China – the world’s happiest country : )

1. 1.4 billion - China's population, making it the most populous country in the world. 2. 23 - The number of provinces in China. 3. 56 - The number of recognized ethnic groups in China. 4. 9,596,960 square kilometers - China's total land area. 5. 1949 - The year the People's Republic of China was founded. 6. 70 - The percentage of the world's total silk production that comes from China. 7. 2,000 - The approximate number of years the Great Wall of China has been in existence. 8. 1971 - The year when China was admitted to the United Nations. 9. 34 - The number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China. 10. 4,000 - The years of recorded history in China. 11. 3.7 million square kilometers - The area covered by China's desert, the Gobi Desert. 12. 88 - The number considered lucky in Chinese culture. 13. 40,000 - The length of China's high-speed railway network in kilometers. 14. 1.4 trillion - The approximate number of disposable chopsticks used in China each year. 15. 4 - The number of official Chinese characters on the national flag. 16. 2nd - China's rank in the world for the largest economy. 17. 2008 - The year Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics. 18. 7 - The number of consecutive years China has been the world's largest exporter. 19. 1.4 billion - The number of mobile phone users in China. 20. 60 million - The approximate number of empty homes in China. 21. 40,000 - The approximate number of characters in the Chinese language. 22. 1,411 meters - The height of the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world. 23. 8.98 million - The size, in square kilometers, of the Tibetan Plateau, often called the "Roof of the World." 24. 800 million - The number of internet users in China. 25. 50,000 - The number of rivers in China, each with a basin exceeding 100 square kilometers. 26. 300 million - The number of Chinese people practicing Buddhism. 27. 20 million - The number of Chinese Muslims. 28. 64 - The average life expectancy in China. 29. 45 - The percentage of China's population living in urban areas. 30. 1.39 billion - The number of active social media users in China. 31. 7,546 - The length, in kilometers, of the Grand Canal, the world's longest artificial waterway. 32. 15 million - The number of babies born in China each year. 33. 37 - The number of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage items in China. 34. 2003 - The year China became the third country to launch a manned space mission. 35. 2.3 million - The size, in square kilometers, of the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert. 36. 12,000 - The number of terracotta warriors buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. 37. 520 - A term in Chinese internet culture representing "I love you." 38. 100 million - The number of tourists who visit the Great Wall of China annually. 39. 2 - The number of pandas given as gifts by China to foreign countries as goodwill ambassadors. 40. 65 - The percentage of the world's total production of solar panels that comes from China. 41. 2,300 - The length, in kilometers, of the Yangtze River, China's longest river. 42. 1 - The number of children per couple allowed under China's one-child policy (recently replaced by a two-child policy). 43. 7 - The number of Chinese astronauts who have been in space. 44. 200 million - The number of bicycles in China. 45. 5,000 - The number of years tea has been consumed in China. 46. 300 - The number of TV channels in China. 47. 1.1 billion - The number of Chinese people who watch the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala. 48. 221 BC - The year Qin Shi Huang unified China and became the first emperor. 49. 4 million - The number of college graduates in China each year. 50. 5 - The number of autonomous regions in China. 51. 3,300 - The length, in kilometers, of the Yellow River, China's second-longest river. 52. 49 - The percentage of the world's total coal consumption that comes from China. 53. 16,000 - The length, in kilometers, of the Great Wall of China, including all of its branches. 54. 1949 - The year when the Chinese currency, the Renminbi (RMB), was introduced. 55. 2.5 million - The number of electric vehicles sold in China in 2020. 56. 2,200 - The length, in kilometers, of the Mekong River, which originates in China. 57. 22 - The number of provinces, regions, and municipalities directly under the central government. 58. 150 million - The number of square meters of new construction added daily in China. 59. 8,848 meters - The height of Mount Everest, which straddles the border between China and Nepal. 60. 1966-1976 - The years of the Cultural Revolution in China. 61. 80 - The percentage of the world's total rare earth elements produced by China. 62. 8 - The number of major Chinese cuisines, including Sichuan, Cantonese, and Shandong. 63. 1.4 billion - The number of people covered by China's national health insurance. 64. 2 - The number of sessions of the National People's Congress held each year. 65. 1980 - The year China implemented its one-child policy. 66. 7 - The number of national holidays in China. 67. 80 million - The number of people who visit the Forbidden City in Beijing annually. 68. 5 trillion - The total value, in U.S. dollars, of China's foreign exchange reserves. 69. 1,417 meters - The depth of the South China Sea, China's marginal sea. 70. 10 - The number of Renminbi (RMB) denominations, including the yuan and jiao. 71. 26 million - The number of university students in China. 72. 9 - The number of dragon's pearls on the Chinese national flag. 73. 1,100 - The number of Giant Pandas remaining in the wild. 74. 25 - The percentage of the world's total steel production that comes from China. 75. 3,300 - The number of characters in a standard Chinese dictionary. 76. 1978 - The year China began economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping. 77. 2 million - The number of people employed in the Chinese military, the largest in the world. 78. 40 - The percentage of global e-commerce transactions that take place in China. 79. 7.6 million - The length, in kilometers, of China's highway system. 80. 35 - The percentage of the world's total cotton production that comes from China. 81. 700 million - The number of Chinese people lifted out of poverty since economic reforms began. 82. 9,144 kilometers - The length of China's land borders. 83. 600 BC - The approximate date of the earliest recorded Chinese characters. 84. 10 - The number of years it took to build the Bird's Nest Stadium for the 2008 Olympics. 85. 20 - The percentage of the world's total energy consumption that comes from China. 86. 1971 - The year when ping pong diplomacy improved relations between China and the United States. 87. 2 - The number of pandas sent to the U.S. as a result of ping pong diplomacy. 88. 70 - The percentage of the world's total solar water heater capacity installed in China. 89. 2,213 meters - The height of Mount Lushan, China's most famous mountain. 90. 200 million - The number of Chinese tourists who travel abroad each year. 91. 1969 - The year China successfully tested its first nuclear bomb. 92. 2,000 - The number of years the Chinese have been drinking tea. 93. 4 million - The number of square kilometers of arable land in China. 94. 10 million - The number of university graduates in China each year. 95. 120 - The number of years the Qing Dynasty ruled China (1644-1912). 96. 30 - The number of world heritage sites in China. 97. 100 - The percentage of electric buses in Shenzhen, the first city in the world to achieve this. 98. 1949 - The year China adopted the "five-star" national flag. 99. 70 million - The number of Chinese households that play Mahjong regularly. 100. 80 - The percentage of global Bitcoin mining that takes place in China.

