Wonderful BeiJing

With Cyrus Janssen ... Comment by Gustavo Andrés ... There is an overwhelming assumption in the West that China’s Achilles heel is the state: that it lacks legitimacy. This is the underlying reason why Westerners believe that China’s transformation is unsustainable: that the political system cannot survive. It would be wrong to suggest that attitudes have not shifted: the endurance of the reform period, now over 35 years old, and the scale of its achievement have bred a growing if still grudging respect, and a less apocalyptic view of Chinese political change. Few now regard it to be imminent and many have extended their time horizons somewhat into the future. Nevertheless, most Westerners still regard China’s present political order as lacking legitimacy and as ultimately unsustainable. In the post 1945 period, Westerners have come to believe that Western-style democracy – essentially universal suffrage and a multi-party system – is more or less the sole source of a government’s legitimacy. This is a superficial and ahistorical position. Western-style democracy does not ensure the legitimacy of a regime in the eyes of its people: Italy is perhaps the classic example, with successive governments over a long historical period experiencing a chronic lack of legitimacy. And what of China? Although it does not have Western-style democracy, there is plenty of evidence – for example the Pew Global Attitude surveys and the work of Tony Saich at the Harvard Kennedy School – that the Chinese government enjoys high levels of support and legitimacy, much higher indeed than those of Western governments. How do we explain this? Clearly the reason is not Western-style democracy because China has not chosen this path. The late Lucian W. Pye, in his book ‘Asian Power and Politics’, argues that Western scholars have, in their understanding of politics, prioritised political systems over political cultures: Pye argues, correctly in my view, that the opposite is the case. His insight is highly relevant to the Chinese case. The relationship between the state and society in China is very different from that which characterises Western societies. There are three key elements. First, China is primarily a civilization-state rather than a nation-state, with the overriding and extremely difficult age-old task of government being to maintain the unity of China and its civilization. This has lent the state an enduring authority, importance and centrality in China that is very different from the Western nation-state tradition. The state is intrinsic to China in a way that this is not true in Western societies: they are, in effect, in large degree synonymous. Furthermore the Chinese regard the state in some degree as an expression and extension of themselves. Second, whereas in Western societies the state is seen in an instrumentalist and utilitarian way – in other words, what will it do for me? – in China, following from the Confucian tradition and the idea that the Emperor should model himself on the father’s role as the head of the family, the state is perceived in a familial way, whence the expression ‘nation-family’, or the idea of China as an extended family. Or, to put it another way, in Western societies the state is viewed as an external and somewhat artificial construct, for the Chinese it is an intimate. Third, a much higher premium is placed on the efficiency and efficacy of the state than in the West, whence the importance of meritocracy in the recruitment of public servants. In the West, discussion about the state largely revolves around the manner by which the government is selected, in China, by way of contrast, the competence of the state assumes priority. Fourthly, following from the previous point, the state is expected and required to deliver in China. Over the last few decades, of course, it has presided over and masterminded a huge transformation, the most remarkable in modern economic history. The contrast between the performance of the Chinese and Western economies is manifest. In summary, the relationship between the state and society in China and the West is profoundly different and the reasons lie in the historical and cultural differences between them. They can and should learn from each other but they will remain distinct. So what of the future? As I mentioned at the outset, it is axiomatic in the West that sooner or later China will face a crisis of governance that will result in profound reform along Western lines. In reality, it seems far more likely that the crisis of governance will occur in the West than China. The United States and Europe are in decline and, as a consequence, their ruling elites and political systems are already suffering from declining legitimacy and authority, a process that is likely to continue. China, in contrast, is a rising power whose ruling elite is likely to enjoy growing status and prestige as a consequence. China, though, faces its own kind of governance challenge. The country is changing at extraordinary speed. If one thinks of how the life of an ordinary person has changed over the course of the last three decades, then this is a measure of how everything else, including political rule, must also change in order to survive. Of course, transparency, representivity and accountability have been transformed since Mao’s death, but this is a dynamic process and arguably the greatest changes still lie in the future. It is not that China needs to or should change its system – it has stood the test of time and managed to stay abreast of and lead the wider transformations – but, this notwithstanding, more profound ways must be found to modernise the political system and its institutions if they are to meet the demands and expectations of a very different society.

With Walk For You ... Bonus films : - LuoHu district, ShenZhen ... - Coco Park, ShenZhen ... - QianHai MixC, Free Trade Zone, ShenZhen ... - OCT Harbour / OCT Harbor, ShenZhen ...

With Walkabout Rojo ...

