The beautiful YuanYang 元阳 rice terraces, south YunNan province

With SunKissed in Shangri-la, YunNan province ... First time in Tibet ... With mabelevollove ... A day in an all-inclusive Chinese spa, ChengDu, with Flora and Note ... HanFu experience in LiJiang, YunNan province, with Soph ... 24 hours in the backstreets of BeiJing, with Jack Aynsley Travel ... With Noah Kartha, in YuYuan ... With Bee Rose ... With 2Passports in ShenZhen ... LiJiang, YunNan province, with Because I'm Lizzy ... The romantic French Concession area of ShangHai, with Wei's Travel ... ChengDu city, with CoolVision ... First time in ChengDu, with Adam and Yaz ... With Just Us Travel ... First time in BeiJing, with Feeding Foca ... Exploring GuangZhou shopping malls, with On Tour With Dridgers ... Autumn in BeiJing, with linyi ... Hulunbuir, Arxan, Inner Mongolia, with Clare Traveling Pandaland ... A week in YunNan province, with Tiny Turtle Travels ...

With Little Chinese Everywhere ...

Making baozi (steamed buns) with freshly ground wheat flour. Real, down to earth life; beautiful. Don't miss it ...

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan The Karakorum Highway, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the highest paved international road, connecting China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range. Its construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, symbolizing the strong friendship between China and Pakistan. Tashkurgan, located in Xinjiang, China, is an ancient town with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and remains a cultural melting pot, inhabited by the Tajik people who have their own distinct customs and traditions. Top Attractions on the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan 1. Khunjerab Pass The Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 meters, is the highest paved border crossing in the world. It marks the border between China and Pakistan and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes. The pass is part of the Khunjerab National Park, home to unique wildlife such as the snow leopard and Marco Polo sheep. 2. Tashkurgan Stone City Located in the heart of Tashkurgan, the Stone City is an ancient fortress that dates back to the Han Dynasty. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ruins are a testament to the region’s strategic importance on the Silk Road and offer insights into the ancient trade routes. 3. Karakul Lake Karakul Lake, situated on the Karakorum Highway, is a high-altitude lake at the base of Muztagh Ata, also known as the "Father of Ice Mountains." The crystal-clear blue waters reflect the towering snow-capped peaks, creating a stunning and serene landscape. 4. Taxkorgan Nature Reserve This reserve covers a large area of the Pamir Plateau and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and various bird species. The reserve’s rugged landscapes are ideal for trekking and wildlife photography. Activities to Enjoy 1. Trekking and Hiking The Karakorum Highway and Tashkurgan offer some of the best trekking and hiking opportunities in the world. Explore trails that lead through stunning mountain scenery, pastures, and along ancient Silk Road paths. Popular routes include hikes around Karakul Lake and up the slopes of Muztagh Ata. 2. Experiencing Tajik Culture Tashkurgan is home to the Tajik ethnic group, known for their rich cultural traditions. Visitors can experience traditional Tajik music, dance, and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to attend a local festival or visit a traditional Tajik yurt. 3. Wildlife Watching The Khunjerab National Park and Taxkorgan Nature Reserve are prime locations for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for the elusive snow leopard, golden eagle, and other unique species that inhabit this high-altitude region. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Pilaf Pilaf is a traditional dish in the region, made with rice, mutton, carrots, and various spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish often served during festivals and family gatherings. 2. Naan Naan, a type of flatbread, is a staple in the local diet. It is typically baked in a tandoor oven and served with various dips, meats, and vegetables. It's a perfect accompaniment to most meals. 3. Kebabs Kebabs are popular in this region, with lamb and beef being the most common meats used. They are seasoned with local spices and grilled over an open flame, offering a delicious smoky flavor. How to Get There By Road The Karakorum Highway is accessible by road from both the Chinese and Pakistani sides. From China, travelers can start from Kashgar, while from Pakistan, the journey begins in Islamabad, passing through Gilgit-Baltistan. By Air There are flights to Kashgar from major Chinese cities like Urumqi and Beijing. From Kashgar, travelers can take a bus or hire a car to Tashkurgan. For those coming from Pakistan, flights are available to Gilgit or Skardu, with further travel by road. By Bus Public and private bus services operate along the Karakorum Highway, providing affordable and scenic travel options. Buses are available from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, and from Islamabad to Gilgit and beyond in Pakistan. Travel Tips for Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Due to the high altitude, it is essential to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow and stay hydrated. Check the weather conditions and road status before traveling, as the Karakorum Highway can be affected by landslides and snow, especially during winter months. Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Tajik communities. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visas and permits, as this region is a sensitive border area with strict controls.

With Lena Petrova ... With Thinkers Forum ... With Ben Norton ... With Brian Berletic ... With Hakim ... With The Gravel Institute ... With Cyrus Janssen ... With Democracy Now ... YT comment : "I always thought that the Chinese people were brainwashed, and then I found out that it was me!" Some thoughts on why China is such a safe country : At root, crime is down to poverty and an over-the-top individualism. Western style democracy is really divide and rule - the moneyed elite love it, how the people are so easily fooled and controlled. Projection - what the West accuses China of are actually its own faults. Western democracy is top down and all about big money. In China, democracy is bottom up and meritocratic. The reason for the West's antagonism is not about politics, but success; the US wants to control the whole world (hegemony); and Western style democracy, if they can establish it in other countries, makes that easy. Friendly people are happy people.

With Walk For You ...

A short documentary - an extended preview of Chris Crudelli's film on the martial arts in China today.

With Daniel Dumbrill and The New Atlas ... Bonus film - Uighur separatists funded by the US - with the Moderate Rebels ... Bonus film 2 - Chris Hedges discusses the work of political philosopher Sheldon Wolin with Professor Wendy Brown ...

ChengDu is the provincial capital of SiChuan, in south west China. The film includes the Panda Research Center, ChengDu city center, JinLi historical district, Happy Valley and more ...