Planning war on China – part 28

Filmed in 2012 ...

ShānXī province lies to the west / south-west of HeBei and BeiJing. The capital is TaiYuan. This film focuses on the plethora of impressive ancient sites and natural wonders; these include : * JinCi Temple 25 kilometers (16 miles) south west of TaiYuan, noted for its Song dynasty paintings and architecture. Founded about 1,400 years ago and expanded during the following centuries, this site has a diverse collection of more than 100 sculptures, buildings, terraces and bridges. * The Ancient City of PingYao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near TaiYuan. Once a great financial center of China, it is noted for its preservation of many features of northern Han Chinese culture, architecture and way of life during the Ming and Qing dynasties. * The YunGang Grottoes, its literal translation being the Cloud Ridge Caves, are shallow caves near DaTong. There are over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and Boddhisatvas within these grottoes, ranging from 4 centimeters to 7 meters tall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 252 caves noted for their collection of 5th and 6th century Buddhist grotto sculptures and reliefs. * Mount WuTai Shan is the highest point in the province. It is known as the residence of the bodhisattva Manjusri, and as a result is also a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination, with many temples and natural sights. Points of interest include Tang Dynasty (618−907) era timber halls located at NanChan Temple and FoGuang Temple, as well as a giant white stupa at TaYuan Temple built during the Ming Dynasty (1368−1644). * Mount HengShan, one of the 'Five Great Peaks' of China, is also a major Taoist site. * The Hanging Temple (XuanKong Temple) is located on the side of a cliff, 75 meters (245 feet) up, and has survived for 1400 years despite earthquakes in the area. * The Pagoda of FoGong Temple built in 1056 during the Liao dynasty. It is octagonal with nine levels (five are visible from outside), and at 67 meters (220 feet) in height, it is currently the tallest wooden pagoda in the world and also the oldest fully wooden pagoda in China. * HuKou Waterfall on the Yellow River. At 50 meters high it is the second highest waterfall in China. ~~~ A very beautiful film - don't miss it ... A veritable masterclass in video shooting, storytelling, editing and sound mixing.

In SiChuan province ...

With Walk East ...

With Eoin and Aisling ...

With China Road Tales ...

A fascinating look at the wide variety of breakfast foods on offer ...

Music - the global language that brings people together. Love has no borders. Zhou Shen sings 'Monsters' by Katie Sky - a song about the demons that can crush the human spirit. Reaction by Katie, talking with YouTuber British Jack - and a challenge ... British Jack and British Mum invited their friend and Professional UK Singer Katie Sky (of Monsters) to sing 周深 Zhou Shen's '大鱼/ Big Fish' all in Chinese! As we all know, 'Big Fish' is a very difficult song full of Chinese style, with a beautiful melody. As a powerful singer, Katie Sky showed off her voice today and sang a deep 'Big Fish', which amazed British Jack and British Mum ... Katie Sky - Big Fish, the video ... Katie and Jack look back on the musical journey, and also to the future ... Don't miss the totally beautiful, moving and inspiring 2018 animated movie Big Fish and Begonia ... Big Fish lyrics ... The waves of the sea soundlessly drowns out the night, Overflowing from the edges of the sky. Big Fish is swimming in the gaps of dreamscape, Gazing upon your slumbering form. Look - the sea and sky are of the same color, Listen - raising winds and falling rain. Take your hand, blow away the endless mist. Big Fish's wings are too vast, I release the ropes of time. I fear you'd fly far, Far away from me. But I fear even more so that you stay here forever. Every drop of tear, they flow to you. Falling into the depths of the sky. The waves of the sea soundlessly drowns out the night, Overflowing from the edges of the sky. Big Fish is swimming in the gaps of dreamscape, Gazing upon your slumbering form. Look; the sea and sky are of the same color, Listen; raising winds and falling rain. Take your hand, blow away the endless mist. Big Fish's wings are too vast, I release the ropes of time. Watch you fly far, so far, Far away from me. It was true, you were born for the Heavens. Every drop of tear, they all flow to you. Falling back to the first time we met. Falling back to the first time we met. Falling back to ... the first time ... we met.

With MisterVaughn ... Welcome to JingShan Park Explore the historic heart of BeiJing About Jingshan Park Jingshan Park, located in the center of Beijing, is a historic and scenic park with a rich cultural heritage. Originally an imperial garden during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the park is famous for its artificial hill, Jingshan, which offers panoramic views of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. The hill was created from the soil excavated to build the moats of the Forbidden City and nearby canals. Main Attractions Wanchun Pavilion The Wanchun Pavilion, located at the summit of Jingshan Hill, is the highest point in central Beijing. It offers breathtaking views of the Forbidden City to the south, Beihai Park to the west, and modern Beijing's skyline. Five Pavilions Jingshan Hill features five pavilions aligned along its central axis. Each pavilion offers unique perspectives of the surrounding area and houses a Buddhist statue, reflecting the park's historical significance. Shouhuang Hall The Shouhuang Hall was used by emperors for ancestral worship. Recently renovated, it now serves as an exhibition hall showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Jingshan Park. Peony Garden The Peony Garden, located in the park's southeast corner, is renowned for its stunning collection of peonies. It is a popular spot during the blooming season in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Activities Morning Exercises Jingshan Park is a popular spot for locals to perform morning exercises such as tai chi, dancing, and jogging. Visitors can join in or simply enjoy watching these traditional Chinese activities. Photography The park offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially from the summit of Jingshan Hill. Capture panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the surrounding cityscape, or the beautiful gardens and pavilions within the park. Seasonal Festivals Jingshan Park hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Peony Festival in spring and the Chrysanthemum Exhibition in autumn. These events showcase the park's horticultural beauty and traditional Chinese culture. Transport Jingshan Park is easily accessible from various parts of Beijing. Here are some ways to get there: By Subway: Take Line 8 to Shichahai Station, then walk south for about 10 minutes to reach the park's north gate. By Bus: Multiple bus routes stop near Jingshan Park, including routes 5, 58, and 101. Get off at the Jingshan East Gate stop. By Taxi: Taxis are a convenient option, especially if you are traveling with a group or have heavy luggage. Just ask the driver to take you to Jingshan Park (景山公园).