China in the world – past, present and future

The US is encircling China to maintain its hegemony, and Japan is one key 'useful idiot' proxy / expendable missile base. Will the US be fighting China to the last Japanese ? With The Grayzone ... With The New Atlas ... With Geopolitics In Conflict ...

With Andy see the World ... Visitor Guide to ShanHaiGuan Overview ShanHaiGuan, located in QinHuangDao City, HeBei Province, is a renowned historical site known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." It is one of the most well-preserved and strategically important passes of the Great Wall of China, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into China's ancient military history and stunning coastal scenery. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is QinHuangDao Beidaihe Airport (BPE), located about 20 kilometers from ShanHaiGuan. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to ShanHaiGuan. By Train: ShanHaiGuan Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like BeiJing, TianJin, and Shenyang. High-speed trains make it convenient to reach ShanHaiGuan from these cities. By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities, including QinHuangDao and TianJin. The main bus station in ShanHaiGuan is ShanHaiGuan Long-Distance Bus Station. Getting Around Walking: The historic area of ShanHaiGuan is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the ancient architecture and fortifications. Biking: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions at your own pace. Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of ShanHaiGuan and QinHuangDao. Main Attractions First Pass Under Heaven (Zhenyuan Tower) This iconic gate is the easternmost point of the Great Wall and marks the starting point of the ancient defense line. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Great Wall stretching towards the mountains and the sea. Old Dragon's Head (Laolongtou) Located where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, the Old Dragon's Head is a dramatic and picturesque site. The fortifications extend into the sea, resembling a dragon drinking water. It's a unique and breathtaking part of the Great Wall. ShanHaiGuan Great Wall Museum The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history, construction, and significance of the Great Wall. Exhibits include artifacts, models, and interactive displays that bring the history of this monumental structure to life. Jiumenkou Great Wall This section of the Great Wall is unique for its series of nine gates and the river that flows beneath it. The Jiumenkou Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating look at ancient military engineering. Wang Family Courtyard This well-preserved traditional courtyard residence offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The courtyard is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and traditional furnishings. Local Cuisine ShanHaiGuan's cuisine is influenced by its coastal location and northern Chinese culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes: Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Bohai Sea, including fish, shrimp, and crab, is a highlight of local dining. QinHuangDao Dumplings: These dumplings are known for their thin skins and generous fillings, often served with a dipping sauce. Jiaozi (Dumplings): A variety of steamed or boiled dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood. Local Snacks: Try street food such as fried dough twists, roasted sweet potatoes, and various grilled skewers. Shopping Local Handicrafts: ShanHaiGuan is known for its traditional handicrafts, including paper-cutting, clay figurines, and embroidery. These items make for unique souvenirs. Antique Markets: Explore local antique markets for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles. Seafood Markets: Purchase fresh or dried seafood to take home or enjoy while you're in the area. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel QinHuangDao or the Sheraton QinHuangDao Beidaihe Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Best Western Junyu Grand Hotel and QinHuangDao Grand Hotel provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the ShanHaiGuan Youth Hostel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanHaiGuan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: ShanHaiGuan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the historical sites, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion ShanHaiGuan, with its rich history, strategic importance, and stunning coastal scenery, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient fortifications, savoring fresh seafood, or strolling along the Great Wall, ShanHaiGuan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating destination in HeBei Province.

The West wants no peers, only slaves. With Ben Norton ... Bonus film : What is the West's mindset today ? - with Michael Brenner and Neutrality Studies ...

With Dr. Sten Ekberg ... BB's summary : Variety, natural, and not too much. Would have been nice to have a discussion on what vegans or vegetarians should be careful about, the importance of gut bacteria / the microbiome, the timing (limited window for eating), and how people are not all the same, but it is generally correct. Bonus film ...

With Ben Norton, Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ... Bonus films : With Judge Napolitano and Jeffrey Sachs ... With Douglas Macgregor ... With Willene Business & Lifestyle ... With Brian Berletic ...

Near LuoYang, provincial capital of HeNan, central China. There is a LaoZi Cultural Park near the foot of the mountain and a cable car is available to reach the top. The ancient sage LaoZi (in modern PinYin though one will still also see Lao-Tse or Lao-Tzu) who started Daoism (Taoism) and authored the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), is said to have gained inspiration here around 550 BC. The Dao (道) which roughly translates as 'the way', in the sense of how things are, is a concept that existed in Chinese thought many centuries before LaoZi, but it was LaoZi who developed the concept considerably. Wu Wei (無爲), literally "non-action" or "not acting", is a central concept of the DaoDeJing. The concept of wu wei is multi-faceted, and reflected in the words' multiple meanings, even in English translation; it can mean "not doing anything", "not forcing", "not acting" in the theatrical sense, "creating nothingness", "acting spontaneously", and "flowing with the moment / 'here and now'". It is a concept used to explain ZiRan (自然), or harmony with the Dao. LaoZi used the term broadly with simplicity and humility as key virtues, often in contrast to selfish action. On a political level, it means avoiding such circumstances as war, harsh laws and heavy taxes. The 'ruler' can also refer to the 'self'. There is an overlap here with the Buddha's teachings that suffering stems from attachments and desires, ultimately to the notion of a separate self. In Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang (陰陽 YīnYáng, "dark—light") describes how opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. While duality is found in many belief systems, Yin and Yang are parts of a Oneness that is also equated with the Dao. Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary (rather than opposing) forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts; it is a holistic view. Everything has both yin and yang aspects, though either of the two major aspects may manifest more strongly in a particular object, depending on the criterion of the observation. Yin and Yang is a balance between two seeming opposites with a portion of the opposite element in each. Some of LaoZi's famous sayings include: "When goodness is lost, it is replaced by morality." "Without Darkness, there can be no Light." "The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness." "The best people are like water, which benefits all things and does not compete with them. It stays in lowly places that others reject. This is why it is so similar to the Way." "When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad." "Try to change it and you will ruin it. Try to hold it and you will lose it." "Those who know do not say. Those who say do not know." "When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." "A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." "Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." "A journey of a thousand miles starts under one's feet." "The more that laws and regulations are given prominence, the more thieves there will be." Alan Watts - 'The Daoist Way' ...

Including : If heaven closes; Long life, my friend; When the morning comes : and much more. One of the best music albums ever ... Support Bliss by buying their albums ...

JiangSu province. With Lee David ...

A little outside of our usual type of post, but we think that this is a topic that ripples widely. Here, some ABCs (American Born Chinese) straight talking from real life experience. First, a hyper-drive Wei Li, with a little 'bad language', but strong message. Not Chinese, not American, just a regular Jo / Joe ? There's still a message for you / us all. Be strong, yet without any need to put others down; be totally you while appreciating others. Wei Li nails it. Never think 'better than others'; think 'best I can be' (no compromise on who you are, no fear, no hate). Asians are all A+ students, right ?! Exploring stereotypes and the harm that, often silently, can ensue. CanWen Xu ... Olivia Lai ...