The leading orchestra of China will perform tomorrow in front of Benedict XVI. The China Philharmonic Orchestra of Beijing, on a tour of Europe, has decided to include a stop at the Vatican. In the Paul VI audience hall, the orchestra conducted by Long Yu, one the most renowned Chinese conductors with international experience, will perform Mozart's Requiem in honour of the pontiff, followed by some Chinese folk songs, including the famous "Molihua" ("Jasmine Flower"). The orchestra will be accompanied by the chorus of the Shanghai Opera.

via asianews.it

There was no sign of dissent in the bazaar, where men wove through the crowd on motorcycles with freshly butchered sheep draped behind them. But a Muslim merchant pinched his lips together with his fingers to show he could not talk freely. "The Chinese are too bad, really bad," said Hama, who added that the Chinese had broken up a protest of about 200 people last month. He put his wrists together as if handcuffed. "I can't say more or I'll get arrested." As China grapples with protests in Tibet, it also faces unrest on its Central Asian frontier. Resentment against the Chinese has long simmered in this traditionally Muslim western region, which borders Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia.

via ap.google.com

The Lantern Festival (also called Yuanxiao Festival) is on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month. It is closely related to Spring Festival. In the old days, people began preparing for the Spring Festival about 20 days before. However, After the Lantern Festival, everything returns to normal. Yuan literally means first, while Xiao refers to night. yuanxiao is the first time when we see the full moon in the new year. It is traditionally a time for family reunion. The largest Lantern Festival celebration took place in the early part of the 15th century. The festivities continued for ten days. Emperor Chengzu had the downtown area set aside as a center for displaying......................

via culturesdiary.com