This is Beijing-Beijing English blog

Starting from this coming Friday, 33 museums in Beijing will be open to visitors free of charge, with some taking new measures to prevent chaos during the expected visitor boom.

In the Capital Museum, visitors have to book tickets using their real names beforehand, said Han Yong, deputy curator.

“The designed daily receiving capacity of the museum is 3,000,” he said. “Visitors should bring their ID cards to get the free tickets.”

The Chinese government has planned to realize free admission at state-run museums in March, but the problems at the Fujian Provincial Museum, which was among the first batch to offer free admission, has shown that the museum was ill-prepared for such volume of visitors. Quite a few exhibits, including an elephant specimen, were damaged.

The museums to start free admission in Beijing include public museums and memorial halls belonging to municipal or district cultural and heritage protection departments, as well as patriotic educational bases at municipal level.

Most of the 33 museums in Beijing will impose an upper limit for visitors every day by distributing a certain number of tickets, said Kong Fanzhi, head of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Historical architecture and sites like the Forbidden City are not on the list of free admission venues, he added.

China has more than 2,300 museums, which received 150 million people last year. Before April 1 free admission will be extended to 600 museums, while the number is expected to grow to 1,400 next year, according to Zhang Bai, deputy director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

(Source CRI)

BERLIN, March 23 (Xinhua) — Germany’s RTL television said on Sunday that it “regrets an error” in covering the riots in Lhasa, capital city of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.    The TV station admitted on its website that it “used a picture in a wrong context.”

N-TV, headquartered in Germany, used TV footage showing police with captured protestors in a report on the Tibet riots. The footage had been shot in Nepal, the police were Nepalese.

    In fact, the picture shows security forces in Nepal, a neighboring country of China, RTL said in an online statement.

    ”The image was taken on March 17 in the capital city of Kathmandu, where Nepalese security forces were confronting demonstrators with batons,” it said.

    ”We have accidentally created the impression that it is a scene of the unrest in Tibet with Chinese security forces involved. We regret this error,” the statement added.

    The RTL Aktuell, a main news program of the RTL TV, along with the German Bild newspaper and the Washington Post, have been found using on their websites pictures of baton-wielding Nepalese police in clashes with protesters in Kathmandu, claiming that the officers were Chinese police.

    They were among those Western media that have been condemned by netizens in the past few days for distorting facts in covering the riots in Lhasa.

    CNN has posted a picture on its website showing people running in front of a military truck. The original picture uploaded by Chinese netizens, however, also shows mobsters throwing stones at the truck.

A CNN website picture shows people running in front of a military truck. The original picture uploaded by Chinese netizens, however, actually also shows mobsters throwing stones at the truck.

    The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) released a picture on its website showing China’s armed police officers helping medical staff move a wounded person into an ambulance.

    The website’s caption said that “there is a heavy military presence in Lhasa,” neglecting obvious “First Aid” and red cross signs on the ambulance.

BBC released a picture on its website showing Chinese Armed Police officers helping medical staff move a wounded person into an ambulance. The caption says that “there is a heavy military presence in Lhasa”, neglecting the obvious First Aid and red cross signs on the ambulance.

    The German newspaper Berliner Morgenpost posted a picture on its website in which police in Lhasa rescued a young man of Han nationality assaulted by rioters. But the caption distorted the fact as “insurrectionist taken away by police.”

German newspaper Berlin Morningpost posted a picture on its website in which police in Lhasa rescued a young man of Han nationality assaulted by rioters. But the caption said “insurrectionist taken away by police”.

    Fox TV said in a picture’s caption on its website that the Chinese military dragged some protesters onto a vehicle but actually the uniformed people were Indian police.

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OLYMPIA, Greece, March 24 (Xinhua) — The Beijing Olympic flame was ignited in a traditional sun-ray ceremony on 11:45 on Monday at the Hera Temple of Ancient Olympia.

Dark clouds over Olympia troubled Olympic flame lighting rehearsal parted at last Monday with a flawless torch lighting ceremony heralding the unprecedented torch relay.

    The High Priestess Maria Nafpliotou lit the flame out of a concave, burnished steel mirror. Then the flame was transported in a replica of an ancient urn to the ancient Olympia stadium where it was to kindle the first Olympic torch.

  High Priestess Maria Nafpliotou handed over the torch to the first torchbearer, 2004 Olympic silver medallist in taekwondo (80kg) Alexandros Nikolaidis, who carried it to kick off the relay in Greece, across five continents and China.

