Monday 7th March 2005

Good morning.
It is interesting to notice that Yunnan is producing high grade telescope and binoculars. For scienific research purpose, Yunnan has installed the second largest Astronomy Telescope in the world. The research project is a joint venture with US scientists.
The telescope is very powerful and can 'trace back' time and events such as explosion of a star a thousand years ago. It is interesting to note that Astronomers of Japan, China, Europe recorded the events of a sudden appearance of a 'new star' lasting for a short period of time in the year 1045.
The wonders of time and space...try Eistein theory.
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quote an extract from one Yunnan Telescope scientific equipment producer's note...

Due to the rich experience in optics industry, low-cost optical workers and engineers, the rigid quality control system for army-grade binoculars as before, Chinese optical manufacturers, once military-oriented, now are producing high quality binoculars and telescopes at very low cost for the civilian markets worldwide. However, owing to the multiple-levels of distribution, most of made-in-China binoculars and telescopes are still sold at inflated prices in the international markets.
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About music of Yunnan ( Ancient music revival)
The ancient music, called Dongjing, or ritual music, was traditionally sung by Taoist monks in mountain caves in most areas of Yunnan province. It has been called a "fossil of Chinese music".
The music was introduced to Yunnan at least 800 years ago and has already died out in China's central plains, comprising the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow river, China's second longest.
Apart from Yunnan province, this ancient music can be traced only to Chifeng city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and to the city of Chengde in Hebei province, both in northern China.
The ancient music was traditionally performed only during the Spring Festival, popularly known as the Chinese Lunar New Year, to worship the gods and pray for a "Happy New Year".
(comment from Chong: Han people of China moved from central China to Yunnan since 2,000 years ago. The major influence occured during 三国period.)
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