Defunct heavy industry sites transformed to surreal parks – two examples, in BeiJing and NanJing

FèngHuáng (Phoenix) ancient town, lies 'close' (about 140 kilometers) to the ZhangJiaJie Nature Reserve. The town retains much of its ancient architecture and culture. Legend tells that two of the mythical phoenix birds flew over the town and were so in awe at its beauty that they remained hovering there for a long time, being reluctant to leave and lose the view. FengHuang is home to several minority ethnic groups, mainly the Miao (苗) and TuJia (土家). Batik and tie-dye are very popular here and the Miao and TuJia have their own ways to produce the cloth with unique folk patterns. Traditional crafts also include embroidery (TuJia), silverware (Miao), 'paper cuts' and ginger candy. DiaoJiaoLou (吊脚楼) is the traditional dwelling of the TuJia, Miao and some other minorities. DiaoJiaoLou can be translated literally into English as "feet-hanging building" which means a building built with its base hanging in the air instead of locating on the ground. The houses lining the river display a strong Miao ethnic style with the front part facing the old official road and the rear part hanging over the Tuo River.

An awesome film - don't miss it ... September trip, in 2017; charming couple. XinJiang, north west China, includes the Tien Shan and Kunlun Shan mountains, the Taklimakan Desert, and the Tarim Basin.

The true measure is : does the government work for the people, or vice versa. Is it a sham / illusion / deception 'democracy' - elections, where one is forced to choose between elite factions, that are basically the same ideology? 'Pick a card, any card ...' Or is there a better way based on merit and that is bottom up - a system that truly responds to, and cares for, the people? With Jerry's Take on China ... In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. -- Recently, out of the hundreds of countries in the world, three decided to suicide, to serve their puppet masters : the Philippines, Argentina and Italy. Will Taiwan (not a country) be next? Are they Chinese or just fodder on a US missile base ??? -- China has defended itself (hence the Great Wall), but never been expansionist ... YT comment : George-rj4fj : "They who point fingers at China, failed to notice the huge expansionism of the Euro-Caucasians throughout the world so that some 2/3 of the world speaks not only English and Spanish but have also been forced into adopting Western cultures, religion, history and clothing. Talk about "cultural genocide"! They who accuses China of "expansionism" are also ignorant of history. Mongolia and Manchuria became part of China not from Chinese Han expansionism of conquest but because China was conquered by the Mongols and the Manchus and became part of THEIR empires. So too did Tibet when it ran wars into China in an expanding of the Tibetan Empire - and was defeated and absorbed in turn. Chinese culture is an amalgamation of all the different cultures that were absorbed into the greater Chinese diaspora. They who do not know history and are content in creating their own versions from western propaganda make themselves foolish by opening their mouths on topical subjects that they have absolutely no idea about." Bonus film - Jerry Grey in conversation with Ben Norton ... With Reports on China ...

This outstanding, feature length documentary follows travelers taking six different routes to Tibet - via SiChuan, QingHai, XinJiang, YunNan and the Himalayas. Very beautiful ...

An hour north from BeiJing city center ...

Provincial capital of JiLin in north-east China. Filmed in 2012.

With Dr Thomas Seyfried ... Our research of pubmed over the years has found four natural extracts that limit glutamine use by cancer cells : curcumin, green tea extract (inc. EGCG), quercetin and berberine. I would add a fifth for other reasons : sulphoraphane. All have effects on multiple pathways, such as preventing angiogenesis. Ideally one would be working with a skilled doctor, but as a rough guide, large doses would be needed; up to 20 of each per day; so capsules emptied into water would be best; build up over time. Plus zero carbs, low protein (to promote autophagy - hopefully tumor shrinkage; eg 3 egg yolks) and time restricted eating. And fresh air walks. The '100 diet' : * curcumin * green tea extract * quercetin * berberine * sulphoraphane Probably best taken with a meal (e.g. leafy greens) drizzled with MCT, coconut or Extra Virgin olive oils. Add a few tablespoons of Hemp Seed Oil for extra effect (CBD).

With DuckTravel ...

In AnHui province.