HaiNan holiday in autumn

With RealSamanthaBrown ... Bonus film, with Ken Abroad ...

HuBei province.

Mark Hyman talks with Gabor Mate about the mind-body not as connected but as a single system, why are we seeing more chronic disease, stress, obesity, addiction, and so many other states of illness than ever before, the role of trauma, and much more ...

A CCTV Travelogue special ... ZheJiang province, east China.

BeiJing and the surrounding HeBei province (YanQing and ZhangJiaKou). Begins Friday, 4 February, 2022, to 20th February. "Together for a Shared Future 一起向未来". With Rafa Goes Around! ...

With GoYvon ... LongQing Xia (龙庆峡) Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview LongQing Xia, also known as the LongQing Gorge or Dragon Celebration Gorge, is a stunning scenic area located in the YanQing District of BeiJing, China. Famous for its breathtaking natural scenery, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs, LongQing Xia is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Getting There Location: YanQing District, BeiJing, China. Public Transport: By Bus: Take Bus 919 or 880 from Deshengmen Bus Station to YanQing. From YanQing, transfer to Bus 875 to LongQing Xia. By Train: Take the S2 train from Huangtudian Railway Station to YanQing Station. From there, take a taxi or local bus to LongQing Xia. Opening Hours April to October: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM November to March: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tickets Entrance Fee: ¥40 Boat Ride: ¥100 (optional) Discounted Ticket (for children, students, and seniors): ¥20 Main Attractions LongQing Xia offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore: Ice Lantern Festival: Held every winter, the festival features beautiful ice sculptures and colorful lanterns, creating a magical winter wonderland. LongQing Gorge: The main attraction, this gorge offers stunning views of the cliffs and clear waters, best experienced by boat. Bailong Cave: A cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, offering a cool retreat during the summer months. Jiguanshan Great Wall: A lesser-known section of the Great Wall, offering a historical and scenic hike. Rainbow Bridge: A picturesque bridge offering great photo opportunities and scenic views of the gorge. Activities Visitors can engage in various activities at LongQing Xia: Boat Rides: Take a boat ride through the gorge to fully appreciate the stunning scenery. Bungee Jumping: For the adventurous, there is a bungee jumping platform offering a thrilling experience. Hiking: Explore the trails around the gorge and the Great Wall for a more active visit. Photography: Capture the beautiful landscapes and unique features of the area. Ice Sculptures (winter): Visit during the winter months to see the incredible ice sculptures of the Ice Lantern Festival. Dining and Refreshments Several restaurants and snack stalls are available around LongQing Xia, offering a variety of Chinese cuisine and refreshments. It is also advisable to bring your own snacks and water, especially if you plan on hiking or exploring for an extended period. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Winter is also popular for the Ice Lantern Festival. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The area has many trails and uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking. Prepare for Weather: Bring a raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season, and dress in layers for temperature changes. Respect Nature: Follow park rules, stay on designated paths, and do not disturb the wildlife. Nearby Attractions Badaling Great Wall: One of the most famous sections of the Great Wall, located nearby and offering a great historical experience. Yudu Mountain: A beautiful mountain area offering hiking trails and stunning views. Kangxi Grassland: A vast grassland ideal for horse riding, picnicking, and enjoying the natural scenery. Conclusion LongQing Xia (龙庆峡) in BeiJing is a breathtaking natural destination that offers a mix of stunning landscapes, adventurous activities, and cultural experiences. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, LongQing Xia provides an unforgettable experience.

