This is XinJiang 新疆 …

The ONLY time for division, is between the positive and the negative. Repeat every night; and every morning. With the Barrett channel ... With LaowaiNiko ... With Jerry Goode ... Bonus film - democracy in China, with Jerry's Take on China ... With Living in China ... In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Individualism is the ultimate 'divide and rule'. Bonus films ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... Dalian Visitor Guide Dalian, located in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province, is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, modern architecture, and rich history as a strategic port. Often called the “Pearl of the North,” Dalian offers a blend of European and Asian influences, making it a unique destination. How to Get to Dalian By Air: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) connects the city to major domestic and international destinations. By Train: High-speed trains link Dalian with cities like Shenyang, Beijing, and Harbin. By Ferry: Ferries operate to destinations like Yantai, Weihai, and Incheon (South Korea). By Road: Well-connected highways make Dalian accessible by car or long-distance bus. Top Attractions Xinghai Square The largest city square in Asia, Xinghai Square features a star-shaped fountain and scenic views of Dalian Bay. Visit during sunset for spectacular views. Golden Pebble Beach (Jinshitan Scenic Area) Known for its golden sand and unusual rock formations, this area also includes an amusement park, golf course, and hiking trails. Activities include swimming and kayaking. Tiger Beach Ocean Park A marine park with an aquarium, polar animal exhibits, and sea lion and dolphin performances. Don’t miss the massive tiger sculpture symbolizing the park. Dalian Forest Zoo This expansive zoo includes wild animals, panda habitats, and safari-style tours. Interactive activities like feeding giraffes are available. Russian Street A historic street with Russian-style architecture reflecting Dalian’s colonial past. Shop for souvenirs and enjoy traditional cuisine here. Binhai Road A scenic coastal road ideal for cycling, walking, or driving. Highlights include Bird Singing Woods and North Bridge. Zhongshan Square A European-style square surrounded by colonial-era buildings, now housing banks and offices. Visit in the evening to see the buildings illuminated. Bangchuidao Island A peaceful retreat with beaches, gardens, and hiking trails. Perfect for photography and relaxation. Lushun (Port Arthur) This suburb, also known as Port Arthur, played a significant role in the Russo-Japanese War. Key sites include Lushun Museum and Baiyu Hill. Activities and Experiences Beach hopping at Xinghai Beach, Fujiazhuang Beach, and Bangchuidao. Sampling fresh seafood such as sea cucumbers, scallops, and steamed crabs. Exploring the nightlife in Zhongshan District. Attending festivals like the Dalian International Beer Festival (July–August) and the Cherry Blossom Festival (April). Shopping at Friendship Square and Victory Square. Local Cuisine Steamed Scallops with Garlic: Fresh scallops topped with garlic and vermicelli. Sea Cucumber Soup: A delicacy known for its nutritional value. Jianbing (Chinese Crepe): A popular street food filled with egg, scallions, and sauce. Fried Clams: Stir-fried clams with garlic, ginger, and chili. Best Time to Visit Spring (April–June): Mild weather and blooming flowers make this an ideal season. Autumn (September–November): Cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. Summer (July–August): Perfect for beach activities. Transportation Metro: The Dalian Metro connects major tourist spots. Buses: Extensive routes provide affordable travel options. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Widely available and convenient. Use apps like Didi. Bicycles: Rent bikes to explore scenic areas like Binhai Road. Tips for Visitors Language: While Mandarin is the primary language, some signs and services are available in English. Currency: Carry Chinese yuan (RMB). Mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay are widely used. Weather: Pack light clothing and sunscreen in summer; warmer layers are needed in winter. Dalian offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with its scenic coastlines, rich history, and delicious cuisine making it an unforgettable destination.

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 ...

With Cyrus Janssen ...

GuiLin, the Li and YuLong rivers, Elephant Trunk Hill, Ping'An village, and the rice terraces of LongSheng and LongJi, GuangXi province ...

One can see this distinction in the wider society too - East vs. West; cultures with different foundations - long term (family, infrastructure, community, the arts) versus short term (hype, sex, gossip, war). Mature versus immature. We versus me. The immature mind thinks 'me'; the mature mind understands that life is really about 'we'. Maturity is when one grows beyond the narcissism phase *. 'I' am just a small part of a bigger 'I' - humanity. With Dr. Robert Lustig ... One is controlled when one believes what one has been told (sold). Freedom is removing these mind chains and seeing reality. ----- * (footnote) At BB, we think that narcissism is a development phase that most transition out of; but some stay there and it can become exaggerated. The traditional views might also be true; likely, there is an interplay involved. ----- ----- Aside #1 : Q : Why does BB have so much content about health - nutrition and mental well-being ? A : Because it is fundamental to everything else; one cannot see the beauty of life if one's mind is mixed up; one cannot live life to the full if one is ill. ----- ----- Aside #2 : Confucius : One can grow from everybody one meets. On life's journey, one will meet wise people - learn from them; one will also meet foolish people - look deep within to see if one also has these follies.

With HowToChinese and Fluenz ...

Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. This film is from 2015 ...

With Dr. Sten Ekberg. Don't miss it ...