HaiKou beach, HaiNan 海南 island

With Wei's Travel ...

With Beautiful China ... XiaSi Ancient Town - Dong Village Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of XiaSi Ancient Town XiaSi Ancient Town, located in the Dong Village of GuiZhou Province, is a historic town that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dong ethnic group. With a history dating back over 800 years, XiaSi is renowned for its traditional Dong architecture, unique drum towers, and wind and rain bridges. The town's preservation of ancient customs and traditions provides a living snapshot of Dong culture that has been passed down through generations. Top Attractions in XiaSi Ancient Town 1. Drum Tower The Drum Tower is the symbol of the Dong people and serves as the heart of the village. It is a traditional wooden structure used for gatherings and ceremonies. The intricate carvings and unique architecture make it a must-see. 2. Wind and Rain Bridge The Wind and Rain Bridge, also known as the Flower Bridge, is an iconic piece of Dong architecture. It serves not only as a bridge but also as a place for villagers to rest and socialize, sheltered from the elements. 3. Dong Opera Stage The open-air Dong Opera Stage is a cultural gem where traditional Dong performances are held. Visitors can experience the rich storytelling and music that characterize Dong opera. 4. Dong Residential Houses Stroll through the village to see the traditional stilted wooden houses of the Dong people. These homes are built using ancient techniques and showcase the unique architectural style of the Dong community. Activities to Enjoy 1. Participate in a Dong Dance Join the locals in a traditional Dong dance. The Dong people are known for their vibrant dance and music, often performed in the village square or around the Drum Tower. 2. Explore Local Handicrafts Visit local workshops to see artisans creating traditional Dong handicrafts, including embroidery, silver jewelry, and wooden carvings. You can also purchase these items as souvenirs. 3. Attend a Dong Wedding Ceremony If you're lucky, you might witness a traditional Dong wedding ceremony. These ceremonies are colorful and vibrant, featuring music, dance, and traditional rituals. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Dong Rice Wine Dong rice wine is a traditional beverage made from glutinous rice. It has a sweet flavor and is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. 2. Sour Fish Soup This is a popular dish among the Dong people, made with fresh fish, pickled vegetables, and spices. The soup has a distinctive sour and spicy flavor. 3. Glutinous Rice Cakes Glutinous rice cakes are a traditional snack in Dong cuisine. They are often filled with sweet or savory ingredients and steamed to perfection. How to Get There By Bus From Guiyang, the capital of GuiZhou, you can take a long-distance bus to Liping County, followed by a local bus to XiaSi. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours. By Train Take a train to Kaili, a nearby city in GuiZhou. From Kaili, buses are available to Liping County and then to XiaSi Ancient Town. By Car If you prefer driving, renting a car from Guiyang or Kaili is an option. The roads to XiaSi are scenic but can be narrow and winding, so drive with caution. Travel Tips for XiaSi Ancient Town Learn a few basic phrases in the Dong language to connect better with locals. They appreciate the effort! Respect local customs and traditions, especially during ceremonies and cultural events. Bring comfortable walking shoes as you will be exploring on foot, often on uneven paths. Plan your visit during one of the Dong festivals, such as the Dong New Year, to experience the vibrant local culture.

With Walk East ... Driving through the downtown ...

Grand View Garden (DaGuanYuan) is a large imperial style garden; a recreation of the famous garden described in the classic Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" (also known as "A Dream of Red Mansions" or "The Story of the Stone"), written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing dynasty. The construction of Grand View Garden began in 1984 and was completed in 1986. It covers an area of about 12 hectares (30 acres) and is designed to resemble the garden as described in the novel, with pavilions, corridors, artificial hills, ponds, and lush vegetation. Visitors to Grand View Garden can explore various scenic spots and cultural attractions that are inspired by the characters and events from "Dream of the Red Chamber." Some of the highlights include: Grand View Tower (Daguanyuanlou): This central pavilion serves as the main entrance to the garden and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and admire the scenery. Baochai Hall (Baochaifang): Named after one of the principal characters in the novel, Baochai Hall is a traditional Chinese-style building where visitors can learn about the life and culture of the Qing dynasty elite. Jia Baoyu's Room (Jiabaojuyuan): This recreation of the protagonist's living quarters gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the fictional Jia family. The room is furnished with antique furniture and decorations reminiscent of the Qing dynasty. Peach Blossom Island (Taoyuandong): Inspired by the idyllic setting described in the novel, Peach Blossom Island features winding paths, lush vegetation, and a tranquil pond surrounded by peach trees. It is a peaceful retreat within the garden where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. The Eighteen Scenes of the Grand View Garden: These scenic spots are based on the poetic descriptions found in "Dream of the Red Chamber" and include attractions such as the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, the Mountain of Toads, and the Three Wisdoms Hall. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Grand View Garden also hosts various cultural events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year, including traditional Chinese opera performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and art exhibitions. Overall, Grand View Garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of "Dream of the Red Chamber" and experience the beauty and elegance of traditional Chinese garden design. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Beijing.

