The temples and natural landscape around Mount EMei 峨嵋山 and LeShan Giant Buddha 乐山大佛

Pu'Er lies in south YunNan province, south China, not far from the borders with Myanmar and Laos, and is home to a number of ethnic groups. This area is rich in vegetation and wildlife. Pu'Er gives its name to a popular variety of fermented, aged, dark tea with a strong, earthy flavor. Pu'Er is about a four to five hours' drive from the provincial capital, KunMing.

With Bruce Connolly ...

Plus - TianHe Lake ... Plus - a secret stone forest ...

HǎiKǒu, known as the 'Coconut City', is the capital of semi-tropical HaiNan province in south China; a port city on the island's north coast, facing the mainland.

With Our Travel Journal ... ZhuJiaJiao Ancient Water Town Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of ZhuJiaJiao ZhuJiaJiao, often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai," is an ancient water town located about 47 kilometers from the bustling center of Shanghai. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, this charming town is known for its picturesque canals, traditional Chinese architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. It was established during the Three Kingdoms Period and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties as a vital trading hub. Top Attractions in ZhuJiaJiao 1. Fangsheng Bridge The Fangsheng Bridge, built in 1571, is one of the most iconic landmarks in ZhuJiaJiao. It is the longest, largest, and tallest stone bridge in the town, offering stunning views of the water town's canals and ancient buildings. 2. Kezhi Garden This classical Chinese garden features intricate rockeries, tranquil ponds, and traditional pavilions. Originally built in 1912, Kezhi Garden showcases the beauty of Chinese landscaping and architecture. 3. Qing Dynasty Post Office Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, this ancient post office is the oldest in eastern China. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the postal history of China and houses a collection of old letters and postcards. 4. Great North Street Great North Street is the main commercial street of ZhuJiaJiao, lined with quaint shops, tea houses, and traditional residences. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and taste delicious street food. Activities to Enjoy 1. Boat Rides Take a traditional wooden boat ride through the canals of ZhuJiaJiao for a unique perspective of the town's historic architecture and scenic views. The boat rides are a relaxing way to explore the waterways. 2. Walking Tours Stroll along the ancient streets and alleys, explore hidden courtyards, and admire the well-preserved ancient architecture. Walking tours are the best way to immerse yourself in the charm of ZhuJiaJiao. 3. Tea Tasting Visit one of the many tea houses along the canals to experience traditional Chinese tea culture. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while overlooking the serene waterways. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Zongzi (Rice Dumplings) ZhuJiaJiao is famous for its zongzi, a traditional Chinese food made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, typically filled with red bean paste or meat. 2. Steamed Pork Dumplings These delicious dumplings are a must-try in ZhuJiaJiao. They are steamed to perfection and filled with savory pork and a touch of soup. 3. Lotus Root Snacks A local delicacy, these crunchy lotus root snacks are sweet, sticky, and coated with honey. They make for a perfect snack while exploring the town. How to Get There By Bus Take the Huzhu Express Line from Shanghai Stadium, which takes about 1 hour to reach ZhuJiaJiao. Buses run frequently throughout the day. By Car ZhuJiaJiao is approximately a 1-hour drive from downtown Shanghai. You can either hire a private car or take a taxi for a more comfortable journey. By Metro Take Line 17 of the Shanghai Metro and get off at ZhuJiaJiao Station. From the station, it's a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk to the water town. Travel Tips for ZhuJiaJiao Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring on foot and navigating cobblestone streets. Bring cash, as many of the smaller shops and food stalls may not accept credit cards. Don't forget your camera to capture the picturesque views of canals, bridges, and ancient architecture.

With Walk East ... With Walk China ...

September 31st, 2010.

Great Wall of China Tour This itinerary takes you on a comprehensive journey along the Great Wall of China, starting from the western end in Jiayuguan and ending at the eastern end in Qinhuangdao. Week 1: Western End - Jiayuguan and Dunhuang Begin your journey at the western end of the Great Wall in Jiayuguan, Gansu Province. Explore the Jiayuguan Fort, an ancient military stronghold at the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Visit the nearby Overhanging Great Wall and the First Beacon Tower to experience the rugged beauty of the western desert landscape. Travel to Dunhuang to visit the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake oasis, and learn about the Silk Road history of the region. Week 2: Central Section - Shanxi and Hebei Travel eastward to Shanxi Province to explore sections of the Great Wall at locations like Datong and Yanmenguan. Visit the Hanging Temple of Datong and the Yungang Grottoes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their ancient Buddhist art and architecture. Continue to Hebei Province to visit iconic sections of the Great Wall such as Jinshanling and Simatai, known for their scenic beauty and well-preserved architecture. Week 3: Beijing and Surroundings Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, and explore the famous Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall. Visit other historical and cultural attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. Take day trips to lesser-known sections of the Great Wall, such as Huanghuacheng and Jiankou, for a more secluded experience. Week 4: Eastern End - Liaoning and Hebei Travel northeast to Liaoning Province to visit sections of the Great Wall at locations like Shanhaiguan and Jinzhou. Explore the Old Dragon's Head, where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, and visit the nearby Shanhaiguan Pass, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." Return to Hebei Province to visit the eastern terminus of the Great Wall at Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) in Qinhuangdao.

With Travel with Fawn ... Welcome to Mount Siguniang Discover the majestic beauty and adventure of Mount Siguniang. Introduction Mount Siguniang, also known as Four Sisters Mountain, is a scenic mountain range located in Sichuan Province, China. It is renowned for its stunning peaks, diverse wildlife, and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. Location Mount Siguniang is situated in Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is approximately 220 kilometers west of Chengdu, the provincial capital. History Mount Siguniang has long been regarded as a sacred place by the local Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups. The name "Siguniang" translates to "Four Sisters," referring to the four distinct peaks in the mountain range. Over the years, the area has become a significant site for both cultural heritage and ecological conservation. Attractions Four Peaks: The mountain range features four prominent peaks: DaFeng (Big Peak), ErFeng (Second Peak), SanFeng (Third Peak), and Yaomei Feng (Youngest Sister Peak), the highest being Yaomei Feng at 6,250 meters. Shuangqiao Valley: Known for its beautiful forests, meadows, and streams, offering an accessible and scenic hiking experience. Changping Valley: Famous for its dense forests, alpine meadows, and views of snow-capped peaks, ideal for trekking and photography. Haizi Valley: Features glacial lakes, diverse flora, and stunning vistas, perfect for longer and more challenging hikes. Bipenggou Nature Reserve: A neighboring reserve known for its pristine landscapes and biodiversity. Activities Hiking and Trekking Mountain Climbing Camping Photography Wildlife Watching Cultural Tours Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Accommodations (Hotels, Guesthouses) Camping Sites Food Stalls and Restaurants Parking Lots Guided Tour Services Visitor Tips Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and mountain conditions. Bring sufficient water and snacks, especially for longer treks. Check weather conditions and plan your visit accordingly. Acclimatize to the altitude gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Tibetan cultural sites. Follow all park regulations and guidelines to preserve the natural environment.