PinXi Liu 六 品析, age 8, amazing rock guitarist

Growing and cooking with garlic in rural SiChuan. Lots of recipe inspiration here.

Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a renowned mountain range in southern Anhui Province. Famous for its stunning granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and the mystical sea of clouds, Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for tourists and photographers. This guide provides an in-depth look at the best attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Huangshan. Top Attractions The Five Peaks of Huangshan Huangshan features several notable peaks, each offering unique scenery and experiences: Lotus Peak (Lianhua Peak): The highest peak at 1,864 meters, providing panoramic views and a challenging climb. Bright Summit (Guangming Ding): Known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Celestial Capital Peak (Tiandu Peak): Famous for its steep, narrow paths and stunning vistas. Purple Cloud Peak (Ziyun Peak): Offers a unique perspective of the mountain range. Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shixin Peak): Known for its dense pine trees and excellent viewpoints. Sea of Clouds The Sea of Clouds is one of Huangshan's most spectacular phenomena. This natural wonder occurs when fog envelops the valleys and lower peaks, leaving the higher peaks to appear as islands floating in a white sea. Hot Springs The hot springs at the foot of Huangshan are famous for their therapeutic properties. The springs have been a popular attraction for centuries and provide a relaxing way to unwind after a day of hiking. Pine Trees The ancient pine trees of Huangshan are known for their unique shapes and resilience, often growing out of rocky crevices. The most famous of these is the Greeting Pine (Ying Ke Song), which appears to welcome visitors with its outstretched branches. Flying-Over Rock This balanced rock is perched precariously on a narrow ledge and is a popular spot for photography. The rock appears to defy gravity and offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Geology of Huangshan Huangshan's distinctive landscape is primarily composed of granite, which has been shaped by millions of years of geological activity. The mountain's sharp peaks, deep valleys, and unique rock formations are the result of tectonic uplift and erosion. The granite's resistance to weathering has created the dramatic, jagged peaks that characterize the region. Touring Huangshan Planning Your Visit A visit to Huangshan typically takes two to three days to fully appreciate the main highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arriving and Initial Exploration Morning: Arrive at Huangshan and take the Yungu Cable Car to the top. Check into a mountain hotel to drop off your luggage. Afternoon: Explore the Beginning-to-Believe Peak and enjoy the stunning views and unique pine trees. Evening: Watch the sunset from Bright Summit. Day 2: Main Peaks and Scenic Areas Early Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Bright Summit. Mid-Morning: Hike to Lotus Peak, the highest peak, for panoramic views. Afternoon: Visit Flying-Over Rock and take in the stunning views of the sea of clouds if conditions are right. Evening: Relax at the mountain hotel or explore more of the scenic spots at a leisurely pace. Day 3: Descending and Hot Springs Morning: Take the Yungu Cable Car down to the base of the mountain. Mid-Morning: Visit the hot springs at the base of the mountain for a relaxing soak. Afternoon: Explore the nearby ancient villages such as Hongcun or Xidi before departing. Activities and Experiences Hiking Huangshan offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The trails are well-marked and offer breathtaking views at every turn. Popular routes include the circular path that covers the major peaks and the hike from the base to the summit. Photography The dramatic landscapes of Huangshan provide endless opportunities for photography. Key spots include the Sea of Clouds, the unique pine trees, and the panoramic views from the peaks. Local Cuisine After a day of hiking, enjoy local Anhui cuisine, known for its use of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Specialties include stinky tofu, mandarin fish, and bamboo shoots. There are several restaurants and food stalls at the base of the mountain and near the cable car stations. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit The best times to visit Huangshan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer tourists and the chance to see the mountains covered in snow. Getting There Huangshan is accessible by train, bus, and air. The nearest city is Huangshan City (Tunxi), from where you can take a bus or taxi to the mountain. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport has flights from major Chinese cities, and the Huangshan North Railway Station is connected to the high-speed rail network. Accommodation Accommodation options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels in Huangshan City and near the mountain. For a unique experience, consider staying overnight on the mountain in a guesthouse or hotel, which allows you to catch the sunrise and sunset from the peaks. Tickets and Passes Purchase entrance tickets at the mountain's gates. There are separate tickets for the cable cars and hot springs. Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to explore all the main peaks and scenic areas. Guides and Tours Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the mountain's history, culture, and geology. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, tickets, and guided tours.

