An introduction to China

Shangri-la (XiāngGéLǐLā) was a semi-fictional paradise depicted in the book 'Lost Horizon' by James Hilton. This town in YunNan province, with a great likeness to the fictional paradise that Hilton depicted, was renamed from ZhongDian to Shangri-la in 2001.

With Stef Hoffer : Here’s a brief overview of some of the places visited in this video. After a short introduction, we begin this journey near the spectacular rice terraces of Yuanyang, before moving on to the captivating Buddhist temples of Dali. Via the peculiar Shilin Stone Forest and the ‘Rainbow Mountains’ of Zhangye, we arrive in Guangzhou (Canton), one of China’s largest cities. After the Yellow Mountains national park, and the intriguing ‘tulou’ buildings, we visit the Great Wall and the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest such statue in the world. After flying through the ice and snow city of Harbin, where people enjoy a unique Winter event, we take a brief look at the imposing Yellow River, Hukou waterfall, Zhengzhou and Changsha cities, before stopping at the breathtaking Jiuzhaigou national park, filled with crystal clear blue lakes. The next place is the countryside in between rural Yangshuo and urban Guilin, easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, where the Li river meanders through bizarre karst scenery. For more diversity, we travel to Dunhuang to visit the arid Gobi Desert. We also have a look at a solar panel field and windmill park, before we fly over some heavy industry, including a steel factory, coal mine, oil refinery, concrete dam, shipyard, an oil rig, and a massive bridge. Hong Kong is our next destinations, before moving on to several places along the Yangtze river (or its distributaries), including Tiger Leaping Gorge, Chongqing, and Wuhan. On Hainan island we see the ‘tropical’ side of China, while in Xiahe and Tibet we visit the country’s highlands. From the frozen cities of Jilin and Xining we arrive in Qingdao, with its German colonial architecture and coastal vibe. In Macau we fly over the famous casinos, but also visit the Portuguese quarters, and after the rice fields of Longji (Dragon’s Backbone), we increase our altitude in the Yulong national park. After Hangzhou and Shenyang, we briefly look at one of China’s many ‘ghost towns’ and construction sites, before flying on to the surreal pillars of Zhangjiajie, and the (perhaps) equally stunning skyline of Shanghai. After showing the modern part of the city and the port (harbor), we also explore some of the disappearing neighborhoods, destroyed factories, and the strange looking ‘bicycle graveyard’. From the freezing ‘Xuexiang’ village and walled city of Pingyao we continue our journey in Xian, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Changzhou. Finally, we take a look at the mesmerizing Yuanmou ‘Earth Forest’, Kunming city, and Lijiang, one of China’s most famous historic towns. Video chapters / timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:29 Yuangyang rice terraces 4:59 Chengkan 5:17 Dali 6:08 Shilin stone forest 6:50 Zhangye national park 7:55 Guangzhou 10:22 Huangshan national park 11:24 Fujian ‘tulou’ 12:03 The Great Wall 12:33 Leshan 12:55 Harbin 15:00 Yellow River 15:28 Hukou waterfall 15:50 Zhengzhou 16:20 Changsha 16:31 Jiuzhaigou national park 17:26 Yangshuo 20:25 Dunhuang 21:42 Qinghuangdao 21:58 Guazhou 22:47 Benxi, Fushun, Guangzhou, Hainan 24:19 Danjiangkou 25:12 Aizhai bridge 25:39 Hong Kong 29:19 Tiger Leaping Gorge 29:44 Chonqging 31:45 Yangtze River 33:03 Wuhan 35:41 Hainan island 38:02 Xiahe 38:51 Tibet 40:26 Jilin 40:44 Xining 41:25 Linxia 41:51 Qingdao 48:22 Macau 49:34 Longji rice terraces 49:59 Shexian 50:21 Yulong national park 51:42 Hangzhou 53:06 Shenyang 53:32 Shenfu ‘ghost town’ 54:26 Chengdu 54:46 Zhangjiajie national park 56:12 Shanghai 1:04:26 Xuexiang 1:05:49 Pingyao 1:06:28 Shenzhen 1:06:54 Xian 1:07:12 Suzhou 1:10:05 Changzhou 1:10:44 Yuangmou Earth forest 1:11:23 Kunming 1:12:43 Lijiang