    Prior to the lighting, Nafpliotou and 20 female priestesses — all wearing pleated white dresses and sandals — performed an ancient ritual. Following a short dancing ceremony on the slope of ancient Olympia stadium, the High Priestess ignited the first Beijing Olympic torch.

    The Olympic Anthem, the National Anthem of China, the National Anthem of Greece were played and the Olympic Flag, the Chinese Flag and the Greek Flag were hoisted before the lighting ceremony.

    The speeches were given by the mayor of Ancient Olympia Georgios Aidonis, President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Minos Kyriakou as well as the President of the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games Liu Qi.

    ”Today will lead to the opening of the first ever Olympic Games in China, where one fifth of the world’s population is longing for them,” said Rogge.

    ”By crossing five continents and visiting 21 cities throughout the world, and more than 100 cities in mainland China, the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay prepares the way to Beijing.

    ”The messengers will be citizens, young or old, able or disabled, athletes and members of the Olympic Movement, who are all eager to promote what each one of us can contribute to a better world.”

    Among the dignitaries were Prime Minister of Greece Kostas Karamanlis, President of Greece Karolos Papoulias and former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch.

    ”Let me first express our heartfelt gratitude to their excellencies the President and Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic for their presence at the ceremony, which fully demonstrates the friendly sentiments of the Greek Government and people towards the Chinese people,” said Liu Qi.

    ”China and Greece, standing as ancient civilizations with long histories, have made outstanding contributions to human progress.

    ”Today, the Olympic flame, representing the transcendent human spirit, will be lit once again. Burning in the torch of the Beijing Olympic Games, the flame will travel over mountains and seas across the globe, our common homeland.”

    ”The Olympic flame will radiate light and happiness, peace and friendship, and hope and dreams to the people of China and the whole world. Its rays will light up the starry skies during the Beijing Olympic Games.”

    Other prominent torch runners on the first day included 2004 Olympic champion Luo Xuejuan in 100 meters backstroke and double Olympic champion of table tennis in 1996 Atlanta Olympics Deng Yaping. Luo was the first Chinese to hold the Beijing Olympic flame after taking it from Nikolaidis.

    According to the schedule, the Olympic flame will be handed over to BOCOG at 3 p.m. at Panathenian Stadium in Athens.

    In Greek leg, the sacred flame will pass through 16 prefectures, 43 municipalities, 12 municipality districts, and 4 communities inthe hands of 605 torchbearers. En route, a total of 29 ceremonies will be held to celebrate the flame.

    The torch will roam the island for six days, staying one night each in Mesologi, Ioannina, Vera, Thessaloniki, and Lamia, after which it will reach Athens.

    The Olympic flame is to arrive in Beijing on March 31. A welcome ceremony will be held at Tian’anmen Square, heart of the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games.

    After the Greek leg, the Beijing Olympic torch relay covers three parts, the relay outside the mainland of China, in the mainland of China and Mt. Qomolangma exhibition.

    The Olympic flame will visit 21 cities outside Mainland of China across six continents and travel across 113 cities and regions of all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in the mainland China until it returns to Beijing on Aug. 6.

Bicycling down one of Beijing’s hutongs (ancient alleyways in Beijing) is a magical experience. And luckily, the city is home to a large number of bicycle rental shops – especially around subway and park entrances.

Each rental shop has its own specific rental policies, but we can still provide some helpful general information.
Cost

Renting a bicycle should be a fairly inexpensive proposition. The manager of “Bird of Freedom,” a well-known rental shop on historic Qianmen Dajie, charges 15 RMB / day for his nicer Giant brand bicycles, while only 2 RMB / day for his shabbiest, yet still functional, bicycles. Expect similar prices at other shops. If a shop is too expensive, simply go to another one.
Deposit

Foreigners looking to rent a bike should come with their passport, Chinese with their identity card. Rental shops will record your passport/identity card number and then ask for a cash deposit. Some might accept your passport/identity card as collateral, but we would advise against letting such important documents out of your possession.

While bicycle rental costs are low, deposits are generally high – usually the cost of the bicycle being rented – meaning several hundred RMB. This is to be expected, as rental shops realize that even with passport/identity card numbers, law enforcement won’t do anything over a missing bike.

Tips

(1) Inspect your bicycle before leaving with it. Inform the rental store manager if there is any pre-existing damage, so you won’t be held liable.

(2) The rental shop will provide you with a lock, or even two. But these locks are usually pretty flimsy. So try to park in a safe place. There are bicycle parking lots all across the city, each staffed with an attendant who guards the bikes. They cost just a few mao to park in and don’t have time limits. Another good idea, rent an ordinary-looking bicycle that few thieves would be interested in.

