Exploring the beautiful HuangShan 黄山 mountain; part 1 (4/8)

DānXiá Shān is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Geo-Park. The area comprises a reddish sandstone which has been eroded over the years into a series of outcrops with spectacular cliffs and unusual rock formations. There are a number of temples in the mountains and many scenic paths. FuYiJiang River winds through the mountains and boat trips are possible.

To be free, is to be off the time-lapse trajectory of the past into the future. This means to stop rationalizing and die to the past - only then one can truly live in the present moment. The past is still the past, but one is no longer its hostage. What stands in the way of a true life is - you - that is, the past, that one thinks of as 'me' (a mush of programming and fantasies - the noise that precludes clarity). The truth is simple; but it is not easy. One must be aware of one's thoughts and see them not as you but as relics; to see these thoughts as what they really are and not be ruled by them. The first, and crucial, step is to see how one has been hijacked by the past. To be free, is to be free of the past. Truth is not about believing, or 'knowing', a bunch of concepts; truth is being real. At BB, we can recommend Alan Watts, Jiddu Krishnamurti and Gabor Mate as sincere and wise voices to explore this more; though there are many others, these are straight talkers (some of their talks are featured here). The thing is - the guide is not the truth, it is only a guide; never trust in or believe a guide as though it is the truth - either you simply believe this or that, or you are true. Don't be an addict - to a belief. Don't be an addict to your past and ego. 10,000 years and 100,000 books of philosophy distilled into a few sentences. Once out of the prison of the past, everything else becomes clear. Kyle Cease talks with Tom Bilyeu ... Bonus film - with Jiddu Krishnamurti ... Bonus film 2 - with Alan Watts ...

Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year on the mainland lasts one week. Preparations will already be under way and include a spring clean and adding festive decorations. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are a time for family reunions, and for many this means travelling home from the city to the countryside. Chinese New Year is celebrated in many countries and China-towns around the World. GōngXǐ FāCái 恭喜发财 ! The first film, 'Coming Together', is from Malaysia - enjoy ... The Spring Festival is about a new year, a new beginning. A time of renewal, and hope and a fresh start, a time of good-will. For example, fireworks, apart from being a joy to all, are to scare away bad spirits. One can see this symbolize the breaking of old habits of thought – a spring clean of the mind. A new year is a new chance for a better life – if you will take it. Keep your eyes open, heart abundant, and strive for a better world. Help others on their journey whenever you can and always share a smile. It may help another, but it will certainly be good for you. As the second film says, it is love that brings us closer to happiness. Above all, the Spring Festival is a time for family. Next 4 films : 1: 'Going Home' ... 2: A touching song about life and friendship (forget the sub-titles, just watch the video). 'Beautiful Snow County is my Home' ... 3: 'Family Portrait' (from Malaysia) - a wry look at family life in the digital age ... 4: 'Don't be tied to the past, but don't tear it up' ... Two 2017 CNY songs from the M Girls (Malaysia). They have released a CNY album every year since 2001 ... 2011 flash-back - CNY fireworks in BeiJing ... Lion Dance in Malaysia (2017) ...

YT comment - Marcus Silvio : "This song, for me at least, has always represented an enlightened global perspective; we are all just souls passing through the mist of life - not one of us more special or important then the other. It's up to as Humans, not men and women, not white and black, but as humans, to put aside petty differences and spread love; a love not restricted and shared with a few, but with everyone. As Roger said 'there is no Us and Them, just US'." ~~~ Choose LOVE ~~~ The Great Gig in the Sky ... The Lockdown Recordings (don't miss it - 99 seconds to midnight on the doomsday clock) ...

With MisterVaughn ... Welcome to BeiWangShan Forest Park Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Beiwangshan Forest Park in Beijing. Introduction Beiwangshan Forest Park, located in Beijing, is a beautiful natural retreat offering a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. Location Beiwangshan Forest Park is situated in the north-west part of Beijing, making it easily accessible from the city center. History Beiwangshan Forest Park was established in the late 20th century as part of Beijing's efforts to enhance urban green spaces and promote ecological conservation. The park has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a natural escape within the bustling city. The development of the park included extensive tree planting, trail construction, and the establishment of various facilities to support outdoor activities and environmental education. Over the years, it has grown into a mature forest park, celebrated for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Attractions Scenic Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the forest and surrounding areas. Observation Decks: Enjoy panoramic views from various observation decks situated within the park. Flora and Fauna: Witness a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Picnic Areas: Relax and have a meal in designated picnic spots. Activities Hiking and Nature Walks Bird Watching Photography Picnicking Camping (seasonal) Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Parking Lots Food Stalls Guided Tour Services Visitor Tips Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Bring enough water and snacks. Respect the natural environment; do not litter. Check the weather forecast before your visit. Follow park regulations and guidelines.

With Fragrant Mandarin ...

Apologies - some ill-health issues slowing things down atm.

Despite its northern location, Beijing, the blue sky city, is one of the sunniest places in China and, in summer, also one of the hottest. Although around 1,000 miles north of Shanghai, and some 2,000 miles north of Hong Kong and tropical Hainan, Beijing is hotter through the summer months (mid-may to mid-September). Generally a dry heat, tropical thunderstorms can appear on occasion, and with night time temperatures in the 70s you'll be dancing in the rain ;) Excursion ideas : the in-the-mountains Buddhist temples of JieTaiSi and TanZheSi (bus, from the western end of metro line 1), the coastal city of TianJin (train), the beach at BeiDaiHe (train) and the nearby eastern end of the Great Wall (QinHuangDao), the imperial summer resort of ChengDe (combine with a visit to Simatai / JinShanLing Great Wall; coach or train), LongQing Gorge (LongQing Xia), the Spirit Way and general countryside at the Ming Tombs. TianJin can be a day trip as it is connected by high-speed rail, but two days would be great too. For ChengDe or BeiDaiHe, two or three days is best. Remember to take your passport in order to check in to a hotel. Or (more locally) visit the beach / pool at ChaoYang Park. Also, consider the Summer Palace (YiHeYuan), YuanMingYuan (the 'old' / original Summer Palace), BeiHai and JingShan Parks, the Ethic Culture Park (MinZu), the Olympic Forest Park, and these places in the Western Hills: XiangShan Park, Beijing Botanical Garden, BaDaChu (Eight Great (Buddhist) Sites area).

An exemplary example of classical Chinese garden arts that aspires to the harmony of people and nature. ZhuoZheng Yuan, SuZhou, JiangSu province. At 52,000 square meters, it is the largest garden in SuZhou. A beautiful short film ...