The Return of China

Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year on the mainland lasts one week. Preparations will already be under way and include a spring clean and adding festive decorations. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are a time for family reunions, and for many this means travelling home from the city to the countryside. Chinese New Year is celebrated in many countries and China-towns around the World. GōngXǐ FāCái 恭喜发财 ! The first film, 'Coming Together', is from Malaysia - enjoy ... The Spring Festival is about a new year, a new beginning. A time of renewal, and hope and a fresh start, a time of good-will. For example, fireworks, apart from being a joy to all, are to scare away bad spirits. One can see this symbolize the breaking of old habits of thought – a spring clean of the mind. A new year is a new chance for a better life – if you will take it. Keep your eyes open, heart abundant, and strive for a better world. Help others on their journey whenever you can and always share a smile. It may help another, but it will certainly be good for you. As the second film says, it is love that brings us closer to happiness. Above all, the Spring Festival is a time for family. Next 4 films : 1: 'Going Home' ... 2: A touching song about life and friendship (forget the sub-titles, just watch the video). 'Beautiful Snow County is my Home' ... 3: 'Family Portrait' (from Malaysia) - a wry look at family life in the digital age ... 4: 'Don't be tied to the past, but don't tear it up' ... Two 2017 CNY songs from the M Girls (Malaysia). They have released a CNY album every year since 2001 ... 2011 flash-back - CNY fireworks in BeiJing ... Lion Dance in Malaysia (2017) ...

With Travel East ... Travel Guide to Tianzhu Mountain Tianzhu Mountain, located in Anhui Province, is a renowned scenic area known for its stunning granite peaks, ancient temples, and rich cultural history. Its name, which means "Heavenly Pillar," refers to its iconic pillar-like peak that rises majestically above the landscape. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is Hefei Xinqiao International Airport. From there, take a train or bus to Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area. By Train: Take a high-speed train to Qianshan Railway Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the mountain. By Bus: Regular buses are available from nearby cities such as Hefei and Anqing to the scenic area. Main Attractions Heavenly Pillar Peak The most iconic feature of Tianzhu Mountain, this towering granite peak offers breathtaking views and is a must-visit for hikers and photographers. Ancient Temples Discover centuries-old temples such as Zhenfeng Temple, where you can explore Buddhist culture and enjoy the serene environment. Waterfalls and Streams The mountain is home to numerous waterfalls and crystal-clear streams, providing tranquil spots to relax and enjoy nature. Rock Formations Tianzhu Mountain is famous for its unique granite formations, including caves, cliffs, and natural stone bridges, each with fascinating names and stories. Biodiversity The mountain is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate its rare plants and birdwatching opportunities. Activities Hiking: Explore well-maintained trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and hidden natural wonders. Temple Visits: Experience the spiritual side of the mountain by visiting its historic temples and participating in rituals. Photography: Capture stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and picturesque waterfalls. Practical Tips Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Layers are recommended for varying temperatures. Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes as trails can be steep and uneven. Entrance Fees: Be prepared to pay an entrance fee, which typically includes access to major attractions. Local Food: Enjoy Anhui cuisine at local restaurants near the scenic area. Specialty dishes are worth trying. Transportation: Shuttle buses are available within the scenic area to make getting around easier. Tianzhu Mountain is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a hiker, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Tianzhu Mountain offers something for everyone.

The story of an American girl with a dream to master Chinese dance through to graduation at Beijing Normal University's dance school ...

Discover the lives of various expats who now call ChengDu their home - their work, leisure and thoughts ...

An inspirational film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand ~ Composed by Armand Amar ... YT comment - Adrian Sava : Watching this movie, I don't see religion, politics, race, and all those things that makes us hate, envy, despise, destroy ... I see beauty, love, hope, life; a great diversity of human beings. Thank you for creating such an amazing story of the world. Will us humans ever become what we could be, or forever be doomed by those who rule by 'divide and conquer' ? Will the great many ever see what the tiny few inflict upon us, and say 'no more' ? *** Best wishes to all our viewers - we can not, any one of us, know every passer by, but we can show them our love, by who we are. ***

And night-time departure ...

To be free, is to be off the time-lapse trajectory of the past into the future. This means to stop rationalizing and die to the past - only then one can truly live in the present moment. The past is still the past, but one is no longer its hostage. What stands in the way of a true life is - you - that is, the past, that one thinks of as 'me' (a mush of programming and fantasies - the noise that precludes clarity). The truth is simple; but it is not easy. One must be aware of one's thoughts and see them not as you but as relics; to see these thoughts as what they really are and not be ruled by them. The first, and crucial, step is to see how one has been hijacked by the past. To be free, is to be free of the past. Truth is not about believing, or 'knowing', a bunch of concepts; truth is being real. At BB, we can recommend Alan Watts, Jiddu Krishnamurti and Gabor Mate as sincere and wise voices to explore this more; though there are many others, these are straight talkers (some of their talks are featured here). The thing is - the guide is not the truth, it is only a guide; never trust in or believe a guide as though it is the truth - either you simply believe this or that, or you are true. Don't be an addict - to a belief. Don't be an addict to your past and ego. 10,000 years and 100,000 books of philosophy distilled into a few sentences. Once out of the prison of the past, everything else becomes clear. Kyle Cease talks with Tom Bilyeu ... Bonus film - with Jiddu Krishnamurti ... Bonus film 2 - with Alan Watts ...

With REC ShangHai ...

In AnHui province.