Beautiful moments in SanYa 三亚

Destabilization of China's neighbors is gathering pace ...

LiaoNing province. A beautiful film ... DaLian at night ... Informational guide ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... Lijiang Visitor Guide Lijiang, in northwest Yunnan Province, is one of China's most scenic and culturally rich towns. Famous for its ancient town, UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the surrounding natural beauty, Lijiang offers travelers a mix of historical exploration and outdoor adventure. The town is home to the Naxi ethnic group and features cobblestone streets, flowing canals, and traditional wooden houses, making it a must-visit destination. Overview Location: Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province, about 150 kilometers from Dali and 500 kilometers from Kunming. Famous For: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Naxi culture, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Getting There From Kunming: You can fly directly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (1-hour flight) or take an overnight train (8-9 hours). From Dali: A bus or train ride from Dali to Lijiang takes about 2-3 hours. Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit Lijiang are from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and dry. Top Attractions in Lijiang Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings, narrow stone streets, and vibrant Naxi culture. You’ll find traditional wooden houses, small canals flowing through the town, and plenty of small shops and restaurants. Mu's Residence (Mu Fu): This grand residence was the home of the Mu family, who ruled Lijiang for centuries. The residence is a fine example of Ming Dynasty architecture combined with Naxi design. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Old Town. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan): A towering mountain range just outside Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is perfect for hiking, cable car rides, and stunning glacier views. The mountain is sacred to the Naxi people and a symbol of their culture. Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park): Located just outside Lijiang Old Town, this park offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the lake. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. Shuhe Ancient Town: A smaller, quieter ancient town about 4 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe offers a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, featuring similar architecture and charm. Cultural Experiences Naxi Culture: Lijiang is home to the Naxi ethnic group, who have a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Dongba Cultural Museum to learn about the Naxi language, religion, and customs. You can also witness traditional Naxi music performances at various venues around town. Naxi Ancient Music: This unique musical form dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties. A performance of Naxi ancient music is a great way to experience the traditional sounds of the region, often accompanied by cultural storytelling. Local Delicacies Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): A thick, crispy pancake made with wheat flour and stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings. This local snack can be found in street markets and small restaurants throughout Lijiang. Sanyue Rice Noodles (三月丽江米线): A popular rice noodle dish typically served with a spicy broth, pork or beef, and fresh herbs. Naxi BBQ: Grilled meats and vegetables, served with local spices and dipping sauces. It’s a common street food, especially in Shuhe Ancient Town. Butter Tea (酥油茶): A staple among the Naxi and Tibetan people in the region, butter tea is a rich, savory drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼, méiguī bǐng): Similar to XiZhou, Lijiang also features the famous rose petal cake. It's a delicately sweet pastry filled with locally sourced rose jam, and it's a popular souvenir for visitors. Where to Stay Local Guesthouses: Lijiang has many family-run guesthouses located within the Old Town, offering traditional architecture and a cozy atmosphere. These are ideal for an authentic cultural experience. Boutique Hotels: For a more luxurious stay, boutique hotels with modern amenities are also available, often featuring beautiful views of the mountains or the Old Town. Tips for Visitors Language: Mandarin Chinese is spoken by most people, but the local Naxi dialect is also common. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or basic Mandarin phrases. Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites or interacting with locals, be respectful of their customs. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples or Naxi family homes. Shopping: Lijiang is known for its handcrafted silverware, Naxi embroidery, and traditional wood carvings. Support local artisans by purchasing souvenirs from the local shops or markets. Nearby Attractions Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a popular trekking destination about 60 kilometers from Lijiang. The hike offers dramatic views of the gorge and the Jinsha River below. Baisha Village: An ancient Naxi village about 10 kilometers from Lijiang. It’s famous for its ancient murals, which depict scenes from Naxi mythology and daily life. The village is much quieter than Lijiang, making it a peaceful side trip. Conclusion Lijiang is a destination that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, hiking the trails of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or learning about the unique Naxi culture, Lijiang offers something for every traveler. Plan your visit carefully to experience the best of both worlds—ancient history and outdoor adventure.

With Travel East ...

DiSanXian (Potato, Pepper, and Aubergine) Introduction DiSanXian (地三鲜) is a popular Chinese dish from the northeastern region of China. The name "DiSanXian" translates to "Three Earthly Treasures," referring to the main ingredients: potatoes, peppers, and aubergines (eggplants). This dish is loved for its rich flavors and satisfying texture, making it a perfect vegan option for those looking to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. Ingredients 2 large potatoes 2 medium aubergines (eggplants) 1 green bell pepper 1 red bell pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar Salt to taste Cooking oil Chopped spring onions (optional, for garnish) Preparation DiSanXian is a straightforward dish to prepare, requiring basic cooking techniques and common ingredients. Here's how to make it: Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin slices or wedges. Cut the aubergines into bite-sized pieces. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and cut them into strips. Step 2: Fry the Vegetables Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the potato slices until they are golden and crispy, then remove and set aside. Next, fry the aubergine pieces until they are tender and slightly browned, then remove and set aside. Finally, fry the bell pepper strips for a few minutes until they are slightly softened. Step 3: Combine and Season In the same wok or pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the fried potatoes, aubergines, and bell peppers back into the pan. Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated with the sauce and heated through. Step 4: Serve Transfer the DiSanXian to a serving plate and garnish with chopped spring onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Tips and Variations Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version, add some chopped chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes to the dish. Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, onions, or zucchini for more variety and nutrition. Low-Oil Option: For a healthier version, you can roast the vegetables instead of frying them. Toss them with a little oil and roast in the oven until tender and lightly browned. Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces, such as adding a touch of hoisin sauce for sweetness or using black bean sauce for a deeper flavor. Nutritional Information DiSanXian is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a typical serving of DiSanXian: Calories: 250-300 kcal Protein: 4-6 grams Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams Fat: 12-15 grams Fiber: 5-7 grams Vitamins and Minerals: High in Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants from the vegetables. This makes DiSanXian a well-rounded dish that provides energy, essential nutrients, and dietary fiber. Where to Find DiSanXian in China DiSanXian is a popular dish in northeastern China but can be found in many Chinese restaurants throughout the country. Look for restaurants that specialize in northeastern Chinese cuisine or those that offer a wide range of vegetable dishes. You can also find DiSanXian in some vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Conclusion DiSanXian is a delicious and versatile vegan dish that highlights the simple yet rich flavors of Chinese cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, DiSanXian is sure to please your taste buds with its satisfying combination of potatoes, peppers, and aubergines. Enjoy this delightful dish at home or seek it out during your travels in China for an authentic culinary experience.

Savvy Sonia in SanYa ...

Small office, home office (SOHO); but with friends and colleagues. GuangZhou, GuangDong province ... BeiJing hutongs ...

Not the rise of, just the return. A talk by Australian Malcolm Turnbull ... A comment re defense spending - per capita (person), China is not even in the top 15 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_military_expenditure_per_capita Defense spending is in fact very small considering the size of the country.

With Einzelgänger ... Bonus film - Erich Fromm on 'To Have or To Be' ...