Still searching for the Bolero, but these two clips are also awesome. 16 years ago already. Magic moments ...

With Roaming N Watching ... With Fyfy & Nyny ... QiBao Ancient Town visitor guide Overview QiBao Ancient Town, located in the MinHang district of ShangHai, is a picturesque water town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, historical sites, and traditional culture. The name "QiBao" means "Seven Treasures," and the town is famous for its seven historic treasures, though only a few remain today. QiBao offers visitors a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage and a chance to experience traditional JiangNan water town scenery. History QiBao Ancient Town has a history that dates back over a thousand years to the Northern Song Dynasty. It flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a prosperous commercial hub. Today, QiBao retains much of its historical charm, with well-preserved buildings, stone bridges, and narrow canals that transport visitors back in time. Main Attractions QiBao Temple QiBao Temple is a significant religious and cultural site in the town. Originally built during the Song Dynasty, the temple has undergone several restorations. It is an important place of worship and a symbol of the town's spiritual heritage. QiBao Old Street QiBao Old Street is the heart of the ancient town, lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and food stalls. The street is divided into North Street and South Street, each offering unique experiences and local delicacies. QiBao Shadow Play Art Museum The QiBao Shadow Play Art Museum showcases the traditional Chinese art of shadow puppetry. Visitors can learn about the history of shadow plays, watch live performances, and even try their hand at manipulating the puppets. QiBao Zhuzhai (Old Residences) QiBao Zhuzhai are ancient residential buildings that offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of QiBao's inhabitants. These well-preserved houses reflect the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties and provide insight into the daily lives of ancient Chinese families. Culture and Traditions QiBao Ancient Town is a cultural gem that showcases traditional JiangNan water town culture. The town is known for its traditional crafts, local cuisine, and cultural performances. Visitors can explore the various workshops and studios where artisans create silk, paper-cuts, and other traditional handicrafts. Activities and Experiences Boat Rides One of the best ways to experience QiBao Ancient Town is by taking a boat ride along its narrow canals. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the town's architecture and serene waterways, providing a peaceful and scenic experience. Food Tasting QiBao is renowned for its local delicacies, including QiBao rice cakes, braised pork, and stinky tofu. The food stalls and restaurants along QiBao Old Street offer a wide variety of traditional snacks and dishes that are a must-try for visitors. Cultural Performances Visitors to QiBao can enjoy various cultural performances, including traditional Chinese opera, shadow plays, and folk music. These performances are often held in public squares and cultural centers, providing an authentic cultural experience. Accommodation QiBao Ancient Town offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels. Staying in a local guesthouse provides an immersive experience and a chance to enjoy the town's charm after the day-trippers have left. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit QiBao Ancient Town is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting There: QiBao Ancient Town is located about 18 kilometers from ShangHai city center. It is accessible by metro (Line 9, QiBao Station) or by taxi. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Opening Hours: The town is open to visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance Fees: There is no entrance fee for the town itself, but some attractions and museums within the town may charge a small fee. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the town's streets are paved with cobblestones and can be uneven. Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples and cultural sites, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

