A three day hike at the awesome HuangShan 黄山 (Yellow Mountain)

With Char 787 ... With Nick in China ... Visitor Guide: Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan Introduction Mount Qingcheng (青城山) and Dujiangyan (都江堰) are two of Sichuan's most famous cultural and natural landmarks. Located near Chengdu, they offer a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, ancient engineering marvels, and deep-rooted Taoist traditions. This guide will help you explore these sites and understand their spiritual significance. Note: Both Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural and historical importance. Mount Qingcheng (青城山) What to See Shangqing Palace (上清宫): One of the most important Taoist temples on the mountain, Shangqing Palace is a serene place for reflection and meditation. It offers insights into Taoist practices and is surrounded by lush greenery. Tianshi Cave (天师洞): This cave is said to be where Zhang Daoling, the founder of the Way of the Celestial Masters, practiced Taoism. It is a sacred site for Taoist pilgrims. Jianfu Palace (建福宫): A quieter spot on the mountain, Jianfu Palace is perfect for those looking to experience the peacefulness of Taoism in a more secluded environment. Natural Scenery: Mount Qingcheng is known for its dense forests, tranquil pathways, and beautiful mountain views, embodying the Taoist principle of harmony with nature. Activities Hiking: Explore the mountain's many trails, which vary in difficulty. The trails wind through ancient temples, caves, and pavilions, offering both spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Meditation and Tai Chi: Engage in meditation or Tai Chi sessions at various temples, guided by local Taoist practitioners. This is a great way to connect with the spiritual atmosphere of the mountain. Photography: Capture the natural beauty of the mountain, with its misty peaks and verdant landscapes, which are often compared to a classical Chinese painting. Visitor Information Location: About 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Chengdu. Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best weather for hiking and sightseeing. How to Get There: You can take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Qingchengshan Station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the mountain. Dujiangyan (都江堰) What to See Yuzui (鱼嘴): The "Fish Mouth" is the central part of the Dujiangyan irrigation system, where the Min River is split into two channels. It is a marvel of ancient engineering that showcases the Taoist principle of working in harmony with nature. Baopingkou (宝瓶口): This "Bottle-Neck Channel" regulates water flow into the irrigation system, another example of the Taoist-inspired design that emphasizes balance and non-interference. Erwang Temple (二王庙): A temple dedicated to Li Bing and his son, the architects of Dujiangyan. The temple is a place of worship and offers great views of the irrigation system and surrounding mountains. Activities Walking Tours: Explore the ancient irrigation system on foot, with guided tours available to explain the history and engineering behind Dujiangyan. Temple Visits: Participate in traditional ceremonies at Erwang Temple, where you can learn about the spiritual significance of water in Taoism. Boat Rides: Take a boat ride on the Min River to experience the irrigation system from a different perspective and enjoy the scenic views. Visitor Information Location: Approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) northwest of Chengdu. Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. How to Get There: Buses and trains run regularly from Chengdu to Dujiangyan City. From there, local transportation can take you directly to the site. Tips for Visitors Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking and walking. The weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket. Respect the Culture: When visiting temples, be respectful of religious practices. Quiet reflection is encouraged, and photography may be restricted in certain areas. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the warmer months. There are also small vendors selling drinks and snacks along the trails. Consider a Guided Tour: Hiring a guide can enhance your experience by providing detailed information about the historical and cultural significance of the sites. Contact Information Mount Qingcheng Visitor Center: +86 28 87288101 Dujiangyan Visitor Center: +86 28 87136100 Tourist Information Hotline: 12301 (China National Tourism Administration)

While thought can be a great tool, one can be controlled by ones thoughts rather than the reverse; that is, a slave to one's past experiences and how that projects into the future like a railway track. To be endlessly controlled by the past, and the past's plans for the future, is to die without having really lived. How to calm the noise in your mind. With Eckhart Tolle ...

With Living Asian ...

Modern City Life Tour of China Week 1-2: Shanghai and Surroundings Explore the modern skyline of Shanghai, including the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower. Visit modern art galleries like the Power Station of Art and M50 Creative Park. Experience Shanghai's vibrant nightlife and dining scene. Day trip to Suzhou to explore its classical gardens and water towns. Visit Hangzhou to see the West Lake and experience tea culture. Week 3: Beijing Explore Beijing's modern architecture, such as the CCTV Headquarters and National Stadium (Bird's Nest). Visit contemporary art districts like 798 Art Zone. Explore modern shopping streets like Wangfujing and Sanlitun. Experience Beijing's nightlife and entertainment scene. Week 4: Hong Kong and Macau Experience the bustling streets of Hong Kong and enjoy its modern attractions like Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Disneyland. Explore the modern skyscrapers and entertainment complexes of Macau, including casinos and luxury resorts. Relax on the beaches of Lantau Island or explore the hiking trails of the New Territories.

