Chinese Spring Festival flash mobs, 2019

Making baozi (steamed buns) with freshly ground wheat flour. Real, down to earth life; beautiful. Don't miss it ...

With CGTN ...

With Walk East ... With Seiu Travel ... Visitor Guide to TaiYuan City, ShanXi Province Overview TaiYuan, the capital city of ShanXi Province, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern development. Known for its rich cultural heritage, TaiYuan offers visitors a glimpse into China's past while also showcasing its rapid modernization. Getting There By Air: TaiYuan WuSu International Airport (TYN) serves the city with both domestic and international flights. It is located about 15 kilometers from the city center, and you can reach downtown by taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus. By Train: TaiYuan Railway Station and TaiYuan South Railway Station connect the city with major destinations across China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. High-speed trains offer convenient and quick travel options. By Bus: Long-distance buses from nearby cities and provinces also provide access to TaiYuan. The main bus stations in TaiYuan are TaiYuan Long-Distance Bus Station and TaiYuan West Bus Station. Getting Around Public Transport: TaiYuan has an extensive public bus network and a developing metro system, making it easy to navigate the city. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also widely used. Biking: Bike-sharing services are popular and provide a convenient way to explore the city at your own pace. Main Attractions JinCi Temple JinCi Temple, located about 25 kilometers southwest of TaiYuan, is a historic site with beautiful architecture, ancient trees, and intricate carvings. The temple, dating back over 1,400 years, is dedicated to the worship of Prince Shuyu of the Zhou Dynasty. ShanXi Museum ShanXi Museum, one of China's most important museums, offers a comprehensive look at the history and culture of ShanXi Province. The museum's exhibits include ancient relics, artifacts from the Silk Road, and displays on ShanXi's rich coal mining history. TaiYuan Ancient City Wall The TaiYuan Ancient City Wall is a significant historical landmark that reflects the city's ancient military architecture. Portions of the wall have been restored, and visitors can walk along it to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Fenhe Park Fenhe Park, situated along the Fen River, is a large urban park offering beautiful landscapes, walking paths, and recreational facilities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and experience the local lifestyle. Twin Pagoda Temple The Twin Pagoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, features two impressive pagodas dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The temple is a serene spot with beautiful gardens and ancient architecture. Local Cuisine TaiYuan offers a variety of local and regional dishes. Here are some must-try foods: ShanXi Sliced Noodles (DaoXiaoMian): A famous local dish made with hand-sliced noodles, usually served with a savory broth and various toppings. Vinegar Culture: ShanXi is known for its aged vinegar, which is a staple in many local dishes. Be sure to try dishes that highlight this unique flavor. ShanXi Meat Patties (RouJiaMo): Often referred to as the "Chinese hamburger," these meat-filled buns are a delicious and popular street food. Fenhe River Fish: Fresh fish from the Fen River, prepared in a variety of ways, is a local specialty. Shopping Liuxiang Pedestrian Street: A bustling shopping area offering a mix of traditional and modern shops, local snacks, and souvenirs. Chongshan Monastery Market: A market near Chongshan Monastery where you can find local handicrafts, antiques, and traditional ShanXi products. Coal Museum of China: The museum shop offers unique souvenirs related to ShanXi's coal mining history. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: TaiYuan has several high-end hotels offering excellent amenities and services, such as the Kempinski Hotel TaiYuan and the Shanxi Grand Hotel. Mid-Range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range options providing comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices, including international chains like Holiday Inn and local boutique hotels. Budget Accommodations: Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels throughout the city. Historical Background of TaiYuan TaiYuan, with a history spanning over 2,500 years, has been a significant political, economic, and cultural center in northern China. Founded during the Spring and Autumn period, the city has witnessed numerous historical events and developments. During the Tang Dynasty, TaiYuan was a strategic military base and the hometown of the Tang emperors. The city played a crucial role in various dynastic changes and military campaigns. In modern times, TaiYuan has developed into an industrial powerhouse, particularly known for its coal mining and steel production. Despite its industrialization, the city has preserved many of its historical and cultural sites, offering a rich tapestry of the ancient and modern. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit TaiYuan 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. Bring a hat and sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious 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: TaiYuan offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Plan your visit to include both cultural sites and modern amenities to get a complete experience. Conclusion TaiYuan, with its rich historical heritage and vibrant modern culture, offers a unique and diverse travel experience. From ancient temples and city walls to modern parks and shopping streets, TaiYuan provides a fascinating journey through time. Whether you're exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, or experiencing the city's contemporary side, TaiYuan is a destination that promises a memorable visit. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time in this dynamic capital of ShanXi Province.

