Exploring the beautiful HuangShan 黄山 mountain; part 1 (6/8)

Perhaps the most beautiful section and a great hike. About two and a half hours or so north east of BeiJing.

People's Park. With Walk - Fly - Drive ...

Bonus films - how to get to JinShanLing Great Wall, one of the most beautiful sections near BeiJing (well, about 3 hours away) by bus (cheaper than a coach tour) ... If you have 3 or 4 days spare, also check out ChengDe Imperial Summer Resort, a bit further in the same direction from BeiJing.

With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... On the US drone strike in Syria that killed many civilians - with Democracy Now ... On Cambodia ... On China and the U.S. ... On Iran, with Democracy Now ... A documentary on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, November 22, 1963 ... On the 'diplomatic boycott' of the Beijing Winter Olympics by the 5-eyes imperialists ... On Julian Assange and the Uk to US extradition ... On Syria, with The Grayzone ... On Canada's 'boycott' of the BeiJing Winter Olympics - with numuves ... Meanwhile ... ShenZhou-13 - 1st space lecture from the TianGong Space Station 中国空间站天宫课堂第一课 ... High speed rail link to the BeiJing Winter Olympics ... ... more to come, as ever; so check back on this post later, and see all the updates in earlier parts ...

With Martin Jacques ...

Chinese students are increasingly, and rightly so, avoiding studying in the West, where standards are declining, fees are extremely high, healthcare is either appalling or extremely expensive, the cities and towns are dingy and filled with homeless people and violence, the accommodation is dreadful and the food even worse; and where dangers abound. In contrast, Chinese universities are the far better choice. Besides, why fund countries that see China as an adversary, where Chinese products are banned and the media is increasingly hostile, and you could be labelled a spy ? Don't waste the 'best years of your life' ! YT comments : "I’m from Canada and I would never send my kids to study on the US. It’s just not safe. The quality of US education is declining. I’d rather send my kids to school in China than US." "The university in the West has very little to offer other than the English language. Chinese technology is more advanced, and Chinese students get better jobs after finishing Chinese university." "Let's be realistic. Where can you learn the AI best? China. Where can you learn quantum computer? China. Where can you learn best about rocket engines and space science? China landed a rover on the moon several times. Where can you learn chemistry and micro biology? China. Do you name anything? China has more advanced technology. Chinese students learn and speak English in China, so why pay high tuition to learn English outside?"

With Nick in China ... With Valerly Blank ... Visitor guide to YinChuan, capital of NingXia province Getting There By Air: YinChuan Hedong International Airport (INC) is well-connected with major Chinese cities. The airport is about 25 kilometers from the city center, and you can take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to your destination. By Train: YinChuan Railway Station offers regular train services to various cities across China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou. The high-speed train network makes travel convenient and efficient. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect YinChuan with other cities in NingXia and neighboring provinces. The YinChuan Long-Distance Bus Station is the main hub for these services. Accommodation YinChuan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some recommended options include: Luxury: Kempinski Hotel YinChuan, YinChuan International Convention Centre Hotel Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express YinChuan Downtown, YinChuan XiYue International Hotel Budget: YinChuan Youth Hostel, various local guesthouses Attractions and Activities Historical and Cultural Sites Western Xia Tombs: Located about 35 kilometers from YinChuan, these ancient tombs are the resting place of the emperors of the Western Xia Dynasty. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the dynasty. NingXia Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of NingXia, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art. HaiBao Pagoda: Also known as the North Pagoda, this ancient Buddhist pagoda is one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in YinChuan. Natural Attractions Sand Lake: A beautiful nature reserve located about 56 kilometers from YinChuan, Sand Lake is known for its stunning desert and wetland landscapes. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, boat rides, and sand dune activities. Helan Mountains: These mountains offer breathtaking scenery and numerous hiking trails. The region is also home to ancient rock carvings and the Helan Mountain Scenic Area. Modern Attractions Drum Tower: A central landmark in YinChuan, the Drum Tower is surrounded by bustling markets and streets lined with shops and restaurants. Zhongshan Park: A popular urban park that offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities. Dining and Local Specialties YinChuan boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a mix of traditional NingXia cuisine and Hui Muslim specialties. Some must-try dishes include: Lamb Kebabs: A local favorite, these skewered and grilled lamb pieces are seasoned with a blend of spices. Hand-Pulled Noodles: Known locally as "Lamian," these noodles are served in a flavorful broth with beef or lamb. Eight-Treasure Tea: A traditional NingXia beverage made with a mix of tea leaves, dried fruits, and herbs. Shopping Night Markets: Explore the bustling night markets in YinChuan for a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shopping Malls: Modern shopping centers like Wanda Plaza and YinChuan Mall offer a wide range of international and local brands. Local Handicrafts: Look for traditional NingXia crafts such as Helan stone carvings, wool products, and Hui embroidery. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit YinChuan 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 NingXia dialect. It's helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook if you don't speak Mandarin. Respect Local Customs: NingXia has a significant Hui Muslim population, so be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques and Hui neighborhoods. Conclusion YinChuan, the capital of NingXia Province, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient tombs, hiking in the mountains, or savoring local cuisine, YinChuan promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

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