YinChuan (‘Silver River’) 银川, NingXia

Bonus film - the Great Wall near Beijing in 4K ...

The blue sky city ... Filmed by : * Summer Palace - pavdb092 * Birds Nest National Stadium - Christopher Covington * QianHai Lake - linditlife * Temple of Heaven - Wen Gui Claassen Remastered by : bjkina Birds Nest music from the Beijing 2008 Paralympics Opening Ceremony - 'Letter to the Future'.

Longtan Park is located about 1.5 km east of the Temple of Heaven. Next to the west side of Longtan Park is the Beijing Amusement Park that features a ferris wheel and other rides. LongTan ('Dragon Pond') Park features the large Dragon Lake, with 'moon bridges', weeping willows, rock gardens, dragon boats, tea houses and restaurant, winding jogging track, exercise areas and play areas for children. There is also a beautifully curving pavilion with a dragon roof and pillars decorated with golden spiralled dragons. Indeed, the dragon motif is featured in many places throughout Longtan Park. This is a prime site for the Lantern Festival in Beijing when the whole park is illuminated with large colorful lanterns.

Don't miss it. With Cyrus and Alex ...

Bamboo (a grass) is fast-growing and sustainable, light and strong ...

With MeetWorld ... GuiZhou Province visitor guide Overview GuiZhou Province, located in the southwestern part of China, is known for its stunning karst landscapes, rich ethnic diversity, and vibrant cultural heritage. The province is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural experiences, offering visitors a chance to explore everything from ancient villages to breathtaking mountains and rivers. Natural Attractions HuangGuoShu Waterfall Location: Anshun City. Highlights: One of the largest waterfalls in China, HuangGuoShu Waterfall is a spectacular sight with its powerful cascades and scenic surroundings. Visitors can explore the waterfall from various viewpoints and even walk behind it for a unique perspective. Fanjing Mountain Location: Tongren City. Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fanjing Mountain is renowned for its unique rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and spiritual significance. The Red Cloud Golden Summit and the Mushroom Stone are must-see landmarks. Libo Karst Forest Location: Libo County. Highlights: Part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Libo Karst Forest features stunning karst landscapes, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring unique geological formations. Ethnic Villages and Cultural Experiences Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village Location: Leishan County. Highlights: The largest Miao village in China, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village offers a deep dive into Miao culture with traditional stilt houses, vibrant festivals, and daily folk performances. It's a perfect place to experience Miao customs and hospitality. Langde Miao Village Location: Leishan County. Highlights: Known for its well-preserved wooden houses and rich cultural heritage, Langde Miao Village offers visitors a chance to witness traditional Miao crafts, such as embroidery and silverwork, and participate in cultural activities. Zhaoxing Dong Village Location: Liping County. Highlights: One of the largest Dong villages in China, Zhaoxing Dong Village is famous for its Drum Towers, Wind and Rain Bridges, and traditional wooden architecture. The village is known for its Dong singing and dance performances. Outdoor Activities Hiking and Trekking GuiZhou offers numerous trails for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. From the karst landscapes of Libo to the sacred peaks of Fanjing Mountain, there are trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Rafting and Boating The rivers and lakes of GuiZhou provide excellent opportunities for rafting and boating. The Wujiang River and the Dragon King Cave area are popular spots for water-based activities. Local Cuisine GuiZhou cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, often incorporating sour and fermented ingredients. Some must-try dishes include: **Sour Fish Soup**: A tangy and spicy fish soup that is a local favorite. **Guizhou-style Hot Pot**: Featuring a variety of meats and vegetables cooked in a spicy broth. **Miao Sour Soup Fish**: A traditional Miao dish with a unique sour flavor. **Sticky Rice Cakes**: A popular snack made from glutinous rice and various fillings. Accommodation GuiZhou offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels in major cities like Guiyang to traditional guesthouses in ethnic villages. Staying in a local guesthouse provides a more authentic experience and a chance to interact with the local people. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit GuiZhou is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting There: GuiZhou is accessible by air, with Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport serving as the main gateway. The province is also well-connected by train and bus. Respect Local Customs: When visiting ethnic villages, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Pack Accordingly: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and rain gear if visiting during the rainy season.

