Pinyao : A tapestry of history & contemporary (Video / Pics)
The ancient city Pingyao, which is located in the Shanxi Province of China, is considered the most preserved ancient city in the Han Chinese cultural area of China.
The city, which boasts of a history of over 2,700 years, and portrays the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries, was named as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
The city, which covers a total area of 2.25 sq. kilometres, still maintains its historical appearance from the times of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
There are over 100 streets and alleys as well as 3,797 traditional residential houses in the city, with preserved historical characteristics.
The city was a financial center in China from the 19th century to the early 20th century.
Post covid-19, the city is coming back to life not only due to its awe inspiring architecture that had stood the tests of time, but also with modern elements such as shops selling various merchandise, theatrical performances and seasonal festivals.
All elements, historic and contemporary, have woven a tapestry of unique beauty, making it a popular tourist hotspot in Shanxi province.
(Story / Video / Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)
Photo Story
Bogdal : Ancient borderland turns to their past to rise as tourism hotspot
In the tiny village of Bogdal in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, locals are turning their rich history into tourism opportunities, reviving the rural economy.
Located in Wenquan County, Bogdal is about 60 kilometers from Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, which is known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Most of Bogdal’s residents are of Mongolian ethnicity whose ancestors were sent to Xinjiang to garrison the border during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
At the present, the local Han, Kazakh and Uyghur people, the local farmers and herdsmen at Bodgal are turning their past into tourism attractions, creating new economic opportunities.
Yurts of Mongolian or Kazak-style, colourful murals, villagers donning traditional costumes, bygone items such as ox carts placed as decorative elements are sights that provide a glimpse into a bygone era.
Visitors are warmly welcomed by horseback riders dressed as ancient Mongolian soldiers amid sombre ringing of horns, in an elaborate gate opening ceremony.
Taking in the views, visitors can savor local delicacies of various ethnic groups or if in Winter, go skiing or enjoy the nearly hot water springs.
Villagers also enact a traditional Mongolian wedding ceremony for visitors.
The village’s face-lift is all due to a rural vitalization project that started in 2021.
Infrastructure has been fully developed, including sewage systems, roads and walls, all renovated with government funding. The village committee encourages residents to convert idle houses into homestays, and organizes activities to attract tourists.
Slowly but surely, Bogdal has transited from a mere pastoral village to an emerging tourist destination in recent years.
(Pics / Video : Kelum Shivantha)
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SL signed 15 MoUs with China – Vijitha (Video)
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Talks between Xi – AKD commences (Video / Pics)
The official meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Chinese President Xi Jinping commenced a short while ago at at 05.00 pm Chinese time at the Great Hall of the People.
It is also expected that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed following bilateral discussions between the two Presidents.
Previously, preparations made for a special welcome ceremony for visiting Sri Lankan President, the official meeting and signing ceremony are as follows :
(Video : CCTV +)
