Some of her favorite places in the city ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... XiZhou Ancient Town Visitor Guide XiZhou Ancient Town is a gem of Yunnan Province, located approximately 20 kilometers from Dali’s old town. Nestled along the shores of the serene Erhai Lake, XiZhou offers a unique blend of rich Bai culture, stunning ancient architecture, and a tranquil environment, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a more intimate and traditional experience. Overview Location: XiZhou is situated within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and is renowned for its well-preserved Bai minority culture. Famous For: Traditional Bai houses, ancient courtyards, folk performances, unique local cuisine, and vibrant markets. Getting There From Dali: You can take a bus or taxi from Dali Old Town (20-30 minutes). From Kunming: XiZhou is about a 5-hour drive from Kunming. Buses to Dali are available, and from Dali, you can take local transportation to XiZhou. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Top Attractions in XiZhou Yan Family Courtyard (Yan Jia Da Yuan): The most famous ancient residence in XiZhou, showcasing traditional Bai architecture with beautiful wood carvings, white-washed walls, and murals. Bai Minority Culture and Houses: Explore over 150 well-preserved traditional Bai houses with intricate designs and courtyards. XiZhou Morning Market: A bustling market full of fresh produce, traditional snacks, and local crafts. Arrive early (7 AM – 9 AM) to experience the market at its liveliest. Erhai Lake: A stunning lake where you can walk, cycle, or take boat rides to enjoy the natural beauty. Shuanglang Town: A trendy nearby town famous for its artistic vibe and boutique guesthouses. A perfect day trip from XiZhou. Cultural Experiences Bai Minority Dress and Dance: Experience colorful traditional Bai clothing and catch performances of traditional dances during festivals or market days. Tea Culture at XiZhou: Enjoy traditional tea-tasting experiences in local homes or guesthouses. Local Delicacies XiZhou Baba (喜洲粑粑): A crispy, savory (or sweet) flatbread made from wheat flour. Try it fresh from street vendors. Dali Cheese (Rushan, 乳扇): A Bai specialty cheese, often grilled or fried, that you can find throughout the town. Erhai Fish: Fresh fish dishes prepared from the lake's bounty, best enjoyed at lakeside restaurants. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼): A delicate pastry filled with rose petal jam. This treat is especially famous in XiZhou, where roses are grown locally. Its fragrant sweetness makes it a popular souvenir. Where to Stay Local Homestays: Family-run guesthouses, often in traditional Bai homes, offering an intimate experience of Bai culture. Boutique Hotels: For more luxury, boutique hotels combine modern amenities with traditional architecture. Tips for Visitors Language: Most people speak the local Bai dialect, but Mandarin Chinese is sufficient for communication. English is not widely spoken. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing people. Shopping: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade textiles, embroidery, and silverware from the markets. Nearby Attractions Dali Old Town: A larger, more developed town known for its old city walls, temples, and lively atmosphere. Cangshan Mountain: Offers hiking trails, cable cars, and panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali’s landscape. Conclusion XiZhou Ancient Town is an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Bai culture, ancient architecture, and the peaceful lakeside environment of Yunnan. Whether you're exploring ancient homes, tasting local delicacies, or enjoying the beauty of Erhai Lake, XiZhou provides a rich cultural experience in a relaxed setting.

With Richard Turrin ...

BěiHǎi GōngYuán is just a five minute walk (north west) from the Forbidden City (immediately west of sister JingShan Park).

