Classic Itineraries
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A Hundred Events Gathered, a Massive Pool Arrives – Limited Free Registration for the 2020 Shanghai International Water Sports Exhibition!
The 2020 Shanghai International Water Sports Exhibition will be held alongside the 2020 Shanghai International Boat Show and the grand 2020 Lifestyle Shanghai Show from March 31 to April 2, 2020, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
One-Fourteenth of a Mountaineering Dream: Conquering the Summit with Perseverance
The mainland documentary film *One-Fourteenth* held a press conference in Changsha on the 28th. This film will focus on Luo Jing, known as the first female civilian mountaineer in China, and tell the story of her decade-long climbing career. The paths she has walked, the mountains she has climbed, and the people she has met have all become part of her blood. Luo Jing stated that true mountaineering isn’t about one or two successes—it’s about the various challenges faced along the way and the growth achieved by overcoming them through effort. In 2017, Luo Jing was named one of the Top Ten Athletes in China by Xinhua News Agency alongside Sun Yang, and was also selected as a CCTV Sports Personality of the Year alongside Ding Junhui. Her high-altitude mountaineering record has been officially recognized by the internationally authoritative mountaineering website 8000ers, which considers her the first mainland climber with an undisputed full summit record.
Cross-Strait Historical Accounts – Yuan Shikai’s Troop Training at Xiaozhan Encompassing the "Three Northern Warlords"
Yuan Shikai succeeded Li Hongzhang as Viceroy of Zhili and concurrently held the post of Minister of Beiyang. With his own formidable army, which was the most powerful force at the time, his troops came to be known as the Beiyang Army. The Beiyang Era marks an important period in modern Chinese history, spanning from 1912 to 1928. During Yuan Shikai’s lifetime, the Beiyang faction remained unified—essentially Yuan’s own faction. After his death, however, various factions vied for dominance, none willing to yield to the others. Additionally, Lin Xi refers to the renowned Hong Kong chronicler Gao Boyu, who discovered the autobiography of American doctor Dr. William Sharpe in the University of Hong Kong library. Chapter Eight of the memoir, titled “Operation on Chinese Royalty,” details the surgery performed on a Chinese noble. Based on this, Gao Boyu translated and wrote “The Record of Yuan Keding’s Treatment,” offering first-hand accounts of how Yuan Shikai engaged the physician, and how the doctor traveled to Yuan’s retreat at Huan Shang Yang Shou Yuan to perform brain surgery on Yuan’s “heir apparent,” Yuan Keding, treating his leg ailment.
A Glimpse into Modern Historical Records — Yuan Shikai’s Troop Training at Xiaozhan, Encompassing the “Three Northern Warlords” (Part 10)
Additionally, Lin Xi, a renowned Hong Kong-based chronicler of anecdotes, is none other than the well-known historian Gao Boyu. He discovered the autobiography of American doctor Dr. William Sharpe in the University of Hong Kong Library. Chapter Eight of the autobiography features an article titled “Operation on Chinese Royalty,” which inspired Gao Boyu to translate and write “The Record of Yuan Keding’s Treatment.” It provides first-hand accounts of how Yuan Shikai enlisted this doctor, how the physician traveled to Yuan’s retreat, the Huan Shang Yang Shou Garden, to perform brain surgery on Yuan’s heir apparent, Yuan Keding, in an attempt to treat his leg ailment. Differing Interpretations: Supporters and Opponents of Yuan Shikai Yuan Shikai’s second son, Yuan Kewen (also known as Han Yun), was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. He began learning characters at six, studied the classics and history at seven, and practiced writing essays at ten. He had an extraordinary memory and was capable of composing poetry and ci lyrics by fifteen, already demonstrating remarkable talent.
