The Three Pagodas of ChongSheng Temple 崇圣寺三塔, DaLi, YunNan

China's ancient capital - a 3,600 year-old yet modern city in HeNan province. With Walk East ...

Creative, talented and visionary expats in China. A special documentary series with CCTV English. Inspiring stories of overseas people making their life in China ... * Preserving the Chinese language * 'Gemini' - French / Chinese pop couple * Innovative t-shirt designer * Cross-cultural architect * Martial arts and calligraphy * Wind power engineer * TianJin city guide magazine publisher and the 'Beijing Beatles' * Engineering manager * The 'Sound Guy' * Restaurant management * Creative art installations * Children's photographer * English teacher * International chef * 'Tribal Fusion' dance

With Rafa Goes Around! ... Self driving cars / taxis ... Bonus film - after dark, party time in China ... Bonus film 2 - BeiJing's new DaXing mega airport - with Walk East ...

Best photography, best battery life and super-fast charging ... Bonus film, with Nathan Rich :

With See World ... The landscape around GuiLin and the Li River is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring unique karst formations, lush greenery, and picturesque waterways. This area, often celebrated in Chinese art and poetry, offers some of the most iconic scenery in China. Here are the key highlights of this beautiful region: ### Karst Mountains 1. **Unique Karst Topography**: The landscape is dominated by karst mountains, which are characterized by their steep, rugged limestone peaks. These formations were created by millions of years of erosion, resulting in a landscape that appears almost otherworldly. 2. **Famous Peaks**: Notable peaks include Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like an elephant drinking water, and Fubo Hill, which offers panoramic views of Guilin city and the surrounding countryside. ### The Li River 3. **Li River Cruise**: The Li River (LiJiang) is famed for its breathtaking scenery. A popular activity is taking a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The cruise passes by some of the most picturesque landscapes, including towering karst peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. 4. **Scenic Highlights**: Key scenic spots along the river include the Nine Horse Fresco Hill, which resembles a mural of nine horses, and the Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal, which is famously depicted on the 20 yuan banknote. ### YangShuo 5. **Yangshuo Town**: Yangshuo, a small town located at the end of the Li River cruise, is surrounded by karst mountains and is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and hiking. 6. **West Street**: Known as the oldest street in Yangshuo, West Street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences. ### Outdoor Activities 7. **Cycling and Hiking**: The countryside around Guilin and Yangshuo is ideal for cycling and hiking. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty up close by biking through rice paddies, along the river, and into the mountains. 8. **Rock Climbing**: The karst formations provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Yangshuo has become a hotspot for climbers from around the world. ### Rivers and Caves 9. **Yulong River**: A tributary of the Li River, the Yulong River is less crowded and offers serene, beautiful views. Rafting on bamboo rafts is a popular way to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. 10. **Caves**: The region is home to numerous caves, such as Reed Flute Cave and Silver Cave, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights. ### Cultural Heritage 11. **Traditional Villages**: Alongside the natural beauty, the area is dotted with traditional villages where visitors can experience the local culture, architecture, and way of life. 12. **Impression Sanjie Liu**: An outdoor night show directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the backdrop of the Li River and the karst mountains. It features traditional songs and dances performed by local villagers and fishermen. ### Eco-Tourism 13. **Sustainability Efforts**: There is a growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region while providing meaningful experiences for visitors. ### Conclusion The landscape around Guilin and the Li River is a masterpiece of nature, with its dramatic karst mountains, verdant valleys, and clear waters. This region offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in China. Whether cruising down the Li River, exploring caves, or cycling through the countryside, visitors are sure to be captivated by the serene and majestic beauty of Guilin and its surroundings.

With Expat Natt ...

With Ian Louis ... With Seiu Travel ... Visitor Guide to TaiHe River, TianJin Overview The TaiHe River, located in TianJin, is a picturesque waterway that offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Known for its serene landscapes and historical significance, the TaiHe River is a must-visit destination for those exploring TianJin. Getting There By Air: TianJin Binhai International Airport (TSN) is the nearest airport, located about 20 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus to reach the TaiHe River area. By Train: TianJin Railway Station and TianJin West Railway Station offer convenient access to the city from major destinations across China. From the stations, you can take local transport to reach the river. By Bus: Long-distance buses from nearby cities and provinces also provide access to TianJin. The main bus stations in TianJin are TianJin Coach Terminal and TianJin West Coach Station. Getting Around Public Transport: TianJin has an extensive public transport network, including buses and a metro system, making it easy to navigate the city and reach the TaiHe River. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also widely used. Biking: Bike-sharing services provide a convenient way to explore the riverbanks and surrounding areas. Main Attractions Scenic Walkways The TaiHe River features well-maintained walkways along its banks, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding greenery. It's an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, jogging, or simply relaxing by the river. Historical Bridges The river is spanned by several historical bridges, each with its own unique architecture and history. These bridges provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the engineering marvels of the past. Riverside Parks Several parks are located along the TaiHe River, including TaiHe Park and Haihe Cultural Square. These parks offer lush green spaces, recreational facilities, and picturesque spots for picnics and relaxation. Boat Rides Boat rides on the TaiHe River provide a unique perspective of the city and its landmarks. You can choose from various types of boats, including traditional wooden boats and modern yachts, to explore the river. Night View The TaiHe River is especially beautiful at night, when the bridges and buildings along the river are illuminated. A night cruise offers a magical experience, with the city's lights reflecting on the water. Local Cuisine While visiting the TaiHe River, you can enjoy a variety of local and regional dishes. Here are some recommendations: Goubuli Baozi: TianJin's famous steamed buns, known for their delicate flavor and intricate folds. Erduoyan Zhagao: A traditional TianJin snack made of glutinous rice and red bean paste, fried to perfection. Jianbing: A popular Chinese street food, similar to a savory crepe, filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, and crispy wonton strips. Shopping Ancient Culture Street: A vibrant pedestrian street offering traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs. BinJiang Dao Commercial Street: A modern shopping area with a wide range of international and local brands, perfect for a shopping spree. HePing Lu Shopping District: Known for its department stores and specialty shops, this district is a shopper's paradise. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: TianJin has several high-end hotels offering excellent amenities and services, such as the Ritz-Carlton TianJin and the St. Regis TianJin. Mid-Range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range options providing comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices, including international chains like Marriott and local boutique hotels. Budget Accommodations: Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels throughout the city. Historical Background of TaiHe River The TaiHe River, also known as the "Peace River," has played a significant role in the history and development of TianJin. The river has been a vital waterway for trade, transportation, and cultural exchange for centuries. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the TaiHe River was an essential part of the Grand Canal, facilitating the movement of goods and people between northern and southern China. The river's strategic location contributed to TianJin's growth as a major commercial and trading hub. In modern times, the TaiHe River has become a focal point for urban development and tourism. Efforts to beautify and preserve the river have made it a popular destination for both locals and visitors, blending the city's rich history with its vibrant present. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the TaiHe River are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. Bring a hat and sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting cultural and historical sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: The TaiHe River offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Plan your visit to include both leisurely activities and sightseeing to fully appreciate the area's offerings. Conclusion The TaiHe River in TianJin, with its scenic walkways, historical bridges, and vibrant parks, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, enjoying a boat ride, or exploring the city's rich history, the TaiHe River provides a serene and memorable escape. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your time in this picturesque and historically significant area of TianJin.

