If I could fly – Joe Satriani – cover by YOYO

Bonus film - a DIY woolen cloak for winter warmth ... Live more ...

With See World ... The landscape around GuiLin and the Li River is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring unique karst formations, lush greenery, and picturesque waterways. This area, often celebrated in Chinese art and poetry, offers some of the most iconic scenery in China. Here are the key highlights of this beautiful region: ### Karst Mountains 1. **Unique Karst Topography**: The landscape is dominated by karst mountains, which are characterized by their steep, rugged limestone peaks. These formations were created by millions of years of erosion, resulting in a landscape that appears almost otherworldly. 2. **Famous Peaks**: Notable peaks include Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like an elephant drinking water, and Fubo Hill, which offers panoramic views of Guilin city and the surrounding countryside. ### The Li River 3. **Li River Cruise**: The Li River (LiJiang) is famed for its breathtaking scenery. A popular activity is taking a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The cruise passes by some of the most picturesque landscapes, including towering karst peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. 4. **Scenic Highlights**: Key scenic spots along the river include the Nine Horse Fresco Hill, which resembles a mural of nine horses, and the Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal, which is famously depicted on the 20 yuan banknote. ### YangShuo 5. **Yangshuo Town**: Yangshuo, a small town located at the end of the Li River cruise, is surrounded by karst mountains and is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and hiking. 6. **West Street**: Known as the oldest street in Yangshuo, West Street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences. ### Outdoor Activities 7. **Cycling and Hiking**: The countryside around Guilin and Yangshuo is ideal for cycling and hiking. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty up close by biking through rice paddies, along the river, and into the mountains. 8. **Rock Climbing**: The karst formations provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Yangshuo has become a hotspot for climbers from around the world. ### Rivers and Caves 9. **Yulong River**: A tributary of the Li River, the Yulong River is less crowded and offers serene, beautiful views. Rafting on bamboo rafts is a popular way to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. 10. **Caves**: The region is home to numerous caves, such as Reed Flute Cave and Silver Cave, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights. ### Cultural Heritage 11. **Traditional Villages**: Alongside the natural beauty, the area is dotted with traditional villages where visitors can experience the local culture, architecture, and way of life. 12. **Impression Sanjie Liu**: An outdoor night show directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the backdrop of the Li River and the karst mountains. It features traditional songs and dances performed by local villagers and fishermen. ### Eco-Tourism 13. **Sustainability Efforts**: There is a growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region while providing meaningful experiences for visitors. ### Conclusion The landscape around Guilin and the Li River is a masterpiece of nature, with its dramatic karst mountains, verdant valleys, and clear waters. This region offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in China. Whether cruising down the Li River, exploring caves, or cycling through the countryside, visitors are sure to be captivated by the serene and majestic beauty of Guilin and its surroundings.

1 minute in Phoenix ancient water town ...

Places include HuaShan mountain, wild Great Wall, ZhangJiaJie (WuLingYuan National Forest Park) and the YuanYang rice terraces ...

With DianXi XiaoGe ...

With Our Travel Journal ... ZhuJiaJiao Ancient Water Town Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of ZhuJiaJiao ZhuJiaJiao, often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai," is an ancient water town located about 47 kilometers from the bustling center of Shanghai. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, this charming town is known for its picturesque canals, traditional Chinese architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. It was established during the Three Kingdoms Period and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties as a vital trading hub. Top Attractions in ZhuJiaJiao 1. Fangsheng Bridge The Fangsheng Bridge, built in 1571, is one of the most iconic landmarks in ZhuJiaJiao. It is the longest, largest, and tallest stone bridge in the town, offering stunning views of the water town's canals and ancient buildings. 2. Kezhi Garden This classical Chinese garden features intricate rockeries, tranquil ponds, and traditional pavilions. Originally built in 1912, Kezhi Garden showcases the beauty of Chinese landscaping and architecture. 3. Qing Dynasty Post Office Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, this ancient post office is the oldest in eastern China. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the postal history of China and houses a collection of old letters and postcards. 4. Great North Street Great North Street is the main commercial street of ZhuJiaJiao, lined with quaint shops, tea houses, and traditional residences. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and taste delicious street food. Activities to Enjoy 1. Boat Rides Take a traditional wooden boat ride through the canals of ZhuJiaJiao for a unique perspective of the town's historic architecture and scenic views. The boat rides are a relaxing way to explore the waterways. 2. Walking Tours Stroll along the ancient streets and alleys, explore hidden courtyards, and admire the well-preserved ancient architecture. Walking tours are the best way to immerse yourself in the charm of ZhuJiaJiao. 3. Tea Tasting Visit one of the many tea houses along the canals to experience traditional Chinese tea culture. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while overlooking the serene waterways. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Zongzi (Rice Dumplings) ZhuJiaJiao is famous for its zongzi, a traditional Chinese food made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, typically filled with red bean paste or meat. 2. Steamed Pork Dumplings These delicious dumplings are a must-try in ZhuJiaJiao. They are steamed to perfection and filled with savory pork and a touch of soup. 3. Lotus Root Snacks A local delicacy, these crunchy lotus root snacks are sweet, sticky, and coated with honey. They make for a perfect snack while exploring the town. How to Get There By Bus Take the Huzhu Express Line from Shanghai Stadium, which takes about 1 hour to reach ZhuJiaJiao. Buses run frequently throughout the day. By Car ZhuJiaJiao is approximately a 1-hour drive from downtown Shanghai. You can either hire a private car or take a taxi for a more comfortable journey. By Metro Take Line 17 of the Shanghai Metro and get off at ZhuJiaJiao Station. From the station, it's a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk to the water town. Travel Tips for ZhuJiaJiao Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring on foot and navigating cobblestone streets. Bring cash, as many of the smaller shops and food stalls may not accept credit cards. Don't forget your camera to capture the picturesque views of canals, bridges, and ancient architecture.

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