Around YangShuo 阳朔 in GuangXi province

Two sections of the Great Wall of China north of BeiJing ... Plus - why not run the Great Wall Marathon 2018 on May 1st ...

As the mini ice-age begins to engage (and the 'global warming' hoax lies in tatters) - a reprieve of our much-loved 'Winter in China' mix; with great music, including ColdPlay and much more ...

KunMing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园 Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán): Zoo with a variety of animals, shows, and educational programs. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 Yúnnán Mínzú Cūn): Cultural theme park with ethnic minority exhibits, performances, and crafts. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Yunnan Museum of Minority Nationalities (云南民族博物馆 Yúnnán Mínzú Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's ethnic minorities, cultures, and traditions. Yunnan Railway Museum (云南铁路博物馆 Yúnnán Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's railway history, technology, and artifacts. Yuantong Temple (圆通寺 Yuántōng Sì): Buddhist temple with historic buildings, gardens, and statues. Yunnan Wild Animal Park (云南野生动物园 Yúnnán Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán): Safari park with a variety of animals, shows, and interactive experiences. Haigeng Park (海埂公园 Hǎigěng Gōngyuán): Park with lakes, gardens, and scenic spots. Kunming Botanical Garden (昆明植物园 Kūnmíng Zhíwùyuán): Botanical garden with diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and walking trails. Kunming World Horticulture Expo Garden (昆明世博园 Kūnmíng Shìbóyuán): Garden with themed areas, pavilions, and horticultural displays. Western Hills Forest Reserve (西山森林公园 Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with hiking trails, temples, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Grand View Park (昆明大观楼 Kūnmíng Dàguān Lóu): Park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and viewpoints. Yunnan Nationalities Museum (云南省民族博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Mínzú Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's ethnic minorities, history, and cultures. Kunming Stone Forest Geological Park (昆明石林风景区 Kūnmíng Shílín Fēngjǐngqū): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and trails. Golden Temple Park (金殿公园 Jīndiàn Gōngyuán): Park with a Taoist temple, gardens, and scenic landscapes. Yunnan Military Academy Museum (云南陆军讲武堂博物馆 Yúnnán Lùjūn Jiǎngwǔtáng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's military history, uniforms, and weapons. Kunming Daguan Park (昆明大观公园 Kūnmíng Dàguān Gōngyuán): Park with lakes, pavilions, and traditional Chinese architecture. Yunnan Nationalities University (云南民族大学 Yúnnán Mínzú Dàxué): University campus with architectural features, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园 Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán): Zoo with a variety of animals, shows, and educational programs. KunMing: 30 More Places to Visit Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Yuantong Mountain (圆通山 Yuántōng Shān): Scenic mountain with temples, pagodas, and hiking trails. Kunming Golden Temple (昆明金殿 Kūnmíng Jīndiàn): Taoist temple with a golden pavilion, gardens, and cultural exhibits. Yunnan Railway Museum (云南铁路博物馆 Yúnnán Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's railway history, technology, and artifacts. Kunming Western Hills Forest Reserve (昆明西山森林公园 Kūnmíng Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with temples, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场 Kūnmíng Huāniǎo Shìchǎng): Market with flowers, birds, pets, and gardening supplies. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Kunming World Horticulture Expo Garden (昆明世博园 Kūnmíng Shìbóyuán): Garden with themed areas, pavilions, and horticultural displays. Stone Forest (石林 Shílín): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and hiking trails. Yunnan University (云南大学 Yúnnán Dàxué): University campus with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Dragon Gate (西山龙门 Xīshān Lóngmén): Taoist temple complex with sculptures, caves, and panoramic views. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Kunming Cuihu Park (昆明翠湖公园 Kūnmíng Cuìhú Gōngyuán): Park with a lake, pavilions, and walking paths. Kunming Confucius Temple (昆明文庙 Kūnmíng Wénmiào): Confucian temple with historic architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Yuantong Temple (圆通寺 Yuántōng Sì): Buddhist temple with historic buildings, gardens, and statues. Kunming Grand View Park (昆明大观楼 Kūnmíng Dàguān Lóu): Park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and viewpoints. Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场 Kūnmíng Huāniǎo Shìchǎng): Market with flowers, birds, pets, and gardening supplies. Yunnan Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Kunming Western Hills Forest Reserve (昆明西山森林公园 Kūnmíng Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with temples, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Dragon Gate (西山龙门 Xīshān Lóngmén): Taoist temple complex with sculptures, caves, and panoramic views. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 Yúnnán Mínzú Cūn): Cultural theme park with ethnic minority exhibits, performances, and crafts. Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Kunming Golden Temple (昆明金殿 Kūnmíng Jīndiàn): Taoist temple with a golden pavilion, gardens, and cultural exhibits. Yunnan Nationalities University (云南民族大学 Yúnnán Mínzú Dàxué): University campus with architectural features, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Cuihu Park (昆明翠湖公园 Kūnmíng Cuìhú Gōngyuán): Park with a lake, pavilions, and walking paths. Kunming Confucius Temple (昆明文庙 Kūnmíng Wénmiào): Confucian temple with historic architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Stone Forest (石林 Shílín): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and hiking trails.

