To Beijing and Back, Episode 2: Touring a Jade Factory

BEIJING, China, August 9. THE next segment of To Beijing and Back gives us a look inside a jade factory, where the precious jewel is refined and will be embedded in each Olympic medal.

Host Brent Rutemiller meets up with a Chinese employee, who gives viewers a tour of a jade factory and talks about the significance of jade in the Chinese culture. Much of jade comes from rocks found in the mountains or rivers, and China is the place where jade was discovered.

In the factory, jade is polished to turn its color from opaque to a lush green that feels very cool and smooth to the touch. There is some jade that looks red, and as such is very rare. It also has a varying texture that gives off its different shades within one sculpture.

Much of jade is carved into sculptures, and the tour guide shows many of the different mythological animals, Buddhas and shapes that are often made to bring happiness, wealth and long life to the owner.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use