Cloak and dagger in Hong Kong

HuangShan (Yellow Mountain) lies in AnHui province.Highly worn granite summits peak out from a sea of clouds, dotted with ancient pines, have been an inspiration to artists and philosophers for many centuries ...

An unusual video for the new year (it is not about China), but it relates to our by-line - 'live more'. The past can provide wisdom, the future goals to strive for, but don't lose focus on the here and now - it is the true reality so don't miss it. Wishing all the best in life to all our visitors. Do your best to make it happen, whatever your dreams, yet love and live each moment (it might not be one's ideal circumstance, but we can still make the most of it) ...

With Beijing Old Liu ... Visitor Guide to YanQi Lake, BeiJing Overview YanQi Lake, located in the HuaiRou District of BeiJing, is a stunning natural area known for its picturesque landscapes and clear waters. It is a popular destination for both leisure and business, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a venue for high-profile international events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2014. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), approximately 50 kilometers from YanQi Lake. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach the lake. By Train: You can take a high-speed train to HuaiRou North Railway Station and then a taxi or local bus to YanQi Lake. By Bus: Several buses run from downtown BeiJing to HuaiRou District. You can then take a local bus or taxi to YanQi Lake. Getting Around Walking: YanQi Lake area is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty and serene environment. Biking: Renting a bike is a popular option for getting around and exploring the scenic routes around the lake. Local Transport: Taxis and shuttle services are available for traveling to and from different parts of the lake area and nearby attractions. Main Attractions YanQi Island YanQi Island is the centerpiece of YanQi Lake, hosting luxury resorts, conference centers, and beautiful gardens. It is an ideal place for relaxation, high-end dining, and international conferences. YanQi Tower The YanQi Tower offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking scenery and photography opportunities. Boat Tours Boat tours on YanQi Lake provide a peaceful and scenic way to explore the area. Various types of boats, from traditional Chinese boats to modern yachts, are available for hire. Wild Duck Lake Nearby Wild Duck Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a variety of bird species, especially migratory birds. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Hongluo Temple Located a short distance from YanQi Lake, Hongluo Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in northern China. It offers a serene environment and rich cultural heritage. Local Cuisine While visiting YanQi Lake, you can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines. Here are some recommendations: Peking Duck: A world-famous dish, Peking Duck is a must-try when in BeiJing. Many restaurants near YanQi Lake serve this delicacy. YanQi Lake Fish: Freshly caught fish from the lake, prepared in various styles, is a local specialty. HuaiRou Chestnut: HuaiRou is known for its delicious chestnuts, which can be enjoyed roasted or used in local dishes. Shopping Local Handicrafts: Explore shops around YanQi Lake for traditional Chinese handicrafts, including silk products, pottery, and paintings. Specialty Foods: Purchase local specialties such as HuaiRou chestnuts, honey, and other agricultural products. Souvenirs: Various souvenir shops offer items commemorating the APEC summit and other significant events held at YanQi Lake. Accommodation Luxury Resorts: YanQi Lake is home to several luxury resorts, such as the YanQi Lake Kempinski Hotel, which offers top-notch amenities and stunning views. Mid-Range Hotels: There are also several mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations around the lake area, providing comfort and convenience at reasonable prices. Guesthouses: For a more local experience, consider staying in one of the guesthouses or inns in the nearby villages. Historical Background of YanQi Lake YanQi Lake is a man-made reservoir created in the 1980s to improve water supply and irrigation for the HuaiRou District. The project aimed to enhance the local agricultural productivity and provide a recreational area for residents and visitors. Over the years, YanQi Lake has developed into a major tourist destination and a hub for international events. The lake and its surrounding areas have been carefully maintained and upgraded to offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. The area around YanQi Lake has also been a site of historical significance. The nearby Hongluo Temple, dating back over 1,000 years, reflects the region's rich spiritual and cultural history. The combination of ancient traditions and modern development makes YanQi Lake a unique and attractive destination. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit YanQi Lake are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. 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: YanQi Lake is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to enjoy the scenic views, visit local attractions, and savor the local cuisine. Conclusion YanQi Lake, with its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring the tranquil lake, visiting nearby cultural sites, or enjoying local cuisine, YanQi Lake provides a serene escape and a glimpse into the rich heritage of BeiJing. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this picturesque destination in the HuaiRou District.

