by Ling, age 9, asks Dun Che Lao Ren do you bring the same kind of gifts as my Santa?, about the Great Wall, and why Beijing is China’s capital
Dear Dun Che Lao Ren,
My name is Ling and I am 9 years old. I live in Beijing, China, where Christmas is not one of our biggest holidays, but the shopping streets still put up lights and my family gives each other apples on Christmas Eve for good luck.
First, do you bring the same kind of gifts as my Santa?
Second, a geography question: what famous wall stretches near Beijing?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Beijing the capital of China?
I left you a small dish of candied fruit and tea.
Love, Ling, age 9, Beijing, China, Beijing, China
From the Desk of Dun Che Lao Ren
Dear Ling, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you bring the same kind of gifts as my Santa?
Much the same, toys, sweets, small treasures, adjusted a little for what is popular and available here in China.
What famous wall stretches near Beijing?
The Great Wall of China runs along the mountains not far north of Beijing, and it is a marvelous sight from the sleigh, this ancient stone ribbon winding for thousands of miles across the hills.
Why is Beijing the capital of China?
Beijing has served as a capital city for various Chinese dynasties and governments for more than 800 years, valued historically for its strategic location and strong defenses. It became the capital of the modern People’s Republic of China in 1949, and today it remains the country’s political, cultural, and educational center.
Sheng dan kuai le, Ling.
Ho ho ho, Dun Che Lao Ren