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With EpicGlobe Walks ... Visitor Guide to the Longji Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces Introduction The Longji Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, Longsheng County, Guangxi Province, are one of the most breathtaking agricultural landscapes in the world. These terraces, which resemble a dragon’s scales, were first built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and have been maintained by the local Zhuang and Yao communities for centuries. The terraces are a testament to human ingenuity and harmony with nature. Best Time to Visit The Longji Rice Terraces are stunning year-round, but the best times to visit are: Spring (April–May): The terraces are filled with water, creating a mirror-like effect that reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. Summer (June–August): The rice paddies are lush and green, offering a vibrant landscape. Autumn (September–October): The rice turns golden, creating a warm, picturesque scene. Winter (November–February): The terraces are sometimes covered in snow, offering a serene and unique view. How to Get There The Longji Rice Terraces are approximately 100 kilometers from Guilin. Here’s how to reach them: By Bus: Take a bus from Guilin Bus Station to Longsheng (about 2 hours). From Longsheng, transfer to a local bus or taxi to the terraces (another 1 hour). By Private Car: Hiring a private car or taxi from Guilin is a convenient option and takes about 2.5 hours. By Tour: Many tour operators in Guilin offer day trips to the terraces, including transportation and guided tours. Main Attractions 1. Ping’an Terraces The Ping’an Terraces are the most accessible and popular section of the Longji Rice Terraces. Highlights include: Seven Stars with Moon: A cluster of seven small rice paddies surrounding a larger one, resembling stars and the moon. Nine Dragons and Five Tigers: A scenic spot where the terraces resemble dragons and tigers. 2. Jinkeng Terraces The Jinkeng Terraces are less crowded and offer stunning views. Key spots include: Golden Buddha Peak: The highest point in the area, offering panoramic views of the terraces. Yao Minority Villages: Visit the traditional villages of the Yao people, known for their long hair customs. Activities Hiking: Explore the terraces on foot via well-marked trails. Popular routes include Ping’an to Jinkeng and vice versa. Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset. Cultural Experiences: Visit local villages to learn about the Zhuang and Yao cultures, including traditional dances and handicrafts. Tips for Visitors Wear Comfortable Shoes: The terrain is hilly and uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential. Bring Layers: The weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially if you plan to hike. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of the local cultures and traditions. Cash is King: Many local vendors and small businesses do not accept credit cards. Where to Stay There are several accommodation options near the terraces, ranging from guesthouses to boutique hotels. Popular choices include: Ping’an Village: Offers a range of guesthouses with stunning terrace views. Dazhai Village: Known for its Yao culture and cozy lodgings. Conclusion The Longji Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces are a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking through the terraces, learning about local traditions, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, this UNESCO World Heritage Site promises an unforgettable experience.

With Beijing Old Liu ... Welcome to the Temple of Heaven Explore the ancient beauty and cultural significance of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Introduction The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Location The Temple of Heaven is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, easily accessible from various parts of the city. History The Temple of Heaven was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who also oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City. The temple complex was used by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. The temple complex was expanded and renovated during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in the 16th century and again during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th century. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Attractions Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The iconic triple-gabled circular building, used by emperors to pray for good harvests. Imperial Vault of Heaven: A circular building surrounded by a smooth circular wall, famous for its Echo Wall. Circular Mound Altar: An open-air altar platform where the emperor would worship Heaven during the winter solstice. Seven Star Stones: A group of large stones with historical and cultural significance. Ancient Cypress Trees: The garden areas of the complex are home to many ancient cypress trees, some over 600 years old. Activities Historical Tours Cultural Performances Photography Guided Walks Seasonal Festivals and Events Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Gift Shops Cafes and Restaurants Parking Lots Wheelchair Access Visitor Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to stay for several hours. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Respect the cultural significance of the site; behave appropriately and follow all rules and guidelines.