Early morning in BeiHai Park

Explore the beautiful ancient town and surrounding sand-dunes and Buddhist caves with Sticker Travel. The second film shows the Silk Road DunHuang Hotel. DunHuang lies at the eastern end of the old northern Silk Route, from the ancient capital of Xi'An westwards to Kashgar in XinJiang province. The Great Wall was extended westwards to here around 120 BCE during the Han dynasty (202 BCE - 220 AD). During the Han and Tang dynasties, in particular, it was an important point of communication between China and central Asia.

With Expat Natt ...

A first step in getting out of a trapped life, to a real life, is to become free of toxic people. Nobody is perfect; but most people know, to some extent, their faults, feel empathy and try to be better. But some people cannot see their faults, lack empathy and are always 'right' - the most important thing to know is that they cannot be 'fixed', understood, or healed by you (only a highly skilled psychotherapist stands a chance, and that's partly because there is no life relationship). If you cannot (yet) get away, at least become aware that it is not your problem. One can sense some similarities in dynamics with geo-politics. A variety of voices on this topic - in no particular order (may need multiple viewings because it can take time to understand more than superficially) ...

The 'and everyone else' is the part most don't get. And it is true even if you are in the US. Everyone 'else'. Weather balloons, earthquakes, pipelines and more, with George Galloway, Bryce Greene and Jamie Wright ... With Garland Nixon on the pipeline ... With Danny HaiPhong ... With The New Atlas and Angelo Giuliano on the US war plans to enforce its hegemony ... Hegemony - keeping everyone else down; divide and rule.

If I could fly - Joe Satriani - cover by YOYO (October 2020). Awesome ... Loving it ... Go, YoYo, Go ! ... Not the most technically challenging (YoYo level), but really has passion and feeling; a beautiful realisation of a beautiful song. We hear so much here, from Chris Rea to ZZ Top, Dire Straits to Gary Moore, to Jimmy Page; full of nuance; so great. The slides, timing and guitar tuning (balance of pure and grunge) all excellent; all made to look easy, which means the spirit if soaring ! Imagine - imagine the billion people across this planet who'd like to fly, if they had the chance. All the talent and all the dreams and all the love quashed, by those who clip our wings in the name of profit, or hegemony, or whatever ... Imagine no fear of poverty; no being taught to fear 'the other'. Just imagine - if we could all fly ... All of us. What a wonderful world that would be.

With Walk East ...

Architectural design and decor inspiration 激发美好生活理念的灵感 Bonus film - Five friends each transforms a random house in the suburbs of BeiJing and their work becomes a big success 北京5個好友，改造房子後，帶火整個村

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... XiZhou Ancient Town Visitor Guide XiZhou Ancient Town is a gem of Yunnan Province, located approximately 20 kilometers from Dali’s old town. Nestled along the shores of the serene Erhai Lake, XiZhou offers a unique blend of rich Bai culture, stunning ancient architecture, and a tranquil environment, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a more intimate and traditional experience. Overview Location: XiZhou is situated within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and is renowned for its well-preserved Bai minority culture. Famous For: Traditional Bai houses, ancient courtyards, folk performances, unique local cuisine, and vibrant markets. Getting There From Dali: You can take a bus or taxi from Dali Old Town (20-30 minutes). From Kunming: XiZhou is about a 5-hour drive from Kunming. Buses to Dali are available, and from Dali, you can take local transportation to XiZhou. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Top Attractions in XiZhou Yan Family Courtyard (Yan Jia Da Yuan): The most famous ancient residence in XiZhou, showcasing traditional Bai architecture with beautiful wood carvings, white-washed walls, and murals. Bai Minority Culture and Houses: Explore over 150 well-preserved traditional Bai houses with intricate designs and courtyards. XiZhou Morning Market: A bustling market full of fresh produce, traditional snacks, and local crafts. Arrive early (7 AM – 9 AM) to experience the market at its liveliest. Erhai Lake: A stunning lake where you can walk, cycle, or take boat rides to enjoy the natural beauty. Shuanglang Town: A trendy nearby town famous for its artistic vibe and boutique guesthouses. A perfect day trip from XiZhou. Cultural Experiences Bai Minority Dress and Dance: Experience colorful traditional Bai clothing and catch performances of traditional dances during festivals or market days. Tea Culture at XiZhou: Enjoy traditional tea-tasting experiences in local homes or guesthouses. Local Delicacies XiZhou Baba (喜洲粑粑): A crispy, savory (or sweet) flatbread made from wheat flour. Try it fresh from street vendors. Dali Cheese (Rushan, 乳扇): A Bai specialty cheese, often grilled or fried, that you can find throughout the town. Erhai Fish: Fresh fish dishes prepared from the lake's bounty, best enjoyed at lakeside restaurants. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼): A delicate pastry filled with rose petal jam. This treat is especially famous in XiZhou, where roses are grown locally. Its fragrant sweetness makes it a popular souvenir. Where to Stay Local Homestays: Family-run guesthouses, often in traditional Bai homes, offering an intimate experience of Bai culture. Boutique Hotels: For more luxury, boutique hotels combine modern amenities with traditional architecture. Tips for Visitors Language: Most people speak the local Bai dialect, but Mandarin Chinese is sufficient for communication. English is not widely spoken. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing people. Shopping: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade textiles, embroidery, and silverware from the markets. Nearby Attractions Dali Old Town: A larger, more developed town known for its old city walls, temples, and lively atmosphere. Cangshan Mountain: Offers hiking trails, cable cars, and panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali’s landscape. Conclusion XiZhou Ancient Town is an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Bai culture, ancient architecture, and the peaceful lakeside environment of Yunnan. Whether you're exploring ancient homes, tasting local delicacies, or enjoying the beauty of Erhai Lake, XiZhou provides a rich cultural experience in a relaxed setting.

NanJing is the provincial capital of JiangSu, east China, not far from Shanghai.