Cross-Strait Historical Tales – Informants Rewarded: Yuan Shikai’s Meteoric Rise in Officialdom
To fulfill his promise, Sun Yat-sen submitted his resignation to the Provisional Senate, recommending Yuan Shikai as successor to the provisional presidency on the condition that he assume office in Nanjing. Cai Yuanpei, Song Jiaoren, and others were even dispatched north to welcome Yuan, but the wily old fox still found an excuse to take office in Beijing. Speaking of Yuan Shikai, calling him a towering figure of his era would likely raise no objections. His life was filled with legend—rising meteorically in the late Qing dynasty amid shifting tides, even serving in the Grand Council alongside Zhang Zhidong. After the Guangxu Emperor ascended the throne, Prince Chun Zaiyi acted as regent. Both Zaiyi and Empress Dowager Longyu, harboring grudges from the Hundred Days' Reform, advocated for Yuan’s execution. Only after Zhang Zhidong’s strong plea did they relent, instead ordering him to resign on grounds of foot illness and return to his hometown. Yuan Keding Urges Imperial Ascension This dismissal marked Yuan Shikai’s greatest setback. By the third year of the Xuantong reign, he made a comeback...
Hualien » Civic representative XU Yuanshen and village chief XU Shizhang seek re-election: brothers climb the mountain, each striving in their own way
"I can’t afford to buy votes. Riding this bicycle all over the place has been my golden ticket to winning support for nearly 20 years." At 64, Hualien civic representative XU Yuanshen is running for re-election, maintaining his uniquely individual style, while his younger brother, Zhuan’an Village Chief XU Shizhang, who is also seeking re-election, comes across as more serious. The brothers may be climbing the mountain in their own ways, but they always keep an eye on each other. At 64, XU Yuanshen has been honored as a National Model of Good Deeds and recognized as a "Fragrant Grass Personality" by the provincial government. He previously served as Zhuan’an Village Chief in Hualien City. Four years ago, he switched paths, handing over the village chief role to his younger brother XU Shizhang. He always rides a bicycle equipped with a broom, mop, clamp, dustpan, and recycling bags—ready to clean up and take away recyclables on the spot. Many politically indifferent residents have been moved and have turned out to vote for him. He doesn’t just clean up the environment; he also advocates for addressing poor drainage on Fujian Street No. 132...
Relics of Modern History—Informer Rewarded: Yuan Shikai’s Meteoric Rise in Officialdom (Part 9)
Speaking of Yuan Shikai, calling him a towering figure of his time would likely raise no disagreement. His life was filled with legend; during the final years of the late Qing Dynasty, he rose to prominence amid turbulent times, ascending rapidly in rank and once serving in the Grand Council alongside Zhang Zhidong. After the accession of Puyi, Prince Chun Zaifeng became the regent. Zaifeng and Empress Dowager Longyu, harboring old grudges from the Hundred Days’ Reform, both advocated for Yuan Shikai’s execution. However, thanks to Zhang Zhidong’s strong plea, the execution was called off, and Yuan was instead dismissed on the pretext of suffering from a foot ailment and ordered to return to his hometown. Yuan Keding Encourages the Imperial Restoration Yuan Shikai’s dismissal this time was undoubtedly the greatest setback of his life. By the third year of the Xuantong era, he made a comeback, assuming the role of Prime Minister of the Cabinet and regaining supreme power. At that time, the orphan (Puyi) and widow (Longyu) of the Aisin Gioro clan had no choice but to submit to his authority. After the Qing court issued the edict of abdication, he transformed first into the President of the Republic, and then into the “Hongxian Emperor” for a mere eighty-three days. After becoming president, he had significant potential in both domestic and foreign affairs, but he knew nothing of democratic governance. Moreover, influenced by his son Yuan Keding, he undertook the absurd move of proclaiming himself emperor in 1916. This led to the National Protection War against him, his isolation, and his ultimate downfall. He died in frustration and anger.
