PingYao 平遥, ShanXi Province

A short story for the Chinese New Year. 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. Someday, even the mountains will be gone. But right now we are alive, and we can make a difference. When faced with bad-will, take it on the chin and return only affection. It might leave a seed for the future; at least, it will not get you down. As the film says, yes, it is love that brings us closer to happiness ... Above all, the Spring Festival is a time for family. And ultimately, we are all sisters and brothers breathing the same air ...

Bonus film - JiuChong Palace and XuanWei Mansion ... Plus - JiaXiu Building, GuiYang ...

The first film features WangFuJing, XiDan and the Solana Center in ChaoYang Park. The second film shows the New Year countdown celebrations at The Place, which features the world's largest overhead LED display.

Filmed in August 2010. Includes the famous 'plank walk' at the end; this is perched precariously on a cliff face that is well over 1000m above the valley below, in a sheer drop. The plank walk is on the east peak, which is about a 15km walk / climb from the north peak. HuaShan ('Flower Mountain', or 'Splendid Mountain') lies in southern ShaanXi province, about 120km east of Xi'An; it is one of the five sacred Taoist mountains, with four main peaks. There are hiking trails to all four peaks and a cable car to the north peak. The south peak is highest at 2155 meters. There are a number of hotels and hostels around the base.

A fascinating interview with Afshin Rattansi. Don't miss it ...

Sublime natural scenery; amazing ancient culture, yet future looking; exquisite food; friendly people ... China, 2019. Welcome to the good life. Something you won't forget ..... Live more !

A look at how current president Xi JingPing has guided China over the last five years, the ideas behind the changes, and the future direction.

At the foot of the awesome SiMaTai section of the Great Wall of China. A family trip in autumn. With TimGloAdventures ... Bonus films - JinShanLing Great Wall ... The Forbidden City, JingShan Park and MuTianYu Great Wall ...

With Blondie in China. Part 1 - all about 'noodles' (more videos soon) ...