The Summer Palace 頤和園, BeiJing

Bonus film - QingDao (a port city south east of BeiJing) ... Bonus film 2 - TianJin (a port city a little to the east of BeiJing) at Christmas ... Bonus film 3 - MiuMiu Guitar girl ...

Unconditional love, trauma, flow (being in the moment), the ego, and more ...

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.

With China Walking Tour ...

With Tucker Eats ... Welcome to Shangri-La, China Introduction History of Shangri-La Joseph Rock & His Influence Top Attractions Local Culture Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Introduction Shangri-La, located in the DiQing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, is a place of stunning natural beauty, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual significance. Known for its snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes, Shangri-La has become a popular destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. History of the Name "Shangri-La" The name "Shangri-La" originates from James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon, where it was depicted as a mystical, utopian valley in the Himalayas. The term has since become synonymous with an earthly paradise, a place of peace and perpetual happiness. In 2001, to promote tourism, the Chinese government officially renamed ZhongDian County in Yunnan Province to Shangri-La, claiming it to be the inspiration for Hilton's fictional paradise. Despite the debate over the true inspiration for Hilton’s novel, the renaming has significantly boosted the region's profile, transforming it into a major tourist destination. The area was already known for its Tibetan cultural heritage, and the new name further solidified its reputation as a place of mystical allure and natural beauty. Joseph Rock & His Influence on Shangri-La Joseph Francis Charles Rock was an Austrian-American explorer, botanist, and anthropologist who lived in China for more than 25 years during the early 20th century. He is particularly known for his extensive travels and research in the remote regions of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where he lived among the Naxi people, an ethnic minority with a rich cultural heritage. Rock’s detailed accounts of the Naxi culture, their language, and the stunning landscapes of the region were published in various journals, including National Geographic. These writings brought the hidden beauty of the region to the attention of the world and likely served as an inspiration for James Hilton's depiction of the fictional Shangri-La in his novel Lost Horizon. Rock's base in Lijiang, which is not far from the present-day Shangri-La, became the center of his studies on the Naxi people. He documented their ancient Dongba script, rituals, and way of life, contributing significantly to the preservation of their culture. The influence of his work is evident in the detailed descriptions of a harmonious, isolated valley in Hilton’s novel, which bears striking similarities to the areas where Rock lived and worked. Today, Joseph Rock’s legacy lives on in both the scientific community and the popular imagination, where he is remembered as a key figure who bridged the gap between the mysterious landscapes of southwest China and the Western world. Top Attractions in Shangri-La Songzanlin Monastery Often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace," Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Built in the 17th century, it is a stunning complex of golden roofs, ornate halls, and traditional Tibetan architecture. The monastery is an active religious site, home to hundreds of monks, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Pudacuo National Park Pudacuo National Park is one of the first national parks in China to meet international standards. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, the park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine lakes, wetlands, forests, and meadows. Key attractions within the park include Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and the vast, undisturbed wilderness that is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna. Tiger Leaping Gorge Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world, is located about 60 kilometers from Shangri-La. The gorge is carved by the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze, and offers thrilling trekking opportunities. The dramatic scenery of steep cliffs, roaring rapids, and snow-capped peaks makes it a must-visit for adventure seekers. Napa Lake Napa Lake is a seasonal lake located about 8 kilometers from Shangri-La. Surrounded by mountains, the lake appears during the rainy season and turns into a lush grassland in the dry season, where you can witness yaks and horses grazing. The area is also a sanctuary for migratory birds, including the rare black-necked crane. Dukezong Ancient Town Dukezong Ancient Town is a well-preserved Tibetan town with a history of over 1,300 years. The town features traditional Tibetan architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and the largest prayer wheel in the world. Dukezong is a great place to explore local culture, enjoy Tibetan cuisine, and shop for traditional crafts. Local Culture Shangri-La is a region deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. The local population predominantly consists of Tibetan people, who practice Tibetan Buddhism and maintain traditional customs and festivals. Major festivals include the Tibetan New Year (Losar), the Horse Racing Festival, and the Gedong Festival, where you can experience colorful religious dances, horse racing, and other cultural events. The region is also known for its vibrant Tibetan art, including Thangka paintings, wood carvings, and intricate metalwork. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with local artisans and learn about the traditional techniques passed down through generations. Local Cuisine The cuisine in Shangri-La is heavily influenced by Tibetan and Yunnanese flavors. Key dishes to try include: Tibetan Yak Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan beverage made from tea, yak butter, and salt. It’s known for its unique taste and high energy content. Tsampa: A staple food made from roasted barley flour, often mixed with yak butter tea to form a dough. Yak Meat: A common ingredient in local dishes, yak meat is often stewed or grilled, and served with vegetables or rice. Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, similar to the Chinese jiaozi. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A Yunnan specialty featuring a variety of locally-sourced wild mushrooms cooked in a flavorful broth. Visitors should also explore local markets for fresh produce, Tibetan bread, and artisanal cheeses made from yak milk. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Shangri-La is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush and green. During this period, the region is also alive with festivals and cultural events. Altitude: Shangri-La is located at an altitude of about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). Visitors should be aware of the potential for altitude sickness and take it easy during the first few days of their visit. Getting There: Shangri-La can be reached by air via DiQing Shangri-La Airport, which has flights from major cities like Kunming, Chengdu, and Lhasa. There are also bus connections to Lijiang and Dali. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, many locals speak Tibetan. Having a translation app or a basic knowledge of Mandarin phrases can be helpful. Respect Local Customs: When visiting monasteries and other religious sites, dress modestly, remove your hat, and ask for permission before taking photographs. It’s also customary to walk clockwise around religious sites.

