Background: For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight.
May 15th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Guilin
Well.. Where do I start?? What a crazy experience. First - I'm ok, and yes I'm out now of Chengdu. Thanks to all who checked in on me! So as promised - I'll try and fill you in on everything that ... 6 photos[full story]
May 14th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Yangshuo arrived at putong airport (guangzhou) at 1015am. not my first time in guangzhou, so at least we know where we're heading (something you would appreciate when you have backpacks on your back). arrived ... [full story]
May 13th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Yangshuo We're ok. For those that haven't heard, a massive earthquake hit Sichuan and Chongqing but, we're in good old Guangxi. Supposedly, the quake was felt as far away as Vietnam, but since we didn't feel a ... [full story]
May 11th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Bei Hai
The Jing Jiang Prince's Tomb located in Guilin, Guangxi near Yao Mountain, the largest mountain in Guilin, is the resting place of an imperial prince of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
... 18 photos[full story]
May 11th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Guilin I was digging through some photos and came acoss photos of a trip I took to Chengyang Village north of San Jiang a couple of years ago. I forgot how amazing the place really is. I think the hardest pa ... 17 photos[full story]
May 9th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Longsheng Said farewell to beautiful Yangshuo, and all the western food that it holds.. and headed by bus to Longsheng to check out the rice terraces.
We were under the impression that our hostel was in DaZhai ... [full story]
May 7th 2008Asia » China » Guangxi » Nanning Here I am again at the Jing Xiu Shan park (công viên Thanh Tú Sơn) in Nanning, China. On my first visit to Nanning 8 years ago (in April 2000), I also spent a morning visiting the park and liked ... 30 photos[full story]
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