With Wei's Travel ... The French Concession in Shanghai is a place that condenses a century of history in modern Shanghai. It is the largest and most prosperous concession among the four concessions in old China. It was handed back to the Republic of China government in 1943, renamed the Eighth District. The French Concession in Shanghai was opened in 1849, experienced a slight expansion in 1900, and began to expand significantly in 1914 to establish the New French Concession. The French Concession maintained a high degree of independence in old Shanghai. The entire French Concession in Shanghai was the most high-end residential area in old Shanghai, and the architectural style can be said to be uniform. The reason why the Indigo tree is called French plane tree in China is also because it was first introduced by the French and planted in the French Concession in Shanghai. Shanghai's reputation as the "Paris of the East" is also named after the French Concession. Its architectural style is independent of the public concession and the Chinese border, and is almost the same as Paris thousands of miles away. The French had always maintained great control over the French Concession. 00:00 Highlights 精彩预览 01:40 ZIKAWEI Shopping Area 徐家汇商圈 04:22 Hengshan Lane 衡山坊 09:53 Xujiahui Park 徐家汇公园 22:07 EMI Building 百代小楼 25:10 Hengshan Boulevard 衡山路 27:29 Lipo Garden 丽波花园 31:08 Gaoan Garden 高安花园 33:57 Yongping Lane 永平里 38:52 No.8 Hengshan Avenue 衡山路8号园区 48:03 Hengshan Boulevard North Part 衡山路北段 50:32 Shanghai Symphony Orchestra 上海交响乐团 53:58 Clemen Apartment 克莱门公寓 58:31 Urumqi Middle Road 乌鲁木齐中路 01:07:58 Anfu Road 安福路 01:20:44 Wiggle Wiggle Flagship Store 01:29:36 Wukang Road 武康路 01:38:28 Ferguson Lane 武康庭 01:47:41 Wukang Building 武康大楼 01:52:03 CITE BOURGOGNE 步高里 01:54:57 Ruijin Hotel 瑞金宾馆 02:06:34 Yongkang Road 永康路 02:12:45 ICCF Garden 之禾卡纷花园 02:16:28 Shanghai Conservatory of Music 上海音乐学院 02:23:05 Old Downtown Highlights 梧桐街区精华

With China Street View ... With Expat Natt ... Travel Guide to NingBo, ZheJiang Province Introduction Ningbo, a coastal city in Zhejiang Province, is a blend of rich history and modern development. As a major port city, it offers scenic waterfronts, historic temples, and cultural heritage sites. Top Attractions Tianyi Pavilion One of the oldest private libraries in China, Tianyi Pavilion is a must-visit for history lovers. The ancient books and classical gardens make it a fascinating cultural destination. Baoguo Temple A well-preserved wooden structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty, Baoguo Temple showcases ancient Chinese architectural brilliance. Ningbo Old Bund Located along the Yong River, the Old Bund is an area filled with European-style buildings, bars, and restaurants, offering a charming riverside experience. Dongqian Lake The largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang, Dongqian Lake is perfect for boating, cycling, and exploring ancient sites like the Dongqian Lake Stone Carvings. Asoka Temple One of China’s oldest Buddhist temples, Asoka Temple is famous for housing a sacred relic of Buddha, making it an important pilgrimage site. Local Cuisine Ningbo Seafood As a coastal city, Ningbo is known for its fresh seafood dishes such as steamed crabs, grilled fish, and seafood dumplings. Ningbo Tangyuan A traditional dessert, these glutinous rice balls are filled with sweet sesame paste and often served in a warm soup. Yellow Croaker Soup A flavorful fish soup made with fresh yellow croaker, a specialty of Ningbo. Best Time to Visit Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Transportation Ningbo is well-connected by air, train, and road. The Ningbo Lishe International Airport provides flights to major cities, while high-speed trains link Ningbo to Shanghai and Hangzhou. Accommodation From luxury hotels like the Shangri-La Ningbo to budget-friendly guesthouses, the city offers a range of accommodation options to suit all travelers. Conclusion Ningbo is a captivating city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modernity. Whether you're exploring its temples, enjoying fresh seafood, or strolling along the Old Bund, there’s something for everyone in this coastal gem.

Extraordinary peaks tower above rolling clouds ... AnHui province.

