On democracy and China

SiChuan Province Tour, China This itinerary covers a diverse range of experiences in SiChuan Province, including city exploration, natural wonders, and cultural immersion. Week 1: Chengdu and Surroundings Explore the vibrant city of Chengdu, visit Tianfu Square, and experience local cuisine at Jinli Ancient Street. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see adorable pandas in their natural habitat. Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha statue, and explore the surrounding area. Visit the Wuhou Shrine and Jinsha Site Museum to learn about the history of the region. Week 2: Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Travel to Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Explore the scenic beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park, including stops at Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Visit Huanglong National Scenic Reserve, famous for its colorful pools, snow-capped peaks, and ancient temples. Enjoy hiking opportunities in both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, taking in the natural splendor of the region. Week 3: Mount Emei and Leshan Travel to Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, and explore its scenic beauty and religious sites. Hike to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei to see the sunrise and visit the Huazang Temple and Giant Buddha Statue. Explore the ancient town of Leshan and visit the Lingyun Temple before taking a boat ride to see the Giant Buddha from below. Take a relaxing stroll along the riverside and enjoy local cuisine in Leshan. Week 4: Western Sichuan and Tibetan Culture Travel to Western Sichuan to explore the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the town of Tagong and its famous Tagong Monastery, surrounded by picturesque grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Explore the town of Litang and visit the Litang Monastery, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Sichuan. Experience the unique Tibetan culture and hospitality in the region, including traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

With Thinkers Forum - Zhang WeiWei, Jeffrey Sachs and Charles Li ... With Ben Norton ... With Louis Vincent Gave ... With Richard Wolff ... And Michael Hudson ... And Danny Haiphong ... With Brian Berletic ... With Lawrence Wilkerson and Pascal Lottaz / Neutrality Studies ... With KJ Noh ... With Yanis Varoufakis and Arnaud Bertrand ... With Daniel Dumbrill and Carl Zha ...

A film by kinabaloo.com ...

XīTang is a picturesque, ancient water-town in JiaShan County, ZheJiang province; within the flat-lands of the YangTse River delta. Its history dates back to at least the Spring and Autumn Period when it was located at the border of the ancient states of Yue and Wu. XiTang is crisscrossed by nine rivers and many canals, linked by a multitude of distinct stone bridges. In the older parts of town, the buildings are set along the banks of the canals, which serve as the main transportation thoroughfares. The town has maintained a tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty, making it a popular tourist attraction and has been frequently depicted in traditional Chinese landscape painting. In XiTang, there are well-preserved groups of buildings from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). XiTang also contains numerous antique residences and temples, such as the Temple of the Seven Masters and a 1,200 meter canal-side, tiled-roof long-corridor. Other places of interest include : XiYuan Garden, with trees and plants, lakes and bridges, pavilions and fountains all harmoniously integrated. Xue's House, which is a typical wooden courtyard of the rich merchant from this region during the later Qing dynasty. WangXian Bridge, which was constructed during the Song dynasty, more than a thousand years ago. XiTang can be explored on a day-trip from Shanghai or HangZhou. From Shanghai, the journey takes around 1:45 hours by coach. Alternatively, one can first take a train or bus to JiaShan, from where there is a bus leaving for XiTang every 10 minutes, a distance of around ten kilometers. One might choose to stay overnight in XiTang or JiaShan to take in the evening or early morning ambiance.

Just a taster till January 2021. For the first few days it wasn't even going to be a video based site - but within a week it was. But back in 2005, there were few videos and the quality of what did exist was, er, not great ; ) But we had a vision ... 15 years can be a long time in the tech world. We'll bring you some memories of yesteryear here in the coming weeks. We have always focused on the very best - wacky, wonderful, awe-inspiring, beautiful, awakening ... A typically eclectic mix of wonderful on the way. But we can't say that without a little taster ... A contemporary arts zone in north east BeiJing with many galleries, bookshops, cafes and more. Changes all the time; though some 1950s factory look lingers. If you like to wander and come across the unexpected, it is well worth a visit. A fascinating place and an example of the 'new China'. With Jason Zhang ... Nothing really ends ... there's always an echo ... but what will that be ... ? From 2010, ShangHai city center flash mob - feel the heat. Bad Romance, Jai Ho, Rolling on the River, and more ... One of the most beautiful pieces of music that your ears will ever hear - 默 那英歌曲 吉他弹唱 ... Ongmanibamai - Dai Qing Tana and the HAYA band (ethnic Mongolian) ... There are really no words; nirvana ... More great music (click here) ...

With Cameraman ... With China Tour ... Visitor Guide to the Confucius Temple and Imperial College, Beijing Introduction The Confucius Temple and Imperial College (Guozijian) in Beijing are historical landmarks dedicated to the legacy of Confucius, one of China's most influential philosophers, and to the education of scholars who served the imperial government. These sites reflect the importance of Confucianism in Chinese history and are a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese culture and history. History Confucius Temple (孔庙, Kǒng Miào) Built in 1302 during the Yuan Dynasty, the Confucius Temple in Beijing is one of the largest and oldest Confucian temples in China. It was expanded during the Ming and Qing dynasties, becoming a prominent center for Confucian worship and scholarship. The temple was a place where scholars and officials would pay their respects to Confucius and seek inspiration from his teachings. Imperial College (国子监, Guózǐjiàn) The Imperial College, also known as Guozijian, was established in 1306, just a few years after the temple. It served as the highest educational institution in imperial China, where scholars studied the Confucian classics in preparation for civil service examinations. The college was managed by the imperial government, reflecting the significant role of education in governance. Architecture and Key Highlights Confucius Temple The temple complex features traditional Chinese architecture with intricate wooden carvings, stone pillars, and tiled roofs. Key structures include: Dacheng Hall (Hall of Great Accomplishment): The main hall, housing a statue of Confucius, where important ceremonies and rituals are conducted. Stele Pavilions: These pavilions contain stone tablets inscribed with texts and inscriptions from various Chinese dynasties. Spirit Way: A pathway lined with ancient cypress trees, leading to the temple's main halls. Imperial College The Imperial College complex showcases traditional Chinese educational architecture. Highlights include: Biyong Hall: The centerpiece of the college, this circular hall is surrounded by a moat and accessed by four bridges, symbolizing the spread of Confucian teachings to all corners of the world. Jixian Hall: A lecture hall where scholars were taught the Confucian classics. Gate of Great Accomplishment: The main entrance to the college, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and scholarly achievement. Visitor Information Here are some practical details to help plan your visit to the Confucius Temple and Imperial College: Location: No. 13, Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry is at 4:30 PM. (Hours may vary seasonally) Admission Fee: Approximately 30 RMB (Check for updated prices before visiting). Transportation: The nearest subway station is Yonghegong (Lama Temple), on Line 2 and Line 5. From there, it’s a short walk to the temple. Tips for Visitors Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours exploring the site to fully appreciate its historical and architectural significance. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Consider hiring a guide or using an audio guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the site. Respect the cultural and religious significance of the site. Dress modestly and behave respectfully.

TiānMén Shān lies near the city of ZhangJiaJie ...