A former professor of architecture of Qinghua university (China's top technical university) was visiting a friend, whose multi-national Chinese company had recently moved office. As soon as he saw his friend's north-facing office window, the professor gasped in horror. "You ought to have that bricked over," he instantly advised, "it attracts bad qi ." The company chairman, astonished by this outlandish suggestion, ignored it. A few unlucky years later however, he called in a Hong Kong fengshui (or geomancy) expert to look over his premises.  » Read more »

Foundation of the Gelug Sect Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) founded Ganden monastery in 1409. A graduate of the austere Karmapa order, his doctrine emphasized monastic discipline. This attitude was echoed by his reinforcement of the primacy of sutras – the original teachings of Buddha – over the tantras – later mystical teachings. So popular was his movement that new monasteries were soon opened at Sera, Drepung & Tashilhunpo, and the sect took on the name of Gelug or "Virtuous Ones".  » Read more »

Every Tibetan family struggled to afford the honor of sending a family member to a monastery. This indeed was no small sacrifice since the continuing upkeep of the monks was the responsibility of their respective families. To give some idea of the popularity of this religious mission, in the early twentieth century approximately one fifth of all Tibetan men were monks. Though there were also nunneries, their numbers were not as large. When a young boy,  » Read more »

This article by Imperial Tours’ founder about the tribes of Guizhou is for cultural informational purposes only. Imperial Tours does not offer services to these destinations as luxury faciltiies are not available. By Guy Rubin As cranes and bulldozers proliferate like ants across China, depositing cities and highways in their hammering trail, now is the time to venture inland in search of the more traditional side of China.  » Read more »

TRAVEL EDITOR'S NOTE: Sue Naessens (a former guest of Imperial Tours) is on the staff at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her husband, Jim, works in health care policy and research at the Mayo Clinic China boasts many treasures with its long history and rich cultural heritage. The Great Wall, theTerracotta Warriors and Forbidden City readily come to mind. Museums overflow with art of every genre. Silk embroidery is nationally famous.  » Read more »