BeiJing bicycle ride

University exchange to SanYa University 三亚 大学 (SānYà DàXué), HaiNan, plus a trip to south YunNan ...

With Barrett ... Step into Fuzhou, the heart of Fujian Province, where 2,200 years of history blend seamlessly with a modern skyline. From the ancient Three Lanes and Seven Alleys to the majestic Sitan Temple, this city has preserved its Maritime Silk Road legacy while shaping China’s future. Stroll through its winding alleys, witness breathtaking architecture, and discover the legendary Love Heart Tree—a symbol of romance and tradition. Fuzhou Travel Guide Introduction Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, is a historic and culturally rich city with a blend of traditional architecture, modern development, and natural beauty. Known as the "City of Banyans," it is famous for its ancient trees, hot springs, and historical sites. Top Attractions Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (Sanfang Qixiang) A well-preserved historical district with Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, narrow lanes, and courtyards filled with tea houses, local snacks, and boutique shops. Drum Mountain (Gushan) A scenic area featuring ancient temples, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Min River. The famous Yongquan Temple is located here. West Lake Park One of the most beautiful parks in Fuzhou, offering boat rides, classical pavilions, and gardens reminiscent of West Lake in Hangzhou. Pingtan Island A stunning coastal area with pristine beaches, rock formations, and a rich fishing culture. Perfect for those seeking seaside relaxation. Fuzhou National Forest Park A large forest park offering lush greenery, waterfalls, and hiking opportunities. A great escape from the city's hustle. Hot Springs Fuzhou is known for its natural hot springs, with many hotels and resorts offering spa experiences. The most famous is Rongqiao Hot Springs. Local Cuisine Fuzhou cuisine is known for its fresh seafood and mild, slightly sweet flavors. Must-try dishes include: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall – A luxurious soup with seafood, meat, and medicinal herbs. Fish Ball Soup – Handmade fish balls stuffed with meat in a light broth. Litchi Pork – Sweet and sour pork dish resembling the shape of lychee fruit. Fuzhou Noodles – Thin noodles in a flavorful broth, often served with seafood. Best Time to Visit Fuzhou has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is comfortable and ideal for sightseeing. Transportation By Air: Fuzhou Changle International Airport connects the city to major domestic and international destinations. By Train: High-speed trains link Fuzhou to cities like Xiamen, Shanghai, and Beijing. Public Transport: Buses and metro lines make it easy to explore the city. Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Didi and taxis are widely available for convenient travel. Accommodation Fuzhou offers a range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Recommended areas to stay include the city center near Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, as well as the hot spring district. Conclusion Fuzhou is a fascinating destination with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Whether you're exploring ancient streets, hiking mountains, or enjoying hot springs, the city offers a diverse and rewarding travel experience.

The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by emperors of the Ming dynasty. They lie within the ChangPing District of BeiJing Municipality, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north-northwest of Beijing city center. The site was chosen based on the principles of Feng Shui by the third Ming emperor, YongLe. Construction began after completion of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City) in 1420. Subsequent emperors placed their tombs in the same valley; 13 in total. The siting of the Ming dynasty imperial tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui principles. A key guide is that bad spirits and cold winds from the north must be deflected; therefore, an arc-shaped valley area at the foot of the JunDu Mountains was selected. This 40 square kilometer area, enclosed by mountains in a pristine, quiet valley with dark earth and tranquil water became the necropolis of the Ming dynasty. A 7 kilometer (4 mile) path named the Spirit Way, or Sacred Way, leads into the complex, lined with statues of guardian animals and officials, with a front memorial gate consisting of three arches called the Great Red Gate; constructed in 1540, it is one of the biggest stone archways in China. Further in, lies the ShenGong ShengDe Stele Pavilion with a 50 tonne stone statue of BiXi carrying a memorial tablet. Four white marble HuaBiao (pillars of glory) are positioned at each corner of the pavilion; at the top of each is a mythical beast. Then come two pillars on each side of the path, whose surfaces are carved with a cloud design, and tops are shaped like a cylinder; these are of a traditional design and were originally beacons to guide the soul of the deceased, The path leads to 18 pairs of stone statues of mythical animals, which are all sculpted from single blocks; these are all larger than life size. After, the path leads to a three-arched gate known as the Dragon and Phoenix Gate. Two of the mausoleums are open to visitors, but it is the beauty of the valley, with orchards, and the sheer scale of the area used for the tombs, that make this a nice day out in the countryside.

LiánYúnGǎng's tourist attractions include : Lian Island Resort, 连岛 A beautiful island connected to LianYun district by a 7 kilometer (4 miles) sea dyke, the longest in China. There are two main beach and swimming areas. Lian Island is also home to an annual music extravaganza that features some of China's most famous pop stars. Huaguo Mountain, 花果山

ShangHai (including Disney), BeiJing, Xi'An, ChengDu, YangShuo, Hong Kong ...

For over 30 years, the Harbin Snow and Ice World has wowed visitors from round the globe ...

Picturesque DaLi is located in YunNan province, south China, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) northwest of the provincial capital, KunMing. DaLi is surrounded by the CangShan mountains to the east, west and south, with ErHai Lake to the north. In this part of YunNan one can find 25 ethnic minorities (primarily the Bai people), which has created a unique cultural heritage bringing a charm to everyday life and a wide range of festivities. Famous attractions include the Butterfly Spring and the Three Pagodas of ChongSheng Temple. DaLi is also known for its highly prized marble, known as DaLi Stone. The old town is quite separate from the new city (called XiaGuan) and many buildings here, including the city walls and moat, date from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). DaLi is a 20 minute flight from KunMing (75 minutes from ChengDu and ChongQing). There are also flights to ShangHai, BeiJing, ShenZhen, GuangZhou and GuiYuan. By rail, DaLi is connected to KunMing and LiJiang. 风景如画的大理位于云南省南部中国，约300公里的省会，昆明西北（185哩）。 大理是由苍山群山环绕，东，西，南，与洱海北部。在这部分云南人能找到25个少数民族（主要是白族人），这创造了一个独特的文化底蕴带来的魅力，日常生活和各种庆祝活动。 著名景点包括蝴蝶泉和崇圣寺三塔。大理也以其如获至宝大理石，被称为大理石。 老城区，距离新城区（称为下关）和许多建筑在这里，包括城墙和护城河，日期从明朝（1368-1644）完全分离。 大理距离昆明有20分钟的飞行（从成都和重庆75分钟）。也有航班到​​上海，北京，深圳，广州和桂圆。通过铁路，大理连接昆明和丽江。