Exploring LiuZhou 柳州 and the surrounding countryside, GuangXi province

With Stef Hoffer : Here’s a brief overview of some of the places visited in this video. After a short introduction, we begin this journey near the spectacular rice terraces of Yuanyang, before moving on to the captivating Buddhist temples of Dali. Via the peculiar Shilin Stone Forest and the ‘Rainbow Mountains’ of Zhangye, we arrive in Guangzhou (Canton), one of China’s largest cities. After the Yellow Mountains national park, and the intriguing ‘tulou’ buildings, we visit the Great Wall and the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest such statue in the world. After flying through the ice and snow city of Harbin, where people enjoy a unique Winter event, we take a brief look at the imposing Yellow River, Hukou waterfall, Zhengzhou and Changsha cities, before stopping at the breathtaking Jiuzhaigou national park, filled with crystal clear blue lakes. The next place is the countryside in between rural Yangshuo and urban Guilin, easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, where the Li river meanders through bizarre karst scenery. For more diversity, we travel to Dunhuang to visit the arid Gobi Desert. We also have a look at a solar panel field and windmill park, before we fly over some heavy industry, including a steel factory, coal mine, oil refinery, concrete dam, shipyard, an oil rig, and a massive bridge. Hong Kong is our next destinations, before moving on to several places along the Yangtze river (or its distributaries), including Tiger Leaping Gorge, Chongqing, and Wuhan. On Hainan island we see the ‘tropical’ side of China, while in Xiahe and Tibet we visit the country’s highlands. From the frozen cities of Jilin and Xining we arrive in Qingdao, with its German colonial architecture and coastal vibe. In Macau we fly over the famous casinos, but also visit the Portuguese quarters, and after the rice fields of Longji (Dragon’s Backbone), we increase our altitude in the Yulong national park. After Hangzhou and Shenyang, we briefly look at one of China’s many ‘ghost towns’ and construction sites, before flying on to the surreal pillars of Zhangjiajie, and the (perhaps) equally stunning skyline of Shanghai. After showing the modern part of the city and the port (harbor), we also explore some of the disappearing neighborhoods, destroyed factories, and the strange looking ‘bicycle graveyard’. From the freezing ‘Xuexiang’ village and walled city of Pingyao we continue our journey in Xian, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Changzhou. Finally, we take a look at the mesmerizing Yuanmou ‘Earth Forest’, Kunming city, and Lijiang, one of China’s most famous historic towns. Video chapters / timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:29 Yuangyang rice terraces 4:59 Chengkan 5:17 Dali 6:08 Shilin stone forest 6:50 Zhangye national park 7:55 Guangzhou 10:22 Huangshan national park 11:24 Fujian ‘tulou’ 12:03 The Great Wall 12:33 Leshan 12:55 Harbin 15:00 Yellow River 15:28 Hukou waterfall 15:50 Zhengzhou 16:20 Changsha 16:31 Jiuzhaigou national park 17:26 Yangshuo 20:25 Dunhuang 21:42 Qinghuangdao 21:58 Guazhou 22:47 Benxi, Fushun, Guangzhou, Hainan 24:19 Danjiangkou 25:12 Aizhai bridge 25:39 Hong Kong 29:19 Tiger Leaping Gorge 29:44 Chonqging 31:45 Yangtze River 33:03 Wuhan 35:41 Hainan island 38:02 Xiahe 38:51 Tibet 40:26 Jilin 40:44 Xining 41:25 Linxia 41:51 Qingdao 48:22 Macau 49:34 Longji rice terraces 49:59 Shexian 50:21 Yulong national park 51:42 Hangzhou 53:06 Shenyang 53:32 Shenfu ‘ghost town’ 54:26 Chengdu 54:46 Zhangjiajie national park 56:12 Shanghai 1:04:26 Xuexiang 1:05:49 Pingyao 1:06:28 Shenzhen 1:06:54 Xian 1:07:12 Suzhou 1:10:05 Changzhou 1:10:44 Yuangmou Earth forest 1:11:23 Kunming 1:12:43 Lijiang

Where the Great Wall of China meets the sea, HeBei province, east from BeiJing ...

With Ben Norton ... Bonus film - 'Radio Free Asia' and the attempted 2019 coup in Hong Kong : with FridayEveryday ...

With Walk East ...

