How to handle a narcissist

Runs from January 5th to the end of February each year.The artistic side of this cultural tradition derives from the making of wind-proof shells for candle-based lanterns using hollowed-out ice blocks.

When a mind is like a mirror, it sees everything, and holds onto nothing. Chuang-Tzu : '... mind as a mirror; it grasps nothing; it refuses nothing; it receives, but does not keep.' The wisdom of the eloquent Alan Watts (1915 - 1973) - the insights behind both Taoism and Buddhism ...

With Seiu Travel ... "The Temple of Heaven in Beijing has stood for over 600 years—a sacred site where emperors once worshipped the heavens. This solemn sanctuary not only witnessed the grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties but also preserved countless ancient rituals and stories. In this video, we begin our journey at the South Gate of the Temple of Heaven, retracing the footsteps of emperors past. From the Circular Mound to the Echo Wall, and finally to the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, every step brings us deeper into history. Beyond the altars, the Temple of Heaven Park also offers tranquil corners: the serene Zhai Palace in the west, the poetic Double Ring Longevity Pavilion, and the relaxed vibes of the Hundred Flowers Garden shaded by ancient pines. Just beyond the temple walls, old Beijing comes alive—with smoky alleyways, time-honored snacks, and the rhythm of daily life. Here, history and life are only a street apart. Whether you're drawn to imperial rituals or local flavor, the Temple of Heaven is an unmissable chapter of Beijing."

With Ben Norton / Geopolitical Economy Report ... Bonus films - with Mick Dunford ... With Think BRICS ...

With Walk East ... And evening walk around ...

With Cyrus Janssen ... Comment by Gustavo Andrés ... There is an overwhelming assumption in the West that China’s Achilles heel is the state: that it lacks legitimacy. This is the underlying reason why Westerners believe that China’s transformation is unsustainable: that the political system cannot survive. It would be wrong to suggest that attitudes have not shifted: the endurance of the reform period, now over 35 years old, and the scale of its achievement have bred a growing if still grudging respect, and a less apocalyptic view of Chinese political change. Few now regard it to be imminent and many have extended their time horizons somewhat into the future. Nevertheless, most Westerners still regard China’s present political order as lacking legitimacy and as ultimately unsustainable. In the post 1945 period, Westerners have come to believe that Western-style democracy – essentially universal suffrage and a multi-party system – is more or less the sole source of a government’s legitimacy. This is a superficial and ahistorical position. Western-style democracy does not ensure the legitimacy of a regime in the eyes of its people: Italy is perhaps the classic example, with successive governments over a long historical period experiencing a chronic lack of legitimacy. And what of China? Although it does not have Western-style democracy, there is plenty of evidence – for example the Pew Global Attitude surveys and the work of Tony Saich at the Harvard Kennedy School – that the Chinese government enjoys high levels of support and legitimacy, much higher indeed than those of Western governments. How do we explain this? Clearly the reason is not Western-style democracy because China has not chosen this path. The late Lucian W. Pye, in his book ‘Asian Power and Politics’, argues that Western scholars have, in their understanding of politics, prioritised political systems over political cultures: Pye argues, correctly in my view, that the opposite is the case. His insight is highly relevant to the Chinese case. The relationship between the state and society in China is very different from that which characterises Western societies. There are three key elements. First, China is primarily a civilization-state rather than a nation-state, with the overriding and extremely difficult age-old task of government being to maintain the unity of China and its civilization. This has lent the state an enduring authority, importance and centrality in China that is very different from the Western nation-state tradition. The state is intrinsic to China in a way that this is not true in Western societies: they are, in effect, in large degree synonymous. Furthermore the Chinese regard the state in some degree as an expression and extension of themselves. Second, whereas in Western societies the state is seen in an instrumentalist and utilitarian way – in other words, what will it do for me? – in China, following from the Confucian tradition and the idea that the Emperor should model himself on the father’s role as the head of the family, the state is perceived in a familial way, whence the expression ‘nation-family’, or the idea of China as an extended family. Or, to put it another way, in Western societies the state is viewed as an external and somewhat artificial construct, for the Chinese it is an intimate. Third, a much higher premium is placed on the efficiency and efficacy of the state than in the West, whence the importance of meritocracy in the recruitment of public servants. In the West, discussion about the state largely revolves around the manner by which the government is selected, in China, by way of contrast, the competence of the state assumes priority. Fourthly, following from the previous point, the state is expected and required to deliver in China. Over the last few decades, of course, it has presided over and masterminded a huge transformation, the most remarkable in modern economic history. The contrast between the performance of the Chinese and Western economies is manifest. In summary, the relationship between the state and society in China and the West is profoundly different and the reasons lie in the historical and cultural differences between them. They can and should learn from each other but they will remain distinct. So what of the future? As I mentioned at the outset, it is axiomatic in the West that sooner or later China will face a crisis of governance that will result in profound reform along Western lines. In reality, it seems far more likely that the crisis of governance will occur in the West than China. The United States and Europe are in decline and, as a consequence, their ruling elites and political systems are already suffering from declining legitimacy and authority, a process that is likely to continue. China, in contrast, is a rising power whose ruling elite is likely to enjoy growing status and prestige as a consequence. China, though, faces its own kind of governance challenge. The country is changing at extraordinary speed. If one thinks of how the life of an ordinary person has changed over the course of the last three decades, then this is a measure of how everything else, including political rule, must also change in order to survive. Of course, transparency, representivity and accountability have been transformed since Mao’s death, but this is a dynamic process and arguably the greatest changes still lie in the future. It is not that China needs to or should change its system – it has stood the test of time and managed to stay abreast of and lead the wider transformations – but, this notwithstanding, more profound ways must be found to modernise the political system and its institutions if they are to meet the demands and expectations of a very different society.

