Dream of Red Mansions – classical garden in NanJing, JiangSu province

The MaiJiShan Grottoes are filled with thousands of Buddhist sculptures. These were carved from the Wei dynasty to the Song dynasty by Buddhist monks who first came here via the North Silk Road. The grottoes are close to TianShui, which is the second largest city in GanSu province in central China, with a population of approximately 3.5 milion. The city lies along the route of the ancient Northern Silk Road by the Wei River, through which much of the trade flowed between China and the West. The Qin state, the founding dynasty of China, arose in this part of China.

His health and nutrition masterclass ...

With DianXi XiaoGe ...

With Vegan in China ... With GoYvon ... Vegan Food in China Introduction China is a vast country with a rich culinary history, and it offers a variety of delicious vegan options. From traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine to modern plant-based dishes, vegan travelers will find a wide range of flavors and textures to enjoy. This guide explores the vegan food scene in China, highlighting popular dishes, regional specialties, and tips for finding vegan-friendly restaurants. Traditional Vegan Dishes Many traditional Chinese dishes are naturally vegan or can be easily modified to suit a vegan diet. Here are some popular vegan dishes you can find throughout China: Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful dish made with soft tofu, fermented black beans, and a chili sauce. While the traditional version often includes minced meat, you can find vegan versions at many restaurants or request it without meat. Buddha's Delight (罗汉斋) Buddha's Delight is a popular vegetarian dish in Chinese Buddhist cuisine. It consists of a variety of vegetables, tofu, and sometimes mushrooms, all stir-fried in a savory sauce. This dish is often served during Chinese New Year and other festive occasions. Jiaozi (饺子) Jiaozi, or dumplings, can be found with various vegan fillings such as mushrooms, cabbage, and tofu. These delicious dumplings are often steamed or boiled and served with a soy-based dipping sauce. Stir-Fried Vegetables (炒青菜) Stir-fried vegetables are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be easily found in almost any restaurant. Common vegetables used include bok choy, spinach, broccoli, and snow peas, all stir-fried with garlic and a light soy sauce. Regional Specialties Sichuan Cuisine Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Many dishes can be made vegan by substituting meat with tofu or vegetables. Look for dishes like Sichuan Hot Pot with vegetable broth and an array of vegetables, or Kung Pao Tofu, a spicy stir-fry with peanuts and vegetables. Cantonese Cuisine Cantonese cuisine features lighter flavors and fresh ingredients. Popular vegan options include Dim Sum with vegetable fillings, stir-fried greens, and Congee, a rice porridge that can be made with mushrooms and other vegetables. Shandong Cuisine Shandong cuisine is known for its hearty and savory dishes. Vegan options include stir-fried tofu, vegetable stews, and steamed buns filled with vegetables. Shandong cuisine also features a variety of soups made with vegetables and grains. Finding Vegan-Friendly Restaurants While many traditional Chinese restaurants offer vegan options, there are also specialized vegetarian and vegan restaurants in major cities. Here are some tips for finding vegan-friendly places to eat: Use Apps: Apps like HappyCow can help you find vegan and vegetarian restaurants in China. These apps often include reviews and recommendations from other travelers. Learn Key Phrases: Knowing a few key phrases in Mandarin can be helpful when ordering food. For example, "wǒ chī sù" (我吃素) means "I eat vegetarian" and "bù yào ròu" (不要肉) means "no meat". Visit Buddhist Temples: Many Buddhist temples have vegetarian restaurants that serve delicious vegan meals. These are often affordable and offer a peaceful dining experience. Ask for Modifications: Don't hesitate to ask for modifications to make a dish vegan. Most restaurants are accommodating and can make adjustments to suit your dietary needs. Vegan Snacks and Street Food China's street food scene is vibrant and offers many vegan-friendly options. Here are some popular vegan snacks and street foods to try: Sesame Balls (麻团) Sesame balls are deep-fried pastries made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste. They are coated in sesame seeds, giving them a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor. Spring Rolls (春卷) Spring rolls are a popular snack made with thin pastry wrappers filled with vegetables and sometimes tofu. They are usually deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served with a dipping sauce. Grilled Vegetables (烤蔬菜) Many street vendors offer grilled vegetables, such as corn on the cob, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These are often seasoned with a mix of spices and grilled to perfection. Tofu Skewers (豆腐串) Tofu skewers are a popular street food snack made with marinated tofu chunks grilled on skewers. They are often seasoned with chili and cumin, giving them a spicy and savory flavor. Vegan Grocery Shopping In addition to dining out, you can also find a variety of vegan products in grocery stores and markets in China. Look for fresh fruits and vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and plant-based milk. Many supermarkets also carry imported vegan products such as plant-based meat, dairy-free cheese, and vegan snacks. Travel Tips for Vegans Plan Ahead: Research vegan-friendly restaurants and grocery stores in advance, especially if you're traveling to less touristy areas where options might be limited. Pack Snacks: Carrying snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars can be helpful when you're on the go and need a quick vegan option. Communicate Clearly: Use translation apps or carry a card with dietary preferences written in Mandarin to help communicate your needs to restaurant staff. Be Open-Minded: Trying new foods is part of the travel experience. Be open to exploring local vegan dishes and experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. Stay Informed: Join online vegan communities and forums to get tips and recommendations from other vegan travelers in China.

