Sunset over the mountains, BeiJing 北京

With MisterVaughn ... ChaoYang Park (Sun Park) visitor guide Overview ChaoYang Park, also known as Sun Park, is one of Beijing's largest and most popular parks. Located in the bustling ChaoYang District, this expansive green space offers a perfect retreat for both locals and tourists. The park features beautiful landscapes, recreational facilities, cultural attractions, and numerous activities for visitors of all ages. History ChaoYang Park was opened to the public in 1984 and has since become a significant recreational area in Beijing. The park's development aimed to provide a green oasis in the city and offer a variety of leisure activities. Over the years, it has hosted numerous cultural and sporting events, further enhancing its popularity and importance. Main Attractions Sunken Garden The Sunken Garden is a beautifully landscaped area featuring a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees. This tranquil spot is perfect for leisurely walks and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The garden is especially stunning during the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom. Lake and Boat Rides The park's central lake is a popular spot for boating and water activities. Visitors can rent paddle boats, rowboats, and even electric boats to explore the serene waters. The lake is surrounded by scenic walking paths and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. ChaoYang Theater ChaoYang Theater is famous for its traditional Chinese acrobatic performances. The theater offers daily shows that showcase the incredible skills and talents of Chinese acrobats. These performances are a must-see for visitors interested in Chinese culture and entertainment. Children's Amusement Park The children's amusement park within ChaoYang Park features a variety of rides and attractions designed for younger visitors. From carousels to roller coasters, the amusement park offers plenty of fun and excitement for kids and families. Fitness and Sports Facilities ChaoYang Park offers numerous sports facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, and a running track. There are also several outdoor fitness areas with exercise equipment. These facilities are popular among fitness enthusiasts and provide a great way to stay active while enjoying the park's beautiful surroundings. Culture and Traditions ChaoYang Park is a hub of cultural activities and events. Throughout the year, the park hosts various festivals, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate Chinese culture and traditions. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and art, as well as modern cultural events. Activities and Experiences Boating Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride on the park's central lake. Boating is a popular activity in ChaoYang Park, offering a peaceful way to take in the scenic views and enjoy the fresh air. Picnicking The park's expansive lawns and shaded areas make it an ideal spot for picnicking. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks from the park's vendors and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Walking and Jogging ChaoYang Park features numerous walking and jogging paths that wind through its diverse landscapes. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous jog, the park offers a variety of routes to explore. Photography The park's beautiful landscapes, vibrant flowers, and serene lake make it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts. Capture the natural beauty and the lively atmosphere of ChaoYang Park through your lens. Attending Events Check the park's event calendar for upcoming cultural events, festivals, and performances. Attending these events is a great way to experience local culture and enjoy unique entertainment. Accommodation While there are no accommodations within ChaoYang Park itself, the park is located in a bustling district with numerous hotels and guesthouses nearby. Visitors can choose from a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit ChaoYang Park is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the park is at its most beautiful. Getting There: ChaoYang Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest subway station is Tuanjiehu Station on Line 10. The park is also well-served by several bus routes. Opening Hours: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entrance Fees: There is a nominal entrance fee for the park. Additional fees may apply for specific attractions and activities, such as boat rentals and amusement park rides. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities. The park is quite large, and you'll likely spend several hours exploring. Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during the summer months. There are also several vendors and kiosks throughout the park where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Respect the Environment: Help keep the park clean by disposing of litter properly and respecting the natural surroundings. Avoid disturbing wildlife and follow park regulations.