With GoYvon ... LongQing Xia (龙庆峡) Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview LongQing Xia, also known as the LongQing Gorge or Dragon Celebration Gorge, is a stunning scenic area located in the YanQing District of BeiJing, China. Famous for its breathtaking natural scenery, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs, LongQing Xia is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Getting There Location: YanQing District, BeiJing, China. Public Transport: By Bus: Take Bus 919 or 880 from Deshengmen Bus Station to YanQing. From YanQing, transfer to Bus 875 to LongQing Xia. By Train: Take the S2 train from Huangtudian Railway Station to YanQing Station. From there, take a taxi or local bus to LongQing Xia. Opening Hours April to October: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM November to March: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tickets Entrance Fee: ¥40 Boat Ride: ¥100 (optional) Discounted Ticket (for children, students, and seniors): ¥20 Main Attractions LongQing Xia offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore: Ice Lantern Festival: Held every winter, the festival features beautiful ice sculptures and colorful lanterns, creating a magical winter wonderland. LongQing Gorge: The main attraction, this gorge offers stunning views of the cliffs and clear waters, best experienced by boat. Bailong Cave: A cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, offering a cool retreat during the summer months. Jiguanshan Great Wall: A lesser-known section of the Great Wall, offering a historical and scenic hike. Rainbow Bridge: A picturesque bridge offering great photo opportunities and scenic views of the gorge. Activities Visitors can engage in various activities at LongQing Xia: Boat Rides: Take a boat ride through the gorge to fully appreciate the stunning scenery. Bungee Jumping: For the adventurous, there is a bungee jumping platform offering a thrilling experience. Hiking: Explore the trails around the gorge and the Great Wall for a more active visit. Photography: Capture the beautiful landscapes and unique features of the area. Ice Sculptures (winter): Visit during the winter months to see the incredible ice sculptures of the Ice Lantern Festival. Dining and Refreshments Several restaurants and snack stalls are available around LongQing Xia, offering a variety of Chinese cuisine and refreshments. It is also advisable to bring your own snacks and water, especially if you plan on hiking or exploring for an extended period. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Winter is also popular for the Ice Lantern Festival. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The area has many trails and uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking. Prepare for Weather: Bring a raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season, and dress in layers for temperature changes. Respect Nature: Follow park rules, stay on designated paths, and do not disturb the wildlife. Nearby Attractions Badaling Great Wall: One of the most famous sections of the Great Wall, located nearby and offering a great historical experience. Yudu Mountain: A beautiful mountain area offering hiking trails and stunning views. Kangxi Grassland: A vast grassland ideal for horse riding, picnicking, and enjoying the natural scenery. Conclusion LongQing Xia (龙庆峡) in BeiJing is a breathtaking natural destination that offers a mix of stunning landscapes, adventurous activities, and cultural experiences. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, LongQing Xia provides an unforgettable experience.

With Walk East ...