The awesome BeiHai Park 北海公园 in BeiJing

Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡 / HǔTiào Xiá) is a beautiful canyon on the JinSha River, a primary tributary of the upper YangTse River. It lies about 60 kilometers (38 miles) north of LiJiang in YunNan province, south west China and is part of the 'Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan' UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tiger Leaping Gorge is around 15 kilometers (9 miles) in length and passes between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in a series of rapids below towering 2,000 meter (6,600 feet) cliffs. This film shows part of the lower trail and the spot where legend says a tiger jumped the rapids at their narrowest point (some 20 plus meters).

Mount SiGuNiang, in SiChuan province, is famous for its beautiful scenery. The surrounding area is reputed to be the "Oriental Alps". Mount SiGuNiang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park comprises Mount SiGuNiang and the surrounding three valleys, namely ChangPing Valley (长坪沟), HaiZi Valley (海子沟) and ShuangQiao Valley (双桥沟), covering an area of 2,000 square kilometers. Mount Siguniang

The West has a win-lose mindset. It is very different from China's win-win. The West aims, and has done for many decades, to keep all other countries down, by inciting wars and installing compliant puppet regimes. Containing China has been the policy all along - and the real reason for the Vietnam and Korea wars. It is not something new. This is why the Phillipines has never reached its potential, and why all the propaganda (lies) and meddling in China's outskirts - notably, Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan and XinJiang. With Brian Berletic and Danny HaiPhong ... With Liu Xin and Jeffrey Sachs ... With George Galloway ... With Thinkers Forum ... With Jason / Living In China ... On the US Empire - with Trip Bitten ... On the Middle East, with Double Down News ... With Judge Napolitano and Craig Murray ... With The Duran ... With Novara Media ... With Richard Wolff ... On Yemen, with Ben Norton ... With Michael Hudson ... On XinJiang, with Willene Business & Lifestyle ... On how China has changed - with Lee Barrett ... On the 5-Eyes neo-colonial pact ... On Australia - with the Australian Citizens Party and John Lander ... The first BRICS+ meeting of 2024 ... On the West's 5-Eyes UNWRA defunding ... On a possible US attack on Iran - with Scott Ritter ...

Filmed in autumn 2010 ...

As the mini ice-age begins to engage (and the 'global warming' hoax lies in tatters) - a reprieve of our much-loved 'Winter in China' mix; with great music, including ColdPlay and much more ...

With Nick in China ... Meidaizhao Temple Visitor Guide Located near Baotou in Inner Mongolia, Meidaizhao Temple (also known as Meidaizhao Lamasery) is a unique cultural landmark that blends Tibetan Buddhism with Mongolian and Han architectural influences. This guide provides everything you need to know for an enriching visit to this historical and spiritual site. Overview of Meidaizhao Temple History & Significance: Built in the late 16th century, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, Meidaizhao Temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Inner Mongolia. It was initially a palace for Altan Khan, a Mongol leader who played a key role in introducing Tibetan Buddhism to the region. The temple later evolved into a lamasery and continues to serve as a significant religious site for both monks and pilgrims. Architecture: Meidaizhao’s architecture is a fascinating blend of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han Chinese styles, making it stand out among other temples in the region. The complex is surrounded by a fortress-like wall, and inside, visitors will find beautifully painted murals, prayer halls, and courtyards that reflect its spiritual importance and artistic beauty. Key Attractions in Meidaizhao Temple Main Prayer Hall The Main Prayer Hall, or "Sükhbaatar," is the heart of Meidaizhao Temple. This large, ornate building is used for religious ceremonies and prayers. Visitors can observe monks conducting rituals and admire the intricately painted murals that depict Buddhist stories and deities. White Pagoda One of the most iconic features of Meidaizhao is the White Pagoda, which stands tall against the backdrop of the vast grasslands. This stupa, a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism, is a popular spot for pilgrims who come to offer prayers and walk clockwise around the structure for blessings. Mongolian Fortress Walls The temple complex is encircled by fortress-like walls that reflect its historical role as a defensive palace for Altan Khan. Walking along these walls provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and offers a glimpse into the temple's past as a political and military stronghold. Buddhist Murals Inside the temple, visitors can find elaborate Buddhist murals that are well-preserved despite their age. These murals depict Tibetan Buddhist figures, scenes from religious texts, and Mongolian motifs, showcasing the cultural fusion that defines Meidaizhao. Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to observe monks performing traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals in the Main Hall. These ceremonies are deeply spiritual and offer a rare glimpse into the religious life of the lamasery. Practical Travel Information for Meidaizhao Temple When to Visit The best time to visit Meidaizhao Temple is during the late spring and early autumn months (May to October), when the weather is mild, and the grasslands surrounding the temple are lush and green. Summer can be warm, but it is also the peak season for local festivals, while winter is harsh and cold, making outdoor exploration difficult. Getting to Meidaizhao By Air: The nearest major airport is Baotou Airport, about 80 kilometers from the temple. From Baotou, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Meidaizhao. By Train: Baotou is well-connected by train to major cities in China. After arriving in Baotou, buses or taxis can take you directly to the temple. By Bus: Local buses operate from Baotou and other nearby towns, offering a budget-friendly option for reaching the temple. Private tours also often include transportation to the temple as part of their package. Accommodation There are limited accommodation options near Meidaizhao Temple. Most visitors stay in Baotou, which has a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. If you're interested in a more immersive experience, some guesthouses in the area offer basic lodging close to the temple grounds. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Cultural Sensitivity As Meidaizhao is an active religious site, visitors should show respect by dressing modestly and refraining from loud conversations within the temple complex. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, especially inside prayer halls. Always ask for permission before taking photos of monks or religious ceremonies. Local Cuisine Inner Mongolian cuisine is known for its hearty, meat-heavy dishes. Near Meidaizhao, you can find local eateries serving traditional Mongolian food such as mutton, dairy products (such as milk tea and cheese), and a variety of grilled meats. For a unique experience, try the local "suutei tsai" (Mongolian milk tea) or "huoguo" (Mongolian hotpot). Travel Tip: If you visit during a local festival, such as the Naadam Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to witness traditional Mongolian sports like wrestling and horse racing. These cultural events add an extra dimension to your visit. Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Meidaizhao Temple Day 1: Arrive in Baotou and explore the city’s museums or enjoy a local Mongolian meal. In the afternoon, travel to Meidaizhao and take a walk around the temple's exterior, exploring the fortress walls and nearby grasslands. Day 2: Spend the morning exploring the temple complex. Visit the Main Prayer Hall to observe religious ceremonies, explore the White Pagoda, and admire the murals. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Baotou. Day 3: If time allows, visit nearby attractions such as the Dazhao Temple in Hohhot or take a tour of the Inner Mongolian grasslands for a more in-depth exploration of the region’s natural beauty and nomadic culture.

