1st Ld Writethru: China's Xixia Imperial Tombs inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
With this addition, the total number of World Heritage sites in China has reached 60.
Xixia Imperial Tombs is a group of imperial burial sites from the Xixia Dynasty (Western Xia, 1038-1227), founded by the Tangut people in northwestern China during the 11th to 13th centuries.
Covering an area of nearly 40 square km, the site comprises four types of architectural remains: 9 imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, a northern architectural complex covering 0.05 square km, and 32 flood control works.
The Xixia Imperial Tombs are the largest, highest-ranked, and most intact archaeological site from the Xixia period that has survived to the present day.
According to the World Heritage Committee, the site is a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions of diverse traditions. It also bears witness to the unique role of the Xixia Dynasty in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Roads during the 11th to 13th centuries.
The Committee commended the efforts and achievements made by the Chinese government in the protection and management of the cultural heritage of the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
Rao Quan, vice minister of Culture and Tourism of China, said that China will remain steadfast in fulfilling its obligations under the World Heritage Convention, further enhance holistic and systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage, and improve conservation capacity and standards.
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The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Mountain tales and wild mushrooms: High on life in China's Lijiang
Before us stood a dazzling formation of performers, dressed in bright traditional attire, dancing to the entrancing sounds of musical instruments echoing through the thin mountain air. This was an outdoor theatrical performance called Impression Lijiang, which unfolded against the backdrop of China's famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range. And we were lucky enough to witness this cultural spectacle during our hosted stay at Club Med Lijiang recently. Staged at an elevation of more than 3,000m above sea level, the hour-long show was not only a treat for the senses, but it was also a truly moving piece. Our guide, Li, explained that Impression Lijiang, which has been around for two decades, was created by the critically-acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, known for films like Hero and Raise The Red Lantern. Zhang was also the brainchild behind the opening and closing ceremonies for both the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Li said that Zhang was inspired by the residents of Yunnan's highland area and made it his mission to showcase the people's culture and unwavering spirit by bringing their stories to life through theatre. A real-life tale Based on true events and everyday realities, Impression Lijiang sheds light on the lives and values of the region's ethnic minorities, as well as 'their struggles and deep-rooted bond with nature', according to a brochure. We thought the performers were professional actors because of how well they danced, but it turns out they were just ordinary townsfolk from various ethnic groups like the Naxi, Bai, and Yi, as well as the Tibetan communities. 'They are mostly farmers or taxi drivers, who journey up the mountain every day to share their heritage with visitors from near and far,' Li shared. The stage felt like an open-air stadium, with its wide-open seating – only instead of a manicured field, we had the breathtaking mountains for our view. A word of advice: Wear long sleeves and take the free cap at the entrance, because you will need it to protect yourself from the sun rays. There were two parts to the act: Impression Of Snow Mountain and Impression Of Ancient City. The first one centred on the people's connection to the mountain – how it shaped their lives, beliefs and identities. The second act, meanwhile, dived into human experiences. Among the highlights was a funeral procession, where a line of 'mourners' marched silently, carrying a plaque across the stage. An equally vivid scene was the artistic parade of individuals – all clad in vibrant costumes – on horseback. That's when it struck us that this wasn't just a spectacle, we were watching a living history unfolding through visual storytelling. Blue Moon Valley is famed for its picturesque white limestone terraces. Near the Impression Lijiang stage is the Blue Moon Valley; both are nestled within the mountains at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, about 23km from our accommodation. Li said that Blue Moon Valley is home to four pristine lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Lanyue Lake and Tingtao Lake. The entire area is fed by the melting glaciers of the snow mountain. The valley is also known for its white limestone terraces, where glacial water flows continuously over the rocks. Adding to the charm was a calm and unbothered white yak. It was fluffy and surprisingly photogenic ... definitely a crowd favourite. Visitors can pose near this wild, mild ox for a small fee, but we chose to simply admire it from a distance. To our surprise, tourists carrying portable oxygen canisters were a constant sight during our time on the mountains. You don't necessarily have to bring your own as they are sold at the stalls throughout the area. 'It's a wise choice to carry one with you, if you can't take the altitude or planning a longer hike,' said Li. If you feel peckish, just head to the stalls selling snacks – and there are many – like steamed buns, meat skewers and even yak milk, for a quick bite. In terms of food, Lijiang is famous for, among others, its rice sausage and pickled sour fish. You can sample these and other mouth-watering local delicacies at Club Med Lijiang. Fun fact: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, apart from its snow-capped charm, serves as a source of water for the city of Lijiang, Li shared. 