Panda eating lunch in ChengDu 成都

With Beautiful China ... Nanxun Ancient Water Town Visitor Guide Introduction Nestled in the heart of Zhejiang Province, Nanxun Ancient Water Town is a hidden gem among China's water towns. Known for its well-preserved architecture, serene canals, and rich cultural heritage, Nanxun offers a glimpse into the past with a blend of Chinese and Western influences. This guide will provide you with everything you need to explore Nanxun's historic streets, discover its cultural treasures, and enjoy its tranquil beauty. Key Attractions 1. Xiaolian Manor (Little Lotus Garden) Built during the late Qing Dynasty, Xiaolian Manor is one of Nanxun's most famous landmarks. This classical Chinese garden features a picturesque pond, rockeries, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The manor was the private residence of a wealthy silk merchant and offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the past. 2. Jiayetang Library Jiayetang Library, founded by a wealthy silk merchant named Liu Chenggan, is one of China's oldest private libraries. The library's collection includes ancient manuscripts, rare books, and classic Chinese literature. The architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese and Western styles, reflecting the cultural exchange that characterized Nanxun's history. 3. Zhang Shiming Mansion The Zhang Shiming Mansion is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese residential architecture with Western influences. The mansion's intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and spacious courtyards provide a fascinating insight into the lives of Nanxun's wealthy elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 4. Guanghui Palace (Guanghui Taoist Temple) Guanghui Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Nanxun, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty. This Taoist temple is dedicated to the worship of the Taoist deity Xuanwu. Visitors can admire the temple's ancient architecture, Taoist sculptures, and serene atmosphere. Cultural Activities Nanxun is not only about its historical architecture but also about the cultural experiences that bring the town to life. Here are some activities to immerse yourself in the local culture: Boat Rides on the Canals: Experience the charm of Nanxun from the water by taking a leisurely boat ride along its tranquil canals. The boat rides offer a unique perspective of the ancient bridges, white-washed houses, and overhanging willow trees. Silk Weaving Demonstrations: Nanxun has a long history of silk production. Visit one of the local silk weaving workshops to see traditional techniques in action and learn about the town's silk-making heritage. Tea Tasting: Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at one of the local teahouses. Savor the flavors of locally grown green teas while relaxing by the water's edge. Calligraphy and Painting Workshops: Join a workshop to learn the art of Chinese calligraphy and painting. These hands-on experiences offer insight into traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Dining Options Nanxun offers a variety of dining options, from local eateries serving traditional Chinese dishes to charming cafes. Here are some recommendations: Local Dishes: Try the famous Nanxun braised pork, lotus root soup, and other local delicacies at traditional restaurants like Nongfu Restaurant and Nanxun Old Town Cuisine. Waterfront Cafés: Enjoy a relaxing meal or a cup of coffee at one of the quaint waterfront cafés, where you can take in the scenic views of the canals and historic buildings. Street Food: Explore the narrow streets and alleys to find street vendors selling snacks like rice dumplings, tofu pudding, and steamed buns. These local treats are perfect for a quick bite. Teahouses: Visit traditional teahouses like Wangfu Teahouse for an authentic tea-drinking experience. Pair your tea with local pastries and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Nanxun, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Getting There: Nanxun is located about 120 kilometers from Shanghai and 80 kilometers from Hangzhou. It can be reached by bus or car. Regular buses run from Shanghai and Hangzhou to Nanxun. What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you will be exploring cobbled streets and bridges. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sunny days, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Nanxun. Learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be helpful. Entrance Fees: Some attractions in Nanxun, such as Xiaolian Manor and Zhang Shiming Mansion, may have an entrance fee. It's a good idea to carry some cash, as not all places accept credit cards. Respect Local Culture: Nanxun is a place of historical and cultural significance. Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Taking photos inside temples may be prohibited.

Tiger Leaping Gorge in YunNan province lies 60 kilometers north of LiJiang and is part of the UNESCO 'Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan' World Heritage Site. The gorge in gorgeous 4K by Milosh Kitchovitch ... Hiking with Tim and Glo ... The site of the leaping rock close up, by Valpard ... The gorge is one of the world's deepest canyons and is populated by a few villages of the NaXi minority. Around 15 km in length, the gorge is located where the river passes between 5,600 meter high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,400 meter high HaBa Snow Mountain in a series of rapids below steep 2000 meter cliffs. Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at its narrowest point (still 25 meters wide, though with a rock in the middle). There are a fair number of basic guesthouses for hikers, so your visit does not need to be rushed. These can also provide meals or snacks to passers by. The Hiking Trails. Hiking the entire length of the gorge is possible. There are two paths. The 'the high road' is well-maintained by the locals and marked, although sometimes narrow, and is used by the Naxi as part of everyday life. This trail is longer than the lower road, approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles), but more varied. It features a variety of micro-ecosystems and waterfalls, and is probably the best choice if you only take one of the paths. The 'low road' is a stretch of pavement (until recently a simple mule track) crossed by several waterfalls. This path more closely follows the Yangtze, so there are more views of the river and a stronger sense of being in a gorge. Where the high road descends to meet the lower road, one can climb down to the river near the Tiger Leaping Stone, the point at which the tiger is said to have leaped across in two bounds. Preparation That the gorge is outstandingly beautiful is coupled with the need for care. The environment is natural and so the almost absence of safety clutter puts the responsibility on the those visiting. Rockfalls are not unknown. Prepare for wet weather, which can arrive suddenly, and use suitable shoes. Take extra care when crossing wet rocks and in general don't take risks; think first. Don't go alone in case of accident. Take a mobile phone. Swimming and kayaking are extremely dangerous and must be avoided. Don't go off track; take a map (essential). Head back to your lodgings well before dusk as, being within a gorge, light fades quickly.

