China Icons – a selection of films

With Wei's Travel ...

Near RuiLi and the border with Myanmar.

Filmed in 1966.

Music - the global language that brings people together. Love has no borders. Zhou Shen sings 'Monsters' by Katie Sky - a song about the demons that can crush the human spirit. Reaction by Katie, talking with YouTuber British Jack - and a challenge ... British Jack and British Mum invited their friend and Professional UK Singer Katie Sky (of Monsters) to sing 周深 Zhou Shen's '大鱼/ Big Fish' all in Chinese! As we all know, 'Big Fish' is a very difficult song full of Chinese style, with a beautiful melody. As a powerful singer, Katie Sky showed off her voice today and sang a deep 'Big Fish', which amazed British Jack and British Mum ... Katie Sky - Big Fish, the video ... Katie and Jack look back on the musical journey, and also to the future ... Don't miss the totally beautiful, moving and inspiring 2018 animated movie Big Fish and Begonia ... Big Fish lyrics ... The waves of the sea soundlessly drowns out the night, Overflowing from the edges of the sky. Big Fish is swimming in the gaps of dreamscape, Gazing upon your slumbering form. Look - the sea and sky are of the same color, Listen - raising winds and falling rain. Take your hand, blow away the endless mist. Big Fish's wings are too vast, I release the ropes of time. I fear you'd fly far, Far away from me. But I fear even more so that you stay here forever. Every drop of tear, they flow to you. Falling into the depths of the sky. The waves of the sea soundlessly drowns out the night, Overflowing from the edges of the sky. Big Fish is swimming in the gaps of dreamscape, Gazing upon your slumbering form. Look; the sea and sky are of the same color, Listen; raising winds and falling rain. Take your hand, blow away the endless mist. Big Fish's wings are too vast, I release the ropes of time. Watch you fly far, so far, Far away from me. It was true, you were born for the Heavens. Every drop of tear, they all flow to you. Falling back to the first time we met. Falling back to the first time we met. Falling back to ... the first time ... we met.

ShaanXi province. With Zina ...

Dr Rangan Chatterjee talks with professor David Sinclair ...

Just what is the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) - and what is it really up to ? With Brian Berletic and Angelo Giuliano / The New Atlas ... Bonus films : YChina attacked by the New York Times ... BreakThrough News talks with Tings Chak ... The West's (willing) failure to understand China's history - The Geopolitics In Conflict Show talks with Dr. Ken Hammond ... On Google ... On Palestine ... US torture horrors at Guantanamo ... On Africa and China ... On empire / colonialism (and 'world currency') ... On Cuba ... On Ukraine ... On the genocide of native Americans ... On US dystopia ... With Cyrus Janssen ...

