WuDang Mountain 武当山, HuBei province, home of Taoism and WuShu

An unusual video for the new year (it is not about China), but it relates to our by-line - 'live more'. The past can provide wisdom, the future goals to strive for, but don't lose focus on the here and now - it is the true reality so don't miss it. Wishing all the best in life to all our visitors. Do your best to make it happen, whatever your dreams, yet love and live each moment (it might not be one's ideal circumstance, but we can still make the most of it) ...

The ancient town of LiJiang, in YunNan province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 800 years of history. It was an important hub of the South Silk Road, along which many items were traded, including tea. It is home to the NaXi ethnic minority. LiJiang has lots of boutique hotels and cosy hostels in traditional architecture. The town, with its cobbled streets, streams and bridges, features many crafts (embroidery, silverware, drums and more) plus a wide variety of street snacks and restaurants.

JiaYuGuan is the first pass at the western end of the Great Wall of China. It lies 6 kilometers southwest of the city of JiaYuGuan in GanSu province. The fortress lies between two hills and near to an oasis that was then on the western edge of China. According to legend, when JiaYuGuan was being planned, the official in charge asked the designer to estimate the number of bricks required; the designer surprised the official by giving him an exact number. The official questioned his judgment, asking him if he was sure that would be enough, so the designer added one brick to the total. When JiaYuGuan was finished, there was one brick left over, which was placed loose on one of the gates, where it remains today. Nearby are the DunHuang Caves (also known as the MoGau Caves); these grottoes date from the 4th century AD and contain Buddhist art from over the next thousand years.

'Umbrella' protests 2. Who's behind the curtain and what is the real agenda ? With Michelle Greenstein and Rick Sanchez of RT ...

With some nice Canto-pop. A film by Ben Cheung ...

With Walk East ...

Located in the North Square by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Every evening at 8pm; free. The fountains cover over 100,000 square meters and form the world's most spectacular fountain complex. There are 2000 sets of nozzles, over 3000 sets of lights plus a professional audio system. The huge site can be attended by over 10,000 people.

In the West, poverty is tolerated; some say even necessary. China, however, aimed to end this once and for all. Today, China is almost at the point of eradicating poverty. Let's take a look at how it was achieved ...

Widescreen remix ...

With Mark Wiens ...

With Daniel Dumbrill - don't miss it ... Ultimately, ignorance is a choice - the decision to ignore truth / reality. Plus, some pertinent reflections from Living in China ... Bonus film from The New Atlas ...