20 places to visit in and around XiaMen, FuJian province

ShàoXīng is a water-town not far from HangZhou. The East Lake is situated six kilometers (four miles) to the east of the historic ShaoXing city. The exquisite crescent-shaped lake is hemmed in by a hill formed of bluestone, a material widely used in building houses, bridges and roads. Stoneworkers have quarried from this hill since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and over time the hill became hollowed out, leaving only steep cliffs, a deep pool and a number of grottoes. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 AD), the lake was beautified with diverse bridges, pavilions and willow trees. Bonus film - peach tree orchard in ShaoXing ...

Some awesome scenes ...

XiāngGéLǐLā, north west YunNan province, near the Tibetan Plateau. Film crew from TaiWan. With wonderful ethereal / spiritual music. Don't miss it ...

South China.

The Giant Buddha is located at the confluence of three rivers, near LeShan city in SiChuan province. The film also has scenes from nearby countryside and temples. A beautiful video ...

Bright yellow canola fields and karst hills ... The HaNi rice terraces ... Above the clouds ... ShiPing Tofu (DoFu) ... YunNans's street food markets ... The Muslim minority in YunNan ...

自己在家都能做的茶葉蛋和焦糖奶茶，以後想吃也不用出去買啦

With Lulu's Daily In China ... Humble Administrator's Garden Visitor Guide Overview The Humble Administrator's Garden, located in SuZhou, JiangSu province, is one of the most famous classical gardens in China. Built in the early 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, this garden is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, featuring beautiful pavilions, serene ponds, lush greenery, and exquisite rock formations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional Chinese garden art. History The garden was originally created by Wang XianChen, a retired government official, who sought to design a peaceful retreat for himself. Over the centuries, the garden changed hands multiple times, undergoing various renovations and expansions. Despite these changes, the garden has retained its original layout and classical elements, reflecting the aesthetics and philosophical principles of traditional Chinese gardens. Main Attractions Central Garden The Central Garden is the heart of the Humble Administrator's Garden, featuring a large pond surrounded by lush plants, winding paths, and elegant pavilions. Key highlights include: Lotus Pavilion: A beautiful structure overlooking the pond, offering a tranquil spot to enjoy the view of blooming lotus flowers in summer. Hall of Distant Fragrance: Named after the lotus flowers whose fragrance can be smelled from afar, this hall is one of the garden's main buildings, known for its elegant design. Eastern Garden The Eastern Garden features a series of smaller ponds, rockeries, and pavilions, creating a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. Notable features include: Small Flying Rainbow Bridge: A charming stone bridge that arches gracefully over a small pond. Hall of 36 Mandarin Ducks: Named after the mandarin ducks often seen in Chinese art, this hall offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Western Garden The Western Garden is characterized by its open spaces and carefully arranged rockeries and plantings. Highlights include: Hall of the Thirty-Six Mandarin Ducks: Featuring beautiful carvings and a serene ambiance. GuanYun Peak: A striking rock formation representing a mountain peak, showcasing the garden's sophisticated use of stones. Architecture and Design The Humble Administrator's Garden exemplifies the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, which seeks to create harmony between nature and human-made structures. The garden's architecture and layout incorporate the following elements: Water Features: Ponds and streams are central to the garden's design, reflecting the sky and surrounding plants, and adding a sense of tranquility. Rockeries: Carefully arranged rocks and rock formations symbolize mountains and add a dynamic visual element to the landscape. Pavilions and Halls: These structures provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation, offering various perspectives of the garden. Plantings: A diverse array of plants, including bamboo, lotus, and seasonal flowers, enhance the garden's beauty and symbolize different virtues and qualities. Visiting Tips Best Time to Visit: The garden is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly lovely when flowers are in bloom. Autumn offers stunning foliage, and winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Opening Hours: The garden is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Getting There: The garden is located in the heart of SuZhou and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The nearest metro station is Lindun Road Station (Line 1). Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the garden's history, architecture, and cultural significance. Photography: The garden offers countless photo opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera and take your time capturing the beauty of the landscape. Respect the Environment: Help preserve the garden by not picking flowers, climbing on rocks, or littering. Respect the tranquility of the space and other visitors.

With All By Ana Paula ...