ChangSha night walk, HuNan province

Sometimes in browsing the web disparate things just seem to come together, as here. Two different popular singing shows, one an established artist, one a teen on a first audition; one common theme - 'this girl is on fire'. In the first video, from 'I am a singer', I was so struck by the gusto of the performance. The cut-aways are to the other competitors; one can feel that the knives were out (in some cases) but she said 'take that', and nailed it ... The song is hard to translate but means something like : I want to be the real me (not one with a smile who is sad inside). Second is a lovely teen wearing a chili pepper (which is a big plus in my book); it's a bit rough in places but she hits the key lines great. Momo Wu (we love you too) watch out ;) What I love about the 'Voice of China' is that it has real humanity - judges with true music passion and pure hearts, plus a sense of hummor ... 鄧紫棋 G.E.M. (Gem Tang) - 存在_我是歌手第二季 中國好聲音 2014-07-18 第三季 - 第一期 劉至佳 - 'Girl on Fire' (Alicia Keys)

美國大叔賣掉房屋，移居中國14年：在百年老宅找到人生理想

A lovely film. Includes bamboo rafting on the Li River, hot-air ballooning, cycling through the countryside, hiking at the LongSheng rice terraces and the evening show Impressions of YangShuo, set on the water.

South of the Forbidden City and Tian'AnMen Square in central BeiJing, the blue sky city, lies this amazing Taoist temple, set in an abundant area (now park) of trees and a great place to visit. The wonderful architecture is brimming with symbolism and the park as a whole is a favorite for locals to hang out and practice Tai Chi or play JianZi (hacky sack), etc ...

With Einzelgänger ... Bonus film - Erich Fromm on 'To Have or To Be' ...

Part of the WuLingYuan Scenic Area in Hunan province. WuLingYuan National Park 中国世界自然遗产 武陵源 张家界 is a spectacular area stretching over more than 26,000 hectares. The park is dominated by more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 meters high. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, about 40 caves, and two large natural bridges. In addition to the striking beauty of the landscape, the region is also noted for the fact that it is home to a number of endangered plant and animal species.

Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a renowned mountain range in southern Anhui Province. Famous for its stunning granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and the mystical sea of clouds, Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for tourists and photographers. This guide provides an in-depth look at the best attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Huangshan. Top Attractions The Five Peaks of Huangshan Huangshan features several notable peaks, each offering unique scenery and experiences: Lotus Peak (Lianhua Peak): The highest peak at 1,864 meters, providing panoramic views and a challenging climb. Bright Summit (Guangming Ding): Known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Celestial Capital Peak (Tiandu Peak): Famous for its steep, narrow paths and stunning vistas. Purple Cloud Peak (Ziyun Peak): Offers a unique perspective of the mountain range. Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shixin Peak): Known for its dense pine trees and excellent viewpoints. Sea of Clouds The Sea of Clouds is one of Huangshan's most spectacular phenomena. This natural wonder occurs when fog envelops the valleys and lower peaks, leaving the higher peaks to appear as islands floating in a white sea. Hot Springs The hot springs at the foot of Huangshan are famous for their therapeutic properties. The springs have been a popular attraction for centuries and provide a relaxing way to unwind after a day of hiking. Pine Trees The ancient pine trees of Huangshan are known for their unique shapes and resilience, often growing out of rocky crevices. The most famous of these is the Greeting Pine (Ying Ke Song), which appears to welcome visitors with its outstretched branches. Flying-Over Rock This balanced rock is perched precariously on a narrow ledge and is a popular spot for photography. The rock appears to defy gravity and offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Geology of Huangshan Huangshan's distinctive landscape is primarily composed of granite, which has been shaped by millions of years of geological activity. The mountain's sharp peaks, deep valleys, and unique rock formations are the result of tectonic uplift and erosion. The granite's resistance to weathering has created the dramatic, jagged peaks that characterize the region. Touring Huangshan Planning Your Visit A visit to Huangshan typically takes two to three days to fully appreciate the main highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arriving and Initial Exploration Morning: Arrive at Huangshan and take the Yungu Cable Car to the top. Check into a mountain hotel to drop off your luggage. Afternoon: Explore the Beginning-to-Believe Peak and enjoy the stunning views and unique pine trees. Evening: Watch the sunset from Bright Summit. Day 2: Main Peaks and Scenic Areas Early Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Bright Summit. Mid-Morning: Hike to Lotus Peak, the highest peak, for panoramic views. Afternoon: Visit Flying-Over Rock and take in the stunning views of the sea of clouds if conditions are right. Evening: Relax at the mountain hotel or explore more of the scenic spots at a leisurely pace. Day 3: Descending and Hot Springs Morning: Take the Yungu Cable Car down to the base of the mountain. Mid-Morning: Visit the hot springs at the base of the mountain for a relaxing soak. Afternoon: Explore the nearby ancient villages such as Hongcun or Xidi before departing. Activities and Experiences Hiking Huangshan offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The trails are well-marked and offer breathtaking views at every turn. Popular routes include the circular path that covers the major peaks and the hike from the base to the summit. Photography The dramatic landscapes of Huangshan provide endless opportunities for photography. Key spots include the Sea of Clouds, the unique pine trees, and the panoramic views from the peaks. Local Cuisine After a day of hiking, enjoy local Anhui cuisine, known for its use of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Specialties include stinky tofu, mandarin fish, and bamboo shoots. There are several restaurants and food stalls at the base of the mountain and near the cable car stations. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit The best times to visit Huangshan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer tourists and the chance to see the mountains covered in snow. Getting There Huangshan is accessible by train, bus, and air. The nearest city is Huangshan City (Tunxi), from where you can take a bus or taxi to the mountain. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport has flights from major Chinese cities, and the Huangshan North Railway Station is connected to the high-speed rail network. Accommodation Accommodation options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels in Huangshan City and near the mountain. For a unique experience, consider staying overnight on the mountain in a guesthouse or hotel, which allows you to catch the sunrise and sunset from the peaks. Tickets and Passes Purchase entrance tickets at the mountain's gates. There are separate tickets for the cable cars and hot springs. Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to explore all the main peaks and scenic areas. Guides and Tours Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the mountain's history, culture, and geology. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, tickets, and guided tours.

