BeiJing 北京 in time-lapse

NingXia province lies in northern China. With CGTN Travelogue ...

YuánMíngYuán was the original Summer Palace in BeiJing and sometimes referred to as the 'Old Summer Palace'. YuanMingYuan lies 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of central Beijing, close to the (new) Summer Palace (YíHéYuán 颐和园). It was constructed during the 18th and early 19th centuries and was a wonderland of lakes and waterways, bridges, hills and pavilions. There were originally towers, terraces, pavilions, halls, corridors, pagodas and bridges with a total construction area of 150,000 square meters. Artisans were recruited from all over China to enact the exquisite settings. Many of the 160 scenic spots were reproductions of famous mountains, rivers and famous gardens in China. The various styles of architecture, standing encircled by hills and streams, presented a most picturesque view. In addition, hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in the halls, including some unique copies of literary works and collections. YuanMingYuan was, indeed, a veritable museum of garden construction and horticulture. Known to be one of the largest museums in the world, a popular name in China was the 'Garden of Gardens'. In 1860 during the 'Second Opium War', YuanMingYuan was looted then burned down by imperialist British and French troops. So great was the devastation that a new Summer Palace was later built nearby.

1 minute in Phoenix ancient water town ...

With Seiu Travel ... With Wei's Travel ... Huishan Ancient Town Travel Guide Overview Huishan Ancient Town, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, is a well-preserved historical town known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, traditional gardens, and ancestral halls. It provides visitors with a glimpse into China’s past with its classical architecture and serene atmosphere. How to Get There By Train: Take a high-speed train to Wuxi Railway Station or Wuxi East Railway Station, then take a taxi or public transport to the ancient town. By Bus: Local buses such as 45, 88, and 89 stop near the entrance of Huishan Ancient Town. By Car: Easily accessible via major highways leading to Wuxi, with parking available near the entrance. Main Attractions Huishan Temple: A historic Buddhist temple featuring beautiful statues and peaceful gardens. Ancestral Halls: Over a hundred ancestral halls belonging to various Chinese families, showcasing traditional architecture and family heritage. Jichang Garden: A classical Chinese garden known for its tranquil atmosphere, ponds, and traditional pavilions. Huishan Spring: A famous water source considered one of the best in southern China. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Huishan Ancient Town is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Local Cuisine Wuxi-style Spare Ribs: A sweet and savory pork rib dish famous in the region. Huishan Clay Pot Noodles: A delicious noodle dish cooked in a clay pot with rich broth and toppings. Steamed Dumplings: Juicy dumplings filled with pork and soup, a local specialty. Tips for Visitors Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there are many cobblestone paths. Early morning visits offer a quieter and more picturesque experience. Local shops sell handmade crafts and souvenirs unique to the region. ***** Welcome to the Kingdom of Wu: A Visitor Guide and History Introduction to the Kingdom of Wu The Kingdom of Wu, a historical region in eastern China, is a land of profound cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. Centered around the modern city of Wuxi and extending to areas like Suzhou and Hangzhou, the Kingdom of Wu was one of the most influential states during the Spring and Autumn (770–476 BCE) and Warring States (475–221 BCE) periods. Today, the region is celebrated for its classical gardens, ancient waterways, and contributions to Chinese art, literature, and philosophy. History of the Kingdom of Wu The Kingdom of Wu emerged as a powerful state during the Zhou Dynasty, with its capital initially located in modern-day Suzhou. It played a pivotal role in Chinese history, particularly during the Spring and Autumn period, when it rivaled the states of Yue and Chu. The kingdom is famously associated with the legendary King Helü, who ruled during the 6th century BCE and is credited with constructing the Grand Canal and strengthening Wu's military. The Kingdom of Wu is also central to the story of Sun Tzu, the ancient military strategist and author of The Art of War. Sun Tzu served as a general under King Helü, and his strategies helped Wu achieve significant victories. The region's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Chinese civilization, particularly in areas like agriculture, silk production, and water management. Cultural Highlights of the Kingdom of Wu 1. Classical Gardens The Kingdom of Wu is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, which are masterpieces of landscape design. These gardens, such as the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, feature intricate layouts, serene ponds, and elegant pavilions. They reflect the Confucian ideals of harmony between humans and nature. 2. Silk Production The region has been a center of silk production for thousands of years. The ancient city of Wuxi, in particular, was a major hub for silk weaving and trade. Visitors can explore the history of silk at local museums and workshops. 3. Wu Opera and Music The Kingdom of Wu is the birthplace of Wu Opera, a traditional form of Chinese opera known for its melodic tunes and poetic lyrics. The region is also famous for its traditional music, particularly the pipa (a Chinese lute) and guqin (a seven-stringed zither). Key Cities and Attractions 1. Wuxi Wuxi, often called the "Pearl of Lake Tai," is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Key attractions include Lake Tai, the Lingshan Grand Buddha, and Xihui Park. Wuxi's Grand Canal section is a testament to the region's historical importance as a transportation hub. 2. Suzhou Suzhou, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Wu, is famous for its classical gardens, canals, and silk industry. The Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, and the Suzhou Museum are must-visit sites. 3. Hangzhou Hangzhou, located to the south of the Kingdom of Wu, is celebrated for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its tea culture, particularly Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Practical Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and vibrant scenery. Getting There: The region is well-connected by high-speed trains. Major cities like Wuxi, Suzhou, and Hangzhou have their own train stations and airports. Accommodation: Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Staying near key attractions like Lake Tai or West Lake is recommended. Local Transportation: Public transportation is efficient, with buses, metros, and taxis readily available. Cycling is also a popular way to explore the cities.

