Beautiful scenes from `Impression West Lake` 印象西湖

Wonderful landscapes ...

With Travel East ... Wuhan Travel Guide Introduction Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling modern life. Located at the intersection of the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan is a major transportation hub and a center for education and industry. This guide will take you through the must-see attractions, local cuisine, cultural highlights, and practical travel tips for visiting Wuhan. Must-See Attractions Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼) The Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Wuhan. This historic tower, originally built in 223 AD, offers stunning views of the city and the Yangtze River. It has been rebuilt several times and is now a symbol of Wuhan's cultural heritage. East Lake (东湖) East Lake is the largest urban lake in China, offering beautiful scenery and numerous recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, and walking along the picturesque lake shores. The area also features botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries, and scenic spots like the Cherry Blossom Park. Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆) The Hubei Provincial Museum is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the famous bronze chime bells of the Zenghouyi Tomb, ancient pottery, and relics from various dynasties. The museum provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of Hubei province. Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge (武汉长江大桥) The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge is the first bridge to span the Yangtze River. Opened in 1957, this engineering marvel connects the Wuchang and Hanyang districts of Wuhan. The bridge offers panoramic views of the river and the city skyline. Guiyuan Buddhist Temple (归元寺) Guiyuan Buddhist Temple is one of Wuhan's most important religious sites. Established in the Qing Dynasty, the temple features beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and a vast collection of Buddha statues. It is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Local Cuisine Wuhan is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is characterized by bold flavors and hearty dishes. Here are some must-try foods: Re Gan Mian (热干面) Re Gan Mian, or hot dry noodles, is Wuhan's signature dish. This savory noodle dish is made with sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast food in Wuhan and a must-try for visitors. Doupi (豆皮) Doupi is a traditional Wuhan snack made from glutinous rice, minced pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a bean curd skin and fried until crispy. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that reflects the city's culinary traditions. Mianwo (面窝) Mianwo is a type of savory fried doughnut made from rice flour and mung beans. These crispy treats are often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack and are commonly sold by street vendors. Wuchang Fish (武昌鱼) Wuchang Fish is a famous dish from the Wuchang district of Wuhan. The fish is typically steamed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that highlights the natural taste of the fish. Cultural Highlights Wuhan University (武汉大学) Wuhan University is one of China's most prestigious universities and is renowned for its beautiful campus. The university is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract thousands of visitors each spring. The campus also features historic buildings and scenic spots worth exploring. Jiqing Street (吉庆街) Jiqing Street is a lively area known for its street performances, local snacks, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great place to experience the local culture, enjoy live music, and taste a variety of Wuhan's street food offerings. Han Show Theatre (汉秀剧场) The Han Show Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance venue that hosts spectacular shows combining acrobatics, dance, and technology. The theatre itself is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble a Chinese lantern. Practical Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Wuhan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting Around: Wuhan has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro lines, and taxis. The metro is a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city. Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Accommodation: Wuhan offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular areas to stay include Hankou, Wuchang, and Hanyang districts. Health and Safety: Wuhan is generally a safe city for travelers. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings. Conclusion Wuhan is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern urban life. Whether you're exploring its ancient landmarks, savoring its local cuisine, or experiencing its vibrant culture, Wuhan offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Use this guide to make the most of your visit to this fascinating city in Hubei province.

In their last days as students at the Beijing University of Language and Culture, trips to the Summer Palace (YíHéYuán) and the ruins of, but still beautiful, 'Old Summer Palace' (YuanMingYuan). These are within walking distance of each other in west Beijing and both have metro (subway) stops. In neither film are all the scenic spots visited; but then these are huge places; both are well worth a visit when you're in Beijing ...

Night Walk In ChangSha Christmas Carnival | 4K HDR Festival Party| China | 湖南 | 长沙 | 世界之窗节日秀

With The New Atlas ... Bonus film - the role of western MSM - with the Moderate Rebels ...