With Tucker Eats ... Welcome to Shangri-La, China Introduction History of Shangri-La Joseph Rock & His Influence Top Attractions Local Culture Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Introduction Shangri-La, located in the DiQing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, is a place of stunning natural beauty, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual significance. Known for its snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes, Shangri-La has become a popular destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. History of the Name "Shangri-La" The name "Shangri-La" originates from James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon, where it was depicted as a mystical, utopian valley in the Himalayas. The term has since become synonymous with an earthly paradise, a place of peace and perpetual happiness. In 2001, to promote tourism, the Chinese government officially renamed ZhongDian County in Yunnan Province to Shangri-La, claiming it to be the inspiration for Hilton's fictional paradise. Despite the debate over the true inspiration for Hilton’s novel, the renaming has significantly boosted the region's profile, transforming it into a major tourist destination. The area was already known for its Tibetan cultural heritage, and the new name further solidified its reputation as a place of mystical allure and natural beauty. Joseph Rock & His Influence on Shangri-La Joseph Francis Charles Rock was an Austrian-American explorer, botanist, and anthropologist who lived in China for more than 25 years during the early 20th century. He is particularly known for his extensive travels and research in the remote regions of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where he lived among the Naxi people, an ethnic minority with a rich cultural heritage. Rock’s detailed accounts of the Naxi culture, their language, and the stunning landscapes of the region were published in various journals, including National Geographic. These writings brought the hidden beauty of the region to the attention of the world and likely served as an inspiration for James Hilton's depiction of the fictional Shangri-La in his novel Lost Horizon. Rock's base in Lijiang, which is not far from the present-day Shangri-La, became the center of his studies on the Naxi people. He documented their ancient Dongba script, rituals, and way of life, contributing significantly to the preservation of their culture. The influence of his work is evident in the detailed descriptions of a harmonious, isolated valley in Hilton’s novel, which bears striking similarities to the areas where Rock lived and worked. Today, Joseph Rock’s legacy lives on in both the scientific community and the popular imagination, where he is remembered as a key figure who bridged the gap between the mysterious landscapes of southwest China and the Western world. Top Attractions in Shangri-La Songzanlin Monastery Often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace," Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Built in the 17th century, it is a stunning complex of golden roofs, ornate halls, and traditional Tibetan architecture. The monastery is an active religious site, home to hundreds of monks, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Pudacuo National Park Pudacuo National Park is one of the first national parks in China to meet international standards. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, the park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine lakes, wetlands, forests, and meadows. Key attractions within the park include Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and the vast, undisturbed wilderness that is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna. Tiger Leaping Gorge Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world, is located about 60 kilometers from Shangri-La. The gorge is carved by the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze, and offers thrilling trekking opportunities. The dramatic scenery of steep cliffs, roaring rapids, and snow-capped peaks makes it a must-visit for adventure seekers. Napa Lake Napa Lake is a seasonal lake located about 8 kilometers from Shangri-La. Surrounded by mountains, the lake appears during the rainy season and turns into a lush grassland in the dry season, where you can witness yaks and horses grazing. The area is also a sanctuary for migratory birds, including the rare black-necked crane. Dukezong Ancient Town Dukezong Ancient Town is a well-preserved Tibetan town with a history of over 1,300 years. The town features traditional Tibetan architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and the largest prayer wheel in the world. Dukezong is a great place to explore local culture, enjoy Tibetan cuisine, and shop for traditional crafts. Local Culture Shangri-La is a region deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. The local population predominantly consists of Tibetan people, who practice Tibetan Buddhism and maintain traditional customs and festivals. Major festivals include the Tibetan New Year (Losar), the Horse Racing Festival, and the Gedong Festival, where you can experience colorful religious dances, horse racing, and other cultural events. The region is also known for its vibrant Tibetan art, including Thangka paintings, wood carvings, and intricate metalwork. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with local artisans and learn about the traditional techniques passed down through generations. Local Cuisine The cuisine in Shangri-La is heavily influenced by Tibetan and Yunnanese flavors. Key dishes to try include: Tibetan Yak Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan beverage made from tea, yak butter, and salt. It’s known for its unique taste and high energy content. Tsampa: A staple food made from roasted barley flour, often mixed with yak butter tea to form a dough. Yak Meat: A common ingredient in local dishes, yak meat is often stewed or grilled, and served with vegetables or rice. Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, similar to the Chinese jiaozi. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A Yunnan specialty featuring a variety of locally-sourced wild mushrooms cooked in a flavorful broth. Visitors should also explore local markets for fresh produce, Tibetan bread, and artisanal cheeses made from yak milk. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Shangri-La is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush and green. During this period, the region is also alive with festivals and cultural events. Altitude: Shangri-La is located at an altitude of about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). Visitors should be aware of the potential for altitude sickness and take it easy during the first few days of their visit. Getting There: Shangri-La can be reached by air via DiQing Shangri-La Airport, which has flights from major cities like Kunming, Chengdu, and Lhasa. There are also bus connections to Lijiang and Dali. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, many locals speak Tibetan. Having a translation app or a basic knowledge of Mandarin phrases can be helpful. Respect Local Customs: When visiting monasteries and other religious sites, dress modestly, remove your hat, and ask for permission before taking photographs. It’s also customary to walk clockwise around religious sites.

At the Oriental Pearl Tower ...

"If you feel lonely when alone, you are in bad company" - Jean-Paul Sartre The meaning of life, is what you choose it to be - Albert Camus