Marin Pavelić
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chasingstillnes.bsky.social
Marin Pavelić
@chasingstillnes.bsky.social
73 followers 38 following 28 posts
ICT journalist at Netokracija, writer, photographer and lover of films, books and hidden places.

Founder of Mendax Films https://www.youtube.com/@MendaxFilms
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Suzhou is home to over 60 classical gardens, with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is an ancient city. Also, iz has been a hub for silk production for over 4,000 years. 🇨🇳 #china #chinatravel #travelphotography #photography #asia #asiaphotography #traveling #suzhou
The Pingjiang Road is an ancient street is a popular tourist spot where you can stroll alongside canals, visit teahouses, and shop for local handicrafts. Suzhou has inspired countless poets and painters over centuries due to its serene landscapes and artistic gardens. The center is crisscrossed with canals. You can take a gondola-style boat ride, making it feel like a Chinese version of Venice. Suzhou-style mooncakes and soup dumplings (like tangbao) are must-try local treats, filled with rich flavors and sometimes even broth.
January 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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Zhouzhuang was established during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC) and has a history of over 900 years. Its well-preserved ancient architecture showcases traditional Jiangnan (South of the Yangtze River) style. 🇨🇳 #china #chinatravel #photography #travelphotography #asia
The Double Bridges, Shide and Yongan, are the most iconic structures in Zhouzhuang. They form a unique “key” shape and are a favorite subject for photographers and painters. Daily life revolves around water. Locals still wash clothes, vegetables, and fruits along the canals, providing a charming glimpse into traditional Chinese life. Just like Venice, Zhouzhuang offers gondola rides along its canals. You can explore the town by boat while being serenaded by the gondoliers in local dialect songs. About 60% of the town’s residential houses date back to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) Dynasties, preserving the authentic look and feel of ancient China.
January 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
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Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing tea, known as one of China’s Ten Famous Teas. It’s highly prized for its flat, smooth leaves and delicate, slightly nutty flavor. 🇨🇳 #china #travel #travelphotography #photography #traveling #trip #hangzhou #tee
The Longjing tea plantations are located near West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic area combines natural beauty with historical tea culture. Longjing tea was declared an Imperial Tea during the Qing Dynasty by Emperor Qianlong. He was so impressed by its taste that he gave 18 tea bushes the official imperial status, and some of those bushes are still alive today! The name “Longjing” (Dragon Well) comes from a local legend. It was believed that a dragon resided in a well in the area, bringing rain to help the tea plants flourish. Longjing tea is traditionally hand-roasted in a wok, a process that requires incredible skill. Tea masters can shape the leaves into their iconic flat form using just their hands, maintaining the perfect temperature to prevent burning.
January 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
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Lingyin Temple is one of the oldest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China.The name "Lingyin" translates to "Temple of the Soul's Retreat.” 🇨🇳 #china #chinaphotography #chintrip #travelphotography #photography #exploring #buddhism #hangzhogu
Lingyin Temple is one of the oldest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China.The name "Lingyin" translates to "Temple of the Soul's Retreat.” Inside the Grand Hall of the temple sits a giant 24.8-meter (81 ft) tall Buddha statue, one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in China. It's covered in gold leaf and depicts Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Feilai Feng is famous for its over 300 stone Buddha carvings and other religious figures carved into the cliffside during the Song and Yuan Dynasties (10th–14th century). These intricate carvings are a highlight for visitors. Lingyin Temple is located near the Longjing Tea Plantations. Monks historically brewed Longjing tea, considered one of China’s most famous teas, as part of their spiritual practice.
January 2, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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I present you the beautiful Hangzhou! The famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in the 13th century and described it as “the finest and most splendid city in the world.” 🇨🇳 #hangzhou #china #chinatravel #photography #travelphotography #traveling #exploring
The Grand Canal, the longest canal in the world, ends in Hangzhou. This waterway connected Hangzhou to Beijing and played a vital role in China’s economic history. West Lake is so iconic that it has inspired countless Chinese poets, painters, and philosophers over the centuries. Its beauty represents the traditional idea of harmony between humans and nature. West Lake was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its profound influence on garden design in China, Japan, and Korea. The Broken Bridge is tied to the legend of Madame White Snake, a love story between a man and a snake spirit disguised as a woman.