'Additionally, the towering pine trees dotting the surrounding area are the very material used to build Yunnan's quaint wooden houses,' he added. You can go on a mushroom foraging tour with an expert in Lijiang. Forest to table A hat on my head, a waterproof jacket zipped tight, a walking stick in hand, and a rattan basket slung over my shoulders – I was all set for a wild mushroom foraging adventure. Did you know that Yunnan Province is dubbed the 'kingdom of wild mushrooms' because of the abundance of fungi found in the region? So if you are travelling to this part of China, make sure to include the Summer Mushroom Harvest Adventure, organised by a local community in Wenhai Village, in your itinerary. If you're staying at Club Med Lijiang, just ask the 'gentle organisers' about this excursion or other programmes that they can help arrange for you. Guided by a seasoned mushroom expert, who knew his way around the 'fungi kingdom', our trip promised a whole lot of fun and a great learning opportunity. Our small group was briefed on the types of mushroom that call this forest home. Numerous species such as lao ren tou or catathelasma, and qing tou jun (green head mushroom), thrive here, thanks to the high elevation and subtropical climate. Interestingly, some of these mushrooms can be eaten raw, but always make sure to check with your guide before consuming anything as there are many poisonous ones too. As we ventured into the forest in the village, it started to drizzle, but not even the rain could stop us from our adventure. We were given a raincoat to keep us dry. A rush of excitement coursed through us, as our feet touched the muddy ground. We were confident that our empty baskets would be filled with treasures from the woods. The forest, which was blanketed in moss, felt even more refreshing after the rain. Along the way, we were rewarded with beautiful sceneries. The steep ascent, coupled with gnarled roots from the lush trees along the path, was thrilling albeit slightly exhausting (due to the altitude – we were at about 3,300m high by then). Throughout the 90-minute trek, our guide would occasionally stop to show us the proper way to forage. For instance, the highly prized matsutake mushroom played hard to get, hiding beneath thick layers of pine needles. We dug the ground with our bare hands, sometimes unearthing a treasure, but most of the time we came up empty. But luck was on our side in the end, as we managed to find three (or was it four?) matsutake mushrooms. As we journeyed back down, we came across vibrant wildflowers. Our guide told us that while some of these flowers have medicinal properties, others can give you diarrhoea if consumed. Just when we thought our adventure was over, the locals cooked our foraged finds and served them to us for lunch – a wild mushroom hotpot. We learned that this is a special Yunnan treat. Steeped in history Fluffy morning clouds hung low, partially obscuring the mountain one afternoon. Walking along the cobblestone paths, we came across locals going about their everyday routines, manning their stores. This is a typical scene at Baisha Ancient Town. Lijiang comprises several 'ancient' towns, namely Baisha, Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town. We managed to visit the first two, both of which are treasure troves of rich culture and history. Baisha, also the oldest town in Lijiang, is a delight for history buffs. Lining the streets are intricate traditional timber houses. Another reason why this place is such a hit with tourists, we presumed, is the abundance of souvenirs and the wide selection of local treats available. One thing that is oddly well-loved here is the dehydrated pumpkins. Heaps of them in varying sizes could be seen in baskets at the stores. And no, they aren't for eating, they are simply decorative ornaments. As we strolled further, we encountered what seemed to resemble Egyptian hieroglyphs adorning the walls. These, we were told, was Dongba script. This is a pictographic writing format belonging to the Naxi ethnic minority, who migrated to Yunnan some 2,000 years ago. That was not the end, though. We got to see first-hand an artist painting a pictograph at a shop. Stroke by stroke, he meticulously inked the handmade paper with the symbols, while we observed in complete awe. Esther spends her time doing handicraft at Baisha Ancient Town. Esther, a staff member of the Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute, told us that the script was historically carved into stone or wood, and that the practice of painting it on paper is relatively new. Tourists can also request for their name to be 'painted' (for a fee, of course), which they can then bring home as a keepsake – a special way to remember your travel memories. The store front was filled with framed pictographs for sale, too. The existence of Naxi, Esther shared, was only known after the 1996 earthquake that struck the province, which sparked the rediscovery of Dongba. 'Naxi is among the 16 minority groups in Yunnan, and each group has its own language,' she added. Unfortunately, the linguistic heritage of Dongba is at risk of disappearing, as it is increasingly being pushed out by modern influence and changing lifestyle. 'Today's generation is no longer actively practising it. They don't speak it, nor is it taught in schools,' said Esther. The earthquake was a devastating incident but it did have a silver lining – it evoked a sense of urgency to preserve the legacy of Dongba. Today, people have begun picking it up again. Handicraft, too, plays a big part in the Naxi culture, said Esther. As an effort to encourage people to learn the art of craft making, she said that the government has initiated a project to preserve the art of embroidery. Dongba script is a form of pictograph that was once used by the Naxi ethnic minority in Yunnan. Our visit to Lijiang Old Town was equally memorable. