Latest news with #Sichuan
The Age
3 hours ago
- The Age
What the travel brochures omit about ‘the world's happiest nation'
We're hiking through pine-scented hills above Paro, the city fanned out below in a patchwork of rice paddies, timber-framed houses and temples. Our guide, a giggly man named Thunder who is dressed in a traditional gho (a knee-length robe tied at the waist), pauses to point out wild wormwood and Sichuan pepper sprouting along the trail. The air is crisp, the light soft. Our first of eight days in Bhutan, and already my husband and I feel as though we've landed in the pristine Shangri-La that the brochures promise. Like many travellers, I'd long felt drawn by Bhutan's image as a carefully protected cultural haven, where the king's quiet power borders on the mythical and the measure of Gross National Happiness (GNH) – Bhutan's unique index that weighs wellbeing across nine domains including psychological health, education, living standards and ecological diversity – is equally weighted with gross domestic product. But I'd heard the critiques, too: that GNH is vague and hard to measure; that Bhutan's 'high value, low volume' tourism model, with its sustainable development fee and mandatory guides, risks exclusivity and holds tradition in aspic; and that young Bhutanese are leaving in droves, returning with degrees but often struggling to find work to match. I wanted to find out for myself. Is this celebrated mountain kingdom the beacon it's said to be, or is the truth more complicated? On the three-hour drive to remote Haa Valley, we wind through forests and hairpin bends, past rhododendrons, moss-draped cypresses and shaggy yaks grazing beneath snapping prayer flags. Haa is one of the kingdom's most traditional regions, its customs and farming practices largely untouched by modernisation. At our driver's family farmhouse, we sit cross-legged on the lounge room floor, eating ema datshi chilli cheese stew and hoentey dumplings, made almost entirely from ingredients grown on-site. After lunch, we wander the family's small farm, one thread in the tapestry of self-sufficient plots that upholster the valley. That night at Haa Sangwa Camp, the sense of harmony deepens. Tucked in a pine grove beside the Haa Chu River, staffed by locals and solar-lit, the seasonal camp treads lightly, echoing Bhutan's ethos of balance and reverence. With the camp to ourselves, we sip tsheringma herbal tea in the yak-hair dining tent, plunge into the icy river, then warm by a bonfire as masked dancers perform yangchen lugar, or sacred Bhutanese dances. Bhutan's complexities begin to surface as the days pass. Mist clings to the trees as we climb to Phajoding, a 13th-century monastery above Thimphu. We arrive to find monks crafting torma cakes from coloured butter in preparation for a ceremony. As dusk falls, we play with the youngest monks in the dim glow of the guesthouse. They practise their English, telling us what they know about Australia: kangaroos, and that 'Bhutanese people go to Australia to make money'.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
What the travel brochures omit about ‘the world's happiest nation'
We're hiking through pine-scented hills above Paro, the city fanned out below in a patchwork of rice paddies, timber-framed houses and temples. Our guide, a giggly man named Thunder who is dressed in a traditional gho (a knee-length robe tied at the waist), pauses to point out wild wormwood and Sichuan pepper sprouting along the trail. The air is crisp, the light soft. Our first of eight days in Bhutan, and already my husband and I feel as though we've landed in the pristine Shangri-La that the brochures promise. Like many travellers, I'd long felt drawn by Bhutan's image as a carefully protected cultural haven, where the king's quiet power borders on the mythical and the measure of Gross National Happiness (GNH) – Bhutan's unique index that weighs wellbeing across nine domains including psychological health, education, living standards and ecological diversity – is equally weighted with gross domestic product. But I'd heard the critiques, too: that GNH is vague and hard to measure; that Bhutan's 'high value, low volume' tourism model, with its sustainable development fee and mandatory guides, risks exclusivity and holds tradition in aspic; and that young Bhutanese are leaving in droves, returning with degrees but often struggling to find work to match. I wanted to find out for myself. Is this celebrated mountain kingdom the beacon it's said to be, or is the truth more complicated? On the three-hour drive to remote Haa Valley, we wind through forests and hairpin bends, past rhododendrons, moss-draped cypresses and shaggy yaks grazing beneath snapping prayer flags. Haa is one of the kingdom's most traditional regions, its customs and farming practices largely untouched by modernisation. At our driver's family farmhouse, we sit cross-legged on the lounge room floor, eating ema datshi chilli cheese stew and hoentey dumplings, made almost entirely from ingredients grown on-site. After lunch, we wander the family's small farm, one thread in the tapestry of self-sufficient plots that upholster the valley. That night at Haa Sangwa Camp, the sense of harmony deepens. Tucked in a pine grove beside the Haa Chu River, staffed by locals and solar-lit, the seasonal camp treads lightly, echoing Bhutan's ethos of balance and reverence. With the camp to ourselves, we sip tsheringma herbal tea in the yak-hair dining tent, plunge into the icy river, then warm by a bonfire as masked dancers perform yangchen lugar, or sacred Bhutanese dances. Bhutan's complexities begin to surface as the days pass. Mist clings to the trees as we climb to Phajoding, a 13th-century monastery above Thimphu. We arrive to find monks crafting torma cakes from coloured butter in preparation for a ceremony. As dusk falls, we play with the youngest monks in the dim glow of the guesthouse. They practise their English, telling us what they know about Australia: kangaroos, and that 'Bhutanese people go to Australia to make money'.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China to lead global space weather network to monitor dangerous solar eruptions
China has set out to lead the construction of the world's most comprehensive space weather monitoring and warning network, an ambitious ground-based system comprising the largest chain of observatories on Earth, passing through more than 10 countries and regions. The International Meridian Circle Programme (IMCP) is aimed at building a matrix of surveillance stations to better understand and forecast solar activity such as solar storms, which can severely disrupt satellite communications , navigation and power grids on Earth. The programme covers a huge section of the Earth – extending halfway around the planet and forming the largest network of observatories ever built. The project, which according to the IMCP website does not include the United States, was officially launched at a forum during the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan province, on June 12. The Post has contacted the scientists in charge of the initiative for comment. During the forum, five more organisations – including the Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics, under the International Science Council – as well as research institutes from South Korea, Nigeria, Thailand and Uganda, signed cooperation agreements with the National Space Science Centre (NSSC) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the lead institute of the project.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
What Makes Flushing a Unique Destination for Upscale Companionship?
