Backpacking trip through central China

Old / Ancient Towns in China Lijiang Old Town 丽江古城 (Lìjiāng Gǔchéng): Step back in time in the ancient town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque canals. Lijiang Old Town is home to traditional Naxi culture and features historic landmarks such as the Mu Palace, the Black Dragon Pool, and the Wangu Tower. Visitors can wander through the maze-like streets, admire the intricate wooden buildings, and experience the vibrant local culture. Fenghuang Ancient Town 凤凰古城 (Fènghuáng Gǔchéng): Discover the charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town, nestled along the banks of the Tuo River in Hunan Province. Fenghuang is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, ancient bridges, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets, explore historic temples and ancestral halls, and admire the traditional Miao ethnic minority culture. Pingyao Ancient Town 平遥古城 (Píngyáo Gǔchéng): Explore the ancient walled city of Pingyao, one of China's best-preserved ancient towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pingyao Ancient Town dates back over 2,700 years and is known for its well-preserved city walls, historic courtyards, and ancient temples. Visitors can walk along the fortified walls, explore the narrow alleyways, and learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town 朱家角古镇 (Zhūjiājiǎo Gǔzhèn): Experience the charm of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, located on the outskirts of Shanghai. Zhujiajiao is known for its scenic canals, stone bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals, explore historic landmarks such as the Fangsheng Bridge and the Kezhi Garden, and sample local delicacies at traditional teahouses and restaurants. Xitang Ancient Town 西塘古镇 (Xītáng Gǔzhèn): Discover the beauty of Xitang Ancient Town, a water town known for its tranquil canals, ancient bridges, and traditional architecture. Xitang has been featured in numerous films and is renowned for its picturesque scenery and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets, explore historic residences and temples, and take a boat ride along the scenic waterways. Wuzhen Ancient Town 乌镇古镇 (Wūzhèn Gǔzhèn): Step back in time in the ancient water town of Wuzhen, known for its well-preserved Qing dynasty architecture, scenic canals, and traditional way of life. Wuzhen is divided into two main districts: the East Scenic Area, which features historic residences and workshops, and the West Scenic Area, which offers a glimpse into rural life along the waterways. Visitors can explore ancient temples, watch traditional performances, and sample local specialties such as Wuzhen rice wine and shadow puppetry. Shaxi Ancient Town 沙溪古镇 (Shāxī Gǔzhèn): Explore the historic town of Shaxi, located along the ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnan Province. Shaxi is known for its well-preserved Bai ethnic minority architecture, traditional cobblestone streets, and ancient market square. Visitors can wander through the town's labyrinth of alleyways, visit the historic Xingjiao Temple, and hike to the nearby Shibao Mountain to see its intricate Buddhist carvings. Zhaoxing Dong Village 肇兴侗寨 (Zhàoxīng Dòngzhài): Experience the unique culture of the Dong ethnic minority in Zhaoxing Dong Village, located in Guizhou Province. Zhaoxing is known for its traditional wooden houses, ancient wind and rain bridges, and terraced rice paddies. Visitors can explore the village's cobblestone streets, visit the Drum Tower and the Wind and Rain Bridge, and attend traditional Dong festivals and performances. Jinli Ancient Street 锦里古街 (Jǐnlǐ Gǔjiē): Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Jinli Ancient Street, a historic street in Chengdu known for its traditional architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street food scene. Jinli Street dates back over 2,000 years and has been restored to its former glory, with ancient-style buildings housing teahouses, shops, and snack stalls. Visitors can sample local delicacies such as Sichuan hotpot, stinky tofu, and spicy skewers, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, and enjoy traditional performances such as Sichuan opera and shadow puppetry. Pingle Ancient Town 平乐古镇 (Pínglè Gǔzhèn): Discover the charm of Pingle Ancient Town, located in Sichuan Province and known for its well-preserved Tang and Song dynasty architecture, ancient streets, and historic landmarks. Pingle is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Qingcheng Mountains and is surrounded by lush forests, bamboo groves, and tea plantations. Visitors can explore the town's ancient streets, visit historic temples and ancestral halls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the Qingcheng Mountains.