Cross-Strait Historical Accounts – Sun Yat-sen and Hu Hanmin Sharing Weal and Woe
In his later years, Wang Xiwen drifted to Hong Kong. He was also an astrologer and quite renowned in the divination circles of the time. In his twilight years, he had to make a living by writing. Coming from a family of scholars steeped in poetry and calligraphy, he ended up like Gongping the diviner, which allows us to sense the loneliness and desolation of his later life, as well as the hardships and struggles he endured. On February 15, 1960, he committed suicide by taking sleeping pills at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple in Sha Tin, Hong Kong. Zhu Zhixin went to Humen to mediate the conflict between the Guangxi clique army and the Dongguan militia. On September 21, 1920, he was unfortunately shot and killed by stray bullets at the age of 35. Upon hearing the news, Sun Yat-sen traveled south from Shanghai and expressed deep sorrow, saying: "I have often said that Zhang Jingjiang has literature but no military skill, while Chen Qimei has military skill but no literature. Zhu Zhixin, however, could be said to possess both. Now that the Guangxi clique has been driven out, even gaining control of all of Guangdong is not enough to compensate for Zhu Zhixin’s death. The price we have paid is too high—how painful!" On the day of Zhu Zhixin’s funeral,
A Glimpse into Modern Historical Records—Sun Yat-sen and Hu Hanmin’s Mutual Support (Part 8)
Zhu Zhixin went to Humen to mediate the conflict between the Guangxi clique army and the Dongguan militia. On September 21, 1920, he was unfortunately shot dead by stray bullets at the age of 35. Upon hearing the news, Sun Yat-sen traveled south from Shanghai and said with deep sorrow: “I once said that Zhang Jingjiang had literary talent but no military skill, while Chen Qimei had military skill but lacked literary refinement. Zhu Zhixin could be said to have both. Now, although the Guangxi clique has been driven out, gaining control of Guangdong is not enough to compensate for Zhu Zhixin’s death. The price we have paid is too high—how tragic!” On the day of Zhu Zhixin’s funeral, Sun Yat-sen personally attended the procession, shedding tears; Hu Hanmin and others were also overwhelmed with grief. White horses and plain hearses marked an occasion of great honor and mourning.
Historical Tales Across the Straits—Sun Yat-sen Relied Heavily on Zhu Zhixin, Known as the "Supreme Premier"
Zhu Zhixin studied in Japan on a government scholarship, enrolling in the accelerated economics program at Tokyo University of Law and Politics. During his time in Japan, he met Sun Yat-sen. In July 1905, he joined the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) in Tokyo, serving successively as an evaluator in the Review Department alongside Wang Jingwei and Hu Hanmin. From then on, he followed Sun Yat-sen and devoted himself to the revolutionary cause. A fellow exile in Hong Kong with Xiahong, Gao Boyu, recalled: "When Jiang Xia was taking refuge in Hong Kong, his life remained colorful because he was a well-known figure with a vast network of acquaintances. Those who craved social prestige were eager to befriend him. For any celebration or gathering, people would invite him to attend, often seating him and Zhang Yi at the head table as 'distinguished elders of high moral standing.' I remember once at a meeting of the China Culture Promotion Society—I don’t recall what the meeting was about—he stood up to speak when asked. The content of his speech has been forgotten, but I do recall him scolding his son-in-law, Wang Xiwen, quite harshly."
A Glimpse into Modern Historical Records — Sun Yat-sen Relied Heavily on Zhu Zhixin, Who Was Revered as the "Supreme Premier" (Part 7)
Gao Boyu, who was in Hong Kong with Xia Gong, said: When Jiang Xia (nicknamed "Jiang Xia") took refuge in Hong Kong, his life remained colorful because he was a prominent figure with an extensive network of acquaintances. Those who craved social prestige were eager to get to know him. For any celebration or gathering, people would invite him to attend and often seated him and Zhang Yi in the places of honor, regarding them as "men of virtue and high esteem." I remember there was a meeting of the China Cultural Advancement Association for some purpose—I don’t recall what—and when asked to speak, he stood up. The content of his speech has been forgotten, but I do recall that he harshly scolded his son-in-law, Wang Xiwen, berating him for inviting him to join Wang Jingwei while failing to have his deceased father buried in Nanjing. (Wang Xiwen’s father, Wang Zhaoyong, died on September 11, 1939; he was Wang Jingwei’s eldest brother.) Someone at the table whispered to me that Jiang Xia had condemned his son-in-law with "righteous indignation," and that Chongqing had even given him ten thousand Hong Kong dollars, which might help him get by for the year.
