YaNoDa 呀诺达 RainForest Park Scenic Area, HaiNan

Meet the new boss (puppet); Same as the old boss (puppet). Don't get fooled again ! Hegemony and colonialism - nothing really changed - so let's see it for what it is. It is not going to go away until we all stand up to stop this evil. See behind the smokescreen / curtain / narrative ...

With Raz / YChina ...

With CCTV (China Central TV) in Xi'An. Spectacular ...

HuNan province. FengHuang is an ancient water town based on a river. The WuLingYuan scenic area within ZhangJiaJie is also a nature reserve. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

With China Road Tales ... The Stone Village of the NaXi people, located in YunNan Province, China, is a remarkable destination that offers a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the NaXi ethnic minority. Here’s a detailed look at this fascinating village: ### Location and Overview - **Location**: The Stone Village, also known as ShiZhiShu Village, is situated in the YuLong Naxi Autonomous County in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, near the town of Lijiang. - **Geography**: Nestled in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (YuLong XueShan), the village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and clear streams. ### NaXi Culture and Heritage - **Ethnic Group**: The NaXi people are one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, with a rich cultural heritage that blends elements of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and other neighboring cultures. - **Language**: The NaXi language, belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family, is still spoken by many villagers. The NaXi also have a unique pictographic script called Dongba, used primarily for religious texts. - **Matriarchal Society**: Historically, the NaXi society was matrilineal, with property and family names passed down through the female line. ### Architecture - **Stone Houses**: The village is renowned for its traditional stone houses, built using local materials such as stone, wood, and mud. These houses are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment and are known for their durability and unique aesthetic. - **Courtyards**: Many homes are built around central courtyards, which serve as communal spaces for family activities and social gatherings. - **Wooden Carvings**: Intricate wooden carvings and decorations adorn the houses, showcasing the NaXi’s craftsmanship and artistic traditions. ### Traditional Lifestyles - **Agriculture**: The NaXi people in the Stone Village primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as barley, wheat, and vegetables. They also raise livestock, including pigs, chickens, and yaks. - **Traditional Dress**: The NaXi have distinctive traditional clothing, often featuring bright colors and intricate embroidery. Women’s attire includes long gowns with wide belts and colorful headscarves, while men typically wear tunics and trousers. - **Festivals and Rituals**: The NaXi people celebrate various traditional festivals, such as the Torch Festival and the Sanduo Festival, which are marked by music, dance, and religious ceremonies. ### Dongba Religion - **Animism and Shamanism**: The NaXi practice Dongba religion, an animistic belief system that involves worshiping nature spirits and ancestors. Dongba priests, who are also scholars, play a central role in religious rituals and the preservation of cultural heritage. - **Dongba Texts**: These religious texts are written in the unique Dongba script, a pictographic writing system that dates back over a thousand years. ### Tourism and Preservation - **Cultural Tourism**: The Stone Village has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the NaXi people. Visitors can explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and traditions. - **Preservation Efforts**: There are ongoing efforts to preserve the unique architecture and cultural heritage of the Stone Village. Local and regional governments, along with cultural organizations, are working to protect the village from modern development and ensure the continuation of NaXi traditions. ### Nearby Attractions - **Lijiang Ancient Town**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant NaXi culture. It is a short drive from the Stone Village and offers additional cultural experiences. - **Jade Dragon Snow Mountain**: This majestic mountain range provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying spectacular natural scenery. ### Conclusion The Stone Village of the NaXi people in Yunnan Province is a captivating destination that offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional life and culture of one of China’s most unique ethnic groups. With its distinctive stone architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, the Stone Village provides a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.

A variety of flash-mobs from around China ...

XīTang is a picturesque, ancient water-town in JiaShan County, ZheJiang province; within the flat-lands of the YangTse River delta. Its history dates back to at least the Spring and Autumn Period when it was located at the border of the ancient states of Yue and Wu. XiTang is crisscrossed by nine rivers and many canals, linked by a multitude of distinct stone bridges. In the older parts of town, the buildings are set along the banks of the canals, which serve as the main transportation thoroughfares. The town has maintained a tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty, making it a popular tourist attraction and has been frequently depicted in traditional Chinese landscape painting. In XiTang, there are well-preserved groups of buildings from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). XiTang also contains numerous antique residences and temples, such as the Temple of the Seven Masters and a 1,200 meter canal-side, tiled-roof long-corridor. Other places of interest include : XiYuan Garden, with trees and plants, lakes and bridges, pavilions and fountains all harmoniously integrated. Xue's House, which is a typical wooden courtyard of the rich merchant from this region during the later Qing dynasty. WangXian Bridge, which was constructed during the Song dynasty, more than a thousand years ago. XiTang can be explored on a day-trip from Shanghai or HangZhou. From Shanghai, the journey takes around 1:45 hours by coach. Alternatively, one can first take a train or bus to JiaShan, from where there is a bus leaving for XiTang every 10 minutes, a distance of around ten kilometers. One might choose to stay overnight in XiTang or JiaShan to take in the evening or early morning ambiance.

SiChuan Province Tour, China This itinerary covers a diverse range of experiences in SiChuan Province, including city exploration, natural wonders, and cultural immersion. Week 1: Chengdu and Surroundings Explore the vibrant city of Chengdu, visit Tianfu Square, and experience local cuisine at Jinli Ancient Street. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see adorable pandas in their natural habitat. Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha statue, and explore the surrounding area. Visit the Wuhou Shrine and Jinsha Site Museum to learn about the history of the region. Week 2: Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Travel to Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Explore the scenic beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park, including stops at Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. Visit Huanglong National Scenic Reserve, famous for its colorful pools, snow-capped peaks, and ancient temples. Enjoy hiking opportunities in both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, taking in the natural splendor of the region. Week 3: Mount Emei and Leshan Travel to Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, and explore its scenic beauty and religious sites. Hike to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei to see the sunrise and visit the Huazang Temple and Giant Buddha Statue. Explore the ancient town of Leshan and visit the Lingyun Temple before taking a boat ride to see the Giant Buddha from below. Take a relaxing stroll along the riverside and enjoy local cuisine in Leshan. Week 4: Western Sichuan and Tibetan Culture Travel to Western Sichuan to explore the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the town of Tagong and its famous Tagong Monastery, surrounded by picturesque grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Explore the town of Litang and visit the Litang Monastery, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Sichuan. Experience the unique Tibetan culture and hospitality in the region, including traditional dances, music, and cuisine.