A guide to beautiful GuiZhou 贵州 province

With Living The Dream ... With YanYan go around in China ... JinShanLing Great Wall travel guide Introduction The JinShanLing section of the Great Wall of China is one of the most well-preserved and scenic parts of the wall, located in the mountainous area of Luanping County, Hebei Province, about 130 kilometers northeast of Beijing. This section offers stunning views, rich historical significance, and a less crowded experience compared to other sections. This guide will help you explore the beauty and history of JinShanLing, including must-see highlights, hiking tips, and practical travel information. Must-See Highlights General Tower (将军楼) The General Tower is one of the most iconic watchtowers on the JinShanLing section of the Great Wall. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the winding wall. This tower was used historically for military command and observation. Wangjing Tower (望京楼) Wangjing Tower, also known as the Watching Beijing Tower, is named for its view of Beijing on clear days. This tower is a popular spot for photography and offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Eastern Five-Window Tower (东五眼楼) The Eastern Five-Window Tower is unique for its five windows on each side, providing excellent vantage points for surveillance in ancient times. This tower is a testament to the strategic architectural design of the Great Wall. Western Five-Window Tower (西五眼楼) The Western Five-Window Tower, similar to its eastern counterpart, also features five windows on each side. It offers spectacular views and is a great spot for taking in the expansive landscape of the JinShanLing section. Big and Small Jinshan Towers (大小金山楼) The Big and Small Jinshan Towers are two prominent towers named after their different sizes. These towers are significant historical landmarks and provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the defensive mechanisms of the Great Wall. Hiking Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit JinShanLing is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the scenery is stunning. Hiking Difficulty: The JinShanLing section offers a moderately challenging hike with steep steps and uneven terrain. Suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. What to Wear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, breathable clothing, and a hat. Bring layers as the weather can change quickly. What to Bring: Carry plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. A camera is also recommended for capturing the beautiful scenery. Hiking Route: A popular hiking route is from JinShanLing to Simatai West, which takes about 3-4 hours and covers some of the most picturesque sections of the wall. Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour for a more informative experience. Guides can provide historical context and ensure you don't miss any key sights. Practical Travel Information Getting There: JinShanLing is accessible by bus, car, or private tour from Beijing. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours by car. Buses are available from Beijing's Wangjing West Station. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for JinShanLing varies depending on the season. Check the official website or contact local tourism offices for up-to-date pricing. Opening Hours: JinShanLing is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Plan to arrive early to make the most of your visit and avoid crowds. Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses and hotels near JinShanLing for those who wish to stay overnight. Beijing offers a wider range of accommodation options if you prefer to stay in the city. Health and Safety: Ensure you are in good health before attempting the hike, as the terrain can be demanding. Stay on designated paths to avoid accidents and respect local regulations and signs. Local Services: Facilities such as restrooms and small shops are available at the entrance and at certain points along the wall. However, it's advisable to bring your own supplies for convenience. Conclusion The JinShanLing section of the Great Wall of China offers a unique and less crowded experience compared to other parts of the wall. Its well-preserved structures, stunning scenery, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Use this guide to plan your visit and enjoy the incredible beauty and historical significance of JinShanLing. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or an avid hiker, JinShanLing promises an unforgettable adventure.

With Rangan Chatterjee ... With Alan Watts ...

The first film shows some scenes of the central temple area, and the second the many activities that take place in the surrounding park ...

Buddha Said | Great Compassion Mantra | Sweep of our minds | Heart Sutra | Zen Charm | Prayer for the earthquake in Ya'An (2013). Enter the chill out zone ...

This shows what can be done when the government works for the people. Infrastructure enhances both individual freedom and quality of life. Not only super functional but also artistically beautiful. With Flying Dumplings ... Bonus film : HangZhou West railway station - with Gecko Walks ...

With JiangXi China ... WuYuan Ancient Town, located in JiangXi province, is a place of historical and cultural significance, known for its well-preserved architecture and picturesque scenery. The town is often referred to as a "living museum" of ancient Chinese culture, offering a glimpse into the country's rich historical past. Historical Significance Wuyuan Ancient Town has a history that dates back over a thousand years. It flourished during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties and continued to thrive through the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. The town's strategic location and prosperous agricultural economy contributed to its development as a cultural and commercial hub. Architecture The architecture of Wuyuan Ancient Town is a highlight, featuring traditional Chinese structures such as ancestral halls, temples, and residential buildings. These structures are characterized by their intricate woodwork, stone carvings, and tile-roofed houses. The well-preserved buildings reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architectural styles. Natural Beauty Wuyuan is also renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. The town is surrounded by lush mountains, winding rivers, and terraced fields, creating a picturesque setting that changes with the seasons. In spring, the blooming canola flowers turn the fields into a sea of yellow, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts from all over the country. Culture and Traditions Wuyuan Ancient Town is rich in cultural heritage and traditions. The local customs, festivals, and folk arts are well-preserved, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Chinese culture firsthand. The town hosts various cultural events, including lantern festivals, dragon boat races, and traditional opera performances. Notable Sites Some of the notable sites in Wuyuan Ancient Town include: Likeng Village: Known for its beautiful ancient buildings and tranquil environment, Likeng Village offers a glimpse into traditional rural life in China. Rainbow Bridge: A historic covered bridge that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Wuyuan, featuring unique wooden architecture. Xiaoqi Village: Famous for its ancient merchant houses and well-preserved cultural relics. Jiangwan Village: A historic village with a rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture. Tourism and Accessibility Wuyuan Ancient Town has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historical charm and natural beauty. The town is easily accessible from major cities in Guangxi and neighboring provinces. Efforts have been made to preserve the town's cultural heritage while developing infrastructure to accommodate tourists.

YT comment : dominique ridoux : True story: I once visited a couple of friends in their flat in downtown Shanghai city. When I arrived the whole street was under construction, the road, the side walks, everything... We had lunch, played mahjong, then dinner. When I went out after the evening dinner, the street was completely finished! New asphalt, sidewalks paved and new trees planted all the way. I even went back thinking my friend's building had 2 entrances... The big difference with us in Europe is when a decision is made the do some infrastructure work, they will put as many workers as needed to do it very quickly, they cannot afford to have streets blocked for weeks in a city of 23 million people like Shanghai. In China everything is about efficiency because they have no other choice. Can you afford to queue for tickets and so on in a city of 23 millions? No! Ok, let's all use Wechat and Alipay to increase efficiency... Done in a few years! Almost nobody is using cash anymore in China! They apply the same mindset to everyday activity, may it be transportation, food industry or even paying your taxes! The result is (as far as I am concerned) a full body check (including check in, CT scan, blood work etc) in less than 2 hours including a complementary breakfast for less than 400 Euros. Or Visa application done in 20 minutes. All car parkings are using plate recognition technology decreasing time wasting again and again. High speed train are efficient, can move large amounts of people at a fantastic pace. Also as mentioned by many people, they build "hubs", you get out of the train and you have 2 or even 3 subway lines to bring you to your final destination, more and more you even have the airport hub at a walking distance! We have a similar hub in Paris (CDG with RER and TGV within the airport walking distance) but the size of it in Shanghai makes it spectacular! YT comment : rhn94 China spent 1 Trillion USD over 10-15 years building this network, that is 1/4th the cost of the Iraq War the US paid. YT comment : Pal Sih China is building their country. USA is destroying other countries. YT comment : thata xx The best part of China's high speed train is you can order food from any of the restaurants in the station on your phone and designate at what time during which stop to have it delivered to you. During the 2-3 minutes stop, your food is already there waiting to be distributed to you on the train. I miss it so much.

With Valeriy Blank ...

With Travel East ...