China
 "Mirrored Perfection! The spectrum of autumn colours bouncing off the crystalline surface of Lake Magic Frog in Juizhai County, Sichuan. Tibetan folklore says this is where the fairies bath in ancient times. A dip would surely endow one with the beauty and grace of fairies. Welcome to the fairyland of Shenxianci which literally means 'Pool of Immortals' or popularly known as 'Goddess Lake'. Unlike touristy Jiuzhaigou Valley, this hidden paradise is not crowded and limits to 2000 visitors per day to preserve the charming fairyland." China or 中国 (Zhōngguó) is home to the world's largest population! Archeological evidence substantiated that ancient China is one of the earliest cradle of human civilizations. Sources of great inventions including writing, printing, paper, compass and gunpowder, China is also viewed as the cultural and economy centers of East and South East Asia regions. Han Dynasty that ruled China between 206 BC and 220 AD created a lasting Han cultural identity albeit there are more than 50 ethnic minorities in China today that speak their own dialect and practice a variety of unique cultural customs. Mystery and complexity undoubtedly describes the Chinese culture. Neither born as a Chinese qualifies one to fully understand Chinese customs. Coupled with mythology and spirituality as prominent features in Chinese culture, variations of stories, events and legends are in the Chinese blood. One may be surprised listening to more than a handful variations to describe how a single 'Duanwu' Festival or 'dumpling' story came about. The best teacher for a layman is perhaps 'experiencing' with an open heart. Trips to China was really an eye-opener for me in numerous perspectives. It was also a box full of surprises! |
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