New year’s eve fireworks, LiuZhou, GuangXi 广西 province

With Hannah and Ben ... "So happy we decided to make a quick stop in Shaxi on our way from Dali to Lijiang. This small mountain village is absolutely gorgeous. There are so many fun shops, restaurants, and sites to see. If you are a fan of C-dramas, then you can't miss all the sites from the show Meet Yourself, starring Li Xian and Liu Yifei. The best way to get to Shaxi is by private car. If you don't know how to hire a car using Chinese apps, there are a lot of people offering driving services from Dali and Lijiang. We asked at our homestay in Dali and they gave us several recommendations. You can visit most of the old town in just one day but staying the night is recommended." With JHMedium ... "Halfway between Dali and Lijiang lies an ancient town that is more intimate, artistic, and far less commercialized than those two cities. This is Shaxi. Tucked away in Jianchuan County, Shaxi Ancient Town is beloved by artists and craftsmen from all over China but is still relatively unknown to international visitors. I can confidently say this town is a must-visit in Yunnan. We'll experience the local tie-dyeing, learn about the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and explore the arts and crafts of this town. Join us on our trip to this charming little gem."

4-Week Food Tour of China This itinerary covers a diverse range of regional cuisines in China, from the hearty flavors of Northern cuisine to the fiery spice of SiChuan, the delicate dishes of JiangSu, and the fresh seafood of Cantonese cuisine. Week 1: Beijing and Northern Cuisine Sample Beijing's famous Peking Duck at renowned restaurants such as Quanjude or Da Dong. Explore the bustling Wangfujing Snack Street and try local street food delicacies like jianbing (savory Chinese crepes) and lamb skewers. Indulge in traditional Beijing snacks like zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), douzhi (fermented mung bean soup), and tanghulu (candied fruit skewers). Week 2: Sichuan Province and Spicy Cuisine Experience the bold and spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine with dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and hot pot. Visit Chengdu's famous food streets, such as Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley, to sample a variety of Sichuan snacks and street foods. Explore local markets like Jinli and Wuhou, where you can taste authentic Sichuan specialties and shop for spices and ingredients. Week 3: Shanghai and Jiangsu Cuisine Enjoy Shanghai's vibrant food scene with a mix of classic dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), and hairy crab. Explore traditional Shanghainese restaurants and local eateries in areas like Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, and Tianzifang. Sample Jiangsu cuisine specialties like braised pork belly, sweet and sour spare ribs, and freshwater delicacies from the nearby Yangtze River. Week 4: Guangdong Province and Cantonese Cuisine Discover the diverse flavors of Cantonese cuisine in Guangzhou, known for its fresh seafood, roasted meats, and dim sum. Explore local markets like Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and Guangzhou's Wholesale Food Market to taste a wide range of Cantonese dishes and snacks. Indulge in iconic Cantonese dishes such as roast duck, steamed fish, BBQ pork, and shrimp dumplings.

Nathan Rich lays it out ...

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.

With Walk East ...

What started supposedly as a protest over a mundane and non-controversial bill (now long abandoned) that would only truly concern serious criminals, HK is now gripped by violence. But would real protesters seek to destroy their own city and its international reputation, even targeting tourists, and raise foreign flags ? It is very clear that there is much more to it, and the non-violent 'protestors' are being used. All the cancelled flights will have lost millions of dollars. But the long-term losses are far greater - it might take 10 years for the city to recover, or, put another way, it might well never really regain what it could have been. These riots are not in the interests of HK; they are in the interests of external powers.