Geopolitics and China; July 2022

The TsingHua University Academy of Arts and Design, BeiJing 清华大学美术学院

Awesome scenery; great film ...

Overview ChengDu (成都) is the capital city of SiChuan province in south-west China. Known for its spicy cuisine, relaxed lifestyle, and panda conservation centers, Chengdu offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Top Attractions Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地) - Chéngdū Dàxióngmāo Fányù Yánjiū Jīdì Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街) - Jǐnlǐ Gǔjiē Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) - Wǔhóu Cí Qingcheng Mountain (青城山) - Qīngchéng Shān Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰) - Dūjiāngyàn Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Alley) (宽窄巷子) - Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi Sichuan Opera and Face Changing Show (川剧变脸) - Chuānjù Biànliǎn Chengdu People's Park (成都人民公园) - Chéngdū Rénmín Gōngyuán Chunxi Road (春熙路) - Chūnxī Lù Song Xian Qiao Antique Market (宋庆龄故居松仙桥古玩市场) - Sòng Qìnglíng Gùjū Sōngxiānqiáo Gǔwàn Shìchǎng Wenshu Monastery (文殊院) - Wénshū Yuàn Mt. Emei (峨眉山) - Éméi Shān (Day trip from Chengdu) Tianfu New Area (天府新区) - Tiānfǔ Xīn Qū Anshun Bridge Night Market (安顺廊桥夜市) - Ānshùn Lángqiáo Yèshì Chengdu Culture Park (成都文化公园) - Chéngdū Wénhuà Gōngyuán Chengdu Panda Asian Food Festival (成都国际熊猫美食节) - Chéngdū Guójì Xióngmāo Měishí Jié Chengdu Botanical Garden (成都植物园) - Chéngdū Zhíwùyuán Sichuan Science and Technology Museum (四川科技馆) - Sìchuān Kējìguǎn Chengdu Tianfu Square (成都天府广场) - Chéngdū Tiānfǔ Guǎngchǎng Dufu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂) - Dùfǔ Cǎotáng Huanglongxi Ancient Town (黄龙溪古镇) - Huánglóngxī Gǔzhèn Sichuan University (四川大学) - Sìchuān Dàxué Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆) - Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn Daci Temple (大慈寺) - Dàcí Sì Luodai Ancient Town (洛带古镇) - Luòdài Gǔzhèn Chengdu Sports Center (成都市体育中心) - Chéngdū Shì Tǐyù Zhōngxīn Chengdu Eastern Music Park (成都东部音乐公园) - Chéngdū Dōngbù Yīnyuè Gōngyuán Huanhuaxi Park (浣花溪公园) - Huànhuāxī Gōngyuán Qintai Road Historic District (琴台路历史文化街区) - Qíntái Lù Lìshǐ Wénhuà Jiēqū Chengdu Happy Valley (成都欢乐谷) - Chéngdū Huānlègǔ Huaxi Music Fountain (花溪音乐喷泉) - Huāxī Yīnyuè Pēnquán Hejiang Pavilion (合江亭) - Héjiāng Tíng Chengdu Radio and TV Tower (成都电视塔) - Chéngdū Diànshì Tǎ Wolong National Nature Reserve (卧龙国家级自然保护区) - Wòlóng Guójiā Jí Zìrán Bǎohùqū Mt. Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Scenic Area (青城山-都江堰风景区) - Qīngchéng Shān-Dūjiāngyàn Fēngjǐng Qū Chengdu Tianfu Greenway (成都天府绿道) - Chéngdū Tiānfǔ Lǜdào Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park (成都海昌极地海洋公园) - Chéngdū Hǎichāng Jídì Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán Dining Experiences Hot Pot (火锅) - Huǒguō Sichuan Cuisine (川菜) - Chuāncài Tea Houses (茶馆) - Cháguǎn Huangcheng Laoma (Old Master Huang's Restaurant) (黄城老妈) - Huángchéng Lǎomā Yulin Life Plaza Food Street (玉林生活广场美食街) - Yùlín Shēnghuó Guǎngchǎng Měishí Jiē Long Chaoshou Restaurant (Dragon's Wonton Restaurant) (龙抄手) - Lóng Chāoshǒu Shopping and Entertainment Chunxi Road Shopping District (春熙路购物区) - Chūnxī Lù Gòuwù Qū Taikoo Li (太古里) - Tàigǔlǐ IFS (International Finance Square) (国际金融中心) - Guójì Jīnróng Zhōngxīn