World Expo 2010, ShangHai 上海

Posted in respect to Iraq born architect Zaha Hadid, who sadly died today (31st March 2016). Galaxy SOHO opened in November 2011 as an office, retail and entertainment complex. An excellent example of a unique perspective, this building, in north east Beijing, with characteristic natural forms and curves, with futuristic outlook, opened in 2014. Her talent and bold vision will be missed by everyone. Thank you Zaha for all you did to help make this world a better place ...

With JHMedium ...

Beautiful views ...

With The New Atlas - Inflection - Brian Berletic and Angelo Giuliano ... Bonus film - with Mark Sleboda - don't miss this either ...

Season's Greetings to all our visitors, from BeijingBuzzz, 2020 / 2021 :) A fantastic flash mob surprises and catches the hearts of all in a BeiJing mall (China World Mall). Love music? Don't miss this great film (turn up the volume; high quality audio) ... 一群喜好音樂的志願者在北京國貿的美食街快閃表演了美麗動人的歌曲，包括 "月亮代表我的心", "彎彎的月亮", "甜蜜蜜", "讓我們蕩起雙槳", "茉莉花", "站在高崗上" 以及 "高山青"。我們帶給了現場群眾意外的驚喜，也希望可以跟全世界的朋友分享這份喜悅。 A heart-warming surprise performance of popular traditional Chinese songs at the food court of the China World Trade Center, GuoMao, central-east Beijing. By artists from Taiwan and the China World Trade Center Chorus, plus many passers by. The 7 songs : "The Moon Represents My Heart" (Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin), "The Crescent Moon" (Wan Wan De Yue Liang), "Oh, How Sweet" (Tian Mi Mi), "Let's Row the Paddles" (Rang Wo Men Dang Qi Shuang Jiang), "Jasmine Flower" (Mo Li Hua), "Standing on the Hilltop" (Zhan Zai Gao Gang Shang), "The Mountain is Green" (Gao Shan Qing). This follows a similar event at Taipei 101 in Taiwan, back in the summer. Bravo to everyone involved ! "Strangers become friends" - we need more of this ... Peace ... Love ... See you all in 2021 .....

ZheJiang province. With Rafa Goes Around! ... Bonus films - drone tech in ShenZhen, GuangDong province ... - Japanese living in China ... - 'police state' - 'freedom' vs safe life ... - progress and the people as family vs little progress and the people as livestock ...

With Wei's Travel ... Visitor Guide to QingXi Ancient Water Town Getting There From ShangHai: Metro Line 8 (Jiangyue Road Station) - Jiangwu Line/Jiangwu Line Section, after 18 stations, arrive at Qingcun By Train: Take a high-speed train from ShangHai Hongqiao Railway Station to Kunshan South Railway Station. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes. From Kunshan, you can take a taxi or local bus to QingXi Ancient Water Town. By Bus: There are direct buses from ShangHai to Kunshan. The bus journey takes around 1-1.5 hours. By Car: If you prefer to drive, the trip from ShangHai to QingXi takes approximately 1-1.5 hours via the G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. Entrance and Tickets Entrance Fee: Entrance to the water town is generally free, but certain attractions and museums within the town may charge a small fee. Opening Hours: The town is open to visitors all day, but specific attractions and shops usually operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attractions and Activities Waterways and Bridges Boating Tours: Take a traditional gondola ride along the scenic waterways. The boat tours offer a unique perspective of the town’s ancient bridges, historic buildings, and daily life along the canals. Historic Bridges: QingXi boasts numerous ancient stone bridges, each with its own history and architectural style. Notable ones include the Taiping Bridge and Zhenfeng Bridge. Historic Architecture Traditional Houses: Stroll through the town's narrow lanes and admire the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses. Many of these houses have distinctive white walls, black tiles, and wooden carvings. Old Town Square: The central square often hosts traditional performances, markets, and cultural events, giving you a taste of local life and traditions. Cultural and Historical Sites QingXi Ancient Academy: Visit this historic educational institution to learn about the town's academic heritage and traditional Chinese education. Temples and Shrines: Explore local temples and shrines, such as the QingXi Temple, to experience the town's spiritual side and admire religious architecture. Museums and Exhibitions Folk Custom Museum: This museum showcases local crafts, traditional costumes, and cultural artifacts, providing insights into the daily lives and customs of the town’s residents. Silk Museum: Learn about the region's rich history of silk production, including traditional silk weaving techniques and displays of exquisite silk products. Dining and Local Specialties Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants offering local delicacies. Freshwater fish, shrimp, and crabs are popular choices. Local Snacks: Try traditional snacks like Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), Osmanthus cake, and hand-pulled noodles. Street vendors and small eateries throughout the town offer these treats. Tea Houses: Relax in a traditional tea house, sipping on local teas and enjoying the serene water town atmosphere. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Browse the numerous shops selling local handicrafts, silk products, and traditional clothing. These make great souvenirs and gifts. Antique Markets: Explore antique shops and markets where you can find unique items such as vintage coins, pottery, and old books. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit QingXi are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if visiting during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Conclusion QingXi Ancient Water Town offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle of ShangHai, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture, QingXi is a destination that promises a memorable and enriching experience.