Introducing the city of JiNan 济南

With Wei's Travel ... The French Concession in Shanghai is a place that condenses a century of history in modern Shanghai. It is the largest and most prosperous concession among the four concessions in old China. It was handed back to the Republic of China government in 1943, renamed the Eighth District. The French Concession in Shanghai was opened in 1849, experienced a slight expansion in 1900, and began to expand significantly in 1914 to establish the New French Concession. The French Concession maintained a high degree of independence in old Shanghai. The entire French Concession in Shanghai was the most high-end residential area in old Shanghai, and the architectural style can be said to be uniform. The reason why the Indigo tree is called French plane tree in China is also because it was first introduced by the French and planted in the French Concession in Shanghai. Shanghai's reputation as the "Paris of the East" is also named after the French Concession. Its architectural style is independent of the public concession and the Chinese border, and is almost the same as Paris thousands of miles away. The French had always maintained great control over the French Concession. 00:00 Highlights 精彩预览 01:40 ZIKAWEI Shopping Area 徐家汇商圈 04:22 Hengshan Lane 衡山坊 09:53 Xujiahui Park 徐家汇公园 22:07 EMI Building 百代小楼 25:10 Hengshan Boulevard 衡山路 27:29 Lipo Garden 丽波花园 31:08 Gaoan Garden 高安花园 33:57 Yongping Lane 永平里 38:52 No.8 Hengshan Avenue 衡山路8号园区 48:03 Hengshan Boulevard North Part 衡山路北段 50:32 Shanghai Symphony Orchestra 上海交响乐团 53:58 Clemen Apartment 克莱门公寓 58:31 Urumqi Middle Road 乌鲁木齐中路 01:07:58 Anfu Road 安福路 01:20:44 Wiggle Wiggle Flagship Store 01:29:36 Wukang Road 武康路 01:38:28 Ferguson Lane 武康庭 01:47:41 Wukang Building 武康大楼 01:52:03 CITE BOURGOGNE 步高里 01:54:57 Ruijin Hotel 瑞金宾馆 02:06:34 Yongkang Road 永康路 02:12:45 ICCF Garden 之禾卡纷花园 02:16:28 Shanghai Conservatory of Music 上海音乐学院 02:23:05 Old Downtown Highlights 梧桐街区精华

Filmed in autumn 2010.

HuangYaGuan Great Wall, near TianJin, one hour east of BeiJing by high speed rail, by the coast. * 2015 ... * 2016 ... Race day film with Liza ...

With CGTN ... Trade versus coups and invasion. Long term benefits (for all) versus short term profits (for some). Bonus films - on MSM propaganda : With FridayEveryday ... With Jerry's Take on China ... When people come first ... How 4% of the world's population keeps trying to suppress the 96% - with Garland Nixon ... China is the true government of the people, by the people, for the people. If only the West would learn from China the way that China learns from the West.

With TimGloAdventures ...

