China to Laos high speed rail link – win-win with the BRI

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Including Mount ShiRen.

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With Little Chinese Everywhere ... Bonus film - Uyghur life in Turpan desert oasis ... Welcome to Turpan, Oasis of the Gobi Desert Introduction Top Attractions Activities Local Culture Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Getting There Introduction Turpan, also known as Turfan, is a city oasis located in the Gobi Desert of XinJiang, in the Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. This ancient city is one of the hottest and driest places in China, yet it is renowned for its lush vineyards, ancient ruins, and unique cultural heritage. Turpan is an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with influences from various cultures, including Uyghur, Han Chinese, and Central Asian. Despite its harsh desert climate, Turpan is famous for its agricultural produce, particularly grapes, thanks to its innovative karez irrigation system. The city is a fascinating blend of ancient history and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring XinJiang. Top Attractions Jiaohe Ancient City Jiaohe Ancient City, also known as Yarghul, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Dating back over 2,000 years, Jiaohe was once a bustling city on the Silk Road. The city is situated on a plateau surrounded by deep valleys, making it a natural fortress. Visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient city, including its well-preserved streets, houses, temples, and administrative buildings. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Silk Road city. Flaming Mountains The Flaming Mountains are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Turpan. These red sandstone mountains are named for the intense heat they radiate, especially during the summer months, when the surface temperatures can soar above 70°C (158°F). The mountains appear to be ablaze, particularly at sunset, when they glow in various shades of red and orange. The Flaming Mountains are steeped in legend and have been immortalized in the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are a series of cave temples carved into the cliffs of the Mutou Valley. These caves date back to the 5th to 14th centuries and contain exquisite murals that depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures and the daily life of the time. The caves are a testament to the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road and offer insight into the cultural and religious exchanges that took place in this region. Grape Valley Grape Valley is a lush oasis in the heart of the desert, famous for its vineyards and production of sweet Turpan grapes. The valley is a refreshing contrast to the surrounding desert and offers a peaceful retreat with its shady vineyards, running streams, and traditional Uyghur houses. Visitors can stroll through the vineyards, taste fresh grapes and raisins, and learn about the traditional methods of grape cultivation and drying. Karez Irrigation System The Karez Irrigation System is an ancient engineering marvel that has been vital to the survival of Turpan's agriculture in the arid desert environment. This underground network of channels, wells, and tunnels brings water from the distant Tianshan Mountains to the city, allowing the cultivation of crops in the desert. Visitors can explore the Karez Museum to learn about the history and operation of this ingenious system and see how it has sustained life in Turpan for centuries. Activities Exploring Ancient Ruins: Discover the rich history of Turpan by exploring ancient sites such as Jiaohe Ancient City and the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. These sites offer a fascinating insight into the city's past and the cultures that have influenced it. Vineyard Tours: Take a guided tour of the vineyards in Grape Valley, where you can learn about grape cultivation, taste fresh produce, and enjoy the serene beauty of this desert oasis. Hiking in the Flaming Mountains: For those who enjoy the outdoors, hiking in the Flaming Mountains offers an opportunity to experience the dramatic landscape up close. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended to avoid the intense heat. Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional Uyghur villages, attending local festivals, or enjoying performances of Uyghur music and dance. Museum Visits: Visit local museums such as the Turpan Museum and the Karez Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the region's history, culture, and technological achievements. Local Culture Turpan is a melting pot of cultures, with significant influences from Uyghur, Han Chinese, and Central Asian traditions. The Uyghur people, who are the dominant ethnic group in the region, have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their language, music, dance, and cuisine. Uyghur music and dance are vibrant and expressive, often featuring lively rhythms, stringed instruments like the dutar, and intricate dance movements. Traditional Uyghur dances are a highlight of local festivals and celebrations, where people gather to perform and enjoy these cultural expressions. The local architecture is also distinctive, with traditional Uyghur houses often featuring courtyards, intricate wooden carvings, and grape trellises providing shade in the hot desert climate. Visitors to Turpan can explore these traditional homes and learn about the customs and daily life of the Uyghur people. Local Cuisine Turpan is renowned for its delicious Uyghur cuisine, which features a variety of flavorful dishes that reflect the region's agricultural abundance and cultural diversity. Some must-try dishes include: Polo (Uyghur Pilaf): A traditional Uyghur dish made with rice, lamb, carrots, and spices, often served with raisins or other dried fruits. Polo is a staple of Uyghur cuisine and is enjoyed on special occasions and everyday meals alike. Kebabs: Grilled lamb skewers seasoned with a blend of spices and often served with flatbread. Kebabs are a popular street food in Turpan and are a must-try for meat lovers. Nan: Uyghur flatbread, known as nan, is a common accompaniment to many meals. It is often baked in a traditional tandoor oven and can be served plain or topped with sesame seeds. Grape Dishes: Given Turpan's fame for its grapes, you'll find many dishes that incorporate this fruit, including grape juice, grape syrup, and dishes featuring dried grapes (raisins). Lagman: A hand-pulled noodle dish typically served with a stir-fry of meat and vegetables. Lagman is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the culinary skills of the Uyghur people. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Turpan is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Hydration: Given the extreme heat and arid climate, it's essential to stay hydrated while exploring Turpan. Always carry plenty of water with you and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect against the strong sun. In the cooler months, bring layers as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Respect Local Customs: Turpan has a diverse cultural heritage, so it's important to be respectful of local customs, particularly when visiting religious sites or interacting with the Uyghur community. Safety: Stay on designated paths when exploring ancient sites and natural attractions. The terrain can be rugged, and temperatures can be extreme, so caution is advised. Getting There Turpan is located in the eastern part of XinJiang, and there are several options for getting there: By Air: The nearest airport is Turpan Jiaohe Airport, which has flights to and from major cities such as Urumqi, Beijing, and Shanghai. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the city center. By Train: Turpan is well-connected by rail, with the Turpan North Railway Station serving as a major stop on the Lanzhou-XinJiang High-Speed Railway. Trains from Urumqi, Lanzhou, and other major cities offer convenient access to Turpan. By Bus: Long-distance buses operate from Urumqi and other nearby cities to Turpan. The bus ride offers scenic views of the desert and mountains along the way. By Car: If you prefer to drive, Turpan is accessible via highways from Urumqi and other parts of XinJiang. The drive offers a unique opportunity to experience the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert.

