A tour of Beijing, Xi’An and Shanghai

With China Walking Tour ... FengHuang Ancient Water Town Visitor Guide Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in western Hunan Province, is one of China's most well-preserved ancient towns, known for its picturesque riverside setting, traditional wooden houses, and rich cultural heritage. This guide will help you explore the town’s unique charm and provide practical information to ensure a memorable visit. Overview of Fenghuang Ancient Town History & Culture: Fenghuang, meaning "Phoenix," was built in the Ming Dynasty (around 1704) and is a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture and riverside living. The town is home to the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities, whose distinct customs, folk art, and architecture add a rich cultural layer to the town's charm. Strolling along the banks of the Tuojiang River, you’ll be surrounded by ancient stilted houses (diaojiaolou), stone-paved streets, and peaceful bridges that seem frozen in time. Why Visit: With its well-preserved historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and scenic river views, Fenghuang is a must-visit destination for those interested in Chinese history, culture, and photography. Visitors can enjoy riverboat rides, explore narrow alleyways, and visit local shops selling traditional crafts. Key Attractions in Fenghuang Tuojiang River The lifeblood of Fenghuang, the Tuojiang River runs through the heart of the town. Stroll along its banks, take a boat ride, or photograph the iconic wooden houses perched on stilts over the water. The river comes alive at night, with beautifully illuminated buildings reflecting on the water. Diaojiaolou (Stilt Houses) The stilted wooden houses that line the Tuojiang River are some of Fenghuang's most recognizable architectural features. These traditional houses, built by the Miao people, offer a glimpse into the area's ancient construction techniques and local way of life. Many of these houses are now home to cafes, guesthouses, and shops. Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge One of the most famous landmarks in Fenghuang, the Hongqiao Bridge is a beautiful covered bridge with traditional Chinese architecture. It serves as both a pedestrian passage and a scenic spot for photographs. Inside, the bridge hosts shops selling local crafts and snacks. East Gate Tower The East Gate Tower (Dongmen Tower) was originally built as part of the town's fortifications during the Ming Dynasty. This well-preserved tower offers great views of the ancient town and the river. A walk through the gates is a step back into the town’s historical past. Miao Ethnic Museum This museum provides an in-depth look at the culture, history, and lifestyle of the Miao ethnic group, which is native to the Fenghuang area. It is an excellent stop for those interested in learning more about the rich cultural traditions of the region, including their festivals, clothing, and traditional crafts. Travel Tip: While the daytime charm of Fenghuang is undeniable, the town is especially magical at night, when the lights illuminate the riverside buildings and bridges, creating a serene atmosphere for evening strolls. Practical Travel Information for Fenghuang When to Visit The best time to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter, though quieter, can be quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Getting to Fenghuang By Air: The nearest airport is Tongren Fenghuang Airport, which is about 30 kilometers from the town. From the airport, travelers can take a bus or taxi to reach Fenghuang. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Zhangjiajie or Changsha and take a bus or train to the town, though this will involve a longer journey. By Train: Fenghuang does not have a train station, but the nearest train station is Jishou Railway Station, about 50 kilometers away. From there, travelers can take a bus or taxi to Fenghuang, which takes about an hour. By Bus: Regular buses run from nearby cities such as Zhangjiajie, Jishou, and Changsha. The bus journey from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang takes approximately 4 hours, while it is around 6 hours from Changsha. Accommodation Fenghuang offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels. Many of the traditional stilt houses along the river have been converted into guesthouses, offering a unique stay with scenic river views. For those seeking more comfort, hotels in the town center provide modern amenities. It’s recommended to book in advance during peak travel seasons. Cultural Sensitivity As Fenghuang is home to ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Tujia, visitors should be mindful of local customs. When visiting minority villages or interacting with locals, it's important to respect their traditions and dress modestly. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in more rural areas. Language Mandarin is the official language, but many locals also speak the Miao language. English is not widely spoken, so it's useful to have a translation app or learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to make communication easier. Local Cuisine Fenghuang’s cuisine reflects the flavors of Hunan Province, known for its spicy dishes. Be sure to try the local specialties, such as sour fish soup (suantang yu), Miao-style grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. There are also numerous street food vendors offering local snacks like glutinous rice cakes and fried tofu. Travel Tip: Fenghuang can be quite crowded during Chinese public holidays, especially the National Day Golden Week in October. Plan your visit outside these peak periods for a more peaceful experience. Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Fenghuang Day 1: Arrive in Fenghuang, check in to your riverside guesthouse, and take an evening stroll along the Tuojiang River to enjoy the illuminated scenery. Day 2: Visit the Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge, explore the East Gate Tower, and take a riverboat ride along the Tuojiang River. In the afternoon, wander through the ancient alleyways and visit the Miao Ethnic Museum. Day 3: Explore the surrounding countryside by visiting nearby Miao or Tujia villages, where you can learn more about their traditional crafts and culture. Return to Fenghuang in the evening for dinner and a relaxed evening by the river.

Explore the beautiful Yellow Mountain in AnHui province ...

