Latest news with #SongDynasty
The Star
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Türkiye, China open Jingdezhen porcelain flagship store in Istanbul
ISTANBUL, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye and China on Saturday inaugurated the first official Jingdezhen porcelain flagship store in Istanbul, marking a step forward in cultural and economic ties through a strategic partnership between the Chinese city and Türkiye's historic ceramic hub, Iznik. The boutique, located in Istanbul's upscale Fenerbahce district on the Asian side of the city, showcases a curated collection of fine tableware and decorative ceramics from Jingdezhen, a city in China's Jiangxi Province renowned for producing imperial porcelain since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The launch coincided with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Jingdezhen and Iznik, aimed at strengthening ceramic-focused exchanges between the two historic centers. The deal builds on a sister-city partnership established in 2021 and formalizes efforts to promote joint exhibitions, research, and trade initiatives. Jingdezhen, often referred to as China's "porcelain capital," has been at the heart of high-end ceramic production for over a millennium. Its abundant kaolin deposits and refined techniques helped create the translucent porcelain that came to symbolize Chinese craftsmanship and luxury across global markets. Iznik, meanwhile, rose to prominence during the 15th to 17th centuries under the Ottoman Empire, producing quartz-based pottery celebrated for its vibrant floral patterns. Influenced by Seljuk aesthetics and Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, Iznik ceramics became highly sought-after across Europe and the Islamic world.
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Borneo Post
A glimpse of Chinese modernisation in millennia-old heartland
Guests take photos at Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province on Nov. 4, 2024. – Xinhua photo ZHENGZHOU (May 25): As dusk settled over the rooftops of a Tang-Dynasty-style pavilion, a fleet of glowing drones ascended into the darkening sky, their synchronised flight tracing luminous patterns above curved eaves and cobblestone streets. The past and future met midair in this manner in a city known for its 4,000 years of history. This city is Luoyang, a former capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history and now a vibrant cultural landmark and manufacturing hub in central China's Henan Province. 'If you wish to know the rise and fall of past and present, just look at Luoyang,' remarked Sima Guang, a renowned Chinese historian of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), noting that the evolution of the city itself reads like a living chronicle of Chinese history. Today, Luoyang is reintroducing its rich legacy to the world by blending timeless heritage with cutting-edge technology, and fueling growth in its high-end manufacturing sector through innovation. Nowhere is this fusion of history and innovation more evident than at the Longmen Grottoes, an over 1,500-year-old Unesco World Heritage Site which is home to one of the world's largest collections of stone carvings and Buddhist sculptures. In recent years, China has made remarkable strides in preserving and revitalising its cave temples through structural reinforcement, environmental improvements and digital conservation. The Longmen Grottoes have led the way, launching a series of pioneering digital restoration projects. Using ground-penetrating radar, infrared imaging and 3D scanning technologies, researchers successfully completed major restoration work on Fengxian Temple, one of the site's most iconic landmarks, revitalising this remarkable feat of sculpture via high-tech craftsmanship. 'We have been building a 'digital archive' since 2005 to protect the ancient Buddhist cave art using advanced technologies,' said Gao Junping, director of the information and documentation center of Longmen Grottoes Research Institute. 'In the past, traditional methods such as mold casting and rubbings could cause damage to the artifacts,' Gao said. 'Now, with technologies like 3D printing, we can replicate relics without harm, which not only preserves the originals but also enhances our conservation and research efforts.' But preservation is only part of the story. Bringing ancient art 'to life' has become another central mission. By building 3D databases, innovating exhibition methods and expanding digital tourism experiences, Luoyang is making its cultural wonders more accessible than ever. On the Cloud Longmen WeChat mini-programme, for example, users can explore landmarks like Yuwang Pool, Qianxi Temple and Binyang Cave virtually – all from the comfort of their homes. Benefiting from its rich historical legacy and driven by innovative cultural tourism practices, Luoyang is positioning itself well for a bright future in culture-tourism integration. The city is steadily advancing the high-quality development of its cultural tourism sector, aiming to turn it into a pillar industry and a source of public well-being. In 2024, Luoyang received a total of 153 million tourist visits, generating 120.86 billion yuan (about US$16.8 billion) in tourism revenue, up 13.48 per cent and 16.02 per cent year on year, respectively. Tourists visit Lijingmen scenic spot in Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province on May 1, 2025. – Xinhua photo While Luoyang's ancient treasures draw global tourists, its modern identity is equally defined by industrial innovation. The same innovative spirit that preserves millennia-old grottoes now powers factories and labs, driving high-end manufacturing. Long associated with 'firsts' in New China's industrial history, from the first automobile gearbox bearing to the first tracked tractor, Luoyang has enriched its legacy through industrial renewal. Luoyang Bearing Group Co Ltd formerly a factory established during China's inaugural five-year plan period (1953-1957), is among the notable trendsetters. The company consistently leads the industry in terms of R&D investment. It houses China's first nationally certified enterprise technology center and the only national key lab in the bearing sector. With comprehensive research and testing platforms, the company maintains a commanding position in bearing design, manufacturing and quality control. 