Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on AM 1490 WGCH and Anywhere on WGCH.com: November 2016

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Treasures of China: Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum

(Click this link to listen)

Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.

When you are in Shenyang -the provincial capitol of Liaoning Province in Northeastern China- your imagination will soar at the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum.

Early construction began in 1625. It was the former imperial palace of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty. After the Qing replaced the Ming dynasty in 1644 -and the imperial court moved to Beijing’s Forbidden City- this palace became a regional one.

Located in the center of this city of 8 million, this UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses visitors year round with its exquisite representations of classical Chinese and various regional architectural styles.

But that’s just part of what makes this place one of China’s treasures.

The permanent exhibits of this palace museum are divided into two parts. There’s one that displays historic artifacts of the imperial court. Another shows visitors Qing-dynasty arts and crafts.

Delve into the rich displays of ancient Chinese weapons, musical instruments, palace accouterments, ceramics, carvings, textiles and embroideries, lacquerware and amber.

As if that’s not enough, the palace complex is subdivided into three parts: the Eastern Way, the Central Way and the Western Way. A cornucopia of wondrous, immaculate pavilions, halls and towers dazzle the eyes of visitors from all over the world.

See the Emperor’s throne in Dazheng Hall, used for grand ceremonies. The Phoenix Tower rests on an elevated platform of black bricks.

The Fuling and Zhaling tombs, Dabei Pavilion, the Red Gate and a hundred other masterpieces of Manchu, Han, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural styles all provide opportunities to transport yourself back in time where you can encounter up close and personally this enduring treasure of Chinese culture and history.

When you are going places in China be sure to go to Shenyang’s Imperial Palace Museum.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Coming Up Next: Meet Mr. Ling of Antique Shanghai Pop Music of the 1930s and 1940s

“…antique Shanghai pop music has the appeal to a certain sentimentality that is not only understood through the context of history; it can be thought as a discontinued school of aesthetics, a lost craft.”

Shanghai was a city like no other in China -or the rest of the world- in the 1930s and 1940s. On the December 3 broadcast I will be welcoming Mr. Ling of Antique Shanghai Pop Music, a fascinating podcast featuring the music of that era with his commentary.

We will feature weekly words of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, and take you to another exciting destination on Treasures of China: the Shenyang Palace Museum.

Remember to tune in this coming Saturday, December 3 to AM 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 9:30 p.m. China Time. Our previous broadcasts are archived on podcasts.com and the Shows & Hosts section of WGCH.com. Register for news and to be on our email list at MarvelsofChina@gmail.com, and “like” us on Facebook. Stay abreast of our broadcasts at MarvelsofChina.blogspot.com.

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com.

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of world-class offices in a prominent, modern building with contemporary services, advanced technology and amenities that will help you focus on productivity while keeping your monthly costs under control. The best thing about CEO is that they treat you like family -only better! Visit them online at www.ceooffices.com or call 203-622-1300 today.

The Pacific Learning Consortium, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a supporting sponsor of the weekly Confucius Moment. Educational solutions. Global connections. Practical results. Advancement for all. Learning reimagined. Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org.

Confucius Moment: November 26, 2016

It's time for this week's Confucius Moment.
(Click here to listen)

The Sage Confucius is the epitome of Chinese classical civilization. Confucius is legendary for teaching his disciples the cultivation of personal virtue, veneration for one's parents, love of learning. loyalty to one's superiors, kindness to one's subordinates and a high regard for civility.

Here is today's lesson:
"It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs."

Treasures of China: The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Beijing

Our journey today takes us to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s magnificent Forbidden City. It is located in a powerful and influential position on the north-south main axis. The Hall was first built in 1420.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was used to hold grand ceremonies by the 24 emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the enthronement of the emperor, his wedding and so on. The emperor would hold a large feast for officials on his birthday, New Year's Day, or Winter Solstice Festival. The imperial exams for new scholars were held here during the early years of the Qing Dynasty.

No building in Beijing was allowed to be higher than it during the Ming and Qing Dynasties -because of its symbol of imperial power.

The throne was placed on a two-meter high white jade dais in the center. It wa adorned with gilt and engraved with patterns of clouds and nine dragons. The grand throne was surrounded by the six huge golden pillars, engraved with dragons representing the supreme dignities and power of the Emperor.

Behind the throne is a carved gilt screen. On either side there are incense burners in the shape of the mythical unicorn, signifying the obedience of all other kingdoms.

The gilded ceiling high above the throne features a sculpture of a twisting dragon playing with a huge pearl. In front of the hall is a huge white marble sculpture called Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl. The pearl is a symbol of good luck.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is not to be missed when you visit Beijing. You cannot appreciate its sheer size until you see it for yourself. Beautiful and majestic, this is truly one of the great Treasures of China.

