The beautiful QingHai Lake 青海湖

With Mo Gawdat and Rangan Chatterjee ...

With Beijing Old Liu ... Xinjiang Visitor Guide: Natural Landscapes & Practical Travel Tips Xinjiang is one of China's most captivating and culturally diverse regions, offering travelers a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and a variety of ethnic cultures. From the vast deserts of the Taklamakan to the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang has something for every type of traveler, whether you're an adventurer, a culture seeker, or a nature lover. This guide provides an in-depth look at Xinjiang's natural wonders and offers practical travel tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable visit. The Tianshan Mountains (Heavenly Mountains) Overview: The Tianshan Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic alpine landscapes, including towering peaks, lush valleys, and pristine glacial lakes. The region is excellent for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the local nomadic culture. Key Highlights: Bogda Peak: A breathtaking snow-capped peak rising over 5,445 meters, ideal for experienced mountaineers. Tianchi (Heavenly Lake): A stunning alpine lake, perfect for day trips and boat tours, located about 110 km from Urumqi. It’s surrounded by spruce trees and offers picturesque hiking trails. Travel Tip: It is best to visit Heavenly Lake during late spring or summer (May-August) when the weather is most favorable, and the trails are accessible. Always bring layers as temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains. Taklamakan Desert Overview: The Taklamakan Desert, one of the largest shifting-sand deserts in the world, is known for its extreme beauty and harshness. Visiting this desert is an adventure in itself, where you can explore the golden dunes and see rare desert plants and animals. Key Highlights: Kumtag Desert: A dramatic expanse of sand dunes in the eastern part of the Taklamakan, easily accessible from Turpan. Yarkand Poplar Forest: A rare sight of poplar trees thriving in the desert. Visit in autumn for a golden spectacle as the leaves change color. Travel Tip: Be prepared for extreme conditions in the desert. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and lightweight, breathable clothing. It’s best to go with a guided tour or a local expert as navigating the desert on your own can be dangerous. Kanas Lake Overview: Located in the Altai Mountains, Kanas Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dense pine forests, and breathtaking autumn landscapes. It's a popular destination for hikers and photographers looking to capture the stunning seasonal colors and wildlife. Key Highlights: Kanas Nature Reserve: A pristine natural park home to wildlife such as snow leopards and elk. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Kanas Monster Legend: Local myths speak of a mysterious creature lurking in the lake, adding a bit of intrigue to your visit. Travel Tip: The best time to visit Kanas is from June to September. In autumn (September), the scenery turns golden and is incredibly photogenic. Access is more difficult in winter due to heavy snowfall, but the area is still open for adventurous travelers. Ili River Valley Overview: The Ili River Valley is a picturesque region characterized by vast green pastures, rolling hills, and wildflower meadows. The valley contrasts beautifully with Xinjiang's deserts and rugged mountains, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers. Key Highlights: Nalati Grassland: A scenic area with endless pastures and colorful wildflowers in summer. Ideal for horseback riding and experiencing the local Kazakh culture. Lavender Fields: Famous lavender fields bloom in June, turning the valley into a sea of purple and offering a unique contrast to the green hills and blue skies. Travel Tip: Visit the Ili River Valley in late spring (April-May) or early summer (June) to see the lavender fields and wildflowers at their peak. Horseback tours are highly recommended to explore the vast grasslands. Karakul Lake and Pamir Mountains Overview: Located along the famous Karakoram Highway, Karakul Lake is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the world. Set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Muztagh Ata and Kongur mountains, it offers stunning reflections and an opportunity to witness the nomadic life of Kyrgyz herders. Key Highlights: Muztagh Ata Mountain: Known as the “Father of Ice Mountains,” it’s popular with mountaineers. The lake reflects the snow-capped peak beautifully. Nomadic Culture: Visitors can stay in traditional yurts and experience the simple lifestyle of Kyrgyz and Tajik herders. Travel Tip: The altitude at Karakul Lake is over 3,600 meters, so be prepared for high-altitude conditions and take time to acclimate. The best time to visit is from May to October, as the winters are harsh. Flaming Mountains and Turpan Basin Overview: The Flaming Mountains, located in the Turpan Basin, are famous for their red, flame-like appearance under the hot desert sun. This region is not only rich in unique landscapes but also home to significant historical sites, including ancient cities and Buddhist caves. Key Highlights: Gaochang Ruins: An ancient city that was once a major hub on the Silk Road. The ruins are a fascinating blend of history and desert scenery. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: A series of Buddhist cave paintings dating back to the 5th century. A must-visit for history enthusiasts. Travel Tip: Turpan can get extremely hot in summer (up to 50°C), so plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Practical Travel Information for Xinjiang When to Visit The best time to visit Xinjiang depends on the specific regions you plan to explore. In general, late spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for travel. The summer can be hot, especially in desert areas, but it is also the best time for visiting the mountains and high-altitude lakes. Transportation By Air: Xinjiang has several international airports, including Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (the main gateway), Kashgar Airport, and Kanas Airport. Domestic flights connect Urumqi with most major Chinese cities. By Train: The railway network connects Urumqi with other Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. The journey is long but scenic, especially on the high-speed trains. Local Travel: To explore Xinjiang’s remote areas, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide or driver. Public transportation can be limited in the more rural regions, and self-driving is an option for those familiar with local road conditions. Accommodation Xinjiang offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels in major cities like Urumqi and Kashgar to guesthouses and homestays in rural areas. Staying in a yurt with local nomads in regions like the Ili Valley or Karakul Lake is a unique experience. Cultural Sensitivity Xinjiang is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Uighur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Tajik peoples. Respect for local customs, particularly around religion, is essential. Many locals are Muslim, so it is important to be mindful of dress codes, especially in rural areas and when visiting mosques. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or inside religious sites. Language Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals, especially Uighurs and Kazakhs, speak their own languages. English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas, so it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or Uighur, or have a translation app handy. Food and Cuisine Xinjiang is famous for its lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles (laghman), pilaf (polo), and naan bread. Uighur food is flavorful, with a blend of Central Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Be sure to visit the local markets in Urumqi or Kashgar to sample the regional specialties. Important Note: Always carry your passport and travel documents. Xinjiang has a heavy security presence, and travelers may encounter frequent security checks.