A new collection of songs / auditions from the wonderful Voice of China. With 2017 (series 4) judges Wang Feng, Na Ying, Harlem Yu and Jay Chou; plus a few songs from series 2 and 3 ... 00:01 The Voice of China 4 Trailer (Wang Feng, Na Ying, Harlem Yu & Jay Chou) 01:38 Chen Bing (陈冰) - "盛夏光年" (Eternal Summer) [S03] 04:45 Bek (别日克) - "Volare" [S04] 08:08 Zhou Shen (周深) - "欢颜" (Your Smiling Face) [S03] 11:34 Zhang Dandan (张丹丹) - "爱是一颗幸福的子弹" (Love Is A Happy Bullet) [S03] 15:00 Lin Yan (林燕) - "别来纠缠我" (Don't Pester Me) [S04] 18:39 Zhang Xin (张新) - "Fallin'" [S02] 21:14 Zhu Ke (朱克) - "离不开你" (Can't Leave You) [S02] 24:08 Saya Chang (张惠春) - "怎么说我不爱你" (How Can You Say I Don't Love You) [S04] 27:31 Li Zhixian (李致贤) & Chyi Chin (齐秦) - "火柴天堂" (Matchstick Heaven) [S03] 29:35 Bei Bei (贝贝) - "花火" (Fireworks) [S04] *** BeijingBuzzz Top Choice 33:16 Will Jay (刘伟男) - "Lemon Tree" [S04] 37:03 Rocky Chan (陈乐基) - "月半小夜曲" (Half Moon Serenade) [S03] 40:35 Jóhannes Koo (古振邦) - "Say Something" [S04] 44:27 Abigail Garza (李安安) - "I Surrender" [S04] 48:39 Lotus Zhang (张姝) - "一起摇摆" (Let's Rock) [S04] 52:26 Zhao Han (赵晗) - "煎熬" (Torment) [S02] 55:52 Cui Tianqi (崔天琪) - "Mad World" [S02] 58:59 Li Wenhui (李文慧) - "Yellow" [S04] 1:03:04 Tan Xuanyuan (谭轩辕) - "Sill Loving You" [S04] 1:06:24 Zhang Jingyi (张婧懿) - "玫瑰" (Rose) [S03] 1:09:47 Yao Beina (姚贝娜) - "也许明天" (Maybe Tomorrow) [S02], July 2013 ### 1:13:11 Taskyn (塔斯肯) - "Dudarai" (Дударай) [S02] ### Yao Beina (aka Bella Yao), 姚贝娜, 26 September 1981 – 16 January 2015 (aged 33; breast cancer). Among much more, she sang in the CCTV Spring Festival Gala twice, and the pop version of Let It Go in the Disney film Frozen for the Mandarin Chinese dub when the film was released in China. Read more ... It's been a while, but here is over 2 hours of great music.

How the West created the discord with China, and Asia, and what might ensue ...