Historical Tales Across the Strait—Wang Jingwei Urges Chen Jiongming to Declare Independence Against Yuan Shikai
The assassination of Song Jiaoren in Shanghai gradually escalated tensions, with a standoff emerging between the Beijing government and the Kuomintang. Governors of the four southeastern provinces successively issued telegrams in solidarity with the National Assembly members, opposing Yuan Shikai’s large foreign loan, creating an increasingly aggressive momentum. It is regrettable that he failed the imperial examination for the position of *Juren* three times in a row, losing face as a master of the eight-legged essay. He often asked himself, “Could it be that my writing is inferior to others? Or perhaps I simply lack the fortune to become a *Xiaolian* (successful candidate in the imperial examinations)?” By the 19th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign, when the provincial examinations were held again, he hired a proxy test-taker at great expense to sit the exam for him. A man who was himself skilled in writing suddenly needed to hire someone else to take the test for him. By all rights, he should have stayed out of sight, but driven by his own urge to test his skills, he also took on the job of writing exams for others at a low price. He could not let go of the ambition for the governorship. According to research by the renowned scholar of anecdotes Gao Boyu, this...
A Glimpse into Modern Historical Records —— Wang Jingwei Urges Chen Jiongming to Declare Independence Against Yuan Shikai (Part 6)
Regrettably, he failed the imperial examination for the juren degree three times in a row, his mastery of the eight-legged essay proving no match for the test, often prompting him to ask himself: "Could it be that my essays are inferior to others? Or perhaps I was simply not destined to enjoy the honor of becoming a xiaolian (successful candidate in the imperial examination)?" By the nineteenth year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign, when the provincial examination was held again, he hired an essay ghostwriter at great expense to sit the exam for him. A man who was himself known for his skill in writing examination essays actually had to hire someone else to take the test for him — and under normal circumstances, he should have stayed hidden and avoided showing his face. Yet, unable to resist the urge to showcase his talents, he also took on ghostwriting jobs for others, accepting meager compensation for sitting exams on their behalf.
Cross-Strait Historical Tales – Elder Brother Wang Jingwei Raised and Taught Like a Father
In the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign (1896), 13-year-old Wang Jingwei lost his mother; the following year, he lost his father. The year after that, Wang Zhaoyong went to Lechang to handle salt affairs. The Chronicle states: “In the 24th year of Guangxu (1898), at the age of 38, in February I went to Lechang. My second younger brother stayed in the provincial capital to teach, my third younger brother remained there to study clerical work, while I took my youngest brother, sixth younger sister, wife, and children on the journey together.” He specifically brought Wang Jingwei along to take care of him nearby. Wang Jingwei’s father, Wang Zhaorong (courtesy name Shengzhai), was originally from Shanyin, Zhejiang (present-day Shaoxing). Later, he traveled around as a clerk and arrived in Panyu, Guangdong (now Guangzhou) by sea, eventually settling there. Wang Zhaorong’s first wife was Lady Lu, who bore him one son and three daughters. The son was named Zhaoyong (courtesy name Boxu, 1861–1939). In 1871, Lady Lu passed away, and Wang Zhaorong remarried a woman from Guangdong surnamed Wu. Lady Wu first had three daughters before giving birth to three sons: Zhaofu (courtesy name Zhongqi, 1878–1903), Zhaojun (courtesy name Shuhe, 1879–1901), and Zhaoming (courtesy name Jixin, 1883–1944). In the order of “eldest, second, third, and youngest,” Wang Jingwei was the last among the four brothers and was also born to a concubine.
