All Stars Boating

Catch the thrills and spills of the Beijing Dragon Boat Race

The capital city of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing features many outstanding attractions to keep even the most discerning of travellers happy and occupied during their visit here. The city boasts of many attractions both traditional and contemporary, ranging from places of religious worship, historic monuments and entertainment venues, beautifully landscaped parks and amusement parks. Beijing also hosts many cultural events and festivals each year. This includes world-renowned festivals like the Lantern Festival, Spring Festival and the spectacular Dragon Boat Festival.

Held on the fifth day of the fifth month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Dragon Boat Festival is also known as the Duan Wu Jie. Legend has it that the emperor’s confidant Quyuan was despised by many of the other court officials who led to him being exiled from the kingdom. Quyuan was so depressed at the empire’s downfall during the Chu state that he committed suicide by diving into the waters of the Milou River. His shocked fellow countrymen threw rice (Zongzi) wrapped in bamboo leaves to save Quyuan’s body from being damaged by the fish in the river. Even today, people in China commemorate this event by eating Zongzi stuffed with dates, paste, beans, meat or eggs.

The highlight of the event of course is the actual Dragon Boat Race which is held with much pomp and pageantry. The rhythmic beating of drums, the colourful flags waving in the breeze really adds on to the atmosphere of the event. The long and colourful dragon boats compete fiercely and are cheered on by the thousands of spectators that gather on the river banks. This is truly an event that should not be missed!

The Raffles Beijing Hotel China found in the capital city is an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers alike. The property is a historic and cultural icon and has been the venue for many important political and cultural events over the years. The ideal location of this 5 star hotel near Beijing’s most popular attractions will ensure that that guests are never too far away from the fascinating Forbidden City, the Silk Market and the historic Tiananmen Square. Diplomats arriving in Beijing will also find that the property is an ideal embassy area hotel located close to many overseas missions.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Michael Stars Suzy Belt $58 Swap out your basic brown belt on the weekends with our skinny studded belt! It goes with all your fall favorites.

Michael Stars Sunset Sunglasses $88 See the world through rose colored glasses with these sunset sunglasses. With their classic shape and gradient lenses, you'll be looking stylish all summer.

Michael Stars Flyer Sunglasses $78 Achieve effortless cool when you wear a pair of these Flyer aviator glasses. Crafted with classic gold frames and cool gradient lenses, these sunglasses will keep your eyes stylishly shaded all summer.

Michael Stars Uptowner Sunglasses $88 Uptown chic meets downtown cool with these Uptowner sunglasses. Crafted with a cool tortoise shell frame in a classic cateye shape, these sunglasses will keep your eyes stylishly shaded all summer.

Michael Stars Outspoken Sunglasses $98 Show your style is the final word when you wear these Outspoken sunglasses. With their bright colored vintage frame and show-stopping purple lenses, these sunnies will be a conversation piece all summer.

Michael Stars Alana Belt $68 Perfect for slinging through belt loops or accenting a flowy maxi dress, our skinny leather belt is an urban-chic accessory you'll wear all season. Crafted from supple leather, our belt features edgy stud detail and a cool hook closure.

Michael Stars Alba Dress $168 We added all the elements of elegance to our Surplice Cami Maxi Dress. On-trend colorblocking, a high-low hemline, and criss-crossed straps take our maxi dress to polished perfection. Pair it with a simple drop necklace and smokey eyes for a glamorous evening look or flats and bangles by day.

Michael Stars Addison Dress $148 Maxi-mum style in a cool variegated stripe, our Belted Racerback Tank Maxi Dress is a staple you'll wear all season long. We like to pair our sleek dress with sexy sandals and bold statement jewelry.

Michael Stars Labradorite Wrap Bracelet $158 This thin leather wrap bracelet is detailed with an assortment of semi-precious stones. All the natural coloring gives this piece a beautiful appeal!

Michael Stars Silent Lucidity Scarf $58 This scarf will grab all the attention! This fall you can keep warm and stylish by pairing this wide scarf with a basic tee or coat.

Michael Stars Dotted and Tied Fedora $58 Keep the Fedora trend going thru Fall with this all over dots and a tie trim. This hat has both feminine and masculine look.

Michael Stars Crochet Drapey Tank $84 Have a little fun with this chic crochet tank. The crochet detail and swingy silhouette allows you to feel flirty and fun all summer long.

Michael Stars The Bells and Blocks Bracelet $38 Who doesn't love a bracelet with all the bells and whistles? Add a little jingle to your wardrobe with the The Bells and Blocks Bracelet. With alternating bell and block beads, this bohemian bracelet is a spring must.

Michael Stars Triple Strand Bracelet $58 Every style-maven knows that beaded strands are th the thing this season and our Triple Strand Bracelet embraces all the essential elements of fashion. Match this gorgeous bracelet with a laid-back caftan and rolled hem shorts for an easy weekend look.

Michael Stars Yarn Dye Carryall $110 The perfect bag for beach trips and weekend getaways, this Yarn Dye Carry All boasts a flirty stripe print and knotted cotton webbing straps tied through extra large grommets A fully lined interior with a zip pocket makes toting beach essentials a cinch.

Michael Stars Crochet Peasant Top $98 Our Peasant Top is so versatile you can sport it a as a beach cover-up, wear it with frayed denim shorts for a boho-chic look, or match it with skinny jeans. Simply embellished with a tie at the neck and contrast trim at the hem and sleeves you'll love in our pretty top all summer.

Michael Stars Heavy Hitter Layered Slouchy Hat $46 This tri-color slouchy hat has a hip style that will pair perfectly with all of your casual wear.

Michael Stars Maternity Elbow Sleeve Deep Vee $56 Everyones favorite basic styles are now for moms to be! A deep v-neckline and 3/4 length sleeves accentuate all the places!

Michael Stars Drape Neck Tunic Tank $64 This lightweight jersey and silk charmeuse tunic offers a mixed silhouette. The draped neckline and lets you show off your feminine side all Summer long.

Michael Stars 2x1 Rib Boyfriend Tank $38 A wardrobe essential, you'll practically live in! A basic ribbed boyfriend tank featuring a scoop neckline with bra friendly straps. Stockpile it in all your favorite colors.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 at 9:27 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.