The skyline of modern Shanghai is something of a wonder – it’s
like a mix of Bladerunner, Ghost in the Shell and The Fifth
Element combined, even though that fairly lazy simile doesn’t do it justice (I shouldn’t
really imagine the present using yesterday’s science fiction – it’s there in
front of me). Yet although this is one
of the most striking cityscapes on the planet by day, when the sun sets the city
comes to iridescent life, with lights reflecting across the Huangpu river.
For visitors to this year’s World Artificial Intelligence
Conference (WAIC), the nightly light show that the city offers to inhabitants
and visitors alike was given a further boost with a sequence of dazzling
synchronised projections and animations which were designed to celebrate and
showcase innovation and technology.So,
there is an extra layer of spectacle on top of what is already seen each
evening.The phrase that kept coming
into my mind as I watched this film of the lightshow by LaLin Photography was effortlessly
elegant. Take a look below – it’s
quite dazzling on film – it must have been something special to have been there.
The Buddha’s Hand fruit looks, to all intents and purposes, as if it could have been grown in a certain town called Springfield. As well as a three eyed fish, it would come as no surprise to see the Simpson siblings discover this peculiar fruit, grown as a result of contamination from Mr Burns’ nuclear power plant. However, this fruit is for real.
Unsurprisingly, Westerners often react to the plant by pointing out it looks like the hand of Freddy Krueger, not knowing that it was named after a hand millennia before. This weird citron grows on small shrubs and trees and has a thick peel. There is hardly any flesh within the fruit – sometimes none at all. Furthermore it has no juice and often has no seeds either. So what on earth is the use of this fruit?
Talk about Kaylon’s Got Talent… This is dazzling stuff - a host of humanoid robots performing martial arts with youthful human partners.Yet these performers are not from Isaac’s homeworld: this is China. When people remark that this is going to be the
“Chinese Century”, it’s difficult to disbelieve them when you watch a
show like this.This year’s
Spring Festival Gala from Beijing (broadcast by the China Global Television Network)saw humanoid robots join forces with Young Fu
artists to deliver a jaw-dropping martial arts performance (see below). It has, naturally, very quickly gone viral
since the gala aired on 16 February.
These robots, child-size and so perfectly matched against
their pre-teen opponents, moved in perfect synchronisation with the performers (with only the occasional slight wobble). They executed precise martial arts routines that blended centuries-old traditions
with cutting-edge robotics. Plus, the kids seem to be having a lot of fun, too (and no Kaylon-style revolution either, although that might have been interesting to watch).
Yes, this
might count as a form of soft propaganda, but flipping heck, I love it. The robots were developed by Unitree Robotics, based in Hangzhou in eastern China’s Zhejiang province (and not owned by the Chinese government, as it happens). As technology becomes embedded into national
celebrations like these, I wonder what we in the West can come up with to compete with
this (or perhaps we don't have to?). Answers on a postcard, please...
Now you have seen the illusion, as it were, take a look at the bigger picture. The video belows goes into the details behind the Unitree Robotics spectcacular performance. I have to admit to a nagging worry about these robots being weaponized, but perhaps I have been watching The Orville (and other movies and shows) too much. Yet my blood did run ever so slightly cold when the taller robot came out towards the end of the performance, jian sword in hand. Time will tell, but I am quite happy that my last name isn't Connor right now. Sorry for mixing my sci-fi metaphors.
Mount Tai in the Shandon Province, China has had cultural and religious significance for thousands of years. It is one of the five sacred mountains of China and is associated with the dawn, birth and renaissance. As you progress up the mountain you will come across this – The Immortal Bridge. Image Credit Wikimedia
The Immortal Bridge is composed of three huge rocks and several smaller ones. Below it is a valley and to the south is a seemingly bottomless abyss. No one knows quite when these enormous rocks fell in to their current place but it is quite likely they have been like this since the last ice age.
This is a very impressive animated short by Eric Zhu who
created it while on the Intro to Animation course at Tisch School of
the Arts (New York Universities renowned arts and performance school) in
2025.It tells the story of two children
fromvery different backgrounds who meet
during a time of intense warfare.Each
child has been separated from their parents, so the two set out to find them.
I struggled a little to place the conflict at first, because
the children have been given such European sounding names (and American voices).However, looking closely, I think it is set
during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).The main giveaway was the downed Japanese
Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” fighter that the children come across, easily
recognisable by its round red Hinomaru insignia on the wings and fuselage. The
Zero was Japan’s primary carrier-based fighter in World War II and was widely
used in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and throughout the Pacific
theatre. The next clue was the uniform
of the soldiers that the children encounter - the soldiers are wearing khaki
uniforms with round helmets featuring a star, typical of the Chinese National
Revolutionary Army during the 1930s–1940s.
