ChongQing 重庆 city in time-lapse

Jiddu Krishnamurti ... LiZiQi ... Alan Watts ... Gabor Mate ...

A great film by Sticker Travel ...

YuanMingYuan, also known as the 'Old Summer Palace', was constructed during the 18th and early 19th century and was a wonderland of lakes and waterways, bridges, hills and pavilions. One third of the ground of YuanMingYuan was taken up by over 200 small hills with steep sides, secluded valleys, rock walls and stone caves. Half of the garderns are covered by the waters of lakes, winding streams and ponds. It was at YuanMingYuan that the emperors of the Qing Dynasty resided and handled government affairs - until it was destroyed; the Forbidden City was mostly used only for formal ceremonies at this time. The southern part of YuanMingYuan was where emperors handled state affairs, while the other parts were primarily for personal use and comprised of more than 150 scenic spots, involving rare exotic flowers and trees from different parts of the country. There were originally towers, terraces, pavilions, halls, corridors, pagodas and bridges with a total construction area of 150,000 square meters - corresponding in scale to that of the Imperial Palace. Artisans were recruited from all over China to enact the exquisite settings. The various styles of architecture, standing encircled by hills and rivulets, presented a most picturesque view. Many were reproductions of scenic mountains, rivers and famous gardens in China (mostly southern China). During his many tours of the country, emperor QianLong made it a point to have pictures of famous gardens and scenes drawn so that he could have replicas built in Beijing. Most famous of these were the ten scenic spots of the West Lake in HangZhou. The Old Summer Palace is often associated with the European-style palaces (Xi Yang Lou) that were built of stone. The designers of those structures, the Jesuits Giuseppe Castiglione and Michel Benoist, were employed by emperor QianLong to satisfy his taste for exotic buildings and objects. However, more than 95% of the Imperial Gardens consisted of essentially Chinese-style buildings. There were also a few buildings in Tibetan and Mongolian styles, reflecting the diversity of the Qing empire. In addition, hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in the halls, including some unique copies of literary works and collections. In 1860, during the 'Second Opium War', the British and French expeditionary forces looted the Old Summer Palace. Later, on October 18 1860, a British general - despite protestations from the French (who in fact had began the looting) - gave the order to set fire to the huge complex, which burned to the ground. In 1900, those buildings that had partly survived or been restored were burnt for good by the Western expeditionary forces sent to quell the 'Boxer Rebellion'. Many priceless artifacts were plundered and made their way to museums and private collections in Europe. The ruins were further plundered by the warlords of the early republican period and further destruction of the ruins took place during the 'Cutural Revolution'. After all this destruction, what was left was truely just an empty shell. Empress dowager CiXi later directed the forming of YiHeYuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony), into a new Summer Palace; this was near to the Old Summer Palace, but on a (somewhat) smaller scale. Nearest subway station : YuanMingYuan on line 4.

DunHuang is situated in a rich oasis within the Gobi Desert that includes Crescent Lake. DunHuang held a strategic position at the crossroads of the ancient Southern Silk Route and the main road leading from India via Lhasa to Mongolia and Southern Siberia, as well as the entrance to the narrow HeXi Corridor, which led straight to the heart of the northern China plains and the ancient capitals of Chang'An (known today as Xi'An) and LuoYang. The Gobi Desert is a 'rain shadow desert', formed by the Himalayan mountain range blocking rain-carrying clouds from the Indian Ocean.

The low-down on the Chinese writing system. Great videos ... See - it's very easy really ;)

With Walk East ... HeXi CBD visitor guide - NanJing Overview The Hexi Central Business District (Hexi CBD) is a modern and dynamic area located in the JianYe District of NanJing, China. Known for its impressive skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and vibrant business environment, Hexi CBD is a major commercial hub and a popular destination for both business and leisure visitors. Getting There Location: JianYe District, NanJing, JiangSu Province, China. Public Transport: By Metro: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at Yuantong Station, which is centrally located in Hexi CBD. By Bus: Numerous bus lines serve the Hexi CBD area. Key stops include the Yuantong Station and NanJing International Expo Center. By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout NanJing and can take you directly to Hexi CBD. Main Attractions Hexi CBD offers a variety of attractions and points of interest: NanJing International Expo Center: A major venue for exhibitions, conferences, and events, attracting visitors from around the world. JianYe Wanda Plaza: A large shopping complex offering a mix of high-end retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Eco-Tech Island: A scenic area with green spaces, walking paths, and eco-friendly initiatives, perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxation. NanJing Olympic Sports Center: A state-of-the-art sports complex hosting various sports events and concerts. Hexi Central Park: A beautiful park offering a tranquil environment with gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities. Shopping and Dining Hexi CBD is a paradise for shopping and dining enthusiasts: Luxury Shopping: High-end shopping malls like Deji Plaza and JiMao Shopping Mall offer luxury brands and designer boutiques. Local Cuisine: Experience authentic JiangSu cuisine at renowned restaurants and local eateries. International Dining: The area features a wide range of international restaurants offering diverse cuisines from around the world. Cafes and Bars: Numerous cafes and bars provide a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a drink, and socialize. Business and Accommodation Hexi CBD is a key business district with excellent facilities and accommodation options: Business Centers: Modern office buildings and business centers host numerous multinational companies and enterprises. Hotels: Luxury hotels such as the Jinling Riverside Hotel and Hilton NanJing offer top-notch accommodation and amenities for business travelers. Conference Facilities: State-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities are available for business events and meetings. Activities Visitors can engage in a variety of activities in Hexi CBD: Shopping: Explore the numerous shopping malls and boutique stores. Dining: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines. Relaxing in Parks: Spend time in the green spaces and parks for a peaceful retreat. Attending Events: Participate in exhibitions, conferences, and sports events held at the various venues. Exploring Nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and entertainment options. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The area is large and involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Plan Ahead: Check the schedule for events and exhibitions to make the most of your visit. Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is available in most public areas and shopping malls. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and etiquette, especially in business settings. Nearby Attractions FuZi Miao (Confucius Temple): A historic site offering cultural insights and traditional architecture, located a short distance from Hexi CBD. XuanWu Lake: A scenic lake surrounded by parks, ideal for boating and leisurely walks. NanJing Museum: One of China's leading museums, showcasing extensive collections of historical and cultural artifacts. Conclusion The Hexi CBD in NanJing is a vibrant and modern district offering a mix of business, shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Whether you're a business traveler, a shopper, or simply looking to explore a dynamic urban area, Hexi CBD provides an exciting and memorable experience.