Some Thoughts about the U.S Confucius Institute Issue

Recently, I heard the news from the TV report that, American government decided to shut down all the Confucius Institutes in U.S.A. I think this policy is really ridiculous and inconsiderable.

Many theories and philosophies of Confucius are still very useful in our modern age. For example, the golden age theory. Golden mean, deriving in Confucius’ age, which has been quoted by countless knowledgeable scholars and saints as their mottos, still dominants the modern age as a sacred life philosophy which might have the gorgeous power successively to affect and benefit the following generations.

More than 2000 years flowing in page of human history, since it firstly advocated, golden mean unlike gold and jewels which have perished in the dust still be worshipped by its adherents for remarkable fascination. In deed it does have the reason for its survival through the long history of human civilization.

However, in the modern age the implication of golden mean unfortunately has changed from the original meaning which has been corrupted with the shadow of sarcasm. Golden mean nowadays is frequently used as kind of evaluation over those indifferent politicians or governments who unwillingly claim their positions. It is regarded as an invulnerable amour to protect those statesmen or governments from their supervisors. This is the misunderstanding of golden mean which actually is symbol of wisdom and philosophy.

Dating back to the ancient age, the original meaning of golden mean implicates to three main principles which could be simplified as, be strict in study and self-esteem , be generous to forgive others, be honest and loyal to the one who deserves it. The three moral fibers regarded as great virtues compose the golden mean and make it glorious through 2000 years or more. It is a waste that people now misapprehend golden mean, but sincerely its glory will one day shine upon us like the old days or more brilliant.

Love, and Then Be Loved

After last night’s dinner with my family, father mentioned a topic to me. he thought that what’s the difference between young generation and the old one. With the development of science and technology, remarkable changes have taken place in our life. Some changes are good while others are not.

Have you ever notice that one of these unwelcome changes is that individualism has come to be accepted among young people. Young people today are in general more self-centered and unsympathetic than older generations although many young people don’t see this way.            

Most, if not all, young people today are self-centered and indifferent to others. It is a common scene in students’ dormitories. Some student cheerfully talks to his friend on the phone at midnight or at noon when his roommates are trying hard to sleep. In order to live more comfortably and conveniently, some students rent houses outside campus or buy mobile phones little realizing how hard their parents may be working to support their higher education.

photo from renren.com

In contrast to that, the older generation is self-sacrificed. A suitable case in point is my mother. Like her generation, she had a congenial relationship with the elderly and all her neighbors because of her considerateness.

Another notable characteristic of today’s young people is that they are unsympathetic to others. In public buses, there are usually some seats intended for the old, the weak, the sick, the disabled and the pregnant. But many young people simply take these seats when it’s possible while an elderly man is standing pitifully beside them. Some of them even show no regards for their parents. In sharp contrast, our caring parents always pay attention to our needs and those of others. My parents used to tell me that self-sacrifice is a blessing in disguise and one will be loved only if he loves others.

Young people today are more self-centered and unsympathetic than older generations. It’s necessary for us young people to learn from them: love and then be loved. After all, individualism can only be permitted without the sacrifice of others.

A Bite of China

Are you a food lover? Recently a series of documentary is really hot in China. It is called, A Bite of China.

A Bite of China, also named as Tasting China, is a season of documentary about traditional Chinese food. It is produced by CCTV and broadcasting since May 14^th on Channel 1 of CCTV.

I have watched all the seven episodes of A Bite of China. This documentary is really good. It introduces the various characters of diets and food from different regions in China. As a Chinese, A Bite of China gives me the full concept of Chinese food. It lets me feel proud of my country.

The first chapter of A Bite of China is called the Gift of Nature. Every we eat is the gift of nature. There are various geographies in China. Because of this reason, the grains, plants and animals are different from north to south, east to west.

The second episode is talking about the story of staples in different places of China. Basically people live in North China eat noodles, dumplings and other wheaten food. South people are favorite of rice.

Transition of food is the topic of the third chapter. It talks about reproduction of food. The favor of time is the theme of the fourth chapter. The fifth topic is the secrets in kitchen. The sixth episode of A Bite of China is about the combination of five favors in dishes. The topic of last episode is about the land.

The first season of A Bite of China just has seven chapters. I really looking forward for its second season!

The Impression of Xitang Ancient Town (2)

Xitang is a famous ancient water town in China. Xitang Water town is just 1.5 hour drive from shanghai.

