Zezhol Monastery, a spiritual beacon of the Bon religion, Tibet (XiZang)

YuYuan Garden ... XinTianDi ... NanJing Road ... The Bund (WaiTan) ...

With Seiu Travel ...

With Seiu Travel ... With Wei's Travel ... Huishan Ancient Town Travel Guide Overview Huishan Ancient Town, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, is a well-preserved historical town known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, traditional gardens, and ancestral halls. It provides visitors with a glimpse into China’s past with its classical architecture and serene atmosphere. How to Get There By Train: Take a high-speed train to Wuxi Railway Station or Wuxi East Railway Station, then take a taxi or public transport to the ancient town. By Bus: Local buses such as 45, 88, and 89 stop near the entrance of Huishan Ancient Town. By Car: Easily accessible via major highways leading to Wuxi, with parking available near the entrance. Main Attractions Huishan Temple: A historic Buddhist temple featuring beautiful statues and peaceful gardens. Ancestral Halls: Over a hundred ancestral halls belonging to various Chinese families, showcasing traditional architecture and family heritage. Jichang Garden: A classical Chinese garden known for its tranquil atmosphere, ponds, and traditional pavilions. Huishan Spring: A famous water source considered one of the best in southern China. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Huishan Ancient Town is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Local Cuisine Wuxi-style Spare Ribs: A sweet and savory pork rib dish famous in the region. Huishan Clay Pot Noodles: A delicious noodle dish cooked in a clay pot with rich broth and toppings. Steamed Dumplings: Juicy dumplings filled with pork and soup, a local specialty. Tips for Visitors Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there are many cobblestone paths. Early morning visits offer a quieter and more picturesque experience. Local shops sell handmade crafts and souvenirs unique to the region. ***** Welcome to the Kingdom of Wu: A Visitor Guide and History Introduction to the Kingdom of Wu The Kingdom of Wu, a historical region in eastern China, is a land of profound cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. Centered around the modern city of Wuxi and extending to areas like Suzhou and Hangzhou, the Kingdom of Wu was one of the most influential states during the Spring and Autumn (770–476 BCE) and Warring States (475–221 BCE) periods. Today, the region is celebrated for its classical gardens, ancient waterways, and contributions to Chinese art, literature, and philosophy. History of the Kingdom of Wu The Kingdom of Wu emerged as a powerful state during the Zhou Dynasty, with its capital initially located in modern-day Suzhou. It played a pivotal role in Chinese history, particularly during the Spring and Autumn period, when it rivaled the states of Yue and Chu. The kingdom is famously associated with the legendary King Helü, who ruled during the 6th century BCE and is credited with constructing the Grand Canal and strengthening Wu's military. The Kingdom of Wu is also central to the story of Sun Tzu, the ancient military strategist and author of The Art of War. Sun Tzu served as a general under King Helü, and his strategies helped Wu achieve significant victories. The region's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Chinese civilization, particularly in areas like agriculture, silk production, and water management. Cultural Highlights of the Kingdom of Wu 1. Classical Gardens The Kingdom of Wu is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, which are masterpieces of landscape design. These gardens, such as the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, feature intricate layouts, serene ponds, and elegant pavilions. They reflect the Confucian ideals of harmony between humans and nature. 2. Silk Production The region has been a center of silk production for thousands of years. The ancient city of Wuxi, in particular, was a major hub for silk weaving and trade. Visitors can explore the history of silk at local museums and workshops. 3. Wu Opera and Music The Kingdom of Wu is the birthplace of Wu Opera, a traditional form of Chinese opera known for its melodic tunes and poetic lyrics. The region is also famous for its traditional music, particularly the pipa (a Chinese lute) and guqin (a seven-stringed zither). Key Cities and Attractions 1. Wuxi Wuxi, often called the "Pearl of Lake Tai," is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Key attractions include Lake Tai, the Lingshan Grand Buddha, and Xihui Park. Wuxi's Grand Canal section is a testament to the region's historical importance as a transportation hub. 2. Suzhou Suzhou, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Wu, is famous for its classical gardens, canals, and silk industry. The Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, and the Suzhou Museum are must-visit sites. 3. Hangzhou Hangzhou, located to the south of the Kingdom of Wu, is celebrated for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its tea culture, particularly Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Practical Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and vibrant scenery. Getting There: The region is well-connected by high-speed trains. Major cities like Wuxi, Suzhou, and Hangzhou have their own train stations and airports. Accommodation: Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Staying near key attractions like Lake Tai or West Lake is recommended. Local Transportation: Public transportation is efficient, with buses, metros, and taxis readily available. Cycling is also a popular way to explore the cities.

