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.
February 10th 2008Asia » China » The Great Wall Simatai - 11th December 07
Whilst in Beijing we put off the trip to the wall several times, as it involved an early start and most mornings we had a hangover. On our final full day in Beijing we di ... 8 photos[full story]
January 26th 2008Asia » China » The Great Wall After nearly a week in Beijing we left our hostel and drove 3 hours north to a remote section of the great wall, at Jinshanling. Mini bus transport is interesting in China. They're big fans of beeping ... [full story]
January 7th 2008Asia » China » The Great Wall Monday 7th January
After seeing an exhibition on the Great Wall of China in Hong Kong during our visit there in 2002 we vowed then that it was a “must see and do”. Today we did it even ... 13 photos[full story]
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