The Magnificent Chinese Jade Pagoda


Book Description

This is the story and background of how an orphan Chinese boy, with Gods blessing, created the world-renowned Jade Pagoda and its priceless companion collection and how it was lost to not only 1.4 billion Chinese but also to the people of the United States and the world. The centerpiece of this jade collection is the Jade Pagoda that took the blood and sweat of 150 Chinese jade artisans over ten years to complete. It was carved from the largest jadeite boulder ever mined from a quarry in Northern Burma (Myanmar). These jade workers labored between 1922 and 1933 by hand-and-foot power, using only the crudest of tools to carve the most intricate spectacle in the world today. The pagoda was not only the lifetime realization of the dream of jade connoisseur Chang Wen Ti but also an intended icon for world peace and friendship that Chang had so fervently promoted. The city of Oakland was chosen as the recipient of the largest gift ever donated by one family as a gesture of goodwill between the Chinese and the Americans on behalf of the Chinese people. This pagoda has been rightfully called the eighth wonder of the world by its many admirers and those who have viewed it in person. This book is about the magnificent Jade Pagoda and the man who brought it to fruition.







Gardens of a Chinese Emperor


Book Description

The Garden of Perfect Brightness (Yuanming Yuan) in the western suburbs of the Quing capital, Beijing, was begun by the great Kangxi (r. 1661-1722) and expanded by his son, Yongzheng (r. 1722-1736) and brought to its greatest glory by his grandson, Qianlong (r. 1736-1796). A lover of literature and art, Qinglong sought an earthly reflection of his greatness in his Yuanming Yuan. For many years he designed and directed an elaborate program of garden arrangements. Representing two generations of painstaking research, this book follows the emperor as he ruled his empire from within his garden. In a landscape of lush plants, artificial mountains and lakes, and colorful buildings, he sought to represent his wealth and power to his diverse subjects and to the world at large. Having been looted and burned in the mid-nineteenth century by western forces, it now lies mostly in ruins, but it was the world’s most elaborate garden in the eighteenth century. The garden suggested a whole set of concepts—religious, philosophical, political, artistic, and popular—represented in landscape and architecture. Just as bonsai portrays a garden in miniature, the imperial Yuanming Yuan at the height of its splendor represented the Qing Empire in microcosm. Includes 62 color plates and 35 black & white photographs.




China


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China


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亞洲文化


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Our Oriental Heritage


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The first volume of the expansive Pulitzer Prize-winning series The Story of Civilization. Discover a history of civilization in Egypt and the Near East to the Death of Alexander, and in India, China, and Japan from the beginning; with an introduction on the nature and foundations of civilization.







The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia On A Budget


Book Description

Now available in ePub format. The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget is the ultimate guide for budget-conscious independent travelers visiting this fascinating region. Updated by a team of expert writers, this edition of The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget is packed with information to help you make the most of your time and money, including comprehensive transportation information, suggested itineraries, full-color maps, and advice on local culture, food and language. Detailed listings give the low-down on the best hotels, hostels, bars and restaurants, while "treat yourself" suggestions provide inspiration for when to splurge. Whether you want to take a slow boat down the Mekong, feast on dim sum in Hong Kong, kick-back on a white-sand beach in Thailand or explore the temples of Bagan in Myanmar, this guide is the ultimate companion to travel in Southeast Asia. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget.




Lonely Planet Indonesia


Book Description

#1 best-selling guide to Indonesia* Lonely Planet Indonesia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Take in a traditional gamelan performance, laze on hidden beaches, or hike volcanic peaks; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Indonesia and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Indonesia Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, cuisine, environment, outdoor activities, responsible travel and more Over 60 maps Covers Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Indonesia, our most comprehensive guide to Indonesia, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for a guide focused on Bali or Lombok? Check out Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok for a comprehensive look at all these islands have to offer; or Pocket Bali, a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip. Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. *Source: Nielsen BookScan. Australia, UK and USA Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.