Garland Nixon on US policy – Don’t miss it

With The Duran ... With Inside China Business .. China's opening vs, The US's closing - with Liu Xin / CGTN and Jeffrey Sachs ... With Dialogue Works, plus Michael Hudson and Richard Wolff ... The Greater Bay Area, with Cyrus Janssen and Alex / Reporterfy Media ... On the global south / multipolarism, with Ben Norton ... On the global economy, with Warwick Powell and The Bridge Podcast ... Malaysia joins BRICS - with Lena Petrova ... With Anna Malingdog-Uy ... On the US abuse of the Philippines - with Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... On the nature and rise of the US neocons - with Michael Brenner and Pascal Lottaz / Neutrality Studies ... On NATO and colonialism - with Jeff Rich ...

Arriving in YunNan province. So delightful ... At home for the Spring Festival ...

With Beijing Old Liu ... Welcome to the Temple of Heaven Explore the ancient beauty and cultural significance of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Introduction The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Location The Temple of Heaven is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, easily accessible from various parts of the city. History The Temple of Heaven was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who also oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City. The temple complex was used by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. The temple complex was expanded and renovated during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in the 16th century and again during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th century. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Attractions Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The iconic triple-gabled circular building, used by emperors to pray for good harvests. Imperial Vault of Heaven: A circular building surrounded by a smooth circular wall, famous for its Echo Wall. Circular Mound Altar: An open-air altar platform where the emperor would worship Heaven during the winter solstice. Seven Star Stones: A group of large stones with historical and cultural significance. Ancient Cypress Trees: The garden areas of the complex are home to many ancient cypress trees, some over 600 years old. Activities Historical Tours Cultural Performances Photography Guided Walks Seasonal Festivals and Events Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Gift Shops Cafes and Restaurants Parking Lots Wheelchair Access Visitor Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to stay for several hours. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Respect the cultural significance of the site; behave appropriately and follow all rules and guidelines.

Billions of life-viable planets; yet an eerie silence. Are we really alone in the universe ? Do civilizations always quickly self-destruct as (war) technology advances faster than (political) intelligence ? With Lemmino ... With Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell ...

With Sticker Travel. After trekking the Great Wall, the team chill out at Chun Hui Yuan Spa Resort, then head back downtown to view the Forbidden City at sunset from the hilltop in JingShan Park ...

Bonus film - The WuTa Temple in BeiJing ...

With Wei's Travel ...

With Beautiful China ... XiaSi Ancient Town - Dong Village Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of XiaSi Ancient Town XiaSi Ancient Town, located in the Dong Village of GuiZhou Province, is a historic town that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dong ethnic group. With a history dating back over 800 years, XiaSi is renowned for its traditional Dong architecture, unique drum towers, and wind and rain bridges. The town's preservation of ancient customs and traditions provides a living snapshot of Dong culture that has been passed down through generations. Top Attractions in XiaSi Ancient Town 1. Drum Tower The Drum Tower is the symbol of the Dong people and serves as the heart of the village. It is a traditional wooden structure used for gatherings and ceremonies. The intricate carvings and unique architecture make it a must-see. 2. Wind and Rain Bridge The Wind and Rain Bridge, also known as the Flower Bridge, is an iconic piece of Dong architecture. It serves not only as a bridge but also as a place for villagers to rest and socialize, sheltered from the elements. 3. Dong Opera Stage The open-air Dong Opera Stage is a cultural gem where traditional Dong performances are held. Visitors can experience the rich storytelling and music that characterize Dong opera. 4. Dong Residential Houses Stroll through the village to see the traditional stilted wooden houses of the Dong people. These homes are built using ancient techniques and showcase the unique architectural style of the Dong community. Activities to Enjoy 1. Participate in a Dong Dance Join the locals in a traditional Dong dance. The Dong people are known for their vibrant dance and music, often performed in the village square or around the Drum Tower. 2. Explore Local Handicrafts Visit local workshops to see artisans creating traditional Dong handicrafts, including embroidery, silver jewelry, and wooden carvings. You can also purchase these items as souvenirs. 3. Attend a Dong Wedding Ceremony If you're lucky, you might witness a traditional Dong wedding ceremony. These ceremonies are colorful and vibrant, featuring music, dance, and traditional rituals. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Dong Rice Wine Dong rice wine is a traditional beverage made from glutinous rice. It has a sweet flavor and is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. 2. Sour Fish Soup This is a popular dish among the Dong people, made with fresh fish, pickled vegetables, and spices. The soup has a distinctive sour and spicy flavor. 3. Glutinous Rice Cakes Glutinous rice cakes are a traditional snack in Dong cuisine. They are often filled with sweet or savory ingredients and steamed to perfection. How to Get There By Bus From Guiyang, the capital of GuiZhou, you can take a long-distance bus to Liping County, followed by a local bus to XiaSi. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours. By Train Take a train to Kaili, a nearby city in GuiZhou. From Kaili, buses are available to Liping County and then to XiaSi Ancient Town. By Car If you prefer driving, renting a car from Guiyang or Kaili is an option. The roads to XiaSi are scenic but can be narrow and winding, so drive with caution. Travel Tips for XiaSi Ancient Town Learn a few basic phrases in the Dong language to connect better with locals. They appreciate the effort! Respect local customs and traditions, especially during ceremonies and cultural events. Bring comfortable walking shoes as you will be exploring on foot, often on uneven paths. Plan your visit during one of the Dong festivals, such as the Dong New Year, to experience the vibrant local culture.

A beautiful hike. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours at a reasonably relaxing pace. With LimeWave Media ...