With Seiu Travel ... 🌹 Yongding Gate Yongding Gate was the south gate of the outer city of Beijing's old city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the highest-regulated and largest of the seven gates in Beijing's outer city Unfortunately, the original gate was demolished in 1957, and what we see now is the rebuilt one in 2004. 🌹 Temple of Heaven and Altar of the God of Agriculture The Temple of Heaven and the Altar of the God of Agriculture are located on both sides of the central axis, showing east-west symmetry. The Temple of Heaven is the largest and most complete existing royal worship building complex in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: http://www.tiantanpark.com/english/ The Altar of Agriculture is the largest existing royal place for worshipping the God of Agriculture in China. It is now converted into a museum of ancient Chinese architecture. Official website: http://www.bjgjg.com 🌹 Zhengyang Gate Zhengyang Gate, commonly known as the "front gate", is the south gate of the inner city of Beijing's old city, located on the south side of Tian‘anmen Square. Zhengyang Gate integrates defense, urban management and ceremonial functions and is known as the "first of the nine gates". 🌹 Tian’anmen Square and Buildings Tian‘anmen Square and buildings are composed of the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Official website: http://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn 🌹 Outer Jinshui Bridge The Outer Jinshui Bridge is located in front of the Tian’anmen Tower. It was the only way from the imperial city to the southern suburbs for sacrifice (Temple of Heaven, Xiannongtan) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the ceremonial space for major celebrations today. 🌹 Tiananmen Gatetower Tiananmen Gatetower was the main gate of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its platform was connected to the imperial city wall, together forming the southern boundary of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Gatetower was the place where imperial edicts were issued in the Ming and Qing dynasties and major state events were held in modern times. 🌹 Duan Gate Duan Gate is located on the south side of the Forbidden City, between Wu Gate and Tiananmen Gatetower, and is part of the court space. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Duan Gate was the place where the emperor's ceremonial supplies were stored. 🌹 Forbidden City The Forbidden City was the palace city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an outstanding example of Chinese royal palace architecture and is located at the center of the central axis. Official website: https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en 🌹 Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain The Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain are the ideal capital planning model of "left ancestor and right community", and are located on the east and west sides of the Forbidden City. The Imperial Ancestral Temple, now the Working People's Cultural Palace, was the royal ancestral temple of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: https://www.bjwhg.com.cn Altar of Land and Grain, now Zhongshan Park, is the most complete ancient royal altar in China for worshiping Taishe (land) and Taiji (grain). Official website: https://www.zhongshan-park.cn 🌹 Jingshan Hill Jingshan Mountain is the commanding height and important landscape node on the central axis of Beijing. Official website: http://www.bjjspark.com/index.jhtml 🌹 Wanning Bridge Wanning Bridge is the oldest bridge on the central axis of Beijing. It is an important water channel in the upper reaches of Tonghui River in the capital of the Yuan Dynasty. It is also a physical object for studying the canal transportation in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty. 🌹 Bell and Drum Tower The Bell and Drum Tower, which was responsible for the city's timekeeping and time reporting functions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, was an important urban management facility. 00:00:00 Highlights 00:01:09 Yongding Gate - the southern gate of Beijing's old city 00:03:42 Remains of the road in the southern section of Beijing's central axis 00:05:26 Temple of Heaven - a place for offering sacrifices to heaven 00:28:18 Altar of Agriculture - a place for offering sacrifices to the god of agriculture 00:36:09 Zhengyang Gate and Qianmen Street 00:41:49 Tian‘anmen Square and buildings 00:49:09 Forbidden City 01:12:52 Imperial Ancestral Temple - a place for offering sacrifices to royal ancestors 01:16:27 Altar of Land and Grain - a place for offering sacrifices to the land and grains 01:20:38 Jingshan 01:29:05Wanning Bridge 01:32:28 Bell and Drum Tower - the northernmost end of the central axis

With Sherendev ...