However, it is a beautiful town which seems like being far away from the outside modern noisy life. 

The rivers and bridges make Xitang so special. Basically the buildings are Ming and Qing styles. After the rain, the bridges are just like rainbows across the river.

I love the architecture style of Xitang. The cobbled streets, old houses, countless bridges …… All have great magical attractions to me and tourists from all over the world.

The Impression of Xitang Ancient Town (1)

I spent three days in Xitang. During that period, most of the time I was hanging around the town and photographing things.

Therefore, in this post, I’d like to share some of my photos which I think can represent Xitang. Hope you guys like these pictures.

Xitang is an ancient scenic town in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, China. Beautiful Xitang is just like Chinese ink painting.

It is a time-honored riverside town boasting a history of more than 1,000 years, whose well-preserved buildings from Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty are unmatched by any other resorts.

Lake Palace, amazing place (3)

I am a lucky man that I can have a change to enjoy one night of luxury life which only the empire had at the Lake Palace.

As the Lake Palace is only open to the guests who check in, so I feel lucky that I can enjoy the luxury life and use my camera to keep these precious images. 

The hotel waiter told me that, It was built in 1743- 1746under the direction of the Maharana of Udaipur, Rajasthan as a royal summer palace.

The palace is constructed facing east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to the Sun god at the crack of dawn. The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens.

It is quite a leisure ad cozy life to live in this palace. Fresh air, beautiful sky, clean water, and the magnificent blue and white buildings, what a beautiful heaven!

Lake Palace, amazing place (2)

Lake Palace used to the summer resort for the empires. A few decades ago, it was rented to Taj Holiday Corporation. Now the Lake Palace is a world renowned luxury hotel.

There are 83 rooms in Lake Palace. It is about 16,ooo m2. The hotel operates a boat which transports guests to the hotel from a jetty at the City Palace. Lake palace has been voted as the most romantic hotel in India.

 

In 1743, the Maharana of Udaipur wanted to build a royal summer palace. Until 1746, the Lake Palace was been built up. Today, this great palace doesn’t change very much.

I am a lucky man that I can have a change to enjoy one night of luxury life which only the empire had.

Lake Palace, amazing place (1)

Udaipur is a magical city which has tremendous charm to people. It is a historical city of India. The empires of different times regard this city as a holy place.

For this reason, countless palaces and castles are built in this city. Among them, the Lake Palace is the most important one.

Lake Palace is built in the center of a lake. People call it Piochola Lake. Pichola Lake is the soul of Udaipur. The whole city is built around the lake. 

Udaipur is flourish because of this lake and famous for this lake. The Lake Palace is built on the center of this lake. There are no bridge and no road. The only way to reach the palace is by boat.

A trip to the Hongluo Temple (2)

Hongluo Temple is very quiet. There are just a few visitors except for the abbot and monks.

Most people come here are for making wishes to the god. Some of them visit the temple for redeeming the vows or wishes.

I just hang round the temple and quietly appreciate the view of the mountains.

The temple is full of the mysterious smell because of the burning incenses. If you view the world around you and life's challenges through the lens of goodness, then you will find life much more enjoyable.

The quiet and mysterious Hongluo Temple allows me a time to give some self-reflections. If life is divided into two episodes, the first is “hesitance-free”, while the second is“regret-free”. 

A trip to the Hongluo Temple (1)

Last week, one friend invited me to visit the Hongluo Temple with him. 

I’m not a believer of Buddhism. But I think going to visit the temple is a worth trip.

The temple is on the top of the mountain. There were few people in the temple at the day we came. 

Scenery on the top of mountain was fantastic. Hongluo Temple quietly stands on the top. Luxuriant trees surround the temple like a protection to the gods.

Though I am not a believer, the atmosphere of Hongluo temple makes me feel claim from the bottom of my heart.

The unforgettable faces at The Yellow River (2)

My “traveling by car” plan is been prepared for quite a long time. My journey is along the yellow river. It is really unforgettable tour.

There are large amount of slit in Yellow River. Thousand years ago, the area of Yellow Rive once was covered by endless forests. However, climate changed and people endlessly explored the land. The rich land gone.

The Yellow River is called "the cradle of Chinese civilization”. It was the birthplace of ancient Chinese civilizations and the most prosperous region in early Chinese history.

As time passes by, the bed of Yellow River keeps lifting up. Floods happen frequently when the rainy season arrives.