Dragon and Lion – New Year music and dance special

HeYuan city, GuangDong province. With Rafa Goes Around! ...

With Walk East ...

With Walk East ...

Speaking up for the voiceless. With ChristianMalaza (Christian Malazarte), Judge Napolitano and many other true humanitarians ... Bonus film - The Propaganda War, with the late investigative journalist John Pilger ...

With Nick in China ... Meidaizhao Temple Visitor Guide Located near Baotou in Inner Mongolia, Meidaizhao Temple (also known as Meidaizhao Lamasery) is a unique cultural landmark that blends Tibetan Buddhism with Mongolian and Han architectural influences. This guide provides everything you need to know for an enriching visit to this historical and spiritual site. Overview of Meidaizhao Temple History & Significance: Built in the late 16th century, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, Meidaizhao Temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Inner Mongolia. It was initially a palace for Altan Khan, a Mongol leader who played a key role in introducing Tibetan Buddhism to the region. The temple later evolved into a lamasery and continues to serve as a significant religious site for both monks and pilgrims. Architecture: Meidaizhao’s architecture is a fascinating blend of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han Chinese styles, making it stand out among other temples in the region. The complex is surrounded by a fortress-like wall, and inside, visitors will find beautifully painted murals, prayer halls, and courtyards that reflect its spiritual importance and artistic beauty. Key Attractions in Meidaizhao Temple Main Prayer Hall The Main Prayer Hall, or "Sükhbaatar," is the heart of Meidaizhao Temple. This large, ornate building is used for religious ceremonies and prayers. Visitors can observe monks conducting rituals and admire the intricately painted murals that depict Buddhist stories and deities. White Pagoda One of the most iconic features of Meidaizhao is the White Pagoda, which stands tall against the backdrop of the vast grasslands. This stupa, a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism, is a popular spot for pilgrims who come to offer prayers and walk clockwise around the structure for blessings. Mongolian Fortress Walls The temple complex is encircled by fortress-like walls that reflect its historical role as a defensive palace for Altan Khan. Walking along these walls provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and offers a glimpse into the temple's past as a political and military stronghold. Buddhist Murals Inside the temple, visitors can find elaborate Buddhist murals that are well-preserved despite their age. These murals depict Tibetan Buddhist figures, scenes from religious texts, and Mongolian motifs, showcasing the cultural fusion that defines Meidaizhao. Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to observe monks performing traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals in the Main Hall. These ceremonies are deeply spiritual and offer a rare glimpse into the religious life of the lamasery. Practical Travel Information for Meidaizhao Temple When to Visit The best time to visit Meidaizhao Temple is during the late spring and early autumn months (May to October), when the weather is mild, and the grasslands surrounding the temple are lush and green. Summer can be warm, but it is also the peak season for local festivals, while winter is harsh and cold, making outdoor exploration difficult. Getting to Meidaizhao By Air: The nearest major airport is Baotou Airport, about 80 kilometers from the temple. From Baotou, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Meidaizhao. By Train: Baotou is well-connected by train to major cities in China. After arriving in Baotou, buses or taxis can take you directly to the temple. By Bus: Local buses operate from Baotou and other nearby towns, offering a budget-friendly option for reaching the temple. Private tours also often include transportation to the temple as part of their package. Accommodation There are limited accommodation options near Meidaizhao Temple. Most visitors stay in Baotou, which has a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. If you're interested in a more immersive experience, some guesthouses in the area offer basic lodging close to the temple grounds. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Cultural Sensitivity As Meidaizhao is an active religious site, visitors should show respect by dressing modestly and refraining from loud conversations within the temple complex. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, especially inside prayer halls. Always ask for permission before taking photos of monks or religious ceremonies. Local Cuisine Inner Mongolian cuisine is known for its hearty, meat-heavy dishes. Near Meidaizhao, you can find local eateries serving traditional Mongolian food such as mutton, dairy products (such as milk tea and cheese), and a variety of grilled meats. For a unique experience, try the local "suutei tsai" (Mongolian milk tea) or "huoguo" (Mongolian hotpot). Travel Tip: If you visit during a local festival, such as the Naadam Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to witness traditional Mongolian sports like wrestling and horse racing. These cultural events add an extra dimension to your visit. Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Meidaizhao Temple Day 1: Arrive in Baotou and explore the city’s museums or enjoy a local Mongolian meal. In the afternoon, travel to Meidaizhao and take a walk around the temple's exterior, exploring the fortress walls and nearby grasslands. Day 2: Spend the morning exploring the temple complex. Visit the Main Prayer Hall to observe religious ceremonies, explore the White Pagoda, and admire the murals. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Baotou. Day 3: If time allows, visit nearby attractions such as the Dazhao Temple in Hohhot or take a tour of the Inner Mongolian grasslands for a more in-depth exploration of the region’s natural beauty and nomadic culture.

