Beautiful scenic areas in GuiZhou province

LiaoNing province. With Nadine in China ... With Gecko Walks ...

Grab your walking boots and climb up over night (there are lights) to be ready for sunrise. Also featured is the famous 'Plank Walk'. HuaShan is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains; it lies in ShaanXi province, about two hours from the city of Xi'An, in central China. Hike above the clouds (at over 2,000 meters). Sometimes people talk about 'things to do before you die' - a trip to HuaShan (or HuangShan, EmeiShan, CangShan, WuDang or TaiShan) should be one of those ...

Discarding stress and living in the now. Being a hostage of ones past, and the fears of the future that it creates, can spoil your life. Don't miss it ! With Ellen Langer and Rich Roll ...

Cafe culture, boutiques, galleries ...

Day Trips from Shenzhen, China Guangzhou 广州 (Guǎngzhōu): Explore the vibrant capital of Guangdong Province, known for its rich history, delicious Cantonese cuisine, and modern skyscrapers. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Canton Tower, stroll along the historic Shamian Island, and sample local delicacies at the bustling Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. Hong Kong 香港 (Xiānggǎng): Experience the dynamic cityscape of Hong Kong, just a short train ride away from Shenzhen. Explore attractions like Victoria Harbour, ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for stunning city views, and indulge in shopping and dining in areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Macau 澳门 (Àomén): Discover the unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture in Macau, known for its historic colonial architecture, vibrant casinos, and delicious egg tarts. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, explore the historic streets of Senado Square, and try your luck at the famous casinos along the Cotai Strip. Dameisha Beach and Xiaomeisha Beach 大梅沙海滨公园 (Dàméishā Hǎibīn Gōngyuán) and 小梅沙海滨公园 (Xiǎoméishā Hǎibīn Gōngyuán): Relax and unwind at Dameisha and Xiaomeisha Beaches, popular seaside destinations located just outside of Shenzhen. Enjoy sunbathing on the golden sands, swimming in the clear waters of the South China Sea, and participating in water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Window of the World 世界之窗 (Shìjiè zhī Chuāng): Immerse yourself in a world of wonders at Window of the World, an amusement park in Shenzhen that features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the globe. Explore iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China, all within a single day. Shenzhen Safari Park 深圳野生动物园 (Shēnzhèn Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán): Get up close and personal with wildlife from around the world at Shenzhen Safari Park. Explore the park's vast grounds by tram or on foot, and encounter animals such as giant pandas, giraffes, and lions in naturalistic habitats. Fairy Lake Botanical Garden 仙湖植物园 (Xiānhú Zhíwùyuán): Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. Explore lush gardens, serene lakes, and scenic hiking trails, and discover a diverse collection of plant species from China and around the world. Shekou Sea World 蛇口海上世界 (Shékǒu Hǎishàng Shìjiè): Spend a day exploring the attractions of Shekou Sea World, a waterfront entertainment complex in Shenzhen. Visit the Sea World Culture and Arts Center, enjoy shopping and dining at the Sea World Plaza, and discover marine life at the Sea World Aquarium. Shenzhen Museum 深圳博物馆 (Shēnzhèn Bówùguǎn): Dive into the history and culture of Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits on the city's evolution from a fishing village to a modern metropolis, learn about the region's archaeological treasures, and discover the cultural heritage of the local Hakka ethnic minority. Da Fen Oil Painting Village 大芬油画村 (Dà Fēn Yóuhuà Cūn): Discover the vibrant arts scene of Shenzhen at Da Fen Oil Painting Village, a community known for its talented artists and galleries. Watch artists at work in their studios, browse a wide range of original paintings and artworks, and purchase unique souvenirs to take home. Day Trip to Dongguan 东莞 (Dōngguǎn): Explore the nearby city of Dongguan, known for its manufacturing industry, cultural heritage, and natural attractions. Visit landmarks such as the Keyuan Garden, learn about traditional Cantonese opera at the Qifeng Park Opera Stage, and enjoy shopping at the bustling Dongguan Walking Street. Day Trip to Huizhou 惠州 (Huìzhōu): Discover the historic city of Huizhou, located along the Pearl River Delta and known for its ancient landmarks, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Visit attractions such as the Luofu Mountain, explore ancient villages like Xingfu Village, and relax on the sandy shores of Xunliao Bay. Day Trip to Dongguan 东莞 (Dōngguǎn): Explore the nearby city of Dongguan, known for its manufacturing industry, cultural heritage, and natural attractions. Visit landmarks such as the Keyuan Garden, learn about traditional Cantonese opera at the Qifeng Park Opera Stage, and enjoy shopping at the bustling Dongguan Walking Street. Day Trip to Foshan 佛山 (Fóshān): Visit the historic city of Foshan, known for its centuries-old martial arts traditions, ancient temples, and traditional Cantonese culture. Explore attractions such as the Foshan Ancestral Temple, watch a demonstration of traditional lion dancing at the Foshan Lion Dance Museum, and visit the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln for a glimpse into the region's ceramic heritage. Day Trip to Zhuhai 珠海 (Zhūhǎi): Discover the coastal city of Zhuhai, located on the Pearl River Delta and known for its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and vibrant cultural scene. Visit attractions such as the New Yuanming Palace, stroll along Lover's Road for panoramic views of the coastline, and enjoy fresh seafood at the bustling Gongbei Seafood Street.

