Things To Do During the Golden Week.
What else would be more interesting than exploring China during the Golden Week?
The Golden Week, also known as the Chinese National Holiday is a seven-day public holiday held on October 1 to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
There are several things you could do during the Golden Week. Some of the major activities you could do are the capital city tour, cultural city tour, the Shanghai Disneyland Tour, and the Chinese food culture experience.
When you get a teaching job in China, this long week is definitely something to look forward to.
The Golden Week is the biggest week of tourism in China. It is also the most extended holiday. This holiday is honoured through different celebrations, including;
- Evening gala event
- National flag-raising ceremony, and
- Anniversary activities.
Most importantly, workers, including teachers, get a week off work. During this week, people are allowed to visit friends & family, tour the landmarks of China, and take time off work to freshen their minds. Expat teachers could exploit the seven days off to travel across China and experience the known and the unknown.
Here are three things you could do during the Golden Week;
- Capital City Tour & Cultural City Tour.
- Shanghai Disneyland Park Tour.
- Experience Chinese food culture.
This article will explore all the activities mentioned above in great detail. To learn, understand, and explore the things to do during the Golden Week, read on.
1. Capital City and Cultural City Tour.
As a capital city, Beijing would undoubtedly play host as one of the most important destinations to enjoy the Golden Week. Beijing offers a variety of landmarks and holds the national identities of China that are a must-see. The tour would include;
a.Visiting Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square is a must-visit as its history dates back to 1651. Over the years, it has represented one of China’s most visited places by Chinese as well as foreign tourists. Here is why you should visit Tiananmen Square during the Golden Week;
- Many sightseeing spots surround the square. You can see the national monument from the square.
- The square embraces China’s history in the National museum.
- You can view the amazing Ming Dynasty architecture while on the south side of the square.
- Chinese soldiers perform the flag ceremonies every day at dusk and dawn.
- The square has a traditional Chinese setting but offers a world-class shopping experience.
- There is the Great Hall of the People, where the government holds political meetings, ceremonies, and congresses.
b.Visiting the Forbidden City.
To teach in Beijing calls for a visit to the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, and it is the world’s largest imperial palace. It was founded in 1406 and has been home to 14 emperors. Here is why the Forbidden City is a must-visit during the Golden Week;
- Has a collection of Chinese historical artefacts.
- It is home to Jingshan Park. Here, you can enjoy a hilltop view of the whole complex.
- The Forbidden City is rich in Chinese culture. For example, the nine by nine array of glided door studs.
- It has the world’s largest cultural museum.
2. Shanghai Disneyland Park Tour.
You wouldn’t want your seven-day break to end without visiting Shanghai Disneyland Park. A visit to Disneyland park allows you to experience a magical adventure through various Disney themed lands. These lands are filled with excellent attractions and unending entertainment. This park features six themed lands that boost an unlimited imagination.
1.Tomorrowland: Experience the thrill of flying by flying with jet packs. You can also ride the two-wheeled light cycles or join an adventure to save the world with Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue.
2.Fantasyland: here, you can follow Alice through the wonderland maze, you can ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and you can travel beneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle.
3.Garden of imagination: You can stroll along the bridges and trails, you can find your Chinese Zodiac animal sign, and you can enjoy a spin of the Fantasia Carousel.
4.Treasure cove: You can paddle a canoe to experience the Caribbean island, you can enjoy Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular stage play, and you can attempt to search, find, and take the priceless treasure of Davy Jones.
5.Mickey avenue: You can buy gifts and collectables, hug Disney characters and have a chance to take photos with them, and enjoy a diverse cuisine.
6.Adventure Isle: You can explore waterfalls, travel across time and space, and ride a raft.
3. Experience Chinese food culture.
Chinese food is famous worldwide, and exploring Chinese cuisine is one of the must-dos for expat teachers during the Golden Week. From hot and spicy, sweet and sour, to bitter, you have a whole week to stretch the limits.
To fully maximize the experience, here are a few things you could explore during the Golden Week to get the ultimate feel of Chinese food culture;
a.Chinese medicinal foods – Food Therapy.
Chinese medicinal foods are something great to try while you explore China. The foods are prepared traditionally and focus on the principle of balance while healing the mind, body, and soul – it’s an ancient art of healing and a mind-blowing experience.
Through this experience, you can also learn the TCM principles to help you master healthy eating habits.
You can find medicinal cuisine in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guilin.
b.Chinese Desserts.
The uniqueness of Chinese desserts compared to the rest of the rest of the world makes it a must-live experience. Why not do it during the Golden Week?
Here are some examples of popular Chinese desserts that you could try;
- Tanghulu or the candied fruit on a stick.
- Egg tarts.
- Deep-fried Durian.
- Almond jelly.
- Sweet egg bun, and more.
There is a wide range of Chinese desserts. The best part is that you can find these desserts in most restaurants across China.
c.Chinese Chopsticks.
Regardless of the time of the year, when you land in China, learning to use Chinese chopsticks is a fulfilling experience. And what would be better than learning from the experts themselves?
There is more than one way to use chopsticks, and all these ways can be learned during the Golden Week. Furthermore, you can learn about chopsticks’ history, culture, and taboos and the three legends who invented them.
Final Thoughts.
There is a lot more that you could explore during the Golden Week in China. Most importantly, it would be best to book your travels in advance as most areas get crowded. When you get to visit China, at least you know what to look forward to during the Golden Week.
