TaGong 塔公, in a Tibetan part of western SiChuan province

With Walk East ...

An unusual video for the new year (it is not about China), but it relates to our by-line - 'live more'. The past can provide wisdom, the future goals to strive for, but don't lose focus on the here and now - it is the true reality so don't miss it. Wishing all the best in life to all our visitors. Do your best to make it happen, whatever your dreams, yet love and live each moment (it might not be one's ideal circumstance, but we can still make the most of it) ...

With Tucker Eats ... Welcome to Shangri-La, China Introduction History of Shangri-La Joseph Rock & His Influence Top Attractions Local Culture Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Introduction Shangri-La, located in the DiQing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, is a place of stunning natural beauty, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual significance. Known for its snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes, Shangri-La has become a popular destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. History of the Name "Shangri-La" The name "Shangri-La" originates from James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon, where it was depicted as a mystical, utopian valley in the Himalayas. The term has since become synonymous with an earthly paradise, a place of peace and perpetual happiness. In 2001, to promote tourism, the Chinese government officially renamed ZhongDian County in Yunnan Province to Shangri-La, claiming it to be the inspiration for Hilton's fictional paradise. Despite the debate over the true inspiration for Hilton’s novel, the renaming has significantly boosted the region's profile, transforming it into a major tourist destination. The area was already known for its Tibetan cultural heritage, and the new name further solidified its reputation as a place of mystical allure and natural beauty. Joseph Rock & His Influence on Shangri-La Joseph Francis Charles Rock was an Austrian-American explorer, botanist, and anthropologist who lived in China for more than 25 years during the early 20th century. He is particularly known for his extensive travels and research in the remote regions of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where he lived among the Naxi people, an ethnic minority with a rich cultural heritage. Rock’s detailed accounts of the Naxi culture, their language, and the stunning landscapes of the region were published in various journals, including National Geographic. These writings brought the hidden beauty of the region to the attention of the world and likely served as an inspiration for James Hilton's depiction of the fictional Shangri-La in his novel Lost Horizon. Rock's base in Lijiang, which is not far from the present-day Shangri-La, became the center of his studies on the Naxi people. He documented their ancient Dongba script, rituals, and way of life, contributing significantly to the preservation of their culture. The influence of his work is evident in the detailed descriptions of a harmonious, isolated valley in Hilton’s novel, which bears striking similarities to the areas where Rock lived and worked. Today, Joseph Rock’s legacy lives on in both the scientific community and the popular imagination, where he is remembered as a key figure who bridged the gap between the mysterious landscapes of southwest China and the Western world. Top Attractions in Shangri-La Songzanlin Monastery Often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace," Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Built in the 17th century, it is a stunning complex of golden roofs, ornate halls, and traditional Tibetan architecture. The monastery is an active religious site, home to hundreds of monks, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Pudacuo National Park Pudacuo National Park is one of the first national parks in China to meet international standards. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, the park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine lakes, wetlands, forests, and meadows. Key attractions within the park include Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and the vast, undisturbed wilderness that is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna. Tiger Leaping Gorge Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world, is located about 60 kilometers from Shangri-La. The gorge is carved by the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze, and offers thrilling trekking opportunities. The dramatic scenery of steep cliffs, roaring rapids, and snow-capped peaks makes it a must-visit for adventure seekers. Napa Lake Napa Lake is a seasonal lake located about 8 kilometers from Shangri-La. Surrounded by mountains, the lake appears during the rainy season and turns into a lush grassland in the dry season, where you can witness yaks and horses grazing. The area is also a sanctuary for migratory birds, including the rare black-necked crane. Dukezong Ancient Town Dukezong Ancient Town is a well-preserved Tibetan town with a history of over 1,300 years. The town features traditional Tibetan architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and the largest prayer wheel in the world. Dukezong is a great place to explore local culture, enjoy Tibetan cuisine, and shop for traditional crafts. Local Culture Shangri-La is a region deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. The local population predominantly consists of Tibetan people, who practice Tibetan Buddhism and maintain traditional customs and festivals. Major festivals include the Tibetan New Year (Losar), the Horse Racing Festival, and the Gedong Festival, where you can experience colorful religious dances, horse racing, and other cultural events. The region is also known for its vibrant Tibetan art, including Thangka paintings, wood carvings, and intricate metalwork. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with local artisans and learn about the traditional techniques passed down through generations. Local Cuisine The cuisine in Shangri-La is heavily influenced by Tibetan and Yunnanese flavors. Key dishes to try include: Tibetan Yak Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan beverage made from tea, yak butter, and salt. It’s known for its unique taste and high energy content. Tsampa: A staple food made from roasted barley flour, often mixed with yak butter tea to form a dough. Yak Meat: A common ingredient in local dishes, yak meat is often stewed or grilled, and served with vegetables or rice. Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, similar to the Chinese jiaozi. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A Yunnan specialty featuring a variety of locally-sourced wild mushrooms cooked in a flavorful broth. Visitors should also explore local markets for fresh produce, Tibetan bread, and artisanal cheeses made from yak milk. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Shangri-La is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush and green. During this period, the region is also alive with festivals and cultural events. Altitude: Shangri-La is located at an altitude of about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). Visitors should be aware of the potential for altitude sickness and take it easy during the first few days of their visit. Getting There: Shangri-La can be reached by air via DiQing Shangri-La Airport, which has flights from major cities like Kunming, Chengdu, and Lhasa. There are also bus connections to Lijiang and Dali. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, many locals speak Tibetan. Having a translation app or a basic knowledge of Mandarin phrases can be helpful. Respect Local Customs: When visiting monasteries and other religious sites, dress modestly, remove your hat, and ask for permission before taking photographs. It’s also customary to walk clockwise around religious sites.

