FengHuang 凤凰, Pheonix Ancient Town

With Seiu Travel ... 🌹 Yongding Gate Yongding Gate was the south gate of the outer city of Beijing's old city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the highest-regulated and largest of the seven gates in Beijing's outer city Unfortunately, the original gate was demolished in 1957, and what we see now is the rebuilt one in 2004. 🌹 Temple of Heaven and Altar of the God of Agriculture The Temple of Heaven and the Altar of the God of Agriculture are located on both sides of the central axis, showing east-west symmetry. The Temple of Heaven is the largest and most complete existing royal worship building complex in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: http://www.tiantanpark.com/english/ The Altar of Agriculture is the largest existing royal place for worshipping the God of Agriculture in China. It is now converted into a museum of ancient Chinese architecture. Official website: http://www.bjgjg.com 🌹 Zhengyang Gate Zhengyang Gate, commonly known as the "front gate", is the south gate of the inner city of Beijing's old city, located on the south side of Tian‘anmen Square. Zhengyang Gate integrates defense, urban management and ceremonial functions and is known as the "first of the nine gates". 🌹 Tian’anmen Square and Buildings Tian‘anmen Square and buildings are composed of the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Official website: http://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn 🌹 Outer Jinshui Bridge The Outer Jinshui Bridge is located in front of the Tian’anmen Tower. It was the only way from the imperial city to the southern suburbs for sacrifice (Temple of Heaven, Xiannongtan) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the ceremonial space for major celebrations today. 🌹 Tiananmen Gatetower Tiananmen Gatetower was the main gate of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its platform was connected to the imperial city wall, together forming the southern boundary of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Gatetower was the place where imperial edicts were issued in the Ming and Qing dynasties and major state events were held in modern times. 🌹 Duan Gate Duan Gate is located on the south side of the Forbidden City, between Wu Gate and Tiananmen Gatetower, and is part of the court space. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Duan Gate was the place where the emperor's ceremonial supplies were stored. 🌹 Forbidden City The Forbidden City was the palace city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an outstanding example of Chinese royal palace architecture and is located at the center of the central axis. Official website: https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en 🌹 Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain The Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain are the ideal capital planning model of "left ancestor and right community", and are located on the east and west sides of the Forbidden City. The Imperial Ancestral Temple, now the Working People's Cultural Palace, was the royal ancestral temple of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: https://www.bjwhg.com.cn Altar of Land and Grain, now Zhongshan Park, is the most complete ancient royal altar in China for worshiping Taishe (land) and Taiji (grain). Official website: https://www.zhongshan-park.cn 🌹 Jingshan Hill Jingshan Mountain is the commanding height and important landscape node on the central axis of Beijing. Official website: http://www.bjjspark.com/index.jhtml 🌹 Wanning Bridge Wanning Bridge is the oldest bridge on the central axis of Beijing. It is an important water channel in the upper reaches of Tonghui River in the capital of the Yuan Dynasty. It is also a physical object for studying the canal transportation in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty. 🌹 Bell and Drum Tower The Bell and Drum Tower, which was responsible for the city's timekeeping and time reporting functions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, was an important urban management facility. 00:00:00 Highlights 00:01:09 Yongding Gate - the southern gate of Beijing's old city 00:03:42 Remains of the road in the southern section of Beijing's central axis 00:05:26 Temple of Heaven - a place for offering sacrifices to heaven 00:28:18 Altar of Agriculture - a place for offering sacrifices to the god of agriculture 00:36:09 Zhengyang Gate and Qianmen Street 00:41:49 Tian‘anmen Square and buildings 00:49:09 Forbidden City 01:12:52 Imperial Ancestral Temple - a place for offering sacrifices to royal ancestors 01:16:27 Altar of Land and Grain - a place for offering sacrifices to the land and grains 01:20:38 Jingshan 01:29:05Wanning Bridge 01:32:28 Bell and Drum Tower - the northernmost end of the central axis

Between YangShuo and GuiLin, GuangXi province.

Beautiful views ...

With CGTN ... Bonus film - the Asian Games sports infrastructure - with Rafa Goes Around! ... Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Located at the southern end of the Grand Canal, which extends to Beijing, Hangzhou has been one of China's most renowned and prosperous cities for much of the last millennium. Marco Polo reportedly described the city as "the finest and most splendid city in the world." Historical Significance Hangzhou has a rich history dating back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty. It became a significant city during the Sui Dynasty when the Grand Canal was constructed. During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), Hangzhou was the capital of China, a period that significantly boosted its status and prosperity. West Lake One of Hangzhou’s most famous attractions is West Lake (Xī Hú). This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its scenic beauty, inspiring poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th century. The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands. Major attractions around West Lake include the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda. Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China. It was founded in 328 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The temple is famous for its grand halls, numerous pagodas, and Buddhist grottoes, particularly the Feilai Feng grottoes, which contain hundreds of stone carvings of Buddhist figures. Longjing Tea Hangzhou is the origin of the world-famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Longjing Tea Village, located in the hills west of West Lake, offers a picturesque setting where visitors can learn about tea cultivation, enjoy tea tastings, and experience traditional tea ceremonies. The tea is renowned for its high quality, green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat leaves. Grand Canal The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. Hangzhou marks the southern end of this ancient waterway, which played a crucial role in the cultural and economic development of the region. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the historical and cultural sights along the canal. Modern Hangzhou Today, Hangzhou is a blend of traditional and modern influences. It is an important economic hub, home to numerous high-tech industries and the headquarters of Alibaba Group, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, with a high-speed railway, an international airport, and a comprehensive metro system. Tourism and Culture Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city hosts various cultural festivals, such as the West Lake International Expo, the China International Tea Expo, and the Hangzhou International Marathon. Hangzhou cuisine, known for its light and fresh flavors, is also a highlight for visitors, with famous dishes like Dongpo Pork and West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.  