'Bearings may look simple, but the precision required is measured in microns,' said Wang Xinying, chairman of the group. 'Our bearings can reach speeds of up to 120,000 revolutions per minute and are now used in major technologies like large-scale wind turbines – strengthening our leadership in the industry.' In October 2024, the group launched a 'dark factory', renowned for its minimal reliance on human labor and lighting. This fully automated smart plant is dedicated to producing bearings for offshore wind turbines. Today, high-end bearings account for 70 per cent of the company's output value. Its wind turbine main bearings now enjoy an over 40-per cent share of the domestic market, while its tunnel boring machine bearings have ended China's reliance on imports of such bearings. 'Advancing modern manufacturing toward high-end, intelligent and green development is our unwavering goal,' Wang added. – Xinhua China historical Luoyang tourism Xinhua
The Star
21-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Across China: A glimpse of Chinese modernization in millennia-old heartland
ZHENGZHOU, May 21 (Xinhua) -- As dusk settled over the rooftops of a Tang-Dynasty-style pavilion, a fleet of glowing drones ascended into the darkening sky, their synchronized flight tracing luminous patterns above curved eaves and cobblestone streets. The past and future met midair in this manner in a city known for its 4,000 years of history. This city is Luoyang, a former capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history and now a vibrant cultural landmark and manufacturing hub in central China's Henan Province. "If you wish to know the rise and fall of past and present, just look at Luoyang," remarked Sima Guang, a renowned Chinese historian of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), noting that the evolution of the city itself reads like a living chronicle of Chinese history. Today, Luoyang is reintroducing its rich legacy to the world by blending timeless heritage with cutting-edge technology, and fueling growth in its high-end manufacturing sector through innovation. Nowhere is this fusion of history and innovation more evident than at the Longmen Grottoes, an over 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to one of the world's largest collections of stone carvings and Buddhist sculptures. In recent years, China has made remarkable strides in preserving and revitalizing its cave temples through structural reinforcement, environmental improvements and digital conservation. The Longmen Grottoes have led the way, launching a series of pioneering digital restoration projects. Using ground-penetrating radar, infrared imaging and 3D scanning technologies, researchers successfully completed major restoration work on Fengxian Temple, one of the site's most iconic landmarks, revitalizing this remarkable feat of sculpture via high-tech craftsmanship. "We have been building a 'digital archive' since 2005 to protect the ancient Buddhist cave art using advanced technologies," said Gao Junping, director of the information and documentation center of Longmen Grottoes Research Institute. "In the past, traditional methods such as mold casting and rubbings could cause damage to the artifacts," Gao said. "Now, with technologies like 3D printing, we can replicate relics without harm, which not only preserves the originals but also enhances our conservation and research efforts." But preservation is only part of the story. Bringing ancient art "to life" has become another central mission. By building 3D databases, innovating exhibition methods and expanding digital tourism experiences, Luoyang is making its cultural wonders more accessible than ever. On the Cloud Longmen WeChat mini-program, for example, users can explore landmarks like Yuwang Pool, Qianxi Temple and Binyang Cave virtually -- all from the comfort of their homes. Benefiting from its rich historical legacy and driven by innovative cultural tourism practices, Luoyang is positioning itself well for a bright future in culture-tourism integration. The city is steadily advancing the high-quality development of its cultural tourism sector, aiming to turn it into a pillar industry and a source of public well-being. In 2024, Luoyang received a total of 153 million tourist visits, generating 120.86 billion yuan (about 16.8 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, up 13.48 percent and 16.02 percent year on year, respectively. While Luoyang's ancient treasures draw global tourists, its modern identity is equally defined by industrial innovation. The same innovative spirit that preserves millennia-old grottoes now powers factories and labs, driving high-end manufacturing. Long associated with "firsts" in New China's industrial history, from the first automobile gearbox bearing to the first tracked tractor, Luoyang has enriched its legacy through industrial renewal. Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd., formerly a factory established during China's inaugural five-year plan period (1953-1957), is among the notable trendsetters. The company consistently leads the industry in terms of R&D investment. It houses China's first nationally certified enterprise technology center and the only national key lab in the bearing sector. With comprehensive research and testing platforms, the company maintains a commanding position in bearing design, manufacturing and quality control. "Bearings may look simple, but the precision required is measured in microns," said Wang Xinying, chairman of the group. "Our bearings can reach speeds of up to 120,000 revolutions per minute and are now used in major technologies like large-scale wind turbines -- strengthening our leadership in the industry." In October 2024, the group launched a "dark factory," renowned for its minimal reliance on human labor and lighting. This fully automated smart plant is dedicated to producing bearings for offshore wind turbines. Today, high-end bearings account for 70 percent of the company's output value. Its wind turbine main bearings now enjoy an over 40-percent share of the domestic market, while its tunnel boring machine bearings have ended China's reliance on imports of such bearings. "Advancing modern manufacturing toward high-end, intelligent and green development is our unwavering goal," Wang added.
