Scenes from HangZhou 杭州 in ZheJiang province

With Danny HaiPhong and Brian Berletic ... *** Meanwhile ...

Provincial capital of HuNan. With Walk East ...

An eye-opener. Modern, efficient and inviting. With really low (at cost) prices; e.g. $30 / £20 for a CT scan. With Middle Kingdom Productions in NanJing ... With Sabrina in China ... Plus a look at the local metro system ...

HuNan province. With Walk East ...

Season's Greetings to all our visitors, from BeijingBuzzz, 2020 / 2021 :) A fantastic flash mob surprises and catches the hearts of all in a BeiJing mall (China World Mall). Love music? Don't miss this great film (turn up the volume; high quality audio) ... 一群喜好音樂的志願者在北京國貿的美食街快閃表演了美麗動人的歌曲，包括 "月亮代表我的心", "彎彎的月亮", "甜蜜蜜", "讓我們蕩起雙槳", "茉莉花", "站在高崗上" 以及 "高山青"。我們帶給了現場群眾意外的驚喜，也希望可以跟全世界的朋友分享這份喜悅。 A heart-warming surprise performance of popular traditional Chinese songs at the food court of the China World Trade Center, GuoMao, central-east Beijing. By artists from Taiwan and the China World Trade Center Chorus, plus many passers by. The 7 songs : "The Moon Represents My Heart" (Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin), "The Crescent Moon" (Wan Wan De Yue Liang), "Oh, How Sweet" (Tian Mi Mi), "Let's Row the Paddles" (Rang Wo Men Dang Qi Shuang Jiang), "Jasmine Flower" (Mo Li Hua), "Standing on the Hilltop" (Zhan Zai Gao Gang Shang), "The Mountain is Green" (Gao Shan Qing). This follows a similar event at Taipei 101 in Taiwan, back in the summer. Bravo to everyone involved ! "Strangers become friends" - we need more of this ... Peace ... Love ... See you all in 2021 .....

Mount HuaShan, 华山, lies about 75 miles east of Xi'An, 西安, in ShaanXi province, central China. The esteem of harmony between Man and Nature is a key part of Chinese philosophy and no trip to China is quite complete without a mountain climb ...

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 Einar Tangen ...

The city in HuBei province and its people after the coronavirus.