XiangShan 香山 / Fragrant Hills Park, plus Prince Gong’s Mansion 恭王府, BeiJing

Hot pot dining is a communal and interactive meal enjoyed by many in China and beyond. A hot pot meal consists of a simmering broth into which fresh ingredients are cooked, then dipped into a sauce before eating, bit by bit. Meats are thinly sliced and can cook in just 20 seconds (be sure to cook only one slice at a time). One can have tomatoes or cucumber as a side dish to eat raw. Typically, the dipping sauce is sesame sprinkled with chopped spring onions though one add add various condiments such as chopped garlic. Spicy (Hot) Broth (麻辣汤 - Má là tāng): This broth is typically made with a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and various spices. It's known for its fiery and numbing flavor, characteristic of Sichuan cuisine. It adds a spicy kick to the ingredients cooked in the hot pot, offering a tingling sensation on the palate. Non-Spicy (Not Hot) Broth (清汤 - Qīng tāng): This broth is a milder option compared to the spicy broth. It's often made with a clear or lightly flavored base, such as chicken, pork, or vegetable broth. It allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through without the overpowering heat of spices. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle and refreshing taste. Two-in-One (Yuan Yang) Broth (鸳鸯锅 - Yuān yāng guō): The two-in-one broth offers the best of both worlds by dividing the hot pot into two sections, allowing diners to enjoy both spicy and non-spicy options simultaneously. One side typically contains the spicy broth, while the other side contains the non-spicy broth. It caters to groups with varying preferences, providing a versatile dining experience where everyone can find something they enjoy. Meat: * Beef: Niú Ròu (牛肉) * Lamb: Yáng Ròu (羊肉) * Chicken: Jī Ròu (鸡肉) Pork: Zhū Ròu (猪肉) Sausages: Xiāng Cháng (香肠) * Fish / Shrimp/Prawn Balls: Yú Qiú / Xiā Qiú (鱼球 / 虾球) Seafood: - Shrimp: Xiā (虾) - Fish: Yú (鱼) - Shellfish: Háimǔ (海蜇) - Mussels: Gēn Mǔli (蚌肉) - Squid: Yóu Yú (鱿鱼) Vegetables: * Coriander: Xīng Cài (香菜) Potato slices: TǔDòu (土豆) Tomatoes: Fān Qié (番茄) Cucumber: HuángGuā (黄瓜) Bean Sprouts: Dà Suàn (大蒜) Lotus Root: Lián'ǒu (莲藕) Bamboo Shoots: Zhú Sǔn (竹笋) Cabbage: Xīng Cài (白菜) Spinach: Bō Cài (菠菜) Mushrooms: - * Enoki Mushroom (long thin white): Jīn Zhēngū (金针菇) - * Shiitake Mushroom: Xiāng Gū (香菇) - Oyster Mushroom: Mù Ěr (木耳) - Wood Ear Mushroom: Xīng'ěr (杏鲍菇) - King Oyster Mushroom: Xìng Bàogū (杏鲍菇) Tofu: * Iced Tofu: Dòng Dòufu (冻豆腐) * Tofu Skin: Dòu Pí (豆皮) Firm Tofu: Làn Dòufu (蓝豆腐) Silken Tofu: Dòufu Rǔ (豆腐乳) Bean Curd Sheets: Dòu Piàn (豆片) Noodles: * Clear (bean) Noodles: Tāng Fěn (汤粉) Rice Noodles: Mǐ Fěn (米粉) Udon Noodles: Wǔdūn Miàn (乌冬面) Other Ingredients: * Dumplings: JiǎoZi (饺子) Eggs: Jī Dàn (鸡蛋) Fried Dough Sticks: Yóu Tiáo (油条) Sauce Bowl: * Sesame Sauce: Zhī Málà Jiàng (芝麻麻辣酱) Peanut Sauce: Huā Shēng Jiàng (花生酱) Condiments one can add to sauce bowl: * Scallions (chopped spring onions): Cōng Jiàng Yóu (葱酱油) Soy Sauce: Jiàng Yóu (酱油) Vinegar: Cù (醋) Chili Sauce: Làjiāo Jiàng (辣椒酱) Garlic Sauce: Sào Jiàng (臊酱) Sesame Oil: Zhī Yóu (芝麻油) Well known hot pot chains include XiaoBu XiaoBu and HaiDiLao but one can also enjoy many one-off independent restaurants.