Japan Today
19-05-2025
- Japan Today
Tamaryokucha: Japan's rare green tea you've probably never heard of
By Elizabeth Sok 'Do you have any shin-cha?' the older gentleman to my left asked in a thick Hakata dialect. I had just bought some first harvest tea myself from my favorite tea shop and was waiting for it to be wrapped. 'Yes, we just received a shipment of chiran-cha (tea from the Chiran region of Kagoshima Prefecture) yesterday. Would you like to sample a cup?' the cashier replied. She was already preparing to scoop some fresh tea leaves into a yokode kyusu (single-sided handle Japanese teapot). Mid-scoop, the man interjected, 'What about tamaryokucha?' 'I'm sorry, we just sold the last one. But we have…' It was too late. With no more than a grunt, he brushed by the couple behind him on his way elsewhere in search of his drink of choice. In hushed tones, one of them said to the other, 'What's tamaryokucha?' How green tea took root in Japan This is all that remains of Saga Prefecture's Ryosenji, an important site in the history of tea in Japan. Image: Krkrkrme/CC BY-SA 4.0 Trying not to draw attention to myself as I eavesdropped, I picked up a small pamphlet on display. As well as offering steeping instructions, it also gave a quick history of tea in Japan. Tea was introduced to Japan via China at the turn of the ninth century. But, cultivation was very limited and drinking tea remained primarily among Buddhist monks and some members of the imperial court. Ultimately, interest died out before long. Fast forward to the late 12th century and the pilgrimages of Eisai, a Zen Buddhist monk. He too returned to Japan with tea, this time in the form of tea plant seeds. On the borderlands of present-day Saga and Fukuoka Prefectures on Mount Sefuri, Eisai planted several seeds on the grounds of Ryosenji. Kyoto and Uji were next to cultivate tea, but this time in the first large-scale plantations. Over the centuries, tea production spread to a few other areas, namely Shizuoka and Kagoshima. Sen no Rikyu began to formalize the Japanese tea ceremony in the 16th century and matcha became the drink of choice among the samurai class. Sencha was later developed in the 18th century. Over 100 years later, tea farmers began to produce wakoucha (Japanese black tea) which gained a following overseas and accounted for nearly two-thirds of all tea exports in 1955. These days, you're likely to find some other well-known teas, including houjicha (roasted green tea), genmaicha (roasted brown rice tea) or even gyokuro, a premium-grade green tea. What is 'tamaryokucha'? Steep yourself in this rare green tea Tea preparation in Song Dynasty China before the invention of pan-firing tea leaves. Image: LIu Songnian/Public domain In the end, the couple was won over by the chiran-cha sample and bought a bag as well as some matcha-flavored ice cream for the road. Meanwhile, another store clerk placed a sold-out sign where tamaryokucha would normally be found. In case you didn't notice, tamaryokucha isn't usually on lists of the greatest hits of Japanese teas. And despite Japan's reputation as a consumer paradise, you probably won't find it among the many offerings at most tea shops in Japan. Here's why: tamaryokucha makes up only about three percent of the country's total tea production with the vast majority originating from Saga's Ureshino area. There are two types of tamaryokucha: kama-iri-sei (pan-fired) and mushi-sei (steamed). Out of the two, the steamed variety is by far the most common. Kama-iri-sei tamaryokucha Rather than using steam to heat dry tea leaves, kama-iri-sei tamaryokucha depends on a kama (an iron pot or pan) to roast them in a process developed during China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Next, they are rubbed before drying. The pan-fired variety is marked by its more nutty and earthy notes at the heart of a fuller tasting tea. These days, less than one percent of teas in Japan are pan-fired. Mushi-sei tamaryokucha The origins of mushi-sei tamaryokucha go back to the 1920s. Looking for new markets to export its tea, Japan turned to the Soviet Union which had been buying Chinese pan-fired tea. Creating a steam-powered process to increase productivity, but with similarly curly and tasty results, Japan began to export mushi-sei tamaryokucha in high volume to the Soviet Union. Shizuoka quickly became the nation's leading producer, pumping out almost 8,000 tons between 1934 and 1941 and dwarfing Kyushu's collective output. To make mushi-sei tamaryokucha, you first steam dry tea leaves at a high temperature while removing condensation as it appears. This process is repeated until, finally, the leaves are left to dry into their characteristically curly shape. Sencha and other green teas are also steamed, but