Flushing, a vibrant enclave in the heart of Queens, New York, is steadily establishing itself as one of the city's most distinctive destinations for those seeking upscale companionship. This neighborhood, brimming with energy and cultural diversity, offers much more than meets the eye. For couples or companions yearning for a sophisticated, yet unconventional date night, Flushing is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Flushing Nightlife Experiences to Remember While Manhattan often steals the spotlight for New York's nightlife, Flushing asserts its own unique flair after dark. The area pulses with hidden gems, from rooftop lounges framing the skyline to intimate cocktail bars tucked away on bustling streets. Couples can enjoy hand-crafted drinks at elegant speakeasies or share a bottle of fine sake at authentic izakayas, where the conversations flow as freely as the beverages. For those drawn to a more kinetic atmosphere, Flushing's upbeat karaoke lounges and live music venues offer a playful alternative. A duet at the mic or dancing to live jazz can infuse the evening with spontaneous joy, creating memories that linger long after the last note fades. The district's late-night dessert cafes, meanwhile, provide the perfect setting to unwind, share stories, and sample sweet Asian treats under neon lights. Romantic Flushing: Ambiance and Affection Lovers of romance will find plenty to delight in throughout Flushing. Begin the evening with a dreamy stroll along Kissena Lake in Kissena Park. As the sun sets and the sky softens into hues of pink and gold, the tranquil waters and lush landscape create an idyllic backdrop for heartfelt conversation. Another enchanting option is Queens Botanical Garden, where winding paths, vibrant blooms, and serene fountains set the stage for romance in every season. If you're seeking a quintessential Flushing experience, a sunset walk across the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a must. Glide beneath towering Unisphere, hand-in-hand with your companion, and watch the city lights begin to twinkle. These tranquil escapes offer precious privacy in a city known for its energy. It's in these moments that Flushing reveals its softer side, one that caters beautifully to intimate companionship. Upscale Flushing Activities: Culinary Excellence and Culture A culinary adventure is a must for any upscale Flushing experience. The area's international food scene is renowned for both its depth and sophistication, making it an irresistible playground for gourmands. Begin in Flushing's famed restaurant districts, where you'll find Michelin-rated Chinese eateries, chic fusion bistros, and artisanal dumpling houses. Savor the subtle notes of dim sum breakfasts, indulge in fiery Sichuan dinners, or share delicate pastries at a stylish dessert bar. Dining in Flushing isn't just about the food—it's about sharing an exploration of flavors and cultures. Taste-testing small plates at bustling night markets or embarking on a private food tour allows for shared discovery, laughter, and connection. Wine bars, tea lounges, and modern coffee houses give couples an opportunity to relax in upscale ambiance, extending the evening with comfort and class. Culture is ever-present in Flushing. Whether you're attending a classical performance at one of the local music halls, admiring avant-garde art in contemporary galleries, or shopping for hand-crafted treasures in world-renowned shopping arcades, there's always an opportunity to make a date special. Turning an Evening Into an Unforgettable Experience What sets Flushing apart as a premium destination for companionship is its dynamic blend of culture and tranquility. Here, you can curate an evening that evolves—from tranquil walks and elegant dining to immersive nightlife. Every moment can be tailored, every activity designed to forge unforgettable bonds. The secret to Flushing's allure lies in its authentic spirit and the diverse, world-class experiences it offers. Whether you're raising a glass in a hidden jazz club, savoring artisanal cuisine, or watching the sunset with the city skyline in the distance, Flushing provides the perfect backdrop for truly memorable moments. If you're ready to elevate your evening, plan your upscale Flushing experience with thoughtful intention and an appetite for discovery. Flushing will surprise you, inspire you, and craft memories that linger far beyond the final farewell. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
The Dark Side of China's Gold Frenzy
As the price of gold soared, Julie Li thought her investment in the precious metal was the smartest decision she had ever made. Across China, many like her have poured their savings into gold, lured by companies promising hefty returns far into the future. About a year ago, Ms. Li invested about $35,000 in gold bars through Yongkun Gold, a company that runs an online platform and dozens of jewelry shops in eastern China. The investments performed so well that she used a credit card to put in $20,000 more. Last month, Ms. Li and thousands of other Yongkun Gold investors were supposed to receive a payout from their accounts. Instead, the company halted all withdrawals and shuttered its shops. Its headquarters in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou closed, and the company stopped responding to calls and messages. 'That's all my savings,' said Ms. Li, 28, who works as a customer service agent in China's southwestern Sichuan Province. 'The salesperson kept telling me that gold prices will keep rising.' The enthusiasm of individual investors like Ms. Li has been a major factor in supercharging the price of gold, which has recently set a series of records. In the first three months of the year, Chinese investors bought roughly 124 metric tons of gold bars and coins, a 12 percent rise from the previous year and far more than investors in any other country, according to the World Gold Council. The plight of Ms. Li and many other gold investors whose money may be lost is a worry for Chinese officials, who are sensitive to any potential source of social unrest. The local police have started a criminal investigation into the company. Source: FactSet By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