Just a taster till January 2021. For the first few days it wasn't even going to be a video based site - but within a week it was. But back in 2005, there were few videos and the quality of what did exist was, er, not great ; ) But we had a vision ... 15 years can be a long time in the tech world. We'll bring you some memories of yesteryear here in the coming weeks. We have always focused on the very best - wacky, wonderful, awe-inspiring, beautiful, awakening ... A typically eclectic mix of wonderful on the way. But we can't say that without a little taster ... A contemporary arts zone in north east BeiJing with many galleries, bookshops, cafes and more. Changes all the time; though some 1950s factory look lingers. If you like to wander and come across the unexpected, it is well worth a visit. A fascinating place and an example of the 'new China'. With Jason Zhang ... Nothing really ends ... there's always an echo ... but what will that be ... ? From 2010, ShangHai city center flash mob - feel the heat. Bad Romance, Jai Ho, Rolling on the River, and more ... One of the most beautiful pieces of music that your ears will ever hear - 默 那英歌曲 吉他弹唱 ... Ongmanibamai - Dai Qing Tana and the HAYA band (ethnic Mongolian) ... There are really no words; nirvana ... More great music (click here) ...

The ONLY time for division, is between the positive and the negative. Repeat every night; and every morning. With the Barrett channel ... With LaowaiNiko ... With Jerry Goode ... Bonus film - democracy in China, with Jerry's Take on China ... With Living in China ... In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Individualism is the ultimate 'divide and rule'. Bonus films ...

With Amazing Places on Our Planet ...

With Jiayi & Julie in China ... 0:43 Medical System 2:27 Transportation 3:40 Political Accountability 6:13 Police 7:41 Food 9:22 Individuality 10:50 City Planning 11:31 Female Culture 14:13 Nature 14:53 History & Culture Top 2 YT comments (on 19th January 2025): * My relative visited China in Oct for 3 weeks. During the visit in Shanghai one evening she had fever of 102F with blood in urine. She was 70+ years old and very nervous but finally went to the ER of the best hospital in Shanghai. She got the service including ultrasound, blood test, medicine, diagnosed as Urinary tract infection, in less than 2 hours. She was fully recovered the next morning. Guess how much she was paid since she didn't have China medical insurance? Total 280RMB, i.e. US$40! She was told that the price for people w/wo insurance was the same. If you had local insurance you might only need to pay 10%-20% of the retail price. * I'm in the US. About 2 weeks ago in North Carolina, an unarmed black man who was accused of shoplifting was shot 3 times. He had no weapon, and was simply walking. A few days ago in Oklahoma, a police officer broke the neck and eye socket of 71 year old Vietnamese man over a traffic stop. I saw both these videos. In Texas, police stopped a man driving a pickup truck because he had out of town license plates. He was carrying $35,000 in cash to buy machinery for his business. The cops seized his money and the local government refuses to return it. These incidents happen EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE in America. I stopped arguing with Americans about how great they think this country it. They hang on to some unrealistic patriotic delusion, and are quick to accuse China of doing what is ACTUALLY DONE here. Things will not change no matter who is President because corruption permeates this society at every level. Far be it for me to give advice to the people in China, but here it is - be proud of your country and your government. I am in awe of how sophisticated your society is, and how protective of the people the CCP are. You are right about the politicians in the West. They suffer zero consequences for their lies and corrupt actions. The White House and Washington DC perfectly reflect our society. We in the US are not to be admired or emulated, but should be held as an example of a collapsing empire that should never be repeated again for the sake of the world. Thank you for this great vlog! With Expat Adventuring in Asia ...

Chinese students are increasingly, and rightly so, avoiding studying in the West, where standards are declining, fees are extremely high, healthcare is either appalling or extremely expensive, the cities and towns are dingy and filled with homeless people and violence, the accommodation is dreadful and the food even worse; and where dangers abound. In contrast, Chinese universities are the far better choice. Besides, why fund countries that see China as an adversary, where Chinese products are banned and the media is increasingly hostile, and you could be labelled a spy ? Don't waste the 'best years of your life' ! YT comments : "I’m from Canada and I would never send my kids to study on the US. It’s just not safe. The quality of US education is declining. I’d rather send my kids to school in China than US." "The university in the West has very little to offer other than the English language. Chinese technology is more advanced, and Chinese students get better jobs after finishing Chinese university." "Let's be realistic. Where can you learn the AI best? China. Where can you learn quantum computer? China. Where can you learn best about rocket engines and space science? China landed a rover on the moon several times. Where can you learn chemistry and micro biology? China. Do you name anything? China has more advanced technology. Chinese students learn and speak English in China, so why pay high tuition to learn English outside?"

Stone and Li Yuer's "Yuhua Stone" (Ci / Qu: Hu Li, 2010) is a song full of sadness and strength, which will be performed by Li Yugang and Stone one year later. The video clip is from the 2011 movie "The Legend of the White Snake". Director: Cheng Xiaodong, starring: Jet Li, Huang Shengyi, Lin Feng Cai Zhuoyan. This original music video was edited by AlphaMV. 石头和李雨儿合唱的《雨花石》(词/曲︰胡力, 2010年)，是一首充满忧伤和力量的歌曲，1年后再由李玉刚和石头演绎。视频片段来自2011年电影《白蛇传说》。导演︰程小东，主演︰李连杰、黄圣依、林峰 蔡卓妍。此原创音乐视频由AlphaMV配套剪辑。 Bonus - Zhang WeiJia - XiHai Love Song ...