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.
April 18th 2008Asia » China » Yunnan » Jinghong Diese nicht einmal 60 km heute waren wohl die härtesten meines Lebens. Dies lag aber daran, dass ich gestern vermutlich einen Sonnenstich bekommen hatte und körperlich extrem erschöpft war. Wenig hilf ... 3 photos[full story]
April 26th 2008Asia » China » Yunnan » Jinghong Hi all. It has been at times busy, at times relaxing but altogether a very varied 10 days since the last post. A quick tour:
tuesday: 3rd day of Lao New Year. - more celebrations in Luang Prabang
... 30 photos[full story]
February 3rd 2008Asia » China » Yunnan » Jinghong Traveling long distance via bus can be a bit of a bummer as shared roadways result in delays, uneven surfaces make for a bumpy ride, and (as those prone to travel sickness well know) curvy roads can w ... 13 photos[full story]
January 9th 2008Asia » China » Yunnan » Jinghong So Banna (Jinghong) was our first stop after leaving the tour. We arrived safely although the overnight sleeper bus left a little to be desired unless you enjoy being squashed and stapped into tiny bu ... [full story]
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