Monday, November 21, 2016

ANNOUNCEMENT: Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program

In order to promote the mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and the USA, the Chinese government has set up the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program to sponsor American students to study and conduct research in Chinese universities.

Now, dozens of designated Chinese universities offer a wide variety of academic programs in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Economics, Legal Studies, Management, Education, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Fine Arts for scholarship recipients at all levels.

The Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program sponsors American students to undertake credit course and degree studies -Bachelor, Master and PhD- in institutions of higher education in China.

This new scholarship was announced on the November 19 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim by host Jeffrey Bingham Mead on 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA and anywhere on WGCH.com.

The Admission Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges (ANCUC) is a professional online network that links international students with Chinese universities and colleges. It established a strategic partnership with Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd., and The Pacific Learning Consortium, Inc.

The Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program covers:

-Tuition funds will be comprehensively used by the host university. It may cover scholarship students’ education, administration costs and expenditures to support student activities.

-Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy.

-Comprehensive medical insurance.

-Stipend:

Undergraduate students: CNY 2,500 per month;
Master’s students: CNY 3,000 per month;
Doctoral students: CNY 3,500 per month;
Credit-course students: refer to above.

NOTE: International travel expenditure is self-financed.

“ANCUC believes that young people own the future, and in the coming future, China needs more than ever to prove herself to the world,” commented Mr. Harrison Ho from Beijing. He was Mead’s guest on the November 19 broadcast.“Our aim to help all the international students find an ideal program in an ideal Chinese university in an ideal city, and to help the universities find ideal students. ANCUC serves to link the future world with China.”

Since 2014, The Admission Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges has established wide connections with the best universities in China. It is able to offer over 50,000 programs provided by around 400 universities and colleges. Through ANCUC students have access to the best Chinese and English Medium programs (including but not restricted to Medicine, Engineering, International Trade, Chinese Language, etc.) in Chinese universities.

“This is a golden opportunity for qualifying American students,” said Jeffrey Bingham Mead. “China stirs the imagination. With100,000 scholarships available, the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program is a winning choice at a time when college education in the USA is very expensive. This exciting partnership offers global, transformative experiences for American students that will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.”

Get all the facts. Start now. Learn more by going to www.ancuc.com, or contact The Pacific Learning Consortium at pacificlearningconsortium@gmail.com (PacificLearningConsortium.org), or MarvelsofChina@gmail.com

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Coming Up Next: Traditional Chinese Medicinal Practices with Dr. Li Bo, Xinyuan Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

On our November 26, Thanksgiving Saturday broadcast I will be welcoming Dr. Li Bo of Xinyuan Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.

Dr. Li will be educating us about traditional Chinese medicine and medical practices -including his time in the African nation of Tanzania at Muhimibili National Hospital.

We will feature of weekly words of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, and take you to another exciting destination on Treasures of China: the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City.

Remember to tune in this coming Saturday, November 26 to AM 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 9:30 p.m. China Time. Our previous broadcasts are archived on podcasts.com and the Shows & Hosts section of WGCH.com. Register for news and to be on our email list atMarvelsofChina@gmail.com, and “like” us on Facebook. Stay abreast of our broadcasts at MarvelsofChina.blogspot.com.

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Coming Up Next: Mr. Harrison Ho, Admission Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges & Brig. General (Ret.) Frances Iwalani Mossman, International Coordinated Systems LLC

Listen to the broadcast here.

Mr. Harrison Ho is with the Admission Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges (ANCUC), a professional online network that links international students with Chinese universities and colleges.

ANCUC believes that young people own the future, and in the coming future, China needs more than ever to prove herself to the world. ANCUC aims to help all the international students find an ideal program in an ideal Chinese university in an ideal city, and to help the universities find ideal students they need. In other words, ANCUC serves to link the future world with China.

Though newly founded (2014), ANCUC has established a wide connection with a big part of the best universities in China. Now ANCUC is able to offer over 50,000 programs provided by around 400 universities and colleges.

"Through us, you can reach the best Chinese and English Medium programs (including but not restricted to Medicine, Engineering, International Trade, Chinese Language, etc.) in Chinese universities."

"ANCUC strives to offer plentiful choices and professional services for both students and universities, to make the admission process easier, faster, and trustworthy. Our professional staff can provide the very best one-stop service for you, from application, pick-up, to follow-up consulting, and beyond."

