DaLi, YunNan province trip

XiaoQiKong Scenic Area, LiBo, GuiZhou : A Visitor’s Guide The Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, or "Seven Small Arches," is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Libo County, Guizhou Province. This breathtaking natural haven is famous for its karst landscapes, dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and historic stone bridges. Its name derives from a 19th-century stone bridge with seven arches, which is the centerpiece of the park. How to Get There By Air: The nearest airport is Libo Airport, which has flights from major cities like Guiyang. From the airport, it's about an hour's drive to the scenic area. By Train: Libo is accessible via high-speed rail. From the Libo Railway Station, take a taxi or local bus to Xiaoqikong. By Bus: Direct buses from Guiyang or other nearby cities to Libo are available. From Libo town, a short local bus or taxi ride will bring you to the park. Entrance and Fees Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (varies by season). Admission Fee: Approximately 110–150 RMB (varies depending on the season and package options, including shuttle services). Top Attractions in Xiaoqikong Scenic Area 1. The Seven Small Arches Bridge Overview: This Qing Dynasty stone bridge, with seven small arches spanning a turquoise river, is the park's namesake and one of its most iconic sights. Don’t Miss: The surrounding waters reflect lush greenery, creating a picture-perfect scene for photography. 2. The Water Forest Unique Feature: Trees grow directly out of the water in this surreal wetland area. The intertwining roots and crystal-clear streams create an enchanting atmosphere. Activities: Walk along the wooden pathways and admire the unique ecosystem. 3. 68-Level Waterfalls Description: A cascading series of small waterfalls stretch over several kilometers, forming a mesmerizing chain of white foam and turquoise pools. Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. 4. Green Canyon (Lushui Valley) Highlight: This narrow canyon is filled with lush vegetation and dramatic karst formations. What to Do: Follow the trail that winds through the canyon for stunning views of cliffs, caves, and water features. 5. Mandarin Duck Lake Why Visit: A serene lake surrounded by dense forest, where you can spot pairs of mandarin ducks and other waterfowl. Activities: Rent a boat to explore the lake or enjoy a picnic on its shores. 6. The Ancient Banyan Feature: A massive banyan tree with sprawling roots and branches that provide a mystical and serene setting. Significance: This is one of the oldest trees in the area, revered by locals. 7. Qinglong Waterfall Overview: A grand waterfall set amidst lush green cliffs. What to Do: Hike up to the viewing platform for the best angle of this magnificent cascade. Activities and Experiences Hiking Trails: The park features several well-maintained trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Most trails pass through diverse landscapes, from karst caves to dense bamboo forests. Boat Rides: Enjoy scenic boat rides on Mandarin Duck Lake or the surrounding waterways. Wildlife Spotting: The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the Guizhou golden monkey and colorful butterflies. Photography: The vibrant turquoise waters, lush greenery, and karst formations make Xiaoqikong a photographer’s paradise. Local Cuisine Rice Noodles (Mixian): A staple dish in Guizhou, served in rich broth with fresh herbs and spices. Sour Fish Soup: A tangy and spicy local specialty made with freshwater fish. Sticky Rice Dumplings: Perfect for a quick snack while exploring. Wild Vegetable Dishes: Many restaurants in the area use locally foraged vegetables, prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. Best Time to Visit Spring (March–May): The park is lush and vibrant, with waterfalls at their fullest due to seasonal rains. Autumn (September–November): Cooler weather and the surrounding forest's changing colors make this the most picturesque season. Tips for Visitors Transportation Within the Park: Shuttle buses are available for an additional fee and are highly recommended to cover the large area efficiently. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Photography Gear: Bring a waterproof bag for your camera or phone, as many attractions involve water. Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially if hiking longer trails, as shops may not be available in remote areas. Crowds: Visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid peak tourist times. Nearby Attractions Daqikong Scenic Area: A complementary park nearby with its own set of natural wonders, including deeper gorges and caves. Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Spot: Another UNESCO World Heritage site featuring pristine rivers and karst landscapes. Ethnic Villages: Visit local Buyi, Miao, and Shui villages to experience traditional customs, architecture, and festivals. Xiaoqikong Scenic Area is a destination where natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure come together. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, this scenic area offers something unique and unforgettable.

As in Tibet, BeiJing (89), and XinJiang, violent separatists have been created, aided and spurred on by the West. Rational protests were hijacked by foreign powers and their proxies. This is all about trying to undermine China, to keep it down. None worked, but now they are doubling down. This is what the US has and still does the world over. Central and south america, Africa and Asia, never allowed to fulfill their potential; coups and wars always snuffing out the possibilities. Even in Europe and the Middle East, as we see today. Fact : Hong Kong people never had the right to vote for their leaders under UK rule; not until China took back the reign from British colonial power. Thanks to the National Security Law, peace has finally returned to Hong Kong after a year of destructive riots and terror that wrecked Hong Kong's international image and economy. To China, the people of Hong Kong are family. To the West, they are just pawns in trying to bring down all of China and its people. With Cyrus Janssen ... YT comment : "The colonizer not only colonizes territory, they also colonize the local people's minds, through promoting their own culture over theirs, and also by devising education systems to inculcate their values into the local children. Even after the colonizer leaves, the minds of the people often remain enslaved and loyal to their former masters. This "colonial mentality" remains predominate in Hong Kong, India, the Philippines and other former colonies. Many in Hong Kong (though not all) tend to have the colonial mentality. Colonial mentality is the internalized perception of ethnic or cultural inferiority felt by people as a result of colonization. Such people tend to display a preference for the cultures of the Anglo-Saxons, while harboring a disdain for any "non-Anglo" culture, including their own! Hong Kong people had to bow to the British and stand for their National Anthem. They were treated as second rate citizens." "'You are free to agree, but not free to differ on the official truth'." "The ultimate hypocrisy is the UK supporting 'democracy' for HK when they never introduced it in all the 152 years of colonial rule. In 1967, HK anti colonial protests ended in the shooting of civilians, and I remember being teargassed in our apartment as a child. Young HK people need to learn from history. Foreign interference is anathema to any country." "'Any country that is not a slave is our enemy' - the US" Bonus films - With Danny HaiPhong ... Ben Norton on the NEW Cold War and Europe's economic suicide ... On the CIA, with Jeffrey Sachs ... With Brian Berletic ...

Plus a little Jive. ChengDu, SiChuan province. Excerpts from the selection of the national squad that will go to Beijing for the WDSF World Championship September 2012. Plus, an awesome feel-good dance video from Swing BeiJing. Locations: The Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the “Bird’s Nest” Beijing National Stadium, QianHai – HouHai, the Temple of Heaven, ZhongShan Park and The Place mall. Music：the fantastic Pink Martini – “Wo Yao Ni De Ai 我要你的爱” (I Want You, To Be My Baby) ... Plus, a dance from the China Youth Dance Festival (great song) ... For more dance videos, from classical Chinese dance to contemporary dance, click on the 'dance' tag below.

Fascinating insights into the very varied cuisines of China. Chinese language, but easy to follow.

In GuangXi province. Beautiful ...

In AnHui province.

NanJing ('South Capital') is the provincial capital of JiangSu. NanJing trip ... Plus - a day in the life of a Study Abroad university student ...