Latest news with #TangDynasty
South China Morning Post
10 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Unlike Trump, ancient China embraced foreign students and even made exams easier for them
Foreigners who are thinking of enrolling in American universities are having second thoughts or cancelling their plans outright following President Donald Trump's attempts to cut funding to Harvard University and block it from enrolling foreign students. A few months ago, my nephew, an undergraduate at the National University of Singapore, was considering applying to an American university for his exchange programme in 2026. Now, he is looking at universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and China. Imperial China's highest institutes of learning were not just for locals. For centuries, when China was the civilisational lodestar in the region, people from all over Asia came to study in its universities and try their luck in the famously tough imperial examinations. Some did very well. Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in April, following threats to the university's federal funding. Photo: AFP To make it easier for foreign candidates, the Tang dynasty government created a special examination category in 627 that was basically a separate track just for foreign scholars.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Abandoned UK villages wiped out 700 years ago are uncovered in major roadworks with hoard of spears, flutes & buckles
It is believed the villages were abandoned after the Black Death FROZEN IN TIME Abandoned UK villages wiped out 700 years ago are uncovered in major roadworks with hoard of spears, flutes & buckles Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ABANDONED medieval villages have been uncovered during roadworks on the A47. The settlements are believed to have been abandoned after the Black Death - with residents fleeing to bigger urban areas. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A metal spearheads used for hunting and battles was one of the finds at the site Credit: Headland Archaeology 2 Another of the artefact's uncovered by archeologists was this bone flute Credit: Headland Archaeology The Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, swept the UK between 1848 and 1350, killing an estimated 35-40 per cent of the population - though estimates are much higher in some areas. The discoveries were made by archaeologists during work to convert 5.5 miles of road between Easton and North Tuddenham into a dual-carriageway. The dig is helping to reveal the mysteries of the inhabitants of these medieval villages, with metal spearheads, buckles and a bone flute among the artefacts uncovered. Headland Archaeology, which carried out the work for National Highways, also found 31kg of pottery. The site was cleared using everything from 13-tonne mechanical excavators and dump trucks to more precision hand tools. A selection of finds from the site are due to be displayed at the National Highways' stall at this week's Royal Norfolk Show, on Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26. Kate Bain, project manager at Headland Archaeology, told the Eastern Daily Press that such villages would once have been widespread. She said: "These villages, which would have been recognisable all the way through the landscape like little hamlets, disappeared as people fled to urban settlements, leaving them behind." Chris Griffin, A47 project lead for National Highways, said that while the roadworks were primarily about improving road safety, they also offered a chance for historians to find out more about 'the wonderfully rich cultural heritage' of Norfolk. He added: "When we started the work, we wanted to make sure we brought in the expertise to add one more piece to the historical puzzle of the landscape. Ancient Tomb Discovery Reveals Stunning Tang Dynasty Murals "These finds will help us understand the past and learn about what we are today." The 'dualing' work on the A47 commenced last year, while work has also begun on improvements to the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction, on the edge of Norwich. Norfolk has been a rich area of study for archeologists over the years. In 2019 the oldest human footprints ever found outside of Africa were spotted on a British beach in the county. The line of footprints were thought to have been trampled onto the coast of Happisburgh 950,000 years ago and are likely to have been left by one of the earliest known varieties of human called Homo antecessor. Archaeological enthusiast and photographer Paul Macro discovered the marks on the beach while working for a company that was scanning the area. He found them in a spot where a similar ancient footprint and tool discovery occurred back in 2013. The foorprints were discovered in May 2013 in a newly uncovered sediment layer of the Cromer Forest Bed and photographed in 3D before being destroyed by the tide shortly afterwards.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Abandoned UK villages wiped out 700 years ago are uncovered in major roadworks with hoard of spears, flutes & buckles
ABANDONED medieval villages have been uncovered during roadworks on the A47. The settlements are believed to have been abandoned after the Black Death - with residents fleeing to bigger urban areas. 2 A metal spearheads used for hunting and battles was one of the finds at the site Credit: Headland Archaeology 2 Another of the artefact's uncovered by archeologists was this bone flute Credit: Headland Archaeology The Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, swept the UK between 1848 and 1350, killing an estimated 35-40 per cent of the population - though estimates are much higher in some areas. The discoveries were made by archaeologists during work to convert 5.5 miles of road between Easton and North Tuddenham into a dual-carriageway. The dig is helping to reveal the mysteries of the inhabitants of these medieval villages, with metal spearheads, buckles and a bone flute among the artefacts uncovered. Headland Archaeology, which carried out the work for Read more on News The site was cleared using everything from 13-tonne mechanical excavators and dump trucks to more precision hand tools. A selection of finds from the site are due to be displayed at the National Highways' stall at this week's Royal Norfolk Show, on Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26. Kate Bain, project manager at Headland Archaeology, told the She said: "These villages, which would have been recognisable all the way through the landscape like little hamlets, disappeared as people fled to urban settlements, leaving them behind." Most read in The Sun Chris Griffin, A47 project lead for National Highways, said that while the roadworks were primarily about improving road safety, they also offered a chance for historians to find out more about 'the wonderfully rich cultural heritage' of Norfolk. He added: "When we started the work, we wanted to make sure we brought in the expertise to add one more piece to the historical puzzle of the landscape. Ancient Tomb Discovery Reveals Stunning Tang Dynasty Murals "These finds will help us understand the past and learn about what we are today." The 'dualing' work on the A47 commenced last year, while work has also begun on improvements to the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction, on the edge of Norwich. Norfolk has been a rich area of study for archeologists over the years. In 2019 the oldest human footprints ever found outside of Africa The line of footprints were thought to have been trampled onto the coast of Happisburgh 950,000 years ago and are likely to have been left by one of the earliest known varieties of human called Homo antecessor. Archaeological enthusiast and photographer Paul Macro discovered the marks on the beach while working for a company that was scanning the area. He found them in a spot where a similar ancient footprint and tool discovery occurred back in 2013. The foorprints were discovered in May 2013 in a newly uncovered sediment layer of the Cromer Forest Bed and photographed in 3D before being destroyed by the tide shortly afterwards.
