Shenyang
Shenyang – the largest city in Northeast China, Shenyang has been a commercial hub for
trade with Russia, Japan and Korea for hundreds of years. In fact, Shenyang is so
important, it was once the capital city during the Qing Dynasty. The Hun River, flowing thru
the city center is a beautiful and powerful natural wonder. Strolling thru the various
vegetable and spice markets, one can experience so many smells and tastes, including
acorus calamus. Also known as sweet flag, this flowering plant has a unique and sweet
smell. And did you know that the second biggest KoreaTown in the world is in Shenyang?
Let’s check it out!
Shenyang
Shenyang – a common site in practically every village and city in China, is the slow,
deliberate and graceful movements of people practicing taiji (also called tai chi or Taijiquan).
Watching masters as well as beginners go thru the lovely and spiritually engaging
movements is quite a thing of beauty to behold. In several parks in Shenyang, we
encountered informal groups, practicing Tai chi.
Changchun City, Jilin Province
Changchun City, Jilin Province – recognized as the core city of northeast China, Changchun
is the largest industrial, educational, scientific and transportation hub in the northeast. It is
also known as the ‘Detroit of China’, due to its large automotive industry. And yet, this
massive city is also considered a garden city, due to its commitment to being green
throughout the city. Tossing lovely hope flowers into the various streams and rivers, and
wishing for good luck, is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Hebei Province
Hebei Province – Chinese cabbage is not only a staple of everyday diets throughout China
(and the world really), it is also a really tasty vegetable. So many classic Chinese dishes
revolve around cabbage – it’s quite a common site to see farmers selling their latest cabbage
harvest throughout villages and cities. Inexpensive, hearty, tasty and fine in so many
recipes, the lowly cabbage is always a welcome dish on any table.
Liaoning
Liaoning- known as the Golden Triangle, due to its shape and strategic location, this
province touches so many important regions of northeast China – the Yellow Sea, North
Korea, Chagang, Jilin, Hebei and Inner Mongolia. And with an equally rich history, Liaoning
is worth further study and exploration. But venturing out of the major cities, like Shenyang,
and into small villages is always worth it. Who knows – maybe you will be awoken by the
helpful village rooster early in the morning!
Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province
Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province – Qinhuangdao (QHD) has been my home away from
home for over 10 years. The people are wonderful, the weather is lovely. And almost every
evening in the park near my house, people would gather and practice traditional fan dancing
(like this picture, showing people fan dancing in Shanghai). I would grab some snacks and
wander thru the park enjoying the evening show. My fan dancing skills were very, very poor!
