Chinese New Year CCTV Festival Flashback 2017

With Chinese Street View ...

Places to visit in and around HangZhou West Lake (西湖) - Xī Hú Description: West Lake is the most iconic attraction in Hangzhou, known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and cultural significance. Visitors can take leisurely boat cruises, stroll along the promenades, and admire picturesque pavilions, bridges, and pagodas. Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) - Língyǐn Sì Description: Lingyin Temple is one of the oldest and most prestigious Buddhist temples in China, nestled at the foot of Lingyin Mountain. The temple complex features ancient halls, pagodas, and intricate stone carvings, as well as serene forested surroundings ideal for contemplation and meditation. Qinghefang Ancient Street (清河坊古街) - Qīnghéfāng Gǔ Jiē Description: Qinghefang Ancient Street is a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and snack stalls. Visitors can explore Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, sample local delicacies, and shop for souvenirs such as silk, tea, and handicrafts. Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) - Léifēng Tǎ Description: Leifeng Pagoda is a historic tower located on Sunset Hill overlooking West Lake. Originally built in the 10th century, the pagoda offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding scenery. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking vistas and learn about the pagoda's storied history. Hangzhou Songcheng Park (杭州宋城景区) - Hángzhōu Sòngchéng Jǐngqū Description: Hangzhou Songcheng Park is a large-scale cultural theme park showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of ancient China. The park features replica ancient streets, performances, and attractions, allowing visitors to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Longjing Tea Plantation (龙井茶园) - Lóngjǐng Cháyuán Description: Longjing Tea Plantation is famous for producing Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China's most prized green teas. Visitors can tour the tea fields, learn about tea cultivation and processing, and sample freshly brewed Longjing tea while enjoying scenic views of the countryside. Hangzhou Botanical Garden (杭州植物园) - Hángzhōu Zhíwù Yuán Description: Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis featuring diverse plant collections, landscaped gardens, and nature trails. Visitors can explore themed gardens, conservatories, and aquatic habitats, as well as enjoy picnics, birdwatching, and photography amidst lush greenery. Hefang Street (河坊街) - Héfāng Jiē Description: Hefang Street is a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Hangzhou's historic district. The street is lined with shops selling traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs, as well as teahouses, street performers, and cultural attractions. Hangzhou Zoo (杭州动物园) - Hángzhōu Dòngwù Yuán Description: Hangzhou Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animal species from around the world, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can observe animals in naturalistic habitats, attend feeding sessions and animal shows, and enjoy family-friendly attractions such as playgrounds and picnic areas. China National Tea Museum (中国茶叶博物馆) - Zhōngguó Cháyè Bówùguǎn Description: China National Tea Museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and art of tea in China. The museum features informative exhibits, interactive displays, and traditional tea ceremonies, providing insights into the significance of tea in Chinese society and its cultural significance. Yuhuang Mountain (玉皇山) - Yùhuáng Shān Description: Yuhuang Mountain is a scenic area known for its natural beauty, religious sites, and hiking trails. Visitors can ascend to the mountain peak for panoramic views of Hangzhou and the Qiantang River, explore ancient temples and shrines, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Hangzhou Grand Canal (杭州大运河) - Hángzhōu Dà Yùnhé Description: Hangzhou Grand Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the longest and oldest canals in the world. Visitors can take boat cruises along the canal, passing through historic districts, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks, while learning about the canal's role in China's history and economy. Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园) - Xīxī Guójiā Shīdì Gōngyuán Description: Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park is a vast natural reserve featuring wetlands, waterways, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore the park's scenic trails, wooden boardwalks, and traditional water villages, as well as enjoy boating, birdwatching, and nature photography amidst pristine surroundings. Hangzhou China Silk Town (中国丝绸城) - Zhōngguó Sīchóu Chéng Description: Hangzhou China Silk Town is a commercial district specializing in silk products, textiles, and silk-related crafts. Visitors can shop for high-quality silk fabrics, clothing, accessories, and watch demonstrations of silk production techniques such as weaving and embroidery. The town also features museums, galleries, and cultural exhibits showcasing the history and craftsmanship of silk in Hangzhou. Wushan Square (吴山广场) - Wúshān Guǎngchǎng Description: Wushan Square is a central plaza in Hangzhou surrounded by historical buildings, modern landmarks, and scenic vistas. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, cultural events, and panoramic views of West Lake, as well as explore nearby attractions such as museums, theaters, and shopping districts. China National Silk Museum (中国丝绸博物馆) - Zhōngguó Sīchóu Bówùguǎn Description: China National Silk Museum is dedicated to the history, art, and technology of silk production in China. The museum features extensive collections of silk artifacts, textiles, and cultural relics, as well as interactive exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations highlighting the craftsmanship and significance of silk in Chinese culture. Hangzhou Chenghuang Pavilion (杭州城隍阁) - Hángzhōu Chénghuáng Gé Description: Hangzhou Chenghuang Pavilion is a historic landmark dating back to the Song Dynasty, located in the heart of the city. The pavilion offers panoramic views of Hangzhou's skyline, West Lake, and surrounding landmarks, as well as cultural exhibits, art displays, and traditional performances celebrating the city's heritage. Hangzhou Confucius Temple (杭州文庙) - Hángzhōu Wénmiào Description: Hangzhou Confucius Temple is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to the teachings and legacy of Confucius. The temple complex features traditional architecture, landscaped gardens, and cultural relics, providing a peaceful retreat for contemplation, study, and cultural exploration amidst the bustling city. Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium (杭州奥体中心) - Hángzhōu Ào Tǐ Zhōngxīn Description: Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue hosting major events, concerts, and sporting competitions. Visitors can attend live performances, sports matches, and cultural festivals, as well as explore the surrounding parklands, recreation facilities, and dining options. Hangzhou National Tea Museum (杭州茶叶博物馆) - Hángzhōu Cháyè Bówùguǎn Description: Hangzhou National Tea Museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and art of tea in China. The museum showcases tea artifacts, historical exhibits, and interactive displays, as well as traditional tea ceremonies, tastings, and workshops, offering insights into the significance of tea in Chinese society and its cultural heritage. Hangzhou Zoo (杭州动物园) - Hángzhōu Dòngwù Yuán Description: Hangzhou Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animal species from around the world, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can observe animals in naturalistic habitats, attend feeding sessions and animal shows, and enjoy family-friendly attractions such as playgrounds and picnic areas. Hangzhou Museum (杭州博物馆) - Hángzhōu Bówùguǎn Description: Hangzhou Museum is a cultural institution showcasing the history, art, and heritage of Hangzhou and the surrounding region. The museum's exhibits include archaeological artifacts, fine art collections, and cultural relics, as well as interactive displays, educational programs, and temporary exhibitions highlighting various aspects of Hangzhou's rich cultural legacy.

