Country girl builds a new studio

If I could fly - Joe Satriani - cover by YOYO (October 2020). Awesome ... Loving it ... Go, YoYo, Go ! ... Not the most technically challenging (YoYo level), but really has passion and feeling; a beautiful realisation of a beautiful song. We hear so much here, from Chris Rea to ZZ Top, Dire Straits to Gary Moore, to Jimmy Page; full of nuance; so great. The slides, timing and guitar tuning (balance of pure and grunge) all excellent; all made to look easy, which means the spirit if soaring ! Imagine - imagine the billion people across this planet who'd like to fly, if they had the chance. All the talent and all the dreams and all the love quashed, by those who clip our wings in the name of profit, or hegemony, or whatever ... Imagine no fear of poverty; no being taught to fear 'the other'. Just imagine - if we could all fly ... All of us. What a wonderful world that would be.

Creative, talented and visionary expats in China. A special documentary series with CCTV English. Inspiring stories of overseas people making their life in China ... * Preserving the Chinese language * 'Gemini' - French / Chinese pop couple * Innovative t-shirt designer * Cross-cultural architect * Martial arts and calligraphy * Wind power engineer * TianJin city guide magazine publisher and the 'Beijing Beatles' * Engineering manager * The 'Sound Guy' * Restaurant management * Creative art installations * Children's photographer * English teacher * International chef * 'Tribal Fusion' dance

Despite its northern location, Beijing, the blue sky city, is one of the sunniest places in China and, in summer, also one of the hottest. Although around 1,000 miles north of Shanghai, and some 2,000 miles north of Hong Kong and tropical Hainan, Beijing is hotter through the summer months (mid-may to mid-September). Generally a dry heat, tropical thunderstorms can appear on occasion, and with night time temperatures in the 70s you'll be dancing in the rain ;) Excursion ideas : the in-the-mountains Buddhist temples of JieTaiSi and TanZheSi (bus, from the western end of metro line 1), the coastal city of TianJin (train), the beach at BeiDaiHe (train) and the nearby eastern end of the Great Wall (QinHuangDao), the imperial summer resort of ChengDe (combine with a visit to Simatai / JinShanLing Great Wall; coach or train), LongQing Gorge (LongQing Xia), the Spirit Way and general countryside at the Ming Tombs. TianJin can be a day trip as it is connected by high-speed rail, but two days would be great too. For ChengDe or BeiDaiHe, two or three days is best. Remember to take your passport in order to check in to a hotel. Or (more locally) visit the beach / pool at ChaoYang Park. Also, consider the Summer Palace (YiHeYuan), YuanMingYuan (the 'old' / original Summer Palace), BeiHai and JingShan Parks, the Ethic Culture Park (MinZu), the Olympic Forest Park, and these places in the Western Hills: XiangShan Park, Beijing Botanical Garden, BaDaChu (Eight Great (Buddhist) Sites area).

