China, one photo every day

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.04



View through the atrium. The Grand Hyatt lobby looking down from the observation deck at top of the Jin Mao Tower.



From below



Shanghai location within China:


The Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦), literally "Golden Prosperity Building", is an 88-story landmark supertall skyscraper in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong district of Shanghai. It contains offices and the Shanghai Grand Hyatt hotel. Until 2007 it was the tallest building in the PRC, the fifth tallest in the world by roof height and the seventh tallest by pinnacle height. Along with the Oriental Pearl Tower, it is a centerpiece of the Pudong skyline. It was surpassed on September 14, 2007 by the Shanghai World Financial Center.
It was designed by the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Its postmodern form, whose complexity rises as it ascends, draws on traditional Chinese architecture such as the tiered pagoda, gently stepping back to create a rhythmic pattern as it rises. Like the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, the building's proportions revolve around the number 8, associated with prosperity in Chinese culture. The 88 floors (93 if the spire floors are counted) are divided into 16 segments, each of which is 1/8th shorter than the 16-story base. The tower is built around an octagon-shaped concrete shear wall core surrounded by 8 exterior composite supercolumns and 8 exterior steel columns. Three sets of 8 two-story high outrigger trusses connect the columns to the core at six of the floors to provide additional support.
The foundations rest on 1,062 high-capacity steel piles driven 83.5 m deep in the ground to compensate for poor upper-strata soil conditions. At the time those were the longest steel piles ever used in a land-based building. The piles are capped by a 4 m-thick concrete raft 19.6 m underground. The basement's surrounding slurry wall is 1 m thick, 36 m high and 568 m long, and composed of 20,500 m³ of reinforced concrete.
The building employs an advanced structural engineering system which fortifies it against typhoon winds of up to 200 km/h (with the top swaying by a maximum of 75 cm) and earthquakes of up to 7 on the Richter scale. The steel shafts have shear joints that act as shock absorbers to cushion the lateral forces imposed by winds and quakes, and the swimming pool on the 57th floor is said to act as a passive damper.
The exterior curtain wall is made of glass, stainless steel, aluminium, and granite, and is criss-crossed by complex latticework cladding made of aluminum alloy pipes.
Official dedication was August 28, 1998, a date also chosen with the number 8 in mind. The building was fully operational in 1999.
The Jin Mao Tower is owned by the China Jin Mao Group Co. Ltd (formerly China Shanghai Foreign Trade Centre Co. Ltd). It reportedly has a daily maintenance cost of 1 million RMB (US$121,000).
The 88th floor (not part of the hotel) houses the Skywalk, a 1,520m² indoor observation deck with a capacity of 1,000+ people. In addition to the panoramic views of Shanghai, it offers a topside view of the hotel atrium below. It also includes a small post office. Access is through two express elevators from the basement.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.05



Extra photo. The valley, on the way to Yala mountain



Sichuan position in China:


Located at the juncture of the counties of Kangding, Daofu and Danba, the Yala Holy Mountain (雅拉雪山) is 5,820 meters above sea level and covered with snow all year round. Yala river originates in the mountain and flow into Dadu river. Around the mountain, dozens of ravens are distributed showing wonderful scenery.

Location of Garzê Prefecture (yellow) within Sichuan:

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.06



Tianjin location within China:


The Tianjin Radio and Television Tower is a 368m (1,197 ft) tower in Tianjin, used primarily for communication. It was built in 1991. Approximately two-thirds up the tower is an observation pod with floor space 253m (830 feet)(used mostly for communication equipment).
It's the fourth highest TV tower in the world after Toronto TV Tower in Canada, Moscow Tower in Russia, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Shanghai, China. It is located in Tianta Lake, like a sword thrusting into the sky. There is a restaurant in the tower at the height of 248 meters (about 814 feet) to 278 meters (about 912 feet) which can simultaneously accommodate more than 200 guests and providing a bird's eye view of all Tianjin in this 'hanging restaurant'.

[xXFallenXx]

Thanks for all the great pictures riasbaixas.

