Chinese New Year fireworks 2011, Hong Kong 香港

With DianXi XiaoGe ... Bonus film - wasabi ... Bonus film - cherries ... Bonus film - taro flowers ...

A 5-6 hours hike along the scenic YangDi to XingPing section of the Li River, GuangXi province. From YangShuo bus station there are regular buses to YangDi; the journey takes about an hour. After the ferry crossing at YangDi, the trek through farms and villages to the 2nd ferry crossing takes about an hour. At QuanJiaZhou, you can take a raft then continue on foot to the 3rd ferry crossing. From the Nine Horses Mural Hill, the tram to XingPing will stop by the scenery featured on the back of the RMB 20 bank note. The tram ride is included in the fare for the 3 ferry crossings. At XingPing bus station, there are buses to YangShuo till about 8 pm. If you start from XingPing in the morning, the scenery featured on the RMB 20 note will look better, but note that the last YangDi-YangShuo bus is around 5 pm.

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.

Canada : 18.6 Australia : 17.1 US : 15.5 Russia : 11.4 ... China : 7.4 That is, twice the CO2 emissions in the US versus China. Source : https://www.worldometers.info/co2-emissions/co2-emissions-per-capita/

With The New Atlas - Inflection - Brian Berletic and Angelo Giuliano ... After Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and on and on and on - this time the western media is telling the truth ? LOL Don't get fooled again. 2022 - human civilisation ? - the West's rulers just cannot be human, be part of the human family. And not a deranged thug. A dying empire = dangerous times. We don't need supremacist tyranny, we need real civilisation. Or we are doomed ... One must speak out wherever injustice occurs; one day it might be you; but above all, if one doesn't stand for truth, why be alive ? Not pro China, or pro Russia, or pro socialism, or pro you-name-it; it is very simple - pro truth (reality, not official story). It is not about 'me', it is about 'we' ... One world; one family. One life; one chance to be real. Human rights - a roof, and affordable food; transportation, education and healthcare. Or, being scammed by just a right to complain; can you eat a vote (Biden or Trump, etc. - lol); into S&M ? Brian, Angelo, Alex, Patrick - real people. In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Meanwhile ...

With Wei's Travel ...

NingXia province lies in northern China. With CGTN Travelogue ...

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... The Hani rice terraces are a spectacular example of ancient agricultural engineering located in the Yuanyang County of Yunnan Province, China. These terraces are renowned for their beauty and cultural significance, as well as their sustainable farming practices that have been maintained for over a millennium. Historical and Cultural Background Origins and History The Hani people, an ethnic minority in China, began constructing these terraces around 1,300 years ago. They transformed the steep slopes of the Ailao Mountains into a series of stepped terraces, making the land suitable for rice cultivation. Cultural Significance The terraces are not just a testament to agricultural ingenuity but also a reflection of the Hani culture and their harmonious relationship with nature. The Hani people believe in a symbiotic relationship with their environment, which is reflected in their farming practices, spiritual beliefs, and festivals. Agricultural Practices Irrigation System A sophisticated irrigation system channels water from the forested mountaintops down through the terraces. This system ensures a stable water supply, critical for the cultivation of rice. Sustainability The Hani terraces are an example of sustainable farming, with practices that preserve soil fertility and biodiversity. Crop rotation and the use of natural fertilizers are integral parts of their agricultural methods. Natural and Scenic Beauty Visual Appeal The terraces are most visually striking during the planting season when the fields are filled with water, reflecting the sky and creating a mirror-like effect. During different seasons, the terraces change colors, ranging from the vibrant green of growing rice to the golden hues of the harvest season. Tourism The terraces attract tourists from around the world, especially photographers and nature enthusiasts. Key viewing points include Duoyishu, Bada, and Laohuzui, each offering breathtaking views of the terraces at different times of the day. UNESCO World Heritage Status Recognition In 2013, the Hani rice terraces were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores their cultural and historical importance, as well as their unique agricultural landscape. Conservation Efforts Efforts are underway to preserve this heritage site, focusing on maintaining the traditional farming practices and protecting the environment from modern threats such as tourism pressure and climate change. Conclusion The Hani rice terraces are a remarkable blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty. They represent the Hani people's enduring relationship with their land, showcasing a sustainable agricultural system that has thrived for centuries. As both a cultural treasure and a stunning visual spectacle, the Hani rice terraces continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the globe.