China 中国 tour highlights

With CGTN ... Bonus film - the Asian Games sports infrastructure - with Rafa Goes Around! ... Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Located at the southern end of the Grand Canal, which extends to Beijing, Hangzhou has been one of China's most renowned and prosperous cities for much of the last millennium. Marco Polo reportedly described the city as "the finest and most splendid city in the world." Historical Significance Hangzhou has a rich history dating back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty. It became a significant city during the Sui Dynasty when the Grand Canal was constructed. During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), Hangzhou was the capital of China, a period that significantly boosted its status and prosperity. West Lake One of Hangzhou’s most famous attractions is West Lake (Xī Hú). This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its scenic beauty, inspiring poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th century. The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands. Major attractions around West Lake include the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda. Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China. It was founded in 328 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The temple is famous for its grand halls, numerous pagodas, and Buddhist grottoes, particularly the Feilai Feng grottoes, which contain hundreds of stone carvings of Buddhist figures. Longjing Tea Hangzhou is the origin of the world-famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Longjing Tea Village, located in the hills west of West Lake, offers a picturesque setting where visitors can learn about tea cultivation, enjoy tea tastings, and experience traditional tea ceremonies. The tea is renowned for its high quality, green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat leaves. Grand Canal The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. Hangzhou marks the southern end of this ancient waterway, which played a crucial role in the cultural and economic development of the region. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the historical and cultural sights along the canal. Modern Hangzhou Today, Hangzhou is a blend of traditional and modern influences. It is an important economic hub, home to numerous high-tech industries and the headquarters of Alibaba Group, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, with a high-speed railway, an international airport, and a comprehensive metro system. Tourism and Culture Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city hosts various cultural festivals, such as the West Lake International Expo, the China International Tea Expo, and the Hangzhou International Marathon. Hangzhou cuisine, known for its light and fresh flavors, is also a highlight for visitors, with famous dishes like Dongpo Pork and West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.  

With Michael Hudson and Richard Wolff ... Bonus films - with Ben Norton ... With Warwick Powell and Lena Petrova ... With KJ Noh and Rachel Blevins ...

With China Walking Tour ... Visitor Guide to JiNan, ShanDong Province Overview JiNan, the capital city of ShanDong Province, is known for its natural springs, rich history, and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the "City of Springs," JiNan is a blend of historical landmarks and modern development, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. Getting There By Air: JiNan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) is located about 33 kilometers northeast of the city center. It offers both domestic and international flights. You can take an airport shuttle bus, taxi, or the JiNan Metro to reach the city center. By Train: JiNan is a major railway hub with two main stations: JiNan Railway Station and JiNan West Railway Station. Both stations offer high-speed rail connections to major cities like BeiJing, ShangHai, and Xi’an. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect JiNan to various cities in ShanDong Province and beyond. The main bus stations are JiNan Long-Distance Bus Terminal and JiNan East Bus Station. Getting Around Public Transport: JiNan has an extensive bus network and a growing metro system. The metro is convenient for getting around the city quickly. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Biking: Bike-sharing services are popular and convenient for short trips around the city. Main Attractions Baotu Spring Park Baotu Spring Park is one of JiNan's most famous attractions, known for its clear and gushing springs. The park is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the natural scenery, traditional pavilions, and cultural performances. Daming Lake Daming Lake is a large natural lake in the heart of JiNan, surrounded by lush gardens, ancient pavilions, and historic temples. It is a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the serene environment. Thousand Buddha Mountain (Qianfo Shan) This mountain is famous for its ancient Buddhist statues and temples. Visitors can hike to the top for a panoramic view of the city or explore the many caves and carvings along the way. ShanDong Provincial Museum ShanDong Provincial Museum houses a vast collection of cultural relics, historical artifacts, and natural exhibits. It offers a comprehensive overview of ShanDong's history and culture. Black Tiger Spring Black Tiger Spring is another renowned spring in JiNan, known for its powerful jets of water that resemble a tiger's roar. The spring is located in a scenic park with beautiful landscaping and walking paths. Local Cuisine JiNan's cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Here are some must-try dishes: JiNan Roast Duck: A local specialty, this roast duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce. Sweet and Sour Carp: Fresh carp from Daming Lake, prepared in a tangy and sweet sauce, is a signature dish of JiNan. JiNan Noodles: These hand-pulled noodles are often served with a variety of toppings, including meat, vegetables, and spicy sauces. Fried Dumplings: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, JiNan's fried dumplings are a popular street food. Shopping Furong Street: A bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, street food vendors, and souvenir stalls. It's a great place to try local snacks and buy traditional crafts. Quancheng Road: One of JiNan's main shopping streets, offering a mix of modern malls, boutique shops, and local markets. JiNan Wanda Plaza: A large shopping mall with a variety of international and domestic brands, restaurants, and entertainment options. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel JiNan or the Hyatt Regency JiNan, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Sofitel JiNan Silver Plaza and Holiday Inn JiNan City Center provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the JiNan Blue Horizon Hotel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit JiNan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: JiNan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the parks, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion JiNan, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural springs, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, savoring the local cuisine, or strolling along the scenic lakes and springs, JiNan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating city in ShanDong Province.

HeYuan city, GuangDong province. With Rafa Goes Around! ...

Near Beijing. Filmed in 2012 ...

A video treat ! Four films, starting with 'summer'. Welcome, to the blue sky city of Beijing ...

On a trip to Yunhe Terrace in Lishui, Zhejiang in 2016, mother fell in love with the beautiful views and fresh air there. Recalling that mother sold family house in hometown to raise money for his tuition to study abroad 16 years ago, Tian rent a 2-mu land 1030 meters above the sea level and built his mother a new house surrounded by mountains and clouds. The spare rooms are used to run a guesthouse. 2016年，建築師田景海帶著母親去浙江麗水的雲和梯田旅遊，母親愛上了這兒的好山好水好空氣。想起16年前母親為了籌措自己留學的學費，賣掉老家的房子，田景海便在麗水租下2畝地，在海拔1030米的雲海山間，為媽媽造了一個新宅，空餘房間則用來做民宿。 Ye Hui is a poet. He is passionate about the fate of people, and his poems have been selected many times in the "Chinese Annual Poetry". Meanwhile he is an architect, specializing in old building renovation. In 2014, Ye Hui bought a lakeview villa in Nanjing. Living in a house with 400-square-meter indoor area and an 800-square-meter courtyard, he spends most of his time in a 3-square-meter space. 葉輝是詩人，他的詩作飽含情感地關注著人的命運，多次入選《中國年度詩歌》，同時他也是一位建築師，擅長老建築改造。2014年，葉輝買下南京的一套湖景別墅，室內空間400㎡，內院800㎡，不過他最常待的工作空間，只有3㎡。

A natural heritage 5 star scenic area ...