[Sentient Seas]

Wow! Some incredible shots here, I haven't had the time to go through this before. Great job!

[DJZG]

ok... i've just realized what pictures will be on my desktop for the rest of year


great photos man, just keep it coming :P

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.07



Tibet position in China:


The Rongbuk Glacier is located in the Himalaya of southern Tibet. Two large tributary glaciers, the East and West Rongbuk Glaciers flow into the Rongbuk Glacier. It flows north and forms the Rongbuk Valley north of Mount Everest. The famous Rongbuk Monastery is located at the northern end of the Rongbuk valley. Mount Everest is the source of the Rongbuk Glacier and East Rongbuk Glacier.
Climbing expeditions and trekking parties use this glacier to reach the Advanced Base Camp of Mount Everest at the head of the East Rongbuk Glacier. From there, climbing expeditions try to summit Everest by the North Col and the northeast ridge.
The Englishman George Mallory first explored the Rongbuk Valley and its glaciers while searching for possible routes to the summit of Mount Everest during the first reconnaissance of the Everest region by westerners in 1921.

[Scion]

stunning photo

Tibetan glaciers are probably the reason why the Yangtze and the Yellow never run dry.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.08









Xinjiang


The Nalati Grassland lies in the Nalati town area of Xinyuan County, Ili. It is a mountain meadow of rich grass. From June to September, various wild flowers are in full blossom all over the grassland, red, yellow, blue, purple, and varicolored, interspersing the grassland gorgeously.
Located in eastern Xinyuan county in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the Nalati grassland is not on most tourists' itineraries-for now, that is.
Nalati scenic area covers 400 sq km of the country's second largest grassland.
The grassland has quiet streams, fresh air and abundant vegetation. It's home to a 10th of China's Kazakh community, and its rolling hills are dotted with their camps.
The landscape is carpeted with wild flowers, upon which wander herds of goats, sheep and cows. Horses are the major mode of transportation and most people ride them to visit friends, haul loads and joyride.
A trek on horseback is affordable because the prices are fixed by the local tourism authority. Oftentimes, visitors can haggle a better deal with Kazakh horse owners around dawn, when the tourism inspection team is away.
A must-do in Nalati is staying a night in a Kazakh camp.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.09



Extra photo. The main section of Jiulong Waterfall



Extra photo. Lovers' Cascade






Yunnan position in China:


The Jiulong (nine dragon )waterfall
It is consist of 10-tier waterfalls which are compactly grouped in a valley with a length of 4 km and a depth of 200 m ,which forms a splendid view. The biggest waterfall is 110 m wide and 56 m high. Each of them represent a dragon, so they call it "nine dragon waterfalls ".
Twenty kilometers to the northeast of the county town, the Jiulong Cascades is located on the Jiulong River near to Yidulei Village and is one of the most magnificent sights of Luoping. The cascades are scattered is on a two-kilometer-long section of the river. It is the most peculiar part of the river course. Thousands of years' scouring and sedimentation have given birth to the ten terraces of cascades which vary from each other in height and width.
The largest cascade, known as "No.1 Cascade of Jiulong," is 56 meters high and 110 meters wide. During the wet season, the roar of the cascade can be heard from several kilometers away. Observed from below, it seems to be a cataract roaring down from heaven with the force of a bolt, shrouding everything around in mist. In winter and spring, the cascade turns into a silver chain hanging from the sky, throwing spray into the air. In sunny days, rainbows will rise above the cascade, presenting a grand view of colors.
The second cascade, known as "Lovers' Cascade," is 43 meters high and 39 meters wide. The rest of the cascades all possess their peculiar charms.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.10



Zhejiang position in China:


Pingyang County (平阳县) is a county in the prefecture-level city of Wenzhou (温州) on the southeast coast.
It's a history of 1,700 years old county, is also the first one of the coastal counties with 83.5 km coastline and the total population of 790,000.