Asparagus: A market favorite, vibrant green spears of this cultivated member of the lily family taunt us from the first hint of spring into June. Young asparagus stalks are prized for their tenderness; the thicker the stalk, the more mature it is. Try roasting them — it brings out their sweet flavor. For a special treat, look for white asparagus, beloved by the French for its milder taste. White asparagus never sees the light of day, and consequently is more expensive. The Italians eat asparagus with slices of prosciutto ham and shaved Parmesan, a perfect noontime meal.
Strawberries: What other fruit conjures up the taste of spring like strawberries? Plump, sweet, and bright red, they look absolutely ravishing in their little green baskets, and they taste even better. The tiny wild woodland berry, sometimes called fraises des bois, is considered the “queen of strawberries,” and is especially sweet. Perfectly ripe (and just picked) berries are the ultimate breakfast fruit. Sprinkle with brown sugar, dip in chocolate or layer between shortcakes with softly whipped cream for the quintessential picnic cake — a kid’s favorite, and mine too.
Dandelion Greens: Oft referred to as chicory, but not a true relative, dandelion makes the occasional appearance at spring farmers’ markets. If you come across this delightful little green, grab a bagful. The name dandelion is from the French, dent de lion, meaning “lion’s tooth,” presumably for its jagged edges. Widely eaten in Europe, this slightly bitter green is excellent in salads when young and can also be cooked. Chefs are enamored of its earthy taste and versatility in the kitchen. Combine with fris??e, crisp bacon and croutons for a twist on the French classic salad, or top with a poached egg — a fitting entr??e into spring.
Rhubarb: In and out of fashion, rosy-colored rhubarb makes a comeback in my house every year. Whether in pie (hence its old name, pie plant), compote, or strawberry rhubarb jam — an American favorite — there is always room for it in my fridge. A relative of buckwheat, rhubarb’s celery-like stalks are extremely sour, and are usually cooked with sugar. It is popular in Middle Eastern stews, and has been used across the globe in both sweet and savory cooking. Thought to be one of the earliest harbingers of spring, rhubarb’s striking pink or chartreuse stalks make a stunning display at the marketplace and, when cooked, are a beautiful addition to the table.
Lamb: Spring into the holidays with a traditional lamb feast. The Greeks and Italians prize a whole lamb, roasted over a spit with herbs, for Easter dinner. Americans are fond of that tradition too, though a rack or leg in the oven will do just fine. Spring lambs are butchered around 2-4 months old, sometimes even younger, their meat a paler pink and tender when properly cooked. The English prefer their lamb with mint jelly — although quince marmalade, or red currant sauce, also provides the perfect foil for the succulent and savory meat. Serve lamb with a cornucopia of spring vegetables: asparagus, peas, artichoke, dandelion, carrots, and mache.

Secrets of why we can get wholesale pricing of clothes at Zoo Market in Beijing.
What:

Zoo Market is a collection of wholesale clothing malls ¨C the most famous of which are Dong Ding, Jin Kai Li De, and especially Tian Le ¨C opposite the Beijing Zoo.

Why You’re Interested:

All the cool, non-brand clothing stores you frequent in Xidan, Wudaokou, and Xinjiekou probably get their merchandise from Zoo Market ¨C at half the prices they charge you. Naturally, you’ll say to yourself, ¡°Why am I paying Xidan prices? Why don’t I just go directly to Zoo Market and get the same clothes at wholesale prices?

Why You Shouldn’t Be Interested:

Well, sure you can buy that hip, pink T you saw at Xidan for half the price at Zoo Market. But to get that pricing, you’ll have to buy two dozen of them. Let’s say it again: Zoo Market is a collection of wholesale clothing malls ¨C which means selling and buying in bulk.

If you’re a normal shopper, meaning you’re interested in buying only one of a particular item, then there are plenty of reasons why Zoo Market is not for you:

1) Many vendors won’t even be interested in dealing with you. They could be rude.

2) If a vendor does deal with you, you won’t necessarily get a price that’s lower than what you’d find in Xidan.

3) Zoo Market is not in any way geared toward normal shoppers. Opening hours are from 5am to 3pm; good for the trade, but not for normal shoppers. The shopping environment is very basic. Volume buyers care about the merchandise and price; vendors don’t decorate. You can’t try on clothes.

For Serious Shoppers:

If you lack reason, and are of the unswayable mentality that, ¡°If Joe Xidan gets wholesale pricing, then I should, too,¡± then embrace me, my friend.