mushi-sei tamaryokucha is steamed for a longer duration. The result is relatively less astringency and rich flavor that can handle being steeped in 80 to 90-degree water for about a minute. Just because it's a relatively rare tea doesn't mean tamaryokucha is impossible to find. Nor does it mean you'll have to pay a premium price. Where to buy tamaryokucha in Japan or online Nagasaki Prefecture's Sonogi region is home to one of 2024's best Japanese teas. Image: ゆう/Pixta Most big supermarket chains don't stock it on the shelves, but you can find some tamaryokucha sourced from Ureshino and Miyazaki Prefecture in Aeon and OK's online inventories. Aeon Kyushu Online carries tamaryokucha from Nagasaki's Sonogi region. But, while these may be the most convenient options, they can't beat the quality of tamaryokucha sold from dedicated tea shops and cultivators. Founded in 1936, Haraguchien is my go-to for tamaryokucha sourced from Ureshino. With only three stores (all located in Fukuoka) that spotlight teas mainly from Ureshino, Yame (Fukuoka) and Chiran (Kagoshima), it's a local small business with deep roots in southern Japanese tea culture. If you want one of the best tamaryokucha around, look no further than Ikeda Cha-en who earned Platinum prizes at the prestigious 2024 Nihoncha Awards. Located in Sonogi, they've made the underdog tea region proud after being selected out of a field of more than 500 teas of all types. Curious to try pan-fired tamaryokucha? Although Ikeda Noen is a small-scale production, they've been in operation since 1907 and produce my favorite version, complete with a refreshing taste and unmistakable roasted aroma. Tamaryokucha in modern Japanese sweets and treats While the number of tamaryokucha-infused treats on the market is far from the near-monopoly that matcha holds, a few retailers offer alternate ways to savor its rich flavor. Fraglace, a company specializing in organic craft ice cream, offers tamaryokucha-infused scoops along with others featuring tea as key ingredients. Over in Shimane Prefecture, a tea shop named Chadonya sells roll cakes baked with tamaryokucha. Start your day with a cup of tamaryokucha Ureshino may not be a household name, but it's the largest producer of tamaryokucha in the country and the origin of my breakfast tea. Image: kattyan/Pixta 'I apologize for the wait. Here's your tamaryokucha,' the tea store clerk said as she handed me my bag. I thanked her and headed home. Before breakfast the next day, I made myself a pot, steeped in 75 degree water for about 50 seconds for that full-bodied flavor with a touch of sweetness. As the morning wore on, I re-steeped it once or twice more for a little longer, each cup getting a little mellower, revealing faint nutty notes. Some people need to start their day with a cup of coffee. While I'm not one of those people, I get it — just like I understand the plight of the older gentleman. Like me, I hope he finally found his rare cup in a sea of green. © Japan Today
Russia Today
29-04-2025
- General
- Russia Today
Think China is a ‘nation that can't fight'? Think again
The internet is flooded with quotes attributed to Chinese philosophers. Who hasn't seen a meme with a 'Confucius' saying or heard of the so-called 'ancient Chinese curse' about living in interesting times? In reality, 99% of these quotations are fake, reflecting Western projections of Chinese wisdom rather than its reality. Yet one saying – 'good iron does not make nails; good men do not make soldiers' – is genuinely Chinese. Known since at least the Song Dynasty (late 10th – early 12th century), it remains in use today, much to the irritation of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) political officers. Globally, the proverb helped fuel a myth that China 'never liked to fight' and 'always lost wars.' Yet the absurdity of this view is clear if one simply looks at the world map today. Nevertheless, it persists – and now, as China becomes a true superpower, this misconception could have dangerous consequences for the world. To understand the proverb's origin, we must look at the structure of the Song Dynasty's military. Early Chinese empires such as the Han relied on conscription, but over time, mercenary armies became the norm. Chronic shortages of volunteers were addressed by drafting criminals and debtors – turning armies into collections of society's 'undesirables.' Officers, by contrast, came from privileged classes who passed imperial military exams. These exams, though less prestigious than their civilian counterparts, still conferred status. But it is crucial to remember that the civil bureaucracy was tiny, making its officials extraordinarily powerful, while rank-and-file soldiers remained socially degraded. This pattern closely