Rock climbing in YangShuo 阳朔

Including BeiJing, Hong Kong, MuTianYu Great Wall, HuaShan mountain, Xi'An, ZhangJiaJie, TianMen mountain, FengHuang, the LongShen rice terraces, YangShuo, GuiLin ...

Capital city of ZheJiang province ...

With lots and lots of street food : ) Sun Kissed Bucket List ...

With Walk East ...

With Dany Dev ... A Guide to China's High-Speed Rail Network China's high-speed rail (HSR) network is the largest and most advanced in the world, offering an efficient, modern, and fast way to travel across the country. Since its inception, the network has revolutionized travel within China, making it easier and quicker to connect cities and regions that were once separated by long distances. Overview of the High-Speed Rail Network Size and Scope: As of 2024, China’s HSR network spans over 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles), connecting nearly all major cities across the country. The network is continuously expanding, with new lines being constructed each year. Speed: Trains on the high-speed network typically travel at speeds ranging from 250 to 350 kilometers per hour (155 to 217 miles per hour). Some of the fastest trains, such as those on the Beijing–Shanghai line, can reach speeds up to 350 km/h. Key Routes: Beijing-Shanghai: This flagship route is one of the busiest and most popular, covering a distance of 1,318 kilometers (819 miles) in about 4.5 hours. Beijing-Guangzhou: One of the longest HSR routes in the world, spanning 2,298 kilometers (1,428 miles) and taking around 8 hours. Shanghai-Hong Kong: Connects the financial hub of Shanghai with the vibrant city of Hong Kong, covering 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) in approximately 8 hours. Xi’an-Chengdu: A scenic route that links the historic city of Xi’an with Chengdu, famous for its pandas, covering 658 kilometers (409 miles) in about 3 hours. Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong: This line offers a rapid connection between the three major economic hubs, with a travel time of about 14 minutes from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. Features of China’s High-Speed Trains Train Classes: China’s high-speed trains are classified primarily into three categories based on speed and service: G-Class (Gaotie): The fastest trains, operating at speeds up to 350 km/h. These are typically used on major routes like Beijing-Shanghai. D-Class (Dongche): Slightly slower, operating at speeds up to 250-300 km/h. These trains are often used on shorter or less busy routes. C-Class: Suburban trains designed for short-distance travel, operating at speeds up to 200-250 km/h. Comfort and Amenities: Seating: HSR trains offer different classes of seating, including Second Class, First Class, and Business Class. Business Class offers the most luxurious experience, with wide reclining seats and more space. Facilities: Trains are equipped with modern amenities such as power outlets, Wi-Fi (on some trains), clean restrooms, and food and beverage services. Quiet carriages are also available for passengers who prefer a more serene environment. Punctuality: The HSR network is known for its punctuality, with trains typically departing and arriving on time. Key Stations and Infrastructure Major Hubs: Beijing South Railway Station: One of the largest and busiest HSR stations, serving as a key hub for northern and central China. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: A massive transportation hub that integrates rail, air, and metro services, making it one of the most important stations in eastern China. Guangzhou South Railway Station: A key gateway to southern China, connecting the region with major cities like Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Wuhan Railway Station: A central hub in the heart of China, crucial for connections between the east and west. Modern Design: The stations are often architectural marvels, designed to handle large volumes of passengers efficiently. Many stations are integrated with other forms of transport, including metro lines and airports, making transfers seamless. Benefits of Using the High-Speed Rail Network Speed and Efficiency: High-speed trains are often faster than flying when considering the time spent on security checks and travel to and from airports. For distances up to 1,200 kilometers (746 miles), trains are often the quickest option. Convenience: With frequent departures, extensive coverage, and easy booking options (including online and mobile apps), the HSR network is extremely convenient for both domestic and international travelers. Environmental Impact: HSR is a greener option compared to air travel, contributing less to carbon emissions per passenger kilometer. Challenges and Future Prospects Expansion to Rural Areas: While the HSR network covers most major cities, there are ongoing efforts to expand services to more rural and remote areas, ensuring broader access. International Links: China is also exploring international HSR connections, such as a proposed high-speed rail link to Moscow, Russia, which could enhance connectivity beyond China's borders. Technological Advances: China is investing in maglev (magnetic levitation) technology, which could further increase speeds to around 600 km/h (373 mph), positioning China at the forefront of global rail innovation. Tips for Travelers Booking Tickets: Tickets can be booked online, at stations, or through travel agencies. During peak travel times, such as Chinese New Year, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance. Travel Documents: Foreign travelers will need to present their passports when booking tickets and boarding trains. Luggage: There are generous luggage allowances on HSR trains, with space available for larger items in overhead compartments or at the ends of carriages. Language: While English signage is available in major stations, it is useful to have your destination written in Chinese to show to station staff if needed. Conclusion China’s high-speed rail network is a remarkable achievement in modern transportation, offering an efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the country. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the HSR network provides an unparalleled travel experience that continues to set global standards.