[riasbaixas]

End of the 5th round

[Caustic]

Infinite thanks. Your pics up to now have been absolutely stunning.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.11



Anhui position in China:


The Huangshan (黄山) literally Yellow Mountain, is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. The area is very famous for its scenic beauty, which lies in the peculiar shapes of the granite peaks, in the weather-shaped Huangshan Pine trees, and in views of the clouds from above. The area also has hot springs and natural pools. The Huang Shan are a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most popular tourist destinations.
The Huangshan mountain range comprises many peaks, 77 of which exceed 1,000 m in altitude. The mountains were formed in the Mesozoic, about 100 million years ago, when an ancient sea disappeared due to uplift. Later, in the Quaternary, the landscape was shaped by the influence of glaciers. In many cases, stone pillar forests were formed.
Since the Qin Dynasty, Huangshan had been known as the Yishan. It got its present name in 747 AD, when the poet Li Po referred to it by this name in his writing.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.12



Extra photo. Lions on the Lugou Bridge



Beijing location in China:


This historic structure that crosses the Yongding River is also known as the Marco Polo Bridge, and is situated 15km (9.32 miles) southwest of Tiananmen.
Construction of the original bridge on this site commenced in 1189 and was completed in 1192 and was later reconstructed in 1698. The Lugou Bridge is 266.5 m (874 feet) in length and 9.3 m (30.5 feet) in width, supported on 281 pillars. On each pillar stands a stone lion. The most intriguing feature of these beasts is the fact that there are more lions hiding on the head, back or under the belly or on paws of each of the big lions. Investigations to determine total the number of animals have been carried out on several occasions but the results have proved inconsistent, ranging anywhere from 482 to 496. However, record has it that there were originally a total of 627 lions. The posture of each lion varies, as do their ages. Most date from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, some are from the earlier Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368); while the few lions dating from as long ago as the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) are now quite rare.
Four ornamental columns each 4.65 meters (15 feet) high and a white marble stele stand at the ends of the bridge. One stele records the reconstruction of the bridge by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in 1698.The other stele bears calligraphy by Emperor Qianlong, the grandson of Kangxi. It reads 'Morning moon over Lugou', and for the 700 years since its completion, the bridge has been a well known scenic spot in Beijing.
As well as being famed for its aesthetic features, Lugou Bridge is also considered to be an architectural masterpiece. It is built of solid granite, with a large central arch flanked by ten smaller ones. Each of the ten piers is protected by triangular iron pillars that have been installed to prevent by flood and ice.
However, Lugou Bridge holds a very special place in the modern history of China, and more for painful memories rather than either its stunning beauty or amazing architectural achievement. It was here on the Marco Polo Bridge that the eight-year-long War of Resistance against the Imperial Japanese Army commenced on the 7th July 1937, that culminated with the surrender of Japan in 1945.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.13



Chongqing position in China:


Situated on the bank of the Jia Ling River, not far from its confluence with the mighty Yangtze is the ancient village of Ci Qi Kou, formerly known as Long Yin. Covering an area of some 1.2 square kilometres (291.6 acres) it is 14 kilometres to the west of Chongqing Municipality.
Chongqing itself has undergone many changes over the centuries, changes that have not been reflected in Ci Qi Kou with the consequence that the village conveys an impression of what Chongqing would have been like in the distant past. This fact has been recognized by the State Council and in 1998 Ci Qi Kou became a protected cultural site.
The history of Ci Qi Kou can be traced back for more than 1700 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) it was famous for its production of porcelain. To date, over twenty old kiln sites have been discovered there. It is because of the importance of the porcelain industry that the name has been changed from Long Yin to Ci Qi Kou which being translated means Porcelain Village. However, the village was also an important supply post for shipping on the river, a fact that explains why there are so many shops lining the twelve lanes paved with their large flag stones that form the main routes. Here you will find many outlets for craftwork, groceries and the like as well as a horologist, photography supplies, drugstore and a tempting supply of roasted nuts and seeds. As one would expect there are also many teashops and restaurants to cater for the many visitors who come to see something of a way of life that has existed here for so many centuries.
The majority of the houses date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, periods during which many masterpieces of Chinese architecture were created. Much of the two and three storey construction is of bamboo and timber. Blue bricks and pillars set off the snow-white walls that contrast in turn with vermilion doors and lattice windows. Black tablets and lanterns adorn the gates to complete the authentic and traditional appearance of the properties. The quietly flowing waters of the Jia Ling River pass by the front of the village and have been its lifeblood for as long as anyone can remember. For it was the river that brought goods and people here as well as carrying local products off to customers at home and abroad.
The three notable attractions of the village are the tea bars, the artists' studios and the Shu Embroidery workshops. Surprisingly, there are more than a hundred tea bars each with their own particular characteristics. Here friends enjoy a chat or meet to discuss business. So the tea bars offer the opportunity for you to meet the locals and also become acquainted with the unique folk opera.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.14



