Surfing around HaiNan 海南 island

Also known as Honey Lake Park ...

With Zara Living in HangZhou ...

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.

At LanTau Island ...

August 2011. Staged at the 'Window of the World'. Includes the handover to Kazan, Russia for July 2013.

Bonus film - a DIY woolen cloak for winter warmth ... Live more ...

With Pat & Giulia ...

With Walk East ... Shangrao is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical sites. Here are some places to visit in and around Shangrao: Wuyuan County (婺源县): Wuyuan is famous for its picturesque countryside, ancient villages, and well-preserved traditional architecture. Visitors can explore charming villages like Likeng, Xiaoqi, and Wangkou, known for their Ming and Qing dynasty houses, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant rapeseed fields. Sanqing Mountain (三清山): A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests. It's considered one of China's most sacred Taoist mountains, with temples, pavilions, and scenic hiking trails offering breathtaking views. Linchuan Ancient City (临川古城): Explore the remnants of this ancient city, which dates back over 2,000 years. Walk along the well-preserved city walls, visit historical sites like the Linchuan Confucian Temple, and admire the traditional architecture and cultural relics. Shangrao Wuyuan Yanqing Temple (上饶婺源雁卿禅寺): This Buddhist temple, located in Wuyuan County, boasts a history of over 1,400 years. Visitors can admire the temple's architecture, explore its tranquil gardens, and experience Buddhist culture and rituals. Wolong Valley (卧龙谷): A scenic area known for its karst landscape, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, bamboo rafting, and exploring the area's natural beauty. Jinggangshan (井冈山): Although located a bit farther from Shangrao, Jinggangshan is worth a visit for its historical significance as the birthplace of the Chinese Red Army. Explore revolutionary sites like Ciping and visit landmarks such as the Jinggangshan Museum and the Former Residence of Mao Zedong. Poyang Lake (鄱阳湖): One of China's largest freshwater lakes, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boat tours, and enjoying the natural scenery. Visit the Poyang Lake Wetland Reserve to observe migratory birds and other wildlife. Yushan Mountain (玉山): Known as the "First Mountain in Southern China," Yushan offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It's particularly popular during the spring for its cherry blossoms and azalea flowers. Wangkou Village (望口村): A beautiful ancient village in Wuyuan County, known for its well-preserved architecture, ancient bridges, and tranquil rural scenery. Explore the narrow lanes, visit historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the village's traditional charm. Shangrao Bamboo Sea (上饶市竹海): Discover vast bamboo forests, winding paths, and serene ponds in this scenic area. Visitors can take bamboo raft rides, hike through the bamboo groves, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of nature. These are just a few highlights of the many attractions Shangrao has to offer, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage to create a memorable travel experience.