With Walk East ... Bonus film - the Singing Sand Dunes of GanSu ... Visitor Guide to Chaka Salt Lake, QingHai Overview Chaka Salt Lake, located in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in QingHai Province, is a stunning natural wonder known for its mirror-like reflection of the sky. Often referred to as the "Mirror of the Sky," this salt lake offers breathtaking views and a unique travel experience. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is CaoJiabao Airport in XiNing, the capital of QingHai Province, located approximately 300 kilometers from Chaka Salt Lake. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to XiNing Railway Station, and then a train or bus to Chaka Town. By Train: You can take a train to Chaka Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like XiNing and Lhasa. From the station, you can take a local taxi or shuttle bus to the lake. By Bus: Long-distance buses from XiNing and other cities in QingHai Province can take you to Chaka Town. From there, local buses and taxis are available to reach the lake. Getting Around Walking: The best way to explore Chaka Salt Lake is on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and take beautiful photographs. Local Transport: Taxis and shuttle buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of the lake area. Main Attractions Mirror Reflection The most famous feature of Chaka Salt Lake is its mirror-like surface, which perfectly reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. The best time to see this phenomenon is on a clear day, especially during sunrise and sunset when the colors are most vibrant. Salt Sculptures The lake is surrounded by fascinating salt sculptures, created both naturally and by local artists. These sculptures add an artistic touch to the already stunning landscape. Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area The scenic area offers well-maintained walkways, viewing platforms, and resting spots for visitors. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of the lake. Train Rides A narrow-gauge tourist train runs along the edge of the lake, offering a unique perspective and a convenient way to see more of the area. The train ride is especially popular among families and photographers. Stargazing Due to its high altitude and clear skies, Chaka Salt Lake is an excellent location for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see a breathtaking display of stars, making it a popular spot for astronomy enthusiasts. Local Cuisine While visiting Chaka Salt Lake, you can enjoy a variety of local and regional dishes. Here are some recommendations: Lamb Dishes: The region is known for its high-quality lamb, which is used in various dishes such as roasted lamb, lamb hotpot, and lamb kebabs. QingHai Yogurt: Made from yak milk, QingHai yogurt is thick, creamy, and slightly tangy. It is often served with honey or sugar. Tibetan Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Tibetan dishes such as tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak butter tea, and momos (dumplings). Shopping Salt Products: Chaka Salt Lake is a major producer of salt, and you can purchase various salt products, including salt crystals, salt lamps, and bath salts. Local Handicrafts: Explore shops for traditional Tibetan and Mongolian handicrafts, such as jewelry, textiles, and wooden carvings. Specialty Foods: Purchase local specialties such as dried yak meat, yak cheese, and Tibetan pastries. Accommodation Hotels: Chaka Town offers several hotels and guesthouses catering to different budgets, providing comfortable accommodations and easy access to the lake. Eco-Lodges: For a more unique experience, consider staying in an eco-lodge or yurt near the lake, which offers stunning views and a closer connection to nature. Historical Background of Chaka Salt Lake Chaka Salt Lake has a history of salt production dating back over 3,000 years. The lake's salt has been an essential resource for local communities, providing economic support and playing a crucial role in daily life. The name "Chaka" means "salt lake" in Tibetan, reflecting the area's significance in Tibetan culture. The lake has also been an important stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a trade route that connected China with Tibet and other regions. In recent years, Chaka Salt Lake has developed into a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique natural beauty and mirror-like reflections. The local government has invested in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the lake's natural environment. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Chaka Salt Lake are summer (June to August) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the lake's reflections are most impressive. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. Sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, is also recommended. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting nearby Tibetan and Mongolian communities. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: Chaka Salt Lake is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to enjoy the stunning views, visit local attractions, and savor the local cuisine. Conclusion Chaka Salt Lake, with its breathtaking mirror reflections, unique salt sculptures, and rich cultural heritage, offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Whether you're exploring the scenic area, enjoying local cuisine, or stargazing under the clear night sky, Chaka Salt Lake provides a serene and memorable escape. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this stunning destination in QingHai Province.

Compare that with the UK's (maybe) 250 km single line (HS2). With Jason / Living In China ... With For All Life's Adventures ...

With China Walking Tour ... The DaMing Temple (大明寺) in YangZhou, JiangSu province, is a renowned Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back over a thousand years. It is one of the key cultural and historical landmarks in YangZhou and holds significant importance in Chinese Buddhist heritage. Here is more information about the DaMing Temple: History and Origins: Establishment: The DaMing Temple was originally built during the Southern Dynasties period in the 5th century AD, making it one of the oldest temples in Jiangsu province. Significance: It was initially established by the ruler of the Liang Dynasty, Emperor Wu, as a center for Buddhist teachings and practices. Architectural Features: Main Hall (Mahavira Hall): The temple's main hall is the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), a grand and majestic structure that enshrines statues of Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism. Pagoda: The temple complex also includes a historic pagoda, known as the Yunyan Pagoda (云岩塔), which is a designated national treasure and an iconic symbol of Yangzhou. Cultural Heritage: Influence: Throughout its history, the DaMing Temple has played a pivotal role in the development of Buddhist culture, attracting scholars, monks, and pilgrims from across China and beyond. Renowned Monks: The temple has been associated with several influential Buddhist monks and scholars, contributing to the spread of Buddhism and the exchange of knowledge. Attractions and Highlights: Yunyan Pagoda: The pagoda within the temple grounds is a must-visit attraction, offering panoramic views of Yangzhou from its upper levels. Historic Artifacts: The DaMing Temple houses various Buddhist artifacts, scriptures, and relics, providing insights into the region's religious and cultural heritage. Modern Significance: Cultural Site: Today, the DaMing Temple remains an active Buddhist temple and a popular destination for tourists, scholars, and pilgrims interested in exploring China's Buddhist traditions. Tourist Destination: Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of the temple complex, admire its architecture, and learn about its historical significance. Location: Address: DaMing Temple, No. 1 Taicheng Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The DaMing Temple in Yangzhou stands as a testament to China's enduring Buddhist legacy and serves as a living link to the region's ancient past. Its blend of architectural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore Jiangsu's historical treasures.

With Seiu Travel ...