THE BEIJING JADE FACTORY

During our week-long stay in Beijing, one of the many places we visited was the Beijing Jade Factory. There are many jade-cutting, fabricating and finishing establishments located in Beijing and the surrounding area.

One of the features of this particular factory was that they would custom-make any piece of jade into the jewlery, artwork or furniture you desired. Some of these creations could be completed in an hour or two, others could take as long as several months. Now this, in and of itself, was not unique to this Jade Factory. No. What set this establishment apart was its four-star restaurant and the exquisite food and service that it offered to visitors to the factory.

Without question, this meal was one of the three best we had while in China. Fantastic.

We also had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with several other world travelers from Israel, Indonesia, Germany and Ireland while at the Jade Factory. Great times with new friends.

We were absolutely astounded by the diversity of jade and jade articles on display. We saw incredible solid pieces of jade that had been carved into Chinese boats, twelve foot wall screens that sold for more than $2 million in US dollars, and bulls that stood five feet tall at the shoulder.

We purchased some of the, ahem, LESS expensive pieces of jade while we were there.

One of the pieces we bought is a series of ornate jade balls that are carved one within another and decorated with a dragon motif.

The dragons on the outside represent the protection of the father and mother while the carved balls that are contained within represent children and grandchildren. In its entirety it symbolizes the strength and unity of the family. It's made of carved green jade and is really cool looking.