ChongQing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园 Chóngqìng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas, tigers, and other animals in this zoo. Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn): Enjoy Sichuan opera performances and traditional arts. Three Gorges Museum (重庆中国三峡博物馆 Chóngqìng Zhōngguó Sānxiá Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and culture of the Three Gorges region. Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (重庆科技馆 Chóngqìng Kējìguǎn): Discover interactive exhibits on science and technology. Chongqing Children's Library (重庆市儿童图书馆 Chóngqìng Shì Értóng Túshūguǎn): Explore a wide range of children's books and resources. Chongqing People's Square (重庆人民广场 Chóngqìng Rénmín Guǎngchǎng): Enjoy outdoor activities and cultural events in this central square. Chongqing Grand Theater (重庆大剧院 Chóngqìng Dàjùyuàn): Attend performances and concerts in this modern theater. Chongqing Happy Valley (重庆欢乐谷 Chóngqìng Huānlègǔ): Amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment. Chongqing People's Park (重庆人民公园 Chóngqìng Rénmín Gōngyuán): Relax in green spaces and enjoy outdoor activities. Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园 Chóngqìng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas, tigers, and other animals in this zoo. Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn): Enjoy Sichuan opera performances and traditional arts. Three Gorges Museum (重庆中国三峡博物馆 Chóngqìng Zhōngguó Sānxiá Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and culture of the Three Gorges region. Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (重庆科技馆 Chóngqìng Kējìguǎn): Discover interactive exhibits on science and technology. Chongqing Children's Library (重庆市儿童图书馆 Chóngqìng Shì Értóng Túshūguǎn): Explore a wide range of children's books and resources. Chongqing People's Square (重庆人民广场 Chóngqìng Rénmín Guǎngchǎng): Enjoy outdoor activities and cultural events in this central square. Chongqing Grand Theater (重庆大剧院 Chóngqìng Dàjùyuàn): Attend performances and concerts in this modern theater. Chongqing Happy Valley (重庆欢乐谷 Chóngqìng Huānlègǔ): Amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment. Chongqing People's Park (重庆人民公园 Chóngqìng Rénmín Gōngyuán): Relax in green spaces and enjoy outdoor activities. ChongQing: 30 More Places to Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇 Cíqìkǒu Gǔzhèn): Explore historic streets, shops, and teahouses in this ancient town. Chongqing Art Museum (重庆美术馆 Chóngqìng Měishùguǎn): Discover contemporary and traditional Chinese art in this museum. Chongqing Great Hall of the People (重庆人民大礼堂 Chóngqìng Rénmín Dàlǐtáng): Visit this iconic building for cultural performances and events. Chongqing Wulong Karst National Geology Park (重庆武隆喀斯特国家地质公园 Chóngqìng Wǔlóng Kāsītè Guójiā Dìzhì Gōngyuán): Explore karst landscapes, caves, and natural wonders. Chongqing Chaotianmen Square (重庆朝天门广场 Chóngqìng Cháotiānmén Guǎngchǎng): Enjoy views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers from this square. Chongqing Hongya Cave (重庆洪崖洞 Chóngqìng Hóngyá Dòng): Explore traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants in this cave complex. Chongqing Ronghui Hot Springs (重庆融汇温泉 Chóngqìng Rónghuì Wēnquán): Relax in natural hot springs and enjoy spa treatments. Chongqing Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (重庆解放碑步行街 Chóngqìng Jiěfàngbēi Bùxíng Jiē): Shop for souvenirs, snacks, and electronics on this bustling street. Chongqing International Expo Center (重庆国际博览中心 Chóngqìng Guójì Bólǎn Zhōngxīn): Attend exhibitions, trade shows, and events in this modern venue. Chongqing Eling Park (重庆鹅岭公园 Chóngqìng Élǐng Gōngyuán): Enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing from this hilltop park. Chongqing Nanshan Botanical Garden (重庆南山植物园 Chóngqìng Nánshān Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Chongqing Stilwell Museum (重庆史迪威博物馆 Chóngqìng Shǐdíwēi Bówùguǎn): Learn about General Stilwell and World War II history in this museum. Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway (重庆长江索道 Chóngqìng Chángjiāng Suǒdào): Enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River from this cable car. Chongqing Railway Museum (重庆铁路博物馆 Chóngqìng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of railways in China at this museum. Chongqing Wansheng Black Valley (重庆万盛黑山谷 Chóngqìng Wànshèng Hēishān Gǔ): Discover scenic landscapes and outdoor activities in this valley. Chongqing Guanyin Bridge Pedestrian Street (重庆观音桥步行街 Chóngqìng Guānyīnqiáo Bùxíng Jiē): Shop for fashion, accessories, and souvenirs on this pedestrian street. Chongqing Wanzhou Pagoda (重庆万州白鹤塔 Chóngqìng Wànzhōu Báihè Tǎ): Visit this historic pagoda for panoramic views of the city. Chongqing Diaoyu Fortress (重庆钓鱼城 Chóngqìng Diàoyú Chéng): Explore ancient military fortifications and enjoy scenic views. Chongqing White Crane Forest Park (重庆白鹤林公园 Chóngqìng Báihè Lín Gōngyuán): Enjoy nature trails, wildlife, and birdwatching in this park. Chongqing Railway Museum (重庆铁路博物馆 Chóngqìng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of railways in China at this museum. Furong Cave (芙蓉洞 Fúróng Dòng): Discover stunning stalactites and stalagmites in this natural cave outside Chongqing. Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡 Qútáng Xiá): Cruise through this scenic gorge on the Yangtze River.

Sailing along the Li River and YuLong River, among beautiful karst mountain peaks ... Bonus films - starting with 'Let life be beautiful' ... Sung by Alu Azhou and the Mountain Wind Group 阿鲁阿卓, 山风组合 生如夏花. Inspired by Stray Birds by famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, 1916 (生如夏花之绚烂，死如秋叶之静美 --飞鸟集, 泰戈尔, 1916). Lyrics and Music by PU Shu (朴树). "In this life, we can not stay so long ..." Plus, heading to the northern grasslands, Song of the Surging Water - title song of the 2015 movie Wolf Totem 汪峰 沧浪之歌（《狼图腾》主题曲）. Sung by Wang Feng. Lyrics by WANG Feng (汪峰); music by Adam HUANG (HUANG Yong, 黄勇); with Alianuul (Morin Khuur solo) and NING FangLiang (violin solo). "I am broken, but I love flying ..." We are not here so long - let each day be full of love and beauty ...

As a former treaty port, XiaMen has some colonial architecture. As part of China's Opening Up Policy in the early 1980s under Deng XiaoPing, XiaMen became one of the four original special economic zones opened to foreign investment and trade. XiaMen is well-regarded as a pleasant city. A film about a return to one's family's roots ...

HuNan province.