With Walk East ... GuanYin of Mount XiQiao ... Foshan, located in Guangdong Province, is a city rich in culture, history, and culinary delights. Known as the birthplace of martial arts legends like Yip Man and Wong Fei Hung, it offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions. * Top Attractions: Ancestor Temple (Zumiao Temple): A Taoist temple showcasing exquisite architectural art from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can enjoy kung fu shows, lion dances, and Cantonese opera performances. Lingnan Tiandi: A district featuring well-preserved Lingnan-style architecture, with arcades, green brick houses, and stone roads. It's a vibrant area filled with galleries, cafés, bars, and handicraft shops. Ancient Nanfeng Kiln: Built during the Ming Dynasty, it's the oldest continuously operating kiln in the world. Visitors can explore the Shiwan Ceramic Museum and even try their hand at pottery making. Qinghui Garden: One of China's top ten gardens, showcasing classical South Chinese gardening art with its intricate designs and serene landscapes. Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area: A national park featuring natural beauty and cultural heritage, including the impressive Nanhai Guanyin statue. * Culinary Highlights: Foshan, particularly the Shunde district, is renowned for its gastronomy. Recognized by UNESCO as a "City of Gastronomy," it offers a plethora of local delicacies. * Travel Tips: Language: Mandarin is widely spoken, but Cantonese is prevalent among locals. Transportation: Foshan is well-connected by metro and buses. It's also close to Guangzhou, making day trips convenient. Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather for sightseeing. Foshan seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern development, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and culinary adventures.

Bonus film - the whole long weekend trip ...

GuangXi province, south China ...

With Wei's Travel ... 00:00 Tour Highlights 行程精华 01:16 Main Entrance 乐园正门 04:11 Boonie Cubs World 熊熊乐园 06:55 Bear Bay Light Show 熊湾光影秀 19:08 Bear Bay Cinema 熊湾影院 21:48 Youth Basketball Show 青春篮球特技秀 25:15 Bear Bay Boulevard 熊湾大道 27:42 Boonie Bears Flagship Store 熊出没旗舰店 29:52 Bear Bay Shopping Street 欢乐港湾商店街 34:29 Water Park 水上乐园 42:35 Bears Bay Hotel 熊湾乐园大酒店 46:00 Southwest Entrance 乐园西南入口 51:07 Paradise Summer Market 乐园夏日集市 55:36 Bear Bay Food Street 港湾美食街区 01:00:16 Bear Bay Lakeside 熊湾湖畔 01:07:33 Entertainment Project Area 熊湾娱乐项目区 01:12:23 Back to Earth 4D Movie 重返地球4D电影 01:17:49 Rainbow Promenade 彩虹长廊 01:20:12 Wobbly Chairs 欢乐跳跳 01:23:43 Sky Eye~Ferris Wheel 天空之眼~摩天轮餐厅 China Fantawild Tourism Resort owns dozens of Fantawild Parks and is the largest chain of theme parks in China. Fantawild's theme park brand is built with completely independent intellectual property rights by the Chinese and is the leading large-scale high-tech fourth largest in China. Fantawild is a modern theme park distributed in major cities in China. Fantawild combines entertainment elements with traditional Chinese cultural symbols and integrates top entertainment technology. Tens of millions of tourists come here every year. The total passenger flow of Fantawild has been Ranking second in the world, it has become Disneyland’s strongest competitor in China and is known as the Dreamland of the East! Ningbo Boonie Bear Bay Paradise, newly built by China Fantawild Resort, has a total investment of RMB 1 billion. It is a unique fully open ticket-free park in China. Entry to the park is completely free, except for paid entertainment projects. , other park performances can be watched for free, thus attracting a large number of tourists to experience it! Bear Bay Park consists of three major parts: the open theme district, Bear Bay Water Park, and Bear Bay Hotel. When fully put into use, there will be more than 20 indoor and outdoor special amusement projects and nearly 100 leisure landscapes, flavored restaurants and Specialty shops are open to welcome customers.

With Walk East ...