ShangHai: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼乐园 Shànghǎi Díshìní Lèyuán): Enjoy magical attractions and meet Disney characters at this theme park. Ocean Aquarium (上海海洋水族馆 Shànghǎi Hǎiyáng Shuǐzúguǎn): Explore marine life exhibits and interactive displays. Century Park (世纪公园 Shìjì Gōngyuán): Relax in green spaces and enjoy boating on the lake in this expansive park. Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆 Shànghǎi Zìrán Bówùguǎn): Learn about dinosaurs, fossils, and natural history. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (上海科技馆 Shànghǎi Kējìguǎn): Discover interactive exhibits on science and technology. Shanghai Zoo (上海动物园 Shànghǎi Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas, monkeys, and other animals in this popular zoo. Shanghai Children's Museum (上海儿童博物馆 Shànghǎi Értóng Bówùguǎn): Interactive museum with exhibits designed for children. Happy Valley Shanghai (上海欢乐谷 Shànghǎi Huānlègǔ): Amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (上海海洋水族馆 Shànghǎi Hǎiyáng Shuǐzúguǎn): Explore marine life exhibits and interactive displays. Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World (上海长风海洋世界 Shànghǎi Chángfēng Hǎiyáng Shìjiè): Enjoy a variety of aquatic attractions and shows. Shanghai Botanical Garden (上海植物园 Shànghǎi Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Shanghai Circus World (上海马戏城 Shànghǎi Mǎxì Chéng): Watch acrobatic performances and circus acts. Shanghai Disney Store (上海迪士尼商店 Shànghǎi Díshìní Shāngdiàn): Shop for Disney merchandise and souvenirs. Shanghai Natural Wild-Insect Kingdom (上海自然野生昆虫馆 Shànghǎi Zìrán Yěshēng Kūnchóngguǎn): Learn about insects and their habitats. Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (上海海昌海洋公园 Shànghǎi Hǎichāng Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán): Enjoy marine-themed attractions and shows. Shanghai Madame Tussauds (上海杜莎夫人蜡像馆 Shànghǎi Dùshā Fūrén Làxiàngguǎn): Pose with lifelike wax figures of celebrities. Shanghai Happy Valley (上海欢乐谷 Shànghǎi Huānlègǔ): Amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment. Shanghai Film Park (上海电影公园 Shànghǎi Diànyǐng Gōngyuán): Explore film sets and learn about movie production. Shanghai Changfeng Park (上海长风公园 Shànghǎi Chángfēng Gōngyuán): Enjoy green spaces and outdoor activities. Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World (上海长风海洋世界 Shànghǎi Chángfēng Hǎiyáng Shìjiè): Enjoy a variety of aquatic attractions and shows. ShangHai: 30 More Places to Visit The Bund (外滩 Wàitān): Enjoy iconic skyline views and colonial architecture along the Huangpu River. Yu Garden (豫园 Yù Yuán): Explore classical Chinese gardens and traditional architecture. Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦 Shànghǎi Zhōngxīn Dàshà): Visit one of the tallest buildings in the world for breathtaking views. Nanjing Road (南京路 Nánjīng Lù): Shop for souvenirs, fashion, and electronics on this bustling shopping street. Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦 Jīn Mào Dàshà): Visit this skyscraper for observation decks and a luxurious hotel. Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心 Shànghǎi Huánqiú Jīnróng Zhōngxīn): Enjoy panoramic views from the Skywalk Observatory. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆 Shànghǎi Bówùguǎn): Explore Chinese art and artifacts in this renowned museum. Tianzifang (田子坊 Tiánzǐ Fāng): Wander through narrow alleys filled with shops, galleries, and cafes. Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆 Shànghǎi Dāngdài Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Explore contemporary art exhibitions in a former power station. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (上海城市规划展示馆 Shànghǎi Chéngshì Guīhuà Zhǎnshì Guǎn): Learn about the development of Shanghai through interactive exhibits. Shanghai French Concession (上海法租界 Shànghǎi Fǎ Zūjiè): Explore leafy streets, historic buildings, and trendy boutiques. Longhua Temple (龙华寺 Lónghuá Sì): Visit one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角 Zhūjiājiǎo): Explore ancient canals, bridges, and traditional architecture in this historic water town. Xintiandi (新天地 Xīntiāndì): Shop, dine, and explore entertainment venues in this renovated historic area. Huangpu River Cruise (黄浦江游船 Huángpǔ Jiāng Yóuchuán): Enjoy scenic views of Shanghai's skyline from the river. Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦 Shànghǎi Zhōngxīn Dàshà): Visit one of the tallest buildings in the world for breathtaking views. Nanjing Road (南京路 Nánjīng Lù): Shop for souvenirs, fashion, and electronics on this bustling shopping street. Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦 Jīn Mào Dàshà): Visit this skyscraper for observation decks and a luxurious hotel. Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心 Shànghǎi Huánqiú Jīnróng Zhōngxīn): Enjoy panoramic views from the Skywalk Observatory. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆 Shànghǎi Bówùguǎn): Explore Chinese art and artifacts in this renowned museum. Tianzifang (田子坊 Tiánzǐ Fāng): Wander through narrow alleys filled with shops, galleries, and cafes. Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆 Shànghǎi Dāngdài Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Explore contemporary art exhibitions in a former power station. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (上海城市规划展示馆 Shànghǎi Chéngshì Guīhuà Zhǎnshì Guǎn): Learn about the development of Shanghai through interactive exhibits. Shanghai French Concession (上海法租界 Shànghǎi Fǎ Zūjiè): Explore leafy streets, historic buildings, and trendy boutiques. Longhua Temple (龙华寺 Lónghuá Sì): Visit one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角 Zhūjiājiǎo): Explore ancient canals, bridges, and traditional architecture in this historic water town. Xintiandi (新天地 Xīntiāndì): Shop, dine, and explore entertainment venues in this renovated historic area. Huangpu River Cruise (黄浦江游船 Huángpǔ Jiāng Yóuchuán): Enjoy scenic views of Shanghai's skyline from the river.

