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.

With Make It Happen Vlog ...

With Daniel Dumbrill ... Because truth is sacred. In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. THAT is the 'threat', to 'democracy' (rebranded slavery, both people and countries). The elite believe that the idea that all lives matter should not be allowed, ever. Deception and misdirection. Switch off the propaganda and open one's eyes ... Bonus film ... Bonus film 2 - how in the Obama years war was rebranded, but nothing really changed - Samuel Moyn in conversation with Aaron Mate - 'the Humane war' ...

The exceedingly beautiful falls lie on the China - Vietnam border. The largest waterfall is over 200 meters wide and has a drop of more than 70 meters, in three tiers.

With ErMi ChuiYan ...

Amazing quality video with superb image stabilisation. This is not sponsored - we just think it might well be interesting to many of our visitors.

With Walk East ...

In BeiJing alone, there are around 200,000 places to eat, so you'll never be far from a tasty meal and there is so much to try that China is very much a foodie heaven. Here's BeiJingBuzzz's cheat sheet of popular food dishes that you will love. Feel free to print out for personal use ... Huo Guo (火锅) : 'Hotpot' - order what you like and cook it in a steaming broth that can be spicy, mild or both. Served with a sesame sauce topped with coriander and / or spring onion; with vinegar and soy sauce as additional options. Thinly sliced meats, all manner of vegetables, noodles, eggs, tofu and more. Be sure to try Dong Dofu (iced tofu) and Dofu skin - super delicious in Huo Guo. There are many independents but you cannot go wrong if you see a XiaBu XiaBu, a very popular restaurant chain. Mābo Dōfu (麻婆豆腐) : soft beancurd in a spicy sauce with minced pork BaoZi (包子) : steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables JiaoZi (饺子) : boiled or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables RouJiaMo (肉夹馍) : a sandwich made with flatbread and filled with meat (most commonly pork) CongYou Bing (葱油饼) : spring onion / scallion pancakes - a savory flatbread made with scallions and flour ZhengJiao (蒸饺) : steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or seafood ZongZi (粽子) : glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves GouBuLi BaoZi (狗不理包子) : steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables, popular in Tianjin DouHua (豆花) : sweet tofu pudding XiaoLongBao (小笼包) : steamed dumplings filled with meat or seafood and soup Xī Hóng Shì Chǎo JīDàn (西红柿炒蛋): egg and tomato - a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, it is often a simple and comforting dish, that can be found in many Chinese home-style cooking. It is typically made by stir-frying diced tomatoes and beaten eggs together with some seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and sometimes soy sauce. DanDan Mian (担担面): a spicy Szechuan noodle dish made with thin wheat noodles, a spicy chili oil-based sauce, and often ground meat JianShui Zhu (建水煮): fried vermicelli noodles popular in Yunnan province LanZhou LaMian (兰州拉面): hand-pulled noodles popular in Lanzhou, Gansu province ReGan Mian (热干面): Wuhan hot dry noodles - a spicy dish made with thin wheat noodles, chili oil and ground meat, popular in Wuhan, Hubei province ZhaJiang Mian (炸酱面): a dish of thick wheat noodles served with a fermented soybean paste sauce and vegetables, popular in northern China ZhaJiangMian (炸酱面): a dish of thick wheat noodles served with a bean paste sauce, popular in northeastern China GuoTie (锅贴): Chinese fried dumplings MaLaTang (麻辣烫): a spicy hotpot popular in Sichuan and Chongqing Di San Xian (第三鲜): a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, typically found in northern China, it is a type of stir-fry dish made with three main ingredients: potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers, it is also called "Three Fresh" or "Three Precious Vegetables". It is typically stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and scallions, and seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes oyster sauce. GōngBǎo JīDīng (宫保鸡丁) : also transcribed Gong Bao, Kung Pao or Kung Po, is a spicy, stir-fried Chinese dish made with cubes of chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. A classic dish in Sichuan cuisine. JīSī Liáng Miàn (鸡丝凉面) : Chinese Chicken Noodle Salad - Chinese chicken noodle salad features noodles tossed in a nutty savory sesame sauce and topped with shredded chicken and cucumber. Hei Jiao Niu Liu (黑椒牛柳) - Sliced tender beef with onions, peppers and black pepper. Huo Guo - hot pot There are also around 6,000 McDonalds in China, plus Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway and more. And if you like cooking from scratch yourself, you'll find many huge supermarkets plus local markets.