We Love ShangHai 上海

North XinJiang province, including Kanas Lake. Awesome ! With Hogin Chen ...

With Barrett ... With Ben Norton ...

With Chinese Street View ...

Welcome to Beijing! Discover the vibrant capital city of China, where ancient history meets modernity. Beijing, with its rich heritage, iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and bustling streets, promises an unforgettable journey. About Beijing Beijing, also known as Peking, is the political, cultural, and educational center of China. As one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, Beijing has been the heart of Chinese history for centuries. Key features of Beijing include its historic hutongs (narrow alleys), ancient palaces, and temples alongside modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. The city is renowned for its role in Chinese history, serving as the capital of several dynasties. Top Attractions Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Explore the largest imperial palace complex in the world, with over 9,000 rooms filled with treasures and historical artifacts. Great Wall of China: Visit iconic sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling for stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Tiananmen Square: Discover the heart of Beijing and witness the monumental Tiananmen Gate, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China. Temple of Heaven: Experience the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Summer Palace: Wander through lush gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake at this UNESCO-listed royal retreat. Hutong Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through traditional hutongs to see local life and visit courtyard homes. 798 Art District: Explore Beijing's contemporary art scene in a former factory complex filled with galleries, studios, and cafes. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple): Admire the impressive Tibetan-style architecture and giant Buddha statue at this active Buddhist temple. National Museum of China: Learn about Chinese history, art, and culture through extensive exhibitions. Culture and History Beijing is steeped in cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into China's ancient traditions and customs. Peking Opera: Attend a live performance of this traditional art form known for its colorful costumes, music, and storytelling. Chinese Tea Culture: Visit tea houses to sample different teas and participate in tea ceremonies. Imperial Architecture: Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Traditional Festivals: Experience festive celebrations during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Beijing Cuisine: Indulge in local specialties such as Peking duck, hotpot, dumplings, and street food delicacies. Dining in Beijing Beijing offers a diverse culinary landscape, from gourmet dining to street-side snacks. Peking Duck: Savor the crispy-skinned duck at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong. Street Food: Explore Wangfujing Snack Street for a variety of local snacks, skewers, and sweets. Hutong Restaurants: Dine in historic courtyard homes serving homestyle Beijing cuisine. Hotpot: Enjoy interactive dining with a bubbling pot of broth and fresh ingredients. Dumplings and Noodles: Try handmade jiaozi (dumplings) and la mian (hand-pulled noodles) in bustling noodle shops. Teahouses: Relax in traditional teahouses and sample regional teas paired with snacks. Shopping in Beijing Discover unique souvenirs, antiques, and modern goods in Beijing's vibrant shopping districts. Silk Market: Bargain for silk products, clothing, and accessories at this bustling market. Wangfujing Street: Shop for international brands, local goods, and Beijing-style snacks. Panjiayuan Antique Market: Browse through a vast array of antiques, ceramics, and curios. Hongqiao Pearl Market: Find pearls, jewelry, and electronics at competitive prices. Dashilar Street: Explore historic Dashilar alley for traditional handicrafts and nostalgic items. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases; use translation apps for communication. Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY); major credit cards accepted in tourist areas. Transportation: Navigate the city with the extensive subway system, buses, taxis, and ridesharing apps. Accommodation: Choose from luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, or budget-friendly hostels. Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as using both hands to receive items and addressing people with courtesy. Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. Internet Access: Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data; free Wi-Fi available in many public places. Health and Hygiene: Carry bottled water and practice good hygiene; be aware of air quality during winter. Enjoy Your Journey in Beijing! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating experiences that Beijing has to offer. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks or indulging in local cuisine, Beijing promises an unforgettable journey that will leave lasting memories.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee in conversation with Dr. William Li ...

With Wei's Travel ... Visitor Guide to QingXi Ancient Water Town Getting There From ShangHai: Metro Line 8 (Jiangyue Road Station) - Jiangwu Line/Jiangwu Line Section, after 18 stations, arrive at Qingcun By Train: Take a high-speed train from ShangHai Hongqiao Railway Station to Kunshan South Railway Station. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes. From Kunshan, you can take a taxi or local bus to QingXi Ancient Water Town. By Bus: There are direct buses from ShangHai to Kunshan. The bus journey takes around 1-1.5 hours. By Car: If you prefer to drive, the trip from ShangHai to QingXi takes approximately 1-1.5 hours via the G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. Entrance and Tickets Entrance Fee: Entrance to the water town is generally free, but certain attractions and museums within the town may charge a small fee. Opening Hours: The town is open to visitors all day, but specific attractions and shops usually operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attractions and Activities Waterways and Bridges Boating Tours: Take a traditional gondola ride along the scenic waterways. The boat tours offer a unique perspective of the town’s ancient bridges, historic buildings, and daily life along the canals. Historic Bridges: QingXi boasts numerous ancient stone bridges, each with its own history and architectural style. Notable ones include the Taiping Bridge and Zhenfeng Bridge. Historic Architecture Traditional Houses: Stroll through the town's narrow lanes and admire the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses. Many of these houses have distinctive white walls, black tiles, and wooden carvings. Old Town Square: The central square often hosts traditional performances, markets, and cultural events, giving you a taste of local life and traditions. Cultural and Historical Sites QingXi Ancient Academy: Visit this historic educational institution to learn about the town's academic heritage and traditional Chinese education. Temples and Shrines: Explore local temples and shrines, such as the QingXi Temple, to experience the town's spiritual side and admire religious architecture. Museums and Exhibitions Folk Custom Museum: This museum showcases local crafts, traditional costumes, and cultural artifacts, providing insights into the daily lives and customs of the town’s residents. Silk Museum: Learn about the region's rich history of silk production, including traditional silk weaving techniques and displays of exquisite silk products. Dining and Local Specialties Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants offering local delicacies. Freshwater fish, shrimp, and crabs are popular choices. Local Snacks: Try traditional snacks like Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), Osmanthus cake, and hand-pulled noodles. Street vendors and small eateries throughout the town offer these treats. Tea Houses: Relax in a traditional tea house, sipping on local teas and enjoying the serene water town atmosphere. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Browse the numerous shops selling local handicrafts, silk products, and traditional clothing. These make great souvenirs and gifts. Antique Markets: Explore antique shops and markets where you can find unique items such as vintage coins, pottery, and old books. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit QingXi are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if visiting during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Conclusion QingXi Ancient Water Town offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle of ShangHai, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture, QingXi is a destination that promises a memorable and enriching experience.

