by Chen, age 7, asks Dun Che Lao Ren do you come on Christmas Eve night?, about the Great Wall, and why Beijing is China’s capital
Dear Dun Che Lao Ren,
My name is Chen and I am 7 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 come on Christmas Eve night?
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 few mandarin oranges and a cup of tea.
Love, Chen, age 7, Beijing, China, Beijing, China
From the Desk of Dun Che Lao Ren
Dear Chen, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you come on Christmas Eve night?
Christmas Eve, yes, the same night as my colleagues elsewhere, since the holiday calendar lines up conveniently across most of the world.
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, Chen.
Ho ho ho, Dun Che Lao Ren
