A trip to QingHai 青海 province

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China The Great Wall (长城 Chángchéng): Located in Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Shanxi. An ancient fortification stretching across China's northern border, built to protect against invasions. Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang (北京和沈阳的明清皇宫 Běijīng hé Shěnyáng de Míng Qīng Huánggōng): Located in Beijing and Liaoning. Magnificent palace complexes representing China's imperial history and architecture. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (秦始皇陵 Qín Shǐ Huáng Líng): Located in Shaanxi. The burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, known for the Terracotta Army. Mogao Caves (莫高窟 Mògāo Kū): Located in Gansu. A complex of Buddhist cave temples containing exquisite murals and sculptures along the Silk Road. Mount Taishan (泰山 Tàishān): Located in Shandong. A sacred mountain with cultural and historical significance, known for its temples, stone inscriptions, and natural beauty. Mount Huangshan (黄山 Huángshān): Located in Anhui. A stunning mountain range known for its granite peaks, pine trees, hot springs, and mystical atmosphere. Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (峨眉山风景名胜区，包括乐山大佛风景名胜区 Éméishān Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū, Bāokuò Lèshān Dàfó Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū): Located in Sichuan. A sacred Buddhist mountain with monasteries, temples, and the world's largest Buddha statue. Old Town of Lijiang (丽江古城 Lìjiāng Gǔchéng): Located in Yunnan. A well-preserved ancient town with traditional Naxi architecture, cobblestone streets, and canals. Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian (周口店北京人遗址 Zhōukǒudiàn Běijīngrén Yízhǐ): Located in Beijing. A significant archaeological site containing fossils and artifacts related to Peking Man. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou (苏州古典园林 Sūzhōu Gǔdiǎn Yuánlín): Located in Jiangsu. A collection of exquisite gardens dating back to the Song Dynasty, known for their harmony between natural landscapes and human creations. Mount Wuyi (武夷山 Wǔyíshān): Located in Fujian. A scenic area with dramatic cliffs, gorges, rivers, and ancient cultural sites, recognized for its biodiversity and tea cultivation. Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains (武当山古建筑群 Wǔdāngshān Gǔjiànzhù Qún): Located in Hubei. A complex of Taoist temples and monasteries nestled in the Wudang Mountains, renowned for their architecture and martial arts heritage. Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa (布达拉宫历史建筑群 Bùdálā Gōng Lìshǐ Jiànzhù Qún): Located in Tibet. A symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and culture, the Potala Palace is an architectural masterpiece and former residence of the Dalai Lama. Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde (承德避暑山庄及其周围寺庙 Chéngdé Bìshǔ Shānzhuāng jí Qí Zhōuwéi Sìmiào): Located in Hebei. A vast imperial garden and palace complex featuring traditional Chinese architecture and landscaped gardens. Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu (曲阜孔庙、孔府及孔林 Qūfù Kǒngmiào, Kǒngfǔ jí Kǒng Lín): Located in Shandong. A sacred site dedicated to Confucius, including his temple, family mansion, and forest of tablets. Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing (颐和园 Yíhé Yuán): Located in Beijing. A masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, the Summer Palace features pavilions, temples, and the famous Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing (北京天坛:天坛地区的祭坛 Běijīng Tiāntán: Tiāntán Dìqū de Jìtán): Located in Beijing. A complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed sacrificial rituals for good harvests. Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (青城山-都江堰 Qīngchéng Shān - Dūjiāngyàn): Located in Sichuan. A Taoist mountain and ancient irrigation system recognized for their cultural, historical, and technological significance. Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻 Dàzú Shíkè): Located in Chongqing. A series of Buddhist rock carvings dating back to the 9th century, depicting Buddhist scriptures, deities, and scenes of daily life. Mount Lushan National Park (庐山 Lúshān): Located in Jiangxi. A scenic area known for its natural beauty, cultural sites, and historic role in Chinese literature and art. Lushan National Park (庐山国家公园 Lúshān Guójiā Gōngyuán): Located in Jiangxi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, unique geological formations, and cultural landmarks. Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟 Yúngāng Shíkū): Located in Shanxi. A complex of ancient Buddhist cave temples containing thousands of statues and intricate carvings, dating back to the 5th century. Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas (云南三江并流地区 Yúnnán Sānjiāng Bìngliú Dìqū): Located in Yunnan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique geographical features. Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom (古高丽国都及陵墓 Gǔ Gāolí Guó Dū jí Língmù): Located in Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. Containing archaeological remains of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom. Historic Centre of Macao (澳门历史城区 Àomén Lìshǐ Chéngqū): Located in Macau. Known for its historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and fusion of Chinese and Portuguese influences. Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains (四川大熊猫栖息地:卧龙、四姑娘山和夹金山 Sìchuān Dàxióngmāo Qīxīdì: Wòlóng, Sìgūniáng Shān hé Jiājīn Shān): Located in Sichuan. Protecting habitats of the giant panda and other rare species. Yin Xu (殷墟 Yīnxū): Located in Henan. The ruins of the ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty, known for its oracle bone inscriptions and archaeological significance. Tu Fu's Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂 Dù Fǔ Cǎotáng): Located in Sichuan. The former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Mount Sanqingshan National Park (三清山 Sānqīngshān): Located in Jiangxi. Known for its dramatic granite peaks, lush forests, and unique rock formations. Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源风景名胜区 Wǔlíngyuán Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū): Located in Hunan. Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and lush vegetation. Historic Villages of China - Xidi and Hongcun (中国古村落-西递、宏村 Zhōngguó Gǔ Cūnluò - Xīdì, Hóng Cūn): Located in Anhui. Featuring well-preserved traditional villages with ancient architecture and cultural heritage. Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟 Lóngmén Shíkū): Located in Henan. Containing thousands of Buddhist statues and carvings carved into limestone cliffs. Mount Wutai (五台山 Wǔtáishān): Located in Shanxi. A sacred Buddhist mountain known for its monasteries, temples, and cultural significance. China Danxia (中国丹霞 Zhōngguó Dānxiá): Located in various provinces. A series of unique landscapes characterized by red sandstone formations, known for their natural beauty and geological significance. Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in "The Centre of Heaven and Earth" (登封历史建筑群 Dēngfēng Lìshǐ Jiànzhù Qún): Located in Henan. Containing ancient religious sites and martial arts traditions. Site of Xanadu (元上都城址 Yuán Shàngdū Chéngzhǐ): Located in Inner Mongolia. The ruins of Kublai Khan's summer capital, known for its historical and cultural significance. Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (峨眉山风景名胜区，包括乐山大佛风景名胜区 Éméishān Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū, Bāokuò Lèshān Dàfó Fēngjǐng Míngshèng Qū): Located in Sichuan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its sacred Buddhist mountain and giant Buddha statue. Qin and Han Dynasties: Mausoleums and Goguryeo Ancient Tombs (秦汉与高句丽古墓群 Qín Hàn yǔ Gāojǔlí Gǔ Mù Qún): Located in Liaoning and Jilin. Containing ancient mausoleums and tombs.