Metro systems The two largest metro systems in the world are in ShangHai and BeiJing. There are also metro systems in many other Chinese cities. These are all super modern, spacious, artistically appealing and easy to use for visitors with announcements in both Chinese and English, with signs both in Chinese and PinYin. Check out our videos on various Chinese metro systems. The Beijing metro system has over 600 miles of track and over 600 stations. It carries over 10 billion passengers annually, making it one of the busiest subway systems in the world. It operates one of the world's largest fleets of subway cars, with over 4,000 cars in service. The Beijing metro is also one of the most technologically advanced subway systems in the world, with many of its trains and stations equipped with advanced features such as automated train control, platform screen doors, and real-time passenger information systems. The Beijing metro is known for its distinctive architecture and design, with many stations featuring works of art, sculptures, and other design elements. It is also known for its efficient and fast service, with trains running at high frequencies and minimal delays. The Beijing metro is also very affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY3 (about $0.4 / £0.35) for a single journey with discounts for frequent users. It has also been made more convenient for tourists by allowing the use of contactless payment methods such as WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay. Taxis In China, taxis are easy to find and very affordable, unlike in the West; they are widely used by nearly everyone. For example, Beijing has approximately 66,000 registered taxi vehicles operating in the city as of 2021. The standard taxi fare in Beijing is around ¥13 (or about $2 / £1.40) for the first 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) plus an additional ¥2.3 (about $0.35 / £0.25) for each additional kilometer. There can be higher tariffs for night time (after midnight). High speed rail China has built one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, which is known for its speed, efficiency, and connectivity. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, with over 22,000 miles of track and over 350 stations. The high-speed rail network operates at speeds of up to 217 mph, making it one of the fastest in the world. China's high-speed rail system carries over 3 billion passengers annually, making it the busiest high-speed rail networks in the world. China's high-speed rail system is also affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY50 (about $7) for a single journey and discounts for frequent users. China has also been exporting its high-speed rail technology and know-how to other countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Russia and more. Air travel Air travel is an important part of China's transportation system, with several major airports and a rapidly growing number of passengers. Here are some facts about air travel in China: China has over 220 commercial airports, making it the country with the second-largest number of airports in the world, behind the United States. China's three major airports are Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. These three airports handle a large number of passengers annually, with Beijing Capital International Airport handling over 100 million passengers in 2020. China's domestic air travel market is the second-largest in the world, behind the United States, with over 600 million passengers in 2020 and over 60 million international passengers. China's air travel market has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with several new airports and routes being added. China's major airlines, such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, are among the largest in the world, and they operate a large fleet of modern aircraft. It is also becoming more affordable, with the increasing competition between airlines leading to lower fares. China's air travel market is also becoming more convenient for travelers, with the increasing use of online booking and check-in, as well as the introduction of e-visas for some countries. It is also becoming more sustainable, with many airlines investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing more environmentally-friendly practices. China's air travel market is a modern, efficient, and highly-used transportation system that connects many of the country's major cities and helps to keep the country moving. It is constantly evolving to match the country's needs and to make the passenger experience more pleasant, but also to reduce its impact on the environment.

A few of the great China videos by Stick2r ...

The amazing panoply of sights and sounds that is the incredibly diverse and both naturally and culturally beautiful country that makes it a travel destination top pick. With Cee-Roo ...

Keep warm; share the love ! Featuring guests from Korea, the US and the UK. Traditional Chinese music flash mob; BeiJing - China together for the coming New Year - many favorite traditional songs, at the New World Trade Center Mall in Beijing ... Bonus film - the XiaMen City Singers - Mr Q ... Bonus film 2 - The Barberettes (from Korea; a la the Ronettes) - Be My Baby ... Rock guitar goddess – YO YO (PinXi Liu) ... JoySide with MiuMiu - DongDongDong / Can You Feel My Love ... Angela Chang - A Diao 阿刁 ... G.E.M. ... DaiingTana and HAYA Band ... A little but awesome busking from Taiwan island ... 'Big Fish' 大鱼, from the awesome film 'Big Fish and Begonia' ...