一籃秋葵 一桌菜，在配上酸泡果，美味極了 | Chinese food made from green okra | 秋葵 美食 | 野小妹 ...

An fascinating look inside the massive campus ... And also a quick look at BaiDu's campus in BeiJing ... And TenCent (WeChat)'s HQ in ShenZhen ... Bonus films ...

With Ben Norton ... With BreakThrough News / Pivot to Peace ... With Richard Wolff and Jay Martin ... With Warwick Powell and Jay Martin ... With Richard Wolff ... With The Sirius Report ... With David Zweig ... With BreakThrough News ... With Dialogue Works with Richard Wolff and Michael Hudson ... With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... With Danny Haiphong and Dana Burton - a walk and talk in ShangHai ...

With Scenic Relaxation ... The beautiful natural landscapes of China Mountains Himalayas Location: Southwestern China, bordering Nepal and Bhutan. Highlights: Home to Mount Everest (Qomolangma), the world's highest peak, and numerous other towering peaks. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and rich cultural heritage. Yellow Mountain (HuangShan) Location: Anhui Province. Highlights: Famous for its granite peaks, hot springs, and ancient pine trees. The iconic sea of clouds and picturesque sunrises attract photographers and hikers. Zhangjiajie Location: Hunan Province. Highlights: Known for its towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and deep ravines. The landscape inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." Rivers and Lakes Yangtze River Location: Flows from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. Highlights: The longest river in Asia, featuring the Three Gorges, which offer stunning cliffs, dense forests, and cultural sites along its banks. Li River Location: Guangxi Province. Highlights: Famous for its karst mountain scenery and crystal-clear waters. A boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a popular way to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. Qinghai Lake Location: Qinghai Province. Highlights: The largest saltwater lake in China, surrounded by mountains and grasslands. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Deserts and Plateaus Gobi Desert Location: Northern China and southern Mongolia. Highlights: Known for its vast, barren landscapes, sand dunes, and unique rock formations. The desert is rich in dinosaur fossils and ancient Silk Road sites. Tibetan Plateau Location: Southwestern China. Highlights: Often referred to as the "Roof of the World," it's the highest and largest plateau in the world. The region features expansive grasslands, glacial lakes, and the sacred Mount Kailash. Forests and Grasslands Jiuzhaigou Valley Location: Sichuan Province. Highlights: Known for its multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Hulunbuir Grassland Location: Inner Mongolia. Highlights: One of the most beautiful and well-preserved grasslands in China, known for its vast, rolling green plains, rivers, and traditional nomadic culture. Coastal and Island Landscapes Hainan Island Location: South China Sea. Highlights: Known for its tropical climate, sandy beaches, and clear blue waters. The island is a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. Zhoushan Archipelago Location: Zhejiang Province. Highlights: Comprising over a thousand islands, it offers beautiful beaches, rocky coastlines, and traditional fishing villages. Caves and Karst Formations Reed Flute Cave Location: Guilin, Guangxi Province. Highlights: A natural limestone cave known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful lighting. Stone Forest (ShiLin) Location: Yunnan Province. Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area features towering limestone pillars that resemble a forest made of stone. Unique Natural Wonders Danxia Landform Location: Several provinces including Gansu, Guangdong, and Hunan. Highlights: Characterized by red sandstone formations and steep cliffs, the Danxia landscapes are known for their vibrant colors and unique rock shapes. Rainbow Mountains (Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park) Location: Gansu Province. Highlights: Famous for its colorful, layered rock formations that create a stunning "rainbow" effect across the mountains. Conclusion China's natural landscapes are incredibly varied and offer a wealth of experiences for travelers. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the serene waters of the Li River, and from the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert to the lush valleys of Jiuzhaigou, there is something for everyone to explore and admire. These diverse environments not only showcase the natural beauty of the country but also reflect its rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land.

Illusion and control. 'Democracy' allows elite rule, with your consent; its about empire. Don't you just hate being lied to ? With The New Atlas - don't miss it ... "A relentless propaganda war is being waged by the US and its allies against China in a desperate bid to maintain Western hegemony and obstruct the rise of China and Eurasia."

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.

With Byanca G ...