Sichuan Opera and Tea Culture Show (川剧茶艺表演) - Chuānjù Cháyì Biǎoyǎn Chengdu Global Center (成都环球中心) - Chéngdū Huánqiú Zhōngxīn Chengdu IFS Ice Fountain (IFS冰雪奇缘) - IFS Bīngxuě Qíyuán Chengdu New Century Global Center (成都世纪环球中心) - Chéngdū Shìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn Tianfu New Area (天府新区) - Tiānfǔ Xīn Qū Nightlife and Entertainment Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Alley) (宽窄巷子) - Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi Jiuyanqiao Bar Street (九眼桥酒吧街) - Jiǔyǎnqiáo Jiǔbā Jiē Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu (成都兰桂坊) - Chéngdū Lánguìfāng Heming Teahouse (Hemingway Bar) (海明茶馆) - Hǎimíng Cháguǎn Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li (成都远洋太古里) - Chéngdū Yuǎnyáng Tàigǔlǐ Practical Tips Transportation: Use the Chengdu metro system, buses, or taxis for getting around. Language: Mandarin is the primary language; learn some basic phrases. Weather: Chengdu has a mild climate, but prepare for occasional rain, especially in summer. Currency: Use local currency (Renminbi). Panda Visits: Plan your visit to the panda base early in the morning for the best panda viewing. Respect Local Customs: Embrace the laid-back lifestyle and tea culture of Chengdu. Hidden Gems Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) - Lèshān Dàfó (Day trip from Chengdu) Mount Qingcheng (青城山) - Qīngchéng Shān (Day trip from Chengdu) Luodai Ancient Town (洛带古镇) - Luòdài Gǔzhèn Wolong National Nature Reserve (卧龙国家级自然保护区) - Wòlóng Guójiā Jí Zìrán Bǎohùqū Chengdu Tianfu Greenway (成都天府绿道) - Chéngdū Tiānfǔ Lǜdào Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park (成都海昌极地海洋公园) - Chéngdū Hǎichāng Jídì Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán Chengdu Anren Ancient Town (成都安仁古镇) - Chéngdū Ānrén Gǔzhèn Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Music and Dance Show (武侯祠音乐舞蹈表演) - Wǔhóu Cí Yīnyuè Wǔdǎo Biǎoyǎn Mount Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain) (四姑娘山) - Sìgūniáng Shān (Multi-day excursion from Chengdu) Chengdu Happy Valley (成都欢乐谷) - Chéngdū Huānlègǔ Huanglongxi Ancient Town (黄龙溪古镇) - Huánglóngxī Gǔzhèn Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆) - Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn Dujiangyan Panda Base (都江堰熊猫基地) - Dūjiāngyàn Xióngmāo Jīdì Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum (成都杜甫草堂博物馆) - Chéngdū Dùfǔ Cǎotáng Bówùguǎn Chengdu Lixiang Park (成都荔香公园) - Chéngdū Lìxiāng Gōngyuán Chengdu Yongling Mausoleum (成都永陵) - Chéngdū Yǒnglíng Chengdu Aircraft Carrier Theme Park (成都航空母舰主题公园) - Chéngdū Hángkōng Mǔjiàn Zhǔtí Gōngyuán Chengdu Happy Water World (成都欢乐水世界) - Chéngdū Huānlè Shuǐ Shìjiè Chengdu Confucius Temple (成都文庙) - Chéngdū Wénmiào Chengdu Huanglongxi Film and Television Base (成都黄龙溪影视基地) - Chéngdū Huánglóngxī Yǐngshì Jīdì Chengdu Xiling Snow Mountain (成都西岭雪山) - Chéngdū Xīlǐng Xuěshān Chengdu Sichuan Opera Theater (成都川剧院) - Chéngdū Chuānjù Yuàn Chengdu Bonsai Garden (成都盆景园) - Chéngdū Pénjǐng Yuán Chengdu Nanhu Dreamland (成都南湖梦幻岛) - Chéngdū Nánhú Mènghuàn Dǎo Chengdu Dayi Strawberry Park (成都大邑草莓园) - Chéngdū Dàyì Cǎoméi Yuán Chengdu Dinosaur Museum (成都恐龙博物馆) - Chéngdū Kǒnglóng Bówùguǎn Enjoy exploring Chengdu's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and the adorable giant pandas!

