Coming together – the Chinese New Year 中国新年

Traditional Chinese Erhu plays 'Rain in JiangNan' 雨碎江南 二胡版 ... Bonus film - 'Birdsong in hollow valley' in Chinese court music style 宫廷雅乐风 宋代装束 秦时明月 ...

Xi'An is the provincial capital of ShaanXi, central China. August 13th 2016 : high heat alert - over 40C is seriously hot so take plenty of water (and some salty food). Xi'An is one of the oldest cities in China and was known as Chang'An prior to the Ming dynasty. Indeed, Xi'An is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held this position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang. Xi'An was the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road trade route. Xi'An is also home to the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang, who became China's first emperor after the Qin (dynasty: 220 to 210 BC) conquered / unified all of the other Warring States. Rather than maintain the title of 'king' borne by the previous Shang and Zhou rulers, he created the title of 'emperor' (皇帝, HuángDì), which would continue to be borne by Chinese rulers for the next two millennia.

Plus ShaTin Park 沙田公園 ...

With VisitHenan ... With Wandering The World ... Visitor guide to LuoYang, HeNan province Getting There By Air: LuoYang Beijiao Airport (LYA) offers flights to major cities in China. The airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center, and you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to your destination. By Train: LuoYang is well-connected by rail, with services to major cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Zhengzhou. The high-speed rail network makes travel convenient and efficient. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect LuoYang with other cities in HeNan and neighboring provinces. The LuoYang Long-Distance Bus Station is the main hub for these services. Accommodation LuoYang offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some recommended options include: Luxury: Hyatt Place LuoYang, Peony Plaza Hotel Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express LuoYang City Center, Jinjiang Inn LuoYang Train Station Budget: LuoYang Youth Hostel, various local guesthouses Attractions and Activities Historical and Cultural Sites Longmen Grottoes: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Longmen Grottoes feature thousands of Buddha statues and inscriptions carved into limestone cliffs. This site is a must-visit for its historical and artistic significance. White Horse Temple: Known as the first Buddhist temple in China, White Horse Temple offers a serene environment with beautiful architecture and gardens. LuoYang Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of LuoYang, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Natural Attractions Peony Festival: LuoYang is famous for its peonies. The annual Peony Festival, held in April, showcases the city’s beautiful peony gardens in full bloom. Baiyun Mountain: Located about 70 kilometers from LuoYang, Baiyun Mountain offers stunning natural scenery and hiking trails. Modern Attractions LuoYang Old Town: Wander through the ancient streets of LuoYang Old Town, where you can find traditional shops, local snacks, and historical buildings. WangCheng Park: A popular urban park, Wangcheng Park features beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities. Dining and Local Specialties LuoYang boasts a diverse culinary scene with traditional HeNan cuisine and local specialties. Some must-try dishes include: Water Banquet: A traditional banquet featuring various dishes, often served in a liquid or semi-liquid form. It is a unique culinary experience. LuoYang Noodles: Known for their rich flavor and variety, these noodles are a local staple. Peony Cake: A local delicacy made with peony petals, offering a unique and fragrant taste. Shopping Night Markets: Explore the bustling night markets in LuoYang for a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shopping Malls: Modern shopping centers like Wanda Plaza and LuoYang Mall offer a wide range of international and local brands. Local Handicrafts: Look for traditional HeNan crafts such as paper-cutting, embroidery, and ceramics. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit LuoYang are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. Summers can be hot, and winters can be quite cold, so pack accordingly. Language: While Mandarin is the official language, some locals may speak the HeNan dialect. It's helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook if you don't speak Mandarin. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Conclusion LuoYang, the capital of HeNan Province, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient grottoes, visiting historic temples, or savoring local cuisine, LuoYang promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Twilight ... See you again ... MV - my hometown, NanJing ... Flowers (one girl band) ... A little flamenco ... Can you feel my love ? - with JoySide ...

With Wild Girl ...

With DuckTravel ...