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... XiZhou Ancient Town Visitor Guide XiZhou Ancient Town is a gem of Yunnan Province, located approximately 20 kilometers from Dali’s old town. Nestled along the shores of the serene Erhai Lake, XiZhou offers a unique blend of rich Bai culture, stunning ancient architecture, and a tranquil environment, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a more intimate and traditional experience. Overview Location: XiZhou is situated within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and is renowned for its well-preserved Bai minority culture. Famous For: Traditional Bai houses, ancient courtyards, folk performances, unique local cuisine, and vibrant markets. Getting There From Dali: You can take a bus or taxi from Dali Old Town (20-30 minutes). From Kunming: XiZhou is about a 5-hour drive from Kunming. Buses to Dali are available, and from Dali, you can take local transportation to XiZhou. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Top Attractions in XiZhou Yan Family Courtyard (Yan Jia Da Yuan): The most famous ancient residence in XiZhou, showcasing traditional Bai architecture with beautiful wood carvings, white-washed walls, and murals. Bai Minority Culture and Houses: Explore over 150 well-preserved traditional Bai houses with intricate designs and courtyards. XiZhou Morning Market: A bustling market full of fresh produce, traditional snacks, and local crafts. Arrive early (7 AM – 9 AM) to experience the market at its liveliest. Erhai Lake: A stunning lake where you can walk, cycle, or take boat rides to enjoy the natural beauty. Shuanglang Town: A trendy nearby town famous for its artistic vibe and boutique guesthouses. A perfect day trip from XiZhou. Cultural Experiences Bai Minority Dress and Dance: Experience colorful traditional Bai clothing and catch performances of traditional dances during festivals or market days. Tea Culture at XiZhou: Enjoy traditional tea-tasting experiences in local homes or guesthouses. Local Delicacies XiZhou Baba (喜洲粑粑): A crispy, savory (or sweet) flatbread made from wheat flour. Try it fresh from street vendors. Dali Cheese (Rushan, 乳扇): A Bai specialty cheese, often grilled or fried, that you can find throughout the town. Erhai Fish: Fresh fish dishes prepared from the lake's bounty, best enjoyed at lakeside restaurants. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼): A delicate pastry filled with rose petal jam. This treat is especially famous in XiZhou, where roses are grown locally. Its fragrant sweetness makes it a popular souvenir. Where to Stay Local Homestays: Family-run guesthouses, often in traditional Bai homes, offering an intimate experience of Bai culture. Boutique Hotels: For more luxury, boutique hotels combine modern amenities with traditional architecture. Tips for Visitors Language: Most people speak the local Bai dialect, but Mandarin Chinese is sufficient for communication. English is not widely spoken. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing people. Shopping: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade textiles, embroidery, and silverware from the markets. Nearby Attractions Dali Old Town: A larger, more developed town known for its old city walls, temples, and lively atmosphere. Cangshan Mountain: Offers hiking trails, cable cars, and panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali’s landscape. Conclusion XiZhou Ancient Town is an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Bai culture, ancient architecture, and the peaceful lakeside environment of Yunnan. Whether you're exploring ancient homes, tasting local delicacies, or enjoying the beauty of Erhai Lake, XiZhou provides a rich cultural experience in a relaxed setting.

Buddha Said | Great Compassion Mantra | Sweep of our minds | Heart Sutra | Zen Charm | Prayer for the earthquake in Ya'An (2013). Enter the chill out zone ...

With MisterVaughn ... Welcome to JingShan Park Explore the historic heart of BeiJing About Jingshan Park Jingshan Park, located in the center of Beijing, is a historic and scenic park with a rich cultural heritage. Originally an imperial garden during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the park is famous for its artificial hill, Jingshan, which offers panoramic views of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. The hill was created from the soil excavated to build the moats of the Forbidden City and nearby canals. Main Attractions Wanchun Pavilion The Wanchun Pavilion, located at the summit of Jingshan Hill, is the highest point in central Beijing. It offers breathtaking views of the Forbidden City to the south, Beihai Park to the west, and modern Beijing's skyline. Five Pavilions Jingshan Hill features five pavilions aligned along its central axis. Each pavilion offers unique perspectives of the surrounding area and houses a Buddhist statue, reflecting the park's historical significance. Shouhuang Hall The Shouhuang Hall was used by emperors for ancestral worship. Recently renovated, it now serves as an exhibition hall showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Jingshan Park. Peony Garden The Peony Garden, located in the park's southeast corner, is renowned for its stunning collection of peonies. It is a popular spot during the blooming season in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Activities Morning Exercises Jingshan Park is a popular spot for locals to perform morning exercises such as tai chi, dancing, and jogging. Visitors can join in or simply enjoy watching these traditional Chinese activities. Photography The park offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially from the summit of Jingshan Hill. Capture panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the surrounding cityscape, or the beautiful gardens and pavilions within the park. Seasonal Festivals Jingshan Park hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Peony Festival in spring and the Chrysanthemum Exhibition in autumn. These events showcase the park's horticultural beauty and traditional Chinese culture. Transport Jingshan Park is easily accessible from various parts of Beijing. Here are some ways to get there: By Subway: Take Line 8 to Shichahai Station, then walk south for about 10 minutes to reach the park's north gate. By Bus: Multiple bus routes stop near Jingshan Park, including routes 5, 58, and 101. Get off at the Jingshan East Gate stop. By Taxi: Taxis are a convenient option, especially if you are traveling with a group or have heavy luggage. Just ask the driver to take you to Jingshan Park (景山公园).