Scenes from ZhouZhuang 周庄 (2)

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan The Karakorum Highway, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the highest paved international road, connecting China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range. Its construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, symbolizing the strong friendship between China and Pakistan. Tashkurgan, located in Xinjiang, China, is an ancient town with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and remains a cultural melting pot, inhabited by the Tajik people who have their own distinct customs and traditions. Top Attractions on the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan 1. Khunjerab Pass The Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 meters, is the highest paved border crossing in the world. It marks the border between China and Pakistan and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes. The pass is part of the Khunjerab National Park, home to unique wildlife such as the snow leopard and Marco Polo sheep. 2. Tashkurgan Stone City Located in the heart of Tashkurgan, the Stone City is an ancient fortress that dates back to the Han Dynasty. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ruins are a testament to the region’s strategic importance on the Silk Road and offer insights into the ancient trade routes. 3. Karakul Lake Karakul Lake, situated on the Karakorum Highway, is a high-altitude lake at the base of Muztagh Ata, also known as the "Father of Ice Mountains." The crystal-clear blue waters reflect the towering snow-capped peaks, creating a stunning and serene landscape. 4. Taxkorgan Nature Reserve This reserve covers a large area of the Pamir Plateau and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and various bird species. The reserve’s rugged landscapes are ideal for trekking and wildlife photography. Activities to Enjoy 1. Trekking and Hiking The Karakorum Highway and Tashkurgan offer some of the best trekking and hiking opportunities in the world. Explore trails that lead through stunning mountain scenery, pastures, and along ancient Silk Road paths. Popular routes include hikes around Karakul Lake and up the slopes of Muztagh Ata. 2. Experiencing Tajik Culture Tashkurgan is home to the Tajik ethnic group, known for their rich cultural traditions. Visitors can experience traditional Tajik music, dance, and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to attend a local festival or visit a traditional Tajik yurt. 3. Wildlife Watching The Khunjerab National Park and Taxkorgan Nature Reserve are prime locations for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for the elusive snow leopard, golden eagle, and other unique species that inhabit this high-altitude region. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Pilaf Pilaf is a traditional dish in the region, made with rice, mutton, carrots, and various spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish often served during festivals and family gatherings. 2. Naan Naan, a type of flatbread, is a staple in the local diet. It is typically baked in a tandoor oven and served with various dips, meats, and vegetables. It's a perfect accompaniment to most meals. 3. Kebabs Kebabs are popular in this region, with lamb and beef being the most common meats used. They are seasoned with local spices and grilled over an open flame, offering a delicious smoky flavor. How to Get There By Road The Karakorum Highway is accessible by road from both the Chinese and Pakistani sides. From China, travelers can start from Kashgar, while from Pakistan, the journey begins in Islamabad, passing through Gilgit-Baltistan. By Air There are flights to Kashgar from major Chinese cities like Urumqi and Beijing. From Kashgar, travelers can take a bus or hire a car to Tashkurgan. For those coming from Pakistan, flights are available to Gilgit or Skardu, with further travel by road. By Bus Public and private bus services operate along the Karakorum Highway, providing affordable and scenic travel options. Buses are available from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, and from Islamabad to Gilgit and beyond in Pakistan. Travel Tips for Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Due to the high altitude, it is essential to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow and stay hydrated. Check the weather conditions and road status before traveling, as the Karakorum Highway can be affected by landslides and snow, especially during winter months. Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Tajik communities. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visas and permits, as this region is a sensitive border area with strict controls.

With Walk East ... Bonus film - with Xplore With Us ...

Filmed in 2012 ...

With Wei's Travel ...

Immediately south of TianAnMen Square ...

