China

China is seen variously as an ancient civilization extending over a large area in East Asia, a nation and/or a multinational entity. China is one of the world's oldest civilizations and is regarded as the oldest continuous civilization. For centuries, it possessed the most advanced society and economy in the world through successive dynasties though it subsequently missed the industrial revolution and began to decline. With influences from the Western civilization and the introduction of capitalism and democratic free market principles, China is once again becoming a prominent power house in the 21st century.

Qin Shi Huang conquered and united China in 221 BC establishing the Qin Dynasty. He wanted to protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, so he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire's new northern frontier. Pictured here is the "North Pass" of Juyongguan known as Badaling. In ancient times, this is one of the most well guarded areas of the Wall as it was the gateway to the capital: Beijing. This picture was taken on top of a guard tower and this is what a Chinese soldier would see in ancient times.
Despite what you hear about how controlling China is, there's still plenty of ways they get away with things. For instance, in this picture, a communist guard uses his cell phone while at work and was hiding in a corner away from surveillance cameras. Check the top left of the picture and you will find the camera he's hiding from. I initially thought he was sleeping.
"The Great Wall" Shot taken on the left side of the wall near the top of the tree line. Qin Shi Huang conquered and united China in 221 BC establishing the Qin Dynasty. He wanted to protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, so he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire's new northern frontier. Pictured here is the "North Pass" of Juyongguan known as Badaling. In ancient times, this is one of the most well guarded areas of the Wall as it was the gateway to the capital: Beijing.
"Kite to Heaven" A Chinese man shows off his kite flying skills in Houhai (后海/後海), a park and lake area in Beijing. It's home to restaurants, bars, and boat rental shops. Houhai is very popular with the locals and foreign tourists, and is Beijing's premier night life spot.
"The Alpha Pigeon" Just outside of Beijing's Red Theater is home to a small flock of pigeons. The alpha pigeon seen with the reddish pink neck took the top perch...always.
Yesterday was the 21st year anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Roughly 7,000 civilians were killed, according to NATO intelligence, after the government sent battle hardened troops to stop the protests. PLA military units originally from Beijing were sent away as they could not do the deed. They called in the 27th Army from Hangzhou to "clear" the protest area. In this picture, special teams in full riot gear are visibly stationed in busy intersections near Tiananmen Square and downtown Beijing.
Ming Dynasty Tombs, Chinese spider, unknown species. Shot with Canon 300mm f/4L IS lens about 3 feet away.
This long tailed, beautiful Azure-winged Magpie or the Cyanopica cyana was collecting raw materials for its nest. Taken at Beijing, China near the gate entrance of the Temple of Heaven.
Red Theater's Kungfu Show in Beijing
Red Theater's Kungfu Show in Beijing
Red Theater's Kungfu Show in Beijing
Baby Don shows off the $3 cap I bought from a peddler in Beijing.