Three year old Mei Lan at Atlanta Zoo a couple of months before she was moved to the ChengDu Panda Base in China.

With Li JingJing ... Visitor Guide to Kashgar, XinJiang Overview Kashgar, located in the XinJiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is known for its rich Silk Road heritage, bustling markets, and beautiful mosques. Kashgar is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, with a unique blend of Uyghur, Han Chinese, and other influences. Getting There By Air: Kashgar Airport (KHG) is the main airport serving the city, with regular flights from major cities such as Urumqi, BeiJing, and ShangHai. The airport is located about 10 kilometers northeast of the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach your destination. By Train: Kashgar Railway Station is connected to major cities in XinJiang and beyond. The train journey from Urumqi to Kashgar offers stunning views of the region's diverse landscapes. The railway station is located about 5 kilometers from the city center. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Kashgar with other cities in XinJiang. The main bus station is located in the city center, making it a convenient option for travelers. Getting Around Public Transport: Kashgar has a local bus network that covers major areas of the city. Buses are an affordable way to get around. Taxis: Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Make sure to have your destination written in Chinese or Uyghur for ease of communication. Biking: Bike rentals are available for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. Main Attractions Id Kah Mosque The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China and a central landmark in Kashgar. Built in 1442, it is a place of worship for the city's Muslim population and a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. Visitors can explore the mosque's courtyards, prayer halls, and gardens. Kashgar Old Town Kashgar Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, traditional mud-brick houses, and bustling bazaars. It's a great place to experience the city's unique culture and heritage. Wander through the streets, visit local shops, and try some traditional Uyghur cuisine. Sunday Market The Kashgar Sunday Market is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central Asia. Held every Sunday, it attracts traders and buyers from all over the region. You can find everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, handicrafts, and livestock. Abakh Hoja Tomb The Abakh Hoja Tomb, also known as the Xiangfei Tomb, is a beautiful mausoleum built in the 17th century. It is the burial place of the famous Uyghur ruler Abakh Hoja and his family. The tomb is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate tilework. Karakul Lake Located about 200 kilometers from Kashgar, Karakul Lake is a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake's crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery make it a popular destination for trekking and camping. Historical Significance Kashgar has a long and rich history as a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. It was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. Over the centuries, Kashgar has been influenced by various cultures, including Persian, Indian, Greek, and Arab, which is reflected in its diverse architecture and cultural heritage. The city has also been a center of Islamic learning and culture in China. The Id Kah Mosque and other religious sites in Kashgar attract pilgrims and scholars from all over the Muslim world. Local Cuisine Uyghur cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Kashgar. Here are some must-try dishes: Pilaf (Polo): A flavorful rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and spices. Laghman: Hand-pulled noodles served with a savory sauce made of meat, vegetables, and spices. Kebab: Grilled skewers of marinated lamb or chicken, often served with flatbread and salad. Samsa: Baked pastries filled with minced meat and onions, similar to samosas. Nan: Traditional Uyghur bread baked in a tandoor oven, perfect for accompanying any meal. Shopping Sunday Market: The best place to buy local handicrafts, textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Don't forget to haggle for the best prices. Night Market: Explore the night market for a variety of street food and local snacks, as well as traditional Uyghur music and dance performances. Local Shops: Numerous shops in Kashgar sell unique items such as silk scarves, carpets, pottery, and jewelry. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: Kashgar offers several high-end hotels with excellent amenities, such as the Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar and the Yue Xing Jin Jiang International Hotel. Mid-Range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range options providing comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices, including the Seman Hotel and the Kashgar Old City Youth Hostel. Budget Accommodations: Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels throughout the city. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Kashgar are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the hot summer months, and warm layers for the colder seasons. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly in the predominantly Muslim areas. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, knowing a few basic phrases in Uyghur can be helpful. English may not be commonly understood, so consider using a translation app. Plan Your Visit: Kashgar offers a rich mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Plan your visit to include a variety of experiences to fully appreciate the city's diverse offerings. Conclusion Kashgar, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're exploring the ancient streets of the Old Town, marveling at the architectural beauty of the Id Kah Mosque, or enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Karakul Lake, Kashgar promises a journey filled with discovery and wonder. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your time in this extraordinary city in XinJiang.