Filmed in winter 2011 / 2012

Nán Lián Yuán is a fine and beautiful example of Chinese garden arts ...

With China Look Group ...

GuangXi province

Old / Ancient Towns in China Lijiang Old Town 丽江古城 (Lìjiāng Gǔchéng): Step back in time in the ancient town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque canals. Lijiang Old Town is home to traditional Naxi culture and features historic landmarks such as the Mu Palace, the Black Dragon Pool, and the Wangu Tower. Visitors can wander through the maze-like streets, admire the intricate wooden buildings, and experience the vibrant local culture. Fenghuang Ancient Town 凤凰古城 (Fènghuáng Gǔchéng): Discover the charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, nestled along the banks of the Tuo River in Hunan Province. Fenghuang is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, ancient bridges, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets, explore historic temples and ancestral halls, and admire the traditional Miao ethnic minority culture. Pingyao Ancient Town 平遥古城 (Píngyáo Gǔchéng): Explore the ancient walled city of Pingyao, one of China's best-preserved ancient towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pingyao Ancient Town dates back over 2,700 years and is known for its well-preserved city walls, historic courtyards, and ancient temples. Visitors can walk along the fortified walls, explore the narrow alleyways, and learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town 朱家角古镇 (Zhūjiājiǎo Gǔzhèn): Experience the charm of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, located on the outskirts of Shanghai. Zhujiajiao is known for its scenic canals, stone bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals, explore historic landmarks such as the Fangsheng Bridge and the Kezhi Garden, and sample local delicacies at traditional teahouses and restaurants. Xitang Ancient Town 西塘古镇 (Xītáng Gǔzhèn): Discover the beauty of Xitang Ancient Town, a water town known for its tranquil canals, ancient bridges, and traditional architecture. Xitang has been featured in numerous films and is renowned for its picturesque scenery and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets, explore historic residences and temples, and take a boat ride along the scenic waterways. Wuzhen Ancient Town 乌镇古镇 (Wūzhèn Gǔzhèn): Step back in time in the ancient water town of Wuzhen, known for its well-preserved Qing dynasty architecture, scenic canals, and traditional way of life. Wuzhen is divided into two main districts: the East Scenic Area, which features historic residences and workshops, and the West Scenic Area, which offers a glimpse into rural life along the waterways. Visitors can explore ancient temples, watch traditional performances, and sample local specialties such as Wuzhen rice wine and shadow puppetry. Shaxi Ancient Town 沙溪古镇 (Shāxī Gǔzhèn): Explore the historic town of Shaxi, located along the ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnan Province. Shaxi is known for its well-preserved Bai ethnic minority architecture, traditional cobblestone streets, and ancient market square. Visitors can wander through the town's labyrinth of alleyways, visit the historic Xingjiao Temple, and hike to the nearby Shibao Mountain to see its intricate Buddhist carvings. Zhaoxing Dong Village 肇兴侗寨 (Zhàoxīng Dòngzhài): Experience the unique culture of the Dong ethnic minority in Zhaoxing Dong Village, located in Guizhou Province. Zhaoxing is known for its traditional wooden houses, ancient wind and rain bridges, and terraced rice paddies. Visitors can explore the village's cobblestone streets, visit the Drum Tower and the Wind and Rain Bridge, and attend traditional Dong festivals and performances. Jinli Ancient Street 锦里古街 (Jǐnlǐ Gǔjiē): Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Jinli Ancient Street, a historic street in Chengdu known for its traditional architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street food scene. Jinli Street dates back over 2,000 years and has been restored to its former glory, with ancient-style buildings housing teahouses, shops, and snack stalls. Visitors can sample local delicacies such as Sichuan hotpot, stinky tofu, and spicy skewers, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, and enjoy traditional performances such as Sichuan opera and shadow puppetry. Pingle Ancient Town 平乐古镇 (Pínglè Gǔzhèn): Discover the charm of Pingle Ancient Town, located in Sichuan Province and known for its well-preserved Tang and Song dynasty architecture, ancient streets, and historic landmarks. Pingle is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Qingcheng Mountains and is surrounded by lush forests, bamboo groves, and tea plantations. Visitors can explore the town's ancient streets, visit historic temples and ancestral halls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the Qingcheng Mountains.

With Ben Norton ... With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... With Inside China Business ...