Look at this cat called" Hilter"

Look at this cat called “Hitler”. With a Hitler-style moustache, he is saluting like Hitler!

After it died, it was reproduced using a new technique that preserved its organs and muscles. What you see is a complete piece.

People always feel sad when their pets die. Now they have a new way to keep them alive forever. These animals are also very interesting decorations for a house.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

Gourd can be used to make artwork.

Gourd is a natural plant once used to make wine bottle. When used to make art, this plant can take many forms.

This gourd has a pyrography painting that features a poem written by a famous Chinese poet. On the upper part are four spiritual beasts from Taoism.

In China, a gourd is also used as an auspicious object to ward off evil spirits. It can protect you and bring you good luck.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

Look at this lifelike Lychee fruits!

You will be amazed by this one. It features lychee fruits and cicadas. It looks so lifelike!

The stones are from southern China. Shoushan stone carvings have a history of 1,500 years in this country.

Because of its unique quality, Shoushan stone is considered the national stone of China. In recent years, overexploitation of its sources caused it to become increasingly rare.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

Jun ware items are very popular in China

This item is named “Three Sheep Bring Safefy”. It is one of the most beautiful Jun porcelain items.

Jun porcelain is so beautiful, it’s known as the “Soul of China”.

It is famous for the spectacular colors that appear on its surface. The gorgeous, mysterious color pattern was made by the different temperatures in kiln.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

Carps Welcome China's 60th Anniversary

This is a photo I took in a famous park close to Tianan'men Square.

Over 1,000 carp were put in the river and most of the park is decorated with various flowers and trees, all to celebrate the People’s Republic of China's 60th Anniversary.

Fish symbolize wealth and abundance in China.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

Volunteer Service

Over one million volunteers were selected to do voluntary work for the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

Here are two volunteers working near Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, they are ensuring the security of everyone.

They said they are very proud to be a volunteer for the "biggest national celebration of 2009.”

Promoting a happy time is their first and only task.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

The Tian'an Men Square

The People’s Republic of China is preparing for its 60th anniversary on October 1st.

This important day is celebrated throughout China with a variety of government-organized festivities, including fireworks and concerts. Public places all over the country are decorated in a festive theme.

This is the portrait of revered leader Sun Yat-sen publicly displayed on Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

Do you know what it is?

You are looking at a traditional Chinese folk-style embroidered cloak.

In the old days, such cloaks were worn by women to participate in important events and festivals.

They look so gorgeous! Wear one of them and you will look fantastic, even if the other clothes you wear to match it are not that impressive.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

It is handmade with exquisite Buddhist design

This is “Gawu” box, a very popular handicraft from Tibet.

It can be opened for a small item to be put inside. Wear it on a necklace, and you can be protected from evil spirits.

Some of these boxes are made of silver, and some are embedded with Lu Song stones.  This one is carved with an exquisite statue of Buddha. It is such a special item.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

This is rarely-seen artwork now!

Look at these adorable Peking Opera figurines! They have bodies made of silk and bottoms made of pig hair.

Placed on this plate, you can move these figurines by striking the plate with a drumstick. The smooth, rigid pig hair at the bottom enables them to move around.

Nowadays there are fewer and fewer artisans who know how to make traditional pig hair figurines. Even finding a shop with such items is difficult.

--by Cathryn, you tour guide in Beijing