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997, the town has a history that goes back 800 years. In contrast to Baisha, this town was bigger, and appeared to be more commercially oriented, too, with many items catered to tourists. At the start of our exploration, we saw a throng of visitors gathered at the giant water wheels. These wheels, better known as Kongming Wheels, carry historical as well as cultural significance. They were irrigation tools in China over 1,700 years ago. Part of our self-guided tour included a tea tasting session (recommended by our guide Li) at a whimsical tea house, built in the early 1900s. Here, we not only sampled the highly-valued Pu'er tea but also gained insights into how it was harvested. Unlike the leaves of green tea that are harvested from shrubs, Pu'er tea comes from centuries- old trees, ranging from 300 to 1,000 years old. Our tea server, Zhao, mentioned that the oldest tree residing on their plantation is a whopping 3,500 years old! The resort sits at the foothill of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. A mountainous stay Besides the exciting excursions, we participated in a fresco art workshop at the resort. There was more to this painting activity than just artistic enjoyment. Fresco typically means the technique of painting on wet plaster. Once dried, the water-based pigments (made from minerals) create a lasting effect. Traditionally, this was a method used for creating murals. Among other cultural activities available within the resort are a pottery workshop and a tea making ceremony – either one is a great way to immerse in the local culture. If you are into sports, there are badminton, basketball, football, and even pickleball courts for you to work up a sweat. The resort has 22 'included' activities for guests to choose from (no extra payment), and 11 on-demand excursions and programmes that come with extra fees. There are also different types of activities curated for children of all age range. Of course, you can also choose to create your own itinerary outside of the resort. Most of the attractions in the area are accessible and tourist-friendly – just get the resort to book your ride for you. From culture to history and nature, Lijiang has everything that makes for a meaningful and memorable holiday. Travel notes Getting there: There is no direct flight to Lijiang from Malaysia; the nearest and most accessible international airport is in Chengdu. From the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, take a domestic flight to the Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Where to stay: Club Med Lijiang is one of the newer properties around, and as an all-inclusive resort, it is incredibly convenient for holidaymakers, especially families, to stay here. There are also local hotels you can check out, like Hexi Hotel, Blossom Hill Inn (Zhimeng) and Anyu Dayan Hotel. Currency: Yuan/Renminbi is the official currency, with RM1 equivalent to CNY1.70. Malaysia's Touch 'n Go ewallet can be used as well as it is connected to China's Alipay+ network.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
China expands visa-free access to 75 countries to boost tourism
BEIJING: China has granted visa-free access to citizens of 75 countries as part of its efforts to simplify entry procedures and promote international travel, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). Wang Zhizhong, head of the NIA, stated that the number of countries eligible for visa-free transit to China has risen to 55 under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). Additionally, the permitted stay for visa-free transit has been extended to 240 hours, with 60 entry ports now available across 24 provinces and regions. 'These optimised visa-free policies have strengthened exchanges between China and the world, fostering closer ties and deeper friendship,' Wang said. He added that many foreign visitors have gained a better understanding of China through firsthand experiences. In related developments, Chinese citizens now hold over 160 million valid ordinary passports. Xiong Shuren, another NIA official, revealed that more than 300 million entry and exit documents were issued to Chinese nationals during the same five-year period. The expanded visa-free access and streamlined entry procedures aim to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges, reinforcing China's commitment to global connectivity. - Bernama-Xinhua
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Tourists win with Malaysia-China mutual visa exemption deal
On May 6, it was announced that both Malaysian and Chinese nationals can stay for up to 30 days per visit in each other's country, and not more than 90 days within a 180-day period. (This officially came into effect on July 17.) For example, a Malaysian tourist can holiday anywhere in China for up to 30 days per entry. If he or she wishes to extend their stay, they would need to exit China for a few days and then return, and stay on for another 30 days. They can do this for up to 90 days in total, and within a period of 180 consecutive days. Chinese nationals are able to do the same when visiting Malaysia. The G2G (government-to-government) visa-free policy that we share with China is also extended for another five years. On the surface, the visa-free policy does not look 'generous' enough, but to ordinary tourists and the tourism industry as a whole, it is appropriate and adequate. I think that for most Malaysians, a 30-day trip to China should be more than enough to experience the diverse natural and cultural landscapes of an entire Chinese province, or even a good number of cities. From the imperial legacies of its capital, Beijing, and the rustic charms of the Jiangnan watertowns, to the endless expanse of grasslands in Hulunbuir, and the colourful rural life of Guizhou's minority communities ... there's certainly a wide range of experiences for everyone. One can even do a 30-day railway journey that starts from Luang Prabang in Laos, and going into China's Xishuang-banna, Puer, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and then ending in Shangrila. Lest we forget, China with its vast expanse – 9.6 million square kilometres of land – boasts distinct seasonal changes that promise varied experiences, warranting repeated visits. Thirty days in a single visit is enough to take you from the ancient capital of Xi'an to Dunhuang and southern Xinjiang, or from Sichuan province to Tibet. You can traverse the country in high-speed trains or metro trains within cities