"In order to promote the mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and the US, the Chinese government has set up this Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship program to sponsor American students to study and conduct research in Chinese universities. Now, dozens of designated Chinese universities offer a wide variety of academic programs in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Economics, Legal Studies, Management, Education, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Fine Arts for scholarship recipients at all levels."

Frances I. Mossman, Esq., is the President and Founder of International Coordinated Systems LLC. The unique approach developed and used by ICoord.Systems enables businesses, government agencies and NGOs to achieve sustainable, optimum solutions for international conflict prevention, mitigation, resolution and management.

ICoord.Systems offers a broad range of services to the international community through high-technology and advanced concepts and practices for the effective application of multi-cultural, non-adversarial dispute avoidance and resolution. The results are coordinated planning and operations, better risk management, cost savings, achievable goals, and higher profits. Its operating groups are:

International Business Relationships Management Mediation
International Dispute Prevention, Mitigation and Resolution
Public Policy Issues Power Mediation – current programs

Multi-Cultural Mega Cities of the Future
Disaster Management Mediation
Public Policy Transitional Coalitions

Ms. Mossman is a Planning and Policy Consultant with forty-five years of combined experience in national security, defense, international relations and domestic programs at the city, county, regional, state and federal levels of government. She specializes in: (1) urban development, infrastructure, land use planning, environmental impacts; (2) legislation, administrative rules, policies and procedures, public policy issues; (3) national defense, military planning, intelligence and security; and (4) combined political, economic and military strategies in international relations. She has held positions in research, policy analysis, management and decision-making for several organizations.

After a long military career and assignments on the Air Staff in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Mossman retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Brigadier General. Her last duty assignment was as Mobilization Assistant to the Director for Programs & Evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs & Resources, Headquarters USAF.

Her primary areas of specialization included air traffic control, intelligence, international relations and plans and programs. Geographic areas of focus were the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact, Middle East and Asia Pacific. She participated in the threat assessment, policy, planning, programs, and budget development and approval process for the Air Force. Her duties involved coordination with the Army, Navy and Joint Chiefs of Staff.

She is a 1976 graduate of the Air War College, Air University at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and completed the Industrial College of the Armed Forces program in 1965. She served as Adjunct Faculty for the Air War College.

We will feature of weekly words of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, and take you to another exciting destination on Treasures of China.

Remember to tune in this coming Saturday, November 19 to AM 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 10:30 p.m. China Time. Our previous broadcasts are archived on podcasts.com and the Shows & Hosts section of WGCH.com. Register for news and to be on our email list atMarvelsofChina@gmail.com, and “like” us on Facebook. Stay abreast of our broadcasts at MarvelsofChina.blogspot.com.

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

Treasures of China: Stele Forest at the Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy in Beijing.

(Click this link to listen)

Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.

Every once in a while you come across a place that sets your imagination on fire. In September 2015 I felt that way at the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy in Beijing. The trees, temples and grounds are peaceful and solemn in the heart of a neighborhood of hutongs.

I was with a graduate of Beijing Sihai Confucius Academy during my visit. Ms. Liu told me that students like her were required to memorize the texts and even copy the calligraphy for handwriting exercise.

Higher learning has been the foundation of this place for centuries. This is the second-largest Confucian temple in all of China. The Great Sage Confucius has been honored since ancient times as China’s First Teacher. All around me I found a profound sense of tradition.

What really caught my attention was the stele forest. A stele is an upright stone slab that has been inscribed and used as a monument or commemorative wall.

The stele forest contains the text of the Thirteen Classics.

I beheld before me the Analects, Book of Documents, Classic of Filial Piety, Mencius, Book of Changes and more, all inscribed on tall stone slabs.

It took 11 years for an imperial scholar to copy the manuscripts -and 4 years to engrave them.

The emperor himself would conduct lessons on Confucian ethics while seated in a great hall. His words would he relayed by senior ranking officials to lower ranking officials, from the inner to outer halls and finally to scholars seated outside.

I was amazed- and pleasantly surprised. Who wouldn’t be?

The Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy in Beijing is about a great philosopher and teacher of ethics, morality and justice that transcends time and national boundaries. The Stele Forest is worth a visit. Set among beautiful and classical Chinese temples, serene cypress trees and water features, this is another treasure of China you won’t want to miss.

Confucius Moment: November 19, 2016

It's time for this week's Confucius Moment.
(Click here to listen)
The Sage Confucius is the epitome of Chinese classical civilization. Confucius is legendary for teaching his disciples the cultivation of personal virtue, veneration for one's parents, love of learning. loyalty to one's superiors, kindness to one's subordinates and a high regard for civility.

