Ask Beijing Today

Because of the turmoil in Thailand, I canceled my trip for the Songkran festival. Is there by any chance a similar festival in China?
Like the Thais, the annual Water-splashing Festival is the most important holiday for the Dai ethnic group. It is also known as the Festival for Bathing the Buddha. It usually starts in the middle of April, the sixth month in the Dai calendar, and lasts for half a month. You can see this festival in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, home to the Dais and a culture similar to the Thai’s. 

I love kites and want to interact with locals who have the same passion. Are there any kite-flying competitions where I can meet these people?
You should check out the Grand International Kite Festival in Weifang, Shandong Province, known as “the cradle of the Chinese kite industry.” The annual event, taking place next weekend, April5 and 26, draws participants from around China and overseas. There you can also visit kite-making studios and meet the masters from whom you might be able to learn trade secrets.

I’m very interested in Italian cultue, cuisine and wine, and would like to find a place where I can learn Italian cooking.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel’s Barolo restaurant offers lessons in Italian culture and cuisine from April through September.For more information, call 5908 8888.

(By Venus Lee)