Chinese culture 101

Don't miss it. With Cyrus and Alex ...

Opens in (early to mid) January and February (roughly, depending on the weather). LóngQìngXiá lies not so far from Beijing city.

With Blondie in China ...

Filmed in 2007

Original posting - December 2014. Starting with 'Now you're in Beijing (commie jungle mix)', music video. Plus Beijing's popular attractions, a trip to the blue sky city, QianHai Lake (in central Beijing), the BeiJing to ShangHai sleeper train, and The Forbidden City (documentary; in English) bonus films ... 'Now you're in Beijing ...' - think about it - you're in Beijing, China - it might be different but that is here and not there; sure some things could be better - such as rights and protections for migrant workers, but Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. A few words on the Hu JinTao / Wen JiaBao era - definately one of China's most successful jumps forward; a major rise in prosperity for all, the growth of great infrastructure, such as the high-speed rail system, and much more, the Beijing Olympics, the Shanghai World Expo, space exploration, and the list goes on ... A happy retirement to two leaders who helped guide China back to greatness ! Mao ZeDong unified the country and helped defeat the Japanese invaders, and for that is a national hero. But things didn't go so well subsequently and on his death the 'Gang of Four' were arrested and China took a new path, though slowly at first following the courageous efforts of Deng XiaoPing. But it was not until circa 1990 that China really began to take off. So its rise to greatness, once more, is remarkable for having been achieved, from so little, in just 25 years. Obviously, they have done most things very right.

With Seiu Travel ... "The Temple of Heaven in Beijing has stood for over 600 years—a sacred site where emperors once worshipped the heavens. This solemn sanctuary not only witnessed the grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties but also preserved countless ancient rituals and stories. In this video, we begin our journey at the South Gate of the Temple of Heaven, retracing the footsteps of emperors past. From the Circular Mound to the Echo Wall, and finally to the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, every step brings us deeper into history. Beyond the altars, the Temple of Heaven Park also offers tranquil corners: the serene Zhai Palace in the west, the poetic Double Ring Longevity Pavilion, and the relaxed vibes of the Hundred Flowers Garden shaded by ancient pines. Just beyond the temple walls, old Beijing comes alive—with smoky alleyways, time-honored snacks, and the rhythm of daily life. Here, history and life are only a street apart. Whether you're drawn to imperial rituals or local flavor, the Temple of Heaven is an unmissable chapter of Beijing."

TianAnMen Square and to the east along Chang'An Avenue, near the new CCTV complex and the CBD

With Machine Eye ... With Wave Media ...

A quick look back to the Chinese New Year (CNY) in previous years ... Plus, Na Ying - '(Life is like a) Warm Spring with Blooming Flowers' 春暖花开 (when I am with you) ... And Wang Feng - 'I love you, China' 我爱你 中国 (Wo Ai Ni, Zhong Guo) ...