Buzz Feed
19-06-2025
- Buzz Feed
12 Instagram-Worthy Spots In Singapore That Will Make All Your Friends Jealous
So you're heading to Singapore and want to make your friends back home seriously FOMO? Forget basic selfies – we've got the lowdown on 12 ridiculously photogenic spots that will elevate your Insta game to superstar status. Get ready to flood your feed with pure magic! 1. Gardens by the Bay's Supertree Grove Is it a sci-fi movie set or real life? These towering vertical gardens light up at night in a dazzling display, making for otherworldly shots. Go during golden hour for peak glow-up vibes! 2. Jewel Changi Airport's Rain Vortex Yes, it's an airport, but it's also home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Cascading water, lush greenery, and stunning architecture – your friends will think you're in a magical rainforest, not waiting for your flight! 3. Old Hill Street Police Station Prepare for a full-blown color explosion! This iconic building is a rainbow dream with its vibrant, multi-hued windows. It's basically a life-sized art installation begging for your OOTD shot. 4. Haji Lane Calling all hipsters and art lovers! This narrow lane is bursting with vibrant street art, quirky boutiques, and indie cafes. Every corner is a new backdrop, so get ready to pose. 5. House of Tan Teng Niah Another colorful gem in Little India! This historic villa is painted in a riot of bright, cheerful hues. It's so photogenic, you'll wonder if it was built just for your Instagram. 6. Fort Canning Tree Tunnel Channel your inner woodland fairy at this enchanting spiral staircase. When shot from below, the lush foliage frames you perfectly, creating a mystical, fairytale-like vibe. 7. Peranakan Houses (Joo Chiat/Katong) Step into a pastel paradise! These charming shophouses boast intricate details and soft, dreamy colors. It's like walking through a living postcard, and your feed will thank you. 8. ArtScience Museum This lotus-inspired architectural marvel is a work of art itself. From its futuristic exterior to the mesmerizing digital exhibits inside, you'll capture shots that blur the line between art and reality. 9. Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck Get that epic panoramic skyline shot. Day or night, the views from the top of this iconic hotel are absolutely breathtaking. Bonus points if you can score a photo from the infinity pool (hotel guests only, sadly!). 10. Redhill MRT Station Who knew a train station could be this chic? This MRT station is surprisingly aesthetic with its striking pastel pink aesthetic. It's a subtle pop of color that screams "I'm effortlessly cool." 11. Singapore Botanic Gardens Escape the city buzz in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Lush greenery, serene lakes, and the stunning National Orchid Garden offer endless opportunities for elegant, nature-filled photos. 12. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Located in bustling Chinatown, this magnificent temple boasts stunning Tang Dynasty architecture and intricate details. The vibrant colors and ornate designs make for incredibly striking and cultural shots.
South China Morning Post
15-06-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Study shows China's temples act as rare sanctuaries for ancient trees
At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain in the Chinese city of Xian, the ancient Guanyin Chan Temple is home to a ginkgo tree with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Advertisement As autumn approaches each year, this ancient ginkgo tree bursts into a spectacular golden display. The tree is said to have been planted by Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang dynasty (618-907) during a visit to the temple. According to a new study, temples across China – both Buddhist and Taoist – have safeguarded tens of thousands of ancient trees , serving as an ark for at least 2,000 years, a phenomenon not observed elsewhere in landscapes heavily transformed by humans. The research by Chinese and Australian scientists was published in the journal Current Biology on June 4. Advertisement In China, trees over 100 years old are classified as 'ancient trees', with a total of 5.08 million registered nationwide.
