YangShuo 阳朔 – ‘my kind of adventure’

One can see this distinction in the wider society too - East vs. West; cultures with different foundations - long term (family, infrastructure, community, the arts) versus short term (hype, sex, gossip, war). Mature versus immature. We versus me. The immature mind thinks 'me'; the mature mind understands that life is really about 'we'. Maturity is when one grows beyond the narcissism phase *. 'I' am just a small part of a bigger 'I' - humanity. With Dr. Robert Lustig ... One is controlled when one believes what one has been told (sold). Freedom is removing these mind chains and seeing reality. ----- * (footnote) At BB, we think that narcissism is a development phase that most transition out of; but some stay there and it can become exaggerated. The traditional views might also be true; likely, there is an interplay involved. ----- ----- Aside #1 : Q : Why does BB have so much content about health - nutrition and mental well-being ? A : Because it is fundamental to everything else; one cannot see the beauty of life if one's mind is mixed up; one cannot live life to the full if one is ill. ----- ----- Aside #2 : Confucius : One can grow from everybody one meets. On life's journey, one will meet wise people - learn from them; one will also meet foolish people - look deep within to see if one also has these follies.

Bamboo (a grass) is fast-growing and sustainable, light and strong ...

The people, architecture, language and culture here reflects the Shan, Dai and Tai ethnic minorities, with similarities to the neighboring Thai (Thailand) and Lao (Laos) people.

With China Walking Tour ... Visitor Guide to JiNan, ShanDong Province Overview JiNan, the capital city of ShanDong Province, is known for its natural springs, rich history, and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the "City of Springs," JiNan is a blend of historical landmarks and modern development, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. Getting There By Air: JiNan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) is located about 33 kilometers northeast of the city center. It offers both domestic and international flights. You can take an airport shuttle bus, taxi, or the JiNan Metro to reach the city center. By Train: JiNan is a major railway hub with two main stations: JiNan Railway Station and JiNan West Railway Station. Both stations offer high-speed rail connections to major cities like BeiJing, ShangHai, and Xi’an. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect JiNan to various cities in ShanDong Province and beyond. The main bus stations are JiNan Long-Distance Bus Terminal and JiNan East Bus Station. Getting Around Public Transport: JiNan has an extensive bus network and a growing metro system. The metro is convenient for getting around the city quickly. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Biking: Bike-sharing services are popular and convenient for short trips around the city. Main Attractions Baotu Spring Park Baotu Spring Park is one of JiNan's most famous attractions, known for its clear and gushing springs. The park is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the natural scenery, traditional pavilions, and cultural performances. Daming Lake Daming Lake is a large natural lake in the heart of JiNan, surrounded by lush gardens, ancient pavilions, and historic temples. It is a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the serene environment. Thousand Buddha Mountain (Qianfo Shan) This mountain is famous for its ancient Buddhist statues and temples. Visitors can hike to the top for a panoramic view of the city or explore the many caves and carvings along the way. ShanDong Provincial Museum ShanDong Provincial Museum houses a vast collection of cultural relics, historical artifacts, and natural exhibits. It offers a comprehensive overview of ShanDong's history and culture. Black Tiger Spring Black Tiger Spring is another renowned spring in JiNan, known for its powerful jets of water that resemble a tiger's roar. The spring is located in a scenic park with beautiful landscaping and walking paths. Local Cuisine JiNan's cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Here are some must-try dishes: JiNan Roast Duck: A local specialty, this roast duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce. Sweet and Sour Carp: Fresh carp from Daming Lake, prepared in a tangy and sweet sauce, is a signature dish of JiNan. JiNan Noodles: These hand-pulled noodles are often served with a variety of toppings, including meat, vegetables, and spicy sauces. Fried Dumplings: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, JiNan's fried dumplings are a popular street food. Shopping Furong Street: A bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, street food vendors, and souvenir stalls. It's a great place to try local snacks and buy traditional crafts. Quancheng Road: One of JiNan's main shopping streets, offering a mix of modern malls, boutique shops, and local markets. JiNan Wanda Plaza: A large shopping mall with a variety of international and domestic brands, restaurants, and entertainment options. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel JiNan or the Hyatt Regency JiNan, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Sofitel JiNan Silver Plaza and Holiday Inn JiNan City Center provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the JiNan Blue Horizon Hotel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit JiNan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: JiNan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the parks, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion JiNan, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural springs, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, savoring the local cuisine, or strolling along the scenic lakes and springs, JiNan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating city in ShanDong Province.

With Time Walker ... "Shenzhen Library North is one of the first major cultural facilities of the new era built and completed in Shenzhen. It has a construction area of ​​about 72,000 square meters, 6 floors above ground and 3 floors underground. It is designed to hold 8 million books and provide 2,500 seats. Its total investment is about 1.2 billion yuan. The library is positioned as a large-scale comprehensive and intelligent library integrating document collection, national reading, social education, ideological exchange, cultural inheritance and creative creation. It not only has the functions of a public library, but also serves as the city's document adjustment library and Shenzhen's "City of Libraries" joint editing center, network data center and document allocation center. The library has many special libraries and interactive learning spaces, and has the largest underground intelligent three-dimensional library in the country, equipped with advanced facilities such as large-scale rapid sorting system, vertical track access system and electronic seeding wall system. As of July 2024, Shenzhen Library North was officially opened on December 28, 2023. After the opening, 6,000 reservations will be available in the public service area and 2,000 reservations will be available in the children's area every day. Readers can submit a reservation for admission through the Shenzhen Library WeChat official account one day in advance, and present the reservation voucher to enter the venue after arriving at the library. The specific opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-21:00. The housekeeping is done on Mondays. The 1F Reading Hall is open from Monday to Sunday 7:00-23:00. Legal holidays will be notified separately. Location: Located at the intersection of Tenglong Road and Zhongmei Road in Longhua District. Transportation: • Subway: Take Line 4 or Line 6 to Hongshan Station and walk to the library in a few minutes. • Bus: There are many bus lines stopping nearby, such as [specify the specific bus number and stop]. Architectural Features: The exterior adopts a unique design similar to white fish scales, creating a visually stunning effect. The interior space is spacious, with a large atrium and elegant book walls. Opening hours: Open from 9:00 to 21:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. The 1F reading room is open from 7:00 to 23:00. Collection Features: The collection is rich and covers various fields and genres. There are rare and precious books, as well as newly published books to meet different interests. Exhibition Features: Regularly hold a variety of exhibitions, including art exhibitions, historical displays and cultural exhibitions, providing a rich visual and intellectual experience. When you visit: • Remember to make an appointment in advance through the Shenzhen Library WeChat official account. • Take your time to explore each floor and enjoy the peaceful reading atmosphere."

Filmed in winter 2011 / 2012

Mr. Q - pure perfection - don't miss it ! ...

One of China's most complete ancient cities, it was formerly named XiangFan. With Walk East ...