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By Zhang Xueying
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Yangzhou steamed dumplings - famous throughout the nation.
Photo: China Today
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At the weekend, many Yangzhou people spend the whole day at the local baths. The newly-built bath-houses usually contain three or four large bathing pools with water of a temperature 20 to 40 degrees centigrade. Some pools contain minerals, which are believed within traditional Chinese medicine to emit salutary elements. After bathing, attendants are on hand to rub the back, pedicure the feet or practice massage, or patrons may recline on a chaise longue, watching videos, taking some snacks or tea, chatting, having a hair-cut, or just sleeping. Waiters tuck bath towels around anyone who nods off. Lunch and dinner are also available, and the full-range service costs only 50 yuan -- one third of the price in Beijing.
Yongningquan on the Guoqing Road is a century-old bathroom. Its facade is a little worn, and the internal decor is in traditional style, taking everyone that crosses its threshold back in time. It still adheres to the public baths custom of admitting men only. The youth in the neighboring communities prefer the newer, better-equipped baths, so Yongningquan has a more elderly clientele, to whom it is a venue for meeting up with old buddies and exchanging chit-chat. Yongningquan is also famed for its excellent pedicures and back-rubs.
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An experienced pedicurist.
Photo: China Today
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Pedicure is a traditional service trade in Yangzhou. In older times Yangzhou was well known in China for its "three knives" -- kitchen knife, razor and pedicure file. In recent years Yangzhou has built up a reputation overseas for its pedicure skill, and a crop of young pedicure masters has emerged. Back rubbing and massage also require stringent training techniques. The public baths in Beijing and Shanghai woo their customers by putting up notices announcing "Yangzhou masters in service."
Having undergone several ups and downs in its history, Yangzhou is now calm and easy. The local residents are content with their lot. It is said that a Yangzhou person never feels depressed even when he is sacked. Instead, he will use his severance pay to invite his friends to have dinner or visit a bathhouse. It seems Yangzhou people are born oblivious of the pressures of life. Around 9 o'clock every morning the elders appear at their gates, and prepare for lunch. They cull vegetables piece by piece, and wash each bundle in several basins of water. At noon they play mah-jong with the neighbors, and start to make dinner around 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Yangzhou is planning to build a railway to other cities, the first one to go through the city. This is expected to spur the local economy and promote the flow of labor, and will, therefore, obliterate the tranquility of Yangzhou City.
Tour Guide
Slim West Lake: The Slim West Lake takes its name from its scenery that is in no way inferior to that of the West Lake in Hangzhou. With its rippling water, and delicate pavilions and gardens, the lake presents the cream of the art of traditional Chinese gardening. The scenery is at its best in April and May.
source:China Today
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