The Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai

With Blondie in China ... With Walk East ...

"This week we discuss the roll out of “AUKUS” and how it fits into long-standing plans to encircle and contain China as well as set the stage for what US war planners call a limited conflict with China aimed at destroying its economy, setting it and Asia back decades, and ensuring Western hegemony for years to come." With The New Atlas - Don't miss it ... Bonus film - with The Grayzone ... Bonus film - Myanmar : US-backed NUG opposition declares war on its own country ... Bonus film 2 - US CENCOM Admits Afghan "Revenge" Drone Strike Killed Only Civilians, Including 7 Children ... Bonus film 3 - On manufactured ignorance, with Chris Hedges, On Contact RT ...

ZhuHai is sometimes referred to as the 'Chinese Riviera' and located close to GuangZhou, ShenZhen, Macau and Hong Kong in GuangDong province, south east China. The city is regarded as a 'garden city' ...

JiangSu province. With China Walking Tour ... Bonus films - daytime and evening cycle tour ... Bonus film - with FunFancie - great attractions in NanJing ...

Every spring, this festival takes place in the capital city as a meeting of artists of all kinds from China and countries worldwide, a cultural exchange covering everything from music - classical, pop and more - to dance, exhibitions and drama, ... expect the unexpected : ) In 2016, the festival runs from April 25 to May 30. Now in its 16th year, the festival will bring together nearly 400 Chinese artists and more than 400 international artists from 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain and France. Canada will be this year's guest country of honor. As a taster, here are two wonderful performances from 2014 - first, a steel band in ChaoYang Park, second an unusual 'quartet' at the National Center for the Performing Arts (don't miss this if you love music) ... Live more !

With REC ShangHai ...

With Rafa Goes Around! ... Bonus film - on smartphone life ...

With Valeriy Blank ...

With China Road Tales ... The Stone Village of the NaXi people, located in YunNan Province, China, is a remarkable destination that offers a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the NaXi ethnic minority. Here’s a detailed look at this fascinating village: ### Location and Overview - **Location**: The Stone Village, also known as ShiZhiShu Village, is situated in the YuLong Naxi Autonomous County in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, near the town of Lijiang. - **Geography**: Nestled in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (YuLong XueShan), the village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and clear streams. ### NaXi Culture and Heritage - **Ethnic Group**: The NaXi people are one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, with a rich cultural heritage that blends elements of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and other neighboring cultures. - **Language**: The NaXi language, belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family, is still spoken by many villagers. The NaXi also have a unique pictographic script called Dongba, used primarily for religious texts. - **Matriarchal Society**: Historically, the NaXi society was matrilineal, with property and family names passed down through the female line. ### Architecture - **Stone Houses**: The village is renowned for its traditional stone houses, built using local materials such as stone, wood, and mud. These houses are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment and are known for their durability and unique aesthetic. - **Courtyards**: Many homes are built around central courtyards, which serve as communal spaces for family activities and social gatherings. - **Wooden Carvings**: Intricate wooden carvings and decorations adorn the houses, showcasing the NaXi’s craftsmanship and artistic traditions. ### Traditional Lifestyles - **Agriculture**: The NaXi people in the Stone Village primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as barley, wheat, and vegetables. They also raise livestock, including pigs, chickens, and yaks. - **Traditional Dress**: The NaXi have distinctive traditional clothing, often featuring bright colors and intricate embroidery. Women’s attire includes long gowns with wide belts and colorful headscarves, while men typically wear tunics and trousers. - **Festivals and Rituals**: The NaXi people celebrate various traditional festivals, such as the Torch Festival and the Sanduo Festival, which are marked by music, dance, and religious ceremonies. ### Dongba Religion - **Animism and Shamanism**: The NaXi practice Dongba religion, an animistic belief system that involves worshiping nature spirits and ancestors. Dongba priests, who are also scholars, play a central role in religious rituals and the preservation of cultural heritage. - **Dongba Texts**: These religious texts are written in the unique Dongba script, a pictographic writing system that dates back over a thousand years. ### Tourism and Preservation - **Cultural Tourism**: The Stone Village has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the NaXi people. Visitors can explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and traditions. - **Preservation Efforts**: There are ongoing efforts to preserve the unique architecture and cultural heritage of the Stone Village. Local and regional governments, along with cultural organizations, are working to protect the village from modern development and ensure the continuation of NaXi traditions. ### Nearby Attractions - **Lijiang Ancient Town**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant NaXi culture. It is a short drive from the Stone Village and offers additional cultural experiences. - **Jade Dragon Snow Mountain**: This majestic mountain range provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying spectacular natural scenery. ### Conclusion The Stone Village of the NaXi people in Yunnan Province is a captivating destination that offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional life and culture of one of China’s most unique ethnic groups. With its distinctive stone architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, the Stone Village provides a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.