From the awesome 2016 animated movie Big Fish and Begonia, directed by Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun, produced by Chinese studio B&T (Breath & Touch) in BeiJing - get it on DVD or at Netflix. An English language cover by AirahTea ... Writer : Zhou Shen 周深 海浪无声将夜幕深深淹没 The waves silently drown out the falling of night 漫过天尽头的角落 Drifting to the outermost corner of the sky 大鱼在梦境的缝隙里游过 The big fish swims amongst the nooks and crannies of a dream world 凝望你沉睡的轮廓 Gazing Longingly at your sleeping figure 看天一色听风起雨落 Look at the sea and sky, listen to the wind and rain 执子手吹散苍茫茫烟波 Grasping your hand, the vast mist slowly disperses 大鱼的翅膀已经太辽阔 But the wings of the fish are already too vast 我松开时间绳索 I have no choice but to release the rope of time 怕你飞远去 I'm afraid you'll fly away 怕你离我而去 Fly very far away from me 更怕你永远停留在这里 Even more than that, I'm afraid you'll never leave this place 每一滴泪水都向你流淌去 Every tear I shed always flows back to you 倒流进天空的海底 Flowing backwards in time from the sky to the sea 海浪无声将夜幕深深淹没 The waves silently drown out the falling of night 漫过天空尽头的角落 Drifting to the outermost corner of the sky 大鱼在梦境的缝隙里游过 The big fish swims amongst the nooks and crannies of a dream world 凝望你沉睡的轮廓 Gazing Longingly at your sleeping figure 看海天一色听风起雨落 Look at the sea and sky, listen to the wind and rain 执子手吹散苍茫茫烟波 Grasping your hand, the vast mist slowly disperses 大鱼的翅膀已经太辽阔 But the wings of the fish are already too vast 我松开时间的绳索 I have no choice but to release the rope of time 看你飞远去 I watch you fly away from me 看你离我而去 Fly very far away from me 原来你生来就属于天际 It seems you belong to the stars and the skies 每一滴泪水都向你流淌去 Every tear I shed always flows back to you 倒流回最初的相遇 Flowing back in time to the very first moment I saw you 倒流回最初的相遇 Flowing back in time to the very first moment I saw you AirahTea's translation : As the night begins, the sea takes quietly All the silent darkness of the sky. In my dream I see the fish swim gracefully, Gone as soon the sun begins to rise. Hear the rising wind. See the falling rain. Take my hand and I'll wash away the pain. Spread your wings, my dear. Don't be scared to grow. It is time for me to let you go. I am scared to see you fly far from me. But I fear even more if you stay here. All the pain I feel, every tear that I cry Flows reversed from the sea to the sky. As the night begins, the sea takes quietly All the silent darkness of the sky. In my dream I see the fish swim gracefully, Gone as soon the sun begins to rise. Hear the rising wind. See the falling rain. Take my hand and I'll wash away the pain. Spread your wings, my dear. Don't be scared to grow. It is time for me to let you go. As I see you fly, leaving me here behind. I could see, you were never mine to keep. All the pain I feel, every tear that I cry Flows reversed to when we said goodbye.

With DuckTravel ... Welcome to ZhouZhuang Discover the Venice of the East About ZhouZhuang ZhouZhuang, known as the "Venice of the East," is one of the most famous water towns in China. Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, it is renowned for its well-preserved ancient residential houses, elegant watery views, and profound cultural background. The town has a history of over 900 years and retains the style and pattern of its ancient past, with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Attractions Shuangqiao (Twin Bridges) Shuangqiao, also known as the Twin Bridges, is the most famous site in ZhouZhuang. The two bridges, Shide Bridge and Yong'an Bridge, are connected at a right angle and have become a symbol of the town. Fu'an Bridge Fu'an Bridge, built in 1355, is an architectural gem with a unique combination of a bridge, tower, and pavilion. It offers a picturesque view of the waterways and houses. Zhang House The Zhang House, built in the Ming Dynasty, covers an area of over 1,800 square meters. It showcases classic Chinese residential architecture and beautifully decorated interiors. Shen House The Shen House, constructed in 1742, is another example of traditional Chinese architecture. It features 100 rooms and a garden, reflecting the life of a wealthy merchant family. Local Food ZhouZhuang is not only famous for its scenery but also for its delicious local food. Here are some must-try dishes: Wansan Pork Hock: A famous dish named after the wealthy merchant Shen Wansan. The pork hock is braised to perfection with a rich, savory flavor. Sanwei Glutinous Rice Balls: A traditional snack made from glutinous rice with sweet, salty, and spicy fillings, representing the three flavors. Fish Delicacies: Freshwater fish dishes are a staple in ZhouZhuang, often cooked with local herbs and spices to enhance their natural flavors. Transport ZhouZhuang is easily accessible from major cities like Shanghai and Suzhou. Here are some ways to get there: By Bus: Regular buses run from Shanghai and Suzhou to ZhouZhuang, taking about 1-2 hours. By Car: You can drive from Shanghai to ZhouZhuang in about 1.5 hours. Parking is available at the entrance of the town. By Tour: Many travel agencies offer day trips to ZhouZhuang, including transportation and guided tours.

With Soph ...