Qingming Festival: An ancient precursor to the "golden week"

https://culturepedia.chinadaily.com.cn/#/articleDetailPage/2039618307850096640 The concept of extended national holidays might be perceived as a contemporary innovation; however, historical evidence suggests otherwise. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907), over a millennium ago, China observed a proto-"Golden Week" during the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. This period entailed a comprehensive seven-day recess from ordinary activities. Let's take a peek into the past and see how folks celebrated their Qingming "staycation" back in the day.

Yuyuan Garden

https://culturepedia.chinadaily.com.cn/#/entryDetailPage/1869583887216250901 Yuyuan Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden situated in the heart of Shanghai's Huangpu district. Established during the Ming Dynasty in 1559 by Pan Yunduan, a government official, the garden was meticulously designed as a tranquil retreat for his parents to enjoy their later years. The name "Yuyuan" translates to "Garden of Happiness," reflecting its intended purpose as a place of peace and contentment.

Ancient tulou buildings find purpose as boutique homestays Xinhua | Updated: 2026-04-25 10:35

http://africa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/25/WS69ec2876a310d6866eb45818.html Driving with her parents from Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, a tourist surnamed Ju chose a boutique homestay converted from a traditional tulou, or earthen building, in Zhangzhou city, East China's Fujian province.

Another step toward heritage protection Exhibition highlights the power of copyright, boosting the creative confidence and marketability for Guangxi artisans, Yang Feiyue reports. By Yang Feiyue | China Daily | Updated: 2026-04-25 10:33

http://africa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/25/WS69ec27f0a310d6866eb4580f.html Five-colored rice made from a variety of plant extracts, such as maple leaves and lithospermum, sits in a bamboo basket. Rice noodles swim in rich red oil broth. Polychromatic tropical fruits gleam under exhibition lights.

List honoring China's top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2025 released By Wang Ru | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-04-29 11:34

https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/29/WS69f17c35a310d6866eb462e9.html China's top 10 list of archaeological discoveries of 2025 — one of the highest honors for the country's archaeological projects — was released on Wednesday. Selected by top-tier scholars across the country, the list showcases outstanding examples of archaeological projects from last year.

Beyond algorithm: Why AI can't write like us chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-04-28 11:32

https://africa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202604/28/WS69f02a6fa310d6866eb45f29.html In writing, artificial intelligence is so powerful nowadays that it can optimize phrasing, build worlds and calculate logic, but it lacks the one thing that makes art legendary: the unique life experience of a human being.

Sanyuesan Festival

https://culturepedia.chinadaily.com.cn/#/entryDetailPage/1863773929608142849 The Sanyuesan Festival, held on the third day of the third month on the traditional Chinese calendar, is a culturally significant event celebrated by several ethnic groups in China, including the Zhuang, the Yao, Miao, and Dong. Recognized on China's national intangible cultural heritage list, it preserves ethnic customs and attracts tourists to experience its rich cultural diversity.