书城英文图书ElementsofChina
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第11章 FIRE (2)

Qixi or Seventh Evening of the Seventh Month of the Lunar Calendar is China’s own version of Valentines Day – celebrated in hot fiesta fashion in Fujian Province.

The real face remains unrevealed as red hot makeup is being applied behind stage by a Beijing opera performer.

Dragon dance is a powerful symbol of the Chinese nation as the dragon chases a “ball of fire.”

In Guizhou Province villagers dance a traditional fire dance symbolic of the hearth that warms each village home.

The hot summer sky is broken by a raging flash of lightning in Nanjing City.

In Kunming City the securities market offers hot stock picks as China’s world of finance becomes vibrating and enticing for investors .

Popular Beijing Olympic weddings are a warm way of celebrating one’s future.

Under the lazy sun on the green grass children play and adults watch gleefully demonstrating harmonious society.

Hot rock and roll performed by China’s own first home-bred rock star Cui Jian.

Foreign and Chinese youth in Nanjing enjoy the night life which has become an exciting part of Chinese life in major cities today.

During the 2004 Olympics, Liu Xiang won the Olympic gold medal and became China’s “flying man.”

Hot competition at an employment fair for university students is a challenge in the mad rush for riches of China’s intensively competitive society where opportunity abounds, for anyone willing to work hard for it.

In Shaanxi, the Suona celebration represents a moment of joy with people benefiting from high incomes and sustained growth which has been the driving force of China’s economy.

In Harbin City of Heilongjiang Province the Sofia Church expresses rich features of the Russian architectural heritage and pioneering spirit which built the city.

The Qinghuai River in Anhui Province is a scenic nightlife venue a celebration of new prosperity under the policies of economic growth.

In Yunnan Province the ancient alleyways of Lijiang town illuminate under traditional red lanterns that glow through the night.

Nightlife images of foreign liquor juxtaposed in a traditional Chinese courtyard home, throughout Beijing the old hutong alleyways possess wonderful ancient courtyards now becoming restaurants and bars to meet new trends.

Tibetan pilgrims will often prostrate over long distances to reach sacred religious sites, an act of piety which represents tremendous dedication and individual commitment to one’s own beliefs and determination to reach their goals.

Burning incense represents a new found recognition of ancient past of spiritualty over materialism of the power of belief in an ideal over the material obstructions.

In Tibet lamas practice the ancient art of debating Buddhist philosophy to strengthen their beliefs and assure continuation of traditions.

On Beijing’s fourth ring road the Disanji Bookstore evokes a feeling which might be more akin to Los Angeles that Beijing itself making the capital feel more international while homogenous at the same time.

A fireworks display over the city of Beijing lights the White Dagoba, an ancient symbol of the capital’s rich historic past and exciting future.

Beijing’s Houhai lake area ia an ancient waterway now alive with bars and restaurants lit at night with red lanterns.