Here is today's lesson:
"Make it a guiding principle to do your best for others and to be trustworthy in what you say. Do not accept as friend anyone who is not as good as you."

Confucius Moment: November 12, 2016

It's time for this week's Confucius Moment.
(Click here to listen)
The Sage Confucius is the epitome of Chinese classical civilization. Confucius is legendary for teaching his disciples the cultivation of personal virtue, veneration for one's parents, love of learning. loyalty to one's superiors, kindness to one's subordinates and a high regard for civility.

Here is today's lesson:
"When you make a mistake, do not be afraid of mending yours ways."

Confucius Moment: November 5, 2016

Here is today's lesson:
"Observe what a man has in mind to do when his father is a living, and then observe what he does when his father is dead. If, for three years, he makes no changes to his father's ways, he can be said to be a good son."

Treasures of China: Hongcun Ancient Village, Yi County, Anhui Province

(Click this link to listen)

Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.

Hongcun Ancient Village is a place lost in time.

Located in Yi County in the ancient Huizhou region of Anhui Province, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this enchanting village.

Hongcun's comprehensive design, landscape and architectural minutiae date from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Hongcun was built by prosperous merchants and officials returning home from the pressures of business and appointment.

The unique, ethereal style of these Anhui buildings are both plain yet elegant. They are embellished with ornate carvings pleasing to the eye.

The topography of Hongcun village was designed according to traditional feng shui concepts. Innovative blending of the elements of water, trees, gardens and farmland resulted in a harmonious ambience that exhibits classical Chinese sophistication.

Villagers are able to divert water via narrow canals into their courtyards, thus turning their houses into exquisite garden settings.

With Hongcun located at the foot of the hill next to a stream which flows into the Moon Pond at the center of the village, and another to the south, the whole reflects the sublime coexistence and harmonious balance of man and nature.

Did you see the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? You'll be pleased to learn that scenes from that movie were filmed here.

A walk around Hongcun's countryside is a wonderful experience anytime of the year, especially its renowned bamboo grove. In Spring the village is ablaze with the blossoms of yellow rape field flowers. In Autumn Hongcun is ignited by a sea of red foliage you'll never forget.

A stroll through Hongcun will evoke scenes from ancient Chinese scroll paintings. This truly is one of the treasures of China.

Treasures of China: Chengde Mountain Resort

(Click this link to listen)

Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.

Constructed between 1703 in 1792, the Chengde Mountain Resort took 89 years to complete. Covering the total area of 2.2 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a vast complex exquisite palaces, administrative and ceremonial buildings.

Impeccable, ethereal temples representing a diversity of architectural characteristics and sublime gardens blend in conjunction with the surrounding landscape dotted with lakes, forests and pasturelands.

Emperors and their courts often spent several months each year here. It was a marvelous setting to escape summer heat.

Chengde Mountain Resort is famous for its 72 scenic spots that were named by the Kwangxi and Qianlong emperors.

Scenic spots around the lake area were copied from famous landscaped gardens of Southern China. The plain area mimics the rich scenery of Mongolian grasslands.

The palace zone includes an area designed to resemble the Forbidden City in Beijing. It was here where emperors received high officials, foreign envoys and nobles of minority nationalities.

Interlaced with peaceful gardens, calm lakes, lovely buildings and steeped in history, it is no small wonder that the Chengde Mountain Resort is one of China's treasures, a must-see for all who come here.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Coming Up Next: Veterans Day Special Honoring the Mississippi Delta Chinese of World War II

Listen to the broadcast here.

Friday, November 11 marks Veterans Day across the USA. Tune in Saturday, November 12, 2016 for a show like no other on Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim broadcast from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

I look forward to welcoming live from Hong Kong Dr. Gwendolyn Gong and from Los Angeles Ms. Devereux Gong Powers as we celebrate the Mississippi Delta Chinese veterans of World War II.

They and Dr. John Powers are the co-authors of the book The Mississippi Chinese Veterans of World War II: A Delta Tribute.

This book was more than just a labor of love and respect. It honors and preserves the legacies and stories of a group of extraordinary Chinese Americans in a time of war.

Does all this sound vaguely familiar? That's because Dr. Gong and E. Samantha Cheng were on the July 2 broadcast.

I met them at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in the heart of New York City's Chinatown. Listen to that broadcast here:

http://www.podcasts.com/marvels-of-china-pathways-to-the-pacific-rim-ec77abf8d/episode/Show-22-July-2-2016-dd2e

We will have our weekly Confucius Moment and Treasures of China segments, too!

Be sure to tune in Saturday morning, November 12, 2016 starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time on AM1490 WGCH and anywhere by live audio streaming at WGCH.com.

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.