Beijing

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Today I am looking a bit more at the town of Beijing, the capital of China.

Beijing is a city with a rich and extensive history, with evidence of human habitation dating back hundreds of thousands of years. It has served as the capital of various Chinese dynasties for most of the past eight centuries and has played a central role in the country’s political and cultural development.

The area around modern-day Beijing has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The discovery of “Peking Man” fossils in Zhoukoudian, dating back 230,000 to 250,000 years, provides evidence of early human ancestors.

Beijing’s rise to a major imperial capital began in the 10th to 13th centuries, when nomadic peoples from beyond the Great Wall made the city their capital.

In 1215, the Mongol armies of Genghis Khan captured and destroyed the city. However, Kublai Khan, a successor of Genghis Khan and founder of the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), decided to rebuild the city and make it his capital, renaming it Dadu (“Great Capital”). It was during this time that the city first became the political centre of a unified China. The Venetian merchant Marco Polo visited Dadu and was astonished by its grandeur.

In 1644, the Manchu people conquered China and established the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), with Beijing as their capital. The city’s layout and many of its iconic landmarks, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, remained largely the same, though new palaces and gardens were added outside the city walls, including the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace. The Old Summer Palace was famously destroyed by British and French troops during the Second Opium War in 1860.

The Qing dynasty was overthrown in 1912, and the Republic of China was established. Beijing remained the political centre for a time but was renamed Beiping (“Northern Peace”) in 1928 when the capital was moved to Nanjing.

On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China from Tiananmen Gate, and Beijing was once again declared the nation’s capital. The city has undergone significant changes since then, with the development of modern infrastructure and the expansion of the urban area. Notable recent historical events include the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 and the hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

According to official data, the permanent population of Beijing was 21.832 million at the end of 2024. This marked a decrease of 26,000 from the previous year.

The housing market in Beijing is complex, with a mix of ownership and rental options. The government has played a significant role in housing policy, with a shift from subsidized public housing to a more commercialized market since 1978. This has led to a variety of housing tenures, including public rental, private market rental, and several types of home ownership (e.g., purchasing former public housing or market-rate homes). Residence status and income are major factors that determine the type of housing a person can access.    

The majority of Beijing’s population lives in multi-story apartment buildings, a trend driven by rapid urbanization and the need to house a massive population in a limited space.

The most common form of housing is apartment buildings, these range from older, multi-story buildings (typically 4-7 stories) to modern high-rise towers with over seven floors and elevators. They are found throughout the city, with prices and quality varying significantly depending on the location. Modern, high-end apartments are common in the central business district and upscale neighbourhoods, while more functional and affordable apartments are found in the suburbs.  

There are also siheyuans which are courtyard houses, these are Beijing’s traditional and iconic residential dwellings. A siheyuan consists of buildings arranged around a central courtyard. While they were once the dominant housing style, many have been demolished to make way for modern apartment buildings. Today, the remaining siheyuans are highly sought after and expensive, often found in the historic “hutong” (narrow alley) areas of central Beijing. Some have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, or shared by multiple families.  

Found predominantly in the city’s suburbs are villas, which are Western-style, single-family homes or townhouses. They are a much rarer and more expensive housing option compared to apartments.  

A significant portion of the migrant worker population and some state employees live in dormitories or other forms of collective housing provided by their employers. These are often located near factories or construction sites and are generally considered a more temporary or basic form of accommodation.  

Monkeys in China

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Since yesterday’s post was about China and today, I am writing about monkey’s again I thought I would look at monkeys found in China.

China is home to a diverse range of monkey species, most of which are concentrated in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. Many of these species are endangered due to habitat loss and other human-related threats.

Let’s start with the Snub-nosed monkey these are perhaps the most iconic monkey’s native to China, named for their distinctive, almost non-existent noses. Four of the five species of snub-nosed monkeys in the world are found in China, including three that are endemic. The most famous is the golden snub-nosed monkey, which lives in the mountainous forests of central China.  

Then we have the Macaques, this is the most common genus of monkeys in China. They are highly adaptable and are found in a variety of habitats, including some areas with a long history of human interaction.

