The beautiful ZhuJiaJiao 朱家角 Water Town, ShangHai

With Nick in China ... With Valerly Blank ... Visitor guide to YinChuan, capital of NingXia province Getting There By Air: YinChuan Hedong International Airport (INC) is well-connected with major Chinese cities. The airport is about 25 kilometers from the city center, and you can take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to your destination. By Train: YinChuan Railway Station offers regular train services to various cities across China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou. The high-speed train network makes travel convenient and efficient. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect YinChuan with other cities in NingXia and neighboring provinces. The YinChuan Long-Distance Bus Station is the main hub for these services. Accommodation YinChuan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some recommended options include: Luxury: Kempinski Hotel YinChuan, YinChuan International Convention Centre Hotel Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express YinChuan Downtown, YinChuan XiYue International Hotel Budget: YinChuan Youth Hostel, various local guesthouses Attractions and Activities Historical and Cultural Sites Western Xia Tombs: Located about 35 kilometers from YinChuan, these ancient tombs are the resting place of the emperors of the Western Xia Dynasty. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the dynasty. NingXia Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of NingXia, with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art. HaiBao Pagoda: Also known as the North Pagoda, this ancient Buddhist pagoda is one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in YinChuan. Natural Attractions Sand Lake: A beautiful nature reserve located about 56 kilometers from YinChuan, Sand Lake is known for its stunning desert and wetland landscapes. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, boat rides, and sand dune activities. Helan Mountains: These mountains offer breathtaking scenery and numerous hiking trails. The region is also home to ancient rock carvings and the Helan Mountain Scenic Area. Modern Attractions Drum Tower: A central landmark in YinChuan, the Drum Tower is surrounded by bustling markets and streets lined with shops and restaurants. Zhongshan Park: A popular urban park that offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities. Dining and Local Specialties YinChuan boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a mix of traditional NingXia cuisine and Hui Muslim specialties. Some must-try dishes include: Lamb Kebabs: A local favorite, these skewered and grilled lamb pieces are seasoned with a blend of spices. Hand-Pulled Noodles: Known locally as "Lamian," these noodles are served in a flavorful broth with beef or lamb. Eight-Treasure Tea: A traditional NingXia beverage made with a mix of tea leaves, dried fruits, and herbs. Shopping Night Markets: Explore the bustling night markets in YinChuan for a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shopping Malls: Modern shopping centers like Wanda Plaza and YinChuan Mall offer a wide range of international and local brands. Local Handicrafts: Look for traditional NingXia crafts such as Helan stone carvings, wool products, and Hui embroidery. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit YinChuan are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. Summers can be hot, and winters can be quite cold, so pack accordingly. Language: While Mandarin is the official language, some locals may speak the NingXia dialect. It's helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook if you don't speak Mandarin. Respect Local Customs: NingXia has a significant Hui Muslim population, so be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques and Hui neighborhoods. Conclusion YinChuan, the capital of NingXia Province, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient tombs, hiking in the mountains, or savoring local cuisine, YinChuan promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

A mild-flavored winter radish usually characterized by fast-growing leaves and a long, white, napiform root. It is similar in appearance to fresh horseradish but packs a lighter peppery punch similar to watercress. Unlike other radishes, it is as good cooked as it is raw. A very beautiful film and culinary masterclass with LiZiQi 李子柒. Dishes include SiChuan pickles, NorthEast sauerkraut and several types of XianCai, salty side-dish, and SuanCai, sour cabbage, with spice and without. Similar to Korean kimchi - Korean is one of the 56 ethnic groups in China. Don't miss it ... Rimo Z : 0:23 Rapeseed flowers 2:50 White Radish 3:37 Carrot 4:31 Chinese Cabbage 6:03 Mustard, then dehydrate the vegetables 7:58 Smear chilli sauce 8:28 Sealed for 1 month 8:51 Pine leaves for smoking the meat (Bacon) 9:03 Orange or clementine 9:10 Pomelo on the tree 9:22 Start smoking the sausage and meat 9:30 Add the pomelo and orange peel to enrich the flavor 10:16 Add salt and chilli powder, start pickling the dehydrated radish and carrots 10:36 Dried fish 11:58 put the dried fish, sausage and meat (or bacon) for boiling before eating or further cooking, this step helps to clean the food and reduce the salt 12:47 stir fry with ginger and then start stewing with green onion and orange peel 13:34 Fermented pickle cabbage (non-spicy) 13:49 Fermented pickle cabbage (spicy) 14:06 Minced meat with oil, spice powder, green onions, soy sauce, ginger and 14:14 hot oil to increase the aroma 14:26 Chop the pickle Chinese cabbage 14:38 Mix the minced meat and pickled cabbage, start making dumplings 15:53 Cut the salted meat, stir fry with green onion and stew with the dried vegetables 15:52 Add spicy pickled cabbages 16:16 Add some hot oil on top of the pickle dishes to excite the fragrance 16:42 Cut the boiled sausage, salted meat etc. 17:49 Looks like rose tea 17:55 Just white congee 米老鼠 : Kimchi first appeared in the book of songs. It was interpreted as sauerkraut in China. Korean kimchi originated in the Tang Dynasty. Tang Dynasty general Xue Rengui was assigned to Korea (today's Korea) by the government to settle down in Korea. Many of his entourage were from Jiangbei County, Chongqing, who could make kimchi in his hometown. Since then, Chongqing kimchi has entered Korea. Several wars in Korea have brought this kind of dish into Korean civilian families. Kimchi went through several stages before it became the real Korean kimchi. The first stage is the Three Kingdoms period, when the pickled dishes or radish, cucumber, etc., introduced to South Korea after adding leeks and other fresh vegetables. In the second stage, in the Korean period, the production methods began to be enriched, and the raw materials were added to the base. The third stage is that cabbage has become the main raw material, which is what we eat now.

