China 2000

We went to China in February for a wedding but had a bonus of being there right after the Chinese New Year, a month-long celebration. Also at this time is the Lantern Festival where we saw hundreds of red lanterns hanging from doorways, etc. in every city we visited.

The year 2000 was a new decade, new century, new millennium. AND it was the year of the dragon. All highly important to the Chinese people. They looked forward to it with great anticipation and planned many births for the year, for the child would most certainly be fortunate visited China for a wedding in Shanghai in February 2000. We extended our stay to also visit Beijing, Xi'an and Sozhou. We could not have timed our vacation better. Right after the Chinese New Year meant the celebrations were still happening and the towns were glorious with their decorations. It also coincided with the Lantern Festival. Red lanterns were hanging in all store fronts, on street lights and anywhere else the people could find. Hope you enjoy our trip as much as we did.

SHANGHAI

Our hotel, the modern Sofitel and the modern Shanghai skyline on the Huang Pu River (Wong Fu River):





From our hotel window:








Tea House used in the movie "Teahouse of the
August Moon" Note the water. During Chinese
New Year it looks like this:




















Selling cooked rice on the street corner.






Suzhou (Sujhou)

From Shanghai, we took a tour to Suzhou in a mini-bus. The roads were OK and the roadside interesting with all the small farms along the
way.










22 layers of single thread silk. This embroidery was so soft it looked real.



Two sided embroidery, a peacock on one side and tiger on the other. Done with one needle, two threads.





Worker keeping her tea hot.


Making a silk quilt.

Mu’en Protestant Church. Largest Protestant church in Shanghai and Kelly and Todd were members. There are 30 smaller Protestant Churches in Shanghai and over 120,000 Christians. This church was closed during the 1966-76 “Cultural Revolution”, was the first to resume activity in 1979.

The hall holds 1,000 people and is often packed on Sundays. 5,000 members. Billy Graham has visited.

XI'AN

We flew to Xi’an (She-ann) to see the Terra Cotta Warriors and discovered so much more. Our guide spoke freely about the “one-child” policy. She told us about Northwest Air adoption packages including air, hotel, adoption processing, etc. Most adoptions are baby girls because of the importance of having a son to take care of parents in their old age.

In the hotel lobby.

Xi’an is a walled city. The entire wall was filled with decorations, animation, people and animals, music. Beautiful colors.

TERRA COTTA WARRIORS

Built by the first emperor of China beginning in 246 BC. His protection in the afterlife. Long forgotten and covered with soil. Discovered by a farmer in 1974.

Chinese officials have no idea how large it is, but to date over four acres have been unearthed. The problem for further excavation is money.

8,000 warriors; 130 chariots; 520 horses; 150 cavalry; 10,000 bronze weapons. 5’11’’ tall painted with bright colors. Every one is different.

Yes, there is a gift shop to
purchase whatever size you want.

1987 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

.