Bund riverside walk, ShangHai

Hot pot dining is a communal and interactive meal enjoyed by many in China and beyond. A hot pot meal consists of a simmering broth into which fresh ingredients are cooked, then dipped into a sauce before eating, bit by bit. Meats are thinly sliced and can cook in just 20 seconds (be sure to cook only one slice at a time). One can have tomatoes or cucumber as a side dish to eat raw. Typically, the dipping sauce is sesame sprinkled with chopped spring onions though one add add various condiments such as chopped garlic. Spicy (Hot) Broth (麻辣汤 - Má là tāng): This broth is typically made with a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and various spices. It's known for its fiery and numbing flavor, characteristic of Sichuan cuisine. It adds a spicy kick to the ingredients cooked in the hot pot, offering a tingling sensation on the palate. Non-Spicy (Not Hot) Broth (清汤 - Qīng tāng): This broth is a milder option compared to the spicy broth. It's often made with a clear or lightly flavored base, such as chicken, pork, or vegetable broth. It allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through without the overpowering heat of spices. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle and refreshing taste. Two-in-One (Yuan Yang) Broth (鸳鸯锅 - Yuān yāng guō): The two-in-one broth offers the best of both worlds by dividing the hot pot into two sections, allowing diners to enjoy both spicy and non-spicy options simultaneously. One side typically contains the spicy broth, while the other side contains the non-spicy broth. It caters to groups with varying preferences, providing a versatile dining experience where everyone can find something they enjoy. Meat: * Beef: Niú Ròu (牛肉) * Lamb: Yáng Ròu (羊肉) * Chicken: Jī Ròu (鸡肉) Pork: Zhū Ròu (猪肉) Sausages: Xiāng Cháng (香肠) * Fish / Shrimp/Prawn Balls: Yú Qiú / Xiā Qiú (鱼球 / 虾球) Seafood: - Shrimp: Xiā (虾) - Fish: Yú (鱼) - Shellfish: Háimǔ (海蜇) - Mussels: Gēn Mǔli (蚌肉) - Squid: Yóu Yú (鱿鱼) Vegetables: * Coriander: Xīng Cài (香菜) Potato slices: TǔDòu (土豆) Tomatoes: Fān Qié (番茄) Cucumber: HuángGuā (黄瓜) Bean Sprouts: Dà Suàn (大蒜) Lotus Root: Lián'ǒu (莲藕) Bamboo Shoots: Zhú Sǔn (竹笋) Cabbage: Xīng Cài (白菜) Spinach: Bō Cài (菠菜) Mushrooms: - * Enoki Mushroom (long thin white): Jīn Zhēngū (金针菇) - * Shiitake Mushroom: Xiāng Gū (香菇) - Oyster Mushroom: Mù Ěr (木耳) - Wood Ear Mushroom: Xīng'ěr (杏鲍菇) - King Oyster Mushroom: Xìng Bàogū (杏鲍菇) Tofu: * Iced Tofu: Dòng Dòufu (冻豆腐) * Tofu Skin: Dòu Pí (豆皮) Firm Tofu: Làn Dòufu (蓝豆腐) Silken Tofu: Dòufu Rǔ (豆腐乳) Bean Curd Sheets: Dòu Piàn (豆片) Noodles: * Clear (bean) Noodles: Tāng Fěn (汤粉) Rice Noodles: Mǐ Fěn (米粉) Udon Noodles: Wǔdūn Miàn (乌冬面) Other Ingredients: * Dumplings: JiǎoZi (饺子) Eggs: Jī Dàn (鸡蛋) Fried Dough Sticks: Yóu Tiáo (油条) Sauce Bowl: * Sesame Sauce: Zhī Málà Jiàng (芝麻麻辣酱) Peanut Sauce: Huā Shēng Jiàng (花生酱) Condiments one can add to sauce bowl: * Scallions (chopped spring onions): Cōng Jiàng Yóu (葱酱油) Soy Sauce: Jiàng Yóu (酱油) Vinegar: Cù (醋) Chili Sauce: Làjiāo Jiàng (辣椒酱) Garlic Sauce: Sào Jiàng (臊酱) Sesame Oil: Zhī Yóu (芝麻油) Well known hot pot chains include XiaoBu XiaoBu and HaiDiLao but one can also enjoy many one-off independent restaurants.

In SiChuan province ...

Filmed in the summer of 2010.

