Features 4. Letter from the Publisher 5. China at a Glance 6. China Feature13. A Asia News17. Fishing in India19. Singapore Airlines23. Qatar Airways25. Fiji Weddings26. Europe Talk27. Cruising Talk29. Shop Talk - Special Report30. CITC Corner31. Back IssuesWith the theme of "Touring China, Tasting Culture" the China National Tourist Office has launched their 2011 program in an effort to promote Chinese culture and encourage tourists from around the world to visit China in 2011.The culture of China is one of the world's oldest and most complex where traditions vary between towns, cities and provinces. In China today there are 56 dis­tinct recognized ethnic groups. China provides 3,600 years of written history and a culture that is so di­verse and unique, yet harmoniously blended that it presents itself as an invaluable asset to the world. China is a destination that inspires, fascinates and be­wilders travellers with its rich, diverse and often mys­terious landscape, culture and traditions. But it is still a mix of the old and the new as the country experi­ences an extraordinary modern transformation.2011 is the Year to Visit China and experience, first hand, China's Culture!talk travelMagazinedecember . 2010 . Volume 2 . Issue 20 . Table of ContentsChina Cultural Tour 2011

letter from the publisherGina Hansen, CTC, ECCtalk travelTV - Radio - MagazineGina Hansen, CTC, ECCPublisherpublisher@talktravelnews.tvWayne Hansen, Editoreditor@talktravelnews.tvDaryl Cooper, Asst. Editoreditor@talktravelnews.tvJana SchweitzerGraphic Designjanaschweitzer00@gmail.comKarina PlazolaVideo Editing/Productioneditor@talktravelnews.tvDennis LyonsMarketing & Salesdennis@talktravelnews.tvSuite 318 - 237 Keefer StreetVancouver, B.C., V6A 1X6Tel: 604-629-0877Fax: 604-629-0878Fluff up your tail and break out the carrot cake. The Year of the Rabbit is here. Full of en­ergy and optimism, 2011 is a great year for bunnies to try something new, from nosing around new neighbour­hoods to meeting new friends and dumping the daily grind of that grass eating job to follow­ing your dreams; be it selling Energizer batteries or ferrying drinks in for Mr. Hefner. Think big; others may be envious of your success and attempt to put you down, but if you're bold and confident the year should bring great rewards.The Rabbit is one of the most fortunate of all the Chinese star signs. With their live and let live attitude toward life they don't often get into trouble and sel­dom make enemies.The Year of the Rabbit is in sharp contrast to last years explosive Year of the Tiger. It will be a year of placidity and respite where little will be set in stone, a carefree happy year that will be both temper­ate and relaxed.The most important Chinese holiday is Chinese New Year, which is known in China as Spring Festival. The festival ushers in the lunar New Year and is the West's Christmas and New Year's Eve rolled into one. From sun up to sun down, this is a time when the whole coun­try throws itself into celebrating and eating. No one is quite sure exactly when or where the festival orig­inated. Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a mon­ster called Nian that attacked Chinese villages every spring, eating anything that came its way -- people, animals, plants and the odd building. One spring, villagers hung red paper on their doors and threw bam­boo on a fire when the mon­ster arrived. It was so startled by the bright colours and loud crackling noise of the burning bamboo that it turned and fled. Today the world "nian" is the Chinese word for year. For a tourist who decides to spend the Lunar New Year in China, be ready to experience a week full of festivities enriched in Chinese culture. It is also the busiest travel period in China so make sure you have made your travel arrangements early.But it is not just Spring Festival, there are festivals happening all year long and experiencing these events first hand in China is incredible. I have visited Chi­na many times and each time it is a new and wonderful experi­ence. The country is so vast and diversified that there is some­thing for everyone.China was a country hidden for many years but has now emerged onto the world trav­el scene. From frozen north to tropical south, modern east to wild west, this is a huge di­verse land and just waiting to be explored. Make 2011 the year to visit China!Gong Hei Fat Choy - Happy Chinese New Year 2011 - Year of the Rabbit