The Opening Ceremony of the BeiJing 北京 Olympics 2008 (HD)

ShaanXi province Filmed by stellaxhyu

FèngHuáng (Phoenix) ancient town, lies 'close' (about 140 kilometers) to the ZhangJiaJie Nature Reserve. The town retains much of its ancient architecture and culture. Legend tells that two of the mythical phoenix birds flew over the town and were so in awe at its beauty that they remained hovering there for a long time, being reluctant to leave and lose the view. FengHuang is home to several minority ethnic groups, mainly the Miao (苗) and TuJia (土家). Batik and tie-dye are very popular here and the Miao and TuJia have their own ways to produce the cloth with unique folk patterns. Traditional crafts also include embroidery (TuJia), silverware (Miao), 'paper cuts' and ginger candy. DiaoJiaoLou (吊脚楼) is the traditional dwelling of the TuJia, Miao and some other minorities. DiaoJiaoLou can be translated literally into English as "feet-hanging building" which means a building built with its base hanging in the air instead of locating on the ground. The houses lining the river display a strong Miao ethnic style with the front part facing the old official road and the rear part hanging over the Tuo River.

Some scenes from the performance ...

BaDaLing railway station is the deepest High-speed railway station in the world, 102 meters below the ground. With Walk For You ... The Temple of Heaven, TianTan, in central BeiJing ... High speed rail in China; now 38,000 kilometers ...

Welcome to Shanghai! Explore the dynamic city of Shanghai, where the past and present seamlessly blend together. From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, Shanghai offers an exciting mix of culture, cuisine, and experiences. About Shanghai Shanghai, China's largest city, is a global financial hub known for its futuristic skyline along the Huangpu River. The city is a melting pot of cultures and boasts a rich history influenced by its colonial past. Key features of Shanghai include its iconic Bund waterfront, traditional gardens, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene. Top Attractions The Bund: Walk along the historic waterfront to admire colonial-era architecture and panoramic views of Pudong. Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden): Explore a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the top of this skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Oriental Pearl Tower: Visit the iconic TV tower with observation decks and a glass-bottomed walkway. Jing'an Temple: Experience the tranquility of this Buddhist temple in the heart of the city. Tianzifang: Wander through narrow alleyways filled with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Shanghai Museum: Discover ancient Chinese art and artifacts in this world-class museum. French Concession: Stroll through tree-lined streets and explore trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Shanghai Disneyland: Enjoy a magical day at the renowned Disney theme park. Culture and History Shanghai's culture reflects a blend of traditional Chinese heritage and international influences. Shikumen Architecture: Discover unique stone-gate houses in historic neighborhoods like Xintiandi. Traditional Arts: Attend a Shanghai opera or acrobatics show to witness local performing arts. Colonial Heritage: Learn about Shanghai's past through visits to former French and British concessions. Tea Culture: Participate in a tea ceremony to experience Chinese tea traditions. Dining in Shanghai Shanghai offers a diverse culinary landscape, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Xiaolongbao: Try Shanghai's famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao. Hairy Crab: Indulge in seasonal delicacies like Shanghai hairy crab (da zha xie). Shanghai Noodles: Taste savory noodles topped with braised pork or seafood. Street Food: Explore local markets for snacks like scallion pancakes, pot stickers, and stinky tofu. High-End Dining: Experience fine dining at upscale restaurants showcasing modern Chinese cuisine. Shopping in Shanghai From luxury boutiques to bustling markets, Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. Nanjing Road: Shop along China's premier shopping street for international brands and department stores. Tianzifang and Xintiandi: Browse through boutiques and designer shops in these trendy neighborhoods. Old Street (Nanshi): Explore antique markets and traditional handicraft shops near Yu Garden. IAPM Mall: Visit a modern shopping complex with luxury retailers and gourmet dining options. Fake Market (AP Plaza): Haggle for souvenirs, electronics, and clothing at this bustling market. Getting Around Shanghai Shanghai has a convenient public transportation system that includes metro, buses, taxis, and ridesharing services. Shanghai Metro: Navigate the city using the extensive subway network connecting major attractions and districts. Public Buses: Use bus routes to reach specific destinations; consider using mobile apps for route planning. Taxis and Ridesharing: Hail taxis or use apps like Didi for convenient transportation around the city. Bicycles: Rent bikes from bike-sharing stations to explore parks and scenic areas. Where to Stay in Shanghai Choose from a range of accommodations in Shanghai, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Luxury Hotels: Experience world-class hospitality at luxury hotels along the Bund or in Lujiazui. Boutique Hotels: Stay in stylish boutique hotels offering personalized services and unique designs. Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget-friendly options with shared facilities, ideal for backpackers and solo travelers. Apartments and Rentals: Rent serviced apartments or vacation homes for a comfortable and homely stay. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather. Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases; use translation apps for communication. Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY); major credit cards accepted in tourist areas. Etiquette: Respect local customs and manners; avoid public displays of affection. Safety: Be vigilant of pickpockets in crowded areas; carry copies of important documents. Internet Access: Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data; free Wi-Fi available in many cafes and public places. Enjoy Your Trip to Shanghai! Get ready to immerse yourself in the energy and excitement of Shanghai. Whether you're fascinated by history, captivated by the skyline, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Shanghai promises an unforgettable travel experience.

With Daniel Dumbrill ... 'None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free' — Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. More generally, belief is the end of truth - BB. In the West, slavery never ended - it became the whole flock. Metal chains were replaced by mental chains. 'Mind control' - control the people by controlling what they 'know'. The 'cold war' is an info war. Simply look at what is being done rather than what is said is being done. Else a firewall will be constructed in your mind, beyond which you cannot see reality. In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are merely livestock, to benefit the elite. This really is not a wild exaggeration - it is the truth and the real reason for the cold war - elite rule versus everyone should prosper and be happy. The idea that 'all lives matter', is the threat to neo-feudalists, who wave slogans of freedom and human rights and democracy, while redistributing wealth to themselves.

A talk by Eric X. Li ...