I am here to tell you that if you want to buy only one of a particular item at Zoo Market, and want wholesale pricing, it can be done. I will teach you my secrets.

Basically, what you have to do is pose as a volume buyer interested only in a sample, but likely to buy a many more.

To pull this off: First, make sure you bring a big, black, plastic garbage bag with you to the market. They are ubiquitous in the market, part of the uniform of all volume shoppers, and will make you look like you’re buying for your store in Xidan. You should even fill your bag with clothes from home to make yourself look more like a big fish.

Second, when you see an item that catches your eye, don’t immediately ask, ¡°How much?¡± Rather, ask questions such as, ¡°How is the market for this? Is this selling well?¡± Only after you ask these market-type questions do you ask the price. If you’ve succeeded in giving the impression you’re a volume buyer, the vendor will offer you a wholesale price.

At his offer, say that for now you only want one piece as a sample to show your boss, but that you’re sure your boss will love the piece so you’ll soon be back for many more. Since you can’t try on clothes at Zoo Market, make sure you know exactly what you want from first shopping for and trying on clothes in Xidan.

The problem with the above method is you can never go back to the same stall again. But, there are thousands of stalls in Zoo Market.

(Source CRI)

Three of the first five Beijing Olympic torchbearers — Luo Xuejuan, the retired swimmer and Olympic gold medalist; renowned table tennis star Deng Yaping; and Chinese Ambassador Luo Linquan to Greece ¨C will be Chinese.

Ambassador Luo said on Thursday that he would complete the fifth leg of the relay after receiving the torch from Deng, the fourth torchbearer. He would be the first active ambassador to become torchbearer.

Two other Chinese torchbearers will participate in the relay on March 24. And some 20 Chinese torchbearers will take part in the relay in Greece, including Liu Hongliang, the first man to ever represent China in the Olympic Games, singer Wang Lihong, and table tennis start Wang Nan.

the Olympic Flame and the Way of Kindling

The Olympic flame is the flame which is kindled in Olympia under the authority of the IOC. It is bestowed by Apollo, the ancient god of sun. It is the highest ideal of the Olympic spirit, representing hope and dreams, sunshine and happiness, friendship, peace and equality.

The lighting of the Olympic flame takes place a few months before the opening of the Olympic Games in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece. The lighting of the Flame follows the tradition of ancient Greece. The high priestess prays loudly to praise Apollo, the ancient god of sun before the Temple of Hera. Then, the flame is lit according to an ancient method, using the sun and a concave recipient (a parabolic mirror). The sun’s rays, concentrated at the centre of the recipient, causes an intense heat, which allows a flame to be obtained. This is the only way to light the Olympic flame. The flame obtained in this way is put into an urn and carried by the high priestess to the ancient stadium and passed to the first runner, who carries the official torch of the Games and starts the relay to the host city of the Olympic Games.

In order to guarantee the purity of the Olympic flame, the flame obtained only in this way can be used throughout the conduct of the torch relay. It may not be combined with any other symbolic fire nor can it be separated for more than one torch relay.

The leather handle features a metallic ring and the caption “Games of the XXIII Olympiad Los Angeles 1984″ with the Olympic motto “Citius Altius Fortius” and the picture of the Memorial Coliseum.

The Olympic Torch

An Olympic torch is a portable torch as approved by the IOC and intended for combustion of the Olympic flame.

The torch is the carrier of the Olympic flame. For each edition of the Games, a new model of torch is created. It must conform to exacting technical standards. It has become an important heritage of the Olympic Games. During the relay, the flame must never go out. The torch must be able to stand up to difficult weather conditions (such as wind, rain, snow and extreme heat) and the most unusual modes of transport. With the development of science and technology, the torch becomes lighter and the burning system more convenient and improved. Usually, the fuel cartridge is placed inside the torch and is designed to sustain a flame for 15-20 minutes.

The Safety Lantern

In order to keep the dignity and purity of the Olympic flame, the flame shall not go out during the relay and be kept properly. Once it goes out, it must be kindled with the mother flame that is kept in the safety lantern.

The Portable Cauldron

The portable Olympic cauldron is designed to carry and display the Olympic flame at major community celebrations when it is lit at the end of each relay day or on featured transport modes such as a large boat. It is specially designed and should represent a synergy with the design of the Olympic Torch. It should be light weight and easily transportable along the relay route.

The Torchbearer

The torchbearer is the agent to carry the Olympic flame and spread the Olympic concept. On the basis of the Olympic principle of equality and fight against discrimination, the International Olympic Committee provides that every citizen competent to run the given distance with the torch has the opportunity to become a torchbearer.

