For a visitor from the West, China can be a writhing dragon of mysteries, contradictions and unfathomable history. It is disorienting in its size, number of people, and of course its language. Yet it is a most beautiful land, with breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples and art forms. The Chinese are very friendly and and welcoming to a visitor. I recently spent only a few days there to photograph for my World View of Global Warming project. China has a land area larger than the United States, four times its population, and an insatiable appetite for energy.