Cycling through ShangHai 上海

XiaMen Attractions Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿) - Gǔlàngyǔ A charming island known for its colonial architecture, winding streets, and lush gardens. Visitors can explore historic buildings, enjoy panoramic views of the sea, and discover attractions such as the Piano Museum and Sunlight Rock. Xiamen University (厦门大学) - Xiàmén Dàxué Renowned for its beautiful campus, Xiamen University features traditional Chinese architecture, scenic lakes, and tranquil gardens. Visitors can stroll around the campus, admire the architecture, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (中山路步行街) - Zhōngshān Lù Bùxíng Jiē This bustling street is a popular shopping destination in Xiamen, offering a wide range of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and street vendors. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, sample local delicacies, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Haicang Safari Park (海沧动物园) - Hǎicāng Dòngwùyuán Located in Haicang District, this safari park is home to a variety of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. Visitors can enjoy animal shows, feeding sessions, and educational exhibits about wildlife conservation. Xiamen Botanical Garden (厦门园林植物园) - Xiàmén Yuánlín Zhíwùyuán Spanning over 40 hectares, the botanical garden boasts a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees. Visitors can explore scenic trails, admire themed gardens, and enjoy peaceful surroundings. Jimei School Village (集美学村) - Jíměi Xué Cūn Founded by the renowned educator Tan Kah Kee, Jimei School Village features a blend of Western and Chinese architecture. Visitors can visit museums, gardens, and historic buildings, learning about the area's cultural heritage. Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台) - Húlǐshān Pàotái Situated by the sea, this coastal fortress offers panoramic views of Xiamen Bay and the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the fortress, admire historic cannons, and learn about its significance in local history. Xiamen Science and Technology Museum (厦门科技馆) - Xiàmén Kējìguǎn A hands-on museum with interactive exhibits and educational activities focused on science and technology. Visitors of all ages can learn about topics such as astronomy, robotics, and environmental science. Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺) - Nánpǔtuó Sì A Buddhist temple known for its ornate architecture, beautiful gardens, and cultural relics. Visitors can explore the temple complex, admire the statues and artwork, and enjoy peaceful surroundings. Zengcuo'an Village (曾厝垵) - Zēngcuò'ān A picturesque seaside village with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and artistic murals. Visitors can wander around the village, browse boutique shops, and sample local snacks and seafood. Xiamen Twin Towers (双子塔) - Xiàmén Shuāngzǐ Tǎ Iconic skyscrapers offering panoramic views of Xiamen city and the coastline. Visitors can take elevators to observation decks, enjoy breathtaking views, and capture memorable photos of the cityscape. Huandao Road (环岛路) - Huándǎo Lù A scenic coastal road popular for cycling, jogging, and sightseeing. Visitors can rent bicycles, explore beaches and parks along the route, and admire views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Xiamen Piano Museum (厦门钢琴博物馆) - Xiàmén Gāngqín Bówùguǎn A museum dedicated to pianos and musical instruments, showcasing the history and artistry of piano manufacturing. Visitors can admire vintage pianos, learn about famous composers, and enjoy musical performances. Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center (厦门国际会展中心) - Xiàmén Guójì Huìzhǎn Zhōngxīn A venue for exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events, located by the sea. Visitors can attend trade shows, art exhibitions, and entertainment events, contributing to Xiamen's cultural scene. Wanshi Botanical Garden (万石植物园) - Wànshí Zhíwùyuán A botanical garden with diverse plant collections, nature trails, and themed gardens. Visitors can explore different ecosystems, learn about plant species, and enjoy a peaceful retreat into nature. Xiamen Railway Cultural Park (厦门铁路文化公园) - Xiàmén Tiělù Wénhuà Gōngyuán A park featuring historic railway exhibits, including vintage trains and locomotives. Visitors can learn about the history of railways in China, explore outdoor exhibits, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Xiamen Guanyinshan Sand Sculpture Cultural Park (观音山沙雕文化公园) - Guānyīnshān Shādiāo Wénhuà Gōngyuán A park showcasing intricate sand sculptures and cultural exhibits, set against the backdrop of Guanyinshan Mountain. Visitors can admire the detailed craftsmanship of sand sculptures, learn about Chinese culture, and enjoy outdoor performances and activities. Xiamen Underwater World (厦门海底世界) - Xiàmén Hǎidǐ Shìjiè An aquarium showcasing a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and colorful coral reefs. Visitors can explore themed exhibits, attend feeding shows, and learn about underwater ecosystems. Xiamen Bailuzhou Park (厦门白鹭洲公园) - Xiàmén Báilùzhōu Gōngyuán A waterfront park with walking