石林, ShiLin County, YunNan, south China. This area, covering around 500 square kilometers in all, lies about 90 km east of the provincial capital KunMing and is comprised of seven scenic areas featuring amazing limestone karst rock formations. The Stone Forest began around 270 million years ago as a shallow sea. Extensive deposits of sandstone overlaid by limestone accumulated during the Permian period. Subsequent uplift of this region followed by exposure to wind and rain shaped the landscape we see today. Filmed in Ultra HD (4K).

Beautiful tranquility ... Filmed by javiagenjo

Ancient Buddhist carving caves. With DuckTravel ... Visitor Guide to the YunGang Grottoes Introduction to the YunGang Grottoes The YunGang Grottoes (云冈石窟), located near Datong in ShanXi Province, are one of China's most remarkable ancient Buddhist art sites. Carved into the sandstone cliffs during the Northern Wei Dynasty (5th–6th centuries), the grottoes feature over 51,000 statues and carvings, showcasing the fusion of Chinese, Indian, and Central Asian artistic traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the YunGang Grottoes are a must-visit for history, art, and culture enthusiasts. Highlights of the YunGang Grottoes The Five Iconic Caves (TanYao Five Caves) - These are the earliest and most impressive caves, featuring colossal Buddha statues that symbolize the power and authority of the Northern Wei emperors. Cave 20, with its towering seated Buddha, is particularly famous. Intricate Carvings and Reliefs - The grottoes are adorned with detailed carvings of Buddhist deities, celestial beings, and narrative scenes from Buddhist scriptures. The craftsmanship reflects the artistic brilliance of the era. Cultural Fusion - The grottoes display a unique blend of Chinese and foreign influences, including Gandharan and Gupta styles, highlighting the Silk Road's cultural exchange. Outdoor Statues - In addition to the cave carvings, the site features numerous outdoor statues and steles, offering a glimpse into the religious and artistic practices of the time. Visitor Information Location: The YunGang Grottoes are located approximately 16 kilometers west of Datong City in ShanXi Province. Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (April–October); 8:30 AM to 4:50 PM (November–March). Entrance Fee: Approximately 120 CNY (April–October); 100 CNY (November–March). Discounts are available for students and seniors. Guided Tours: English-speaking guides are available for hire at the entrance, providing in-depth insights into the history and significance of the grottoes. How to Get There By Air: The nearest airport is Datong YunGang Airport, with connections to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From the airport, taxis or buses can take you to the grottoes. By Train: Datong is well-connected by high-speed rail. From Datong Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to the grottoes (about 30 minutes). By Car: The grottoes are easily accessible by car via the Datong–YunGang Expressway. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Avoid visiting during national holidays, as the site can get very busy. What to Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site involves some walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen during summer, as parts of the site are exposed. Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography is prohibited inside the caves to protect the ancient artwork. Respect the Site: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grottoes are a precious cultural treasure. Avoid touching the carvings and follow all posted guidelines. Nearby Attractions HengShan Hanging Temple (悬空寺) - A unique temple built into a cliff face, combining Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. Datong City Wall - A well-preserved ancient city wall offering panoramic views of Datong. Nine Dragon Screen (九龙壁) - A stunning glazed-tile screen depicting nine dragons, located in Datong. Conclusion The YunGang Grottoes are a testament to China's rich cultural and religious history. With their awe-inspiring statues, intricate carvings, and historical significance, they offer a profound and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, the YunGang Grottoes are a must-see destination in China.

Don't miss it ! A musician at one with the music. Wei wu wei - no effort (no separation) - literally, action without action. First kiss - the one you'll never forget ... Cover - John Petrucci. Bonus film - Asian shredding - a jam with Li-sa-X from Japan - "Little Wings" ...

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

HuNan province.

A fascinating documentary, in English. Discover how this place embodied the quintessential Chinese garden arts, and how it came to be destroyed ...