China is one of the biggest countries in the world, and also a land of bicycles. When I traveled around the country in 1992, there were not so many cars and everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found that great changes took place. On the streets were millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many people, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors—silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want. 

       It’s quite fun to watch people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads and move skillfully through traffic. Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide. 

       Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home. 

       My first ride home was orderly. To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn’t want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully. 

       It is a big problem to cross the streets, quite like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide. It took some time to cross it, and it needs a little bit of skill. 

       I finally got home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on the top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive. 

       Derek Sandha, who came from France, was dressed in a formal suit on Thursday morning in a hall. It was so quiet that you could hear yourself breathe. He held a glass of baijiu in his hand, and studied it as if it were a piece of art. Then he closed his eyes, inhaled the aroma and finally tasted it with apparent satisfaction.   

       “It’s amazing,” he said. 

       Sandha was one of the panelists judging the Chinese alcoholic classic at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Guiyang 2015 Spirits Selection in Guizhou province. 

       The event, which kicked off on Wednesday in a region famous for its baijiu brands, has attracted global attention, with 1,397 spirits from 43 countries seeking recognition at one of the world’s most authoritative spirit competitions. 

       It was the first time that baijiu officially became a category of spirits to be tasted. The event was organized by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, established in 1994 and dubbed the “United Nations of fine wines” . 

       “It was really hard to swallow when I drank Chinese baijiu for the first time, because the flavor is so different from western spirits. Since I’ve learned about the culture and got used to it, I like to drink Chinese baijiu,”Sandha said. 

       He suggested makers lower its level of alcohol, or that people mix it with other drinks to make cocktails, for easier acceptance by westerners. 

       Xie Yongwen, General Engineer for Daohuaxiang, a brewer based in Hubei province, said baijiu can get to foreigners’ tables with much help from the government. He said since many Chinese cities have built friendly relationships with cities overseas, spirits from the two sides could be part of an exchange of culture, thereby promoting baijiu to the world. 

       Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Windsor is one of the official residences of her Majesty of the Queen. As the castle is a working royal palace, official engagements may occasionally limit access to those areas usually open to visitors. 

       Audio tours 

       Free audio tours are available on leaving the Admission Center at the start of your visit. There is a descriptive audio tour for blind and poor-sighted visitors. 

       Guided tours 

       Visitors can explore the history of the castle through a tour of the Precincts with an expert guide. Tours depart at regular intervals throughout the day from the Courtyard and finish at the entrance to the State Apartments. 

       Visitors with children 

       For those visiting with children, a special family tour and various activities are offered during school holidays and at weekends. Please note that, for safety reasons, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Apartments. However, baby carriers are available to borrow. 

       St George’s Chapel 

       Visitors arriving at the castle after 15:00 from March to October are advised to visit St George’s Chapel first before it closes. Evensong ( 晚祷 ) is held daily at 17: 15 and visitors are welcome to attend. The Chapel is open only to worshippers on Sunday. 

       Shopping 

       Shops offer a wide range of souvenirs designed for the Royal Collection, including books, postcards, china, jewelry and children’s toys. Please ask at the Middle Ward shop about our home delivery service. 

       Refreshments 

       Bottled water can be purchased from the Courtyard and Middle Ward shops. From April to September ice cream is also available. Visitors wishing to leave the castle for refreshments in the town may obtain re-entry permits from the castle shops. Eating and drinking are not permitted in the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel. 

       Photography and mobile phones 

       Non-commercial photography and filming are welcomed in the castle. Photography, video recording and filming are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel. Mobile phones must be switched off inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel in consideration of other visitors. 

       Security 

       As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, visitors and their belongings should get through airport-style security checks. For safety and security reasons a one-way system operates along the visitor route.