One can see this distinction in the wider society too - East vs. West; cultures with different foundations - long term (family, infrastructure, community, the arts) versus short term (hype, sex, gossip, war). Mature versus immature. We versus me. The immature mind thinks 'me'; the mature mind understands that life is really about 'we'. Maturity is when one grows beyond the narcissism phase *. 'I' am just a small part of a bigger 'I' - humanity. With Dr. Robert Lustig ... One is controlled when one believes what one has been told (sold). Freedom is removing these mind chains and seeing reality. ----- * (footnote) At BB, we think that narcissism is a development phase that most transition out of; but some stay there and it can become exaggerated. The traditional views might also be true; likely, there is an interplay involved. ----- ----- Aside #1 : Q : Why does BB have so much content about health - nutrition and mental well-being ? A : Because it is fundamental to everything else; one cannot see the beauty of life if one's mind is mixed up; one cannot live life to the full if one is ill. ----- ----- Aside #2 : Confucius : One can grow from everybody one meets. On life's journey, one will meet wise people - learn from them; one will also meet foolish people - look deep within to see if one also has these follies.

This beautiful Ming dynasty complex (GuGong, 'Old Palace'), which opened in 1420, lies in the heart of Beijing ... Bonus films - mostly Beijing, plus a little ShangHai ...

ShàoXīng is a water-town not far from HangZhou. The East Lake is situated six kilometers (four miles) to the east of the historic ShaoXing city. The exquisite crescent-shaped lake is hemmed in by a hill formed of bluestone, a material widely used in building houses, bridges and roads. Stoneworkers have quarried from this hill since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and over time the hill became hollowed out, leaving only steep cliffs, a deep pool and a number of grottoes. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 AD), the lake was beautified with diverse bridges, pavilions and willow trees. Bonus film - peach tree orchard in ShaoXing ...

With Jeffrey Sachs and ShangHaiEye ... With Nomad Capitalist and Cyrus Janssen ... With The Bridge Podcast and Ben Norton ... With BreakThrough News and Ben Norton ... With Richard Wolff ... With Brian Berletic ... With Daniel Dumbrill ...

