Planning war on China – part 27

With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... With Inside China Business ... With Neutrality Studies ... With Sean Foo ... With Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ... With Lena Petrova and Richard Wolff ... With Inside China Business ... With Trip Bitten ... With The Bridge Podcast and William Brown ... With FridayEveryday ... With Alex Cage ... With Harvey in China ... Harv With Sirant in China ...

Beautiful, relaxing musical soundscapes for inner calm, inspired by the orient ...

With Roaming N Watching ... With Fyfy & Nyny ... QiBao Ancient Town visitor guide Overview QiBao Ancient Town, located in the MinHang district of ShangHai, is a picturesque water town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, historical sites, and traditional culture. The name "QiBao" means "Seven Treasures," and the town is famous for its seven historic treasures, though only a few remain today. QiBao offers visitors a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage and a chance to experience traditional JiangNan water town scenery. History QiBao Ancient Town has a history that dates back over a thousand years to the Northern Song Dynasty. It flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a prosperous commercial hub. Today, QiBao retains much of its historical charm, with well-preserved buildings, stone bridges, and narrow canals that transport visitors back in time. Main Attractions QiBao Temple QiBao Temple is a significant religious and cultural site in the town. Originally built during the Song Dynasty, the temple has undergone several restorations. It is an important place of worship and a symbol of the town's spiritual heritage. QiBao Old Street QiBao Old Street is the heart of the ancient town, lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and food stalls. The street is divided into North Street and South Street, each offering unique experiences and local delicacies. QiBao Shadow Play Art Museum The QiBao Shadow Play Art Museum showcases the traditional Chinese art of shadow puppetry. Visitors can learn about the history of shadow plays, watch live performances, and even try their hand at manipulating the puppets. QiBao Zhuzhai (Old Residences) QiBao Zhuzhai are ancient residential buildings that offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of QiBao's inhabitants. These well-preserved houses reflect the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties and provide insight into the daily lives of ancient Chinese families. Culture and Traditions QiBao Ancient Town is a cultural gem that showcases traditional JiangNan water town culture. The town is known for its traditional crafts, local cuisine, and cultural performances. Visitors can explore the various workshops and studios where artisans create silk, paper-cuts, and other traditional handicrafts. Activities and Experiences Boat Rides One of the best ways to experience QiBao Ancient Town is by taking a boat ride along its narrow canals. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the town's architecture and serene waterways, providing a peaceful and scenic experience. Food Tasting QiBao is renowned for its local delicacies, including QiBao rice cakes, braised pork, and stinky tofu. The food stalls and restaurants along QiBao Old Street offer a wide variety of traditional snacks and dishes that are a must-try for visitors. Cultural Performances Visitors to QiBao can enjoy various cultural performances, including traditional Chinese opera, shadow plays, and folk music. These performances are often held in public squares and cultural centers, providing an authentic cultural experience. Accommodation QiBao Ancient Town offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels. Staying in a local guesthouse provides an immersive experience and a chance to enjoy the town's charm after the day-trippers have left. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit QiBao Ancient Town is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting There: QiBao Ancient Town is located about 18 kilometers from ShangHai city center. It is accessible by metro (Line 9, QiBao Station) or by taxi. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Opening Hours: The town is open to visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance Fees: There is no entrance fee for the town itself, but some attractions and museums within the town may charge a small fee. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the town's streets are paved with cobblestones and can be uneven. Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples and cultural sites, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

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.

With Atlas Explore China ... Travel Guide to Mount Emei Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan province, is a sacred Buddhist mountain known for its stunning landscapes, cultural significance, and unique biodiversity. Getting There By Air: Fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, then take a train or bus to Emeishan City. By Train: High-speed trains connect Chengdu to Emeishan Railway Station in about 1.5 hours. By Bus: Regular buses run from Chengdu's Xinnanmen Bus Station to Emeishan Scenic Area. Main Attractions Baoguo Temple Located at the foot of the mountain, Baoguo Temple is the starting point for many visitors. The temple houses cultural relics and offers insights into Buddhist traditions. Wannian Temple One of the oldest temples on Mount Emei, known for its large bronze statue of Samantabhadra (Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence). Golden Summit (Jinding) The peak of Mount Emei, offering breathtaking views, especially during sunrise. The massive golden statue of Samantabhadra is a highlight. Monkey Zone A famous area where visitors can observe wild Tibetan macaques. Exercise caution as the monkeys can be mischievous. Qingyin Pavilion A peaceful spot surrounded by lush greenery and flowing streams, perfect for a quiet rest during your climb. Activities Hiking: Explore scenic trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging climbs. Buddhist Pilgrimage: Visit ancient temples and participate in ceremonies. Photography: Capture stunning vistas, unique flora, and cultural landmarks. Practical Tips Weather: Bring layers as temperatures vary with altitude. Rain gear is essential due to frequent rain showers. Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the uneven terrain. Altitude: Golden Summit is over 3,000 meters high. Take it slow to adjust to the altitude. Wildlife: Keep your belongings secure and avoid feeding the monkeys. Food: Try local Sichuan dishes at eateries along the route. Mount Emei offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, this destination is sure to leave a lasting impression.

SuQian is a city with a cultural history of 2,500 years. The earliest use of the name was in 762 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty. The city is located on the North JiangSu Plain, with a highest elevation of 71 m over sea level and the lowest 2.8 m only. The elevation is gradually reduces along northwest to southeast. SuQian is abundant in water resources and the water surface area is close one third of its total land mass. There are two freshwater lakes in SuQian, Lake HongZe, which is one of the four largest freshwater lakes in China, and Lake LuoMa. Four rivers run through the city, including the the Grand Canal. Agriculture, including aquatic produce, accounts for about 25% of the area's economy. The population is around 5 million. Attractions include : * LuoMa Lake Scenic Area: Situated in the northwest of the city, it covers a total area of 375 square kilometers (145 square miles), dotted by many natural scenic spots and historical sites. * QianLong Temporary Palace: Named after the esteemed Qing dynasty emperor, this is a well-preserved building complex on the south bank of LuoMa Lake. It was first built around 1684. * ZhangShan Forest Park: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of the city, the park has a beautiful mix of mountain and water landscapes.

Plus a first look at Xi'An ...