SanQing Shan, 三清山, is a renowned Taoist sacred site located 25 miles (40 km) north of YuShan County in JiangXi Province. With outstanding natural scenery, plants and wildlife, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that in all covers 230 square kilometers. SanQing means the "Three Pure Ones" in Chinese as Mount SanQing is composed of three main summits: YuJing, YuShui, and YuHua, representing the Taoist trinity. YuJing (rising 1820 meters above sea level) is the highest. 三峰峻拔、如三清列坐其巅

With Blondie in China ... Welcome to LanZhou City Introduction History Top Attractions Nearby Attractions Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Introduction LanZhou is the capital city of GanSu Province, located in the northwestern part of China. Known as a key hub along the ancient Silk Road, LanZhou is a city rich in history and culture. The city is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the Yellow River that flows through its heart, and its unique blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture. History LanZhou has a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was an important stop on the Silk Road, serving as a gateway between China and Central Asia. Throughout its history, LanZhou has been a melting pot of cultures, influenced by the various ethnic groups and traders who passed through the region. The city has maintained its historical significance while developing into a modern urban center. Top Attractions Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge) The Zhongshan Bridge, also known as the Yellow River Iron Bridge, is one of LanZhou’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1907, it was the first permanent bridge to span the Yellow River. The bridge offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Baita Mountain Park Baita Mountain Park is located on the northern bank of the Yellow River. The park is named after the White Pagoda (Baita), which stands atop the mountain and dates back to the Yuan Dynasty. The park offers beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and panoramic views of the city and the Yellow River. Waterwheel Garden The Waterwheel Garden is a unique attraction that showcases the traditional waterwheels used along the Yellow River for irrigation. The garden features several large waterwheels, some of which are functional and demonstrate how they were used historically. It’s a great place to learn about the agricultural history of the region. Gansu Provincial Museum The Gansu Provincial Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in LanZhou. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient Silk Road treasures, fossils, and exhibits on the history and culture of GanSu Province. Highlights include the famous bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow statue. Five Springs Mountain Park Five Springs Mountain Park is a scenic area located in the southern part of LanZhou. The park is famous for its natural springs, beautiful gardens, and ancient temples. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, visit the various temples, and take in the peaceful surroundings. Binhe Park Binhe Park is a riverside park that stretches along the banks of the Yellow River. The park features walking paths, gardens, and pavilions, making it a popular spot for leisurely strolls and enjoying the river views. The park is especially beautiful in the evening when the lights illuminate the riverbanks. Nearby Attractions Bingling Temple Grottoes Bingling Temple Grottoes, located about 80 kilometers from LanZhou, is a stunning site featuring ancient Buddhist cave carvings and statues. The grottoes date back to the Western Jin Dynasty and are set in a dramatic cliffside along the Yellow River. Visitors can take a boat ride to reach the grottoes and explore the intricate carvings and murals. Majiayao Cultural Site The Majiayao Cultural Site, about 100 kilometers from LanZhou, is an archaeological site where some of the earliest examples of painted pottery in China were discovered. The site offers insights into the Neolithic cultures that once thrived in the region. A small museum on-site displays artifacts and provides historical context. Liujiaxia Reservoir Liujiaxia Reservoir, located about 70 kilometers from LanZhou, is a large artificial lake surrounded by scenic landscapes. The reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. It also serves as the gateway to the Bingling Temple Grottoes. Yuzhong County Yuzhong County, located to the southeast of LanZhou, is known for its picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and cultural sites. The county is home to several Taoist and Buddhist temples, as well as beautiful mountain scenery, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the countryside around LanZhou. Local Cuisine LanZhou is famous for its hearty and flavorful cuisine, which reflects the region’s diverse cultural influences. The city is best known for LanZhou Beef Noodles (LanZhou Lamian), a beloved dish made with hand-pulled noodles, tender beef slices, and a rich broth. Another local specialty is Yellow River Carp, typically prepared in a variety of flavorful sauces. Street food is also popular, with vendors offering snacks like grilled lamb skewers, steamed buns, and sweet pastries. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit LanZhou is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. Getting There: LanZhou is well-connected by air through LanZhou Zhongchuan International Airport. The city is also a major hub on the high-speed rail network, with connections to cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Urumqi. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in LanZhou. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to know some basic Mandarin phrases or have a translation app handy. Etiquette: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and be respectful of local customs. It’s also customary to remove your shoes before entering certain temples.

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A Chinese brush artist since 1976, Virginia Lloyd-Davies has paintings in collections in the U.S., China, Britain, Europe, Japan, Mexico and Kenya. Her teacher for 26 years until his death was Master Painter I-Hsiung Ju, with whom she traveled regularly to China & Taiwan. Watch Virginia demonstrate a typical lotus painting ...