The LeShan Giant Buddha statue

HeiLongJiang province. 聖誕節哈爾濱滑雪 Christmas ski trip; December 2016. With a great song ...

With CGTN Travelogue ... With Blondie in China ... Xiamen Visitor Guide Introduction Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, is known for its scenic views, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With its mix of modern urban life and traditional charm, Xiamen offers visitors an unforgettable experience. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to explore Xiamen's beautiful beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. Key Attractions 1. Gulangyu Island Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short ferry ride from Xiamen's main city. Known for its colonial architecture, winding streets, and absence of vehicles, Gulangyu offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Highlights include the Piano Museum, Sunlight Rock, and the Shuzhuang Garden. 2. Nanputuo Temple Nanputuo Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Located at the foot of Wulaofeng (Five Old Men Peaks), the temple complex includes beautiful halls, statues, and a large lotus pond. Visitors can also hike up the mountain behind the temple for panoramic views of Xiamen. 3. Xiamen University Xiamen University is often considered one of the most beautiful campuses in China. Visitors can explore its lush grounds, see the historic buildings, and walk around the tranquil Furong Lake. The university is located near Nanputuo Temple, making it convenient to visit both in one trip. 4. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street Zhongshan Road is a bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, street food vendors, and historic buildings. It's a great place to experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and taste Xiamen's famous snacks, such as peanut soup and oyster omelets. 5. Hulishan Fortress This coastal defense fortress was built in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty. The site includes ancient cannons, barracks, and a small museum detailing Xiamen's military history. Hulishan Fortress offers insights into China's coastal defense history and provides scenic views of the ocean. Cultural Activities Xiamen is a city rich in culture and tradition. Here are some activities to help you experience the local culture: Tea Tasting: Fujian Province is famous for its tea, and Xiamen is a great place to taste high-quality oolong tea. Visit a local tea house or the Xiamen Tea Culture Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Temple Visits: In addition to Nanputuo Temple, explore other local temples such as the Hongshan Temple and the Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Mazu. Attend a Minnan Opera Performance: Minnan opera, also known as Hokkien opera, is a traditional form of Chinese opera popular in Fujian. Catch a performance to experience this unique cultural expression. Explore Local Markets: Visit markets like the Eighth Market (Ba Jiao Ting Market) to see local produce, seafood, and traditional foods. It's a great way to experience the local lifestyle and cuisine. Dining Options Xiamen is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of local dishes and seafood delicacies. Here are some must-try dining experiences: Seafood: Being a coastal city, Xiamen boasts fresh seafood dishes. Try local specialties like sandworm jelly, steamed mantis shrimp, and crab porridge. Shacha Noodles: This famous noodle dish is made with a unique peanut-based shacha sauce, pork, and various vegetables. It is a staple of Xiamen's street food scene. Spring Rolls: Xiamen-style spring rolls are a popular snack. They are filled with a mix of vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood, wrapped in thin dough and fried to a crispy perfection. Local Snacks: Don't miss out on trying local snacks like peanut soup, oyster omelet, and rice dumplings (zongzi). You can find these at street food stalls and markets. Dim Sum: For a more formal dining experience, visit a local dim sum restaurant to enjoy a variety of steamed buns, dumplings, and other small dishes. Shopping Xiamen offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from modern malls to traditional markets: SM City Xiamen: This large shopping mall is one of the most popular in Xiamen, offering international brands, local shops, and a variety of dining options. Zhongshan Road: A pedestrian street known for its local boutiques, souvenir shops, and street food. It's a great place to buy local crafts, tea, and snacks. Shapowei Art Zone: A trendy area with art galleries, coffee shops, and boutique stores. It's an excellent spot for unique gifts and handmade items. Wuyuanwan Wetland Park Market: Visit this market for fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade goods. It's a perfect spot for those looking to experience local life and purchase fresh food. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Xiamen is from October to December when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Spring (March to May) is also a good time, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Getting Around: Xiamen is well-connected by public transportation, including buses, taxis, and a metro system. Biking is also a popular way to explore the city, especially along the scenic coastline. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Xiamen, though many people understand basic English, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app can be helpful. Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when shopping at local markets and street vendors. Respect Local Customs: Xiamen is a culturally rich city with many religious sites. Be respectful when visiting temples and other religious places. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples, and follow any rules regarding photography. Safety: Xiamen is a relatively safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and markets.