We hope all our visitors will one day find (or have found) their true love. Romantic songs galore ... When love calls your name ... are you ready to believe ? Are you strong enough, to trust in love ...? No matter what ... Three little words : Wo ai ni (I love you) ... Waiting for my chance, I was lost, then found, All I know is : We're all in the dance. One life ... one love ... Beginning with 'Superhero Wedding' ... Romance is great, but love is greater. Remember that scene from 'Karate Kid' ? Put on your jacket, take off your jacket, put on your jacket, take off your jacket ...' Kung Fu is not just an activity one does now and then - it is a way of life and permeates one's very heart and is in everything one does. So it is for the true love. Time may flow on without halt, but you won't. However, what you do in life can have a lasting impact, and resonate from heart to heart, down the ages. Love is without fear, love is now, love is forever. Single or double, the most important thing is to love life ... Happy lovers day, from BeijingBuzzz : )( : This is it.

With China Walking Tour ... Ancient City of PingYao visitor guide Overview The Ancient City of PingYao, located in ShanXi province, is one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ping Yao offers a fascinating glimpse into China's architectural and cultural history. The city's layout, traditional buildings, and historical sites make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers. History Ping Yao's history dates back over 2,700 years, with its origins in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC). The city flourished during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties as a center of trade, finance, and banking. Its well-preserved architecture and urban planning reflect the prosperous period of ancient China, making it an invaluable cultural and historical treasure. Main Attractions City Walls The ancient city walls of Ping Yao are among the most complete in China. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, these imposing walls stretch for 6 kilometers and feature 72 watchtowers and numerous gates. Visitors can walk along the walls, enjoying panoramic views of the city and experiencing the historical significance of this ancient fortification. Rishengchang Draft Bank Rishengchang, established in the early 19th century, is considered the first draft bank in China. This historical site offers insights into the origins of China's banking system and showcases traditional banking practices. The museum within the bank exhibits artifacts and documents that highlight the financial history of Ping Yao. Ancient Government Office The Ancient Government Office, also known as the Ping Yao County Office, served as the administrative center of the city. This well-preserved complex includes the courthouse, prison, and various government offices. Visitors can explore the rooms and halls, gaining an understanding of the judicial and administrative processes of ancient China. Temple of the City God The Temple of the City God is a significant religious site in Ping Yao. Dedicated to the deity believed to protect the city, the temple features beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and serene courtyards. It remains an active place of worship and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Culture and Traditions The Ancient City of Ping Yao is a cultural treasure trove, with a rich heritage of traditional customs, crafts, and festivals. The city's residents continue to preserve and celebrate their cultural traditions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the living history of this ancient city. From traditional performances to local crafts, Ping Yao's cultural vibrancy is palpable. Activities and Experiences Walking Tours Explore Ping Yao on foot with a guided walking tour. These tours provide valuable insights into the city's history, architecture, and culture, and are led by knowledgeable local guides. Walking through the ancient streets and alleyways is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the city's unique charm. Shopping for Local Crafts The shops and markets in Ping Yao offer a variety of traditional crafts and handmade products. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, including lacquerware, paper cuttings, and traditional clothing, all crafted by local artisans. These items make for unique and meaningful mementos of your visit. Sampling Local Cuisine Ping Yao is known for its delicious local cuisine, which reflects the flavors and traditions of Shanxi province. Visitors can sample a range of traditional dishes at the city's restaurants and food stalls. Don't miss trying the local specialties, such as Ping Yao beef, daoxiao noodles, and steamed buns. Attending Festivals Throughout the year, Ping Yao hosts various traditional festivals that celebrate local culture and heritage. These festivals feature music, dance, and traditional performances, offering visitors a unique and immersive cultural experience. Check the local event calendar to see if any festivals coincide with your visit. Accommodation Ping Yao offers a range of accommodation options, including traditional guesthouses, boutique hotels, and homestays. Staying in a traditional courtyard hotel provides an authentic experience and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of the city. These accommodations often feature traditional architecture and décor, adding to the charm of your stay. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ping Yao is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. Getting There: Ping Yao is accessible by train, with Ping Yao Ancient City Railway Station serving high-speed trains from major cities. The nearest airport is Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, which offers connections to various domestic and international destinations. Opening Hours: The ancient city is open to visitors year-round. Specific attractions and shops may have their own operating hours. Entrance Fees: There may be entrance fees for certain attractions within the city. It is advisable to check the latest fees before planning your visit. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the city's streets are cobbled and can be uneven. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and cultural sites. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially if you plan on exploring the city extensively. It's also a good idea to bring snacks or purchase food from local vendors.

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