KunMing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园 Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán): Zoo with a variety of animals, shows, and educational programs. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 Yúnnán Mínzú Cūn): Cultural theme park with ethnic minority exhibits, performances, and crafts. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Yunnan Museum of Minority Nationalities (云南民族博物馆 Yúnnán Mínzú Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's ethnic minorities, cultures, and traditions. Yunnan Railway Museum (云南铁路博物馆 Yúnnán Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's railway history, technology, and artifacts. Yuantong Temple (圆通寺 Yuántōng Sì): Buddhist temple with historic buildings, gardens, and statues. Yunnan Wild Animal Park (云南野生动物园 Yúnnán Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán): Safari park with a variety of animals, shows, and interactive experiences. Haigeng Park (海埂公园 Hǎigěng Gōngyuán): Park with lakes, gardens, and scenic spots. Kunming Botanical Garden (昆明植物园 Kūnmíng Zhíwùyuán): Botanical garden with diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and walking trails. Kunming World Horticulture Expo Garden (昆明世博园 Kūnmíng Shìbóyuán): Garden with themed areas, pavilions, and horticultural displays. Western Hills Forest Reserve (西山森林公园 Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with hiking trails, temples, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Grand View Park (昆明大观楼 Kūnmíng Dàguān Lóu): Park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and viewpoints. Yunnan Nationalities Museum (云南省民族博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Mínzú Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's ethnic minorities, history, and cultures. Kunming Stone Forest Geological Park (昆明石林风景区 Kūnmíng Shílín Fēngjǐngqū): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and trails. Golden Temple Park (金殿公园 Jīndiàn Gōngyuán): Park with a Taoist temple, gardens, and scenic landscapes. Yunnan Military Academy Museum (云南陆军讲武堂博物馆 Yúnnán Lùjūn Jiǎngwǔtáng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's military history, uniforms, and weapons. Kunming Daguan Park (昆明大观公园 Kūnmíng Dàguān Gōngyuán): Park with lakes, pavilions, and traditional Chinese architecture. Yunnan Nationalities University (云南民族大学 Yúnnán Mínzú Dàxué): University campus with architectural features, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园 Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán): Zoo with a variety of animals, shows, and educational programs. KunMing: 30 More Places to Visit Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Yuantong Mountain (圆通山 Yuántōng Shān): Scenic mountain with temples, pagodas, and hiking trails. Kunming Golden Temple (昆明金殿 Kūnmíng Jīndiàn): Taoist temple with a golden pavilion, gardens, and cultural exhibits. Yunnan Railway Museum (云南铁路博物馆 Yúnnán Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's railway history, technology, and artifacts. Kunming Western Hills Forest Reserve (昆明西山森林公园 Kūnmíng Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with temples, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场 Kūnmíng Huāniǎo Shìchǎng): Market with flowers, birds, pets, and gardening supplies. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Kunming World Horticulture Expo Garden (昆明世博园 Kūnmíng Shìbóyuán): Garden with themed areas, pavilions, and horticultural displays. Stone Forest (石林 Shílín): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and hiking trails. Yunnan University (云南大学 Yúnnán Dàxué): University campus with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Dragon Gate (西山龙门 Xīshān Lóngmén): Taoist temple complex with sculptures, caves, and panoramic views. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Kunming Cuihu Park (昆明翠湖公园 Kūnmíng Cuìhú Gōngyuán): Park with a lake, pavilions, and walking paths. Kunming Confucius Temple (昆明文庙 Kūnmíng Wénmiào): Confucian temple with historic architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Yuantong Temple (圆通寺 Yuántōng Sì): Buddhist temple with historic buildings, gardens, and statues. Kunming Grand View Park (昆明大观楼 Kūnmíng Dàguān Lóu): Park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and viewpoints. Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场 Kūnmíng Huāniǎo Shìchǎng): Market with flowers, birds, pets, and gardening supplies. Yunnan Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Kunming Western Hills Forest Reserve (昆明西山森林公园 Kūnmíng Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with temples, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Dragon Gate (西山龙门 Xīshān Lóngmén): Taoist temple complex with sculptures, caves, and panoramic views. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 Yúnnán Mínzú Cūn): Cultural theme park with ethnic minority exhibits, performances, and crafts. Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Kunming Golden Temple (昆明金殿 Kūnmíng Jīndiàn): Taoist temple with a golden pavilion, gardens, and cultural exhibits. Yunnan Nationalities University (云南民族大学 Yúnnán Mínzú Dàxué): University campus with architectural features, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Cuihu Park (昆明翠湖公园 Kūnmíng Cuìhú Gōngyuán): Park with a lake, pavilions, and walking paths. Kunming Confucius Temple (昆明文庙 Kūnmíng Wénmiào): Confucian temple with historic architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Stone Forest (石林 Shílín): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and hiking trails.

A talk by Eric X. Li ...