Panorama Beijing’s Post

"Go West, young man" (1854) "Go North, person of any age" (2024) In the current episode of #HannesundJohannes, Hannes Farlock 范珞康 and I take you to the Northern Metropolis where a (substantial) new town (or rather 4 "major zones") is being constructed. It will be interesting to see how Hong Kong and Shenzen manage the difficult task of moving closer, yet staying distinct and distinguishable. And it will be interesting to see if the concept of a "new town" designed on the drawing board can truly come to life. But no matter how these questions are answered a couple of years down the road, the construction is taking place now and that's why we felt it important to take you there. We also touch on the newly introduced Home Return Permit that allows Permanent Residents of Hong Kong SAR to travel to the Mainland much more conveniently via the e-channel. This is a very welcome policy move and the German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong (GCC) hopes that in time it will be extended also to Hong Kong residents (i.e. those who have been here less than seven years). That way, Hong Kong can market itself as the #CommuterCity for the GBA to new talents. From my very personal perspective, the Northern Metropolis, the Home Return Permit and the many other policies designed to bring Hong Kong closer to the Mainland are important policy measures. But to truly retain Hong Kong's uniqueness, it is equally vital to retain its allure as an #InternationalCity. International means you can talk to people in English everywhere, the faces you see look back at you from all corners of the globe (hopefully, with a smile) and many different cultures and lifestyles feel welcome. This, just as much as the formal "One Country, Two Systems" will be essential in ensuring that the city is not just a great place to live in but also one that people from East, West, North and South will want to move to. Delegation der Deutschen Wirtschaft in Hongkong #GermanyinHK #GICHK #GCCHK https://lnkd.in/gMDmjwhS

Have you ever wondered about the historical tapestry of Taipei? 🏯✨ My newest video, "Don't Miss the Story of Taipei: A Historic Guide," delves into the city's rich past, uncovering stories that have shaped its unique culture. Watch it now and enrich your understanding of this fascinating city. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gqdmReju What historical aspect of Taipei interests you the most? Let's discuss! 🗨️ #TaipeiHistory #CulturalGuide #TravelInsights #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningJourney

After seeing some of the footage of the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony, I'm left thinking, why not go for beauty and harmony rather than shock and divisiveness? Creating beauty requires talent. Any fool can do something shocking. As much as anyone might mock China for its authoritarian one-party government, its olympic opening ceremony communicated a desire to apeal to the global community. France communicated divisive weirdness irrelevant outside of western politics. It should be embarrassed. It is embarrassing to me that that display is attributed to westerners generally. China, strive for beauty and community. France, strive for shocking people as a means of trying to claim cultural supremacy of one faction of their diverse political spectrum.

Arts and culture provide neighbourhoods with the capacity to create vibrancy. Netherlands are trying out new business models to create cultural hubs such as using vacant private property to house hubs. https://buff.ly/3Ocazyk

In 2024, the Hong Kong Government launched hundreds of mega events, wanting to attract tourists around the world to participate and experience #HongKong’s unique glamour, but throughout the whole year, does that really work? We conducted interviews with foreign travelers and local citizens to provide their perspectives on various significant events that transpired this year. These events included the viral #PandaGo series, the #teamLab art installation, #ChubbyHearts, #Doraemon exhibition, which collectively incurred costs ranging from ten to hundred million HK dollars. We also talked about the necessity of the repeated #drone and #fireworks shows, and the controversy surrounding Lionel #Messi performance during a visit in Hong Kong. It is imperative to thoroughly review the mega events organized by the Hong Kong government, which have incurred substantial financial burdens funded by taxpayers. This review should ascertain the effectiveness and efficiency of these events. Thank you my colleagues Helen Chan and Brandon Choi for their diligent efforts on this year-end story, check out my latest story: 2024年回顧｜短片：盛事之年　哪一個活動最吸引旅客？ https://lnkd.in/gird8kgW