Starting with a beautiful timelapse ... Followed by a look around the city, including Green Lake.

With Clare Traveling Pandaland ... Tengchong, Yunnan Province: A Visitor's Guide Tengchong, located in the western part of Yunnan Province near the border with Myanmar, is a gem of natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. Known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and historical significance, it offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. How to Get There By Air: Tengchong Tuofeng Airport connects the city to major Chinese cities like Kunming and Chengdu. By Road: A scenic drive from Kunming takes around 8–10 hours by car or bus, passing through the mountainous Yunnan terrain. Top Attractions 1. Rehai Hot Springs Why Visit: Known as "Hot Sea," this geothermal area has over 80 hot spring pools, each with unique properties. Some are perfect for a relaxing soak, while others are too hot and are used for steaming food or traditional therapies. Don’t Miss: Try the therapeutic spa treatments or soak in an outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery. 2. Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal National Park Highlights: Home to dormant volcanic craters and lava fields, this park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views. Activities: Climb up volcanoes like Dakongshan (Large Empty Mountain) for panoramic views, or explore the Lava Stone Forest. 3. Heshun Ancient Town Why Visit: A quaint town filled with cobbled streets, traditional Yunnan-style homes, and a rich history of overseas Chinese who returned home. Must-See: Visit the Heshun Library, one of the oldest private libraries in China, and explore the charming teahouses and ancestral halls. 4. Beihai Wetlands Overview: This serene area features floating meadows and diverse bird species. Activities: Take a boat ride through the wetlands or enjoy bird-watching during migratory seasons. 5. Yunfeng Mountain Why Visit: A sacred Taoist site with an ancient temple at its peak. What to Do: Hike or take a cable car up the mountain, then enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 6. Dianmian Anti-Japanese War Memorial Historical Importance: Tengchong was a key battleground during WWII. This memorial honors the local and international soldiers who fought against Japanese forces. What to See: Artifacts, photographs, and the reconstructed battle sites. Cultural Highlights Traditional Crafts: Tengchong is famous for its jade carving. Visit local workshops to see artisans at work or purchase unique jade jewelry. Ethnic Diversity: Experience the culture of the Bai, Dai, and Lisu ethnic groups through their festivals, dances, and cuisines. Local Cuisine Signature Dishes: Guoqiao Mixian (Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles): A flavorful noodle soup with a variety of toppings. Bamboo Rice: Sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes. Tengchong Fried Pork: Crispy pork stir-fried with local spices. Mushroom Hotpot: A must-try with Yunnan’s diverse range of wild mushrooms. Snacks: Don’t miss the fengmi baba (honey glutinous rice cake) or fried potato balls. Best Time to Visit Spring and Autumn (March–May, September–November): These seasons offer mild weather and clear skies, perfect for outdoor exploration. Winter (December–February): Ideal for enjoying the hot springs, though mornings and evenings can be chilly. Shopping Jade and Gemstones: Tengchong is renowned for its high-quality jade. Look for authentic pieces in certified stores. Local Handicrafts: Embroidered textiles, wooden carvings, and bamboo products make great souvenirs. Tea: Yunnan is known for its Pu’er and black teas, widely available in Tengchong. Practical Tips Language: Mandarin is widely spoken, though some locals speak Yunnan dialects. Learn a few basic phrases for ease of communication. Currency: Bring enough cash, as rural areas may not accept cards or digital payments. Transportation: Rent a bicycle or use tuk-tuks to explore small towns like Heshun. Clothing: Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate between day and night, especially in the mountains. Day Trips Ruili: A bustling border town with vibrant markets and a mix of Chinese and Burmese cultures. Myanmar Border: Visit the border towns to experience the unique blend of Chinese and Burmese influences. Tengchong is a destination that beautifully combines natural wonders, cultural depth, and historical significance, offering something for every traveler.

中国传统油纸伞

With Mark Hyman and William Li ... With Eric Berg ... With Chris Knobbe ...