JiuHua Shan 九华山, AnHui province

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.

With Walk East ... And evening walk around ...

With Walk East ...

With Brian Berletic and Danny Haiphong ... * In China, the people are family. * In the West, the people are livestock. With Angelo Giuliano - on Myanmar, the Philippines and Taiwan; how the West is trying to burn down south-east Asia to contain China to maintain its hegemony over the world (keep it down and plunder its resources) ... The US goal of world hegemony dates from at least the 1960s ... The 'threat' of China is simply that it is a good example; 'no country should be other than our slave'. With Willene Business & Lifestyle ... On hegemony / dominance, with Jeffrey Sachs ... Latest news on China - with Wave Media ... On the EV car market - with Cyrus Janssen ... Italy, a basket case with a tendency to fascism, has buckled to US pressure and left the BRI; but three countries line up to replace it - Turkey, Greece and Spain ... Ciao Italia. Video was deleted by YT. On the Chinese island of Taiwan ... On Jimmy Lai, Apple Daily and the attempted HK overthrow ... Now, some positive videos : KunMing city, YunNan province ... ShangHai trip - with Sophie Kim ... A room with a view - YangShuo, with Darby Alex ... LiJiang, YunNan province, with Fel Thommy ...

With China Review Studio ... With CGTN ...

Infrastructure at its finest, China style ... With Walk East ... With 12 subway lines and 1 light rail line, the ChengDu metro ranks 4th largest in the world after BeiJing, ShangHai and GuangZhou. YT comment by Helghast73 : Yeah I can see this tour will just highlight what I was saying in the last Chengdu video Max, “plan for the future and then plan some more” 😂 It’s hard to believe that all this will celebrate its 12th birthday in September. Just stop and think for a moment, 12 years ago none of it was there and fast forward to now and you’ve 373 stations network, mind blowing. The idea of giving each line an actual visual identity is great, it’s not just a line colour on a network map but station platforms and train carriages too. Line 8 with it’s green and white colour scheme is super bright. Line 5 with it’s older heritage look and darker tones used but still bright. Line 18 with it’s nods to Zaha Hadid I’d say haha superb also looks like a mini Beijing Daxing with the clinical white look. Line 6 with it’s coral looking sub aquatic look. Line 9 with it’s lilac scifi.

How the West created the discord with China, and Asia, and what might ensue ...

A special show for the People's Republic of China 70th anniversary. Hundreds of drones with lights fly in amazing coordinated flight patterns to create an awesome spectacle ... Awesome progress for a country in just one lifetime.

Apart from a very few fair and independent news outlets, such as GlobalResearch.ca and rt.com/usa/ (though both these have some BS now and then), this is true of all MSM in the West. Nathan Rich breaks it down ...