With Heretic1988 ... On the ongoing restoration efforts ... We do not recommend trying to hike here, because of the significant dangers involved, but enjoy the beautiful aerial film, and here's some information about the location. From the filmmaker : "Aerial photography of JianKou Great Wall, West Line-East Line (from Jiuyan Building in the west to Zhenbei Building in the east) is a complete record of all important nodes. It was like witnessing a miracle for the first time. The slender white lines of the white boulders whispered silently on the top of the towering peak, looking up at the huge city wall in front of them, and overlooking the steep curve that leaped up the ridge and spread endlessly, and the wind blew through the masonry. Passing through the gate of the enemy building, a piece of history pushes the dust under your feet to the legend of the ghostly craftsmanship on the mountain at the end of the line of sight, staggering forward, unable to tolerate half a moment of hesitation, faith is as strong as a rock, and it grows wildly between the cliffs, using humble courage to tighten Every stone crevice climbed cautiously, listening to a soul-stirring long song with a startled mind." Visitor Guide to JianKou Wild Great Wall of China, BeiJing Getting There Location: JianKou is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the Huairou District, about 73 kilometers north of BeiJing. By Public Transport: Take bus 916 or 936 from Dongzhimen Bus Station in BeiJing to Huairou, then transfer to a local minibus or hire a private car to Xizhazi Village, the starting point for hiking JianKou. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or hire a private car service from BeiJing. The drive takes about 2 hours. Hiking and Safety Tips Difficulty: The JianKou section is known for its steep and rugged terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers. It is not recommended for beginners or those afraid of heights. Safety Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots, and consider bringing gloves for climbing steep sections. A hiking stick can also be helpful. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip. Avoid hiking during rainy or snowy conditions, as the wall can become slippery and dangerous. Guides: Hiring a local guide is recommended for first-time visitors. Guides can provide valuable information about the trail and ensure your safety. Emergency Supplies: Carry plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a fully charged mobile phone. There are no facilities along the trail. Main Attractions Notable Sections and Towers The "Zhengbeilou" Watchtower: One of the highest points on the JianKou section, offering panoramic views of the Great Wall snaking through the mountains. This is a popular spot for photography. The "Ox Horn Edge" (Niujiaobian): A dramatic and steep section of the wall that looks like the shape of an ox horn. It is challenging to climb but rewards hikers with spectacular views. The "Sky Stairs" (Tianti): A nearly vertical section of steps that test the courage and stamina of hikers. This is one of the most thrilling parts of the JianKou hike. Natural Scenery Mountain Views: The JianKou section offers stunning views of lush mountains and valleys, especially during spring and autumn when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Wildflowers: In spring, the hillsides are covered with wildflowers, adding a burst of color to the rugged landscape. Photography: JianKou is a favorite spot for photographers due to its dramatic scenery and the wild, unrestored state of the wall. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times for capturing photos. Nearby Attractions Mutianyu Great Wall: Located close to JianKou, the Mutianyu section is more restored and accessible, making it a good option for those who want a less strenuous hike. Beijing Huairou Scenic Area: Explore the scenic beauty of Huairou District, including rivers, mountains, and other historical sites. Dining and Accommodation While there are no dining facilities on the JianKou Great Wall itself, nearby villages and towns offer a variety of options: Local Restaurants: Enjoy traditional Chinese meals in local restaurants in Xizhazi Village and Huairou town. Dishes often feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Farm Stays: Experience rural life by staying in a local farmhouse. Many farm stays offer home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodations. Guesthouses: There are several guesthouses in the area, providing basic but comfortable lodging. Book in advance, especially during peak hiking seasons. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to hike JianKou are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Permits and Restrictions: Check for any necessary permits or restrictions before your visit. Some areas of the wall may be closed for conservation or safety reasons. Leave No Trace: Help preserve the natural beauty and historical significance of JianKou by carrying out all your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Conclusion The JianKou Wild Great Wall of China offers an unforgettable hiking experience with its breathtaking scenery, challenging trails, and rich history. Whether you're an avid hiker or a history enthusiast, JianKou provides a unique and rewarding adventure in BeiJing. Plan your visit carefully, respect the natural and historical sites, and enjoy the beauty of this wild and stunning section of the Great Wall.

YuanMingYuan, also known as the 'Old Summer Palace', was constructed during the 18th and early 19th century and was a wonderland of lakes and waterways, bridges, hills and pavilions. One third of the ground of YuanMingYuan was taken up by over 200 small hills with steep sides, secluded valleys, rock walls and stone caves. Half of the garderns are covered by the waters of lakes, winding streams and ponds. It was at YuanMingYuan that the emperors of the Qing Dynasty resided and handled government affairs - until it was destroyed; the Forbidden City was mostly used only for formal ceremonies at this time. The southern part of YuanMingYuan was where emperors handled state affairs, while the other parts were primarily for personal use and comprised of more than 150 scenic spots, involving rare exotic flowers and trees from different parts of the country. There were originally towers, terraces, pavilions, halls, corridors, pagodas and bridges with a total construction area of 150,000 square meters - corresponding in scale to that of the Imperial Palace. Artisans were recruited from all over China to enact the exquisite settings. The various styles of architecture, standing encircled by hills and rivulets, presented a most picturesque view. Many were reproductions of scenic mountains, rivers and famous gardens in China (mostly southern China). During his many tours of the country, emperor QianLong made it a point to have pictures of famous gardens and scenes drawn so that he could have replicas built in Beijing. Most famous of these were the ten scenic spots of the West Lake in HangZhou. The Old Summer Palace is often associated with the European-style palaces (Xi Yang Lou) that were built of stone. The designers of those structures, the Jesuits Giuseppe Castiglione and Michel Benoist, were employed by emperor QianLong to satisfy his taste for exotic buildings and objects. However, more than 95% of the Imperial Gardens consisted of essentially Chinese-style buildings. There were also a few buildings in Tibetan and Mongolian styles, reflecting the diversity of the Qing empire. In addition, hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in the halls, including some unique copies of literary works and collections. In 1860, during the 'Second Opium War', the British and French expeditionary forces looted the Old Summer Palace. Later, on October 18 1860, a British general - despite protestations from the French (who in fact had began the looting) - gave the order to set fire to the huge complex, which burned to the ground. In 1900, those buildings that had partly survived or been restored were burnt for good by the Western expeditionary forces sent to quell the 'Boxer Rebellion'. Many priceless artifacts were plundered and made their way to museums and private collections in Europe. The ruins were further plundered by the warlords of the early republican period and further destruction of the ruins took place during the 'Cutural Revolution'. After all this destruction, what was left was truely just an empty shell. Empress dowager CiXi later directed the forming of YiHeYuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony), into a new Summer Palace; this was near to the Old Summer Palace, but on a (somewhat) smaller scale. Nearest subway station : YuanMingYuan on line 4.