Asian Games: Men’s Downhill MTB – Jiang Shengshan Wins Silver
Another triumph for Team China at the 2018 Asian Games ! On the 20th, the mountain bike events kicked off, where Chinese rider “A-Dan” Jiang Shengshan broke through a tough challenge from the host Indonesian riders to clinch a silver medal. This marks the first Asian Games mountain biking medal for Team China in 20 years since Chen Ruming won bronze at the 1998 Bangkok Games, and also the first-ever medal for China in the men’s downhill MTB event. The men’s downhill MTB event, which had been absent for three editions of the Asian Games, was reinstated in 2018 at the request of the host nation, Indonesia. With daring skill and nerves of steel, Chinese mountain biker Jiang Shengshan finished just 1.497 seconds behind the gold medalist, securing the silver. This is the first-ever medal for Team China in the men’s downhill MTB at the Asian Games. Chinese rider Jiang Shengshan lived up to expectations. He completed the downhill finals in 2 minutes, 18.184 seconds
Black bear spotted again: 4th intrusion in 10 days leads to emergency closure of Jiannming Lake hiking trail
Another black bear sighting: On the evening of August 18, staff from a mountaineering club assisting with mountain hut management captured close-up footage of a black bear boldly climbing kitchen shelves inside the Xiangyang Mountain Hut, showing no fear of humans. This marks the fourth such incident in just 10 days. Due to the alarming frequency, to prevent human-bear conflicts, the Taitung Forest District Office announced an emergency closure of the entire Jiannming Lake National Trail for 15 days, from August 22 to September 5. All accommodation bookings for the Xiangyang and Jiannming Lake huts, as well as the Jiannming Lake campsite, have been suspended during this period. The Formosan black bear was previously spotted in the kitchen of the Xiangyang Mountain Hut on the evening of August 9 and early morning of August 11. After being driven away by hut staff, another hiker reportedly saw the bear near the warehouse beside the Jiannming Lake Mountain Hut around midnight on August 17. The next day, a storage box dragged out by the bear and bear droppings were found near the hut. Unexpectedly, late at night on August 18, the Xiangyang Mountain Hut once again reported a bear sighting, with footage capturing the animal in close proximity to humans, showing no signs of fear.
A Glimpse into Modern Historical Records —— Elder Brother Like a Father to Wang Jingwei (Part 5)
Wang Jingwei’s father, Wang Rulun (courtesy name Shengzhai), was originally from Shanyin, Zhejiang (present-day Shaoxing). Later, he traveled as a private secretary and arrived in Panyu, Guangdong (now Guangzhou) by sea, after which he registered his household there. His first wife, Lady Lu, gave birth to one son and three daughters — the son was Zhao Yong (courtesy name Boxu, 1861–1939). In 1871, Lady Lu passed away, and Wang Rulun remarried a woman from Guangdong surnamed Wu. Lady Wu initially had three daughters before giving birth to three sons: Zhao Fu (courtesy name Zhongqi, 1878–1903), Zhao Jun (courtesy name Shuhe, 1879–1901), and Zhao Ming (courtesy name Jixin, 1883–1944). In the order of “eldest, second, third, and youngest,” Wang Jingwei was the youngest among the four brothers and also born to a concubine.
Cross-Strait Historical Accounts – A Personal Secretary’s Pen Restores the True Image of Du Yuesheng
On August 7, 1951, Du Yuesheng called Hu Xuwu to his side, intending to dictate his will. At the time, family members and close friends were all in the room, wiping away tears and nodding solemnly. By then, Du Yuesheng’s cheeks had sunken, his complexion pale with a grayish tint, and he had to catch his breath after just a few words. He spoke slowly: “I am critically ill and about to pass away. Now, I will distribute my remaining assets (including cash, bonds, real estate, etc.) according to a specific allocation plan among my wives and children... All heirs must strive to preserve what has been built and work hard to create anew, and so on.” After dictating, Du asked Hu Xuwu to read it back to him, then struggled to sign his name, “Du Yong.”
Shouting for Help After Getting Lost in the Mountains: Firefighters Rescue Stranded Hiker
At 09:56 on the 19th, the Taoyuan City Fire Department received a report from the public that a male hiker surnamed Li had gone hiking on Mount Taman in Fuxing District on the 18th and was currently missing and lost. The caller requested assistance from 119 for a search operation. The fire department immediately dispatched personnel from the Balin Squad, Second Search, and Fourth Search — a total of nine firefighters — who geared up and headed to the scene to assist in the search. The Balin Squad’s team leader, Tong Yingdun, led the firefighters and arrived at the trailhead at 11:00 to begin searching for the missing individual. They attempted to contact him by phone along the way, but due to poor signal caused by the mountainous terrain and obstructions, they were unable to get through. The firefighters could only shout along the hiking route in hopes of locating the lost hiker. Fortunately, the team discovered the man surnamed Li approximately 1,200 meters from the trailhead. After assessing his condition, they found he was physically stable with no external injuries, though he was suffering from exhaustion. The rescuers immediately provided him with food and warm drinking water.