An evening stroll in Xi’An 西安, ShaanXi province

Mountain Hiking Trips in China Huangshan 黄山 (Huángshān): Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Yellow Mountain, known for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and mystical beauty. Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has inspired countless poets and artists with its ethereal landscapes. Visitors can hike along scenic trails lined with ancient pine trees, explore hidden caves and waterfalls, and witness breathtaking views of the sea of clouds that often shroud the peaks. Emei Mountain 峨眉山 (Éméishān): Explore one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, known for its stunning scenery, ancient temples, and diverse wildlife. Emei Mountain is home to the majestic Golden Summit, where visitors can watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds and admire the towering statue of Samantabhadra. Along the way, hikers can encounter playful monkeys, explore serene forests, and visit historic Buddhist monasteries. Jiuhua Mountain 九华山 (Jiǔhuáshān): Discover the beauty and tranquility of Jiuhua Mountain, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. Jiuhua Mountain is renowned for its sacred temples, including the Tiantai Temple and the Huacheng Temple, which house ancient Buddhist relics and offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through lush forests, meditate in serene meditation halls, and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred mountain. Wudang Mountain 武当山 (Wǔdāngshān): Explore the birthplace of Wudang Kung Fu and the ancient Taoist culture at Wudang Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent ancient buildings, including the Golden Hall, the Purple Cloud Palace, and the Nanyan Temple. Visitors can practice Tai Chi in the peaceful surroundings, hike through scenic valleys and forests, and explore the rich cultural heritage of this historic mountain. Mount Tai 泰山 (Tàishān): Ascend the sacred Mount Tai, known as the "Eastern Mountain of the Five Sacred Mountains." Mount Tai has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for thousands of years and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance. Visitors can climb the 7,000 steps to the summit, visit ancient temples and shrines, and admire panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the Jade Emperor Peak. Mt. Hua 华山 (Huàshān): Challenge yourself with a trek up the steep and rugged trails of Mount Hua, one of China's Five Great Mountains. Known for its precipitous cliffs, narrow plank paths, and breathtaking vistas, Mount Hua offers a thrilling adventure for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike to the famous Chess Pavilion, brave the spine-tingling plank walk along the cliff face, and enjoy panoramic views from the mountain's five peaks. Mount Gongga 贡嘎山 (Gònggǎshān): Explore the "King of Sichuan Mountains," known for its stunning glaciers, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Mount Gongga is one of the highest peaks in the Hengduan Mountains and offers spectacular scenery and challenging trekking opportunities. Visitors can trek through pristine wilderness, climb to high mountain passes, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Minya Konka. Haba Snow Mountain 哈巴雪山 (Hābā Xuěshān): Discover the rugged beauty of Haba Snow Mountain, located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Haba Snow Mountain is known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can trek through alpine meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers, cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and summit the snow-capped peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 玉龙雪山 (Yùlóng Xuěshān): Explore the stunning landscapes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its towering peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the summit, hike along scenic trails, and admire the views of the famous "13 peaks." Mt. Siguniang 四姑娘山 (Sìgūniángshān): Journey to the "Four Sisters Mountains," known for their towering peaks, alpine lakes, and pristine forests. Mount Siguniang is located in the heart of the Qionglai Mountains and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. Visitors can trek through scenic valleys, visit Tibetan villages, and admire the stunning beauty of the snow-capped mountains, including the four distinct peaks that give the mountain its name.

Introduction: Hoisin sauce is a thick, flavorful condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for meat dishes. While store-bought hoisin sauce is readily available, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste preferences. This DIY hoisin sauce recipe is simple to prepare and uses easily sourced ingredients. Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth) 1 tablespoon honey or molasses 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili oil or paste, or sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for heat) Method: Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey or molasses, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and chili paste (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust Consistency: If the hoisin sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or additional soy sauce. If it's too thin, you can add more peanut butter or honey to thicken it to your desired consistency. Taste and Adjust: Taste the hoisin sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, or chili paste for heat, according to your taste preferences. Store: Transfer the homemade hoisin sauce to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least an hour before using the sauce. Usage Tips: Use homemade hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or roasted meats. Brush it on grilled chicken, pork, or tofu as a flavorful marinade or glaze. Stir it into stir-fries or noodle dishes for added depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness of the hoisin sauce to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade hoisin sauce in your favorite Chinese dishes! Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a condiment for Peking Duck. Peking Duck is a famous dish from Beijing (formerly known as Peking), where roasted duck is served with thin pancakes, along with condiments such as hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and cucumber. When enjoying Peking Duck, diners typically spread hoisin sauce onto a pancake, then add slices of roasted duck, along with some sliced scallions and cucumber. The pancake is then rolled up and eaten as a delicious and flavorful wrap. Hoisin sauce complements the rich, savory flavor of the roasted duck with its sweet, salty, and umami notes. It adds depth and complexity to each bite and enhances the overall dining experience. While hoisin sauce is a key component of Peking Duck, you can also use it as a condiment for other dishes, such as stir-fries, grilled meats, spring rolls, and more. Its versatility makes it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

On the south east coast of China, with ZheJiang to the north and GuangDong to the south. In part, FuJian is famous for its tea and lychee fruit. The largest cities include FuZhou (the capital) and XiaMen. Hakka, a Han Chinese people but with their own distinct identity, live in the southern parts of the province. The Hakka are most associated with their unique TuLou - large, round, communal dwellings.

