Chinese Spring Festival flash mobs, 2019

With Andy see the World ...

Explore the local sights and dishes with four lively Chinese girls from Singapore ...

With Ben Norton ... With Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ... With Jan Oberg ...

With LaLaLaLauran ... GuBei Water Town Travel Guide Introduction GuBei Water Town, located at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall in Miyun County, Beijing, is a picturesque water town that combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Modeled after the ancient towns in Jiangnan (the region south of the Yangtze River), GuBei Water Town features traditional architecture, serene waterways, and stunning views of the Great Wall. This guide will help you explore the enchanting GuBei Water Town, including must-see attractions, activities, and practical travel information. Must-See Attractions Simatai Great Wall (司马台长城) One of the main highlights of GuBei Water Town is its proximity to the Simatai Great Wall, known for its steep slopes and well-preserved watchtowers. Visitors can take a cable car or hike to the wall, offering breathtaking views and a sense of historical significance. Water Town Night Tour (夜游水镇) Experience the magic of GuBei Water Town at night, when the entire town is illuminated with colorful lights reflecting off the waterways. The night tour provides a unique perspective of the town's beauty and a tranquil atmosphere for a relaxing evening stroll. Wangjing Tower (望京楼) Wangjing Tower, also known as the Watching Beijing Tower, offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. It is a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the natural scenery. Folk Culture Museum (民俗文化馆) The Folk Culture Museum showcases the traditional customs, clothing, and handicrafts of the local people. It provides an educational insight into the cultural heritage of the region. Yang Wudi Temple (杨无敌庙) Dedicated to the legendary General Yang Yanzhao, the Yang Wudi Temple is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the town's religious and military history. The temple is beautifully preserved and adds to the cultural richness of GuBei Water Town. Activities and Experiences Boat Rides: Take a boat ride along the picturesque canals of GuBei Water Town. This is a relaxing way to see the town from a different perspective and enjoy the peaceful waterways. Traditional Performances: Enjoy traditional Chinese performances, including folk music, dance, and opera. These performances are often held in the town's public squares and add to the cultural ambiance. Local Cuisine: Sample local delicacies at the various restaurants and street food vendors throughout the town. Popular dishes include roast duck, handmade noodles, and various snacks. Hot Springs: Relax and unwind at the nearby hot springs, which offer a soothing retreat after a day of exploring. The hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic properties and scenic surroundings. Shopping: Browse the town's shops for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products. The shops offer a wide range of items, from silk garments to handmade pottery. Practical Travel Information Getting There: GuBei Water Town is accessible by bus, car, or private tour from Beijing. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours by car. Buses are available from Beijing's Dongzhimen Bus Station. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for GuBei Water Town varies depending on the season and whether you are visiting during the day or night. Check the official website or contact local tourism offices for up-to-date pricing. Opening Hours: GuBei Water Town is open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Night tours are available from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a unique evening experience. Accommodation: There are several accommodation options within GuBei Water Town, ranging from traditional guesthouses to luxury hotels. Staying overnight allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the town's atmosphere and enjoy the night tour. Health and Safety: Ensure you are in good health before exploring the town, especially if you plan to hike the Simatai Great Wall. Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and follow local safety guidelines. Local Services: Facilities such as restrooms, restaurants, and shops are available throughout the town. Most areas are well-equipped to cater to tourists' needs, but it's always a good idea to carry basic necessities. Conclusion GuBei Water Town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the charm of ancient China. Use this guide to plan your visit and explore the enchanting waterways, traditional architecture, and stunning views of the Simatai Great Wall. