The Opening Ceremony of the BeiJing 北京 Olympics 2008 (HD)

SiChuan Province Tour, China This itinerary covers a diverse range of experiences in SiChuan Province, including city exploration, natural wonders, and cultural immersion. Week 1: Chengdu and Surroundings Explore the vibrant city of Chengdu, visit Tianfu Square, and experience local cuisine at Jinli Ancient Street. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see adorable pandas in their natural habitat. Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha statue, and explore the surrounding area. Visit the Wuhou Shrine and Jinsha Site Museum to learn about the history of the region. Week 2: Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Travel to Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Explore the scenic beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park, including stops at Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Visit Huanglong National Scenic Reserve, famous for its colorful pools, snow-capped peaks, and ancient temples. Enjoy hiking opportunities in both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, taking in the natural splendor of the region. Week 3: Mount Emei and Leshan Travel to Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, and explore its scenic beauty and religious sites. Hike to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei to see the sunrise and visit the Huazang Temple and Giant Buddha Statue. Explore the ancient town of Leshan and visit the Lingyun Temple before taking a boat ride to see the Giant Buddha from below. Take a relaxing stroll along the riverside and enjoy local cuisine in Leshan. Week 4: Western Sichuan and Tibetan Culture Travel to Western Sichuan to explore the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the town of Tagong and its famous Tagong Monastery, surrounded by picturesque grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Explore the town of Litang and visit the Litang Monastery, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Sichuan. Experience the unique Tibetan culture and hospitality in the region, including traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

With The New Atlas - don't miss it ...

With Beijing Old Liu ... The place often referred to as the "Forbidden City" in Guiyang is QingYan Ancient Town (青岩古镇). QingYan Ancient Town is a well-preserved historical site located in the southern part of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province. The town was originally built in 1378 during the Ming Dynasty and has since retained its ancient architectural charm and cultural heritage. Its nickname, "Forbidden City of Guiyang," stems from its historical significance and its traditional Chinese architecture reminiscent of the famed Forbidden City in Beijing. QingYan Ancient Town Visitor Guide Overview QingYan Ancient Town, located in GuiYang, GuiZhou province, is one of China's most well-preserved historical towns. Founded in 1378 during the Ming Dynasty, this ancient town is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning traditional Chinese architecture. Visitors can explore a myriad of ancient buildings, temples, and stone-paved streets that tell the story of QingYan's storied past. History QingYan Ancient Town was established as a military fortress during the Ming Dynasty. Its strategic location and robust defense structures helped it become an important cultural and commercial center over the centuries. The town's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a blend of Han, Miao, and Dong ethnic styles, and well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Main Attractions Ancient City Wall The ancient city wall of QingYan is one of its most iconic features. Built with large, sturdy stones, the wall has four gates facing north, south, east, and west, each adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Walking along the wall provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. WenChang Pavilion WenChang Pavilion is a beautiful structure dedicated to WenChang, the Taoist god of literature. The pavilion is a popular spot for visitors to appreciate traditional Chinese architecture and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Temple of the Black Dragon The Temple of the Black Dragon is a significant religious site in QingYan Ancient Town. This Taoist temple, with its intricate wood carvings and peaceful ambiance, is dedicated to the Black Dragon, a deity believed to protect the town from floods. Former Residences QingYan Ancient Town is home to several well-preserved residences of notable historical figures. These include the former residence of Zhou Yiqun, a famous scholar, and the home of Zhao Yijiong, a renowned military commander. These residences offer a glimpse into the lives of QingYan's past residents. Culture and Traditions QingYan Ancient Town is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, with a significant influence from the Han, Miao, and Dong ethnic groups. The town hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts. Visitors can also experience local culinary delights, such as QingYan tofu, rice wine, and other traditional GuiZhou dishes. Activities and Experiences Walking Tours One of the best ways to explore QingYan Ancient Town is on foot. Walking tours allow visitors to wander through the narrow, stone-paved streets, discover hidden courtyards, and take in the historical ambiance of the town. Local Handicrafts QingYan is famous for its traditional handicrafts, including paper-cutting, embroidery, and silverwork. Visitors can watch local artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs to take home. Food Tasting The town offers a variety of local delicacies that are a must-try for visitors. Sample traditional dishes like QingYan stuffed tofu, rice wine, and various Miao ethnic snacks at local restaurants and street vendors. Accommodation QingYan Ancient Town offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels. Staying in a local guesthouse provides an authentic experience and a chance to interact with the local community. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit QingYan Ancient Town is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting There: QingYan Ancient Town is located about 29 kilometers from GuiYang city center. It is accessible by bus, taxi, or private car. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Opening Hours: The town is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the town's history, architecture, and cultural significance. Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites and former residences, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Pack Accordingly: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket or umbrella, as the weather can change quickly.

