Dragon 青竜

Tibet, often called the "Roof of the World," is a region of immense geographical and cultural significance nestled in the Himalayas. Historically an independent kingdom, Tibet became a part of China in the 1950s, a shift that profoundly impacted its political and religious landscape. Despite these changes, Tibetan identity remains deeply rooted in its spiritual traditions, especially Buddhism, which permeates daily life, art, governance, and education. The region’s monasteries, prayer flags, and sacred mountains reflect a worldview shaped by centuries of devotion and introspection. At the heart of Tibetan spirituality lies Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Mahayana that emphasizes esoteric rituals, symbolic imagery, and transformative practices. Vajrayana, also known as the "Diamond Vehicle," integrates mantras, mudras, mandalas, and deity visualizations to accelerate the path to enlightenment. In Tibet, this tradition evolved into ...

Jinli Street, nestled beside the Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu, Sichuan, is one of the oldest and most atmospheric pedestrian streets in China. Its origins trace back over 1,800 years to the Qin Dynasty, and it flourished during the Shu Kingdom as a hub for brocade production—hence the name "Jinli," meaning "Brocade Lane." Once a bustling commercial artery, it was revived in 2004 as part of a cultural restoration project, preserving its Qing Dynasty architectural style while celebrating the legacy of the Three Kingdoms period. Walking through Jinli is like stepping into a living museum. The street is paved with flagstones and lined with wooden facades, curved roofs, and red lanterns. Traditional teahouses, opera stages, and artisan stalls evoke the leisurely rhythm of old Chengdu. Visitors can witness folk performances such as shadow puppetry and the famed Sichuan opera face-changing act, while browsing shops that sell Shu embroidery, lacqu...