Introduction: Hoisin sauce is a thick, flavorful condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for meat dishes. While store-bought hoisin sauce is readily available, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste preferences. This DIY hoisin sauce recipe is simple to prepare and uses easily sourced ingredients. Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth) 1 tablespoon honey or molasses 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili oil or paste, or sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for heat) Method: Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey or molasses, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and chili paste (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust Consistency: If the hoisin sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or additional soy sauce. If it's too thin, you can add more peanut butter or honey to thicken it to your desired consistency. Taste and Adjust: Taste the hoisin sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, or chili paste for heat, according to your taste preferences. Store: Transfer the homemade hoisin sauce to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least an hour before using the sauce. Usage Tips: Use homemade hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or roasted meats. Brush it on grilled chicken, pork, or tofu as a flavorful marinade or glaze. Stir it into stir-fries or noodle dishes for added depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness of the hoisin sauce to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade hoisin sauce in your favorite Chinese dishes! Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a condiment for Peking Duck. Peking Duck is a famous dish from Beijing (formerly known as Peking), where roasted duck is served with thin pancakes, along with condiments such as hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and cucumber. When enjoying Peking Duck, diners typically spread hoisin sauce onto a pancake, then add slices of roasted duck, along with some sliced scallions and cucumber. The pancake is then rolled up and eaten as a delicious and flavorful wrap. Hoisin sauce complements the rich, savory flavor of the roasted duck with its sweet, salty, and umami notes. It adds depth and complexity to each bite and enhances the overall dining experience. While hoisin sauce is a key component of Peking Duck, you can also use it as a condiment for other dishes, such as stir-fries, grilled meats, spring rolls, and more. Its versatility makes it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

An interesting interview that looks into Western propaganda ... Bonus film - a talk by professor Kishore Mahbubani ...

With Brian Berletic and Angelo Giuliano ...

With LongMeiMei ...

South east China. XiaMen was one of the first four 'special economic zones' when China began economic liberalization in the early 1980s (just 30 years ago). The traditional round houses of the Hakka ethnic minority, called TuLou (土楼), provided a measure of security and were like a small village inside.

Beginning with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, which lies at an altitude of 3,700 meters / 12,000 feet. Construction began in 1645. The second video shows Jokhang Temple, said to be the most sacred; it dates from the 7th century.

