ throughout this ancient procedure!

Foreigners in China!

China: “Socialist” Measures Implemented to Facilitate Entry of Foreign Nationals! (11.1.2024)

Foreign nationals enjoy 24-hour direct transit without undergoing border check procedures at nine major airports in cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Guangzhou.

Additionally, multiple-entry visas are available for foreigners in need, and the application requirement for visa documents has been streamlined for foreigners staying in China, according to the NIA.

The NIA has vowed to continuously advance reforms and innovation in immigration management services and policies, improve the business environment, and contribute to the creation of a new development pattern.

Mao Zedong Stamps 2023

China: Commemorative Stamps Issued Marking 130th Anniversary of Mao Zedong’s Birth – 纪念毛泽东同志诞辰130周年! (26.12.2023)

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) — China Post will issue a commemorative stamp set on Tuesday to mark the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong.

A total of 7.8 million of these stamp sets, with a denomination of 4.8 yuan (about 68 U.S. cents) for each set, can be purchased at designated postal outlets and online shops over the next six months.

Each set contains four stamps, featuring the themes of persistence in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, construction of the Ming Tombs Reservoir, the holding of a global vision, and returning to the Jinggangshan Mountains.

Mao was born on Dec. 26, 1893 and died on Sept. 9th, 1976.

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