ShangHai drive

The magnificent Temple of Heaven (TianTan) was constructed between 1406 and 1420 (Ming dynasty) during the reign of the emperor YongLe who also oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City.The Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests. The temple complex was extended during the reign of emperor JiaJing during the 16th century (Ming dynasty). JiaJing also constructed three other key temples in Beijing : the Temple of the Sun in the east, the Temple of the Moon in the west, and the Temple of Earth in the north. Emperor QianLong directed a renovation of the Temple of Heaven during the 18th century (Qing dynasty). The architecture and layout of the Temple of Heaven is based on elaborate symbolism and numerology. One example is that the buildings and their settings reflect ancient Chinese religious beliefs that imagine heaven as round and earth as square. Because the Temple of Heaven was to be the place representing Heaven on Earth, it needed to be larger than the Forbidden City; it covers approximately twice the area and is about 2 kilometers from north to south, the primary axis with three main structures; indeed, it is the largest group of constructions for worship in the world. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In early 2005, the Temple of Heaven underwent a 47 million yuan (6 million USD) renovation that was completed on May 1st, 2006. The Temple of Heaven is a delightful place to spend some time. Arrive in the early morning to watch the Tai Chi experts, although the park is lively all day and into the evening with kite flyers, musicians, singers, dancers and games players (from badminton to Chinese chess).

A visit to the ancient Chinese capital of Xi'An, ShaanXi province ...

Widescreen remix ...

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With WestChinaGo ... With BeijingBuzzz ... With Ross ... With China Walking Tour ... With Chris ... Summer Palace Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the HaiDian district of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a royal garden and retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting There Location: 19 XinJianGongMen Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 4, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D. Alternatively, Line 10, Xiyuan Station, Exit C2. Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Summer Palace, including routes 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, and 584. Opening Hours April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 4:00 PM) November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 3:00 PM) Tickets April 1 to October 31: Entrance Fee: ¥30, Through Ticket (includes Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Hall): ¥60 November 1 to March 31: Entrance Fee: ¥20, Through Ticket: ¥50 Main Attractions The Summer Palace is rich with historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the main attractions: Kunming Lake: This large lake dominates the Summer Palace and is ideal for boating. It covers about three-quarters of the park's area. Longevity Hill: Standing 60 meters high, it provides excellent views of the lake and surrounding area. Important buildings such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense are located here. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A long, beautiful bridge that connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. Long Corridor: A 728-meter-long covered walkway decorated with intricate paintings, connecting the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Marble Boat. Marble Boat: A lakeside pavilion built from marble and wood, symbolizing stability and the enduring nature of the Qing Dynasty. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: The administrative center of the Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs. Suzhou Street: A charming area designed to resemble the canals and traditional shops of Suzhou, complete with waterways and bridges. Activities Visitors to the Summer Palace can engage in various activities: Boating: Rent a paddleboat or take a dragon boat tour on Kunming Lake. Walking and Hiking: Stroll along the scenic paths, the Long Corridor, or hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views. Photography: Capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and historical sites. Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Summer Palace. Dining and Refreshments Several cafes and snack stalls are available within the Summer Palace, offering light refreshments, drinks, and local snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can dine at restaurants near the park entrances. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is vast, and exploring it involves a lot of walking. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hotter months. Respect the Site: The Summer Palace is a cultural heritage site. Avoid touching artifacts, stay on marked paths, and do not litter. Plan Your Visit: Due to its size, plan which sections you want to visit in advance to make the most of your time. Nearby Attractions Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Located nearby, this former imperial garden offers ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore. Beijing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and Weiming Lake. Tsinghua University: Another top university in China, with an expansive and scenic campus. Conclusion The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent site rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, stunning architecture, or beautiful landscapes, the Summer Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.

With Beijing Old Liu ... Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village Visitor Guide Overview Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, located in Leishan County, Guizhou Province, is the largest Miao village in China and is often referred to as the "Thousand Household Miao Village." This picturesque village is known for its well-preserved traditional Miao architecture, vibrant cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery. It offers a unique glimpse into the life and traditions of the Miao people. History and Culture The Miao people are one of China's 56 ethnic minorities, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is a living museum of Miao culture, where visitors can experience traditional Miao customs, clothing, music, and dance. The village is known for its grand festivals, including the Lusheng Festival, the Miao New Year, and the Sisters' Meal Festival, which feature elaborate costumes, folk dances, and traditional music performances. Main Attractions Miao Ethnic Museum The Miao Ethnic Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and traditions of the Miao people. Exhibits include traditional clothing, silver ornaments, musical instruments, and artifacts from daily life. Traditional Miao Architecture The village is renowned for its traditional stilt houses, known as "Diaojiaolou," which are built on wooden stilts and feature intricate wooden carvings. Walking through the village, visitors can admire these unique structures and learn about their construction and significance. Folk Performances Daily folk performances in the village square showcase traditional Miao music and dance. These performances are an excellent way to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of the Miao people. Festival Celebrations Visiting during one of the major festivals, such as the Miao New Year or the Sisters' Meal Festival, provides a deeper insight into Miao culture. These festivals feature colorful parades, traditional music, and elaborate dances, making them a highlight of any visit. Outdoor Activities Hiking and Nature Walks The surrounding hills and rice terraces offer excellent opportunities for hiking and nature walks. The scenic trails provide panoramic views of the village and the lush countryside, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Exploring Rice Terraces The rice terraces around Xijiang are a testament to the agricultural ingenuity of the Miao people. Visitors can explore these terraced fields, which change colors with the seasons and offer stunning photographic opportunities. Local Cuisine Miao cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients. Some must-try dishes include sour fish soup, sticky rice cakes, and various pickled vegetables. Many local restaurants and street vendors offer authentic Miao food, providing a true taste of the region. Accommodation Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village offers a range of accommodation options, from traditional Miao-style guesthouses to modern hotels. Staying in a local guesthouse provides a more immersive experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Miao hospitality and learn more about their way of life. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the rice terraces are most picturesque. Getting There: The village is accessible by bus from Kaili City, which is connected to major cities like Guiyang by train and bus. Respect Local Customs: When visiting, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during festivals and ceremonies. Pack Accordingly: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the village and surrounding areas. A light jacket is recommended for the evenings, as temperatures can drop.

Hopefully, there's something here that you have not heard before, and will love. Kelly Sweet - Ready for Love ... Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Leonard Cohen) ... Bonnie Raitt - I Can't Make You Love Me (written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin) ... Wicked Game (nobody loves no-one) - Chris Isaak ... This Love - Sarah Brightman ... Eva Cassidy - Songbird (Fleetwood Mac) ... God (don't believe; the dream is over; now is reality) - John Lennon ... Over you - Gabrielle ... Queen / Freddie Mercury - Take My Breath Away ... Waiting on a Friend - The Rolling Stones ... Dream Lover - Mariah Carey ... A Different Corner - George Michael ... True Blue - Madonna .. It's Over - Level 42 ... The Road to Hell - Chris Rea ... Don't you forget about me - Simple Minds ... Why ? - Enigma ... How Soon is Now - The Smiths ... Rise (acoustic) - Gabrielle ... Jeff Wayne (with) · Richard Burton · Phil Lynott · Julie Covington - The Spirit of Man (from The War of the Worlds) ... Brave new world / Going underground - with David Essex ... War of the Worlds was a superbly made allegorical exposition of how we the people are subjugated by the 'martians'; anti-imperialism abroad, and at home.