Geopolitics – December 2023 / January 2024

With Wei's Travel ... Bonus film - with Walk East - Bund night walk, looking across the HuangPu river to PuDong ... Bonus film 2 - with Gecko Walks - LuJiaZui ...

ShaanXi province. With Walk East ... Bonus film - Xi'An city wall ...

With Walk East ...

Alan Watts talks about Zen Buddhism - why we should stop chasing our tail. Wu Wei - action without force ... The Middle Way - the path that cannot be followed, and The Fall (anxiety) ... The truth is soooooo simple, it is hard to put into words .. Audio book - The Way of Zen ...

Beautiful ZhouZhuang lies in JiangSu province, about 30 km southeast of Suzhou.

With Walk China ... Introduction ShuangLang ancient town is a charming and picturesque village located on the eastern shore of ErHai Lake, DaLi, Yunnan province. Known for its tranquil lakeside scenery, traditional Bai architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Shuanglang is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is Dali Airport (DLU). From the airport, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Shuanglang, which is about 50 km away. By Train: The nearest major train station is in Dali. From Dali, you can take a bus or taxi to Shuanglang, which takes about an hour. By Bus: Direct buses run from Dali Ancient Town to Shuanglang, providing a convenient and scenic route along Erhai Lake. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Shuanglang is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and rainy, while winters are cooler but still enjoyable for sightseeing. Main Attractions Erhai Lake: Shuanglang is situated on the shores of Erhai Lake, offering stunning views and opportunities for boating, cycling, and lakeside walks. Moon Palace: A popular landmark in Shuanglang, the Moon Palace is known for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views of Erhai Lake. Yuji Island: Accessible by boat, this small island is home to a variety of art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops, making it a great spot for a day trip. Jinsuo Island: Another nearby island worth visiting, known for its traditional Bai village and tranquil atmosphere. Benzhu Temple: A historic temple dedicated to local deities, providing insight into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Bai people. Cultural Highlights Bai Ethnic Culture: Shuanglang is predominantly inhabited by the Bai ethnic group. Explore their unique customs, traditional Bai houses, and vibrant festivals. Art and Craft: Shuanglang is known for its thriving arts scene. Visit local art galleries, workshops, and boutiques to see the work of local artists and artisans. Local Festivals: Experience traditional Bai festivals such as the Third Month Fair and the Torch Festival, which feature music, dance, and local cuisine. Accommodation Shuanglang offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some recommended places to stay include: Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel: A luxury hotel offering stunning views of Erhai Lake and elegant, traditionally designed rooms. Sea & Moon Inn: A mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a beautiful lakeside location. Shuanglang Daxie Homestay: A budget-friendly guesthouse providing a cozy and authentic experience of local hospitality. Dining Local Cuisine: Shuanglang is known for its fresh lake fish, traditional Bai dishes, and local specialties. Don't miss trying Erhai Lake fish hotpot, Bai-style grilled fish, and various wild mushroom dishes. Restaurants: Recommended eateries include Spring of Small Town, Qingyu Restaurant, and Yixiangxuan Restaurant. Conclusion Shuanglang Ancient Town offers a serene and culturally enriching travel experience. Whether you're exploring the scenic shores of Erhai Lake, delving into the rich Bai culture, or simply relaxing in a lakeside café, Shuanglang promises a memorable and peaceful retreat.

Real prosperity. With Rafa Goes Around! ...

Summer residence of the emperors from the mid-Ming to Qing dynasties. Now a delightful public park / museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With MeetWorld ... GuiZhou Province visitor guide Overview GuiZhou Province, located in the southwestern part of China, is known for its stunning karst landscapes, rich ethnic diversity, and vibrant cultural heritage. The province is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural experiences, offering visitors a chance to explore everything from ancient villages to breathtaking mountains and rivers. Natural Attractions HuangGuoShu Waterfall Location: Anshun City. Highlights: One of the largest waterfalls in China, HuangGuoShu Waterfall is a spectacular sight with its powerful cascades and scenic surroundings. Visitors can explore the waterfall from various viewpoints and even walk behind it for a unique perspective. Fanjing Mountain Location: Tongren City. Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fanjing Mountain is renowned for its unique rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and spiritual significance. The Red Cloud Golden Summit and the Mushroom Stone are must-see landmarks. Libo Karst Forest Location: Libo County. Highlights: Part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Libo Karst Forest features stunning karst landscapes, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring unique geological formations. Ethnic Villages and Cultural Experiences Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village Location: Leishan County. Highlights: The largest Miao village in China, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village offers a deep dive into Miao culture with traditional stilt houses, vibrant festivals, and daily folk performances. It's a perfect place to experience Miao customs and hospitality. Langde Miao Village Location: Leishan County. Highlights: Known for its well-preserved wooden houses and rich cultural heritage, Langde Miao Village offers visitors a chance to witness traditional Miao crafts, such as embroidery and silverwork, and participate in cultural activities. Zhaoxing Dong Village Location: Liping County. Highlights: One of the largest Dong villages in China, Zhaoxing Dong Village is famous for its Drum Towers, Wind and Rain Bridges, and traditional wooden architecture. The village is known for its Dong singing and dance performances. Outdoor Activities Hiking and Trekking GuiZhou offers numerous trails for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. From the karst landscapes of Libo to the sacred peaks of Fanjing Mountain, there are trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Rafting and Boating The rivers and lakes of GuiZhou provide excellent opportunities for rafting and boating. The Wujiang River and the Dragon King Cave area are popular spots for water-based activities. Local Cuisine GuiZhou cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, often incorporating sour and fermented ingredients. Some must-try dishes include: **Sour Fish Soup**: A tangy and spicy fish soup that is a local favorite. **Guizhou-style Hot Pot**: Featuring a variety of meats and vegetables cooked in a spicy broth. **Miao Sour Soup Fish**: A traditional Miao dish with a unique sour flavor. **Sticky Rice Cakes**: A popular snack made from glutinous rice and various fillings. Accommodation GuiZhou offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels in major cities like Guiyang to traditional guesthouses in ethnic villages. Staying in a local guesthouse provides a more authentic experience and a chance to interact with the local people. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit GuiZhou is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting There: GuiZhou is accessible by air, with Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport serving as the main gateway. The province is also well-connected by train and bus. Respect Local Customs: When visiting ethnic villages, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Pack Accordingly: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and rain gear if visiting during the rainy season.