Including a great song ...

With Seiu Travel ... 🌹 Yongding Gate Yongding Gate was the south gate of the outer city of Beijing's old city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the highest-regulated and largest of the seven gates in Beijing's outer city Unfortunately, the original gate was demolished in 1957, and what we see now is the rebuilt one in 2004. 🌹 Temple of Heaven and Altar of the God of Agriculture The Temple of Heaven and the Altar of the God of Agriculture are located on both sides of the central axis, showing east-west symmetry. The Temple of Heaven is the largest and most complete existing royal worship building complex in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: http://www.tiantanpark.com/english/ The Altar of Agriculture is the largest existing royal place for worshipping the God of Agriculture in China. It is now converted into a museum of ancient Chinese architecture. Official website: http://www.bjgjg.com 🌹 Zhengyang Gate Zhengyang Gate, commonly known as the "front gate", is the south gate of the inner city of Beijing's old city, located on the south side of Tian‘anmen Square. Zhengyang Gate integrates defense, urban management and ceremonial functions and is known as the "first of the nine gates". 🌹 Tian’anmen Square and Buildings Tian‘anmen Square and buildings are composed of the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Official website: http://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn 🌹 Outer Jinshui Bridge The Outer Jinshui Bridge is located in front of the Tian’anmen Tower. It was the only way from the imperial city to the southern suburbs for sacrifice (Temple of Heaven, Xiannongtan) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the ceremonial space for major celebrations today. 🌹 Tiananmen Gatetower Tiananmen Gatetower was the main gate of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its platform was connected to the imperial city wall, together forming the southern boundary of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Gatetower was the place where imperial edicts were issued in the Ming and Qing dynasties and major state events were held in modern times. 🌹 Duan Gate Duan Gate is located on the south side of the Forbidden City, between Wu Gate and Tiananmen Gatetower, and is part of the court space. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Duan Gate was the place where the emperor's ceremonial supplies were stored. 🌹 Forbidden City The Forbidden City was the palace city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an outstanding example of Chinese royal palace architecture and is located at the center of the central axis. Official website: https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en 🌹 Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain The Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain are the ideal capital planning model of "left ancestor and right community", and are located on the east and west sides of the Forbidden City. The Imperial Ancestral Temple, now the Working People's Cultural Palace, was the royal ancestral temple of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: https://www.bjwhg.com.cn Altar of Land and Grain, now Zhongshan Park, is the most complete ancient royal altar in China for worshiping Taishe (land) and Taiji (grain). Official website: https://www.zhongshan-park.cn 🌹 Jingshan Hill Jingshan Mountain is the commanding height and important landscape node on the central axis of Beijing. Official website: http://www.bjjspark.com/index.jhtml 🌹 Wanning Bridge Wanning Bridge is the oldest bridge on the central axis of Beijing. It is an important water channel in the upper reaches of Tonghui River in the capital of the Yuan Dynasty. It is also a physical object for studying the canal transportation in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty. 🌹 Bell and Drum Tower The Bell and Drum Tower, which was responsible for the city's timekeeping and time reporting functions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, was an important urban management facility. 00:00:00 Highlights 00:01:09 Yongding Gate - the southern gate of Beijing's old city 00:03:42 Remains of the road in the southern section of Beijing's central axis 00:05:26 Temple of Heaven - a place for offering sacrifices to heaven 00:28:18 Altar of Agriculture - a place for offering sacrifices to the god of agriculture 00:36:09 Zhengyang Gate and Qianmen Street 00:41:49 Tian‘anmen Square and buildings 00:49:09 Forbidden City 01:12:52 Imperial Ancestral Temple - a place for offering sacrifices to royal ancestors 01:16:27 Altar of Land and Grain - a place for offering sacrifices to the land and grains 01:20:38 Jingshan 01:29:05Wanning Bridge 01:32:28 Bell and Drum Tower - the northernmost end of the central axis

With DuckTravel ... Welcome to ZhouZhuang Discover the Venice of the East About ZhouZhuang ZhouZhuang, known as the "Venice of the East," is one of the most famous water towns in China. Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, it is renowned for its well-preserved ancient residential houses, elegant watery views, and profound cultural background. The town has a history of over 900 years and retains the style and pattern of its ancient past, with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Attractions Shuangqiao (Twin Bridges) Shuangqiao, also known as the Twin Bridges, is the most famous site in ZhouZhuang. The two bridges, Shide Bridge and Yong'an Bridge, are connected at a right angle and have become a symbol of the town. Fu'an Bridge Fu'an Bridge, built in 1355, is an architectural gem with a unique combination of a bridge, tower, and pavilion. It offers a picturesque view of the waterways and houses. Zhang House The Zhang House, built in the Ming Dynasty, covers an area of over 1,800 square meters. It showcases classic Chinese residential architecture and beautifully decorated interiors. Shen House The Shen House, constructed in 1742, is another example of traditional Chinese architecture. It features 100 rooms and a garden, reflecting the life of a wealthy merchant family. Local Food ZhouZhuang is not only famous for its scenery but also for its delicious local food. Here are some must-try dishes: Wansan Pork Hock: A famous dish named after the wealthy merchant Shen Wansan. The pork hock is braised to perfection with a rich, savory flavor. Sanwei Glutinous Rice Balls: A traditional snack made from glutinous rice with sweet, salty, and spicy fillings, representing the three flavors. Fish Delicacies: Freshwater fish dishes are a staple in ZhouZhuang, often cooked with local herbs and spices to enhance their natural flavors. Transport ZhouZhuang is easily accessible from major cities like Shanghai and Suzhou. Here are some ways to get there: By Bus: Regular buses run from Shanghai and Suzhou to ZhouZhuang, taking about 1-2 hours. By Car: You can drive from Shanghai to ZhouZhuang in about 1.5 hours. Parking is available at the entrance of the town. By Tour: Many travel agencies offer day trips to ZhouZhuang, including transportation and guided tours.