你好 Ni Hao and Welcome to Asia
Asia Facts
Asia is home to lots of diverse native wildlife including 500 mammal species, over 500 reptiles, 4,478 species of bird, and over 300 amphibian species are present.
The continent of Asia spans from the tip of Turkey in the middle east to the islands of Japan and Indonesia. Asia is perhaps one of the most diverse continents in the world, with its large landmass and diverse countries.
48 countries exist in Asia today.
Rafflesia Arnoldii is the world’s largest flower. This rare flower is found in the rainforests of Indonesia and can grow up to 3 ft. across weighing up to 15 pounds! The flower unfortunately has the nickname corpse flower as it smells like rotting meat to attract insects that will pollinate it.
No one really knows what the word Asia means or where it comes from. Its often thought the Greeks are responsible for calling that region of the world Asia but it seems to date back even further.
The 14 tallest mountains on earth are all located in Asia. Known collectively as the Eight-Thousanders, because each one is over 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) tall. Ten of the peaks are located in the Himalayas, and the rest are in the Karakoram mountain range.
Animal of the Week: Red Panda
Sure you’ve heard of Giant Pandas but have you ever heard of a Red panda? Much smaller than its large black and white cousin the red panda might remind you more of a raccoon or a stuffed animal than a bear. They live in trees in the Eastern Himalayas and South-western China. They live on a diet of 97% bamboo. Red pandas are unfortunately endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Interestingly enough they were given the name panda before the black and white animals which we think of as pandas; roughly fifty years before. Red pandas are very quiet creatures but when they vocalize it sounds like birds chirping.
Learn more about Chinese Pellet drums and watch some kids play them.
Watch a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance and learn more about their history and significance in Chinese Culture.
Don't miss out on this week's Around the World Adventure. Learn about Asias animals, make Chinese instruments, partake in fun activities and get your passport stamped!