From the awesome 2016 animated movie Big Fish and Begonia, directed by Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun, produced by Chinese studio B&T (Breath & Touch) in BeiJing - get it on DVD or at Netflix. An English language cover by AirahTea ... Writer : Zhou Shen 周深 海浪无声将夜幕深深淹没 The waves silently drown out the falling of night 漫过天尽头的角落 Drifting to the outermost corner of the sky 大鱼在梦境的缝隙里游过 The big fish swims amongst the nooks and crannies of a dream world 凝望你沉睡的轮廓 Gazing Longingly at your sleeping figure 看天一色听风起雨落 Look at the sea and sky, listen to the wind and rain 执子手吹散苍茫茫烟波 Grasping your hand, the vast mist slowly disperses 大鱼的翅膀已经太辽阔 But the wings of the fish are already too vast 我松开时间绳索 I have no choice but to release the rope of time 怕你飞远去 I'm afraid you'll fly away 怕你离我而去 Fly very far away from me 更怕你永远停留在这里 Even more than that, I'm afraid you'll never leave this place 每一滴泪水都向你流淌去 Every tear I shed always flows back to you 倒流进天空的海底 Flowing backwards in time from the sky to the sea 海浪无声将夜幕深深淹没 The waves silently drown out the falling of night 漫过天空尽头的角落 Drifting to the outermost corner of the sky 大鱼在梦境的缝隙里游过 The big fish swims amongst the nooks and crannies of a dream world 凝望你沉睡的轮廓 Gazing Longingly at your sleeping figure 看海天一色听风起雨落 Look at the sea and sky, listen to the wind and rain 执子手吹散苍茫茫烟波 Grasping your hand, the vast mist slowly disperses 大鱼的翅膀已经太辽阔 But the wings of the fish are already too vast 我松开时间的绳索 I have no choice but to release the rope of time 看你飞远去 I watch you fly away from me 看你离我而去 Fly very far away from me 原来你生来就属于天际 It seems you belong to the stars and the skies 每一滴泪水都向你流淌去 Every tear I shed always flows back to you 倒流回最初的相遇 Flowing back in time to the very first moment I saw you 倒流回最初的相遇 Flowing back in time to the very first moment I saw you AirahTea's translation : As the night begins, the sea takes quietly All the silent darkness of the sky. In my dream I see the fish swim gracefully, Gone as soon the sun begins to rise. Hear the rising wind. See the falling rain. Take my hand and I'll wash away the pain. Spread your wings, my dear. Don't be scared to grow. It is time for me to let you go. I am scared to see you fly far from me. But I fear even more if you stay here. All the pain I feel, every tear that I cry Flows reversed from the sea to the sky. As the night begins, the sea takes quietly All the silent darkness of the sky. In my dream I see the fish swim gracefully, Gone as soon the sun begins to rise. Hear the rising wind. See the falling rain. Take my hand and I'll wash away the pain. Spread your wings, my dear. Don't be scared to grow. It is time for me to let you go. As I see you fly, leaving me here behind. I could see, you were never mine to keep. All the pain I feel, every tear that I cry Flows reversed to when we said goodbye.

Surprisingly beautiful ...

With Cyrus Jannsen ... With Lee Barrett ... Bonus film, with RT America ...

With Wei's Travel ...