Notable species include, the Tibetan macaque, which is the largest macaque species, it is endemic to China and found in the mountainous forests of eastern Tibet, as well as provinces like Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou.  

Then we have the Rhesus macaque, which is widespread throughout Asia, this species has a large population in China. Then there is the Stump-tailed macaque, which is known for its distinctive red face, this monkey is found throughout southern China.  

You can also find Leaf monkeys and langurs these monkeys are primarily herbivores and are known for their long tails and slender bodies. Species in China include the François’ langur, white-headed langur, and capped langur, all of which are endangered.  

How old is China

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Hi everyone, I am going to share a little more information about China, like how old the country is.

The age of China as a continuous civilization is often measured in different ways, leading to various figures.

China is widely considered one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a history spanning over 4,000 years. This is based on archaeological and historical records of early dynasties like the Shang.

The first unified Chinese state was established by the Qin Dynasty in 221BCE. This marked the beginning of imperial China, which lasted for over two millennia. This period of centralized rule is a key factor in the formation of the modern nation-state.  

The country has had many dynasties, however the number of dynasties China has had is a bit complicated, as it depends on how you define a “dynasty.” Some periods saw multiple competing dynasties at the same time, while others were short-lived.  

However, historians generally recognise 13 major dynastic periods in a long, continuous line of succession that ruled over a unified or semi-unified China:  Here are what those 13 dynasties are.

Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE): The first dynasty in traditional Chinese history, though its existence is considered quasi-mythical by some scholars.  

Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE): The first dynasty with solid archaeological evidence.  

Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE): The longest-ruling dynasty, which developed the concept of the “Mandate of Heaven.”  

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE): The first to unify China and establish a centralized, imperial system.  

Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE): A golden age for Chinese culture and technology.  

Sui Dynasty (581–618): Briefly unified China after a long period of disunity.  

Tang Dynasty (618–907): Another “golden age,” known for its flourishing arts and culture.  

Song Dynasty (960–1279): A period of great economic and technological advancement.  

Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368): Established by the Mongols under Kublai Khan.  

Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): Known for its ambitious public works and extensive maritime exploration.  

Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): China’s last imperial dynasty, ruled by the Manchu people.  

In addition to these, there were many other smaller or regional dynasties and periods of fragmentation, such as the Three Kingdoms, the Sixteen Kingdoms, and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms periods. If you were to count every single one of these, the total number of Chinese dynasties could be as high as over 80.  

Week 36 of 2025

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

I had a good 9hrs of sleep only woke once to pee, it is the last day of winter.

Tim and I went to Lake Fair to do some shopping. While out I got very hot and had to remove my long sleeve top.

Tim did a lot of yard work today, me well I didn’t do much just couldn’t get motivated today.

Temp at 5.30am 7C

Temp at 1pm 19C

Temp at 7pm 15C

BGL:5.0

Steps:11,740=5.98klm’s or 3.7miles

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I had 7hrs & 19 mins of sleep woke up 4 times to pee, it is the first day of spring and it is damn cold this morning.

When I did the grocery shopping yesterday afternoon, I discovered at checkout that Woolworths didn’t have the morning $2 delivery option so had to pick afternoon delivery, I will have to speak to Jess about her watching for the delivery tomorrow as I will be at physio.

Sam looked so tired this morning she felt she had done too much” peopling” over the weekend and didn’t want to go to Tafe but Jess said she had to go.

At 10am I saw Jess go out when she got back, she had Sam with her.

Temp at 5.30am 7C

Temp at 1pm 15C

Temp at 7pm 12C

BGL:5.1

Steps:11,438=5.8 or 3.6miles

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I only had 5hrs & 34 mins of sleep woke up 6 times to pee, so at 5am I got up took my meds and went back to bed for 40 mins. I am feeling ok at the moment.

I went to physio and was told that even though I haven’t noticed much change I do in fact have a bit more movement in my arm. My next appointment is in 6 weeks, and I have of course more exercise to do.

While walking back to the car after the appointment I had a moment of light headedness and stumbled, I didn’t fall but Sue kept a good grip on my arm till we reached the car.