Fujian position in China:


Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea somewhere between green and black in oxidation. It ranges from 10% to 70% oxidation.
In Chinese tea culture, semi-oxidized oolong teas are collectively grouped as qīngchá (青茶). Oolong has a taste more akin to green tea than to black tea: it lacks the rosy, sweet aroma of black tea but it likewise does not have the stridently grassy vegetal notes that typify green tea. It is commonly brewed to be strong, with the bitterness leaving a sweet aftertaste. Several subvarieties of oolong, including those produced in the Wuyi Mountains of northern Fujian and in the central mountains of Taiwan, are among the most famous Chinese teas.
The processing of Chinese Oolong tea include six procedures: sunshine withering, tedding fresh leaves, rocking green, stir-fry gree, rolling, drying.
The name of "Oolong" is also a enigma to Chinese tea history. Is it named after a placename or any variety of tea plant? The pinyin for "Oolong" is Wu Long, which means "black dragon". Does the tea name of Oolong have any relation with "Dragon" which traditionally taken as the Chinese lucky indication?

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.15



Gansu position in China:


Xiahe is located in the southern portion of Gansu province, along the western border with Qinghai province. It is on the northeast edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
It lies along the Daxia and Zhao rivers. In fact, the name, which literally means, "Xia River" refers to the Daxia River which runs alongside the town.
Xiahe is a tiny, bustling town nestles in a mountain valley at an elevation of 2,900m in Ganan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Gansu.
The town was divided into two sections, primarily Hui (Muslim) and Han Chinese at its eastern end, changing abruptly to a Tibetan town as you climb westward to the gorgeous gilded roofs of the vast Labrang Monastery. Bent and walnut-visaged Tibetan pilgrims make you welcome on the 3km circuit around the monastery's perimeter.
The main attractions of this area are the Labrang Monastery and the Sangke Grassland, outside the city. The locals and nomads in the village live a laid-back lifestyle. The population here is made up of 45% Tibetan, 45% Han and 10% Hui, making this a good place to behold monks in bright purple, yellow and red, nomads clad in sheepskins, and the Hui Muslims with skull caps and wispy beards. The town is also a thoroughfare for inbound pilgrims from Qinghai and Tibet.
For backpackers, Xiahe is the traffic hub either northwards to Gansu or southwards to Sichuan.

[riasbaixas]

2008.06.16



Extra photo. Old colonial building on Shamian Island



Extra photo. Our Lady of Lourdes Church



Extra photo. Garden with old Banyan Trees, flowers and orchids



Guangdong position in China:


Shamian Island, formerly known as Shameen Island, from its Cantonese pronunciation (沙面岛) is a sandbank island in Guangzhou city, Guangdong province. The territory was originally divided in two concessions given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing Dynasty government in the 19th century. The island's name literally means "sandy surface" in Chinese.
The island covers an area of 0.3 square kilometers and is a gazetted historical area that serves as a tranquil reminder of the colonial European period, with quiet pedestrian avenues flanked by trees and lined by historical buildings in various states of upkeep. The island is the location of several hotels, a youth hostel, restaurants and tourist shops selling curios and souvenirs.
Various bronze statues are scattered around the island which depict life as it was during earlier periods on the island, as well as from more recent times.

[Room2046]

great pics........