Tiger Leaping Gorge in YunNan province lies 60 kilometers north of LiJiang and is part of the UNESCO 'Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan' World Heritage Site. The gorge in gorgeous 4K by Milosh Kitchovitch ... Hiking with Tim and Glo ... The site of the leaping rock close up, by Valpard ... The gorge is one of the world's deepest canyons and is populated by a few villages of the NaXi minority. Around 15 km in length, the gorge is located where the river passes between 5,600 meter high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,400 meter high HaBa Snow Mountain in a series of rapids below steep 2000 meter cliffs. Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at its narrowest point (still 25 meters wide, though with a rock in the middle). There are a fair number of basic guesthouses for hikers, so your visit does not need to be rushed. These can also provide meals or snacks to passers by. The Hiking Trails. Hiking the entire length of the gorge is possible. There are two paths. The 'the high road' is well-maintained by the locals and marked, although sometimes narrow, and is used by the Naxi as part of everyday life. This trail is longer than the lower road, approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles), but more varied. It features a variety of micro-ecosystems and waterfalls, and is probably the best choice if you only take one of the paths. The 'low road' is a stretch of pavement (until recently a simple mule track) crossed by several waterfalls. This path more closely follows the Yangtze, so there are more views of the river and a stronger sense of being in a gorge. Where the high road descends to meet the lower road, one can climb down to the river near the Tiger Leaping Stone, the point at which the tiger is said to have leaped across in two bounds. Preparation That the gorge is outstandingly beautiful is coupled with the need for care. The environment is natural and so the almost absence of safety clutter puts the responsibility on the those visiting. Rockfalls are not unknown. Prepare for wet weather, which can arrive suddenly, and use suitable shoes. Take extra care when crossing wet rocks and in general don't take risks; think first. Don't go alone in case of accident. Take a mobile phone. Swimming and kayaking are extremely dangerous and must be avoided. Don't go off track; take a map (essential). Head back to your lodgings well before dusk as, being within a gorge, light fades quickly.

With Ben Norton ... With Tings Chak ... Tings Chak 翟庭君, the art director and a researcher of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research and co-founding editor of Dongsheng, joins Ileana Chan and Fiona Edwards for Episode 2 on the No Cold War Britain Podcast. With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... With Alex / Reportify Media, Carl Zha and Angelo Giuliano ... With Ben Norton ... With Dennis Kucinich and Chris Hedges ... With Andy Boreham ... With Danny HaiPhong ... With Larry C Johnson ... With Alastair Crooke ... With John J Mearsheimer ... With Douglas MacGregor ... With Jeffrey Sachs ... With Scott Ritter ... With Ray McGovern ...

What is called 'democracy' is elite rule; money buys power / fool the people that they have significance. 'Democracy' is the subterfuge that is capture / takeover by other means. In the West, you don't have any real say, other than which side of the same coin is to 'represent' you. To keep one from seeing the bigger picture, and a sense of being part of humanity, the West focuses you on personal identity (misdirection), and that you are 'free'. This is the mix of 'divide and rule', plus mental chains (beliefs) over physical chains, as the new slavery. Anyone who opens their eyes can see it, right in front of them; how one is constantly programmed. Another aspect of the control is money; that is what limits your real freedom; and refocuses your life on the material / survival. The walls and bars of our prison are internalized. To add to the confusion, these elements are projected onto the 'others'. The bigger picture, the full reality, is kept hidden, while the focus remains on endless little bits that are easily construed a certain way. Once one sees reality, the purpose behind all the little steps that make up the 'news' becomes clear. In the end, the West's elite can only rule with the acquiescence of the vast majority. With The Gravel Institute ... In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Hence, China is a 'threat' to the Western elite; the threat of a good example. On how the US rules Taiwan ... On Iran - sanctions and the 'nuclear deal' ... On the Laos - China high speed rail link ...

With Jackson Hinkle .... Bonus films ...

Awesome scenery; great film ...

With Lee Barrett, Alex / Reportify Media, Daniel Dumbrill, Angelo Giuliano and Brian Berletic ... With Jeffrey Sachs ... With Daniel Dumbrill, on Palestine ... With Ben Norton ...