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a picturesque retreat, GuBei Water Town promises an unforgettable experience. SiMaTai Great Wall Travel Guide Introduction The SiMaTai section of the Great Wall of China is renowned for its unique architectural features and breathtaking scenery. Located in the Miyun County of Beijing, approximately 120 kilometers northeast of downtown Beijing, this section is known for its steep gradients and well-preserved structures. SiMaTai offers an adventurous and less commercialized experience, making it a favorite among hikers and history enthusiasts. This guide will help you explore the SiMaTai section, including must-see highlights, hiking tips, and practical travel information. Must-See Highlights Sky Bridge (天桥) The Sky Bridge is a narrow, steep section of the Great Wall that offers thrilling views and a challenging hike. This part of the wall is only a meter wide and connects two peaks, providing an exhilarating experience for adventurous visitors. Heavenly Ladder (天梯) The Heavenly Ladder is a steep staircase that ascends almost vertically up the mountain. It is one of the most challenging parts of the SiMaTai section, but the effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Fairy Tower (仙女楼) The Fairy Tower is one of the 16 watchtowers on the SiMaTai section. It is unique for its distinctive architectural style and the stunning views it offers. This tower is a popular spot for photography and taking in the panoramic scenery. East and West Towers (东西望楼) The East and West Towers are the two highest points of the SiMaTai section. These towers were crucial for military defense and communication in ancient times. Climbing to the top provides a sense of accomplishment and offers some of the best views of the Great Wall. Hiking Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit SiMaTai is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Hiking Difficulty: The SiMaTai section is known for its steep and rugged terrain. It is suitable for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness. Some parts can be quite challenging. What to Wear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, comfortable clothing, and a hat. Bring layers as temperatures can vary. What to Bring: Carry plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. A camera is also recommended for capturing the stunning views. Hiking Route: A popular route is to start from the SiMaTai West entrance and hike to the JinShanLing section. This takes about 4-5 hours and covers some of the most scenic and challenging parts of the wall. Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour for a more informative experience. Guides can provide historical context and ensure you stay on the best paths. Practical Travel Information Getting There: SiMaTai is accessible by bus, car, or private tour from Beijing. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours by car. Buses are available from Beijing's Dongzhimen Bus Station. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for SiMaTai varies depending on the season and whether you are hiking during the day or night. Check the official website or contact local tourism offices for up-to-date pricing. Opening Hours: SiMaTai is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for daytime hiking and from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM for night tours. Night tours offer a unique perspective of the Great Wall under the stars. Accommodation: There are several guesthouses and hotels near SiMaTai for those who wish to stay overnight. The Gubei Water Town resort nearby offers more luxurious accommodations and amenities. Health and Safety: Ensure you are in good health before attempting the hike, as the terrain can be demanding. Stay on designated paths to avoid accidents and respect local regulations and signs. Local Services: Facilities such as restrooms and small shops are available at the entrance and at certain points along the wall. However, it's advisable to bring your own supplies for convenience. Conclusion The SiMaTai section of the Great Wall of China offers a unique and adventurous experience compared to other parts of the wall. Its steep gradients, well-preserved structures, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Use this guide to plan your visit and enjoy the incredible beauty and historical significance of SiMaTai. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or an avid hiker, SiMaTai promises an unforgettable adventure.