Beijing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit The Forbidden City (紫禁城 Zǐjìnchéng): Explore the ancient imperial palace complex and its vast courtyards. The Great Wall of China (长城 Chángchéng): Take a family hike along this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beijing Zoo (北京动物园 Běijīng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas and other animals at one of China's oldest and largest zoos. Beihai Park (北海公园 Běihǎi Gōngyuán): Enjoy boating on the lake and exploring the gardens and pavilions. 798 Art District (798艺术区 Qījiǔbā Yìshùqū): Discover contemporary art in this former factory complex turned art district. Beijing Aquarium (北京海洋馆 Běijīng Hǎiyánguǎn): Explore the underwater world with a variety of marine life exhibits. Beijing Children's Museum (北京儿童博物馆 Běijīng Értóng Bówùguǎn): Interactive museum featuring exhibits designed for children. Summer Palace (颐和园 Yíhé Yuán): Stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy boat rides on Kunming Lake. Happy Valley Beijing (欢乐谷 Huānlègǔ Běijīng): Amusement park with rides and entertainment for the whole family. Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园 Běijīng Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Temple of Heaven Park (天坛公园 Tiāntán Gōngyuán): Watch locals practice tai chi and fly kites in this historic park. Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (北京国家体育场 Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng): Visit the iconic Olympic venue and explore its architecture. Beijing Planetarium (北京天文馆 Běijīng Tiānwénguǎn): Discover the wonders of the universe through interactive exhibits. Beijing Ancient Observatory (北京古观象台 Běijīng Gǔ Guānxiàngtái): Learn about ancient Chinese astronomy and observe celestial objects. Capital Museum (首都博物馆 Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Explore Chinese art and history with family-friendly exhibits. Beijing World Park (北京世界公园 Běijīng Shìjiè Gōngyuán): Travel around the world in a day with replicas of famous landmarks. Chinese Ethnic Culture Park (中国民族文化公园 Zhōngguó Mínzú Wénhuà Gōngyuán): Learn about China's diverse ethnic groups through cultural displays. Beijing Toy Museum (北京玩具博物馆 Běijīng Wánjù Bówùguǎn): Explore a vast collection of toys from different eras and cultures. Beijing Olympic Park (北京奥林匹克公园 Běijīng Àolínpǐkè Gōngyuán): Enjoy green spaces, walking paths, and iconic Olympic venues. Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园 Běijīng Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Beijing: 30 More Places to Visit Tiananmen Square (天安门广场 Tiān'ānmén Guǎngchǎng): Iconic city square with historical significance and monumental architecture. Hutongs (胡同 Hútòng): Explore Beijing's traditional narrow alleys and courtyard residences by rickshaw or walking tour. Prince Gong's Mansion (恭王府 Gōng Wáng Fǔ): Visit this well-preserved imperial residence with beautiful gardens and architecture. Yonghe Lama Temple (雍和宫 Yōng hé Gōng): Discover Tibetan Buddhist culture in this stunning temple complex. National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn): Explore China's history and culture through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (北京国家游泳中心 Běijīng Guójiā Yóuyǒng Zhōngxīn): Visit the iconic venue from the 2008 Olympics, now transformed into a water park. Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (北京古建筑博物馆 Běijīng Gǔ Jiànzhù Bówùguǎn): Learn about traditional Chinese architecture in this unique museum. Beijing Railway Museum (北京铁路博物馆 Běijīng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of Chinese railways with exhibits of locomotives and artifacts. National Centre for the Performing Arts (国家大剧院 Guójiā Dàjùyuàn): Marvel at the futuristic architecture and enjoy performances in this iconic venue. Beijing Capital Museum (北京首都博物馆 Běijīng Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art and history through extensive collections and exhibitions. Beijing Ming Tombs (明十三陵 Míng Shísān Líng): Explore the burial site of Ming Dynasty emperors with grand architecture and scenic surroundings. Beijing Museum of Natural History (中国科学技术馆 Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshùguǎn): Learn about the natural world with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers (北京钟鼓楼 Běijīng Zhōnggǔ Lóu): Visit these historic structures and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Capital Library of China (中国国家图书馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Túshūguǎn): Explore a vast collection of books and cultural resources in this modern library. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) (圆明园 Yuánmíngyuán): Explore the ruins of this historic imperial palace complex with beautiful gardens. Beijing National Art Museum (北京国家艺术博物馆 Běijīng Guójiā Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art through extensive collections of painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. Beijing Modern Art Gallery (北京现代美术馆 Běijīng Xiàndài Měishùguǎn): Explore contemporary Chinese art in this vibrant gallery space. Beijing Aviation Museum (北京航空馆 Běijīng Hángkōngguǎn): Learn about the history of aviation in China with exhibits of aircraft and technology. Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial College (北京孔庙和国子监 Běijīng Kǒngmiào hé Guózǐjiàn): Discover Confucian culture in this historic temple and educational institution. Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站 Běijīng Nánzhàn): Experience modern transportation and marvel at the architecture of this major railway hub. Beijing Dongyue Temple (北京东岳庙 Běijīng Dōngyuèmiào): Explore Chinese folk religion and mythology in this unique temple complex. Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park (北京石景山游乐园 Běijīng Shíjǐngshān Yóulèyuán): Enjoy rides and attractions in this popular amusement park. Beijing Garden Expo Park (北京园博园 Běijīng Yuánbóyuán): Explore beautiful gardens and landscapes in this scenic park. Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (北京国家体育场 Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng): Visit the iconic Olympic venue and explore its architecture. Beijing Capital Museum (北京首都博物馆 Běijīng Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art and history through extensive collections and exhibitions. Beijing Ming Tombs (明十三陵 Míng Shísān Líng): Explore the burial site of Ming Dynasty emperors with grand architecture and scenic surroundings. Beijing Museum of Natural History (中国科学技术馆 Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshùguǎn): Learn about the natural world with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers (北京钟鼓楼 Běijīng Zhōnggǔ Lóu): Visit these historic structures and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Capital Library of China (中国国家图书馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Túshūguǎn): Explore a vast collection of books and cultural resources in this modern library. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) (圆明园 Yuánmíngyuán): Explore the ruins of this historic imperial palace complex with beautiful gardens.