Tai Chi, Beijing

Every morning at the Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong in Beijing, China, we were treated to a group doing Tai Chi. I very much enjoyed watching them as I had taken a Tai Chi class last year. It is so much harder than it looks. Today, they were performing indoors because of snow on the ground in the garden. Other days, they would perform outside in the park outside the hotel’s restaurant.

Tai Chi, Beijing

Fan Tai Chi, Beijing

Tai Chi done with fans at the New Otani Hotel, Beijing

Fan Tai Chi, Beijing

Tai Chi Sword (Women), Beijing

The men and the women performed Sword Tai Chi separately, perhaps because they needed enough room between people so they wouldn’t slice each other. I think those swords were very sharp. At the New Otani Hotel, Beijing.

Tai Chi Sword (Women), Beijing

Tai Chi Sword (Men), Beijing

The men performing Sword Tai Chi. I took this video looking into a mirror.

Tai Chi Sword (Men), Beijing

Kung Fu Show-1, Beijing

Taken at “The Legend of Kung Fu” Show in Beijing, China, Feb. 7, 2010. “In an ancient temple we encounter a little boy. Through practicing Kungfu and Zen he becomes a master and finally reaches the sacred goal of enlightenment.”

Kung Fu Show-1, Beijing

Kung Fu Show-2, Beijing

Taken at “The Legend of Kung Fu” Show in Beijing.

Kung Fu Show-2, Beijing

Kung Fu Show-3, Beijing

Taken at “The Legend of Kung Fu” Show in Beijing.

Kung Fu Show-3, Beijing

BeiHai Park Singers, Beijing

We came upon these enthusiatic singers while walking around BeiHai Park, Beijing, China. They really get into their singing nearer the end of the movie.

BeiHai Park Singers, Beijing

Temple of Heaven Dancers, Beijing

We came upon these dancers on the grounds of the Temple of Heaven at about 9:30 a.m. Someone brings a boom box and couples start dancing. Some people just jump up and down. The girl with the purple scarf is Krista from our tour group. The rest of us just watched or took videos.

Temple of Heaven Dancers, Beijing

Dai Chinese New Year’s Dancers-1, Shanghai

Dancers at a Chinese ethnic minority Dai restaurant on Chinese New Year’s Eve in Shanghai.

Dai Chinese New Year’s Dancers-1, Shanghai

Dai Chinese New Year’s Dancers-2, Shanghai

Dancers at a Chinese ethnic minority Dai restaurant on Chinese New Year’s Eve in Shanghai.

Dai Chinese New Year’s Dancers-2, Shanghai

Chinese New Year’s Dragon Dance

Chinese New Year’s Dragon Dance held in the Swissotel lobby in Shanghai. It is a long video, but gets very interesting near the middle. Also, watch the dragons going through the revolving doors. In this dance, it looks like the little guy is trying to control the dragons.

Chinese New Year’s Dragon Dance

Chinese “I Love You More Than I Can Say”

In our restaurant in Suzhou, China, this musican asked if we wanted him to play a song for us, for 20 yuan ($3). I said yes and he showed me a list of both American and Chinese songs to choose from. He really wanted me to pick a Chinese song but I picked “I Love You More Than I Can Say,” one I really didn’t recognize but it has been sung by Leo Sayer and by Kenny Rodgers.

Chinese “I Love You More Than I Can Say”

Zhouzhuang Welcome

This music being played when we arrived at Zhouzhuang, China, was very welcoming. You can hear a loud bang in it––someone set off a large firework.

Zhouzhuang Welcome

Spring Festival Dancers-1, Zhouzhuang

You’ll only see these dancers in Zhouzhuang, China, at Spring Festival time.

Spring Festival Dancers-1, Zhouzhuang

Spring Festival Dancers-2, Zhouzhuang

More Spring Festival Dancers in Zhouzhuang.

Spring Festival Dancers-2, Zhouzhuang

Chinese Opera Singers, Zhouzhuang

We were in for a treat seeing this Chinese Opera performance as part of the Spring Festival events at Zhouzhuang, China.

Chinese Opera Singers, Zhouzhuang

Spring Festival Boat, Zhouzhuang

This ancient–style boat traveled noisily  up and down the canals during the Zhouzhuang, China, Spring Festival.

Spring Festival Boat, Zhouzhuang

Chinese Gondola Ride, Zhouzhuang

We went on a Chinese gondola ride along a canal in Zhouzhuang, China. Most of the gondoliers were women. Our gondolier was singing.

Chinese Gondola Ride, Zhouzhuang