With Char 787 ... With Nick in China ... Visitor Guide: Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan Introduction Mount Qingcheng (青城山) and Dujiangyan (都江堰) are two of Sichuan's most famous cultural and natural landmarks. Located near Chengdu, they offer a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, ancient engineering marvels, and deep-rooted Taoist traditions. This guide will help you explore these sites and understand their spiritual significance. Note: Both Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural and historical importance. Mount Qingcheng (青城山) What to See Shangqing Palace (上清宫): One of the most important Taoist temples on the mountain, Shangqing Palace is a serene place for reflection and meditation. It offers insights into Taoist practices and is surrounded by lush greenery. Tianshi Cave (天师洞): This cave is said to be where Zhang Daoling, the founder of the Way of the Celestial Masters, practiced Taoism. It is a sacred site for Taoist pilgrims. Jianfu Palace (建福宫): A quieter spot on the mountain, Jianfu Palace is perfect for those looking to experience the peacefulness of Taoism in a more secluded environment. Natural Scenery: Mount Qingcheng is known for its dense forests, tranquil pathways, and beautiful mountain views, embodying the Taoist principle of harmony with nature. Activities Hiking: Explore the mountain's many trails, which vary in difficulty. The trails wind through ancient temples, caves, and pavilions, offering both spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Meditation and Tai Chi: Engage in meditation or Tai Chi sessions at various temples, guided by local Taoist practitioners. This is a great way to connect with the spiritual atmosphere of the mountain. Photography: Capture the natural beauty of the mountain, with its misty peaks and verdant landscapes, which are often compared to a classical Chinese painting. Visitor Information Location: About 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Chengdu. Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best weather for hiking and sightseeing. How to Get There: You can take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Qingchengshan Station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the mountain. Dujiangyan (都江堰) What to See Yuzui (鱼嘴): The "Fish Mouth" is the central part of the Dujiangyan irrigation system, where the Min River is split into two channels. It is a marvel of ancient engineering that showcases the Taoist principle of working in harmony with nature. Baopingkou (宝瓶口): This "Bottle-Neck Channel" regulates water flow into the irrigation system, another example of the Taoist-inspired design that emphasizes balance and non-interference. Erwang Temple (二王庙): A temple dedicated to Li Bing and his son, the architects of Dujiangyan. The temple is a place of worship and offers great views of the irrigation system and surrounding mountains. Activities Walking Tours: Explore the ancient irrigation system on foot, with guided tours available to explain the history and engineering behind Dujiangyan. Temple Visits: Participate in traditional ceremonies at Erwang Temple, where you can learn about the spiritual significance of water in Taoism. Boat Rides: Take a boat ride on the Min River to experience the irrigation system from a different perspective and enjoy the scenic views. Visitor Information Location: Approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) northwest of Chengdu. Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. How to Get There: Buses and trains run regularly from Chengdu to Dujiangyan City. From there, local transportation can take you directly to the site. Tips for Visitors Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking and walking. The weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket. Respect the Culture: When visiting temples, be respectful of religious practices. Quiet reflection is encouraged, and photography may be restricted in certain areas. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the warmer months. There are also small vendors selling drinks and snacks along the trails. Consider a Guided Tour: Hiring a guide can enhance your experience by providing detailed information about the historical and cultural significance of the sites. Contact Information Mount Qingcheng Visitor Center: +86 28 87288101 Dujiangyan Visitor Center: +86 28 87136100 Tourist Information Hotline: 12301 (China National Tourism Administration)

What started supposedly as a protest over a mundane and non-controversial bill (now long abandoned) that would only truly concern serious criminals, HK is now gripped by violence. But would real protesters seek to destroy their own city and its international reputation, even targeting tourists, and raise foreign flags ? It is very clear that there is much more to it, and the non-violent 'protestors' are being used. All the cancelled flights will have lost millions of dollars. But the long-term losses are far greater - it might take 10 years for the city to recover, or, put another way, it might well never really regain what it could have been. These riots are not in the interests of HK; they are in the interests of external powers.

Plus a first look at Xi'An ...

In a few hours it will be China's 'Singles Day' 11 / 11. Single ? Celebrate your freedom ;) Regardless, we hope all our visitors will one day find (or have found) their true love ... Romantic songs galore ... When love calls your name ... are you ready to believe ? Are you strong enough, to trust in love ...? No matter what ... Forever my baby; always yours ... A beautiful heart creates our paradise ... It can be a beautiful world, when you share your dream ... It's amazing ! You can count on me ... Three little words :Wo ai ni (I love you) ... Waiting for my chance,I was lost, then found,All I know is :We're all in the dance. One life ... one love ... Beginning with 'Superhero Wedding' ...