Also, Sue made cupcakes which she brought over for me.

When I went to meet Sam this arvo I took the scooter instead on the walker.

Temp at 5.30am 7C or 44F

Temp at 1pm 16C or 60F

Temp at 7pm 14C or 57F

BGL:5.1

Steps:11,191=5.69klm’s or 3.4 miles

I slept much better last night got 7hrs of sleep woke only once to pee and woke up feeling awake and ready to do stuff this morning.

Sue and I drove Jess to her appointment to have some touch ups done to her tattoos. While there Sue had the tattoo she had done in Qld touched up and I got a small skull/alien looking thing on the back of my neck near the hairline, Jess paid for this.

On the way home we bought Maca’s for lunch

Temp at 5.30am 9C or 48F

Temp at 1pm 17 or 62F

Temp at 7pm 17C 62F

BGL:4.9

Steps:10,616=5.4klms or 3.3 miles

I slept pretty well woke only once to pee at 3.30am, had 8hrs and 45mins of sleep, was awake for 30mins.

Sue and I went shopping as it’s her payday, we were gone longer than usual it was 11am by the time I got home, and I was exhausted.

I started to go up to meet Sam this arvo but stopped at Jess’s to drop off a couple of towels Sam left here as well as her thick warm jacket and Jess said Sam should be going to Bailey’s. I asked Sam this morning if I was meeting her, she said yes, anyway Jess rang Sam and yeah, she was going to Bailey’s I am glad I stopped at Jess’s before going to wait for Sam.

Also, Jess let me know that Sam’s last day of school is the 25 September so that’s only 3 weeks away. As Sam is in a special need class, she will not be sitting the HSC which is why school for her will end early. HSC stands for Higher School Certificate.

Temp at 5.30am 10C or 50F

Temp at 1pm 16C or 60F

Temp at 7pm 20C or 68F

BGL:5.3

Steps: 9,960=5klm’s or 3 miles

I slept pretty well woke only once to pee at 3.30am, had 8hrs and 53mins of sleep, was awake for 8mins. I have managed to write 3 letters today and did the laundry and vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen.

This afternoon I am feeling so worn out and so very tired. It was cold when I went to wait for Sam this arvo thankfully, .I had a cardigan and a rug

Temp at 5.30am 10C or 50F

Temp at 1pm 17C or 62F

Temp at 7pm 15C or 59F

BGL:4.9

Steps: 9,721=4.9klms or 3miles

I slept pretty well didn’t wake at all and had 8hrs and 59mins of sleep, was awake for 12mins.

I was surprised to see Sam, walk in at 5.10am, just to say hi and give me a hug as well as look through the food cupboard and the fridge and freezer.

Sam came down to make toasted sandwiches for her and Bailey for lunch.

Temp at 5.30am 13C or 55F

Temp at 1pm 19C or 66F

Temp at 7pm 18C or 64F

BGL:5.3

Steps:8,142=4.15klms or 2.5miles

China’s National Anthem

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China’s national anthem is the “March of the Volunteers.” Nie Er wrote the music in 1934, and Tian Han wrote the lyrics as a patriotic march. In 1949, the tune was adopted as the national anthem.

The anthem mixes new and traditional Chinese music. The first phrase suggests a major mode using F♯. However, the piece becomes Chinese pentatonic after that point. The first phrase also leads one to expect symmetrical four-bar phrases, but the tune quickly takes a more flexible Chinese course.

It was officially made the national anthem in 1982, and a provision for it was added to the Chinese constitution in 2004.

Here are the English lyrics.

Stand up! Those who refuse to be slaves!

With our flesh and blood, let’s build our newest Great Wall!

The Chinese Nation is at its greatest peril,

Each one is forced to let out one last roar.

Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!

We are billions of one heart,

Braving the enemies’ fire, March on!

Braving the enemies’ fire, March on!

March on! March on! On!

Now let’s be good Chinese learners and study some of the keywords from the Chinese national anthem lyrics.