With China Walking Tour ... FengHuang Ancient Water Town Visitor Guide Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in western Hunan Province, is one of China's most well-preserved ancient towns, known for its picturesque riverside setting, traditional wooden houses, and rich cultural heritage. This guide will help you explore the town’s unique charm and provide practical information to ensure a memorable visit. Overview of Fenghuang Ancient Town History & Culture: Fenghuang, meaning "Phoenix," was built in the Ming Dynasty (around 1704) and is a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture and riverside living. The town is home to the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities, whose distinct customs, folk art, and architecture add a rich cultural layer to the town's charm. Strolling along the banks of the Tuojiang River, you’ll be surrounded by ancient stilted houses (diaojiaolou), stone-paved streets, and peaceful bridges that seem frozen in time. Why Visit: With its well-preserved historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and scenic river views, Fenghuang is a must-visit destination for those interested in Chinese history, culture, and photography. Visitors can enjoy riverboat rides, explore narrow alleyways, and visit local shops selling traditional crafts. Key Attractions in Fenghuang Tuojiang River The lifeblood of Fenghuang, the Tuojiang River runs through the heart of the town. Stroll along its banks, take a boat ride, or photograph the iconic wooden houses perched on stilts over the water. The river comes alive at night, with beautifully illuminated buildings reflecting on the water. Diaojiaolou (Stilt Houses) The stilted wooden houses that line the Tuojiang River are some of Fenghuang's most recognizable architectural features. These traditional houses, built by the Miao people, offer a glimpse into the area's ancient construction techniques and local way of life. Many of these houses are now home to cafes, guesthouses, and shops. Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge One of the most famous landmarks in Fenghuang, the Hongqiao Bridge is a beautiful covered bridge with traditional Chinese architecture. It serves as both a pedestrian passage and a scenic spot for photographs. Inside, the bridge hosts shops selling local crafts and snacks. East Gate Tower The East Gate Tower (Dongmen Tower) was originally built as part of the town's fortifications during the Ming Dynasty. This well-preserved tower offers great views of the ancient town and the river. A walk through the gates is a step back into the town’s historical past. Miao Ethnic Museum This museum provides an in-depth look at the culture, history, and lifestyle of the Miao ethnic group, which is native to the Fenghuang area. It is an excellent stop for those interested in learning more about the rich cultural traditions of the region, including their festivals, clothing, and traditional crafts. Travel Tip: While the daytime charm of Fenghuang is undeniable, the town is especially magical at night, when the lights illuminate the riverside buildings and bridges, creating a serene atmosphere for evening strolls. Practical Travel Information for Fenghuang When to Visit The best time to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter, though quieter, can be quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Getting to Fenghuang By Air: The nearest airport is Tongren Fenghuang Airport, which is about 30 kilometers from the town. From the airport, travelers can take a bus or taxi to reach Fenghuang. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Zhangjiajie or Changsha and take a bus or train to the town, though this will involve a longer journey. By Train: Fenghuang does not have a train station, but the nearest train station is Jishou Railway Station, about 50 kilometers away. From there, travelers can take a bus or taxi to Fenghuang, which takes about an hour. By Bus: Regular buses run from nearby cities such as Zhangjiajie, Jishou, and Changsha. The bus journey from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang takes approximately 4 hours, while it is around 6 hours from Changsha. Accommodation Fenghuang offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels. Many of the traditional stilt houses along the river have been converted into guesthouses, offering a unique stay with scenic river views. For those seeking more comfort, hotels in the town center provide modern amenities. It’s recommended to book in advance during peak travel seasons. Cultural Sensitivity As Fenghuang is home to ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Tujia, visitors should be mindful of local customs. When visiting minority villages or interacting with locals, it's important to respect their traditions and dress modestly. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in more rural areas. Language Mandarin is the official language, but many locals also speak the Miao language. English is not widely spoken, so it's useful to have a translation app or learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to make communication easier. Local Cuisine Fenghuang’s cuisine reflects the flavors of Hunan Province, known for its spicy dishes. Be sure to try the local specialties, such as sour fish soup (suantang yu), Miao-style grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. There are also numerous street food vendors offering local snacks like glutinous rice cakes and fried tofu. Travel Tip: Fenghuang can be quite crowded during Chinese public holidays, especially the National Day Golden Week in October. Plan your visit outside these peak periods for a more peaceful experience. Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Fenghuang Day 1: Arrive in Fenghuang, check in to your riverside guesthouse, and take an evening stroll along the Tuojiang River to enjoy the illuminated scenery. Day 2: Visit the Hongqiao Wind and Rain Bridge, explore the East Gate Tower, and take a riverboat ride along the Tuojiang River. In the afternoon, wander through the ancient alleyways and visit the Miao Ethnic Museum. Day 3: Explore the surrounding countryside by visiting nearby Miao or Tujia villages, where you can learn more about their traditional crafts and culture. Return to Fenghuang in the evening for dinner and a relaxed evening by the river.

With Wei's Travel ...

Bonus film - SongKou Town of FuZhou ...