ShangHai night river cruise, with the kids

With Wei's Travel ...

WuYuan, known as the "most beautiful countryside in China", with at least 50 old villages, is located in the northeast of JiangXi province, and near Mount HuangShan and JingDeZhen. With Walk East ... Max (Walk East) : Wuyuan is home to a few of the well-preserved ancient architecture in China. Each of those ancient structures has a unique appearance as well as structure. They emerge from among the emerald green mountains and trees, clear rivers along with the crisscrossing paths between the fields. Those structures were built in 740 during the Tang Dynasty; its remoteness and inconvenient transportation protecting its villages' beauty from a large amount of tourists. Local people there can enjoy the pure, clean brooks, seemingly delicate wooden buildings, unique bridges as well as the tranquil lifestyle, etc... This village has turned into a ecological, cultural as well as tourist demonstration center of China. The ancient Architectural complexes,caves, blue water, trees as well as rural sceneries; all these form a typical Chinese countryside scene Wuyuan has become a well known town in the world features in famous Huizhou local culture as well as charming idyllic scenery. Beijing Opera, Hui Opera, the Luo Dance known as the "Dance Live Fossil" as well as the charming tea performance, all these make Wuyuan fascinating tourism destination. 【Likeng Village】 Likeng Village is a cluster of houses constructed along a brook. It is said to be the most scenically beautiful village in the town. The brook is two to three meters wide spanned at different points by makeshift bridges. A rolling stream through the village lived by 260 peasant households along with ancient buildings with its pink walls, black tiles as well as beautiful girls who are washing laundry reflecting from the stream look like a natural scenery. 【Visit Local Ancient Village in Hui-style】 Wuyuan is the birthplace of the Huizhou culture. Villages around are must go, and you will be attracted by the quiet and simple countryside life there. noticeable Huizhou-style architecture can be found in these old villages, such as, arches, stone tablets, stone bridges, ancient stages, etc. Wuyuan is a county in northeastern Jiangxi province. It is renowned for its beautiful countryside and well-preserved ancient Huizhou villages and architecture. Many of the buildings and villages date from the Tang dynasty and have been protected by the county’s remoteness and relatively inconvenient transportation. Highlights and Travel Tips The area is famous for the fields of yellow rapeseed flowers that surround the villages in March and April, which are among the most beautiful in China and will delight photographers. One of the best places to see the flowers is hills surrounding the village of Jiangling. Popular villages and sights around the county include Likeng Village, Mount Dazhang (a beautiful area filled with soaring mountains and crashing waterfalls that is as yet undiscovered by tourism), Rainbow Bridge (a covered bridge), and Jiangling Village.

Bonus films - how to get to JinShanLing Great Wall, one of the most beautiful sections near BeiJing (well, about 3 hours away) by bus (cheaper than a coach tour) ... If you have 3 or 4 days spare, also check out ChengDe Imperial Summer Resort, a bit further in the same direction from BeiJing.

JiangSu province. With Walk East ...

With Nick in China ... With Valerly Blank ... Visitor guide to YinChuan, capital of NingXia province Getting There By Air: YinChuan Hedong International Airport (INC) is well-connected with major Chinese cities. The airport is about 25 kilometers from the city center, and you can take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to your destination. By Train: YinChuan Railway Station offers regular train services to various cities across China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou. The high-speed train network makes travel convenient and efficient. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect YinChuan with other cities in NingXia and neighboring provinces. The YinChuan Long-Distance Bus Station is the main hub for these services. Accommodation YinChuan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some recommended options include: Luxury: Kempinski Hotel YinChuan, YinChuan International Convention Centre Hotel Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express YinChuan Downtown, YinChuan XiYue International Hotel Budget: YinChuan Youth Hostel, various local guesthouses Attractions and Activities Historical and Cultural Sites Western Xia Tombs: Located about 35 kilometers from YinChuan, these ancient tombs are the resting place of the emperors of the Western Xia Dynasty. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the dynasty. NingXia Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of NingXia, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art. HaiBao Pagoda: Also known as the North Pagoda, this ancient Buddhist pagoda is one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in YinChuan. Natural Attractions Sand Lake: A beautiful nature reserve located about 56 kilometers from YinChuan, Sand Lake is known for its stunning desert and wetland landscapes. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, boat rides, and sand dune activities. Helan Mountains: These mountains offer breathtaking scenery and numerous hiking trails. The region is also home to ancient rock carvings and the Helan Mountain Scenic Area. Modern Attractions Drum Tower: A central landmark in YinChuan, the Drum Tower is surrounded by bustling markets and streets lined with shops and restaurants. Zhongshan Park: A popular urban park that offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities. Dining and Local Specialties YinChuan boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a mix of traditional NingXia cuisine and Hui Muslim specialties. Some must-try dishes include: Lamb Kebabs: A local favorite, these skewered and grilled lamb pieces are seasoned with a blend of spices. Hand-Pulled Noodles: Known locally as "Lamian," these noodles are served in a flavorful broth with beef or lamb. Eight-Treasure Tea: A traditional NingXia beverage made with a mix of tea leaves, dried fruits, and herbs. Shopping Night Markets: Explore the bustling night markets in YinChuan for a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shopping Malls: Modern shopping centers like Wanda Plaza and YinChuan Mall offer a wide range of international and local brands. Local Handicrafts: Look for traditional NingXia crafts such as Helan stone carvings, wool products, and Hui embroidery. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit YinChuan 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 NingXia dialect. It's helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook if you don't speak Mandarin. Respect Local Customs: NingXia has a significant Hui Muslim population, so be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques and Hui neighborhoods. Conclusion YinChuan, the capital of NingXia Province, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient tombs, hiking in the mountains, or savoring local cuisine, YinChuan promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.