Chinese ArchitectureChinese architecture has had a major influence on the architectural styles of Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Traditional Chinese architecture stressed the visual impact of buildings, and emphasised width rather than height, and symmetry. Grandeur could be signified by the number of tiers - in terms of floors or roofs. Buildings would normally be based on a substantial platform, side walls and a curved overhanging roof. Palaces, temples and even hutongs (alleys of simple commoners dwellings) were usually surrounded by a gated wall. Imperial Architecture While the dwellings of ordinary people, such as hutongs, were generally grey in color, both walls and roof, imperial buildings employed color. Imperial buildings had golden yellow roof tiles, red columns and doors, and walls that are shades of red - pink, purple or terracotta. Religious Architecture Buddhist architecture in much of China follows the imperial style, but with green roof tiles. A Buddhist temple normally has a front hall that houses a statue of a Bodhisattva, followed by a great hall that houses statues of the Buddhas, with accommodation for the monks and nuns at either side. Taoist architecture is a little less grand. The main deity is usually represented in the main hall which is at the front, in contrast to Buddhist layout where the main hall will be to the rear. Also, the entrance is usually at or to the side which is believed to confuse entry by demons (a Feng Shui guideline). Taoist roofs are generally blue. Commoners Architecture A SiHeYuan, or courtyard, was the traditional unit and could range from small and basic to elaborate. The courtyard itself, even if very small, could contain potted plants and serve as a small garden as well as workspace. A SiHeYuan would face south with the entrance at the front but on the east side. The main building would be at the back facing the courtyard (that is, facing south). Children would live in the side rooms. The room beside the entrance was used for sundry purposes. The main building faces south to avoid northerly winds and gain the most possible sunshine during winter. Overhanging eaves keep the building cool when the summer sun is high in the sky, and also keep off rain. The main building is divided into three, or sometimes five, rooms, with the main living area in the center. There is often a screen just inside the entrance so that passers by cannot see directly into the courtyard - and to protect from evil spirits (who are said to travel in straight lines and deterred by curved paths and screens). Wealthy people would have a larger SiHeYuan, possibly with two or even more courtyards, one behind the other. A pair of stone lions would be placed outside the main gate, which would be painted red with a large copper or brass ring handle. SiHeYuans were constructed next to each other in rows to form a hutong - an alley less than 9m wide (the narrowest are less than 1m wide). These lively communities are disappearing fast in Beijing, and elsewhere, although some such areas are now protected from redevelopment.
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Runs to the end of February, weather permitting.
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Sailing along the Li River and YuLong River, among beautiful karst mountain peaks ...
Bonus films - starting with 'Let life be beautiful' ...
Sung by Alu Azhou and the Mountain Wind Group 阿鲁阿卓, 山风组合 生如夏花.
Inspired by Stray Birds by famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, 1916 (生如夏花之绚烂，死如秋叶之静美 --飞鸟集, 泰戈尔, 1916). Lyrics and Music by PU Shu (朴树).
"In this life, we can not stay so long ..."
Plus, heading to the northern grasslands, Song of the Surging Water - title song of the 2015 movie Wolf Totem 汪峰 沧浪之歌（《狼图腾》主题曲）. Sung by Wang Feng.
Lyrics by WANG Feng (汪峰); music by Adam HUANG (HUANG Yong, 黄勇); with Alianuul (Morin Khuur solo) and NING FangLiang (violin solo).
"I am broken, but I love flying ..."
We are not here so long - let each day be full of love and beauty ...
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With Seiu Travel ...
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With Little Journey ...
Bonus film - the Expo Culture Park ...
New World City, located to the west of Nanjing Road pedestrian street.
The New World area in Shanghai is a vibrant and bustling commercial and entertainment district located in the Huangpu District, one of the city's most central and historic areas. Here are some key highlights and features of the New World area:
### 1. **Shopping and Retail**
- **New World City Mall**: This is one of the prominent shopping malls in the area, offering a wide variety of local and international brands. It has multiple floors with fashion, electronics, and lifestyle stores, catering to diverse shopping needs.
- **Nanjing Road**: Adjacent to the New World area, Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, lined with large department stores, specialty shops, and boutiques.
### 2. **Dining and Entertainment**
- **Restaurants and Cafes**: The area is home to numerous dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to casual cafes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines including traditional Chinese, Asian fusion, and Western dishes.
- **Entertainment Venues**: The New World area features various entertainment options such as cinemas, karaoke bars, and live performance venues. The Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre are notable nearby cultural spots offering a range of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts.
### 3. **Tourist Attractions**
- **People's Square**: Located close to the New World area, People's Square is a major public square and a central hub for cultural and social activities. It houses the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and the People's Park.
- **Madame Tussauds Shanghai**: This famous wax museum is a popular attraction where visitors can see lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons.
