Encounters in China …

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Sticker Travel visit PanJiaYuan curio market, join the fun at the Temple of Heaven park, then head over to ShiChaHai to relax in a lakeside bar at QianHai ...

PingYao (平遥) is a county in ShanXi province, central China. PingYao is located approximately 700 kilometres (400 miles) southwest of Beijing and 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the provincial capital TaiYuan. PingYao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. This ancient city, which is renowned for its well-preserved city walls and outlying temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite its northern location, Beijing, the blue sky city, is one of the sunniest places in China and, in summer, also one of the hottest. Although around 1,000 miles north of Shanghai, and some 2,000 miles north of Hong Kong and tropical Hainan, Beijing is hotter through the summer months (mid-may to mid-September). Generally a dry heat, tropical thunderstorms can appear on occasion, and with night time temperatures in the 70s you'll be dancing in the rain ;) Excursion ideas : the in-the-mountains Buddhist temples of JieTaiSi and TanZheSi (bus, from the western end of metro line 1), the coastal city of TianJin (train), the beach at BeiDaiHe (train) and the nearby eastern end of the Great Wall (QinHuangDao), the imperial summer resort of ChengDe (combine with a visit to Simatai / JinShanLing Great Wall; coach or train), LongQing Gorge (LongQing Xia), the Spirit Way and general countryside at the Ming Tombs. TianJin can be a day trip as it is connected by high-speed rail, but two days would be great too. For ChengDe or BeiDaiHe, two or three days is best. Remember to take your passport in order to check in to a hotel. Or (more locally) visit the beach / pool at ChaoYang Park. Also, consider the Summer Palace (YiHeYuan), YuanMingYuan (the 'old' / original Summer Palace), BeiHai and JingShan Parks, the Ethic Culture Park (MinZu), the Olympic Forest Park, and these places in the Western Hills: XiangShan Park, Beijing Botanical Garden, BaDaChu (Eight Great (Buddhist) Sites area).

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With Seiu Travel ... Introduction to ShenYang ShenYang is the capital city of LiaoNing province in northeast China. It is a major industrial and cultural center with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Known for its historical sites, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture, Shenyang offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. Getting There By Air: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) serves the city with domestic and international flights. The airport is about 20 km south of the city center. By Train: Shenyang has several major railway stations, including Shenyang North Railway Station and Shenyang Railway Station, offering high-speed rail connections to many cities in China. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Shenyang with other major cities in northeast China and beyond. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Shenyang is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Main Attractions Shenyang Imperial Palace: Also known as Mukden Palace, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a smaller version of Beijing's Forbidden City and was the former imperial palace of the early Qing Dynasty. Zhao Mausoleum (Beiling Park): The mausoleum of the second Qing emperor, Huang Taiji, located within a beautiful park that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Marshal Zhang's Mansion: The former residence of the warlord Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang, now a museum showcasing their lives and the history of the period. Shenyang Botanical Garden: A large botanical garden with diverse plant species, beautiful landscapes, and recreational facilities. 9.18 Historical Museum: A museum dedicated to the Mukden Incident (September 18, 1931) and the subsequent Japanese invasion of China, offering a poignant look at this period of history. Cultural Highlights Liaoning Provincial Museum: One of the oldest and largest museums in China, featuring extensive collections of artifacts, artworks, and historical exhibits. Shenyang Opera House: A modern venue hosting a variety of performances, including traditional Chinese opera, ballet, and concerts. Shenyang International Horticultural Expo Garden: A vast park with themed gardens, exhibitions, and cultural events, showcasing horticultural achievements from around the world. Accommodation Shenyang offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some recommended places to stay include: Kempinski Hotel Shenyang: A luxury hotel with excellent facilities and service, located in the city center. Marriott Hotel Shenyang: A modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to major attractions. Shenyang LazyBee International Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly option popular with backpackers and young travelers. Dining Local Cuisine: Shenyang is known for its delicious Dongbei (Northeast) cuisine. Must-try dishes include Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork), Dongbei Dumplings, and Laobian Dumplings. Restaurants: Recommended eateries include Laobian Dumpling Restaurant, Mukden Dumpling House, and Dongbei Ren (Northeasterners). Practical Tips Language: Mandarin Chinese is the primary language spoken in Shenyang. Learning a few basic phrases can be helpful, and a translation app can be useful for non-Mandarin speakers. Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for small purchases. Health and Safety: Shenyang is generally a safe city, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water instead. Transportation: Shenyang has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and a metro system, making it easy to get around the city. Conclusion Shenyang is a vibrant city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you're exploring ancient palaces, enjoying local cuisine, or experiencing the city's modern attractions, Shenyang offers a diverse and memorable travel experience.

