YangShuo 阳朔 – ‘my kind of adventure’

'An Outrage' : House passes largest military budget in generations - with Democracy Now / William Hartung ... Preparing you for war - with The New Atlas ... On the phony 'Uyghur Tribunal', with The New Atlas ... On the China - Laos high speed railway ... On the new national highway in Cambodia ... Is Russia really planning a war in Ukraine - or is Washington? - with The Grayzone and Scott Ritter ... With YChina ... With Martin Jacques talking with Jie Qiong ... On 'Russian aggression' ... On Nicaragua ... China 2021 review - with Pascal Coppens ... With Martin Jacques ... The critical need for independent media - with Glenn Greenwald ... 'Who rules America? The dangerous concentration of power and wealth in the American elite', with George Domhoff (and this is from the late sixties); the reality behind 'democracy'. Don't miss it ...

TianXin Park is a scenic spot with classical gardens within an ancient city wall. The city wall was constructed in the year 202 AD. The TianXin Pavilion is a key feature of the park, which was developed in 1924 and now occupies an area of 30,000 square meters.

South east section of the lake.

With Wei's Travel ... ShangHai can be considered a 'garden city' due to its extensive green spaces, parks, and efforts to integrate nature within its urban environment. Here are some key aspects that contribute to this : ### Extensive Green Spaces and Parks 1. **Large Urban Parks**: Shanghai is home to numerous large parks such as Century Park, Gongqing Forest Park, and Shanghai Botanical Garden. These parks provide significant green spaces within the city and offer residents and visitors places to relax and enjoy nature. 2. **Green Belt**: The city has developed green belts and corridors that integrate natural elements into the urban landscape, helping to connect different green spaces and providing continuous natural areas for walking, cycling, and leisure. ### Historical and Traditional Gardens 3. **Traditional Chinese Gardens**: Shanghai boasts several well-preserved traditional Chinese gardens, such as Yu Garden (YuYuan), which exemplify classical Chinese garden design with ponds, rockeries, pavilions, and intricate landscaping. These gardens reflect the city's historical commitment to integrating nature with urban living. ### Urban Greening Initiatives 4. **Street Landscaping**: Many of Shanghai's streets are lined with trees, flowers, and shrubs, contributing to a greener urban environment. The city has invested in extensive landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of its streets and boulevards. 5. **Vertical Gardens and Green Roofs**: Shanghai has embraced innovative urban greening techniques such as vertical gardens and green roofs on buildings. These initiatives help to increase the amount of greenery in densely populated urban areas and contribute to better air quality and urban biodiversity. ### Green Urban Planning 6. **Sustainable Development**: Shanghai's urban planning policies emphasize sustainable development and the creation of eco-friendly urban spaces. This includes the development of eco-districts and the incorporation of green spaces into new residential and commercial developments. 7. **Waterfront Revitalization**: The revitalization of waterfront areas along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek has included the creation of green promenades, parks, and recreational areas that provide residents with access to nature and enhance the city's overall green infrastructure. ### Community and Public Engagement 8. **Public Involvement**: The city encourages public participation in maintaining and developing green spaces through community gardens and public involvement initiatives. This engagement helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the city's natural environments. ### Environmental Conservation 9. **Biodiversity Conservation**: Efforts to preserve and enhance biodiversity within the city, such as the creation of urban wildlife habitats and conservation areas, contribute to Shanghai's identity as a garden city. ### Seasonal Flower Displays 10. **Flower Festivals and Displays**: Shanghai hosts various flower festivals and seasonal floral displays that enhance the city's visual appeal and celebrate its botanical diversity. These events attract tourists and residents alike, further emphasizing the city's green character. ### Conclusion Shanghai's commitment to integrating green spaces and nature into its urban environment through parks, traditional gardens, innovative greening techniques, and sustainable urban planning practices helps to position it as a 'garden city.' These efforts not only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the well-being of its residents and the sustainability of its urban ecosystem.