Across many places in East and Southeast Asia such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and various cities in mainland China like Guangzhou and Hangzhou, June 10 marks the much-anticipated Tuen Ng or Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant celebration rooted in tradition and teamwork. Originating over 2,000 years ago in China, this festival is said to commemorate the life and death of the poet and minister Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against corruption. Communities come together to race dragon boats, a practice that symbolizes unity, strength, and the communal spirit. The synchronized paddling of the dragon boat teams highlights the importance of coordination and collaboration, values deeply embedded in the culture and philosophy of the festival. The principles celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival are remarkably applicable to the world of business. Much like the rowing teams that must work in perfect harmony to propel their boats forward, successful businesses rely on the cohesive effort of their teams to achieve their goals. This festival serves as a powerful reminder that in both rowing and business, individual strengths must be aligned towards a common objective to achieve optimal results. As we celebrate Tuen Ng, let's draw inspiration from its lessons on the power of teamwork, the importance of strategic alignment, and the impact of collective effort in driving success. #AsiainOlin #eaSTL

🇪🇺 🎉 It's been nearly 20 years since the Czech Republic, along with eight other predominantly Central and Eastern European countries, joined the club of member states of the European Union. This anniversary calls for celebration! To mark the occasion, we're curating at KVIFF.TV a film collection featuring 20 European movies, as diverse and colorful as Europe can get, entertaining, satirical, captivating and heartfelt, legendary as well as hidden gems, from every corner of the continent. 💙 On a personal note, I vividly remember the atmosphere of that historic moment on May 1st, 2004 when I was in my 20s. Borders dissolved, opening doors to new opportunities for education, work, and life abroad. There was a palpable sense of hope that our country would bridge the gap in prosperity and quality of life compared to the economic powerhouses neighboring us. I was certain I would once tell my kids and their kids about it. About how many things moved overnight from "totally impossible" to "no problem" category. Whether we've fully seized upon those opportunities is up for debate. But I want us to revive the big idea behind that union and remember its value for us as individuals, as humans and as a democratic society. Twenty years may lead us to take certain privileges for granted, and effortless. But let's remember nothing is automatic, or achieved without effort, and today, we need a drop of that optimism in our veins more than ever. My kids were born to a better place than I was, and that matters. #europe #anniversary #europeanunion #europeanheritage And let's enjoy this film ride 😘. https://lnkd.in/e6a9i6Jk

Netflix's Three Body Problem series, albeit controversial in the PRC, has become a global phenomena. Fusing Chinese elements and Western storytelling techniques, it raised interest in Chinese culture and its unique social context. Leonardo Santetti's amazing article touches on growing Chinese soft power impact. By detailing recent Chinese cultural output, his writing allows one to submerge into the hall of artistry honed by ethnic Chinese creators. I am honoured to have served as an editor on the piece, helping to refine the content to new heights. Now, the article is available to all. Intrigued by the topic? Click below to have a read.

Part 6A : Chapter 6: The Mosaic of Coexistence Culturally, the Mosaic of Coexistence was perhaps most visible. Festivals, art exhibitions, and performances showcased the rich tapestry of cultures that made up New Zealand’s identity. These events were more than just celebrations; they were acts of mutual recognition and respect, opportunities for individuals to share their heritage and, in turn, to learn about others. In this period, the narrative of New Zealand was no longer about integration or adaptation but about the celebration of each unique piece that contributed to the nation’s whole. It was a recognition that the strength of a community lies not in its homogeneity but in its ability to nurture and celebrate the individual pieces that make up its mosaic. The Mosaic of Coexistence underscored a profound truth that had emerged from New Zealand’s journey: when diverse communities come together, united by shared values and mutual respect, they create a society that is resilient, dynamic, and enriched by the breadth of its citizens’ experiences and perspectives. This chapter of New Zealand’s story was a testament to the beauty and potential of human diversity, woven together into a single, harmonious society.