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With SiWen Li ... The wonders of YunNan province Yunnan Province, located in the southwestern part of China, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ethnic traditions. From towering mountains and deep gorges to ancient towns and vibrant festivals, Yunnan offers something for every traveler. Here’s a detailed guide to the wonders of Yunnan. Natural Wonders Yunnan is home to some of China’s most stunning natural landscapes. Here are the must-see natural wonders: 1. Stone Forest (Shilin) Located near Kunming, the Stone Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring towering limestone formations that resemble a forest made of stone. The area is rich in Karst geology and offers scenic walking paths, caves, and ethnic Yi cultural performances. 2. Tiger Leaping Gorge One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is located on the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze. It offers breathtaking hiking trails with views of snow-capped mountains, roaring rapids, and dramatic cliffs. 3. Yuanyang Rice Terraces These UNESCO-listed rice terraces are a masterpiece of agricultural engineering, created by the Hani people over centuries. The terraces are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the water-filled fields reflect the sky like mirrors. 4. Meili Snow Mountain Part of the Hengduan Mountain Range, Meili Snow Mountain is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. Its highest peak, Kawagebo, is one of the most challenging mountains to climb in the world. 5. Pudacuo National Park Located near Shangri-La, this park is part of the Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features pristine lakes, wetlands, and forests, as well as diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. Cultural and Historical Wonders Yunnan’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its ancient towns, temples, and ethnic traditions. Here are the top cultural wonders: 1. Lijiang Ancient Town A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and intricate canal system. The town is home to the Naxi people, whose unique Dongba culture is showcased in local music, art, and festivals. 2. Dali Ancient Town Dali is famous for its historic charm, with ancient city walls, traditional Bai-style houses, and the iconic Three Pagodas. The town is a gateway to Erhai Lake, a scenic freshwater lake surrounded by villages and temples. 3. Shangri-La (Zhongdian) Known as the “Land of Eternal Peace and Perfection,” Shangri-La is a Tibetan-influenced region with stunning monasteries, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains. Key attractions include the Songzanlin Monastery and the Dukezong Ancient Town. 4. Xishuangbanna This tropical region is home to the Dai people and features lush rainforests, Buddhist temples, and vibrant water-splashing festivals. Don’t miss the Wild Elephant Valley and the Dai Ethnic Park. 5. Jianshui Ancient Town Jianshui is known for its well-preserved Confucian Temple, ancient wells, and traditional courtyard houses. The town is also a gateway to the stunning Double Dragon Bridge and the Swallow Cave. Ethnic Diversity Yunnan is home to 25 of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, making it one of the most culturally diverse provinces in the country. Key ethnic groups include: Yi: Known for their vibrant festivals and traditional torch celebrations. Bai: Famous for their Three-Course Tea ceremony and traditional architecture in Dali. Naxi: Known for their Dongba script and ancient music in Lijiang. Tibetan: Influential in Shangri-La, with a rich tradition of Buddhism and nomadic culture. Dai: Known for their water-splashing festival and tropical lifestyle in Xishuangbanna. Festivals and Events Yunnan’s ethnic diversity is celebrated through vibrant festivals and events. Some of the most famous include: Torch Festival (Yi People): A lively celebration featuring torch-lit processions, dancing, and traditional music. Water-Splashing Festival (Dai People): A joyful event where people splash water to wash away bad luck and welcome the new year. Third Moon Fair (Bai People): A traditional market and cultural festival held in Dali. Shangri-La Horse Racing Festival: A showcase of Tibetan culture, featuring horse races, singing, and dancing. Local Cuisine Yunnan’s cuisine is as diverse as its culture, with unique flavors and ingredients. Must-try dishes include: Crossing the Bridge Noodles (过桥米线): A famous Yunnan dish featuring rice noodles served in a flavorful broth with various toppings. Xuanwei Ham: A cured ham with a rich, smoky flavor, often used in soups and stir-fries. Erkuai: A type of rice cake that can be stir-fried, grilled, or served in soups. Yunnan Cheese (Rushan): A traditional dairy product made by the Bai people, often grilled or fried. Pu’er Tea: A famous fermented tea from Yunnan, known for its earthy flavor and health benefits. How to Get There Yunnan is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Key entry points include: Kunming: The provincial capital and main transportation hub, with an international airport and high-speed rail connections. Lijiang: Accessible by flight or train from Kunming. Dali: Connected to Kunming by high-speed rail and bus services. Shangri-La: Accessible by flight or bus from Kunming and Lijiang. Travel Tips Plan for Altitude: Some areas, like Shangri-La, are at high altitudes. Take time to acclimatize and stay hydrated. Respect Local Customs: Yunnan’s ethnic groups have unique traditions and beliefs. Be mindful and respectful when visiting their communities. Pack for All Weather: Yunnan’s climate varies widely, from tropical in Xishuangbanna to cold in Shangri-La. Bring layers and rain gear. Learn Basic Mandarin: While some locals speak English, knowing a few Mandarin phrases can enhance your experience. Why Visit Yunnan? Yunnan Province is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and ethnic diversity. Whether you’re exploring ancient towns, hiking through dramatic landscapes, or immersing yourself in vibrant festivals, Yunnan offers an unforgettable travel experience.