With Little Journey ... Bonus film - the Expo Culture Park ... New World City, located to the west of Nanjing Road pedestrian street. The New World area in Shanghai is a vibrant and bustling commercial and entertainment district located in the Huangpu District, one of the city's most central and historic areas. Here are some key highlights and features of the New World area: ### 1. **Shopping and Retail** - **New World City Mall**: This is one of the prominent shopping malls in the area, offering a wide variety of local and international brands. It has multiple floors with fashion, electronics, and lifestyle stores, catering to diverse shopping needs. - **Nanjing Road**: Adjacent to the New World area, Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, lined with large department stores, specialty shops, and boutiques. ### 2. **Dining and Entertainment** - **Restaurants and Cafes**: The area is home to numerous dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to casual cafes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines including traditional Chinese, Asian fusion, and Western dishes. - **Entertainment Venues**: The New World area features various entertainment options such as cinemas, karaoke bars, and live performance venues. The Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre are notable nearby cultural spots offering a range of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts. ### 3. **Tourist Attractions** - **People's Square**: Located close to the New World area, People's Square is a major public square and a central hub for cultural and social activities. It houses the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and the People's Park. - **Madame Tussauds Shanghai**: This famous wax museum is a popular attraction where visitors can see lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons. ### 4. **Transportation** - **Metro Access**: The New World area is well-connected by Shanghai's extensive metro system. People's Square Station, which is one of the busiest interchange stations, serves lines 1, 2, and 8, providing easy access to other parts of the city. - **Road Networks**: The area is also accessible by various bus routes and taxis, making it convenient for both locals and tourists to reach. ### 5. **Cultural and Historic Significance** - **Historic Architecture**: The area around New World features a mix of modern and historic architecture, reflecting Shanghai's rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization. - **Local Culture**: Visitors can experience the local culture through street performances, traditional markets, and seasonal festivals that often take place in and around the New World area. Overall, the New World area in Shanghai is a dynamic and multifaceted district that offers a blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Expo Culture Park, also known as Shanghai Expo Culture Park, is a significant green space and cultural area located in the Pudong District of Shanghai. Developed on the former site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the park is designed to be a major urban green space and cultural landmark. Here are some key features and highlights of Expo Culture Park: ### 1. **Green Spaces and Natural Scenery** - **Large Green Areas**: The park features extensive green spaces, including lawns, gardens, and tree-lined paths. It's designed to provide a natural retreat within the urban environment. - **Floral Displays**: Various sections of the park are dedicated to flower gardens and seasonal floral displays, offering vibrant colors and scents throughout the year. ### 2. **Cultural and Artistic Installations** - **Public Art**: The park is home to numerous public art installations and sculptures, contributing to its cultural atmosphere. These works often reflect themes related to nature, urban life, and the legacy of the Expo. - **Exhibition Halls**: There are exhibition spaces within the park where cultural events, art exhibitions, and community activities are regularly held. ### 3. **Recreational Facilities** - **Walking and Cycling Paths**: The park has well-maintained paths for walking, jogging, and cycling, making it a popular spot for outdoor exercise. - **Children's Play Areas**: Designated areas with playgrounds and interactive installations cater to families with children, offering safe and engaging environments for play. ### 4. **Water Features** - **Lakes and Waterways**: The park includes several artificial lakes and waterways, adding to the scenic beauty and providing habitats for local wildlife. - **Boating**: Visitors can often rent boats to explore the lakes, enjoying a peaceful activity amidst the urban setting. ### 5. **Theater and Performance Venues** - **Open-Air Theaters**: The park includes open-air theaters and performance spaces where concerts, theatrical performances, and cultural festivals are held. - **Music and Dance Performances**: Regularly scheduled performances and events showcase both traditional and contemporary music and dance, drawing both locals and tourists. ### 6. **Environmental Sustainability** - **Eco-Friendly Design**: The park is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating green building practices, renewable energy sources, and water conservation measures. - **Biodiversity Conservation**: Efforts are made to preserve and enhance local biodiversity, with native plant species and habitats integrated into the park's design. ### 7. **Historical Significance** - **Legacy of the Expo**: As the site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the park retains elements that commemorate the event, including some of the original pavilions and structures that have been repurposed for cultural and recreational use. ### 8. **Accessibility** - **Transportation**: The park is easily accessible via public transportation, including metro lines and buses. It’s located in a well-connected area of Pudong, making it convenient for visitors from across the city. - **Visitor Facilities**: The park is equipped with visitor centers, restrooms, and dining options, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests. Expo Culture Park serves as a significant cultural and recreational hub in Shanghai, providing a blend of natural beauty, cultural enrichment, and historical significance. It’s a prime example of urban renewal, transforming the legacy of the Expo into a lasting public asset for the city.

Don't miss it. With CGTN ...

With China Walking Tour ...

With HowToChinese and Fluenz ...