Including PingYao, Xi`An, GuiLin, the Dragon`s Backbone Rice Terraces, a Yao minority village, and the Li River ...

With Walk For You ...

This outstanding, feature length documentary follows travelers taking six different routes to Tibet - via SiChuan, QingHai, XinJiang, YunNan and the Himalayas. Very beautiful ...

With China Road Tales ... Zezhol Monastery, a spiritual beacon of the Bon Religion Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the renowned holy mountain, Mt. Zezhol, Zezhol Monastery stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of the Bon religion, one of the oldest spiritual traditions in Tibet; indeed, the indigenous faith of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Located in DingQing County, Chamdo, in eastern Tibet, this sacred site is situated at an impressive altitude of 4,800 meters, making it not only one of the highest monasteries in Tibet but also one of the most significant centers for the Bon religion. The monastery lies approximately 37 kilometers from the county town, adding to its mystique and remoteness, which only enhances its spiritual aura. The Bon Religion: A Deep-Rooted Tradition The Bon religion predates the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet and is believed to have originated in the ancient kingdom of Zhangzhung, centered around the sacred Mount Kailash. Bon has played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Tibet, and despite the dominance of Tibetan Buddhism, Bon continues to thrive in certain areas, particularly in eastern Tibet and in communities that maintain strong ties to their indigenous spiritual heritage. Bon is characterized by its unique practices and rituals, which include worship of nature spirits, ancestor reverence, and a rich tradition of oral teachings. The religion encompasses a wide array of rituals intended to harmonize with natural forces, protect communities from malevolent spirits, and promote the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Central to Bon is the belief in the interconnectedness of all life, the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Zezhol Monastery: A Center of Bon Spirituality Zezhol Monastery is not only a religious site but also a living repository of Bon teachings and practices. The monastery's location on Mt. Zezhol, a mountain revered as sacred in the Bon tradition, underscores its importance as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual refuge. The faithful believe that the mountain itself is imbued with spiritual power, and the monastery, perched precariously on its cliffs, serves as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms. Founded centuries ago, Zezhol Monastery has been a pivotal center for the preservation and dissemination of Bon teachings. It houses ancient scriptures, sacred relics, and thangka paintings that depict the Bon deities and cosmology. The monastery’s monks continue to perform traditional Bon rituals, including offerings to the mountain spirits, ceremonies to ensure harmony between humans and nature, and the recitation of ancient Bon texts. The Continuing Influence of Bon Today Despite the rise of Tibetan Buddhism, the Bon religion has managed to survive and even thrive in certain areas of Tibet. Today, Bon practitioners can be found not only in Tibet but also in Nepal, Bhutan, and among the Tibetan diaspora worldwide. The influence of Bon is particularly evident in eastern Tibet, where communities still practice Bon rituals and uphold its teachings. In some regions, Bon rituals are integrated into local Buddhist practices, creating a syncretic form of spirituality that honors both traditions. For instance, many Tibetan Buddhists incorporate Bon deities and rituals into their own religious practices, recognizing the deep cultural and spiritual roots that Bon has in Tibetan society. Furthermore, Bon teachings on the relationship between humans and the natural world continue to resonate, particularly in the context of environmental preservation and sustainable living. Zezhol Monastery remains a vital symbol of this enduring legacy. Pilgrims from across Tibet and beyond visit the monastery to seek blessings, participate in rituals, and connect with the ancient spiritual traditions that have shaped their culture. The monastery’s remote location, high in the mountains, adds to its allure as a place of profound spiritual significance, where the faithful can retreat from the material world and engage deeply with the sacred. Conclusion Zezhol Monastery is more than just a religious site; it is a living testament to the resilience and continuity of the Bon religion in Tibet. As one of the highest and oldest Bon monasteries, it plays a crucial role in preserving this ancient tradition, offering a place of refuge and spiritual nourishment to those who seek to connect with the deep, mystical roots of Tibetan spirituality. In a rapidly changing world, Zezhol Monastery and the Bon religion it represents continue to provide a link to the past, offering insights and teachings that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

The blue sky city ... Filmed by : * Summer Palace - pavdb092 * Birds Nest National Stadium - Christopher Covington * QianHai Lake - linditlife * Temple of Heaven - Wen Gui Claassen Remastered by : bjkina Birds Nest music from the Beijing 2008 Paralympics Opening Ceremony - 'Letter to the Future'.

With DianXi XiaoGe ... Bonus films - mandarin oranges ... Grapes ... Plums ...