50 Small Eats Dishes in China Dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) - Steamed or fried dough pockets filled with meat or vegetables. Spring Rolls (春卷, chūn juǎn) - Crispy rolls filled with vegetables and sometimes meat. Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼, cōng yóu bǐng) - Flaky, savory pancakes with scallions. Sticky Rice Dumplings (粽子, zòngzi) - Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, usually with fillings like meat or beans. Soup Dumplings (小笼包, xiǎo lóng bāo) - Steamed dumplings filled with broth and meat. Sichuan Spicy Wontons (红油抄手, hóng yóu chāo shǒu) - Wontons in chili oil with a spicy sauce. Sesame Balls (煎堆, jiān duī) - Deep-fried glutinous rice balls coated in sesame seeds. Fried Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐, chòu dòufu) - Fermented tofu fried until crispy. Guokui (锅盔, guō kuī) - Crispy, pan-fried flatbread. Chinese Crepes (煎饼果子, jiān bǐng guǒzi) - Thin pancakes filled with savory ingredients. Roujiamo (肉夹馍, ròu jiá mó) - Chinese-style hamburger with shredded meat inside a flatbread. Tea Eggs (茶叶蛋, chá yè dàn) - Hard-boiled eggs marinated in tea and spices. Fried Dough Sticks (油条, yóutiáo) - Crispy fried dough sticks, often eaten with soy milk. Cold Noodles (凉面, liáng miàn) - Chilled noodles served with a savory sauce. Congee (粥, zhōu) - Rice porridge often served with various toppings. Baozi (包子, bāozi) - Steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. Liangpi (凉皮, liángpí) - Cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with spicy sauce. Jianbing (煎饼, jiānbing) - Savory Chinese crepe filled with egg, crispy cracker, and sauces. Fried Rice Balls (炸年糕, zhà nián gāo) - Crispy fried glutinous rice balls. Fried Mashed Taro (芋泥, yùní) - Mashed taro fried until golden and crispy. Lotus Root Stuffed with Sticky Rice (藕夹, ǒu jiá) - Sticky rice stuffed into hollowed-out lotus root slices. Chive Pockets (韭菜盒子, jiǔcài hézi) - Pan-fried dumplings filled with chives and sometimes eggs. Lamb Skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn) - Grilled skewers of seasoned lamb. Steamed Buns (馒头, mántou) - Plain steamed bread often served with dishes. Fried Glutinous Rice Cakes (糍粑, cíbā) - Sticky rice cakes fried until crispy. Stuffed Tofu (香干, xiānggān) - Tofu pockets filled with meat or vegetables. Fried Pork Ribs (排骨, páigǔ) - Deep-fried marinated pork ribs. Shengjian Bao (生煎包, shēngjiān bāo) - Pan-fried buns filled with pork and soup. Spicy Cold Jelly (凉粉, liáng fěn) - Cold, chewy jelly noodles in spicy sauce. Pan-fried Pork Buns (生煎包, shēng jiān bāo) - Pan-fried buns with juicy pork filling. Fried Glutinous Rice Balls (炸年糕, zhà nián gāo) - Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Lamb Skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn) - Grilled skewers of seasoned lamb. Green Onion Pancakes (葱油饼, cōng yóu bǐng) - Crispy pancakes flavored with green onions. Pork and Chive Dumplings (韭菜饺子, jiǔcài jiǎozi) - Dumplings filled with pork and chives. Steamed Custard Buns (流沙包, liúshā bāo) - Soft steamed buns filled with sweet custard. Hot and Sour Soup (酸辣汤, suān là tāng) - Spicy and tangy soup with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (虾饺, xiā jiǎo) - Delicate dumplings filled with shrimp and bamboo shoots. Spicy Chicken Wings (辣子鸡翅, làzi jī chì) - Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in spicy seasoning. Spicy Cold Noodles (麻辣凉面, málà liáng miàn) - Chilled noodles in a spicy, numbing sauce. Cucumber Salad (拍黄瓜, pāi huángguā) - Refreshing salad of sliced cucumbers with garlic and vinegar dressing. Cold Tofu (冷豆腐, lěng dòufu) - Chilled silken tofu served with soy sauce and toppings. Fried Chicken Dumplings (炸鸡饺子, zhà jī jiǎozi) - Crispy dumplings filled with seasoned chicken. Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉面, niúròu miàn) - Hearty soup with tender beef slices and noodles. Cumin Lamb (孜然羊肉, zīrán yángròu) - Spicy stir-fried lamb seasoned with cumin and other spices. Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (叉烧包, chāshāo bāo) - Soft steamed buns filled with sweet barbecued pork. Cold Sesame Noodles (凉拌麻酱面, liángbàn májiàng miàn) - Noodles tossed in a savory sesame sauce. Spinach and Pork Wontons (菠菜猪肉馄饨, bōcài zhūròu húntún) - Wontons filled with spinach and ground pork. Fried Radish Cake (萝卜糕, luóbo gāo) - Pan-fried cakes made from shredded radish and rice flour. Shrimp Toast (虾多士, xiā duōshì) - Crispy bread topped with shrimp paste and sesame seeds. Red Bean Pancakes (红豆煎饼, hóngdòu jiān bǐng) - Sweet pancakes filled with red bean paste. Egg and Tomato Stir-fry (西红柿炒鸡蛋, xī hóng shì chǎo jī dàn) - Simple and delicious stir-fry of tomatoes and scrambled eggs. Spicy Stir-fried Egg and Chili Peppers (辣炒鸡蛋, là chǎo jī dàn) - Eggs stir-fried with spicy chili peppers. Potato, aubergine / egg-plant, and chili peppers (地三鲜, dì sān xiān) - Stir-fried dish featuring potatoes, eggplants, and chili peppers.

ChongQing lies on the YangTze (YangZi) River in central China, just to the east of SiChuan province, and is one of the world's largest cities. Administratively, it is one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities (the others are Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin).

Includes TianAnMen Square, the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) and the Temple of Heaven. Video by LimeWave.com, which has photos and videos for a number of places around the world.