Finally, the town that the children walk through has a tattered flag
hanging from one of the houses (above), a red field with a blue canton and white sun. Before
the Communist Party took over mainland China in 1949, the Republic of China
(ROC) was the official government of China and this was its flag (since 1912,
after the fall of the Qing Dynasty). It is now known as the Taiwanese flag
because the ROC government relocated to Taiwan after losing control of the
mainland.
The kids are essentially stick figures, their simple forms
emphasising their fragility and vulnerability. In contrast, the backgrounds are
stunning - almost Ghibli-like in their richness and detail. Zhu’s choice to use
two very different styles is significant, even if it is unusual, as it creates
a striking visual and emotional contrast. It is as if the children are not
quite part of this greater world of warfare, but exist as more innocent,
delicate presences within it. Yet the difference between the two isn’t jarring;
rather, they complement each other beautifully (and this “experiment” could
have failed very easily). The simplicity of the characters draws attention to
the intricate, albeit horrific, world around them, while the lush, detailed
environments make the children’s vulnerability all the more poignant, creating
a harmonious balance that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
The film’s title, Pomelo, works as a quiet, symbolic
metaphor. Like the fruit which is associated with home and everyday life, it
evokes innocence, comfort, and safety. This contrasts with the film’s world of
violence and disruption, suggesting the delicate presence of childhood and
normalcy amidst trauma and fear.
China’s Great Wall – created over centuries to protect the Chinese Empire from intrusion and invasion – is one of the world’s best know sights. Yet again and again we see the same stretch of wall, the same throngs of tourists, soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army and a stream of visiting politicians. Takes these elements away and there is a sublime change - a shift in perception. Here is the Great Wall of China from various diverse perspectives, some stretches of the wall you may not be familiar with and hardly a tourist or soldier in sight. The Great Wall of China suddenly becomes a mystery again, inscrutable and elegant, unfathomable and incredible.
As far as grisly ends go, I quite like being a human
being.The chances are I’m not going to
be gobbled up by a member of another species because I’m the one doing the
gobbling (which, frankly, sounds a little rude).I was reminded of this when watching Chain,
the award-winning animated short directed by Ling Han.It works on the old Chinese proverb “The
mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind” – or 螳螂捕蟬,黃雀在後in other words.
Of course, taken as an extended metaphor, this proverb
encompasses all life.How many times does
one pursue goals only to find that there are forces far stronger standing in
the way? Chains appear in every place, in every time and impact all of us. This does make Chain sound
awfully serious, when in fact it is more often than not gloriously silly.
It’s no surprise to discover, however that it has won more than
80 international awards including Best Animated Film at the Paris Art and Movie
Awards.
Watch Chain below – and thank your lucky stars that you’re
human (but, you know, watch out for those creeps at work).
The Minshan Mountain Range is situated in the north of China’s Sichuan Province. An area of outstanding natural beauty it is home to a four kilometer stretch of travertine landforms and pools. Even in its home country the place is relatively little-known. Yet Huanglong, literally Yellow Dragon, is a place of wonders.
Over the millennia the springs around this small crease in the mountains have deposited limestone which has built up to create a series of pools – over 3,000 of them - which extend to almost four kilometers in length. The chain of pools are said to resemble a huge golden dragon, which gives the place its name.
From a distance, something looks vaguely odd. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Chengde, Hebei Province,
China, Hammer Rock, also known as Qingchui Peak (literally "Uplifted
Hammer Peak"), is one of the region’s most striking geological formations.
This towering natural rock, resembling a sledgehammer or wooden club, has
fascinated visitors for centuries with its unique shape, cultural significance,
and breathtaking views. When you get close up, you can see why people usually scratch their heads when they first catch sight of this bizarre formation.
Hammer Rock stands at approximately 598 meters above sea
level, with a relative height of about 60 meters from its base. That little bit of green you can see poking out about half-way up is actually a rather large tree. The rock’s
shape is a result of millions of years of weathering and erosion, sculpting the
sandstone and granite into the vertical column we see today. The smooth yet
rugged surface of the formation adds to its distinctiveness, making it an
iconic feature of Chengde’s landscape. Due to its shape and prominence, it has
been dubbed the "Thumb of God," inspiring local legends and myths
over the centuries.
