NanJing 南京 in time-lapse

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ...

14th January 2022. Meanwhile ...

Eight Buddhist temples on a slope of the Western Hills, nearby XiangShan park (Fragrant Hills Park).

Including the Dragon's Backbone hike to Big Wave Bay. A lovely film ... A short bonus film - the view from Victoria Peak, by Francis So ...

With Walk East ...

50 Small Eats Dishes in China Dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) - Steamed or fried dough pockets filled with meat or vegetables. Spring Rolls (春卷, chūn juǎn) - Crispy rolls filled with vegetables and sometimes meat. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼, cōng yóu bǐng) - Flaky, savory pancakes with scallions. Sticky Rice Dumplings (粽子, zòngzi) - Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, usually with fillings like meat or beans. Soup Dumplings (小笼包, xiǎo lóng bāo) - Steamed dumplings filled with broth and meat. Sichuan Spicy Wontons (红油抄手, hóng yóu chāo shǒu) - Wontons in chili oil with a spicy sauce. Sesame Balls (煎堆, jiān duī) - Deep-fried glutinous rice balls coated in sesame seeds. Fried Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐, chòu dòufu) - Fermented tofu fried until crispy. Guokui (锅盔, guō kuī) - Crispy, pan-fried flatbread. Chinese Crepes (煎饼果子, jiān bǐng guǒzi) - Thin pancakes filled with savory ingredients. Roujiamo (肉夹馍, ròu jiá mó) - Chinese-style hamburger with shredded meat inside a flatbread. Tea Eggs (茶叶蛋, chá yè dàn) - Hard-boiled eggs marinated in tea and spices. Fried Dough Sticks (油条, yóutiáo) - Crispy fried dough sticks, often eaten with soy milk. Cold Noodles (凉面, liáng miàn) - Chilled noodles served with a savory sauce. Congee (粥, zhōu) - Rice porridge often served with various toppings. Baozi (包子, bāozi) - Steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. Liangpi (凉皮, liángpí) - Cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with spicy sauce. Jianbing (煎饼, jiānbing) - Savory Chinese crepe filled with egg, crispy cracker, and sauces. Fried Rice Balls (炸年糕, zhà nián gāo) - Crispy fried glutinous rice balls. Fried Mashed Taro (芋泥, yùní) - Mashed taro fried until golden and crispy. Lotus Root Stuffed with Sticky Rice (藕夹, ǒu jiá) - Sticky rice stuffed into hollowed-out lotus root slices. Chive Pockets (韭菜盒子, jiǔcài hézi) - Pan-fried dumplings filled with chives and sometimes eggs. Lamb Skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn) - Grilled skewers of seasoned lamb. Steamed Buns (馒头, mántou) - Plain steamed bread often served with dishes. Fried Glutinous Rice Cakes (糍粑, cíbā) - Sticky rice cakes fried until crispy. Stuffed Tofu (香干, xiānggān) - Tofu pockets filled with meat or vegetables. Fried Pork Ribs (排骨, páigǔ) - Deep-fried marinated pork ribs. Shengjian Bao (生煎包, shēngjiān bāo) - Pan-fried buns filled with pork and soup. Spicy Cold Jelly (凉粉, liáng fěn) - Cold, chewy jelly noodles in spicy sauce. Pan-fried Pork Buns (生煎包, shēng jiān bāo) - Pan-fried buns with juicy pork filling. Fried Glutinous Rice Balls (炸年糕, zhà nián gāo) - Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Lamb Skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn) - Grilled skewers of seasoned lamb. Green Onion Pancakes (葱油饼, cōng yóu bǐng) - Crispy pancakes flavored with green onions. Pork and Chive Dumplings (韭菜饺子, jiǔcài jiǎozi) - Dumplings filled with pork and chives. Steamed Custard Buns (流沙包, liúshā bāo) - Soft steamed buns filled with sweet custard. Hot and Sour Soup (酸辣汤, suān là tāng) - Spicy and tangy soup with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (虾饺, xiā jiǎo) - Delicate dumplings filled with shrimp and bamboo shoots. Spicy Chicken Wings (辣子鸡翅, làzi jī chì) - Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in spicy seasoning. Spicy Cold Noodles (麻辣凉面, málà liáng miàn) - Chilled noodles in a spicy, numbing sauce. Cucumber Salad (拍黄瓜, pāi huángguā) - Refreshing salad of sliced cucumbers with garlic and vinegar dressing. Cold Tofu (冷豆腐, lěng dòufu) - Chilled silken tofu served with soy sauce and toppings. Fried Chicken Dumplings (炸鸡饺子, zhà jī jiǎozi) - Crispy dumplings filled with seasoned chicken. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉面, niúròu miàn) - Hearty soup with tender beef slices and noodles. Cumin Lamb (孜然羊肉, zīrán yángròu) - Spicy stir-fried lamb seasoned with cumin and other spices. Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (叉烧包, chāshāo bāo) - Soft steamed buns filled with sweet barbecued pork. Cold Sesame Noodles (凉拌麻酱面, liángbàn májiàng miàn) - Noodles tossed in a savory sesame sauce. Spinach and Pork Wontons (菠菜猪肉馄饨, bōcài zhūròu húntún) - Wontons filled with spinach and ground pork. Fried Radish Cake (萝卜糕, luóbo gāo) - Pan-fried cakes made from shredded radish and rice flour. Shrimp Toast (虾多士, xiā duōshì) - Crispy bread topped with shrimp paste and sesame seeds. Red Bean Pancakes (红豆煎饼, hóngdòu jiān bǐng) - Sweet pancakes filled with red bean paste. Egg and Tomato Stir-fry (西红柿炒鸡蛋, xī hóng shì chǎo jī dàn) - Simple and delicious stir-fry of tomatoes and scrambled eggs. Spicy Stir-fried Egg and Chili Peppers (辣炒鸡蛋, là chǎo jī dàn) - Eggs stir-fried with spicy chili peppers. Potato, aubergine / egg-plant, and chili peppers (地三鲜, dì sān xiān) - Stir-fried dish featuring potatoes, eggplants, and chili peppers.