To be a torchbearer has become a glory and honour. The torchbearers shall add glory to the Olympic flame with their own life story, and shall inspire and encourage the whole world with the image of holding high the Olympic torch. The torchbearers of past Olympic Games include people from all walks of life. Those people with disabilities are equally entitled to become torchbearers and convey the torch by wheelchair or other methods distinctive to their needs. The torchbearer is accompanied by the torch relay vehicle procession and escort runners. The identity of the final torchbearer is kept secret until the last moment. The final torchbearer does a lap of the stadium before lighting the monumental cauldron with the Olympic flame. Once it is lit, the Olympic Games officially begin.

Only the torchbearer is qualified and permitted to wear the torchbearer’s uniform. He or she can obtain and possess the torch he or she carries either through buying or being presented as a gift.

The Theme of the Olympic Torch Relay

The torch relay shall be conducive to the showcasing of the torch relay theme, highlight the landscape and special features of the relay city and include the participation of the greatest number of people from the public.

Torch Relay Route

The route is the foundation of the torch relay. Once the relay scope is determined, the primary route locations are first determined. Then by connecting these locations, an entire relay itinerary is established. The selection of the torch relay route is not achieved by simply drawing a direct line between Olympia and the host city. The design of the torch relay route of past Olympic Games was aimed at showcasing to the greatest possible extent, the special features and hosting concept of each Olympic Games, spreading the Olympic spirit and showcasing the image and look of the host country.

Transferring the Olympic Flame

The basic method of transferring the Olympic flame to the Opening Ceremony is from the hand of one torchbearer to that of another. The running portion of a torch relay normally lasts between 6 and 10 hours each day, and covers a distance of between 40 & 50 kilometres. The number of torchbearers and the distance covered varies with each Olympic Games. Each torchbearer usually covers a distance of between 200 & 400 meters and approximately 100-200 torchbearers participate in the torch relay each day. The first torch is lit each day from the ‘mother flame’ which is obtained from the lighting ceremony in Olympia and kept in a special safety lantern throughout the journey from Olympia to the Opening Ceremony. Each torchbearer runs a leg of the relay carrying the torch in their hand and kindles the flame of the next torchbearer’s torch. The relay goes on until it arrives at the final site of the day for a celebration and gala ceremony.

In accordance with Olympic protocol, the celebration and gala ceremony at the end of each relay day is simple but ceremonious and usually lasts for approximately one hour. During the ceremony, speeches are made by the torchbearer that lights the portable cauldron at the end of the day, by the representative from the host city of the torch relay celebration and by the representative from the Olympic Organizing Committee. A torch relay promotional film is shown and artistic performances with local cultural features are performed on stage. At the end of the torch relay celebration, the Olympic flame is transferred from the portable cauldron to the safety lantern and kept there until the commencement of the next day when the flame of the first torch is kindled from this ‘mother flame’.

In order to keep the dignity and purity of the Olympic flame, the flame shall not go out during the relay and be kept burning properly throughout the day. If the flame of a torch is extinguished for one reason or another, it must be re-kindled from the ‘mother flame’ kept within the safety lantern.

The Igniting and the Extinguishing of the Monumental Cauldron

The highlight of the opening ceremony of the Olympics is the entrance of the Olympic flame into the stadium. The identity of the final torchbearer is kept secret until the very last moment. It is often a personality from the sports world or a young person symbolising hope for the future. The final torchbearer completes a lap of the stadium before lighting the monumental cauldron with the Olympic flame.

A symbolic release of pigeons evokes the climate of peace in which the Olympic Games should take place. The flame remains lit for the duration of the Games and is only extinguished at the closing ceremony.

As the torch lighting ceremony rehearsal was carried successfully in Olympia, Greece. We are waiting for the formal torch lighting ceremony.

The Hellenic Olympic Committee due to the bad weather conditions expected on Monday, March 24 in Ancient Olympia according to the weather forecast, decided to re-arrange the opening of the Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame for the XXIX Summer Olympic Games of Beijing. Therefore the Ceremony will be held at 11.00am instead of 12.00pm.

As a tradition, the torch lighting ceremony is held in front of the Temple of Hera of Ancient Olympia. Starting out from Olympia, 605 Greek torchbearers run a distance of 1,528km in Greece to relay the torch for seven days. The relay will pass through 16 regions and 43 cities, in addition to four communities, with 29 celebration events along the route. At 3:00pm on March 30, the flame arrives at Panathenian Stadium in central Athens, where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. On March 24, 2008, the Greek Olympic Committee will hold the ceremony to hand the flame over to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad