Desertification in China

        In these few years, desertification has become one of the vital issues that we face regarding the global ecological environment, especially for China. On January 30, 1995, the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaimed each June 17 as The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Its purpose is to highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought. From this point, it’s not hard to sense the importance of this problem. In particular, China has to put much more attention on it because it has become the fastest country of the desertification and the phenomenon of sandstorm caused by the deterioration of desertification has a great impact on the near countries such as Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and even America, leading to many serious problems like air pollution and poor visibility. After a series of studies, three main reasons causing the desertification are precipitation, wind, and human activities.

Desertification, a kind of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions, is actually caused by a various factors, including climate variations and human activities. It usually starts from the edge of the natural desert and gradually affects other fertile land. Besides, the desert is not simply caused by the seasonal move of planetary wind system like ITCZ and horse latitudes anymore. Instead, it becomes a phenomenon meaning that the land is inappropriate for the growth of plants or the agricultural development.

In China, the widespread desertification is primarily originated from artificial reasons like extreme farming methods and agricultural techniques. For instance, the vulnerable prairie ecosystem of Inner Mongolia is destroyed and damaged greatly on account of overgrazing and intensive cultivation. Too many sheep and cows and too many residents and arable gathering in the same region make a big problem emerge. The carrying capacity of a biological species in an environment undoubtedly has fixed limitation. Yet, to produce adequate food for the explosive population, people begin to overuse the available resources. They totally leave the carrying capacity behind and never think about what and how much cost they are going to pay. Excessive use of existing farmland will gradually impoverish the soil and contribute to the soil erosion, turning fertile pasture into desert. Therefore, to put it simply, the unrestrained exploitation of natural resources comprising overgrazing, improper farming, and tree-cutting is the key factor of current desertification in north China.

Precipitation is second crucial factor for the dilation of desert. The lesser the rain, the fewer water sources we have. The fewer water sources we have, the harder the lives survive. Whichever being you are, plants or animals, water is necessary and essential element for survival. It can help the biochemical reaction such as photosynthesis function well, transport oxygen and nutrition, and remain the steady temperature of beings. Aside from those, for human, the significance of water also lies in irrigation, drinking, and draining sewage. Furthermore, the precipitation of the desertification region is usually between 255 mm to 450 mm. When the precipitation is close to 400 mm, the situation of the desertification will be reversed. The area of the desertification will narrow. When it’s close to 300 mm, particularly this kind of situation continually occurring, the process of the desertification will speed up. That’s why the problem of the drought in China needs to be solved as soon as possible.

Then, wind can aggravate the desertification just like someone adds fuel to the flame. Due to the loss of vegetation which is mostly driven by drought and unreasonable agricultural activities like overgrazing and deforestation for fuel, the unprotected, fragile, and dry soil surfaces can be easily blown away by wind. The land will no longer be fertile because of the shrinkage of the soil layers. As a result, it may turn out to be an unproductive hardpan. If there’s no fertile soil, there’s no opportunity for agriculture. No vegetation can survive. Neither can herbivores. If there’s no agriculture, there’s no possibility for people to live there. Not enough food like vegetables and meat can maintain human’s survival. In fact, the propulsion of the soil erosion, the declining nutrients of land, the sandstorms, and the desertification is all wind. Without any doubt, the power of wind is beyond imaginations. Therefore, its influence shouldn’t be underestimated.

From the information mentioned above, it’s obvious that the desertification is typically a combination of the natural and human-made factors. In China, the causes of north and west-north desert are similar. The global warming, and drought provide the cardinal conditions of the desertification. After that the insobriety of human activities which consists of deforestation, excessive cultivation, and overgrazing farther intensifies the phenomenon of desertification. It’s like making a stormy sea stormier. No wonder the land will ultimately turn from fertile into barren. In conclusion, the desertification of the steppe ecosystem in north China results from its inherent fragility, the climate shifts- precipitation and wind, and the dissolute human development which is done due to the explosive population.

References:

Ø   Desertification (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 29, 2016, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desertification

Ø   World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 29, 2016, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Day_to_Combat_Desertification_and_Drought

Ø   中國土地資源與水資源問題 (n.d.). In地理教室，無國界. Retrieved May 29, 2016, from

http://lovegeo.blogspot.tw/2014/12/blog-post_62.html

Ø   衛星圖揭示 中國沙漠化俄羅斯綠油油 (n.d.). In 壹週Plus. Retrieved May 29, 2016, from

http://nextplus.nextmedia.com/news/spot/20150221/156837

Type of restaurants

There are various types of restaurants located in the world, so it’s impossible that we can only find one clear classification for them. Restaurants can be easily found in every corner in the world because everyone undoubtedly needs a place which provides space, foods, and a relaxing atmosphere to rejuvenate and restore our energy. The restaurant industry always has to come up with novelty ideas to capture consumer’s hearts and attention, so there are many different kinds of restaurants popping up for meeting different consumers’ needs. They can be classified based on their cuisine, facility, style, price, and service, however, we tend to classify these restaurants into three main groups according to the degree.

First, fast food restaurants, also known as quick-service restaurants, ranging from small-scale street vendors to big corporations like KFC, can be called as the best option for people who are in a hurry, such as the white-class workers being busy with meetings and students being late for school. They’re usually parts of a wide chain. At here, people need to order foods from the front counter instead of the table and have to carry the foods and dispose the trashes on their own. The two biggest features making them distinct from others are speed and convenience. They provide fast, convenient, hygienic, and low-priced foods to cater to consumers’ demands and emphasize the standardization of food supply. Take McDonald's for example. Aside from the seats provides in the restaurant, it also offer take-out and food delivery services for those who don’t have time to have a meal leisurely.

Second, causal restaurants like family restaurants are the places for people to enjoy their meals freely and comfortably. Except for buffet-style restaurants, they typically provide table service. The waiters with kind attitude will bring what consumers order after foods are prepared. The relaxed atmosphere and thoughtful services offered in the restaurants will make people feel at home. Regardless of the busy work, anxious mind, and heavy pressure, people will have a chance to relish a temporary yet peaceful and warm moment at here. They provide the regular or seasonal menu, offering homely cuisines with moderate price which is affordable for most of people. Because they have to cater to public’s tastes, there are multiple dishes for people to choose. Therefore, these restaurants are suited to the occasions like family or friends reunion. As for the fast causal restaurants, the food is often served on platters and the diners serve themselves.

Third, fine dining rooms or restaurants typically include ethnic restaurants which are well-known for their national cuisines and personalized theme restaurants which are famous for their special cuisine or decoration that is usually the reflection of the owner’s hobbies and personality. This type of restaurant is inclined to appeal people who like to pursue the luxury of excellent quality of foods and service. It worships a word called elaboration and dedicates to making guests feel at home. The distinguishing characteristics are exquisite cuisine, refinement- based service, and high price. Some restaurants even provide customized dishes to highlight the considerate service. The menu doesn’t offer many options, instead, they use delicate and unique set menu to catch guest’s eyes and emphasize the quality of ingredients and cooking. They also put many efforts and particular attention on outdoor and interior design, plates and utensil used by guests, especially the train of wait staffs. Additionally, some of these restaurants tend to have certain rules of dining such as a dress code. Depending on culture and local traditions, customers might wear semi-casual, semi-formal or formal wear. To put it simply, this kind of restaurants features high quality materials and services. Providing with tranquil, elegant atmosphere, it’s a good choice for formal occasion like meetings and blind dates.

It has plenty of ways to categorize restaurants, but we generally classify them by degree. The degree of restaurants is reflected by the appearance and decorative items they choose, the price of each dish, the offerings they provide, including cuisines and services. Besides, from how often we will visit these three kinds of restaurants usually mirrors the degree of them. For instance, the cheaper the foods, the more frequent we go to have a meal there. To sum up, dividing all of restaurants into three groups ranging from inexpensive fast food restaurants to mid-priced family restaurants, to high-priced luxury establishments by degree will make people distinguish their differences easily and tell their uniqueness clearly!

Reference:

Types of restaurant (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 9, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_restaurant

Restaurant (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 9, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restaurant

Fast food restaurants. In Flickr. Retrieved May 9, 2016, from

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yin/2017089320

Causal restaurants. In Pixnet. Retrieved May 9, 2016, from

http://hero910904.pixnet.net/blog/post/439526863-%E6%A8%82%E9%9B%85%E6%A8%82%E5%AE%B6%E5%BA%AD%E9%A4%90%E5%BB%B3%E6%96%87%E5%BF%83%E5%BA%97-royal-host%E2%94%82%E4%B9%85%E4%B9%85%E5%90%83%E4%B8%80%E5%9B%9E

Fine dining rooms or restaurants. In Pixnet. Retrieved May 9, 2016, from

http://wiiman.pixnet.net/blog/post/31382856-%E4%B8%80%E7%94%9F%E5%BF%85%E5%9A%90%E5%8F%B0%E4%B8%ADno.1%E7%86%9F%E6%88%90%E7%89%9B%E6%8E%92the-prime-grill%E6%A5%B5%E7%82%99%E7%87%92

My Favorite Sight

Among lots of renowned sights scattering in the world, Kyoto is definitely my first option for traveling because of its numerous world heritages. It is an ideal place to take an abundant cultural journey. Although each of scenic spots owns its distinct appeal, I will say what makes Kyoto stands out and grabs my heart is its historical landmarks with established cultural background and their unique and mesmerizing characteristics.  

Kyoto’s icon is temples. Do not underestimate the charisma and temptation of them. Once you stepped into any of them, you will be easily captured and allured by what they harbor. Many of them are recognized as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Take two of them for examples.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the oldest temples in Kyoto. Founded in 778, its present buildings were constructed in 1633, ordered by the Tokugawa Iemitsu. The name takes from the clear and pure waterfall within the complex. Here worships a priceless statue of Kannon Bodhisattva, the goddess of mercy. Additionally, people will collect the water from the falls for its therapeutic properties and the water from the three different streams which is believed to confer health, longevity, and academic success. The temple is also a famous site to admire the maples and the cherry blossom. Yet, what truly makes this temple extraordinary is the magnificent architecture. The whole structure isn’t used any single nail. Besides, the temple's veranda juts out of the side of a mountain supported by 139 roots of the 13-meter-high wooden columns. From it, one can enjoy the breathtaking and auspicious views of Kyoto. Interestingly, a Japanese proverb : "to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu"（清水の舞台から飛び下りる）is equivalent of the English phrase "to take the plunge". Isn’t it a great example of edutainment?

The other is Rokuon-ji Temple ("Deer Garden Temple"), also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple ("The Golden Pavilion"). The name Kinkaku is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered with, symbolically meaning to purify the negative thoughts and feelings towards death. It’s the most popular site and widely-recognized image of Kyoto. It can be traced back to 1397. The villa purchased by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu transformed into the Kinkaku-ji complex as a residence. After he died, it was converted into a Zen temple, according to his wishes. However, it was accidently burned by a 21-year-old monk who then attempted suicide in 1950. Later on, this event was fictionalized like Yukio Mishima's book "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion". The present pavilion was rebuilt in 1955 and continually preserves those sacred relics. Undoubtedly, the exquisite gilding has attracted uncountable tourists. Not to mention how breathtaking the reflection of the temple stilly shining upon the "mirror pond" is! The strolling garden with Muromachi features is also prominent design. To sum up, this temple integrates countless quintessence and soul of many cultures in an artistic way. For example, the largest islet in the pond represents the Japanese islands and the four stones forming a straight line in the pond symbolize sailboats anchored at night, bound for the Isle of Eternal Life in Chinese mythology. It will be fun to educate ourselves through entertainment and also gain a sense of tranquility?

Is it possible to find a place perfectly integrates various elements, such as the beauty, the history, and the culture? These two can be the example explaining why people indulging in its charm. Does the image of Kyoto first come up with your mind a boring, dull, and colorless city? If yes, it’s time to break these stereotypes and embrace the treasures storing in Kyoto. Exploring here by your heart, you will realize the value of Kyoto, my favorite sight, lies in the invaluable cultural legacies and essences hidden in the temples which deserve to visit once in our lifetime.

references: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera

                  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji

The Cloud Island- Skye

The Isle of Skye is the place where I think everyone should visit once in their lifetime! I have been longing to visit Europe for a long time. I like to experience various kinds of culture and take adventures on my own to discover the mysterious and incredible thing in our surrounding. According to my investigation, not boasting, I think The Isle of Skye has one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, which is worthy of exploring both the nature and cultural heritages there.  

It’s located in Scotland and takes its name from the old Norse sky-a, meaning ‘cloud island’. What a wonderful and dreamy name! Also, The Isle of Skye is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides. Along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness, it’s one of Scotland’s top-three tourist destinations. No wonder it was recently voted '4th best island in the world’ by National Geographic magazine!

It has been a popular tourist attraction and renowned for its astounding scenery, abundant wildlife, turbulent history, magnificent geography, rich Gaelic music and various outdoor activities from climbing to sea kayaking. Its charm is beyond description. Once you step on the island, you have no choice but to fall in love with here. The reason why is because Skye has lots of stunning marvels such as the upright sea cliff of Kilt Rock, the massive landslip formation of the Quiraing and the Falls of Glomach, one of Britain’s highest waterfalls!

Situated in the west coast of mainland Scotland, Skye’s landscape is distinctly Highland with sparkling lochs, velvet moors and towering sea cliffs and peaks. Portree, the capital of Skye, also has a picturesque, pastel cottage-lined harbor. Aside from that, there are also lots of lofty castles, tiny crofthouses, cosy pubs, restaurants and lodge, delicate cuisines, fresh seafood, art galleries and craft studios in Skye. The especial one is, at Kilmuir Graveyard, you can see a memorial to the Jacobite heroine, Flora MacDonald, who helped him escape from Scotland. Actually, you can gain a chance to not only enjoy the natural view but also experience the culture value as long as you travel here! Only one thing you need to pay attention is to prepare for the changeable weather.

Again, Skye is a home to diverse wildlife ranging from red deer and Scottish wildcats to pine martens and mountain hares. And it’s easy to spot seals, dolphins, otters, golden eagles or sea eagles while you have watersports. Isn’t it enough to convince you to take a visit here? Then, there is another unique enchantment In spite of its small size, the island boasts an impressive 12 Munros, in particular the stark peaks of the famous Cuillin range which becomes a worldwide place for the hillwalkers keen to challenge their physical limits on rock climbing. That is so-called “Inaccessible Pinnacle”. The range becomes the icon of Skye and the peaks are visible from every corner of the island! All the information above hopefully give a clear idea why I think Skye is an amazing place that everyone should visit once in their lifetime.

A Secret Paradise

 

 

The pedestrian besides the Siyu road is a real-existing paradise for me. Walking on it, I can see the blue sky as long as I raise my head and hear the sound of the soft wind gently swapping by the branches of the tree on the top on me. “Rustle, rustle”. The feeble sunlight then scatters down slowly on my face like my mom’s hand touching and warming me. Due to the breeze that acts like a mischief child, the leaves, which originally stay still and curiously observe human, slightly falls down on the pedestrian. The wind also brushes my cheek tenderly, making me relish a lot.

  Besides, next to the pedestrian is a school. Passing by here will usually accompany the sound of chatting and giggling. The scene of children playing basketball and jogging at the sport field always attracts my full attention and easily stimulates my passion on sports. On the pedestrian, it’s often filled with the falling leaves. Series of crispy sound are created when walking on them. It seems that someone is eating potato chips expertly. How interesting it is!

And right near the pedestrian is Siyu road. Not at the peak of traffic, there are few cars passing by. However, occasionally, some car might drive as fast as the speed of roller coaster! Their engines may seemingly sound like a sick granny with husky voices. Also, it makes people feel hungry when walking with the appealing aroma cross from the road. There are stores whose dishes mesmerize people to enter in and have a wonderful meal there.

  Through my senses, I feel the nature greeting with me with a big smile every day. This pedestrian invariably brings me lots of surprises and a sense of tranquility. It is a dreamy heaven in the real world!

Road Trip

      Walking on Siyu Road is like taking a wonderful trip to refresh those various and invaluable memories in my heart. This road has accompanied me for many important periods in my life, like childhood and adolescence, for at least 20 years. It is near my home, so I almost pass by it every day. That’s the reason why it plays a crucial role in my mind.While I was in kinder garden, my mom held my tiny hand tightly and walked to school with me along this road every morning. At that time, I cried hard and told my mom that I hated to go to school. Mom would pat my head lightly and comforted me gently.When I was in junior high school, I enjoyed the opportunity to stay alone. Unlike other classmates waiting for their parents eagerly, I went home by myself, cherishing the freedom to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings in slow pace.Then, I became a senior high school student. My friends and I would discuss lots of topic, such as gossips, college selection and dreams for future, on our way to have a dinner. Our giggling and chatting sound seemed to scatter to every corner on this road.Now, I am in college. I hardly stay at home like I used to be. Every time go back to Luodong, I take a walk along this road and share some interesting and unforgettable experiences at school with my parents. Parents always listen to me carefully and smile satisfactorily, making me realize that happiness can be quite simple.I have left my footprints here. Siyu road carried all kinds of my precious memories. Therefore, walking on the road is as going on a trip to recall those priceless moments of my life.