With VisitHenan ... With Wandering The World ... Visitor guide to LuoYang, HeNan province Getting There By Air: LuoYang Beijiao Airport (LYA) offers flights to major cities in China. The airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center, and you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to your destination. By Train: LuoYang is well-connected by rail, with services to major cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Zhengzhou. The high-speed rail network makes travel convenient and efficient. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect LuoYang with other cities in HeNan and neighboring provinces. The LuoYang Long-Distance Bus Station is the main hub for these services. Accommodation LuoYang offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some recommended options include: Luxury: Hyatt Place LuoYang, Peony Plaza Hotel Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express LuoYang City Center, Jinjiang Inn LuoYang Train Station Budget: LuoYang Youth Hostel, various local guesthouses Attractions and Activities Historical and Cultural Sites Longmen Grottoes: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Longmen Grottoes feature thousands of Buddha statues and inscriptions carved into limestone cliffs. This site is a must-visit for its historical and artistic significance. White Horse Temple: Known as the first Buddhist temple in China, White Horse Temple offers a serene environment with beautiful architecture and gardens. LuoYang Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of LuoYang, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Natural Attractions Peony Festival: LuoYang is famous for its peonies. The annual Peony Festival, held in April, showcases the city’s beautiful peony gardens in full bloom. Baiyun Mountain: Located about 70 kilometers from LuoYang, Baiyun Mountain offers stunning natural scenery and hiking trails. Modern Attractions LuoYang Old Town: Wander through the ancient streets of LuoYang Old Town, where you can find traditional shops, local snacks, and historical buildings. WangCheng Park: A popular urban park, Wangcheng Park features beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities. Dining and Local Specialties LuoYang boasts a diverse culinary scene with traditional HeNan cuisine and local specialties. Some must-try dishes include: Water Banquet: A traditional banquet featuring various dishes, often served in a liquid or semi-liquid form. It is a unique culinary experience. LuoYang Noodles: Known for their rich flavor and variety, these noodles are a local staple. Peony Cake: A local delicacy made with peony petals, offering a unique and fragrant taste. Shopping Night Markets: Explore the bustling night markets in LuoYang for a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shopping Malls: Modern shopping centers like Wanda Plaza and LuoYang Mall offer a wide range of international and local brands. Local Handicrafts: Look for traditional HeNan crafts such as paper-cutting, embroidery, and ceramics. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit LuoYang are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. Summers can be hot, and winters can be quite cold, so pack accordingly. Language: While Mandarin is the official language, some locals may speak the HeNan dialect. It's helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook if you don't speak Mandarin. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Conclusion LuoYang, the capital of HeNan Province, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient grottoes, visiting historic temples, or savoring local cuisine, LuoYang promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