Introduction China's traditional arts and crafts reflect its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic backgrounds. These art forms have been passed down through generations, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance. Here are the top 50 traditional Chinese arts and crafts, along with their origins and associated ethnicities. 1. Chinese Calligraphy (书法, Shūfǎ) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters with a brush and ink. It is highly regarded for its aesthetic qualities and expressive potential. 2. Chinese Painting (国画, Guóhuà) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Traditional Chinese painting involves brushwork on paper or silk, depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, and human figures. 3. Cloisonné (景泰蓝, Jǐngtàilán) Origin: Yuan Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with enamel, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors. 4. Chinese Embroidery (刺绣, Cìxiù) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han, Miao, Yi, Zhuang Chinese embroidery is a decorative art that involves stitching intricate patterns onto fabrics using silk or cotton threads. 5. Paper Cutting (剪纸, Jiǎnzhǐ) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper cutting is a folk art where designs are cut into paper, traditionally used for window decorations and festival celebrations. 6. Porcelain (瓷器, Cíqì) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese porcelain, known for its delicate beauty and durability, has been highly prized for centuries and is often decorated with intricate designs. 7. Jade Carving (玉雕, Yùdiāo) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Jade carving is the art of shaping jade into ornaments, figurines, and ritual objects, revered for its beauty and spiritual significance. 8. Chinese Opera Masks (戏曲面具, Xìqǔ Miànjù) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Opera masks are used in traditional Chinese theater to represent various characters and their traits through colors and patterns. 9. Silk Weaving (丝织, Sīzhī) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Silk weaving is an ancient craft involving the production of silk fabric, known for its smooth texture and luxurious appearance. 10. Chinese Knotting (中国结, Zhōngguó Jié) Origin: Tang and Song Dynasties Ethnicity: Han Chinese knotting is the art of creating decorative knots using a single length of cord, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. 11. Bronze Casting (青铜铸造, Qīngtóng Zhùzào) Origin: Shang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Bronze casting is an ancient method of creating bronze objects, including vessels, weapons, and ritual items, through mold casting. 12. Batik (蜡染, Làrǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Buyi Batik is a traditional textile art involving wax-resist dyeing, creating intricate patterns on fabric, commonly practiced by the Miao and Buyi people. 13. Lacquerware (漆器, Qīqì) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Lacquerware involves coating objects with lacquer to create a hard, shiny surface, often decorated with intricate designs and inlays. 14. Bamboo Weaving (竹编, Zhúbiān) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Bamboo weaving is the craft of creating items like baskets, mats, and furniture using bamboo strips, valued for its durability and flexibility. 15. Chinese Puppetry (木偶戏, Mù'ǒuxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese puppetry involves using hand-crafted puppets to perform traditional stories and plays, combining art, music, and storytelling. 16. Thangka Painting (唐卡, Tángkǎ) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Thangka painting is a Tibetan Buddhist art form that involves creating religious images on cloth, used for meditation and teaching. 17. Pottery (陶器, Táoqì) Origin: Neolithic Period Ethnicity: Han Pottery is one of the earliest forms of Chinese art, with hand-crafted ceramic vessels used for cooking, storage, and rituals. 18. Chinese Shadow Puppetry (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow puppetry involves manipulating flat puppets behind a screen to create shadows, telling stories with music and narration. 19. Rattan Weaving (藤编, Téngbiān) Origin: Ancient Times Ethnicity: Dai, Li Rattan weaving is the craft of making furniture, baskets, and other items using rattan, commonly practiced by the Dai and Li ethnic groups. 20. Dough Figurines (面人, Miànrén) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Dough figurines are traditional folk art made from colored dough, sculpted into various characters, animals, and scenes. 21. Silver Jewelry Making (银饰, Yínshì) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Yi Silver jewelry making involves crafting intricate silver ornaments, often worn during festivals and ceremonies by the Miao and Yi people. 22. Chinese Seal Carving (篆刻, Zhuànkè) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Seal carving is the art of engraving characters or designs onto stone or wood seals, used for stamping documents and artwork. 23. Tangka Embroidery (唐卡刺绣, Tángkǎ Cìxiù) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tangka embroidery combines traditional embroidery techniques with religious themes, creating elaborate and colorful textile art. 24. Peking Opera Costumes (京剧服装, Jīngjù Fúzhuāng) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Peking Opera costumes are elaborate and symbolic garments worn by performers, representing different characters and social statuses. 25. Wooden Fish Carving (木鱼雕刻, Mùyú Diāokè) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Wooden fish carving is a traditional craft involving the creation of wooden fish sculptures, often used in Buddhist temples as percussion instruments. 26. Tie-Dye (扎染, Zhārǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Bai Tie-dye is a textile art practiced by the Bai people, involving the tying and dyeing of fabric to create intricate patterns and designs. 27. Paper Fans (纸扇, Zhǐshàn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper fans are traditional hand-held fans made from paper and bamboo, often decorated with calligraphy and paintings. 28. Dragon and Lion Dance (舞龙舞狮, Wǔlóng Wǔshī) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han The dragon and lion dance are traditional Chinese performances involving large, colorful costumes, performed during festivals to bring good luck. 29. Ethnic Costumes (民族服饰, Mínzú Fúshì) Origin: Varies Ethnicity: Various (e.g., Yi, Zhuang, Miao) Ethnic costumes are traditional garments worn by various ethnic groups in China, each with distinct styles, colors, and patterns reflecting their culture. 