A tour of YangShuo and its beautiful countryside of rivers and karst peaks. Go hiking along the Li River, bamboo raft down the YuLong River and visit other attractions like Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree.

Making baozi (steamed buns) with freshly ground wheat flour. Real, down to earth life; beautiful. Don't miss it ...

Anyone who has visited China immediately knows that they have been lied to. With FridayEveryday ... Bonus film - on the best 'democracy' that money can buy (the people don't matter) - with Ben Norton ... On human rights, with Daniel Dumbrill ... With Fernando Munoz Bernal ... With Harvey in China ... With Aiden Qiu ...

Metro systems The two largest metro systems in the world are in ShangHai and BeiJing. There are also metro systems in many other Chinese cities. These are all super modern, spacious, artistically appealing and easy to use for visitors with announcements in both Chinese and English, with signs both in Chinese and PinYin. Check out our videos on various Chinese metro systems. The Beijing metro system has over 600 miles of track and over 600 stations. It carries over 10 billion passengers annually, making it one of the busiest subway systems in the world. It operates one of the world's largest fleets of subway cars, with over 4,000 cars in service. The Beijing metro is also one of the most technologically advanced subway systems in the world, with many of its trains and stations equipped with advanced features such as automated train control, platform screen doors, and real-time passenger information systems. The Beijing metro is known for its distinctive architecture and design, with many stations featuring works of art, sculptures, and other design elements. It is also known for its efficient and fast service, with trains running at high frequencies and minimal delays. The Beijing metro is also very affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY3 (about $0.4 / £0.35) for a single journey with discounts for frequent users. It has also been made more convenient for tourists by allowing the use of contactless payment methods such as WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay. Taxis In China, taxis are easy to find and very affordable, unlike in the West; they are widely used by nearly everyone. For example, Beijing has approximately 66,000 registered taxi vehicles operating in the city as of 2021. The standard taxi fare in Beijing is around ¥13 (or about $2 / £1.40) for the first 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) plus an additional ¥2.3 (about $0.35 / £0.25) for each additional kilometer. There can be higher tariffs for night time (after midnight). High speed rail China has built one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, which is known for its speed, efficiency, and connectivity. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, with over 22,000 miles of track and over 350 stations. The high-speed rail network operates at speeds of up to 217 mph, making it one of the fastest in the world. China's high-speed rail system carries over 3 billion passengers annually, making it the busiest high-speed rail networks in the world. China's high-speed rail system is also affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY50 (about $7) for a single journey and discounts for frequent users. China has also been exporting its high-speed rail technology and know-how to other countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Russia and more. Air travel Air travel is an important part of China's transportation system, with several major airports and a rapidly growing number of passengers. Here are some facts about air travel in China: China has over 220 commercial airports, making it the country with the second-largest number of airports in the world, behind the United States. China's three major airports are Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. These three airports handle a large number of passengers annually, with Beijing Capital International Airport handling over 100 million passengers in 2020. China's domestic air travel market is the second-largest in the world, behind the United States, with over 600 million passengers in 2020 and over 60 million international passengers. China's air travel market has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with several new airports and routes being added. China's major airlines, such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, are among the largest in the world, and they operate a large fleet of modern aircraft. It is also becoming more affordable, with the increasing competition between airlines leading to lower fares. China's air travel market is also becoming more convenient for travelers, with the increasing use of online booking and check-in, as well as the introduction of e-visas for some countries. It is also becoming more sustainable, with many airlines investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing more environmentally-friendly practices. China's air travel market is a modern, efficient, and highly-used transportation system that connects many of the country's major cities and helps to keep the country moving. It is constantly evolving to match the country's needs and to make the passenger experience more pleasant, but also to reduce its impact on the environment.