JingDeZhen, in JiangXi province, is known as the Porcelain Capital' because it has been producing pottery for over 1,700 years. JingDeZhen is close to the best quality deposits of petuntse, or porcelain stone, in China, as well as being surrounded by forests, mostly of pine, providing wood for the kilns. It also has river connections flowing both north and south, facilitating transport of the fragile wares. Its best-known high quality porcelain wares have been QingBai in the Song and Yuan dynasties, blue and white porcelain from the 1330s, and the 'famille rose# (and other 'famille' colors) during the Qing dynasty.

With China Walking Tour ... 1. Daxiangguo Temple (大相国寺) Daxiangguo Temple is one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in China, located in the heart of Kaifeng. Originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (early 6th century), it has a history spanning over 1,400 years. The temple is famous for its grand architectural design and historical significance, as it was once a prominent center for Buddhist learning and cultural exchange. Visitors can admire its ancient wooden structures, exquisite carvings, and beautiful gardens. The temple is also known for housing numerous cultural relics, including ancient Buddhist scriptures and statues. 2. Shan, Shan, and Gan Guild Hall (山陕甘会馆) The Shan, Shan, and Gan Guild Hall, also known as the Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu Guild Hall, is an impressive historical building that once served as a meeting place for merchants from these regions. Located near the Kaifeng Ancient City Wall, the guild hall is a fine example of traditional Chinese architecture, showcasing intricate woodwork, carved beams, and painted ceilings. It reflects the vibrant commercial life of Kaifeng during the Song Dynasty when it was a bustling trade hub. The hall also features a rich collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the merchant culture of the time. 3. Longting Park (龙亭公园) Longting Park, or Dragon Pavilion Park, is one of Kaifeng’s most famous scenic spots, known for its serene beauty and historical importance. The park is home to the Longting Pavilion, a magnificent structure originally built during the Song Dynasty as a royal palace. The pavilion has been reconstructed over the years, but it still retains its grandeur and historical charm. Surrounded by tranquil lakes and lush greenery, Longting Park is a perfect place to explore the fusion of nature and ancient Chinese architecture. It also houses several other historical buildings and cultural relics, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history. 4. Chinese Han Garden (中国翰园) The Chinese Han Garden, or Zhongguo Han Yuan, is a unique cultural and architectural park dedicated to showcasing the history and achievements of the Han Dynasty. Located in Kaifeng, this garden beautifully blends traditional Chinese landscape design with ancient architectural styles. It features a collection of pavilions, bridges, and pathways that recreate the atmosphere of the Han Dynasty. The park is home to numerous stone tablets inscribed with famous Chinese calligraphy and poetry, providing visitors with an insight into the intellectual and artistic accomplishments of the era. The tranquil surroundings and impressive structures make it a peaceful retreat for history enthusiasts. These landmarks offer a deep dive into the rich history and architectural grandeur of Kaifeng, making them essential stops for any traveler exploring the city’s cultural heritage. Video 2 The Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (Qingming Shanghe Yuan, 清明上河园) is a large-scale cultural and historical theme park located in Kaifeng, Henan Province, China. It is inspired by the famous ancient Chinese painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (清明上河图) by the Song Dynasty artist Zhang Zeduan. The park recreates the bustling city life and natural scenery depicted in the painting, reflecting the prosperity of the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD). Historical Reproduction: The park meticulously reconstructs the architecture, streets, waterways, marketplaces, and daily life of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. This immersive environment gives visitors a glimpse into the ancient city's urban culture and economic vitality. Performances and Activities: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden offers daily performances showcasing traditional Chinese culture, including folk dances, acrobatics, and reenactments of Song Dynasty customs. Highlights include the Imperial Court Parade, martial arts demonstrations, and shadow puppet shows. Cultural Exhibits: Visitors can explore Song-era crafts, such as pottery, calligraphy, and silk weaving. The park also features exhibits about the technologies and trade practices of the time. Interactive Experiences: Guests can dress in traditional Song Dynasty attire, participate in ancient games, and take boat rides along the carefully designed canals that replicate the waterways in the painting. Festivals and Night Tours: During special occasions like the Qingming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the park hosts themed events and illuminates its buildings, creating a magical night-time atmosphere. Significance: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important educational site, offering visitors insights into the rich history and culture of the Northern Song Dynasty. It serves as a living museum, celebrating the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient China. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this park is a must-visit destination in Henan Province.

The Tao Te Ching in older PinYin. The 'Book Of The Way', by LaoZi (Lao Tsu / Lao Tse) is the essence of Daoism (Taoism). An audio book with introduction; don't miss it ... Bonus film - The Taoist Way - a talk by Alan Watts ...