Qing ming jie was instituted in 732 by Emperor Xuanzong as the only day on which citizens could pay formal respects to the dead at gravesites. Since then, it has been a day for families to get together and clean/decorate the graves of their ancestors.
Bad China Days happen when people do not live up to my expectations for them; Good China Days happen when people surpass my expectations for them. Good China Days have the ability to change me, and change how I experience China.
Qingdao is a coastal city 550km (340 mi) southeast of Beijing. I wasn’t there as a tourist but enjoyed looking at the ocean, especially the seaside boardwalk. Though it was strange to watch an entire ocean disappear into a greyish smog haze.
My past two visits to Australia have been the easiest I’ve made in ten years. Were they easier because I’m already looking ahead to moving there? It’s still strange to think about not being in China, but I feel more at peace about the coming move.
I was surprised by how many people were intently staring at hand held touch screens of personal electronics. 75% of the people in our full subway car were looking at a screen – most playing games or watching TV dramas.
The heroes of my first year helped me not only survive, but thrive as I started my time in Beijing. So many names. So many faces. So many nationalities! So many stories. I would not have survived that first year without them.
More than 40 people came to a favourite Chinese restaurant to celebrate my 10 year Chinaversary. I was busy chatting and enjoying myself and my friends for hours. I also prepared my Top 10 Top 10 Lists from 10 years in China!
I spent Christmas in Australia with my family. It was my first Christmas there in 5 years and I was so excited to go. The view from our units was pretty amazing! It was us, a road, the beach, and then the Pacific Ocean all the way to the horizon.
Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the lunar new year, ending two weeks of New Year celebrations. While lanterns were traditionally part of the festival, for me it has always been about fireworks and tang yuan dumplings.
Ten years ago today I arrived in Beijing. I was 21 and it was my first time living alone so it was a BIG move. I didn’t realise how big until after I’d done it and had no idea how to do anything. I had no idea what would happen next.
Decorations are one of my favourite “Spring Festival” customs. You can’t walk around China at this time of year without seeing them everywhere – at homes and shops, in the subway, even on cars or trucks. It’s very fun and festive!
In China, everyone adds a year to their age on Ren Ri (“Human Day” or “Everyman’s Birthday” in English). At birth a child is considered to be 1 year old, and then every Ren Ri one year is added. So Ren Ri is like a communal birthday.
Stories From Tanya 