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Shenzhen Tour of China Folk
Culture Village
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China is a big and united family made up of 56 ethnic
groups. Geographically speaking, they are distributed in different
parts of China with the resulting difficulty of experiencing each
ethnic group's architecture, their festivals and tasting their
snacks during one of your visits. But the China Folk Cultural
Village, lying at the Overseas Chinese Town,
Shenzhen, will help solve this
problem. It is the first spot in China where you can learn of the
folk cultures of China. The more than 200,000 square meters (about
494 acres) has 24 peculiar cottages which are constructed at a ratio
of 1:1 and are very welcoming to all visitors.
In the village, you will see the distinctive
architecture of ethnic groups and join their brilliant festivals.
Buying some handicrafts or tasting local snacks is another way to
experience the China Folk Culture Village.
Distinctive Architecture:
The stone village of the Buyi ethnic group, distributed
mainly in the Sichuan and Guizhou Provinces, is a wonderful stone
world. The simple furniture such as tables, stoves and basins are
made of stone as it the stone-paved path. When you come to the Mosuo
people's yard, you will find that the prototype of modern flats
originated from the Mosuo people's living structures. They piled the
solid wooden stocks crossways into a square or rectangular house
which was quakeproof. What really interests tourists is that this
group is today the world's only matriarchal community in existence.
The Dai ethnic group inhabits Yunnan Province where there is an
abundance of bamboo. Because of this, all the girders, tiles and
roofs in their homes are made entirely of bamboo. Yes, you may call
it 'a bamboo garden'. Actually, this kind of building is a
two-storied attic in the air. Dozens of wooden stocks support the
whole attic and the floor is tiled with flakes of bamboo. Here is
the Mongol ethnic group which is generally known as 'a group on
horse back' because of their nomadic living habits. Mongols live in
the yurts which are not only cool in summer and warm in winter but
easy to set up or dismantle. No matter which group you are visiting,
young boys and girls will warmly welcome your arrival.
Brilliant Festivals:
If you come at right time, you will be able to
experience some unique festivals of the minorities. In the
Water-Splashing Festival, water is splashed on each other. In
addition, the dragon-boat contest each spring, maintains the most
important event in Dai people's lunar calendar. They hope to get rid
of evil and misfortune from the last year and anticipate blessings
in the coming year. Come prepared to get thoroughly soaked. In
contrast, The Torch Festival is the most traditional event of the Yi
ethnic group and held in the sixth month of the Chinese lunar
calendar. Tourists will see the Yi people in bright garments
carrying torches as they walk around their houses and farmlands.
Usually, chickens or ducks will be sacrificed to pay homage to
ancestors. Maybe you will be invited to take part in the performance
when the villagers happily sing and dance around their bonfires. The
breathtaking and memorable Knife Bar Festival of the Lisu ethnic
group is celebrated in the second month of the Chinese lunar
calendar. This two part festival starts on the first day by
demonstrating the 'jumping into the fire sea'. Several barefooted
men jump in and out of a blazing fire. The performance on the second
day is as adventurous as that on the first day. It is called
'climbing the mountain studded with knives' because courageous men
will climb a ladder formed by two wooden poles with 32 sharp long
knives inserted crosswise on their inner surfaces. When barefooted
heroes reach the top of ladder, they light the firecrackers to
declare their success. This traditional festival commemorates Wang
Ji, a hero who valiantly helped the Lisu people to resist foreign
invaders during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Others:
In the China Folk Culture Village, additional
attractions are folk dances, local snacks and handicrafts. You will
be able to choose many souvenirs from the variety of diverse
designs. The tasty snacks may leave you wanting more of these
delicious foods. All in all, after strolling through the adventures
in this village, you will have a greater understanding of some of
the Chinese cultural groups.
Window of the World:
Shenzhen Window of the World is a fantastic replica
park situated at the Overseas Chinese Town. Here you can see vivid
replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous
scenic sites. The entire masterpiece is built at ratios of 1:1, 1:5
or 1:15.
Within one day, you can visit many reproductions of
famous sites from different countries. For example you can find the
Mahamuni Pagoda of Mandalay and the Angkor Wat of Cambodia here.
European architectural splendors, such as the Eiffel Tower, the
Ancient Athens, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Tower of London
will carry you back to the cradle of classical European culture.
When you tour the miniature Roman Colosseum, you might notice a
cruel and bloody scene. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you take a
gondola along the canals of Venice. Mysterious Africa is always full
of life and vigor. Here, the Pyramids and the Sphinx are quietly
waiting for your visit. After traveling through typical African
hamlets, you come to the Oceania. Sydney Opera House, which boasts a
unique style, is a landmark not only of Australia but also the whole
Oceania. Looking from a distance, it looks like a luminous pearl on
the vast expanse of blue seawater. The rumbles of Niagara Falls and
the Grand Canyon lead you to the America, a young continent. These
two natural wonders are awe-inspiring. Moving on to modern
civilization, in the replica of Manhattan you will see rows of
towering skyscrapers. No wonder they say the rhythm of life speeds
up here.
Visiting during a festival time is another way to
experience this replica park. Annually the park holds the Cherry
Festival and the Indian Cultural Week. During the Cherry Festival,
wandering in the cherry garden of Japan and taking a cup of tea will
refresh you. Window of the World runs many programs during holiday
periods too. In the summer holiday, the International Beer Festival
is a big tourist attraction. Probably, the Pop Music Festival is the
favorite of young people. This is held on China's National Day. In
December, Santa Claus welcomes New Year's approach. Following this
the World Dance and Singing Gala is held during the Spring Festival.
Taking part in the entertainment activities complements your travel
plan.
There are a number of adventure trips for you to choose
from. For example, test your courage by navigating the Colorado
River in the Grand Canyon. In the Archery Field, tourists may follow
the ways of North American Indians and learn to hunt prey in the
lush woods. Even more exciting is to traverse the primitive tropical
forest in a cable car. Skiing in a subtropical city might sound
strange, but the Indoor Alpine Ski Run in Shenzhen Window of the
World offers you four thousand square meters (about 6,200,012 square
feet) of indoor piste to ski.
Tour Shenzhen with Great Wall
Adventure Club, the best Shenzhen tour agent to help you with
your hotel booking and transfers. |
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