Free-runner Ryan Doyle in China 中国

Ryan explores the roots of a major influence in his Parkour life ...

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TaGong 塔公, in a Tibetan part of western SiChuan province

Known as Lhagang! Tashi Delek in Tibetan. TaGong Monastery lies within beautiful hilly grasslands ...

What China does so much better than the West

With Jiayi & Julie in China ... 0:43 Medical System 2:27 Transportation 3:40 Political Accountability 6:13 Police 7:41 Food 9:22 Individuality 10:50 City Planning 11:31 Female Culture 14:13 Nature 14:53 History & Culture Top 2 YT comments (on 19th January 2025): * My relative visited China in Oct for 3 weeks. During the visit in Shanghai one evening she had fever of 102F with blood in urine. She was 70+ years old and very nervous but finally went to the ER of the best hospital in Shanghai. She got the service including ultrasound, blood test, medicine, diagnosed as Urinary tract infection, in less than 2 hours. She was fully recovered the next morning. Guess how much she was paid since she didn't have China medical insurance? Total 280RMB, i.e. US$40! She was told that the price for people w/wo insurance was the same. If you had local insurance you might only need to pay 10%-20% of the retail price. * I'm in the US. About 2 weeks ago in North Carolina, an unarmed black man who was accused of shoplifting was shot 3 times. He had no weapon, and was simply walking. A few days ago in Oklahoma, a police officer broke the neck and eye socket of 71 year old Vietnamese man over a traffic stop. I saw both these videos. In Texas, police stopped a man driving a pickup truck because he had out of town license plates. He was carrying $35,000 in cash to buy machinery for his business. The cops seized his money and the local government refuses to return it. These incidents happen EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE in America. I stopped arguing with Americans about how great they think this country it. They hang on to some unrealistic patriotic delusion, and are quick to accuse China of doing what is ACTUALLY DONE here. Things will not change no matter who is President because corruption permeates this society at every level. Far be it for me to give advice to the people in China, but here it is - be proud of your country and your government. I am in awe of how sophisticated your society is, and how protective of the people the CCP are. You are right about the politicians in the West. They suffer zero consequences for their lies and corrupt actions. The White House and Washington DC perfectly reflect our society. We in the US are not to be admired or emulated, but should be held as an example of a collapsing empire that should never be repeated again for the sake of the world. Thank you for this great vlog! With Expat Adventuring in Asia ...

In the footsteps of Marco Polo along the Silk Road and his many years in China

With TRACKS - Travel Documentaries ... The Travels of Marco Polo Introduction Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, is renowned for his extensive travels along the Silk Road during the 13th century. His journey provided Europe with one of the earliest comprehensive glimpses of the East. This guide focuses on Marco Polo's travels, with a particular emphasis on his time in China and the significant experiences he documented in his book, "The Travels of Marco Polo." Early Journey Marco Polo embarked on his journey to Asia in 1271, at the age of 17, accompanied by his father, Niccolò, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo. The Polo family traveled overland through the Middle East, passing through regions such as Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Pamir Mountains, enduring harsh climates and difficult terrains. Their ultimate goal was to reach the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. Arrival in China In 1275, after nearly four years of travel, Marco Polo and his family arrived at the court of Kublai Khan in Shangdu (Xanadu), present-day Inner Mongolia. Kublai Khan, impressed by their knowledge and skills, took a particular interest in Marco Polo, employing him as a diplomat and sending him on various missions throughout his empire. Marco Polo's Time in China Service to Kublai Khan Marco Polo served Kublai Khan for 17 years, undertaking diplomatic missions that allowed him to travel extensively across China and other parts of Asia. He became well-acquainted with the Mongol administration and the diverse cultures within the empire. His detailed observations and accounts provided valuable insights into the life and governance of the Mongol Empire. Explorations and Observations During his time in China, Marco Polo visited numerous cities and regions, documenting their unique aspects. Some key places he described include: Beijing (Khanbaliq): The capital of Kublai Khan's empire, Beijing was a bustling metropolis with grand palaces, markets, and administrative buildings. Marco Polo marveled at the city's size, organization, and the wealth displayed by its inhabitants. Hangzhou (Quinsai): Marco Polo described Hangzhou as one of the most magnificent cities in the world, renowned for its beautiful canals, thriving commerce, and vibrant culture. He noted its sophisticated infrastructure, including bridges, markets, and gardens. Suzhou and its Silk Production: Marco Polo provided detailed accounts of silk production in Suzhou, highlighting the meticulous process of harvesting silk from silkworms and weaving it into luxurious fabrics. He was fascinated by the craftsmanship and the high demand for silk across the empire. Yunnan Province: During his travels, Marco Polo ventured into Yunnan, describing its diverse ethnic groups and unique customs. He also noted the region's rich natural resources, including gold and other minerals. Tibet: Marco Polo's travels took him to the Tibetan Plateau, where he documented the distinctive culture, religious practices, and the high-altitude lifestyle of the Tibetan people. Technological and Cultural Observations Marco Polo's accounts also included descriptions of various technologies and cultural practices he encountered in China: Paper Money: Marco Polo was fascinated by the use of paper money, a novel concept to Europeans at the time. He described the process of printing and distributing paper currency, which facilitated trade across the vast empire. Postal System: The efficient postal system, known as the "Yam," impressed Marco Polo. This network of relay stations and couriers enabled swift communication and the transportation of goods and information across great distances. Innovations and Inventions: Marco Polo documented various Chinese inventions, such as gunpowder, printing, and the compass, which later had a profound impact on European technology and exploration. Cultural Exchange: Marco Polo's interactions with diverse cultures within the Mongol Empire enriched his understanding of different customs, religions, and lifestyles. His accounts reflect the multicultural nature of the Silk Road and the exchange of ideas and knowledge it facilitated. Return to Venice In 1292, after spending 17 years in China, Marco Polo and his family decided to return to Venice. They joined a Mongol princess's escort on her journey to Persia, eventually making their way back to Europe via the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. They arrived in Venice in 1295, after 24 years of travel. Legacy of Marco Polo Marco Polo's detailed accounts of his travels were compiled into a book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," which became one of the most important sources of information about the East for Europeans. His descriptions of the wealth, culture, and innovations of China and other Asian regions inspired future explorers, including Christopher Columbus, and significantly influenced European knowledge and perceptions of Asia. Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road highlighted the interconnectedness of the world through trade and cultural exchange, and his legacy continues to be celebrated as a testament to the spirit of exploration and curiosity.