'Mind control' is nothing more than controlling people by controlling what they 'know'. Intelligence services control the mass media. Official 'truth' - with The Moderate Rebels ... At BeiJingBuzzz, truth is sacred. Actual truth, not official 'truth'.

YangShuo, GuangXi province.

Top videographers - bjKina, AnyuXu and DearNessie - take you on a tour of Beijing ... First song : Going Home by Faye Wong, from the album To Love, 2003. Note : highly addictive music straight ahead ... A fantastic video film by AnYu Xu ... Includes a great hyperlapse along Beijing's south-north axis, from [TianTan, the Temple of Heaven], QianMen, through Tian'AnMen, GuGong ('Old Palace', the 'Forbidden City' / Palace Museum), JingShan Park, the Drum and Bell Towers and onto the Olympic Park and Olympic Forest Park ... New (old) BeiJing - fashion, food and the vibe, with DearNessie. A vlogging masterclass - 'show don't tell'; plus deft editing and great music ...

Mountain Hiking Trips in China Huangshan 黄山 (Huángshān): Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Yellow Mountain, known for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and mystical beauty. Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has inspired countless poets and artists with its ethereal landscapes. Visitors can hike along scenic trails lined with ancient pine trees, explore hidden caves and waterfalls, and witness breathtaking views of the sea of clouds that often shroud the peaks. Emei Mountain 峨眉山 (Éméishān): Explore one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, known for its stunning scenery, ancient temples, and diverse wildlife. Emei Mountain is home to the majestic Golden Summit, where visitors can watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds and admire the towering statue of Samantabhadra. Along the way, hikers can encounter playful monkeys, explore serene forests, and visit historic Buddhist monasteries. Jiuhua Mountain 九华山 (Jiǔhuáshān): Discover the beauty and tranquility of Jiuhua Mountain, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. Jiuhua Mountain is renowned for its sacred temples, including the Tiantai Temple and the Huacheng Temple, which house ancient Buddhist relics and offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through lush forests, meditate in serene meditation halls, and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred mountain. Wudang Mountain 武当山 (Wǔdāngshān): Explore the birthplace of Wudang Kung Fu and the ancient Taoist culture at Wudang Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent ancient buildings, including the Golden Hall, the Purple Cloud Palace, and the Nanyan Temple. Visitors can practice Tai Chi in the peaceful surroundings, hike through scenic valleys and forests, and explore the rich cultural heritage of this historic mountain. Mount Tai 泰山 (Tàishān): Ascend the sacred Mount Tai, known as the "Eastern Mountain of the Five Sacred Mountains." Mount Tai has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for thousands of years and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. Visitors can climb the 7,000 steps to the summit, visit ancient temples and shrines, and admire panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the Jade Emperor Peak. Mt. Hua 华山 (Huàshān): Challenge yourself with a trek up the steep and rugged trails of Mount Hua, one of China's Five Great Mountains. Known for its precipitous cliffs, narrow plank paths, and breathtaking vistas, Mount Hua offers a thrilling adventure for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike to the famous Chess Pavilion, brave the spine-tingling plank walk along the cliff face, and enjoy panoramic views from the mountain's five peaks. Mount Gongga 贡嘎山 (Gònggǎshān): Explore the "King of Sichuan Mountains," known for its stunning glaciers, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Mount Gongga is one of the highest peaks in the Hengduan Mountains and offers spectacular scenery and challenging trekking opportunities. Visitors can trek through pristine wilderness, climb to high mountain passes, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Minya Konka. Haba Snow Mountain 哈巴雪山 (Hābā Xuěshān): Discover the rugged beauty of Haba Snow Mountain, located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Haba Snow Mountain is known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can trek through alpine meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers, cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and summit the snow-capped peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 玉龙雪山 (Yùlóng Xuěshān): Explore the stunning landscapes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its towering peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the summit, hike along scenic trails, and admire the views of the famous "13 peaks." Mt. Siguniang 四姑娘山 (Sìgūniángshān): Journey to the "Four Sisters Mountains," known for their towering peaks, alpine lakes, and pristine forests. Mount Siguniang is located in the heart of the Qionglai Mountains and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. Visitors can trek through scenic valleys, visit Tibetan villages, and admire the stunning beauty of the snow-capped mountains, including the four distinct peaks that give the mountain its name.

XiàMén is a coastal city in FuJian province, east / south east China.

Near the border with Vietnam.