A three day hike at the awesome HuangShan 黄山 (Yellow Mountain)

Provincial capital of FuJian province ...

With Ben Norton and Brian Becker ... With Vijay Prashad and Geopolitics Demystified ... With Aaron Good ... With Inside China Business ... With Yanis Varoufakis ...

A cuisine masterclass for cooking this classic Chinese food dish ...

HaiNan Island, south China Bonus film - 'DIY Wedding Photos', in LiJiang 丽江, a micro movie 浪漫的旅拍婚紗影像 ... Such a lovely couple; best wishes on your life together - it sure will be a lot of fun ... The song is from the 2007 film 'Music and Lyrics', sung by Hugh Grant and Haley Bennett. 如此有趣和美丽 !

Join Tim and Glo as they visit West Lake, the LongJing tea terraces, chill out with a hot-pot (that's chilli not tomato, btw) and more in HangZhou, ZheJiang province, east China, just 120 miles / 180 km from ShangHai ... What better way to end a misty, rainy day at the lake than a Hot Pot ... Bonus film - back in ShangHai, popping out for fried rice and chicken street food take away, passing the Bund and YuYuan Gardens by bicycle ...

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... NanXun Water Town Travel Guide Introduction Nanxun Water Town, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of the lesser-commercialized and best-preserved ancient water towns in China. Known for its elegant combination of traditional Chinese architecture and Western-style mansions, it offers a peaceful and authentic experience of Jiangnan’s waterways and history. How to Get There From Shanghai: Take a high-speed train to Huzhou (about 1 hour) and then a bus or taxi to Nanxun (around 30 minutes). From Hangzhou: A high-speed train to Huzhou takes about 30 minutes, followed by a local bus or taxi. From Suzhou: A direct bus from Suzhou South Bus Station takes about 1.5 hours. Main Attractions Xiaolian Zhuang (Little Lotus Garden) Originally the private garden of a wealthy merchant, this classical Chinese garden features a picturesque lotus pond, elegant pavilions, and stone bridges. Liu’s Family Compound A grand residence built by one of Nanxun’s richest families, showcasing a mix of European and traditional Chinese architectural styles. Baijian Lou (Hundred Houses Complex) A historic residential area with well-preserved white-walled houses lined along the canals, offering a glimpse into the lives of Nanxun’s past inhabitants. Jiaye Library One of China’s largest and most well-preserved private libraries, built in the late Qing Dynasty. The collection includes thousands of rare books and manuscripts. Ancient Stone Arch Bridges Several beautiful stone bridges span Nanxun’s canals, providing scenic spots for photography and quiet reflection. Things to Do Boat Tour: Take a wooden boat ride through the winding canals to enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery. Local Food: Try Nanxun’s specialties such as rice cakes, braised pork, and freshwater fish. Handicrafts: Visit local workshops to see traditional silk weaving and paper cutting. Photography: Capture the unique blend of old architecture and serene waterways. Best Time to Visit Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather, with blooming flowers and colorful foliage enhancing the town’s beauty. Practical Tips Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking along stone pathways and bridges. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore with fewer tourists and soft lighting. Cash is useful for small shops and local eateries, though some accept mobile payments. Conclusion Nanxun Water Town is a hidden gem offering a peaceful, culturally rich experience. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a scenic getaway, Nanxun is a fantastic destination that retains its authentic charm.

Introduction: Chili oil is a versatile and flavorful condiment widely used in Chinese cuisine, particularly in SiChuan and HuNan dishes. It adds heat, depth and aroma to a variety of dishes, from noodles and stir-fries to dumplings and marinades. Making chili oil at home allows you to customize the flavors and heat level to your preference, and it's surprisingly simple to prepare, with just a few key ingredients. Ingredients: A neutral Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, grape-seed oil, or peanut oil. This will serve as the base for the chili oil and carry the flavors of the aromatics and spices. Dried Chilies: Use dried chili peppers of your choice, such as Chinese facing-heaven chilies, Thai bird's eye chilies, or arbol chilies; but any will be fine. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of heat. If whole dried chilies, crumble into flakes. Some sliced fresh chilis can also be included. Sichuan Peppercorns: Optional but highly recommended for authentic Sichuan flavor. Sichuan peppercorns add a citrusy, floral aroma and a distinctive numbing sensation to the chili oil. Can be bought at a Chinese grocery store or online. Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and scallions are common aromatics used in chili oil. They add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Spices: Optional spices such as star anise and cloves can be added for additional flavor and complexity. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the chili oil. Method: Prepare the Ingredients: If using whole dried chilies, remove the stems and cut or tear them into smaller pieces. Peel and slice the garlic and ginger. Cut the scallions into small pieces. Infuse the oil: In a saucepan or skillet, heat the neutral oil over low to medium heat. Add the dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns (if using), garlic, ginger, plus any optional spices. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Cool the oil: Remove the pan from the heat and let the oil cool. This allows the flavors to infuse into the oil. Strain the oil: Once the oil has cooled, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Storage: In an airtight container, store the chili oil in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. Tips: Adjust the quantity of dried chilies and SiChuan peppercorns to your preferred level of heat and numbing sensation. Experiment with different aromatics and spices to customize the flavor of your chili oil. A little sesame oil can be added at the end to further enhance the flavor and aroma of the chili oil. Toasted sesame oil, in particular, adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the spices and aromatics. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause the aromatics and spices to burn and develop off-flavors. Enjoy your homemade chili oil drizzled over noodles, stir-fries, dumplings, or any dish that could use a spicy kick and aromatic depth! Give some to your friends and relatives : )

With Walk East ... [videogallery id=UCip2HiAmspOVMeh0yxMcEaA]