December 21, 2024 at 2:30 PM
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The Great Mosque in Xi’an looks so much like a traditional Chinese building that some tourists accidentally think it’s a Buddhist temple! 🇨🇳 #photography #travelphotography #china #chinatrip #traveling #xian #mosque
This mosque has been around since the Tang Dynasty (over 1,200 years ago) and has survived wars, dynastic changes, and even a few earthquakes. There are hidden Arabic inscriptions on many of the stone arches and walls, including verses from the Quran. These are subtly integrated into Chinese-style designs, almost like a treasure hunt for visitors! The main prayer hall has over 600 giant prayer rugs, hand-woven and donated by various Muslim communities worldwide.
December 15, 2024 at 8:41 AM
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The Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as the Dayan Pagoda, is an ancient Buddhist pagoda located in Xi'an, China. It was originally built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty. 🇨🇳 #china #chinatrip #travel #travelphotography #photography #xian #exploring
The pagoda was constructed to house and protect Buddhist sutras, relics, and figurines brought back from India by the Chinese monk **Xuanzang**. His journey to India and back lasted 17 years and contributed to the spread of Buddhism in China. The pagoda’s name has an interesting story. According to legend, monks in a monastery were craving meat. When a wild goose fell from the sky in front of them, they took it as a divine sign and vowed to give up meat, naming the pagoda in honor of the event. The pagoda has a slight tilt! Due to centuries of natural erosion and underground water movement, it leans slightly to one side, earning it the nickname “China’s Leaning Tower of Pisa.” It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor,” highlighting its importance in cultural and historical exchanges between East and West.
December 12, 2024 at 8:13 AM
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The market in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is not just a culinary haven; it’s also a bustling hub for shopping, with a wide variety of goods ranging from handmade crafts to fake luxury items. 🇨🇳 #china #chinatrip #traveling #travelphotography #photography
The Muslim Quarter is lined with countless stalls and small shops selling everything from food and souvenirs to clothing and electronics. It’s a lively and chaotic atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the streets are packed with tourists and locals. Oba Mao” refers to a satirical or parody term used to compare former U.S. President Barack Obama to Chairman Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China. The term gained some notoriety in certain media and merchandise during Obama’s presidency, often appearing in the context of political humor or critique. Items like posters, T-shirts, and mugs with “Oba Mao” imagery were sold, especially in politically conservative circles in the U.S., and even ironically in parts of China. The market in the Muslim Quarter is more than just a place to shop—it’s a cultural experience that captures the vibrant essence of Xi’an. The Muslim Quarter market is infamous for selling knock-off luxury items. These items often appear quite convincing and are sold at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
December 8, 2024 at 8:43 AM
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It was unbelievable to see the Terracotta Warriors in real life. They were discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. Little did they know, they stumbled upon one of the greatest archaeological finds in history! 🇨🇳 #xian #photography #chinatrip #travelphotography #terracottawarriors
Each of the estimated 8,000 warriors has unique facial features and expressions. They were modeled after real soldiers of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s army. The army is arranged in precise military formation, reflecting Qin Shi Huang’s emphasis on military discipline and strategy. Different ranks, such as generals and infantrymen, can be identified by their attire and positioning. The army is arranged in precise military formation, reflecting Qin Shi Huang’s emphasis on military discipline and strategy. Different ranks, such as generals and infantrymen, can be identified by their attire and positioning. The emperor’s actual tomb remains unopened because ancient texts describe deadly traps, such as crossbows ready to fire at intruders and rivers of mercury said to flow around his burial chamber.
