The temples and beauty of FanJingShan 梵净山, GuiZhou

With Lincoln's Travel ...

With Lemmino ... With DeepMind - human (Korean Lee Sedol, Go Champion, with 18 World Titles) vs. AI, in the ancient Chinese board game of Go. How AI can help find things humans have missed, and what about when AI becomes smarter than us ...

In the late afternoon ...

YT comment : "I hope haters could put down their bias for a while, and try to understand how Chinese people value their families, value their communities, their societies, and understand the connection between these traits and the achievement that China has made." With 歪果仁研究协会 YChina / Raz Galor ... Bonus film (fun in GuangZhou) ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... ZhangJiaJie, located in HuNan province, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and deep ravines. It gained international fame as the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar." This guide provides an in-depth look at the best attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Zhangjiajie. Top Attractions Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is the primary attraction. It is famous for its quartz-sandstone pillars, some of which reach over 200 meters in height. Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: This iconic peak was renamed after the film "Avatar" and is one of the most photographed spots in the park. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Home to stunning vistas and the First Bridge Under Heaven, a natural rock bridge. Golden Whip Stream: A beautiful, serene area ideal for hiking, featuring crystal-clear streams and lush vegetation. Tianmen Mountain Tianmen Mountain is another must-see attraction, known for its dramatic scenery and thrilling experiences. Glass Skywalk: A transparent walkway that clings to the side of the mountain, offering vertigo-inducing views. Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate): A massive natural arch in the mountain, accessible via a long staircase. Tianmen Mountain Cableway: One of the longest cable car rides in the world, providing stunning aerial views. Baofeng Lake Baofeng Lake offers tranquil boat rides surrounded by stunning karst scenery. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Yellow Dragon Cave Yellow Dragon Cave is a vast karst cave system featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. It is known for its grand chambers and intricate rock formations. Geology of Zhangjiajie The unique geology of Zhangjiajie is what makes it so stunning. The area is characterized by its towering quartz-sandstone pillars that were formed through a combination of geological processes over millions of years. The region was once submerged under an ancient ocean, and over time, the uplift and erosion sculpted these dramatic formations. The pillars are a result of physical weathering, primarily caused by wind, frost, and the growth of plant roots, which break down the rock. The unique climate and vegetation of the area have also contributed to the landscape's current form. Touring the Park Planning Your Visit To make the most of your visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, it’s important to plan your route and time your visits to avoid the crowds. A typical visit to the park can take 2-3 days to cover the main highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Morning: Start early at the park's main entrance. Take the shuttle bus to the Yellow Stone Village area. Spend the morning exploring the trails and enjoying the panoramic views. Afternoon: Head to Golden Whip Stream for a peaceful hike along the stream. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for all ages. Day 2: Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain Morning: Take the park shuttle bus to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Explore the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge Under Heaven. Afternoon: Continue to Tianzi Mountain for more spectacular views. Take the cable car down for a different perspective. Day 3: Tianmen Mountain Morning: Take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from Zhangjiajie City to the top of the mountain. Walk along the Glass Skywalk for thrilling views. Afternoon: Visit Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate). Descend via the 999 steps or take the escalator. Activities and Experiences Hiking Zhangjiajie offers numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. Popular hikes include the Golden Whip Stream trail and the various paths around Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Photography The unique landscapes of Zhangjiajie provide endless opportunities for photography. Key spots include the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the Glass Skywalk, and the views from the Tianmen Mountain cable car. Local Cuisine Try local Hunan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of chili peppers. Signature dishes include spicy fish head, fried rice noodles, and various stir-fried meats and vegetables. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit The best times to visit Zhangjiajie are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer tourists and a different but beautiful snowy landscape. Getting There Zhangjiajie is accessible by train, bus, and air. The Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport has flights from major Chinese cities. There are also direct trains and buses from Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. Accommodation There are numerous accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Staying in Wulingyuan Town provides easy access to the national park, while Zhangjiajie City offers more amenities and is closer to Tianmen Mountain. Tickets and Passes Purchase tickets for the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, online or at the entrance. Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to explore the area thoroughly. Separate tickets are required for Tianmen Mountain and other attractions. Guides and Tours Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience, providing insights into the area's history, culture, and natural features. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, tickets, and guided tours.

If Afghans are starving, it's not because of the Taliban; it's because of Western sanctions; disinfo / crocodile tears ...

With Wei's Travel ... ShangHai can be considered a 'garden city' due to its extensive green spaces, parks, and efforts to integrate nature within its urban environment. Here are some key aspects that contribute to this : ### Extensive Green Spaces and Parks 1. **Large Urban Parks**: Shanghai is home to numerous large parks such as Century Park, Gongqing Forest Park, and Shanghai Botanical Garden. These parks provide significant green spaces within the city and offer residents and visitors places to relax and enjoy nature. 2. **Green Belt**: The city has developed green belts and corridors that integrate natural elements into the urban landscape, helping to connect different green spaces and providing continuous natural areas for walking, cycling, and leisure. ### Historical and Traditional Gardens 3. **Traditional Chinese Gardens**: Shanghai boasts several well-preserved traditional Chinese gardens, such as Yu Garden (YuYuan), which exemplify classical Chinese garden design with ponds, rockeries, pavilions, and intricate landscaping. These gardens reflect the city's historical commitment to integrating nature with urban living. ### Urban Greening Initiatives 4. **Street Landscaping**: Many of Shanghai's streets are lined with trees, flowers, and shrubs, contributing to a greener urban environment. The city has invested in extensive landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of its streets and boulevards. 5. **Vertical Gardens and Green Roofs**: Shanghai has embraced innovative urban greening techniques such as vertical gardens and green roofs on buildings. These initiatives help to increase the amount of greenery in densely populated urban areas and contribute to better air quality and urban biodiversity. ### Green Urban Planning 6. **Sustainable Development**: Shanghai's urban planning policies emphasize sustainable development and the creation of eco-friendly urban spaces. This includes the development of eco-districts and the incorporation of green spaces into new residential and commercial developments. 7. **Waterfront Revitalization**: The revitalization of waterfront areas along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek has included the creation of green promenades, parks, and recreational areas that provide residents with access to nature and enhance the city's overall green infrastructure. ### Community and Public Engagement 8. **Public Involvement**: The city encourages public participation in maintaining and developing green spaces through community gardens and public involvement initiatives. This engagement helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the city's natural environments. ### Environmental Conservation 9. **Biodiversity Conservation**: Efforts to preserve and enhance biodiversity within the city, such as the creation of urban wildlife habitats and conservation areas, contribute to Shanghai's identity as a garden city. ### Seasonal Flower Displays 10. **Flower Festivals and Displays**: Shanghai hosts various flower festivals and seasonal floral displays that enhance the city's visual appeal and celebrate its botanical diversity. These events attract tourists and residents alike, further emphasizing the city's green character. ### Conclusion Shanghai's commitment to integrating green spaces and nature into its urban environment through parks, traditional gardens, innovative greening techniques, and sustainable urban planning practices helps to position it as a 'garden city.' These efforts not only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the well-being of its residents and the sustainability of its urban ecosystem.

Only begun in 1995, the Shanghai metro now has 12 lines with 268 stations over 420km. Already the world's longest metro system, by 2020 it will double in size to comprise 22 lines with a total length of 877 km.

Awesome traditional craft skills; beautiful. With XiaoXi's Culinary Idyll 我们的小喜 ...