### 4. **Transportation**
- **Metro Access**: The New World area is well-connected by Shanghai's extensive metro system. People's Square Station, which is one of the busiest interchange stations, serves lines 1, 2, and 8, providing easy access to other parts of the city.
- **Road Networks**: The area is also accessible by various bus routes and taxis, making it convenient for both locals and tourists to reach.
### 5. **Cultural and Historic Significance**
- **Historic Architecture**: The area around New World features a mix of modern and historic architecture, reflecting Shanghai's rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization.
- **Local Culture**: Visitors can experience the local culture through street performances, traditional markets, and seasonal festivals that often take place in and around the New World area.
Overall, the New World area in Shanghai is a dynamic and multifaceted district that offers a blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Expo Culture Park, also known as Shanghai Expo Culture Park, is a significant green space and cultural area located in the Pudong District of Shanghai. Developed on the former site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the park is designed to be a major urban green space and cultural landmark. Here are some key features and highlights of Expo Culture Park:
### 1. **Green Spaces and Natural Scenery**
- **Large Green Areas**: The park features extensive green spaces, including lawns, gardens, and tree-lined paths. It's designed to provide a natural retreat within the urban environment.
- **Floral Displays**: Various sections of the park are dedicated to flower gardens and seasonal floral displays, offering vibrant colors and scents throughout the year.
### 2. **Cultural and Artistic Installations**
- **Public Art**: The park is home to numerous public art installations and sculptures, contributing to its cultural atmosphere. These works often reflect themes related to nature, urban life, and the legacy of the Expo.
- **Exhibition Halls**: There are exhibition spaces within the park where cultural events, art exhibitions, and community activities are regularly held.
### 3. **Recreational Facilities**
- **Walking and Cycling Paths**: The park has well-maintained paths for walking, jogging, and cycling, making it a popular spot for outdoor exercise.
- **Children's Play Areas**: Designated areas with playgrounds and interactive installations cater to families with children, offering safe and engaging environments for play.
### 4. **Water Features**
- **Lakes and Waterways**: The park includes several artificial lakes and waterways, adding to the scenic beauty and providing habitats for local wildlife.
- **Boating**: Visitors can often rent boats to explore the lakes, enjoying a peaceful activity amidst the urban setting.
### 5. **Theater and Performance Venues**
- **Open-Air Theaters**: The park includes open-air theaters and performance spaces where concerts, theatrical performances, and cultural festivals are held.
- **Music and Dance Performances**: Regularly scheduled performances and events showcase both traditional and contemporary music and dance, drawing both locals and tourists.
### 6. **Environmental Sustainability**
- **Eco-Friendly Design**: The park is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating green building practices, renewable energy sources, and water conservation measures.
- **Biodiversity Conservation**: Efforts are made to preserve and enhance local biodiversity, with native plant species and habitats integrated into the park's design.
### 7. **Historical Significance**
- **Legacy of the Expo**: As the site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the park retains elements that commemorate the event, including some of the original pavilions and structures that have been repurposed for cultural and recreational use.
### 8. **Accessibility**
- **Transportation**: The park is easily accessible via public transportation, including metro lines and buses. It’s located in a well-connected area of Pudong, making it convenient for visitors from across the city.
- **Visitor Facilities**: The park is equipped with visitor centers, restrooms, and dining options, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests.
Expo Culture Park serves as a significant cultural and recreational hub in Shanghai, providing a blend of natural beauty, cultural enrichment, and historical significance. It’s a prime example of urban renewal, transforming the legacy of the Expo into a lasting public asset for the city.
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January,2017.
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It comes down to this - do they want Taiwan to remain in the status quo (semi-independence) with good relations with the rest of China, - or - does it want to become increasingly a US (and Japan) puppet regime / missile base (DPP) - (that would be suicide) ?
If the former, it makes sense to back the KMT and not waste the vote on a third party that cannot win.
The future of Taiwan, and its prosperity, lies with closer ties with China, not war.
With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ...
With Danny Haiphong and George Galloway (jump to 1 hour 11 min.s for the Taiwan discussion) ...
With David Oualaalou ...
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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 ...
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If only the West would learn from China the way that China learns from the West.
The difference between the American Dream and the Chinese Dream ? The Chinese Dream is being built while the American Dream is pure Hollywood (just a dream / fiction). One can only ever be for a few while the other is for all. Is it money or people that is the fundamental value ?
Western 'freedom' is a system where the majority will be poor, to pay for spreading that 'freedom' (control / global hegemony) worldwide. The neo-colonial nations aim to keep the rest of the world down - and this supremacist agenda has caused endless wars and famines worldwide.
The difference between the West and China is that China thinks long-term and innovates, while the West just tries to cling onto its 'supremacy' and is hence declining.
The West's economic detachment is the first step to a hot war.
With Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ...
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With Wei's Travel ...
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