The myth of normal (health)

NanJing, 'south capital', is the capital city of JiangSu province, east China. NanJing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. The others are Beijing (the current capital), LuoYang, and Chang'An (Xi'An).

Despite its northern location, Beijing, the blue sky city, is one of the sunniest places in China and, in summer, also one of the hottest. Although around 1,000 miles north of Shanghai, and some 2,000 miles north of Hong Kong and tropical Hainan, Beijing is hotter through the summer months (mid-may to mid-September). Generally a dry heat, tropical thunderstorms can appear on occasion, and with night time temperatures in the 70s you'll be dancing in the rain ;) Excursion ideas : the in-the-mountains Buddhist temples of JieTaiSi and TanZheSi (bus, from the western end of metro line 1), the coastal city of TianJin (train), the beach at BeiDaiHe (train) and the nearby eastern end of the Great Wall (QinHuangDao), the imperial summer resort of ChengDe (combine with a visit to Simatai / JinShanLing Great Wall; coach or train), LongQing Gorge (LongQing Xia), the Spirit Way and general countryside at the Ming Tombs. TianJin can be a day trip as it is connected by high-speed rail, but two days would be great too. For ChengDe or BeiDaiHe, two or three days is best. Remember to take your passport in order to check in to a hotel. Or (more locally) visit the beach / pool at ChaoYang Park. Also, consider the Summer Palace (YiHeYuan), YuanMingYuan (the 'old' / original Summer Palace), BeiHai and JingShan Parks, the Ethic Culture Park (MinZu), the Olympic Forest Park, and these places in the Western Hills: XiangShan Park, Beijing Botanical Garden, BaDaChu (Eight Great (Buddhist) Sites area).

Filmed, edited and produced by : Maarten de Haas. Places include GuiLin, YangShuo, The Great Wall of China, the 'Avatar mountains' of ZhangJiaJie, DeQin, ShangRiLa, Tibet and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Illustrated by works from China at the Asian Art Museum of San Frascisco, one of the largest collections of Chinese art outside China.

With Jeffrey Sachs ...

With Feeding Foca ... Visitor Guide to Shangri-La Introduction Shangri-La, officially known as Zhongdian, is a picturesque county in Yunnan Province, China. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual ambiance, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Top Attractions 1. Songzanlin Monastery Known as the "Little Potala Palace," this Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the largest in Yunnan. Explore its intricate architecture, vibrant murals, and serene atmosphere. 2. Pudacuo National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park features pristine lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Don't miss Shudu Lake and Bita Lake. 3. Dukezong Ancient Town Wander through this historic town, visit the Giant Prayer Wheel, and enjoy panoramic views from Guishan Hill. 4. Tiger Leaping Gorge One of the deepest gorges in the world, it offers breathtaking hiking trails and stunning views of the Jinsha River. Local Culture Shangri-La is deeply influenced by Tibetan culture. Visitors can experience traditional Tibetan festivals, sample local cuisine like yak butter tea and tsampa, and explore handicrafts such as Thangka paintings. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: May to October for pleasant weather and clear skies. Altitude Sickness: Shangri-La is at a high altitude (3,200 meters). Take time to acclimatize and stay hydrated. What to Pack: Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and always ask for permission before taking photos of people. How to Get There Shangri-La is accessible by air, road, and bus: By Air: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) has flights from major cities like Kunming and Chengdu. By Bus: Regular buses connect Shangri-La to Lijiang and Kunming. By Car: Scenic drives are available from nearby cities, but be prepared for mountainous terrain. Where to Stay From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, Shangri-La offers a range of accommodations. Popular options include: Songtsam Retreat: A boutique hotel with Tibetan-inspired decor. Shangri-La Old Town Inn: Located in the heart of Dukezong Ancient Town. Budget Hostels: Affordable and friendly options for backpackers. Conclusion Shangri-La is a magical destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you're hiking through stunning landscapes or immersing yourself in Tibetan traditions, your visit will be unforgettable.

The West's MSM's lies are being increasingly exposed. Visitors to China are usually 'shocked' to find out the reality of life in China, and that they had been lied to by their own governments. The people are friendly; because they are happy; because China is harmonious and successful and builds infrastructure and takes care of all of the people. With Trip Bitten ...

Don't miss it. With Cyrus and Alex ...