The poetry of nature ...

With Walk East ...

10 word summary : eat real (natural / unprocessed) food; be active; relax; be kind / appreciate. The 'low fat (low saturated fat) diet' has led to increased disease and early mortality. Real food - including, eggs, meat and dairy was replaced by highly processed toxic foods such as margarine, 'vegetable' oils, and refined grains. A recipe for disaster. Over the last 100 years, cancer went from rare to common; same with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, poor eyesight and degenerative brain disorders (these are all symptoms, not really diseases). Especially from the 1950s / 60s. So why ? In short, increasing amounts of processed foods; though pollution, tobacco and alcohol also played a part. In particular, the cause of the increased incidence of disease was the adoption of the 'low fat diet' dogma, that allowed cheap, but nasty, 'food' to be made from 'vegetable' oils, plus sugar and refined carbohydrates (and a large variety of additives, such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives). The big two culprits are : *** 1) 'vegetable' (seed and bean) oils - sunflower, canola / rapeseed, corn, etc. These oils are highly processed, very unstable (easily oxidise and degrade) and are pro-inflammatory (omega-6). Note that extra virgin olive oil is not a vegetable oil, and is un-processed. Saturated fats are not a problem. Neither is cholesterol - so essential to life that every cell can make it; and if they didn't, we'd die. It is needed by the brain, for making vitamin D and other hormones, and much, much more. The problem isn't too much fat; the problem is eating the wrong fats. Don't think 'low fat', think 'good fat'. Good fats include fish oil / cod liver oil (choose a good one), EVOO, butter / ghee, coconut oil. *** 2) sugar and refined carb.s - bread, cakes, biscuits, pastries, colas, fruit juices, etc. These easily overload metabolism leading to fatty liver, weight gain and many other disturbances. Even whole-grains are not a good source of nutrition and have anti-nutrients (vegetables are where to get fiber, not grains). Sugar and refined carb.s are addictive - the more you eat, the more you want. Real food is the answer. Rather than managing symptoms, we need to fix the root problem. Avoid processed foods, also known as fake 'foods'. Real foods include non-starchy vegetables (arugula, broccoli sprouts, garlic, tomato, onion, ...), meat (not the preserved type) and wild fish, some whole fruit (berries, avocados), nuts, eggs, cream, kefir; sauerkraut; kimchi. Small amounts of rice and pasta and potato may be okay for some people. High potassium 'lo salt'. Herbs and spices. Tea and coffee (unsweetened). The more variety, the better. The microbiome in the gut is a key to health, and it needs real food. Start the regeneration. The liver, in particular, but all the digestive system, and ultimately every part of the body, hates highly processed foods. End the poison. Kefir and sauerkraut can help. Carnivore ? Vegan ? The important thing is to avoid processed 'food', especially sugar, refined carb.s and 'vegetable' oils. Yet going to either extreme is far from ideal. Healthy keto would be a good choice, and maybe semi-keto for some. Variety. Quality (grass-fed, organic, etc.). Animal foods for high quality protein and good fats; vegetables for fiber and their many phytonutrients (and feeding the gut microbiome). Vegetarian ? Don't rely on fake 'meats' and include eggs, butter and cheese; plus fermented veggies. If include high quality eggs daily, a vegetarian diet can work. Time restricted eating (and no snacks or 'grazing') and fasting. Intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating) gives your body a chance to repair, heal and clean house. Breakfast is the easiest meal to skip. Also, try not to eat for a few hours before sleep. At root, the point is to balance energy storage and building the body, with using that stored energy and repairing the body. 1) Try to have a minimum of twelve hours a day not eating (the longer the better); 2) eat real food, not processed food. This is important for everyone, but especially for diabetes / pre-diabetes (and that's almost the majority now). Vitamins and supplements ? It depends on one's circumstances and the quality of one's food. Because of soil depletion, intensive farming and breeding, food can be lacking in nutrients these days. While food is the go to, one might consider fish oil if do not eat fatty fish, vitamin D in the winter, + vitamin K2, CoQ10, magnesium, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), nutritional yeast (or at least a B-complex or B1), and if not eating these : green tea extract and garlic extract. Dr.s and professors who make sense include : Mark Hyman, Jason Fung, Sten Ekberg, William Li, Eric Berg, Robert Lustig, Rangan Chatterjee, Tim Spector. Next big thing to take care of is stress, then moderate exercise, then good sleep. And stay positive - stay alive - be grateful everyday for life, for all that is beautiful, all humanity, and all that can be. Take time to relax, to help others, to de-clutter one's mind. .