With Time Walker ... "Shenzhen Library North is one of the first major cultural facilities of the new era built and completed in Shenzhen. It has a construction area of ​​about 72,000 square meters, 6 floors above ground and 3 floors underground. It is designed to hold 8 million books and provide 2,500 seats. Its total investment is about 1.2 billion yuan. The library is positioned as a large-scale comprehensive and intelligent library integrating document collection, national reading, social education, ideological exchange, cultural inheritance and creative creation. It not only has the functions of a public library, but also serves as the city's document adjustment library and Shenzhen's "City of Libraries" joint editing center, network data center and document allocation center. The library has many special libraries and interactive learning spaces, and has the largest underground intelligent three-dimensional library in the country, equipped with advanced facilities such as large-scale rapid sorting system, vertical track access system and electronic seeding wall system. As of July 2024, Shenzhen Library North was officially opened on December 28, 2023. After the opening, 6,000 reservations will be available in the public service area and 2,000 reservations will be available in the children's area every day. Readers can submit a reservation for admission through the Shenzhen Library WeChat official account one day in advance, and present the reservation voucher to enter the venue after arriving at the library. The specific opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-21:00. The housekeeping is done on Mondays. The 1F Reading Hall is open from Monday to Sunday 7:00-23:00. Legal holidays will be notified separately. Location: Located at the intersection of Tenglong Road and Zhongmei Road in Longhua District. Transportation: • Subway: Take Line 4 or Line 6 to Hongshan Station and walk to the library in a few minutes. • Bus: There are many bus lines stopping nearby, such as [specify the specific bus number and stop]. Architectural Features: The exterior adopts a unique design similar to white fish scales, creating a visually stunning effect. The interior space is spacious, with a large atrium and elegant book walls. Opening hours: Open from 9:00 to 21:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. The 1F reading room is open from 7:00 to 23:00. Collection Features: The collection is rich and covers various fields and genres. There are rare and precious books, as well as newly published books to meet different interests. Exhibition Features: Regularly hold a variety of exhibitions, including art exhibitions, historical displays and cultural exhibitions, providing a rich visual and intellectual experience. When you visit: • Remember to make an appointment in advance through the Shenzhen Library WeChat official account. • Take your time to explore each floor and enjoy the peaceful reading atmosphere."

China's industrial output is #1 and greater than the next nine countries combined. The US's military spending is #1 and greater than the next nine countries combined. To the 'past' colonial powers of the West, China was supposed to remain just their factory to power their hegemony, not become a peer. Hence the anti-China 'threat'. With Ben Norton ...

Hángzhōu lies in ZheJiang province