resembled Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries: a privileged officer corps and low-status, often criminal, enlisted men. Wellington's remark in 1811 that 'only men of the worst character enter the regular service' could have been said about China too. Military service was a punishment; soldiers were feared more for their misbehavior than admired for their valor. In that context, the 'men and nails' proverb made perfect sense – and was hardly unique to China. The modern Western glorification of the soldier – tied to mass conscription, nationalism, and industrial militarism – only emerged in the 19th century. In China, where social and political backwardness lingered longer, this transformation began only in the 20th century with enormous difficulty. A regular, centrally commanded, professionally trained army – the PLA – was only created in the 1950s, after the Communist victory. Almost immediately, the PLA demonstrated its effectiveness by intervening in the Korean War, inflicting a series of defeats on UN forces and saving North Korea. The Soviet Union, by contrast, limited itself to sending small air and anti-aircraft units. In 1962, China launched a well-timed, surprise offensive against India, achieving a quick victory and territorial gains. Beijing struck while the world was distracted by the Cuban Missile Crisis. Throughout the 1960s, China also provided major military support to North Vietnam, at times deploying up to 170,000 troops – considerably more than the Soviet Union ever committed. In 1969, Beijing provoked and fought small border clashes with the USSR – a calculated show of strength aimed at achieving key foreign and domestic policy goals, including paving the way for rapprochement with the United States. The military component was minor; the political impact was enormous. Meanwhile, the PLA fought a prolonged counterinsurgency campaign in Tibet, defeating US- and Indian-backed guerrillas by the early 1970s. It also engaged in recurring military action against Taiwan, demonstrating clear superiority across the Taiwan Strait. In February 1979, China launched an invasion of Vietnam, a newly minted Soviet ally. This bold action risked conflict with a nuclear superpower. The campaign exposed PLA shortcomings but also demonstrated its resilience, willingness to absorb heavy casualties, and ability to carry out major offensives. While Vietnam held out thanks to Soviet military threats against China, Beijing's ability to act – and to compel both Moscow and Washington to recalibrate their policies – was a major achievement. The Sino-Vietnamese conflict evolved into a decade-long border war marked by artillery duels, naval clashes, and raids, culminating in China's decisive naval victory in the Spratly Islands in 1988. Comparing China's record from 1949-1989 to the Soviet Union's reveals a striking fact: China used military force more frequently, and arguably more effectively, than the USSR during the Cold War. After Mao's death, the PLA underwent profound modernization, both politically and socially. Military service gained prestige. During the Cultural Revolution, the army became a pillar of governance and society. Yet, China's foreign policy turned defensive from the 1990s onward – not from weakness, but from strategic calculation. After the Soviet collapse, China faced a unipolar world dominated by the United States. Survival and development required patience. Beijing avoided major military engagements for nearly 30 years, instead focusing on economic and technological breakthroughs. Shows of force were reserved for defending 'core interests,' such as during the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis. By the late 2010s, the global environment had changed. American dominance weakened. The unipolar order eroded. China's rise, both economic and military, became undeniable. Beijing's gradual reassertion of military power has been cautious but unmistakable: expanding operational reach, forging military partnerships, and conducting exercises in potential conflict zones. The myth of Chinese military incompetence is not only historically false; it is potentially catastrophic. In the past, underestimating China's capabilities led adversaries to miscalculate – to their great cost. Today, as China carefully prepares for its first major combat operations in decades, its adversaries would do well to shed illusions and study history more carefully. Beijing will not rush into war. It will act only under conditions it judges favorable and under circumstances it has painstakingly prepared. But make no mistake: when it acts, China will not be the passive, incompetent power that outdated stereotypes article was first published by the magazine Profile and was translated and edited by the RT team.
