Scenes from HangZhou 杭州 in ZheJiang province

Original posting - December 2014. Starting with 'Now you're in Beijing (commie jungle mix)', music video. Plus Beijing's popular attractions, a trip to the blue sky city, QianHai Lake (in central Beijing), the BeiJing to ShangHai sleeper train, and The Forbidden City (documentary; in English) bonus films ... 'Now you're in Beijing ...' - think about it - you're in Beijing, China - it might be different but that is here and not there; sure some things could be better - such as rights and protections for migrant workers, but Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. A few words on the Hu JinTao / Wen JiaBao era - definately one of China's most successful jumps forward; a major rise in prosperity for all, the growth of great infrastructure, such as the high-speed rail system, and much more, the Beijing Olympics, the Shanghai World Expo, space exploration, and the list goes on ... A happy retirement to two leaders who helped guide China back to greatness ! Mao ZeDong unified the country and helped defeat the Japanese invaders, and for that is a national hero. But things didn't go so well subsequently and on his death the 'Gang of Four' were arrested and China took a new path, though slowly at first following the courageous efforts of Deng XiaoPing. But it was not until circa 1990 that China really began to take off. So its rise to greatness, once more, is remarkable for having been achieved, from so little, in just 25 years. Obviously, they have done most things very right.

JiangSu province. With CN Walking ... Bonus film - 10 things the West should learn from China (but probably will not) - with Because I'm Lizzy ...

Vast rolling seas of golden canola flowers make the are around QuJing, LuoPing County, YunNan province, near the start of the Pearl River (China's third longest), a tourist hot-spot each autumn. A GCTN Travelogue ...