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan The Karakorum Highway, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the highest paved international road, connecting China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range. Its construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, symbolizing the strong friendship between China and Pakistan. Tashkurgan, located in Xinjiang, China, is an ancient town with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and remains a cultural melting pot, inhabited by the Tajik people who have their own distinct customs and traditions. Top Attractions on the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan 1. Khunjerab Pass The Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 meters, is the highest paved border crossing in the world. It marks the border between China and Pakistan and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes. The pass is part of the Khunjerab National Park, home to unique wildlife such as the snow leopard and Marco Polo sheep. 2. Tashkurgan Stone City Located in the heart of Tashkurgan, the Stone City is an ancient fortress that dates back to the Han Dynasty. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ruins are a testament to the region’s strategic importance on the Silk Road and offer insights into the ancient trade routes. 3. Karakul Lake Karakul Lake, situated on the Karakorum Highway, is a high-altitude lake at the base of Muztagh Ata, also known as the "Father of Ice Mountains." The crystal-clear blue waters reflect the towering snow-capped peaks, creating a stunning and serene landscape. 4. Taxkorgan Nature Reserve This reserve covers a large area of the Pamir Plateau and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and various bird species. The reserve’s rugged landscapes are ideal for trekking and wildlife photography. Activities to Enjoy 1. Trekking and Hiking The Karakorum Highway and Tashkurgan offer some of the best trekking and hiking opportunities in the world. Explore trails that lead through stunning mountain scenery, pastures, and along ancient Silk Road paths. Popular routes include hikes around Karakul Lake and up the slopes of Muztagh Ata. 2. Experiencing Tajik Culture Tashkurgan is home to the Tajik ethnic group, known for their rich cultural traditions. Visitors can experience traditional Tajik music, dance, and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to attend a local festival or visit a traditional Tajik yurt. 3. Wildlife Watching The Khunjerab National Park and Taxkorgan Nature Reserve are prime locations for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for the elusive snow leopard, golden eagle, and other unique species that inhabit this high-altitude region. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Pilaf Pilaf is a traditional dish in the region, made with rice, mutton, carrots, and various spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish often served during festivals and family gatherings. 2. Naan Naan, a type of flatbread, is a staple in the local diet. It is typically baked in a tandoor oven and served with various dips, meats, and vegetables. It's a perfect accompaniment to most meals. 3. Kebabs Kebabs are popular in this region, with lamb and beef being the most common meats used. They are seasoned with local spices and grilled over an open flame, offering a delicious smoky flavor. How to Get There By Road The Karakorum Highway is accessible by road from both the Chinese and Pakistani sides. From China, travelers can start from Kashgar, while from Pakistan, the journey begins in Islamabad, passing through Gilgit-Baltistan. By Air There are flights to Kashgar from major Chinese cities like Urumqi and Beijing. From Kashgar, travelers can take a bus or hire a car to Tashkurgan. For those coming from Pakistan, flights are available to Gilgit or Skardu, with further travel by road. By Bus Public and private bus services operate along the Karakorum Highway, providing affordable and scenic travel options. Buses are available from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, and from Islamabad to Gilgit and beyond in Pakistan. Travel Tips for Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Due to the high altitude, it is essential to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow and stay hydrated. Check the weather conditions and road status before traveling, as the Karakorum Highway can be affected by landslides and snow, especially during winter months. Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Tajik communities. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visas and permits, as this region is a sensitive border area with strict controls.

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