With Rafa Goes Around ...

The beautiful, wide-open grasslands of north China ... Bonus film - Mongolian music : 'Silent Sky' by the HAYA Band with DaiQing TaNa ...

With CGTN ... Trade versus coups and invasion. Long term benefits (for all) versus short term profits (for some). Bonus films - on MSM propaganda : With FridayEveryday ... With Jerry's Take on China ... When people come first ... How 4% of the world's population keeps trying to suppress the 96% - with Garland Nixon ... China is the true government of the people, by the people, for the people. If only the West would learn from China the way that China learns from the West.

With DuckTravel ... Welcome to ZhouZhuang Discover the Venice of the East About ZhouZhuang ZhouZhuang, known as the "Venice of the East," is one of the most famous water towns in China. Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, it is renowned for its well-preserved ancient residential houses, elegant watery views, and profound cultural background. The town has a history of over 900 years and retains the style and pattern of its ancient past, with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Attractions Shuangqiao (Twin Bridges) Shuangqiao, also known as the Twin Bridges, is the most famous site in ZhouZhuang. The two bridges, Shide Bridge and Yong'an Bridge, are connected at a right angle and have become a symbol of the town. Fu'an Bridge Fu'an Bridge, built in 1355, is an architectural gem with a unique combination of a bridge, tower, and pavilion. It offers a picturesque view of the waterways and houses. Zhang House The Zhang House, built in the Ming Dynasty, covers an area of over 1,800 square meters. It showcases classic Chinese residential architecture and beautifully decorated interiors. Shen House The Shen House, constructed in 1742, is another example of traditional Chinese architecture. It features 100 rooms and a garden, reflecting the life of a wealthy merchant family. Local Food ZhouZhuang is not only famous for its scenery but also for its delicious local food. Here are some must-try dishes: Wansan Pork Hock: A famous dish named after the wealthy merchant Shen Wansan. The pork hock is braised to perfection with a rich, savory flavor. Sanwei Glutinous Rice Balls: A traditional snack made from glutinous rice with sweet, salty, and spicy fillings, representing the three flavors. Fish Delicacies: Freshwater fish dishes are a staple in ZhouZhuang, often cooked with local herbs and spices to enhance their natural flavors. Transport ZhouZhuang is easily accessible from major cities like Shanghai and Suzhou. Here are some ways to get there: By Bus: Regular buses run from Shanghai and Suzhou to ZhouZhuang, taking about 1-2 hours. By Car: You can drive from Shanghai to ZhouZhuang in about 1.5 hours. Parking is available at the entrance of the town. By Tour: Many travel agencies offer day trips to ZhouZhuang, including transportation and guided tours.