With Ben Norton ... With Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ... With Jan Oberg ...

With Seiu Travel ... Introduction to ShenYang ShenYang is the capital city of LiaoNing province in northeast China. It is a major industrial and cultural center with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Known for its historical sites, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture, Shenyang offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. Getting There By Air: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) serves the city with domestic and international flights. The airport is about 20 km south of the city center. By Train: Shenyang has several major railway stations, including Shenyang North Railway Station and Shenyang Railway Station, offering high-speed rail connections to many cities in China. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Shenyang with other major cities in northeast China and beyond. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Shenyang is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Main Attractions Shenyang Imperial Palace: Also known as Mukden Palace, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a smaller version of Beijing's Forbidden City and was the former imperial palace of the early Qing Dynasty. Zhao Mausoleum (Beiling Park): The mausoleum of the second Qing emperor, Huang Taiji, located within a beautiful park that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Marshal Zhang's Mansion: The former residence of the warlord Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang, now a museum showcasing their lives and the history of the period. Shenyang Botanical Garden: A large botanical garden with diverse plant species, beautiful landscapes, and recreational facilities. 9.18 Historical Museum: A museum dedicated to the Mukden Incident (September 18, 1931) and the subsequent Japanese invasion of China, offering a poignant look at this period of history. Cultural Highlights Liaoning Provincial Museum: One of the oldest and largest museums in China, featuring extensive collections of artifacts, artworks, and historical exhibits. Shenyang Opera House: A modern venue hosting a variety of performances, including traditional Chinese opera, ballet, and concerts. Shenyang International Horticultural Expo Garden: A vast park with themed gardens, exhibitions, and cultural events, showcasing horticultural achievements from around the world. Accommodation Shenyang offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some recommended places to stay include: Kempinski Hotel Shenyang: A luxury hotel with excellent facilities and service, located in the city center. Marriott Hotel Shenyang: A modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to major attractions. Shenyang LazyBee International Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly option popular with backpackers and young travelers. Dining Local Cuisine: Shenyang is known for its delicious Dongbei (Northeast) cuisine. Must-try dishes include Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork), Dongbei Dumplings, and Laobian Dumplings. Restaurants: Recommended eateries include Laobian Dumpling Restaurant, Mukden Dumpling House, and Dongbei Ren (Northeasterners). Practical Tips Language: Mandarin Chinese is the primary language spoken in Shenyang. Learning a few basic phrases can be helpful, and a translation app can be useful for non-Mandarin speakers. Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for small purchases. Health and Safety: Shenyang is generally a safe city, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water instead. Transportation: Shenyang has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and a metro system, making it easy to get around the city. Conclusion Shenyang is a vibrant city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you're exploring ancient palaces, enjoying local cuisine, or experiencing the city's modern attractions, Shenyang offers a diverse and memorable travel experience.

This is an awesome stretch of the Great Wall about two hours or so north east of Beijing. Thrilling, peaceful and picturesque ...

South east section of the lake.

"Seven small arches" ...

GuangDong province. With Walk East ...

With Walk East ...

A beautiful film by LiZiQi ...