New Year’s Eve 2017 countdown pop concerts

90 kilometers (55 miles) north west of Beijing city, LongQing Gorge offers boating, hiking and more; plus an ice festival in winter. LóngQìng Xiá reminds one of the natural, soaring scenery around GuiLin and YangShuo ...

LiaoNing province.

In SiChuan province ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... Lijiang Visitor Guide Lijiang, in northwest Yunnan Province, is one of China's most scenic and culturally rich towns. Famous for its ancient town, UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the surrounding natural beauty, Lijiang offers travelers a mix of historical exploration and outdoor adventure. The town is home to the Naxi ethnic group and features cobblestone streets, flowing canals, and traditional wooden houses, making it a must-visit destination. Overview Location: Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province, about 150 kilometers from Dali and 500 kilometers from Kunming. Famous For: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Naxi culture, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Getting There From Kunming: You can fly directly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (1-hour flight) or take an overnight train (8-9 hours). From Dali: A bus or train ride from Dali to Lijiang takes about 2-3 hours. Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit Lijiang are from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and dry. Top Attractions in Lijiang Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings, narrow stone streets, and vibrant Naxi culture. You’ll find traditional wooden houses, small canals flowing through the town, and plenty of small shops and restaurants. Mu's Residence (Mu Fu): This grand residence was the home of the Mu family, who ruled Lijiang for centuries. The residence is a fine example of Ming Dynasty architecture combined with Naxi design. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Old Town. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan): A towering mountain range just outside Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is perfect for hiking, cable car rides, and stunning glacier views. The mountain is sacred to the Naxi people and a symbol of their culture. Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park): Located just outside Lijiang Old Town, this park offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the lake. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. Shuhe Ancient Town: A smaller, quieter ancient town about 4 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe offers a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, featuring similar architecture and charm. Cultural Experiences Naxi Culture: Lijiang is home to the Naxi ethnic group, who have a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Dongba Cultural Museum to learn about the Naxi language, religion, and customs. You can also witness traditional Naxi music performances at various venues around town. Naxi Ancient Music: This unique musical form dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties. A performance of Naxi ancient music is a great way to experience the traditional sounds of the region, often accompanied by cultural storytelling. Local Delicacies Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): A thick, crispy pancake made with wheat flour and stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings. This local snack can be found in street markets and small restaurants throughout Lijiang. Sanyue Rice Noodles (三月丽江米线): A popular rice noodle dish typically served with a spicy broth, pork or beef, and fresh herbs. Naxi BBQ: Grilled meats and vegetables, served with local spices and dipping sauces. It’s a common street food, especially in Shuhe Ancient Town. Butter Tea (酥油茶): A staple among the Naxi and Tibetan people in the region, butter tea is a rich, savory drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼, méiguī bǐng): Similar to XiZhou, Lijiang also features the famous rose petal cake. It's a delicately sweet pastry filled with locally sourced rose jam, and it's a popular souvenir for visitors. Where to Stay Local Guesthouses: Lijiang has many family-run guesthouses located within the Old Town, offering traditional architecture and a cozy atmosphere. These are ideal for an authentic cultural experience. Boutique Hotels: For a more luxurious stay, boutique hotels with modern amenities are also available, often featuring beautiful views of the mountains or the Old Town. Tips for Visitors Language: Mandarin Chinese is spoken by most people, but the local Naxi dialect is also common. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or basic Mandarin phrases. Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites or interacting with locals, be respectful of their customs. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples or Naxi family homes. Shopping: Lijiang is known for its handcrafted silverware, Naxi embroidery, and traditional wood carvings. Support local artisans by purchasing souvenirs from the local shops or markets. Nearby Attractions Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a popular trekking destination about 60 kilometers from Lijiang. The hike offers dramatic views of the gorge and the Jinsha River below. Baisha Village: An ancient Naxi village about 10 kilometers from Lijiang. It’s famous for its ancient murals, which depict scenes from Naxi mythology and daily life. The village is much quieter than Lijiang, making it a peaceful side trip. Conclusion Lijiang is a destination that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, hiking the trails of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or learning about the unique Naxi culture, Lijiang offers something for every traveler. Plan your visit carefully to experience the best of both worlds—ancient history and outdoor adventure.

上海北外滩白玉兰广场春节漫步之行-迎春锣鼓秀 With Wei's Travel ...

The Tao Te Ching in older PinYin. The 'Book Of The Way', by LaoZi (Lao Tsu / Lao Tse) is the essence of Daoism (Taoism). An audio book with introduction; don't miss it ... Bonus film - The Taoist Way - a talk by Alan Watts ...

Filmed May 2012.

Fearing China's rise, and especially its basic premise that all its citizens are family, not merely livestock, the elite rulers of the West have for some time been trying to undermine China through destabilization of its periphery - Tibet, Hong Kong, XinJiang and TaiWan. Simultaneously, a huge amount of propaganda has been broadcast in the West to proffer false tales and coerce the public to demonize China. From Obama's 'pivot to Asia', and before, the West has been cranking up a military encirclement of China, and that includes destabilizing China's neighbors in South East China - Thailand, Myanmar, etc. The aim is to undermine the whole region, ASEAN, and particularly the 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI) that China has created to build up the region in common prosperity, plus trade with Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond. The 'West', particularly the US, UK and Australia, are doing their utmost to undermine the region. Economically, for sure; but also militarily. Plus, via backing all manner of separatists and front groups both in China and all of S.E. Asia.