Chongqing: if you are not from Asia or a geography enthusiast, the name may not mean a great deal to you. However, this city in southwestern China now boasts the largest urban population in the world – and it has an infrastructure and architecture that clearly demonstrate that… an awful lot of people live there. In fact, the figure currently stands at 32,054,159. (picture credit)
China has four major Buddhist cave complexes - by far the most visited being the Longmen caves. Less well known are the Maijishan Grottoes. Situated in Gansu Province in the northwest of China, this astonishing example of cave architecture hewn from rock consists of over 7,000 Buddhist sculptures not to mention almost 1000 square meters of murals.
It’s rare when a few minutes of film footage manage to wholly capture a place, especially a place like Hong Kong which is full of so many contradictory elements. Director, DP and editor Brandon Li pulls this off spectacularly with Hong Kong Strong. This is a deep dive in to the many layers of this complex, enigmatic, impossible city. This was shot in the days leading up to the Chinese New Year which only adds to the interest!
Around the 12th Century the people of the Fujian Province in China decided that their homes did not offer them sufficient protection in times of civil strife and from the armed bandit gangs which plagued the area for hundreds of years.
Groups of families combined their incomes to provide their community with something more substantial – a tulou - that could safeguard their property and their lives in this mountainous area on the southeast coast of China.
Like any good idea, the idea of large, enclosed fortified buildings had already been around for centuries. Yet advances in technology enabled communities to create a safe space, encircled by thick load bearing walls and up to five floors high.
It is partnership between man and animal which has lasted over a millennia. A fisherman needs to catch enough fish to sell and feed himself and his family. Sometimes that means that he needs an assistant. The Ark in Space takes a look at the fascinating relationship between the cormorant and the fishermen of China's inland rivers.
No time to get on a plane and spend time traveling through Asia? Me neither. So, take it all in over the course of three minutes instead courtesy of this hyperlapse video by Swiss designer Sylvain Botter who was lucky enough to travel through nine Asian countries with his girlfriend over a six month period. The countries featured in the video are China, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma. I think I would need another holiday to get over it all!
Chris Northey, a freelance digital designer, shot these timelapses while traveling along the ancient Silk Road from China to Uzbekistan in mid-2012. They feature familiar places to many, Beijing and Xi'an in China, then moving on to lesser known Chinese cities, Turpan (left) and Kashgar. Thence to Kyrgyzstan and we experience the sights of ash Rabat and Song Kol. Finally we end up in Uzbekistan, visiting Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand.
These short timelapses are woven together to create a whole and although we see the Silk Road through very modern eyes many of the sights are the same as people would have seen centuries ago. The whole short is wrapped up with atmospheric music from My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Brian Eno and David Byrne. Sublime.
If you liked the film Avatar and day-dreamed about visiting Pandora (yes, me too) then perhaps you can, after all. OK, not quite but Wulingyuan in south-central China is the closest that you are probably going to get. Filmed by Abel Blanco with his Phantom3P, this perfectly showcases the exquisite landscapes of the region. Shot over five days Blanco managed to avoid both the incessant rain while he was there and the tourists (don’t go here if you think you will be alone!).
If you are visiting China as a tourist then the likelihood is that at some point during your stay you will find yourself at the Great Wall. This remains one of the country’s sites that simply should not be missed, especially when you travel to places along its length that are less visited by tourists (take our tour). Yet in this vast country there are hundreds of other places that could crown a visit for one reason or another. As with college paper writing service reviews, you need to find out a little about your destination before you venture there. They may be less well known than the Great Wall or indeed the Terracotta Army but they linger in the minds and hearts of all who visit them. Here are just ten of those amazing places you could visit while in China.
1 Huanglong – Land of the Yellow Dragon
The Minshan Mountain Range is situated in the north of China’s Sichuan Province. An area of outstanding natural beauty it is home to a four kilometer stretch of travertine landforms and pools. Even in its home country the place is relatively little-known. Yet Huanglong, literally Yellow Dragon, is a place of wonders. You cannot get a better recommendation than that - and when it comes to it, essay writing reviews will also let you know who you can trust, what will be wonderful or not.
A mouse needs a house. And when you have a house you need things to put in it. The Way Home is a very sweet combination of live footage and animation which tracks the journey of our new murine friend as he gathers new belongings with which to decorate his humble abode. The animation was created by students of Liu Song, a tutor at Hangzhou Normal University in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China.
The eastern coastline of Taiwan is renowned for its natural beauty. Unspoiled beaches stretch for miles and at one point, Sansiantai, there is a wonderful surprise. A beautiful arched bridge, meant to resemble a dragon of Chinese legend, stretches from the mainland across to a group of small islands.
Sansiantai is, as you might imagine, saturated in folklore. The three enormous rocks making up the island's most conspicuous feature long ago gave rise to a native myth that three of China's Eight Immortals once chose the island for a place to rest. Even the name of the island translates to the Terrace of the Three Immortals.
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