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Xi'An: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Huaqing Palace (华清池 Huáqīng Chí): Historic site with hot springs, gardens, and pavilions. Xi'an City Wall (西安城墙 Xī'ān Chéngqiáng): Ancient fortification with walkable ramparts and city views. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆 Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn): Exhibits on Shaanxi's history, culture, and artifacts. Xi'an Forest of Stone Steles Museum (西安碑林博物馆 Xī'ān Bēilín Bówùguǎn): Stone tablets with inscriptions, calligraphy, and art. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔 Dàyàn Tǎ): Buddhist pagoda with cultural relics, artifacts, and a fountain show. Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园 Dàtáng Fúróngyuán): Cultural theme park with Tang dynasty architecture, performances, and gardens. Xi'an Bell Tower (西安钟楼 Xī'ān Zhōnglóu): Historic tower with a bell, drum performances, and city views. Xi'an Drum Tower (西安鼓楼 Xī'ān Gǔlóu): Ancient tower with drum performances and city views. Qujiang Ocean World (曲江海洋世界 Qūjiāng Hǎiyáng Shìjiè): Aquarium with marine life exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences. Xi'an Qinling Wildlife Park (西安秦岭野生动物园 Xī'ān Qínlǐng Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán): Safari park with animals like pandas, tigers, and elephants. Da Ci'en Temple (大慈恩寺 Dàcí'ēn Sì): Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue and garden. Tang West Market Museum (大唐西市博物馆 Dàtáng Xīshì Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on the Tang dynasty's market culture. Xi'an Botanical Garden (西安植物园 Xī'ān Zhíwùyuán): Botanical garden with diverse plant species and scenic landscapes. Shaanxi Children's Library (陕西省儿童图书馆 Shǎnxī Shěng Értóng Túshūguǎn): Library with children's books, activities, and events. Xi'an International Horticultural Expo Park (西安国际园林博览园 Xī'ān Guójì Yuánlín Bólǎn Yuán): Park with gardens, exhibitions, and cultural events. Yongxing Fang Food Street (永兴坊美食街 Yǒngxīng Fāng Měishí Jiē): Street food market with local snacks and specialties. Xi'an Silk Road Museum (西安丝绸之路博物馆 Xī'ān Sīchóu Zhīlù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on the Silk Road's history and artifacts. Xi'an Daming Palace National Heritage Park (西安大明宫国家遗址公园 Xī'ān Dàmíng Gōng Guójiā Yízhǐ Gōngyuán): Park with ruins of the Tang dynasty palace and gardens. Shaanxi Library (陕西省图书馆 Shǎnxī Shěng Túshūguǎn): Library with a vast collection of books, periodicals, and archives. Xi'an Museum (西安博物院 Xī'ān Bówùyuàn): Museum with exhibits on Xi'an's history, culture, and archaeology. Xi'An: 30 More Places to Visit Xi'an Grand Mosque (西安大清真寺 Xī'ān Dà Qīngzhēnsì): Ancient mosque with Islamic architecture and a tranquil courtyard. Xi'an Great Mosque (西安大清真寺 Xī'ān Dà Qīngzhēnsì): Historic mosque with traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Xi'an Yongning Gate (西安永宁门 Xī'ān Yǒngníng Mén): Ancient city gate with towers, arches, and historic significance. Drum Tower Square (西安鼓楼广场 Xī'ān Gǔlóu Guǎngchǎng): Plaza with a water fountain, sculptures, and cultural events. Xi'an Stele Forest (西安碑林 Xī'ān Bēilín): Collection of stone tablets with inscriptions, calligraphy, and historical texts. Xi'an Famen Temple (西安法门寺 Xī'ān Fǎmén Sì): Buddhist temple with relics, pagodas, and ancient architecture. Xi'an Huashan Mountain (西安华山 Xī'ān Huàshān): Scenic mountain with hiking trails, temples, and stunning views. Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square (大雁塔北广场 Dàyàn Tǎ Běi Guǎngchǎng): Square with sculptures, fountains, and cultural events. Gao Grand Courtyard (高家大院 Gāojiā Dàyuàn): Historic mansion with traditional architecture, courtyards, and gardens. Xingqing Palace Park (兴庆宫公园 Xīngqìng Gōng Gōngyuán): Park with historic ruins, gardens, and cultural exhibitions. Xi'an Silk Road International Museum (西安丝绸之路国际博物馆 Xī'ān Sīchóu Zhīlù Guójì Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on the Silk Road's history, culture, and trade. Xi'an Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔 Xiǎo Yàn Tǎ): Buddhist pagoda with historic relics, artifacts, and gardens. Shaanxi Provincial Museum of Fine Arts (陕西美术馆 Shǎnxī Měishùguǎn): Museum with Chinese paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆 Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn): Exhibits on Shaanxi's history, culture, and artifacts. Xi'an Tang Art Museum (西安唐艺术博物馆 Xī'ān Táng Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Tang dynasty art, ceramics, and sculpture. Xi'an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆 Xī'ān Bēilín Bówùguǎn): Museum with stone tablets, calligraphy, and ancient inscriptions. Xi'an Mosque Food Street (西安回民街美食街 Xī'ān Huímín Jiē Měishí Jiē): Street food market with halal cuisine and local specialties. Xi'an Qujiang Polar Ocean Park (西安曲江北极洋公园 Xī'ān Qūjiāng Běijí Yáng Gōngyuán): Polar ocean park with marine life exhibits, shows, and activities. Xi'an Xingjiao Temple (西安兴教寺 Xī'ān Xīngjiào Sì): Buddhist temple with historic relics, statues, and prayer halls. Xi'an Confucius Temple (西安文庙 Xī'ān Wénmiào): Confucian temple with traditional architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Xi'an Islamic Food Street (西安回民街 Xī'ān Huímín Jiē): Street food market with halal cuisine, snacks, and traditional dishes. Xi'an Daming Palace National Heritage Park (西安大明宫国家遗址公园 Xī'ān Dàmíng Gōng Guójiā Yízhǐ Gōngyuán): Park with ruins of the Tang dynasty palace and gardens. Xi'an Sanyuan Palace (西安三原宫 Xī'ān Sānyuán Gōng): Taoist temple with historic architecture, statues, and gardens. Xi'an Shuyuanmen Ancient Cultural Street (西安书院门古文化街 Xī'ān Shūyuàn Mén Gǔ Wénhuà Jiē): Historic street with traditional architecture, shops, and cultural activities. Xi'an Huayan Temple (西安华严寺 Xī'ān Huáyán Sì): Buddhist temple with ancient architecture, sculptures, and gardens. Xi'an Tang Paradise (西安大唐芙蓉园 Xī'ān Dàtáng Fúróngyuán): Cultural theme park with Tang dynasty architecture, performances, and gardens. Xi'an Qianling Mausoleum (西安乾陵 Xī'ān Qiánlíng): Imperial tomb site with historic artifacts, sculptures, and mausoleums. Xi'an Great Mosque (西安大清真寺 Xī'ān Dà Qīngzhēnsì): Historic mosque with traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Xi'an Bell Tower (西安钟楼 Xī'ān Zhōnglóu): Historic tower with a bell, drum performances, and city views. Xi'an Museum of Modern Art (西安当代美术馆 Xī'ān Dāngdài Měishùguǎn): Museum with contemporary art exhibitions and installations.