With Walk East ...

With China Walking Tour ... Visitor Guide to the Sui and Tang Dynasties of LuoYang City National Park Getting There Location: The Sui and Tang Dynasties of LuoYang City National Park is located in LuoYang, HeNan Province. It is easily accessible from the city center. By Public Transport: You can take a local bus or taxi from anywhere in LuoYang to reach the park. Buses 81 and 83 have stops near the park. By Car: If you are driving, ample parking is available near the park entrance. Entrance and Tickets Entrance Fee: The entrance fee varies depending on the season and any special exhibitions. Typically, it ranges from 50 to 100 RMB. Opening Hours: The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check for any changes during holidays or special events. Attractions and Activities Historical Sites MingTang and TianTang Complex: Reconstructed palace complexes that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Sui and Tang dynasties. The architecture and layout are based on historical records and archaeological findings. Ancient City Walls: Explore the remnants of the ancient city walls that protected LuoYang during the Sui and Tang periods. Museums and Exhibitions Archaeological Museum: This museum within the park showcases artifacts and relics from the Sui and Tang dynasties, including pottery, tools, and ancient manuscripts. Historical Exhibitions: Various exhibitions throughout the park provide detailed insights into the history, culture, and daily life of the Sui and Tang dynasties. Gardens and Scenery Imperial Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens that reflect the horticultural styles of the Sui and Tang periods. These gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Scenic Lakes: The park features several artificial lakes that enhance the serene atmosphere and provide picturesque views. Interactive Activities Costume Experience: Visitors can dress in traditional Sui and Tang dynasty attire and take photos in the historical settings of the park. Guided Tours: Join guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the sites within the park. Tours are available in multiple languages. Dining and Local Specialties Within the park, you will find several dining options that offer both local and traditional Chinese cuisine. Some recommended spots include: Imperial Banquet Restaurant: Experience a traditional imperial-style meal with dishes that were popular during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Tea Houses: Relax in a tea house and enjoy a variety of Chinese teas along with light snacks. Street Food Stalls: Try local snacks and delicacies from the numerous food stalls scattered throughout the park. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Browse the souvenir shops for unique gifts and mementos, including replicas of ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and books on local history. Artisan Workshops: Visit workshops where local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as pottery, calligraphy, and silk weaving. Many items are available for purchase. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the park are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. An umbrella or raincoat may be useful during the rainy season. Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the park. Many tours are available in English and other languages. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Avoid touching artifacts and stay on designated paths. Conclusion The Sui and Tang Dynasties of LuoYang City National Park offers a fascinating journey through Chinese history. With its blend of historical sites, beautiful gardens, and cultural activities, the park provides an enriching experience for all visitors. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this national park in LuoYang is a must-visit destination.

The shiitake mushroom is native to east Asia (especially China and Japan), and is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries. It is considered a medicinal mushroom in traditional Asian medicine, and tastes great. In the West you can find these in dried form at many Asian stores, and even large supermarkets, possibly in the 'ethnic' section. Soak in warm water before use. A must try. Bonus film - Matsutake mushrooms 松茸 ...

SuZhou, an exquisite water town, lies on the banks of the YangTse river and next to TaiHu lake. SuZhou is 45 minutes from Shanghai by train. This film includes the classical gardens and the SuZhou Art Museum.

The US is blaming China for its own decline. Alan Freeman, the co-director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group discusses why the US's decline is not China's fault. Bonus films, with Jeffrey Sachs ... Bonus film, with Cyrus Janssen ... Bonus film, with Yanis Varoufakis and Wongel Zelalem ... Africa owes about 12% of its total external debt to China. The rest is owed to you know who. People on the continent can see what the 12% has been used to develop but can hardly point to what has been done with the rest of the external debt. What is clear is bank accounts that have swindled that unaccounted for money are in the collective west. These are the very countries that go around talking about corruption in Africa. It is in China's interest that trading partners also grow, to conduct healthy trade relations. It is a WIN WIN partnership.