With This Is SiChuan ... Mount Emei Visitor Guide: Natural Beauty & Practical Travel Tips Mount Emei (Emei Shan), located in Sichuan Province, is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its mist-shrouded peaks, ancient temples, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, it is a popular pilgrimage site and a destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. This guide will help you explore Mount Emei’s natural beauty while providing practical travel advice for a seamless visit. Golden Summit (Jinding) Overview: The Golden Summit is the highest point on Mount Emei, offering spectacular views, including the famous "Sea of Clouds." At an elevation of 3,077 meters, the summit is a spiritual hub for Buddhists, with the massive statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva serving as a highlight for visitors. Key Highlights: Golden Buddha Statue: The 48-meter tall statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva with ten faces is a stunning work of art, representing the mount's spiritual significance. Sea of Clouds: On clear mornings, you can witness the mesmerizing "Sea of Clouds" phenomenon, where the clouds form a dense layer beneath the summit. Sunrise & Sunset: Watching the sunrise or sunset from the Golden Summit is a breathtaking experience, as the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink. Travel Tip: Be prepared for the altitude by wearing warm clothing, especially in the early morning or evening. It’s recommended to take the cable car from Leidongping to save energy, but hikers can also make the journey on foot. Baoguo Temple Area Overview: Baoguo Temple is the starting point for most visitors to Mount Emei. Located at the base of the mountain, this area is home to one of the most important temples and serves as a hub for those preparing to explore the mountain. Key Highlights: Baoguo Temple: Built during the Ming Dynasty, this temple is dedicated to the worship of various Buddhist deities. It is an excellent place to start learning about the religious history of Mount Emei. Emei Buddhist Cultural Museum: Located within the temple grounds, this museum provides insight into the history of Buddhism in the region, along with relics and artwork. Travel Tip: Baoguo Temple is a peaceful place to begin your ascent. The surrounding area has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets, making it a convenient base for longer stays. Wannian Temple (Ten-Thousand-Year Temple) Overview: One of the oldest and most significant temples on Mount Emei, Wannian Temple dates back over 1,600 years. The temple is perched on the mountainside and offers great views as well as a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. Key Highlights: Bronze Statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva: The temple houses a famous bronze statue of Samantabhadra riding an elephant, which is a major draw for pilgrims. Surrounding Trails: The area around Wannian Temple is filled with scenic trails that offer opportunities to explore the mountain’s flora and fauna. Travel Tip: Visitors can either hike to Wannian Temple or take the cable car from Wuxiangang Parking Lot. The trails offer stunning views but can be steep, so bring appropriate footwear. Qingyin Pavilion Overview: Qingyin Pavilion is a tranquil spot located halfway up Mount Emei, offering a place for rest and meditation. Surrounded by lush forests, clear streams, and waterfalls, it is an ideal location to experience the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the mountain. Key Highlights: Scenic Bridges: The twin bridges crossing the crystal-clear waters are perfect for photos, and the sound of the running stream adds to the pavilion’s peaceful ambiance. Washing Elephant Pool: Located nearby, this sacred pool is associated with Buddhist mythology and is a quiet spot for reflection. Travel Tip: This is an ideal resting spot for those hiking up the mountain. There are small tea houses nearby where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. Monkeys of Mount Emei Overview: The Tibetan macaques are a famous and sometimes mischievous presence on Mount Emei. These monkeys roam freely across the mountain and are often found near tourist areas. While they can be entertaining to watch, visitors should take care as the monkeys may attempt to snatch food or belongings. Key Highlights: Monkey Eco-Zone: Located along the main hiking trail, this area is where the monkeys are most active. Visitors can observe them up close but should avoid direct interaction. Travel Tip: Keep your belongings secure and do not feed the monkeys, as they can become aggressive. Stick to designated paths and follow the advice of local guides or staff to stay safe. Practical Travel Information for Mount Emei When to Visit The best time to visit Mount Emei is from April to October, when the weather is mild, and the views are clear. Spring (April-May) offers blooming flowers, while autumn (September-October) provides colorful foliage. Winter visits are also possible, especially for those interested in snow-covered landscapes, but be prepared for cold conditions at higher altitudes. Getting to Mount Emei By Air: The closest airport is Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, located about 150 kilometers away. From Chengdu, visitors can take a train or bus to Emeishan City. By Train: The high-speed train from Chengdu to Emeishan Station takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, visitors can take a local bus or taxi to the Baoguo Temple area, the starting point for exploring Mount Emei. By Bus: Regular buses run from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station to Emeishan City, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. Accommodation Visitors can stay in Emeishan City or in the Baoguo Temple area, which has a variety of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. For those wishing to stay on the mountain itself, there are guesthouses and monasteries offering simple lodging for a more immersive experience. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Cultural Sensitivity As Mount Emei is a sacred Buddhist site, visitors should show respect when visiting temples and monasteries. Modest clothing is recommended, and it’s important to be mindful of local customs, especially when interacting with monks or pilgrims. Refrain from taking photos in sacred spaces unless permission is explicitly granted. Food and Dining Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold, spicy flavors. In Emeishan, you can find local dishes such as hotpot, mapo tofu, and various noodle dishes. For a unique experience, try the vegetarian meals offered at the mountain's temples, which are simple yet flavorful and often include locally sourced ingredients. Important Note: Always carry your passport and tickets when visiting the mountain, especially for entrance to the different scenic areas and cable cars. Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Mount Emei Day 1: Arrive in Emeishan City, visit Baoguo Temple, and relax in the hot springs nearby. Day 2: Hike or take the cable car to the Golden Summit for sunrise. Explore the summit area before descending to Wannian Temple. Day 3: Spend the day exploring Qingyin Pavilion and the Monkey Eco-Zone. Enjoy a tea break at a mountain tea house before returning to Emeishan City.

South China

XiShuangBanNa located in the south of YunNan province, south China, is a charming international eco-tourism resort on the reaches of the Mekong river (known as the LanCang river in China), bordering with Laos and Myanmar, and adjacent to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Esteemed for its captivating tropical landscapes and exotic cultures of the 13 native minorities, this land is home to China's largest tropical rainforest and abundant biological resources, and the Dai Water Splashing Festival (which lasts for three days from April 13 to 15). The Six Famous Tea Mountains region, 六大茶山 (Liù Dà Chá Shān) produce some of the most highly regarded Pu-Er tea. There are daily flights from KunMing, DaLi and ChengDu.

A beautiful voice; a musical treat :) The multi award-winning, international superstar diva - the inimitable Jane Zhang ... 無法言喻 Indescribable Love - a charming music video天下無雙 (Tian Xia Wu Shuang) Unparalleled in this World - theme from the film Return of The Condor Heroes, 2006印象西湖 Impression West Lake, with composer Kitaro (see the stunning show with this name in HangZhou, set on the lake)