The sound of China 中国 … Don’t miss it !

上海豫园城隍庙虎年新春游园灯会 With Wei's Travel ... Bonus film ...

Original posting - December 2014. Starting with 'Now you're in Beijing (commie jungle mix)', music video. Plus Beijing's popular attractions, a trip to the blue sky city, QianHai Lake (in central Beijing), the BeiJing to ShangHai sleeper train, and The Forbidden City (documentary; in English) bonus films ... 'Now you're in Beijing ...' - think about it - you're in Beijing, China - it might be different but that is here and not there; sure some things could be better - such as rights and protections for migrant workers, but Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. A few words on the Hu JinTao / Wen JiaBao era - definately one of China's most successful jumps forward; a major rise in prosperity for all, the growth of great infrastructure, such as the high-speed rail system, and much more, the Beijing Olympics, the Shanghai World Expo, space exploration, and the list goes on ... A happy retirement to two leaders who helped guide China back to greatness ! Mao ZeDong unified the country and helped defeat the Japanese invaders, and for that is a national hero. But things didn't go so well subsequently and on his death the 'Gang of Four' were arrested and China took a new path, though slowly at first following the courageous efforts of Deng XiaoPing. But it was not until circa 1990 that China really began to take off. So its rise to greatness, once more, is remarkable for having been achieved, from so little, in just 25 years. Obviously, they have done most things very right.

The Purple Bamboo Park (ZiZhuYuan), a national AAAA-level scenic spot, was founded in 1953 and is open to the public free of charge. The park has natural landscaping and lush bamboos, making it perfect for exercise and and relaxation. The Summer Palace (YiHeYuan), a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty, is located in the western suburbs of Beijing. The Summer Palace is a large-scale landscape garden built around KunMing Lake and WanShou Mountain and based on the design techniques of the south of the YangTze River style gardens. It is also the most complete royal palace garden in China and is known as the "Royal Garden Museum" and is a National AAAAA level scenic spot. The boat ride along the canal between the two parks (ChangHe River) takes about 25 minutes. With Seiu Travel ...

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).

GuangDong province. With Walk East ...

With Walking Vincent ... "Tonight, I'm coming to ShenZhen's FuTian district to watch the light show. Futian is the central area of ShenZhen, where the government is located, and the city's tallest building, Ping An Finance Center, is also here. In mid-December, the weather in ShenZhen starts to get cold, so there are fewer people on the streets. Every Friday and Saturday night, there is a light show in the Civic Center Square. This is one of the viewing spots, but I heard there's an even better viewing location on a nearby hill (I will go and explore it later, so stay tuned). Well, let's enjoy this beautiful light show together. In China, ShenZhen ranks first nationwide with 185 buildings taller than 200 meters, far surpassing New York in the United States. Moreover, the economic development history of Shenzhen is only a short span of over forty years, which is truly astonishing." With Walking in the air ...

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.

Filmed in autumn 2010.