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Welcome to Beijing! Discover the vibrant capital city of China, where ancient history meets modernity. Beijing, with its rich heritage, iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and bustling streets, promises an unforgettable journey. About Beijing Beijing, also known as Peking, is the political, cultural, and educational center of China. As one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, Beijing has been the heart of Chinese history for centuries. Key features of Beijing include its historic hutongs (narrow alleys), ancient palaces, and temples alongside modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. The city is renowned for its role in Chinese history, serving as the capital of several dynasties. Top Attractions Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Explore the largest imperial palace complex in the world, with over 9,000 rooms filled with treasures and historical artifacts. Great Wall of China: Visit iconic sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling for stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Tiananmen Square: Discover the heart of Beijing and witness the monumental Tiananmen Gate, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China. Temple of Heaven: Experience the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Summer Palace: Wander through lush gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake at this UNESCO-listed royal retreat. Hutong Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through traditional hutongs to see local life and visit courtyard homes. 798 Art District: Explore Beijing's contemporary art scene in a former factory complex filled with galleries, studios, and cafes. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple): Admire the impressive Tibetan-style architecture and giant Buddha statue at this active Buddhist temple. National Museum of China: Learn about Chinese history, art, and culture through extensive exhibitions. Culture and History Beijing is steeped in cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into China's ancient traditions and customs. Peking Opera: Attend a live performance of this traditional art form known for its colorful costumes, music, and storytelling. Chinese Tea Culture: Visit tea houses to sample different teas and participate in tea ceremonies. Imperial Architecture: Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Traditional Festivals: Experience festive celebrations during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Beijing Cuisine: Indulge in local specialties such as Peking duck, hotpot, dumplings, and street food delicacies. Dining in Beijing Beijing offers a diverse culinary landscape, from gourmet dining to street-side snacks. Peking Duck: Savor the crispy-skinned duck at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong. Street Food: Explore Wangfujing Snack Street for a variety of local snacks, skewers, and sweets. Hutong Restaurants: Dine in historic courtyard homes serving homestyle Beijing cuisine. Hotpot: Enjoy interactive dining with a bubbling pot of broth and fresh ingredients. Dumplings and Noodles: Try handmade jiaozi (dumplings) and la mian (hand-pulled noodles) in bustling noodle shops. Teahouses: Relax in traditional teahouses and sample regional teas paired with snacks. Shopping in Beijing Discover unique souvenirs, antiques, and modern goods in Beijing's vibrant shopping districts. Silk Market: Bargain for silk products, clothing, and accessories at this bustling market. Wangfujing Street: Shop for international brands, local goods, and Beijing-style snacks. Panjiayuan Antique Market: Browse through a vast array of antiques, ceramics, and curios. Hongqiao Pearl Market: Find pearls, jewelry, and electronics at competitive prices. Dashilar Street: Explore historic Dashilar alley for traditional handicrafts and nostalgic items. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases; use translation apps for communication. Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY); major credit cards accepted in tourist areas. Transportation: Navigate the city with the extensive subway system, buses, taxis, and ridesharing apps. Accommodation: Choose from luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, or budget-friendly hostels. Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as using both hands to receive items and addressing people with courtesy. Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. Internet Access: Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data; free Wi-Fi available in many public places. Health and Hygiene: Carry bottled water and practice good hygiene; be aware of air quality during winter. Enjoy Your Journey in Beijing! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating experiences that Beijing has to offer. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks or indulging in local cuisine, Beijing promises an unforgettable journey that will leave lasting memories.

Ancient roots, modern outlook; a wide variety of natural landscapes; diverse cultures; so much to see and do; welcome to China ...