Monkey’s

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Today’s topic is monkeys, so what is a monkey, well a monkey is a tailed primate, excluding lemurs, tarsiers, and lorises. They are different from apes because apes do not have tails. Monkeys have narrow chests and specific skeletal features that distinguish them from apes. Most monkey species, of which there are nearly 200, reside in tropical forests and move on all four limbs.

Monkeys are divided into two main groups: Old World and New World monkeys. Old World monkeys belong to the family Cercopithecidae, while New World monkeys are platyrrhines, comprising five families. These groups are distinguished by their noses: New World monkeys have broad noses with wide septums and outward-facing nostrils, while Old World monkeys have narrow noses with thin septums and downward-facing nostrils.

Most monkeys have good problem-solving skills and can learn from experience, but they do not reach the cognitive levels of great apes. Monkeys are highly social animals that live in troops.

Monkeys are found in the wild in many countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. While they are most prevalent in tropical rainforests, some species have adapted to live in other environments, including snowy mountains and urban areas.  

How long do they live well that differs depending on the species, their environment (wild vs. captivity), and other factors. However, in general in the wild most live between 15-30yrs, baboons, can live up to 40yrs.

Monkeys in captivity often live much longer than their wild counterparts due to protection from predators, disease, and competition for food. It’s common for monkeys in zoos or research centres to live well into their 30’s or 40’s.

Monkeys are highly adaptable omnivores, and their diet can vary significantly depending on the species, their habitat, and the season. While the image of a monkey eating a banana is iconic, it’s not a primary food source for many wild species, and their diets are much more diverse.  

They are opportunistic eaters, and their diet reflects their ability to adapt to their surroundings and take advantage of any available food source. They eat a large variety of fruits and not just bananas, they also eat berries, mangos and figs to name a few. They also eat nuts and seeds, some are able to crack open hard nuts and seeds.

Many monkeys, especially larger species like howler monkeys and colobus monkeys, have specialized digestive systems to process fibrous plant material.  

They get crucial protein from a variety of animal sources, such as invertebrates like ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders, as well as small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, bird eggs, and even small birds and rodents.  

China’s National Things

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Today we are looking at some of the national things of China.

                         The Great Wall

They have a national landmark which is of course The Great Wall, The Great Wall of China is a series of fortified walls stretching across the historical northern borders of China to protect against nomadic tribes of the Eurasian Steppe. It was first built in the 7th century BC, and slowly expanded over time until the Ming Dynasty.

                        A Giant Panda 

The national animal of China is the Giant Panda, a bear native to south-central China. Also considered a national animal is The Chinese Dragon, or Loong, which is one of four auspicious legendary creatures appearing in Chinese mythology and folklore. The dragon has many animal-like body parts, including wolf’s head, stag’s antlers, hare’s eyes, bull’s ears, serpent’s torso, carp’s squama, tiger’s limbs, and eagle’s talons. Theories claim that Loong was a combination of totems of many tribes created to unite them under one banner.

                      Red-Crowned Crane

There are two national birds the red-crowned crane or Manchurian crane which is a large East Asian crane and among the rarest cranes in the world. It is found in Siberia northeastern China. The other one is the Golden Pheasant which is a game bird native to Western China.

                        Fuzzy Kiwifruit 

The Fuzzy Kiwifruit is the national fruit of China. It has fuzzy, dull brown skin and tangy, bright green flesh, also considered a national fruit is the Jujube it is an oval drupe 1.5-3 centimetres deep; it resembles a date and has a single hard stone like an olive.

The national tree is the Ginkgo it is the only species of these trees left all the others are gone. The national flower is the Chinese peony, Chinese herbaceous peony, or common garden peony it is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae, native to Central and Eastern Asia from eastern Tibet across northern China to eastern Siberia

The national instrument is The Guqin this is a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument. It has been played since ancient times, and has traditionally been favoured by scholars and literati as an instrument of great subtlety and refinement

The national sport is Table Tennis as declared by Chairman Mao.

I am sure most people will not be surprised to read that the national dish is Peking Duck, but how many know that the national drink is Baijiu which is a Chinese colourless liquor typically coming in between 35% and 60% alcohol by volume.

This is all for this week, I will do more about China next Monday.