With Roger Waters. Exceptional talent here. Love music; love peace ? Then you'll love this. Know every note, or first time listen - let's go ..... Ashes and diamonds; We are all equal, In the end. Mother, will they drop the bomb ? [hint - they did already - two different designs tested on the ["inferior"] women, children and elderly of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; among others]. Mother, should I trust the government - [no ****ing way ! Five Eyes brat pack] Mother / state / control. Only because the masses are (deliberately) distracted by TV, shopping, sex, fashion, alcohol, gambling, and more, can the tiny minority elite enslave us. It's like a cult; part of it ? Alive, or just a robotic believer ?? A fool is one who doesn't know what they are doing, or why they are doing it. Don't be fooled. Bonus film 1 : Bonus film 2 - Us and Them : Or is it really just 'WE' ?! Don't believe anyone. Don't believe any ism. Don't even believe in truth. Truth is reality; no belief required. It's all there to all who can see clearly, without blinkers.

From the TV new music talent show Sing!China. 【纯享版】打包安琪 《尼古拉斯狂想曲》好声音20180907第八期 Sing!China官方HD Then that double happiness - that sublime mix of yin and yang - became one * ... * Internet hate led to the other withdrawing from the show. So sad. But she's young. The takeaway - don't ever let that be you. No matter how meek one tries to be, hate is always there. So realise that it is really nothing, just air; not even a breeze. One life; one chance to be you. Valiant effort by the remaining girl to maintain an experimental vibe. Kudos.

With Where's Poppy and Travelight ...

ShanHaiGuan, east of Beijing at the coast, is at the eastern end of the Great Wall. This is located near QinHuangDao and is closely associated with China's first emperor. Qin Dynasty: 221 - 206 BC. Qin Shi Huang joined together walls at China's northern frontier into the first Great Wall. He also ended feudalism and unified much of China. JaiYuGuan, the western-most gate of the Qin Great Wall, where trade along the old Silk Road also took place, lies thousands of kilometers from here.

Season's Greetings to all our visitors, from BeijingBuzzz, 2020 / 2021 :) A fantastic flash mob surprises and catches the hearts of all in a BeiJing mall (China World Mall). Love music? Don't miss this great film (turn up the volume; high quality audio) ... 一群喜好音樂的志願者在北京國貿的美食街快閃表演了美麗動人的歌曲，包括 "月亮代表我的心", "彎彎的月亮", "甜蜜蜜", "讓我們蕩起雙槳", "茉莉花", "站在高崗上" 以及 "高山青"。我們帶給了現場群眾意外的驚喜，也希望可以跟全世界的朋友分享這份喜悅。 A heart-warming surprise performance of popular traditional Chinese songs at the food court of the China World Trade Center, GuoMao, central-east Beijing. By artists from Taiwan and the China World Trade Center Chorus, plus many passers by. The 7 songs : "The Moon Represents My Heart" (Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin), "The Crescent Moon" (Wan Wan De Yue Liang), "Oh, How Sweet" (Tian Mi Mi), "Let's Row the Paddles" (Rang Wo Men Dang Qi Shuang Jiang), "Jasmine Flower" (Mo Li Hua), "Standing on the Hilltop" (Zhan Zai Gao Gang Shang), "The Mountain is Green" (Gao Shan Qing). This follows a similar event at Taipei 101 in Taiwan, back in the summer. Bravo to everyone involved ! "Strangers become friends" - we need more of this ... Peace ... Love ... See you all in 2021 .....

Plus a charity run for deaf children ...