These elements are commonly used in various combinations to form place names throughout China, reflecting geographical features, cultural aspects, and historical significance. Tiān 天 - Heaven: TianAnMen 天安门 - TianAnMen Mén 门 - Gate: DongMen 东门 - East Gate Sì 寺 - Temple: ShaoLinSi 少林寺 - ShaoLin Temple Shān 山 - Mountain: HuangShan 黄山 - Yellow Mountain Hé 河 - River: HuangHe 黄河 - Yellow River Jiāng 江 - River (large): ChangJiang 长江 - Yangtze River Hú 湖 - Lake: XiHu 西湖 - West Lake Hǎi 海 - Sea: QingDao 青岛 - QingDao Zhōu 州 - State or Prefecture: GuangZhou 广州 - GuangZhou Shì 市 - City: ShangHai 市 - ShangHai City Zhèn 镇 - Town: ZhouZhuang 镇 周庄镇 - ZhouZhuang Town Cūn 村 - Village: ZhouCun 周村 - Zhou Village Miào 庙 - Temple: WenMiao 文庙 - Confucius Temple Qiáo 桥 - Bridge: LuGouQiao 卢沟桥 - Marco Polo Bridge Dòng 洞 - Cave: YunGang ShiKu 云冈石窟 - YunGang Grottoes Bǎo 堡 - Fort or Castle: ZhangJiaJie 张家界 - ZhangJiaJie Tái 台 - Platform or Terrace: DongTai 东台 - DongTai Lǐng 岭 - Ridge or Mountain Range: WuLing 五岭 - Five Ridges Gǎng 港 - Harbor or Port: XiangGang 香港 - Hong Kong Yuàn 苑 - Park or Garden: YiHeYuan 颐和园 - Summer Palace Quán 泉 - Spring: JiNan 济南 - JiNan Wān 湾 - Bay: ShenZhen Wan 深圳湾 - ShenZhen Bay Dǎo 岛 - Island: HaiNan Dao 海南岛 - HaiNan Island Chéng 城 - City or Town: NanJing Cheng 南京城 - NanJing City Guǎngchǎng 广场 - Square: TianAnMen GuangChang 天安门广场 - TianAnMen Square Gōng 宫 - Palace: GuGong 故宫 - Forbidden City Yuàn 院 - Courtyard or Compound: BeiJing DaXue 北京大学 - Peking University Cūnzhuāng 村庄 - Village: ZhouZhuang Cun 周庄村 - ZhouZhuang Village Qū 区 - District or Area: ChaoYang Qu 朝阳区 - ChaoYang District Lù 路 - Road or Street: Chang'An Lu 长安路 - Chang'An Road Jiē 街 - Street: WangFuJing Jie 王府井街 - WangFuJing Street Fāng 坊 - Lane or Alley: NanLuoGuXiang 南锣鼓巷 - NanLuoGuXiang Běi 北 - North: BeiJing 北京 - BeiJing Nán 南 - South: NanJing 南京 - NanJing Dōng 东 - East: DongGuan 东莞 - DongGuan Xī 西 - West: Xi'An 西安 - Xi'An Zhōng 中 - Central: ZhongShan 中山 - ZhongShan Wài 外 - Outer: WaiTan 外滩 - The Bund Nèi 内 - Inner: NeiMengGu 内蒙古 - Inner Mongolia Xīn 新 - New: XinJiang 新疆 - XinJiang Jiù 旧 - Old: JiuJinShan 旧金山 - San Francisco Shàng 上 - Upper: ShangHai 上海 - ShangHai Xià 下 - Lower: XiaGuan 下关 - XiaGuan Qián 前 - Front: QianMen 前门 - QianMen Hòu 后 - Back: HouHai 后海 - HouHai Cháng 长 - Long: ChangChun 长春 - ChangChun Duǎn 短 - Short: DuanShan 短山 - DuanShan Gāo 高 - High: GaoXiong 高雄 - KaoHsiung Dī 低 - Low: DiCun 低村 - DiCun Dà 大 - Big: DaTong 大同 - DaTong Xiǎo 小 - Small: XiaoZhen 小镇 - XiaoZhen Lóng 龙 - Dragon: LongYan 龙岩 - LongYan Fèng 凤 - Phoenix: FengYang 凤阳 - FengYang Fú 福 - Fortune: FuZhou 福州 - FuZhou Ān 安 - Peace: Xi'An 西安 - Xi'An Qìng 庆 - Celebration: QingYang 庆阳 - QingYang Xīng 兴 - Prosperous: XingHua 兴化 - XingHua Jí 吉 - Lucky: JiLin 吉林 - JiLin Xiáng 祥 - Auspicious: XiangFu 祥符 - XiangFu Guāng 光 - Light: GuangZhou 广州 - GuangZhou Míng 明 - Bright: MingGuang 明光 - MingGuang Hékǒu 河口 - River Mouth: HeKou 河口 - HeKou Qiáotóu 桥头 - Bridgehead: QiaoTou 桥头 - QiaoTou Shānjiǎo 山脚 - Foothill: ShanJiao 山脚 - ShanJiao Hǎibīn 海滨 - Seaside: HaiBin 海滨 - HaiBin Mǎtóu 码头 - Wharf: MaTou 码头 - MaTou Gǔ 古 - Ancient: GuZhen 古镇 - GuZhen Wén 文 - Culture: WenHua Cun 文化村 - WenHua Village Chāng 昌 - Flourishing: ChangPing 昌平 - ChangPing Cuì 翠 - Emerald (green): CuiHu 翠湖 - CuiHu Jīn 金 - Gold: JinShan 金山 - JinShan Yín 银 - Silver: YinChuan 银川 - YinChuan Qīng 青 - Blue/Green: QingDao 青岛 - QingDao Hóng 红 - Red: HongHe 红河 - HongHe Huáng 黄 - Yellow: HuangShan 黄山 - HuangShan Bái 白 - White: BaiYun 白云 - BaiYun Hēi 黑 - Black: HeiLongJiang 黑龙江 - HeiLongJiang Yáng 阳 - Sun: LuoYang 洛阳 - LuoYang Yīn 阴 - Shade: YinShan 阴山 - YinShan Xīng 星 - Star: XingZi 星子 - XingZi Yuè 月 - Moon: YueLiang Wan 月亮湾 - Moon Bay Huā 花 - Flower: HuaDu 花都 - HuaDu Cǎo 草 - Grass: CaoYuan 草原 - Grassland Shù 树 - Tree: ShuCun 树村 - ShuCun Lín 林 - Forest: LinHai 林海 - LinHai Yuán 园 - Garden: YuanLin 园林 - YuanLin Nóng 农 - Agricultural: NongChang 农场 - NongChang Gōng 工 - Industrial: GongYe Qu 工业区 - GongYe District Shāng 商 - Commercial: ShangYe Jie 商业街 - Commercial Street Xué 学 - Learning: XueYuan Lu 学院路 - XueYuan Road Yī 医 - Medical: YiYuan Jie 医院街 - YiYuan Street Zhàn 站 - Station: HuoChe Zhan 火车站 - Train Station Shì 室 - Room: BanGong Shi 办公室 - Office Lóu 楼 - Building: GaoLou 高楼 - Tall Building Qū 区 - Area/District: ShiQu 市区 - Urban Area Yuánqū 园区 - Park/Zone: GongYe YuanQu 工业园区 - Industrial Park Jīdì 基地 - Base: KeJi JiDi 科技基地 - Technology Base Jiēdào 街道 - Street: Gu JieDao 古街道 - Ancient Street Xiǎoqū 小区 - Residential area: XiaoQū 小区 - Residential Area Zhōngxīn 中心 - Center: Shi ZhōngXīn 市中心 - City Center Chinese city names and their meanings : BeiJing 北京 - North Capital ShangHai 上海 - Above Sea ChongQing 重庆 - Double Celebration TianJin 天津 - Heavenly Ford GuangZhou 广州 - Expansive Prefecture ShenZhen 深圳 - Deep Ditch ChengDu 成都 - Become Capital Nanjing 南京 - South Capital Xi'An 西安 - Western Peace HangZhou 杭州 - Hang Prefecture Wuhan 武汉 - Combined from WuChang (武昌) and HanKou (汉口) SuZhou 苏州 - Su Prefecture Shenyang 沈阳 - Rising Sun Dongguan 东莞 - East Pass Ningbo 宁波 - Tranquil Waves Qingdao 青岛 - Green Island Guiyang 贵阳 - Precious Sun Haikou 海口 - Sea Mouth Kunming 昆明 - Bright Merits Xiamen 厦门 - Door of the House