With Ben Becker ... With Vijay Prashad ... With Jan Oberg ... With Cyrus Janssen ... With BreakThrough News ... With Jeffrey Sachs and Judge Napolitano (8th Feb.) ... With George Galloway (11th Feb.) ... With Scott Ritter (14th / 9th Feb.) ... With Ben Norton - on de-dolarisation and CBDCs (central bank digital currencies) ...

FengHuang, 凤凰古城, HuNan province, central China. 'Fenghuang', Chinese for 'Phoenix', the mythical bird of good omen and longevity that is consumed by fire only to rise again from the flames, is named after a legend that two of these fabulous birds flew over and found the town so beautiful that they hovered there, reluctant to leave. Step back in time, over a thousand years ...

Or close. Many regional styles and techniques covered. Videos by Chinese Cooking Demystified ...

The MaiJiShan Grottoes are filled with thousands of Buddhist sculptures. These were carved from the Wei dynasty to the Song dynasty by Buddhist monks who first came here via the North Silk Road. The grottoes are close to TianShui, which is the second largest city in GanSu province in central China, with a population of approximately 3.5 milion. The city lies along the route of the ancient Northern Silk Road by the Wei River, through which much of the trade flowed between China and the West. The Qin state, the founding dynasty of China, arose in this part of China.

With live-wire host Sonia. Don't miss it ...

Every spring, this festival takes place in the capital city as a meeting of artists of all kinds from China and countries worldwide, a cultural exchange covering everything from music - classical, pop and more - to dance, exhibitions and drama, ... expect the unexpected : ) In 2016, the festival runs from April 25 to May 30. Now in its 16th year, the festival will bring together nearly 400 Chinese artists and more than 400 international artists from 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain and France. Canada will be this year's guest country of honor. As a taster, here are two wonderful performances from 2014 - first, a steel band in ChaoYang Park, second an unusual 'quartet' at the National Center for the Performing Arts (don't miss this if you love music) ... Live more !