With Andy see the World ... *** HuaYan Temple, located in DaTong, ShanXi province, is a magnificent example of Buddhist temple architecture and one of the best-preserved temples from the Liao and Jin dynasties. Its name, "Huayan," is derived from the Huayan Sutra, an important scripture in Chinese Buddhism, reflecting the temple's strong connection to the Huayan school of Buddhist thought. Key Features: Divided Structure: The temple is unique as it is divided into two parts: the Upper Temple and the Lower Temple. The Upper Temple, built on a hill, was primarily used for religious ceremonies, while the Lower Temple served as a residential and study area for monks. Grand Hall: The Great Buddha Hall in the Upper Temple is one of the largest remaining halls of its kind from the Liao dynasty. It features massive wooden beams, intricate carvings, and large Buddha statues that exude a sense of serenity. Murals and Sculptures: The temple is renowned for its well-preserved murals and Buddhist sculptures. These artworks depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures and stories, reflecting the artistic style and religious devotion of the era. Library of Sutras: The Lower Temple houses a library of Buddhist sutras, emphasizing the temple’s role as a center for learning and spiritual practice. Architectural Significance: The wooden structures of Huayan Temple showcase the advanced engineering and architectural techniques of ancient China. The use of dougong brackets (interlocking wooden brackets) is particularly impressive. Cultural Heritage: Huayan Temple is a testament to the flourishing of Buddhism in northern China during the Liao and Jin dynasties. It represents a blend of religious, artistic, and architectural achievements. Atmosphere: Visitors often find the temple serene and spiritually uplifting, with its quiet courtyards, ancient trees, and the scent of incense enhancing the experience. It is not just a historical site but also an active place of worship. Huayan Temple remains a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, drawing visitors and scholars from around the world to explore its beauty and historical importance. *** Shanhua Temple, located in Datong, Shanxi Province, is a stunning example of Chinese Buddhist architecture and history. Originally constructed during the Tang Dynasty, the temple has been preserved and renovated over the centuries, with its current structures mainly dating back to the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The temple complex is composed of three main halls arranged along a north-south axis: the Main Gate Hall, the Mahavira Hall, and the Sansheng Hall. These halls are surrounded by peaceful courtyards, ancient trees, and stone pathways, creating a serene environment for visitors. The Mahavira Hall is the centerpiece of the temple, housing large statues of the Buddha and bodhisattvas. The craftsmanship of these statues reflects the artistic style of the Liao Dynasty, with intricate details and vibrant colors. The Sansheng Hall, dedicated to the Three Saints of Hua-yen Buddhism, also contains exquisite statues and murals that are valuable cultural relics. One of the temple's unique features is its collection of wooden structures, which have survived numerous dynasties and demonstrate the sophisticated construction techniques of ancient Chinese architecture. The intricate carvings, painted beams, and symbolic motifs throughout the temple showcase the skill of artisans from different eras. Visitors to Shanhua Temple can also enjoy the surrounding scenery, as the temple is situated near other historical sites in Datong, such as the Nine-Dragon Wall and the Yungang Grottoes. Its peaceful ambiance and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring China's rich cultural heritage. *** The HunYuan Confucian Temple, located in Hunyuan County near Datong, Shanxi Province, is an important historical and cultural site dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. Known for its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere, the temple reflects the Confucian emphasis on education, morality, and respect for tradition. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with many of its current structures dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The layout of the temple follows traditional Confucian principles, with symmetrical courtyards and a central axis leading to the main halls. The temple complex includes several key structures, such as the Dacheng Hall, the Gate of Rites, and the Hall of Confucius’ Tablets. The Dacheng Hall, the centerpiece of the temple, houses a statue of Confucius and tablets honoring his disciples and other influential scholars. Its wooden beams and intricate carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient Chinese builders. The temple grounds are adorned with ancient cypress trees, stone tablets, and inscriptions that highlight the enduring legacy of Confucianism in Chinese culture. These elements create a tranquil environment for visitors, providing a space for reflection and appreciation of traditional values. Hunyuan Confucian Temple is not only a place of historical significance but also a symbol of the enduring influence of Confucian thought in shaping Chinese society. Its proximity to other attractions in the area, such as the Hanging Temple, makes it an excellent addition to any itinerary for visitors exploring the region. *** The Fahua Temple, located in Datong, Shanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple with a serene atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. Known for its traditional Chinese architecture and intricate details, the temple provides a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic traditions of ancient China. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, Fahua Temple has undergone renovations over the centuries, preserving its historic charm while maintaining its religious significance. The temple is dedicated to Buddhist teachings and serves as a place of worship, meditation, and cultural reflection. The layout of the temple includes several key structures, such as the main hall, bell tower, and various smaller pavilions. The main hall is adorned with statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as colorful murals that depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures. The bell tower houses an ancient bronze bell that is said to bring blessings and peace to those who hear its chime. The temple grounds are quiet and peaceful, with pathways lined by trees and flowers that enhance the meditative experience. Stone carvings and inscriptions throughout the temple complex reflect the devotion and artistic skills of past generations. Visitors often find the setting conducive to quiet reflection and spiritual exploration. Fahua Temple is an important cultural and religious site in Datong, offering visitors a chance to connect with Buddhist traditions and admire the craftsmanship of Chinese temple architecture. Its tranquil environment makes it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s history and spiritual legacy.