and enjoy the many varied landscapes of the country while savouring mouth-watering local cuisines. Once you're done with that, you can exit China to go to a neighbouring country, or even fly back to Malaysia, and then return for another round of adventure in the Middle Kingdom. Such a versatile '30+30+30' combination definitely allows one to enjoy China in a more convenient way. Malaysian tourists in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, joyfully riding trishaws to explore the city's historical sites. Of course, not everybody will be able to make use of this programme. Firstly, you would need to have ample free time to travel for that long (of course, if you work remotely then it's not a problem), and not forgetting a solid financial backing. And those with children – especially school-going children – will probably not be able to do this. To most nine-to-five wage earners, a 30-day trip could be a bit excessive. However, for those who are self-employed, pensioners, or even those who travel for work (think travel writers, photographers, researchers and content creators), this new policy does offer a unique opportunity. For businesspeople and overseas residents who need to regularly fly between the two countries, the biggest advantage accorded by the visa-free entry facility is the convenience of not having to apply for visas. This allows them to have more flexibility when planning itineraries and even go on impromptu, last-minute trips. Many Malaysians with Chinese heritage may also still have relatives living in China so this visa-free policy is definitely a good thing for them too. Meanwhile, for folks who participate in cross-border SME (small and medium enterprises) partnerships or collaborations, the policy helps make the otherwise complex procedures a whole lot easier. However, we must not disregard the fact that there may also be a downside to this policy. While enjoying a reflexology session in Yangzhou, China recently, I was told by the boss that about 30 people from his city who are in the same business were preparing to 'seek better prospects' in Kuala Lumpur. He said with much confidence, 'If the first 30 days are not enough, we can always extend for another 30 days. We already have our trips planned out.' It seems like some people are planning to 'play the system': Although these folks come into Malaysia as tourists, what they are actually doing is look for job opportunities here. While we welcome bona fide tourists, we don't want illegal migrant workers. A tourist visa should be used just as its name implies, not for unlawful employment. In other words, they should not be allowed to work as tour guides, live-stream salespersons, street peddlers, or take part in any profitable activities here. Activities requiring long-term residence, employment, education, or media work still require a visa obtained in advance. Attending business meetings, conventions and conferences are also allowed. This is not just about legal demarcations but also for fair competition and the preservation of social order. The initial objective of the visa exemption policy is straightforward: To promote mutual visits, civilian interactions and cultural exchanges in a bid to improve mutual understanding and respect. It has never been intended for anyone to exploit the policy and find loopholes in order to make a quick buck. The 30-day visa exemption policy between Malaysia and China has been in place since more than a year ago. The most direct impact felt by travel operators is the rapid and continuous surge in flight frequencies and the number of inbound tourists. According to this year's statistics, from April 7 to 13, there were a record-breaking 472 flights between the two countries offering more than 94,000 passenger seats. This is indeed a big boost to aviation companies, travel agencies, hotel operators, tour guides and people involved in peripheral services. More importantly, with the 30-day period set, they can draw up highly manageable and friendly itineraries that will meet the demands of travellers looking for more immersive experiences, while averting the risks of policy abuse. Imagine if the visa exemption facility can be infinitely extended ... will it provide a gray area for visitors to engage in illegal employment activities in the name of tourism? The reality, I feel is this: While the 30-day visa exemption policy has been well-intentioned, it could still be widely abused by those with bad intentions. There's always the possibility of people engaging in illegal short-term employment, or even scamming and black-market activities during the 30 days. This could adversely affect the country's international image and stability. Some will argue that allowing visitors to legally extend their stays here might help mitigate the local labour crunch problem, especially in sectors chronically plagued by manpower shortage such as construction, manufacturing and sanitation. But the thing is, for this to be done correctly and successfully, there must be some form of enforcement and monitoring. As such, instead of asking for a longer extension of visa-free travel, perhaps we should just make the best of the 30 days that we have now. This is not meant to be a restriction, but rather a protection, so that visitors can travel around the country freely and with peace of mind, knowing that the facility will not be abused. It is also to ensure that the friendly interactions between the people of both countries will not be defeated by the inappropriate behaviours of some. The meaning of travel lies not with how long I stay in a country, but whether I have made the best of my trip. The mutual 30-day visa exemption facility is a rather mild and restrained, but still versatile arrangement. Not too much nor too little. Just good! The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own. Leesan, the globe-trotting traveller who has visited seven continents and 149 countries, enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights. He has also authored six books. The columnist (left) and his travel buddies once ventured deep into Puer city in Yunnan Province, believed to be the birthplace of China's tea culture.
