Hiking the GongGa mountain trail, SiChuan province

There are beautiful mountains, lakes and grasslands along one of the world's highest modern roads - XinJiang province ...

AnHui province.

The true meaning of 'conservative' lies in the first syllable 'con' - which is, that you go along with elite rule. The 'left' in the West is best understood as 'departed'; gone from any meaningful social principles, it is merely alt-right - same con, with some glitter. You only have the illusion of choice, of a say; that illusion is your consent. 'Pick a card, any card ...' In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Bonus film ... Bonus film 2 (Malaysia) ... Bonus film 3 (Thailand) (warning - gruesome) ... Bonus film 4 (Myanmar) ... Bonus film 5 ... Bonus film 6 (Nicaragua) ... BeiJingBuzzz - where truth is sacred.

Including the famous NanJing Lu ...

Eckhart Tolle in conversation with Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer ...

The magnificent Temple of Heaven (TianTan) was constructed between 1406 and 1420 (Ming dynasty) during the reign of the emperor YongLe who also oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City.The Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests. The temple complex was extended during the reign of emperor JiaJing during the 16th century (Ming dynasty). JiaJing also constructed three other key temples in Beijing : the Temple of the Sun in the east, the Temple of the Moon in the west, and the Temple of Earth in the north. Emperor QianLong directed a renovation of the Temple of Heaven during the 18th century (Qing dynasty). The architecture and layout of the Temple of Heaven is based on elaborate symbolism and numerology. One example is that the buildings and their settings reflect ancient Chinese religious beliefs that imagine heaven as round and earth as square. Because the Temple of Heaven was to be the place representing Heaven on Earth, it needed to be larger than the Forbidden City; it covers approximately twice the area and is about 2 kilometers from north to south, the primary axis with three main structures; indeed, it is the largest group of constructions for worship in the world. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In early 2005, the Temple of Heaven underwent a 47 million yuan (6 million USD) renovation that was completed on May 1st, 2006. The Temple of Heaven is a delightful place to spend some time. Arrive in the early morning to watch the Tai Chi experts, although the park is lively all day and into the evening with kite flyers, musicians, singers, dancers and games players (from badminton to Chinese chess).

With TRACKS - Travel Documentaries ... The Travels of Marco Polo Introduction Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer, is renowned for his extensive travels along the Silk Road during the 13th century. His journey provided Europe with one of the earliest comprehensive glimpses of the East. This guide focuses on Marco Polo's travels, with a particular emphasis on his time in China and the significant experiences he documented in his book, "The Travels of Marco Polo." Early Journey Marco Polo embarked on his journey to Asia in 1271, at the age of 17, accompanied by his father, Niccolò, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo. The Polo family traveled overland through the Middle East, passing through regions such as Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Pamir Mountains, enduring harsh climates and difficult terrains. Their ultimate goal was to reach the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. Arrival in China In 1275, after nearly four years of travel, Marco Polo and his family arrived at the court of Kublai Khan in Shangdu (Xanadu), present-day Inner Mongolia. Kublai Khan, impressed by their knowledge and skills, took a particular interest in Marco Polo, employing him as a diplomat and sending him on various missions throughout his empire. Marco Polo's Time in China Service to Kublai Khan Marco Polo served Kublai Khan for 17 years, undertaking diplomatic missions that allowed him to travel extensively across China and other parts of Asia. He became well-acquainted with the Mongol administration and the diverse cultures within the empire. His detailed observations and accounts provided valuable insights into the life and governance of the Mongol Empire. Explorations and Observations During his time in China, Marco Polo visited numerous cities and regions, documenting their unique aspects. Some key places he described include: Beijing (Khanbaliq): The capital of Kublai Khan's empire, Beijing was a bustling metropolis with grand palaces, markets, and administrative buildings. Marco Polo marveled at the city's size, organization, and the wealth displayed by its inhabitants. Hangzhou (Quinsai): Marco Polo described Hangzhou as one of the most magnificent cities in the world, renowned for its beautiful canals, thriving commerce, and vibrant culture. He noted its sophisticated infrastructure, including bridges, markets, and gardens. Suzhou and its Silk Production: Marco Polo provided detailed accounts of silk production in Suzhou, highlighting the meticulous process of harvesting silk from silkworms and weaving it into luxurious fabrics. He was fascinated by the craftsmanship and the high demand for silk across the empire. Yunnan Province: During his travels, Marco Polo ventured into Yunnan, describing its diverse ethnic groups and unique customs. He also noted the region's rich natural resources, including gold and other minerals. Tibet: Marco Polo's travels took him to the Tibetan Plateau, where he documented the distinctive culture, religious practices, and the high-altitude lifestyle of the Tibetan people. Technological and Cultural Observations Marco Polo's accounts also included descriptions of various technologies and cultural practices he encountered in China: Paper Money: Marco Polo was fascinated by the use of paper money, a novel concept to Europeans at the time. He described the process of printing and distributing paper currency, which facilitated trade across the vast empire. Postal System: The efficient postal system, known as the "Yam," impressed Marco Polo. This network of relay stations and couriers enabled swift communication and the transportation of goods and information across great distances. Innovations and Inventions: Marco Polo documented various Chinese inventions, such as gunpowder, printing, and the compass, which later had a profound impact on European technology and exploration. Cultural Exchange: Marco Polo's interactions with diverse cultures within the Mongol Empire enriched his understanding of different customs, religions, and lifestyles. His accounts reflect the multicultural nature of the Silk Road and the exchange of ideas and knowledge it facilitated. Return to Venice In 1292, after spending 17 years in China, Marco Polo and his family decided to return to Venice. They joined a Mongol princess's escort on her journey to Persia, eventually making their way back to Europe via the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. They arrived in Venice in 1295, after 24 years of travel. Legacy of Marco Polo Marco Polo's detailed accounts of his travels were compiled into a book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," which became one of the most important sources of information about the East for Europeans. His descriptions of the wealth, culture, and innovations of China and other Asian regions inspired future explorers, including Christopher Columbus, and significantly influenced European knowledge and perceptions of Asia. Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road highlighted the interconnectedness of the world through trade and cultural exchange, and his legacy continues to be celebrated as a testament to the spirit of exploration and curiosity.

Beautiful drone footage, like a dream ...

The world's highest public observation deck, at 474 meters (1,555 feet) above ground level.