夏(Xià), the modern Chinese character for summer, translates into an array of distinct ways of how this special season is celebrated all over China. In Chinese culture, summer has existed as a time to observe festivals and special occasions, as well as to strengthen family bonds. The Chinese character 夏(xià) actually references the Xia Dynasty in 2000 BCE and the Xia of the Sixteen Kingdoms between 407 and 432 CE. The radical of this character is 夂(zhǐ), meaning walk slowly. The simplified interpretation of this radical truly evokes a relaxed vibe and feeling of the summer months throughout China.
During the summer months in China, summer vacations extend from the southern coast of Zhuhai, to the mountainous regions of Tibet. Towards the beginning of June, when schools begin to break, families gather to spend time together. In the south of China, families come together near the waterside and relax in a large group, either by the beach or in pools, due to the immensely warm weather. In contrast, those in the West of China, near the Himalayas, experience a temperature that is very dry and chilly, plummeting down to even 3 degrees Fahrenheit! Summers in these regions are usually spent hiking and trekking the rocky terrain of the mountainside.
The Gobi Desert Region, near Mongolia, is also another area where people gravitate toward during the summer months. It encompasses 500,000 square miles, and is an open area with oases, palm trees and sand dunes. In particular, the most ornate of these oases is called Crescent Lake, featuring a Buddhist pavilion and lush green grassland. Those who live there will truly have a warm summer season. The temperature is quite hot and can go up to over 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
Regardless of where the Chinese families spend their summer, family time is the core of the summer experience. If I had the opportunity to travel throughout the boundless countryside of China, I would begin my journey trekking through the Gobi Desert of the North, visiting the Crescent Lake Oasis and Temple, admiring its immense natural beauty. The next leg of my Chinese summer journey would be a hike through the Himalayas, conquering some of the mightiest mountains of the world. I would gain a sense of self-confidence while climbing these mountains and experience an inner feeling of peace and tranquility while atop the world. The final leg of my journey would be to the bustling beaches of Zhuhai, taking in the air and scent of the soothing salt water, bathing under the blazing sun, and engaging in conversation with the locals and young families as they enjoy their summer retreat. This experience would forever resonate in my heart with hopes to return again with my children and grandchildren, sharing another treasured summer 夏天(xià tiān) to remember.
Some of the information and pictures in this article came from the following sources:
“Chinese-English Dictionary: (Xià).” Purple Culture, www.purpleculture.net/dictionary-details/?word=u590f. Accessed 19 June 2017.
“Chinese Word: (Suì) Chinese-English Dictionary.” Purple Culture, www.purpleculture.net/dictionary-details/?word=?. Accessed 19 June 2017.
“Crescent Lake: A Desert Oasis in China.” Twisted Sifter, 30 May 2012, twistedsifter.com/2012/05/yueyaquan-crescent-lake-desert-oasis-china/. Accessed 19 June 2017.
“Himalayas.” Destination 360, www.destination360.com/asia/china/himalayas.
“Zhuhai Sightseeing.” Find Work Abroad: China, china.findworkabroad.com/viewarticle/607. Accessed 19 June 2017.