December 5, 2024 at 7:56 PM
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We saw hundreds of influencers filming themselves dancing in front of old buildings in Xi’an wearing traditional clothes. China even has “influencer schools”! 🇨🇳 #xian #chinatrip #travel #travelphotography #silkroad #photography #influencer
Livestreaming is central to influencer culture in China. Platforms like Taobao Live, Douyin, and Kuaishou allow influencers to sell products in real time. Some of the biggest livestreaming influencers, like Li Jiaqi (the “Lipstick King”) and Viya, have generated billions of yuan in sales during events like Singles’ Day. The picture is taken infront of The Bell Tower is situated at the heart of Xi’an, where the city’s main roads converge. It has served as the geographical and cultural center since it was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty. Successful influencers in China often embody cultural values and adapt to local tastes, ensuring their content resonates deeply with audiences. Chinese influencers are a fascinating mix of trendsetters, salespeople, and cultural icons. Their integration with e-commerce and local traditions makes them uniquely powerful in the global influencer landscape. Influencers in China, often referred to as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) or Wanghong (网红, meaning “internet famous”), play a powerful role in shaping consumer trends and driving digital marketing. Unlike traditional influencers focused solely on lifestyle or beauty, Chinese KOLs often specialize in niches like fitness, education, tech reviews, luxury goods, and even agriculture (e.g., farmers livestreaming their daily lives). While top-tier KOLs have millions of followers, micro (10,000–100,000 followers) and nano influencers (less than 10,000) are increasingly popular for their highly engaged and niche audiences. They often offer better ROI for brands looking to target specific demographics.
December 4, 2024 at 10:49 AM
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Xi’an is one of the most uniqe cities in the world. It was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the famous trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean. Traders brought silk, spices, and even cultural exchanges.🇨🇳 #xian #silkroad #exploringchina #chinaphotography
Xi’an is one of the oldest cities in China, with over 3,000 years of recorded history and 13 dynasties calling it their capital. Xi’an’s city wall is one of the most well-preserved ancient city walls in China. Built in the 14th century, it spans nearly 14 kilometers and is wide enough to ride a bike on top! The city is known for its culinary delight, Biangbiang noodles. The Chinese character for “Biang” is one of the most complex characters, requiring 58 strokes to write. Xi’an was home to China’s first recorded emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and the first unification of China during his reign.
December 3, 2024 at 8:52 AM
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The Summer Palace in Beijing was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. At 728 meters, the Long Corridor is the world’s longest covered walkway. It is decorated with over 14,000 hand-painted artworks. 🇨🇳 #beijing #chinatrip #travelphotography #exploringchina
About 75% of its total area is covered by water, primarily the Kunming Lake, which was man-made by dredging. The soil from the lake was used to build the iconic Longevity Hill. The palace was rebuilt in the late 19th century by Emperor Guangxu as a gift for his aunt, the Empress Dowager Cixi, who used state funds intended for naval defense to complete the renovation. The palace served as a summer retreat for emperors to escape Beijing’s heat. The expansive gardens, temples, and pavilions offered a serene retreat for the imperial family. The palace was used by the imperial family until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. Today, it is a public park and one of Beijing’s most popular tourist attractions.
December 1, 2024 at 4:25 PM
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I still can’t believe that we were alone on The Great Wall of China. It’s even more inasine when you consider the fact that 10 million people visit the Great Wall every year. 🇨🇳 #greatwallofchina #beijing #chinatravel #travelphotography
November 30, 2024 at 4:02 PM
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To walk among the walls of the Forbbiden City was one of the most exciting experiences of all my travels. This whole experience is even better because local peope dress in traditional clothes. 🇨🇳 #china #chinatravel #travelphotography #beijing #forbbidencity
Forrbiden city in china. Large complex. Ancient history. China traditional clothes China traditional clothes
November 29, 2024 at 7:57 AM
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Hi Blusesky community! I’m new here and I would like to share my photos from my recent trip to China. 🇨🇳

This is the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. #china #chinatrip #beijing #exploringbeijing
November 28, 2024 at 8:54 AM