Experience China’s high speed rail

With Walking Vincent ... "Tonight, I'm coming to ShenZhen's FuTian district to watch the light show. Futian is the central area of ShenZhen, where the government is located, and the city's tallest building, Ping An Finance Center, is also here. In mid-December, the weather in ShenZhen starts to get cold, so there are fewer people on the streets. Every Friday and Saturday night, there is a light show in the Civic Center Square. This is one of the viewing spots, but I heard there's an even better viewing location on a nearby hill (I will go and explore it later, so stay tuned). Well, let's enjoy this beautiful light show together. In China, ShenZhen ranks first nationwide with 185 buildings taller than 200 meters, far surpassing New York in the United States. Moreover, the economic development history of Shenzhen is only a short span of over forty years, which is truly astonishing." With Walking in the air ...

Including PingYao, Xi`An, GuiLin, the Dragon`s Backbone Rice Terraces, a Yao minority village, and the Li River ...

A documentary series by RT. Text by RT. The Ancient Silk Road was a trade route that began in China in the 2nd century BC and, for more than 1700 years, linked Europe and Asia. As well as goods, it facilitated a cultural exchange between the continents, knowledge, religion, art, philosophy and tradition all passed back and forth between distant nations. Modern China now has the strongest economy in Asia and is a major world power. This series examines the enduring influence of the Silk Road in making the nation what it is today and how its legacy still thrives in China. PART ONE From the 2nd century BC onwards, the great Silk Road was a vital trade route that provided a link between Eurasian countries. It began during China’s Han dynasty and eventually stretched all the way to Rome. Throughout its 17 centuries of existence, it played a crucial role in enabling cultural interaction between nations and peoples all over the continents. As well as establishing economic ties, it also facilitated the exchange between countries of knowledge, religious practice, architectural styles, art, philosophy and traditions. Modern Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by centuries of trade with neighbouring countries. Today, there are still sites in China that preserve the history of the Silk Road and the country’s role in it. Tang West Market Museum in the city of Xi'an marks the ancient starting point of the Silk Road and displays relics unearthed from what used to be a major centre for international trade. The Silk Route Museum in the city of Jiuquan celebrates the first ever customs checkpoint in history. This city served as an outpost on China’s border with unforgiving and perilous nomadic lands. Meanwhile, a network of grottos called the Mogao Caves bears witness to Buddhism arriving and thriving in China. Today, China remains true to the well-established tradition of cultural exchange with its neighbours. 2016-2017 are dedicated to furthering Russo-Chinese relations and bilateral media ties. The history of collaboration between the two countries dates back as far as 400 years, when religious missionaries crossed the borders to introduce the other side to their homeland’s rich cultural practices. PART TWO China is developing a unique blend of socialism and capitalism. The state-owned sector dominates but there has been a sudden surge in privately owned businesses operating in a new market economy. The two systems coexist in apparent harmony despite the seemingly contradictory ideologies of capitalism and communism. Private businesses began to appear after the country’s economic reforms of the late 1970s, ushered in by then premier, Deng Xiaoping. The emergence of private entrepreneurship led to rapid economic development for China. The country is still among the world’s fastest growing economies and is often the first to tap into new markets. To further expand its regional economic influence, China has launched a programme to revive the famous old Silk Road. They are confident that the route will develop new international markets and forge new business alliances. The multifaceted programme involves improving road infrastructure and modernising key cities along the ancient Silk trading route. They are also creating more favourable conditions for business with incentives like company tax breaks and duty-free towns near the borders with neighbouring countries. The project has been dubbed the ‘One Belt, One Road initiative’, and involves cooperation with more than 60, mostly neighbouring countries, with Russia among the major partners. RTD examines examples of Sino-Russian cooperation carried out under the ‘One Belt, One Road’ umbrella, including large-scale government projects and private trade deals with Russian customers. PART THREE - The Ancient Silk Road was a major trade route that linked Europe and Asia between the 2nd century BC and the late 16th AD. - Modern China is a rapidly growing economy. “One Belt, One Road” is an initiative to revive the Silk Road to help the country play a bigger role in global affairs. - Ancient towns that were once key outposts on the Silk Road are undergoing rapid growth both economically and in infrastructure as they are to reprise their roles as major trading waypoints along the route - Citizens now enjoy new business opportunities and contribute further to developing their cities In its heyday, the ancient Silk Road was Eurasia’s most important trade route, connecting two rich continents to facilitate trade and cultural exchange. Modern-day China has seen near constant economic growth. It boasts of several record figures, including the highest number of skyscrapers and the longest railroads. Five years ago, the government announced a new plan, “One Belt, One Road”, an initiative to revive the Silk Road. The strategy seeks to help China play a bigger role in global affairs through developing an infrastructure that will unite the countries of the two continents under a cohesive economic area. Many ancient Chinese cities that were once outposts along the Silk Road, desert oases or transport hubs are now rapidly transforming themselves into megacities, so that they can, once again, service and profit from the trade route. New businesses are opening, facilitated by the development of a reliable transport system, which in turn brings greater tourist flow. Some cities are also grated the status of special economic area, offering attractive tax incentives to foreign investors. We visit two very different cities; Lanchjou and Urumchi, united by the Silk Road’s history. Both are experiencing rapid development. We meet businessmen who tell us how it feels to watch their home towns transform into economically and politically significant conurbations and how it inspires them to aim for international markets and seek new outlets for their businesses to grow.