ZhouZhuang, part of the area that Marco Polo described as the 'Venice of the East', lies just 37 miles west of Shanghai (about an hour's drive) ...

The shiitake mushroom is native to east Asia (especially China and Japan), and is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries. It is considered a medicinal mushroom in traditional Asian medicine, and tastes great. In the West you can find these in dried form at many Asian stores, and even large supermarkets, possibly in the 'ethnic' section. Soak in warm water before use. A must try. Bonus film - Matsutake mushrooms 松茸 ...

With Expat Adventuring in Asia ... "In this eye-opening video, we uncover the truth behind the growing tension between the United States and China. For years, the U.S. government has painted China as a looming enemy, a global threat that must be contained at all costs. But what if everything we’ve been told about China’s rise is a carefully constructed lie? Why is China seen as an enemy by the U.S. government? The answer is simpler than you think: China’s rise challenges the U.S. dominance — both economically and militarily. In this video, we expose the official U.S. policy that labels China as a threat not because of ideology or military aggression, but because China’s success threatens America’s role as the world's sole superpower. This policy — backed by years of documentation — is the core reason behind the U.S. narrative of China as the “enemy.” China’s peaceful rise versus U.S. domination. While the U.S. seeks to maintain global primacy and control, China has focused on development — building a massive economy, lifting over 800 million people out of poverty, and creating a modern, thriving nation through peaceful means. But the U.S. establishment is unwilling to accept that a country can prosper without following the West’s path. In this video, we reveal: • How U.S. foreign policy, dating back to the 1992 Defense Planning Guidance, explicitly states that any country, including China, that challenges U.S. dominance is labeled a threat. • The “primacy” doctrine and how it has shaped U.S. global strategies, including its ongoing campaign to undermine China’s rise. • The truth behind billions of dollars spent on anti-communist propaganda and “democracy promotion” to convince the world that China’s system is dangerous, despite its successes. • How the global power shift from unipolar to multipolar is already happening, and why the U.S. feels the need to hold onto a world that’s quickly evolving beyond its control. The reality that can’t be hidden Despite the constant anti-China rhetoric, China’s rise speaks for itself. The country’s GDP has grown from just $190 billion in 1980 to $18 trillion today, and it’s created the largest high-speed rail network in the world, alongside cutting-edge tech hubs and innovations that are reshaping the global economy. In contrast, the U.S. continues to face challenges at home, including income inequality, racial tensions, and a failing healthcare system. Yet, the U.S. media continues to promote the idea that China’s peaceful development is somehow a threat to the world. What the media doesn’t want you to know Behind the scenes, hundreds of millions of dollars have been funneled into think tanks, universities, and media outlets worldwide to shape global perceptions about China. We reveal how the Voice of America, National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and USAID fund anti-China narratives and distort the truth about China’s achievements. But no amount of money or propaganda can hide the undeniable truth: China’s success proves that a different system works. What does this mean for the future? As China continues to rise, the world is transitioning from a U.S.-dominated unipolar order to a multipolar world where countries cooperate, not compete. The future of global relations is changing, and China’s vision of cooperation is reshaping the way nations interact on the world stage. In this video, you’ll discover: • The hidden policies that fuel U.S. opposition to China. • How China’s peaceful rise is threatening the U.S. empire — not through war, but through smart, long-term development. • Why the real enemy isn’t China, but rather the U.S. control of global narratives and the unwillingness to share power with emerging nations. Why should you watch? • If you’re curious about the real reasons behind U.S.-China tensions, this video will give you answers based on facts, not propaganda. • If you want to understand global power dynamics and why China’s rise isn’t a threat but an opportunity for cooperation, this video is for you. • If you’ve ever wondered why the U.S. is so obsessed with maintaining global hegemony, this video will unveil the truth. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives into China’s rise, U.S. foreign policy, and the changing global order." In China, the people are king In the West, the people are livestock

With Dan and Lyn ... Bonus films - the ShangHai metro, with KING KWESI ... Gym time - with Sabrina in China ...

The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show has become a classic that has been running since 1982 and has also toured many countries. Xi'An, formerly known as Chang'An, was the imperial capital during 13 dynasties. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was perhaps the most glorious of all. The Tang was open to outside influences, taking in the best of various art forms of not only past dynasties but also the ethnic groups in China as well as central and western Asia, including a wide range of unusual musical instruments and a variety of techniques in painting, sculpting, patterns, costume design, poetry, singing and dancing. The performances have their roots in folk arts, developing over thousands of years. The show presented today is a recreation of traditional entertainment based on much historical research. Staged with a visualization of the Tang imperial court as its setting, the production manifests a unique classical style with features typical of Xi'An.

With Ben Norton ...