With Beijing Old Liu ... Visitor guide to the Summer Palace in 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 summer retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors. Renowned for its beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of BeiJing's top tourist attractions. Getting There Location: The Summer Palace is located in the northwest of BeiJing, about 15 kilometers from the city center. By Canal Boat: For a unique and scenic route, take a canal boat from the Purple Bamboo Park (ZiZhuYuan) or Beijing Zoo wharfs. The boat ride takes about an hour and provides a relaxing way to reach the Summer Palace, offering views of the city's waterways. By Subway: Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Beigongmen Station (Exit D), which is close to the North Palace Gate. By Bus: Several bus routes, including 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 394, 563, 584, 601, and 608, stop near the Summer Palace. By Taxi: A taxi ride from central BeiJing takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Entrance and Tickets Main Gates: The three main entrances are the East Palace Gate, the North Palace Gate, and the New Palace Gate (South Gate). Entrance Fee: The entrance fee varies by season. Generally, it ranges from 30 to 60 RMB. Combined tickets, including entry to special sites like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street, are also available. Opening Hours: The Summer Palace is open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to October) and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March). Main Attractions Kunming Lake Kunming Lake covers approximately three-quarters of the Summer Palace area. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty and visit the South Lake Island. Longevity Hill Rising behind Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill is dotted with splendid halls, pavilions, and temples. Key sites include the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Sea of Wisdom Temple, and the Hall of Dispelling Clouds. Seventeen-Arch Bridge This iconic bridge connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. It is known for its unique design and the 544 stone lions carved on its railings. Long Corridor The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that stretches for 728 meters along the northern shore of Kunming Lake. It is adorned with thousands of beautiful paintings depicting Chinese legends and landscapes. Marble Boat The Marble Boat, also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease, is a lakeside pavilion made of marble. It symbolizes stability and is a unique and photogenic structure. Suzhou Street Suzhou Street is a charming area with shops and buildings designed to mimic the style of the famous water town of Suzhou. It offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese commerce and architecture. Activities and Experiences Boat Rides: Rent a paddle boat or take a dragon boat cruise on Kunming Lake for a relaxing and scenic experience. Photography: The Summer Palace offers countless picturesque spots, especially at dawn and dusk when the light is soft and golden. Walking and Hiking: Explore the numerous trails and paths around Longevity Hill and the lakeshore for a leisurely or invigorating hike. Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic in one of the many tranquil garden areas, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and historical architecture. Dining and Refreshments Palace Restaurants: There are several restaurants within the Summer Palace grounds offering traditional Chinese cuisine and snacks. Tea Houses: Enjoy a traditional tea experience at one of the tea houses overlooking Kunming Lake. Outside Dining: Numerous restaurants and cafes are located near the main entrances, offering a variety of dining options. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Various shops within the Summer Palace sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts, souvenirs, and books. Market Streets: Nearby shopping streets outside the palace offer local snacks, handicrafts, and other unique items. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the Summer Palace are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Plan Your Visit: The Summer Palace is vast, so plan your visit to focus on the main attractions you want to see. A map of the palace grounds can be very helpful. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hot summer months, as the extensive grounds require a lot of walking. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of cultural and historical sites. Avoid touching artifacts and follow posted signs and instructions. Conclusion The Summer Palace in BeiJing is a stunning testament to Chinese landscape gardening and imperial architecture. With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, it offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your visit and immerse yourself in the splendor of this magnificent heritage site.

It's better to be late than never ... Set in high school, a story of love and friendship. And, above all, honesty; especially being true, to oneself, and others. A truly awesome movie - don't miss it ! Really a lot in this film, no matter if you're way past school days. Builds and builds. And so many life lessons here; you will laugh, and you will cry ... A film about education, music, honesty, astronomy, divorce, cheating, friendship, class, imprisonment, growing up, love, bullying, finance, heartbreak, flight, bikers, radio, Romeo and Juliet, comedy, Beatles, and more. It's a film about - everything. A cast of 20 in a film you'll never forget; a true inspiration. The universe maybe huge, but our world is small. Life is a journey of laughter and tears. A YoYo Yao film ... Starring Bai JingTing, Guo ShuTong, Li HongYi, Wang HeRun, Ding GuanSen and Zhao WenLong. Directed by Yoyo Yao. What are your dreams for the future ?

Filmed in July 2011 Video by Orien Travel http://www.orientravel.pl

With Walk East ...

The caves, full of beautiful Buddhist art, are located near DaTong in ShanXi province, north east China (west from Beijing), and date from the 5th century. Buddhism came to this area via the northern Silk Road that linked Xi'An with Kashgar

How to find your mojo / be in the zone, by not trying too hard, letting go and living in the now. Don't get stuck in the past, and future thoughts. Be alive, now. That's Wu Wei - 'without effort' : without preconception, or desire. With Einzelgänger ...