Exploring the beautiful HuangShan 黄山 mountain; part 1 (6/8)

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.

With MiaoMiao ... Zhangjiang Science City, located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, is a major hub for scientific innovation and research in China. Often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China," Zhangjiang Science City has been a focal point for the development of high-tech industries, particularly in the fields of biotechnology, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Key Features and Developments: Research and Development Hub: Zhangjiang Science City hosts numerous research institutions, universities, and corporate R&D centers. It's home to the Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone, which plays a critical role in fostering technological innovation. The area is known for its strong focus on life sciences, with many pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms operating there, including multinational corporations like Roche and Novartis. Tech Startups and Incubators: The region has a thriving startup ecosystem, supported by various incubators and accelerators. This makes it an attractive destination for tech entrepreneurs and innovators. The Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, within the science city, is one of China's most prominent technology parks, providing resources and infrastructure for startups. International Collaboration: Zhangjiang Science City emphasizes international collaboration, with numerous foreign enterprises establishing their R&D centers there. The area facilitates joint ventures and partnerships between Chinese and global companies. The establishment of free trade zones and favorable policies has further encouraged international investment and collaboration. Smart City Development: As part of the broader Shanghai initiative, Zhangjiang is being developed into a "smart city" with advanced infrastructure for communications, transport, and urban living. The integration of AI, big data, and IoT technologies into the city’s infrastructure is a key aspect of its development, making it a model for future urban areas. Education and Talent: The science city benefits from proximity to top-tier universities and research institutions, which supply a steady stream of talent in various scientific and engineering disciplines. Efforts are made to attract and retain international talent, offering competitive incentives and a conducive environment for innovation. Government Support: The Chinese government has prioritized Zhangjiang as a key area for the country’s strategic technology development. Policies are in place to support research, attract investment, and encourage innovation. Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including transport links that connect Zhangjiang to other parts of Shanghai and beyond, enhancing its accessibility and appeal as a business location. Future Prospects: Zhangjiang Science City is poised to continue its growth as a global leader in science and technology. With ongoing investments and a focus on high-tech industries, it is expected to play a significant role in China's ambitions to become a world leader in innovation and technology by the mid-21st century. The combination of government support, international collaboration, and a strong innovation ecosystem makes Zhangjiang Science City a critical component of Shanghai's, and indeed China's, future development strategy.

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ShānXī province lies to the west / south-west of HeBei and BeiJing. The capital is TaiYuan. This film focuses on the plethora of impressive ancient sites and natural wonders; these include : * JinCi Temple 25 kilometers (16 miles) south west of TaiYuan, noted for its Song dynasty paintings and architecture. Founded about 1,400 years ago and expanded during the following centuries, this site has a diverse collection of more than 100 sculptures, buildings, terraces and bridges. * The Ancient City of PingYao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near TaiYuan. Once a great financial center of China, it is noted for its preservation of many features of northern Han Chinese culture, architecture and way of life during the Ming and Qing dynasties. * The YunGang Grottoes, its literal translation being the Cloud Ridge Caves, are shallow caves near DaTong. There are over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and Boddhisatvas within these grottoes, ranging from 4 centimeters to 7 meters tall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 252 caves noted for their collection of 5th and 6th century Buddhist grotto sculptures and reliefs. * Mount WuTai Shan is the highest point in the province. It is known as the residence of the bodhisattva Manjusri, and as a result is also a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination, with many temples and natural sights. Points of interest include Tang Dynasty (618−907) era timber halls located at NanChan Temple and FoGuang Temple, as well as a giant white stupa at TaYuan Temple built during the Ming Dynasty (1368−1644). * Mount HengShan, one of the 'Five Great Peaks' of China, is also a major Taoist site. * The Hanging Temple (XuanKong Temple) is located on the side of a cliff, 75 meters (245 feet) up, and has survived for 1400 years despite earthquakes in the area. * The Pagoda of FoGong Temple built in 1056 during the Liao dynasty. It is octagonal with nine levels (five are visible from outside), and at 67 meters (220 feet) in height, it is currently the tallest wooden pagoda in the world and also the oldest fully wooden pagoda in China. * HuKou Waterfall on the Yellow River. At 50 meters high it is the second highest waterfall in China. ~~~ A very beautiful film - don't miss it ... A veritable masterclass in video shooting, storytelling, editing and sound mixing.

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