ShaanXi province. Street food, Xiǎo Chī (small eats), 火锅 in the Muslim Quarter ... From film-maker Kevin Cook : For Xi'an, the old Silk Road trade route opened the doors to the culinary influence of other cultures, particularly Muslim culture, which is especially evident in the Muslim Quarter in the center of the city. This massive outdoor marketplace of roads and alleyways contains some of the most tasty, unique and interesting street foods in all of China. Shaanxi Sandwich 牛肉夹馍 (Niúròu jiā mó) - 8 RMB The first street food that I eat in this video is Nui Rou Jia Mo (beef sandwhich). Due to its origins in the Shaanxi Province, it’s often called the “Shaanxi Sandwich.” Mutton soup with bread 泡馍 (Pào mó) - 38 RMB This one isn't so much a street food as it is a full meal in a bowl. Pao mua is mutton soup with bread, and it requires a little bit of work to prepare. It's one of the hardiest dishes you can eat in Xi’an, and it’s absolutely amazing. For 38 Yuan, it’s more expensive than most dishes you’ll find around here, but it’s worth it. Street Yoghurt 酸奶 (Suānnǎi) - 8 RMB Sua nai, which literally means “sour milk,” is a sweet yoghurt drink sold in little white cups, and it’s especially satisfying on a hot day like today. Beef jerky 牛肉干 (Niúròu gān) Price varies per kilo Niu roy gan, or dried beef, is another delicious street snack available in all parts of the Muslim market place. Unlike similar looking beef jerky in the west, the variety that I bought in Xi'an has a much more distinct meaty flavor than any other beef jerky I’ve ever eaten. Bread 楠 (Nán) - 5 RMB Hailing originally from the XinJiang Province is a hardy flat bread that's sold all over Xi’an. The Uyghur people who bake this bread call it 'nan,' but Han Chinese call it 'nang.' Skewered mutton 羊肉串 (Yángròu chuàn) 10 RMB/2 skewers Thanks to vendors like the one in this video, the tempting aroma of juicy grilled meat permeates the entire marketplace. This snack is dripping with fat and seasoned to perfection, making this a rich, hardy Xi'an street snack. Peanut Candy 花生糖 (Huāshēng táng) - 20 RMB/box A few varieties of this sweet snack are available, and each requires an interesting method of preparation, such as pounding the candy with a mallet and stretching it out over a hook. The process of making this delicious street treat is even more fun to watch than it is to eat. The beautiful Xi'An Expo park and Hot Pot, huǒ guō, 火锅 ... Bonus film - hand-pulled noodles From the Food Ranger, Trevor James : Hand pulled noodles are found everywhere in China. These hand pulled noodles were so delicious, simply some of the best Chinese food you can have in all of China. They are featured in LanZhou LaMian restaurants everywhere. Lanzhou LaMian AKA LanZhou hand pulled noodles are everywhere, and each restaurant has a very similar menu. These restaurants are usually very good for foreigners in China because they often have a huge picture menu all over the walls, so you can just point at what you think looks good. In this video, me and my local friend try two very amazing dishes : the DaPanJi, also known as the XinJiang big plate of beef, and then my other favorite noodle dish, the lamb and cumin on top of hand pulled noodles. These two dishes combined made a massive meal for two people. So if you're a foreigner living in China or if you're just traveling in China for a short time, visiting a LanZhou hand pulled noodles restaurant is a MUST!

Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a renowned mountain range in southern Anhui Province. Famous for its stunning granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and the mystical sea of clouds, Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for tourists and photographers. This guide provides an in-depth look at the best attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Huangshan. Top Attractions The Five Peaks of Huangshan Huangshan features several notable peaks, each offering unique scenery and experiences: Lotus Peak (Lianhua Peak): The highest peak at 1,864 meters, providing panoramic views and a challenging climb. Bright Summit (Guangming Ding): Known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Celestial Capital Peak (Tiandu Peak): Famous for its steep, narrow paths and stunning vistas. Purple Cloud Peak (Ziyun Peak): Offers a unique perspective of the mountain range. Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shixin Peak): Known for its dense pine trees and excellent viewpoints. Sea of Clouds The Sea of Clouds is one of Huangshan's most spectacular phenomena. This natural wonder occurs when fog envelops the valleys and lower peaks, leaving the higher peaks to appear as islands floating in a white sea. Hot Springs The hot springs at the foot of Huangshan are famous for their therapeutic properties. The springs have been a popular attraction for centuries and provide a relaxing way to unwind after a day of hiking. Pine Trees The ancient pine trees of Huangshan are known for their unique shapes and resilience, often growing out of rocky crevices. The most famous of these is the Greeting Pine (Ying Ke Song), which appears to welcome visitors with its outstretched branches. Flying-Over Rock This balanced rock is perched precariously on a narrow ledge and is a popular spot for photography. The rock appears to defy gravity and offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Geology of Huangshan Huangshan's distinctive landscape is primarily composed of granite, which has been shaped by millions of years of geological activity. The mountain's sharp peaks, deep valleys, and unique rock formations are the result of tectonic uplift and erosion. The granite's resistance to weathering has created the dramatic, jagged peaks that characterize the region. Touring Huangshan Planning Your Visit A visit to Huangshan typically takes two to three days to fully appreciate the main highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arriving and Initial Exploration Morning: Arrive at Huangshan and take the Yungu Cable Car to the top. Check into a mountain hotel to drop off your luggage. Afternoon: Explore the Beginning-to-Believe Peak and enjoy the stunning views and unique pine trees. Evening: Watch the sunset from Bright Summit. Day 2: Main Peaks and Scenic Areas Early Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Bright Summit. Mid-Morning: Hike to Lotus Peak, the highest peak, for panoramic views. Afternoon: Visit Flying-Over Rock and take in the stunning views of the sea of clouds if conditions are right. Evening: Relax at the mountain hotel or explore more of the scenic spots at a leisurely pace. Day 3: Descending and Hot Springs Morning: Take the Yungu Cable Car down to the base of the mountain. Mid-Morning: Visit the hot springs at the base of the mountain for a relaxing soak. Afternoon: Explore the nearby ancient villages such as Hongcun or Xidi before departing. Activities and Experiences Hiking Huangshan offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The trails are well-marked and offer breathtaking views at every turn. Popular routes include the circular path that covers the major peaks and the hike from the base to the summit. Photography The dramatic landscapes of Huangshan provide endless opportunities for photography. Key spots include the Sea of Clouds, the unique pine trees, and the panoramic views from the peaks. Local Cuisine After a day of hiking, enjoy local Anhui cuisine, known for its use of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Specialties include stinky tofu, mandarin fish, and bamboo shoots. There are several restaurants and food stalls at the base of the mountain and near the cable car stations. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit The best times to visit Huangshan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer tourists and the chance to see the mountains covered in snow. Getting There Huangshan is accessible by train, bus, and air. The nearest city is Huangshan City (Tunxi), from where you can take a bus or taxi to the mountain. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport has flights from major Chinese cities, and the Huangshan North Railway Station is connected to the high-speed rail network. Accommodation Accommodation options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels in Huangshan City and near the mountain. For a unique experience, consider staying overnight on the mountain in a guesthouse or hotel, which allows you to catch the sunrise and sunset from the peaks. Tickets and Passes Purchase entrance tickets at the mountain's gates. There are separate tickets for the cable cars and hot springs. Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to explore all the main peaks and scenic areas. Guides and Tours Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the mountain's history, culture, and geology. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, tickets, and guided tours.

WuLingYuan Scenic Area, HuNan province. A great film by Sticker Travel ...