An inspirational film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand ~ Composed by Armand Amar ... YT comment - Adrian Sava : Watching this movie, I don't see religion, politics, race, and all those things that makes us hate, envy, despise, destroy ... I see beauty, love, hope, life; a great diversity of human beings. Thank you for creating such an amazing story of the world. Will us humans ever become what we could be, or forever be doomed by those who rule by 'divide and conquer' ? Will the great many ever see what the tiny few inflict upon us, and say 'no more' ? *** Best wishes to all our viewers - we can not, any one of us, know every passer by, but we can show them our love, by who we are. ***

Near SiMaTai Great Wall ... SiMaTai Great Wall night walk ...

Places include : BeiJing 北京 | Tibet 西藏 | The Three Gorges, YangTse River 长江三峡 | HongHu Lake, HuBei 洪湖（湖北） | ZiWei Flower Park, ShaoYang, HuNan 紫微花公园，邵阳 （湖南） | ZhangJiaJie 张家界（湖南).

With Andy see the World ... Visitor Guide to ShanHaiGuan Overview ShanHaiGuan, located in QinHuangDao City, HeBei Province, is a renowned historical site known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." It is one of the most well-preserved and strategically important passes of the Great Wall of China, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into China's ancient military history and stunning coastal scenery. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is QinHuangDao Beidaihe Airport (BPE), located about 20 kilometers from ShanHaiGuan. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to ShanHaiGuan. By Train: ShanHaiGuan Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like BeiJing, TianJin, and Shenyang. High-speed trains make it convenient to reach ShanHaiGuan from these cities. By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities, including QinHuangDao and TianJin. The main bus station in ShanHaiGuan is ShanHaiGuan Long-Distance Bus Station. Getting Around Walking: The historic area of ShanHaiGuan is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the ancient architecture and fortifications. Biking: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions at your own pace. Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of ShanHaiGuan and QinHuangDao. Main Attractions First Pass Under Heaven (Zhenyuan Tower) This iconic gate is the easternmost point of the Great Wall and marks the starting point of the ancient defense line. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Great Wall stretching towards the mountains and the sea. Old Dragon's Head (Laolongtou) Located where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, the Old Dragon's Head is a dramatic and picturesque site. The fortifications extend into the sea, resembling a dragon drinking water. It's a unique and breathtaking part of the Great Wall. ShanHaiGuan Great Wall Museum The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history, construction, and significance of the Great Wall. Exhibits include artifacts, models, and interactive displays that bring the history of this monumental structure to life. Jiumenkou Great Wall This section of the Great Wall is unique for its series of nine gates and the river that flows beneath it. The Jiumenkou Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating look at ancient military engineering. Wang Family Courtyard This well-preserved traditional courtyard residence offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The courtyard is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and traditional furnishings. Local Cuisine ShanHaiGuan's cuisine is influenced by its coastal location and northern Chinese culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes: Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Bohai Sea, including fish, shrimp, and crab, is a highlight of local dining. QinHuangDao Dumplings: These dumplings are known for their thin skins and generous fillings, often served with a dipping sauce. Jiaozi (Dumplings): A variety of steamed or boiled dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood. Local Snacks: Try street food such as fried dough twists, roasted sweet potatoes, and various grilled skewers. Shopping Local Handicrafts: ShanHaiGuan is known for its traditional handicrafts, including paper-cutting, clay figurines, and embroidery. These items make for unique souvenirs. Antique Markets: Explore local antique markets for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles. Seafood Markets: Purchase fresh or dried seafood to take home or enjoy while you're in the area. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel QinHuangDao or the Sheraton QinHuangDao Beidaihe Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Best Western Junyu Grand Hotel and QinHuangDao Grand Hotel provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the ShanHaiGuan Youth Hostel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanHaiGuan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: ShanHaiGuan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the historical sites, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion ShanHaiGuan, with its rich history, strategic importance, and stunning coastal scenery, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient fortifications, savoring fresh seafood, or strolling along the Great Wall, ShanHaiGuan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating destination in HeBei Province.

With 九月 江尋千 ...

A trip to the wild Great Wall ... Love the ones you're with. Your partner, family, neighbours, the people you pass on the street. As this blue and green planet whizzes through space, we can all share the love with those around us. The goal of all sane people is to create a better world for our children ...