Early morning in the Temple of Heaven (TianTan) park ...

With Pascal Coppens ... YT comments : As an ABC, I have traveled to China over a dozen times over the last 40 years. The changes over this period have been breathtaking, but the biggest change has been the deliverance of nearly 800,000,000 citizens out of poverty. Gob-smacked Americans are agape but have gone out of their way to minimize and demonize any Chinese accomplishments. It is getting tiresome hearing racist, biased Western politicians cry about "potential national security" risks. I just returned from another phenomenal trip to China (Shenzhen and Chengdu). Based on my interactions with friends and relatives in China, they are not preoccupied with Anti-American sentiment. America's hysteria about all things Chinese is rooted in unadulterated racism and the inability to accept that China could EVER be a formidable rival." "The following article is written by Ismail Bashmori, he is an Egyptian China watcher. The truth is that China is the greatest country on the face of the earth. It makes all other countries look insignificant and contemptible. It is the most brilliant, most industrious, most ambitious, most educated, meritocratic and technocratic, most modern, sophisticated, and civilised, and best-governed by far. . It is the first non-white, non-Western country to reach this status since the 1600s. The determination of this country is indescribable. Supernatural. There is no force that can stop it from accomplishing anything it wants to do. It doesn’t matter who we are. Egyptians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Indians, Africans, even Americans. Next to the Chinese, we are pathetic. We can’t do what they do. We would have a mountain, an Everest of changes to make, and we would whine and bicker and fail at every one of them. China’s story since the 1980s has been one of an almost divine metamorphosis. Next to China the entire Western world from Alaska to New Zealand has stagnated. Next to China the entire developing world from Brazil to Madagascar has progressed only at a crawl. China is the mother of all gargantuan bullet trains. Every day it manages to create something new and astonishing. And unlike the United States, unlike the British Empire, unlike the French, Dutch, Germans, Spanish, Portuguese or any other Western nation that had its turn at being a superpower in the past four centuries, China doesn’t need to run anybody over or take something from somebody else, to rise majestically. China is also standing up to the West all by herself. The West can’t believe their four-hundred-year-old global supremacy is being challenged. They hoped that the more China developed, the more it would submit to their influence, interests, and leadership. That didn’t happen. So now they will do anything possible, short of a nuclear war, to make China end. Their goal is to destroy this country. That’s why, although the United States has killed several million people and turned several regions of the earth into hellscapes. China is the worst fear of our planet’s Western masters. They want you to despise and dread a country that’s done nothing to you, that hasn’t invaded anyone, bombed or sanctioned anyone, that hasn’t overthrown any foreign government, or used its military on anything since 1979. China is the only major country in the nonwhite developing world, to stand up to the West. To look it in the eye when challenged or threatened. The Global South are simply Western puppets who submitted long ago. Even the most powerful ones. Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India. The 1500s—1000s BC were Egypt’s time. Antiquity belonged to the Greeks and Romans. The 1700s belonged to France, and the 1800s to Britain. From 1945 to the present, the world has been under American overlordship. And they call it the Pax Americana but there isn’t much Pax in it. There’s plenty of Pax if you’re in Europe or Australia. But the Middle East? Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Iran and Yemen in the past 20 years. Latin America? They’ve destroyed that part of the world beyond any hope of recovery. Africa? It’s only been spared because of disinterest. The US sees Africa as nothing. The whole West does. But in the twenty-first century, we are witnessing the rise of China. We are decades away from China becoming the greatest power on earth. This will be China’s time, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Attack China all you want, curse her and monger rumours and hysteria — but the truth is that none of your accusations are backed up by evidence. The Western press is under the thumb of Western governments that want to stay on top of the world for eternity. And the truth is that China is not affected by the noise and maneuvers of her enemies. For her first thirty years, from 1949 to 1979, China was basically blockaded and isolated economically and politically by the West. It didn’t even have a seat in the UN General Assembly. And it was dirt-poor in those days, barely a speck of the global economy, a tiny fraction of Japan’s or Germany’s GDP — not even able to prevent famine. And it still didn’t submit to pressure or take any orders. Why on earth would it do that now? China will be the next global power. There’s nothing that can be done about that. The first stage is that its economy only needs to grow at 4.7 percent per year to become the world’s largest by 2035. That means the usual, historical bare-minimum of 6 percent is already overkill. The US can build as many bases as it wants, slap as many sanctions as it wants, recognise whatever bogus genocides it wants. That’s what it’s been doing all along. Has any of it made a difference? China can adapt to any situation. It took China a mere ten years to go from being barred by the US Congress from participating in the “International” Space Station, to building its own Space Station from zero.

Eight hundred years ago, Marco Polo described HangZhou as the most enchanting place on Earth. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adjacent to the West Lake is a scenic area that includes historical pagodas and other cultural sites, blended with the natural beauty of the landscape, including Phoenix Mountain. The lake is crossed by two causeways. Check out this beautiful city, two hours from Shanghai, the famous West Lake and the wonderful show 'Impression West Lake' ...

Plus a charity run for deaf children ...

With Daniel Dumbrill - don't miss it ... Ultimately, ignorance is a choice - the decision to ignore truth / reality. Plus, some pertinent reflections from Living in China ... Bonus film from The New Atlas ...