30. Kesi Weaving (缂丝, Kēsī) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Kesi weaving is a highly intricate form of silk tapestry weaving, creating detailed and colorful patterns often used for clothing and artwork. 31. Woodblock Printing (木版画, Mùbǎn Huà) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Woodblock printing is a technique for printing text, images, and patterns, involving carving designs into wooden blocks and pressing them onto paper or fabric. 32. Shadow Play (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow play is a traditional form of storytelling using silhouetted figures manipulated behind a translucent screen, accompanied by music and narration. 33. Chinese Garden Design (中国园林, Zhōngguó Yuánlín) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Chinese garden design is the art of creating harmonious landscapes that combine natural elements like rocks, water, and plants with architecture and art. 34. Miao Silver Jewelry (苗银, Miáo Yín) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao Miao silver jewelry is known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship, often worn during festivals and ceremonies by the Miao people. 35. Chinese Paper Umbrellas (油纸伞, Yóuzhǐ Sǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Paper umbrellas are traditional umbrellas made from oiled paper and bamboo, used for protection against rain and sun, and as decorative items. 36. Tibetan Thangka Painting (唐卡, Tángkǎ) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan Thangka painting involves creating religious images on cloth, used for meditation and teaching in Tibetan Buddhism. 37. Chinese Shadow Puppetry (皮影戏, Píyǐngxì) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Shadow puppetry is a traditional form of storytelling using silhouetted figures manipulated behind a translucent screen, accompanied by music and narration. 38. Hunan Embroidery (湘绣, Xiāngxiù) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Hunan embroidery is a traditional Chinese embroidery style known for its fine craftsmanship and lifelike images, often depicting nature and animals. 39. Guizhou Batik (贵州蜡染, Guìzhōu Làrǎn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Miao, Buyi Guizhou batik is a traditional textile art involving wax-resist dyeing, creating intricate patterns on fabric, commonly practiced by the Miao and Buyi people. 40. Tibetan Rugs (藏毯, Zàngtǎn) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan rugs are hand-woven woolen rugs known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, used for both practical and decorative purposes. 41. Hanfu Clothing (汉服, Hànfú) Origin: Zhou Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Hanfu is traditional Chinese clothing worn by the Han people, characterized by flowing robes, wide sleeves, and intricate embroidery. 42. Tibetan Singing Bowls (西藏唱盘, Xīzàng Chàngpán) Origin: 8th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan singing bowls are metal bowls that produce a resonant sound when struck or rubbed, used in meditation and healing practices. 43. Manchu Embroidery (满绣, Mǎnxiù) Origin: Qing Dynasty Ethnicity: Manchu Manchu embroidery is a traditional embroidery style known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, often depicting nature and animals. 44. Suzhou Embroidery (苏绣, Sūxiù) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Han Suzhou embroidery is a highly detailed and refined embroidery style known for its realistic images and delicate stitching, often depicting landscapes and flowers. 45. Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments (传统乐器, Chuántǒng Yuèqì) Origin: Various Ethnicity: Various Traditional Chinese musical instruments include the guzheng, erhu, pipa, and dizi, each with its own unique sound and playing technique, used in various forms of Chinese music. 46. Tibetan Butter Sculpture (酥油花, Sūyóu Huā) Origin: 7th Century Ethnicity: Tibetan Tibetan butter sculpture is a traditional art form involving the creation of intricate sculptures from colored butter, often used in religious ceremonies. 47. Yi Embroidery (彝绣, Yíxiù) Origin: Ancient Times Ethnicity: Yi Yi embroidery is a traditional embroidery style known for its bold colors and geometric patterns, often depicting nature and cultural symbols. 48. Dong Brocade (侗锦, Dòngjǐn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Dong Dong brocade is a traditional textile art practiced by the Dong people, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often used for clothing and household items. 49. Zhuang Brocade (壮锦, Zhuàngjǐn) Origin: Han Dynasty Ethnicity: Zhuang Zhuang brocade is a traditional textile art practiced by the Zhuang people, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often used for clothing and household items. 50. Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony (茶道, Chá Dào) Origin: Tang Dynasty Ethnicity: Han The traditional Chinese tea ceremony is a cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea, reflecting Chinese values of harmony, respect, and tranquility. Conclusion These traditional Chinese arts and crafts offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the creativity and skill of various ethnic groups. They continue to be celebrated and preserved, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of China.

A film by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) ... Shanghai is one of the world's great cities. Its night skyline boasts thousands of colorful high rises, revealing the modern face of China—one of sophistication, big business, vibrant art and culture, and fine cuisine. At night, it becomes a spectacular cacophony of 60-story neon canvases where high-tech graphic artists try to outdo each other with dazzling displays. Armani, Sony-Erickson, Starbucks, Canon, Ikea, Dell, IBM, Hitachi, and Toshiba are just some of the businesses competing with gargantuan high definition plasma screens. They serve as a constant reminder and visual testimony of Shanghai's startling transformation from heavy industry to services, logistics, and high technology. Since market restrictions were lifted, ShangHai has embraced the forces of business and design, shaping a fresh, new city that is sophisticated and innovative, defying the stereotypical notions of China.

China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty. These videos show recent examples of how this was achieved ...