ZaoYang DaHan Film Studio (also known as Han City according to Ms Helena) is a large-scale retro building integrating the architectural essence of the Han dynasty and the classical garden landscape. It is used in movie making. Han culture featured prominently through various entertaining live performances.
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| Gate Entrance |
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The First Live Performance was conducted at this site.
"Emperor's Inspection Tour" |
The weather forecast for today, according to Ms Helena was between 5 to 17 °C. Han City (as this place was called by Ms Helena) was located about 10 minutes drive from the hotel.
The 3½ hour tour began at the museum with a Han City local guide in ancient Han garment. Various live performances had been arranged for the tour to keep us occupied during the 3½ hour we spent at this spot.
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Part of the live performance of
"Emperor's Inspection Tour" |
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We did not watch all the live performances arranged for the day. It was performed at different time and location situated within the vast compound. What we managed to see were:-
- Emperor's Inspection Tour
- A public execution
- Presentation of tributes by vassal and tributary states
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Other live performances include some JiangHu stunt and Martial Skill Competition for Marriage.
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Emperor's Chamber Pot
(I thought this was a teapot) |
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Ancient invention
Detects earthquake |
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The time frame at Han City is the later Eastern Han Dynasty.
The earlier Western Han Dynasty was founded by the peasant Liu Bang. This dynasty lasted for something like 200 years. As the bloodline weakened, the throne was usurped by Wang Mang who was a court official and consort kin. He founded the short-lived Xin Dynasty.
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| Presentation of tribute by vassal and tributary states |
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This was a chaotic period. As Wang Mang debauches in the royal court, civil unrest troubled the country. Armed bandits and soldiers switched places as and when it suited them. The people's hardship resulted in rebellion which in turn caused more hardship.
In this maelstrom, one man stood out. His name was Liu Xiu. He was the founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
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| The Hot Seat |
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In the beginning, Liu Xiu did not have any lofty ambition. He was merely assisting his elder brother in the latter's quest to revive the Han Dynasty. (founded by their forefathers)
How he finally brought order to the chaotic time was entirely fortuitous. Watch THIS to have some understanding of the man and the turbulence of his time. |
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| Trebuchet |
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| Local cuisine |
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We set off for Wuhan city immediately after lunch.
"Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. We are now on our way to Wuhan City. Usually, it will take about 3½ hours to reach Wuhan City. Unfortunately, today, there is an explosion on the highway so we will take another route, a longer route. Now, we will reach Wuhan City in 4 hours." Ms Helena's voice over the loud speaker.
An explosion on the highway. How dramatic! We looked at each other with sparks in our eyes. Fortunately or unfortunately, we reached Wuhan City 4 hours later without any incident. It was dark when the coach dropped us near the Wuhan Bund to watch the Yangtze River and the demarcation of its tide. After that, there was the JiangHan Road, a commercial shopping street which was rather uninteresting.
Our trip ended with the mediocre Portuguese egg tart bought from JiangHan Road. On the morrow, we have a day's flying and transiting before we reach home.
My fitness tracker read 10636 steps.
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