YinChuan, 'Silver River', lies in NingXia province, central - north China. It is located near the western bank of the upper course of the Yellow River, in the south-central section of the HeLan Shan mountains and the Ordos Desert. Thanks to the Yellow River, YinChuan enjoys beautiful natural scenery and favorable conditions for agriculture and has long earned the fame of a "River Side City in the Northwest" and "Home to Fishes and Rice". Around the city of about 2 million are a number of interesting cultural sites, including part of the Great Wall of China (not far from the western end-point) and grand mosques (Hui minority) and lies on a trade route from cities in the far west to the east. Nearby are the extensive Western Xia Dynasty (1038 - 1227) Tombs, 40 kilometers to the west. There are two pagodas in YinChuan that are part of the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of NingXia': one is the HaiBao Pagoda in the northern suburb and the other is the ChengTianSi Pagoda in the west. Sand Lake lies about 50 kilometers north of YinChuan. Being a world of desert and a large lake, it is a place of beautiful nature and a great getaway. The immediate plains area, intensively irrigated by a system developed as long ago as the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), is very productive for agriculture. A great film by Sticker Travel ...

With Jason / Living In China ... DeXing 德兴, JiangXi province - Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of DeXing DeXing, located in JiangXi Province, is a city with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Known for its copper mining industry, DeXing played a significant role in China's economic development, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The city is surrounded by lush mountains and has been a center of trade and culture, contributing to its unique historical and cultural heritage. Top Attractions in DeXing 1. Mount Sanqing Mount Sanqing, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most famous attractions in DeXing. Known for its stunning granite peaks, unique rock formations, and Taoist cultural significance, this mountain offers breathtaking views and serene landscapes. 2. Lingyan Temple Lingyan Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Mount Sanqing. The temple is known for its peaceful surroundings, beautiful architecture, and the grand statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. 3. Yunbi Peak Forest Park This natural park is a haven for nature lovers, featuring lush forests, clear streams, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's a great spot for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of DeXing. 4. Copper Mine Museum As DeXing is historically known for its copper mining industry, the Copper Mine Museum provides insights into the city's mining history. Visitors can learn about the mining techniques, history, and see various exhibits related to copper mining. Activities to Enjoy 1. Hiking on Mount Sanqing Mount Sanqing offers numerous hiking trails that cater to both beginner and experienced hikers. The trails provide stunning views of the mountain's unique granite peaks, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls. 2. Exploring Ancient Villages DeXing is home to several ancient villages that retain traditional JiangXi architectural styles. These villages offer a glimpse into the region's history and culture, with ancient buildings, narrow alleys, and traditional lifestyles. 3. Visiting Local Markets Exploring the local markets in DeXing is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine. Markets are filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handcrafted items, offering a taste of the local life. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Gan Cuisine Gan cuisine, the traditional cuisine of JiangXi Province, is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients. Dishes often feature pickled vegetables, fresh fish, and a variety of spices. 2. Copper Hotpot A unique dish in DeXing, the Copper Hotpot is named after the city’s historical association with copper mining. This hotpot features a rich broth and a variety of ingredients including meat, seafood, and vegetables. 3. JiangXi Rice Noodles These rice noodles are a popular dish in DeXing, served in a flavorful broth with toppings such as minced meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. How to Get There By Train DeXing is well connected by rail, with regular trains running from major cities like Nanchang and Shangrao. The train journey offers scenic views of JiangXi's countryside. By Bus There are frequent bus services from nearby cities and towns to DeXing. Buses are a convenient and affordable option for reaching the city. By Car Driving to DeXing offers the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. The city is accessible by major highways, making it easy to reach by car. Travel Tips for DeXing Plan your visit during spring or autumn for the best weather and to enjoy the natural scenery at its peak. Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin, as English is not widely spoken in rural areas. Bring cash, as some local shops and markets may not accept credit cards. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and ancient villages.

Plus the Paradise Island Water Park in ChengDu, the Arkansas Jazz Band in ChengDu, and a lot more ... We end with a clip from 'ChongQing from the Air', starting with the city at night, and followed by the awesome natural scenery in the surrounding area, including the beautiful peaks and valleys of the Three Gorges area ... PLEASE DONATE to this site - we really need your help to keep going; see the donate button on the right. ChengDu Pandas, LeShan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei Paradise Island Water Park, ChengDu Arkansas Jazz Band, ChengDu, plus local dancers Two scenes from ChengDu ChongQing from the air