paths, gardens, and recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the sea, relax in the shade of trees, and participate in outdoor activities such as kite flying. Haiwan Park (海湾公园) - Hǎiwān Gōngyuán A coastal park with playgrounds, sculptures, and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, soak in views of the sea, and relax in a peaceful setting. Additionally, Xiamen boasts several beautiful beaches, including popular ones like Baicheng Beach (白城沙滩) and Huangcuo Beach (黄厝沙滩). These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, making them perfect for families looking to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. Top pick for kids : Xiamen Haicang Dream Coast (厦门海沧梦幻海岸) A family-friendly destination offering a variety of attractions and activities that young kids will love. This entertainment complex combines amusement park rides, interactive exhibits, and educational experiences in a vibrant seaside setting. Attractions and Activities: Theme Park Rides: The Dream Coast features a range of amusement park rides suitable for young children, including carousels, kiddie roller coasters, bumper cars, and more. These rides provide thrilling experiences while ensuring safety for young riders. Water Play Areas: There are water play areas and splash pads where kids can cool off and have fun splashing around in the water. These areas are designed with colorful water features, slides, and interactive elements that provide hours of entertainment. Interactive Exhibits: The complex may also include interactive exhibits and educational attractions where kids can learn about science, nature, and the environment through hands-on activities and engaging displays. These exhibits encourage curiosity and exploration in a fun and stimulating environment. Live Shows and Performances: Regular live shows, performances, and entertainment events are often held at the Dream Coast, featuring colorful stage productions, music, dance, and character appearances. These shows captivate young audiences and provide memorable experiences for the whole family. Playgrounds and Play Areas: There are designated playgrounds and play areas equipped with slides, swings, climbing structures, and other play equipment suitable for young children. These areas offer opportunities for active play and social interaction in a safe and supervised environment. Family-Friendly Dining and Shopping: The complex may include family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and snack bars offering a variety of food and beverage options to satisfy hungry appetites. Additionally, there may be souvenir shops and retail stores selling toys, gifts, and merchandise related to the park's themes. Overall, Xiamen Haicang Dream Coast provides a fun and entertaining experience for young kids, offering a mix of amusement park rides, water play areas, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment in a vibrant seaside setting. It's a place where families can create lasting memories and enjoy quality time together. TuLou Tulou, also known as "earthen buildings," are traditional communal residences built by the Hakka and Minnan people of southern China. These unique circular or square structures are made of earth, wood, and other local materials, and they served as fortified villages to house multiple families. The tulou are within a few hours' drive from the city. Some of the most famous tulou clusters include: Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群): Located in Yongding County, about 3-4 hours by car from Xiamen, Tianluokeng is known for its unique "four dishes and one soup" layout, featuring a square tulou at the center surrounded by four round tulou buildings. Nanxi Tulou Cluster (南溪土楼群): Also in Yongding County, the Nanxi Tulou Cluster is characterized by its scenic surroundings, with tulou nestled among green hills and flowing rivers. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Nanxi from Xiamen. Chuxi Tulou Cluster (初溪土楼群): Another notable tulou cluster in Yongding County, Chuxi is known for its well-preserved tulou buildings and tranquil rural atmosphere. It's also about 3-4 hours away from Xiamen. These tulou clusters offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional Hakka architecture and culture, making them popular destinations for tourists interested in history, architecture, and rural life in southern China. Visitors to Xiamen can arrange day trips or overnight stays to explore these unique UNESCO World Heritage sites. TuLou are featured in the awesome animated movie : "Big Fish and Begonia", which everyone must see !

In BeiJing alone, there are around 200,000 places to eat, so you'll never be far from a tasty meal and there is so much to try that China is very much a foodie heaven. Here's BeiJingBuzzz's cheat sheet of popular food dishes that you will love. Feel free to print out for personal use ... Huo Guo (火锅) : 'Hotpot' - order what you like and cook it in a steaming broth that can be spicy, mild or both. Served with a sesame sauce topped with coriander and / or spring onion; with vinegar and soy sauce as additional options. Thinly sliced meats, all manner of vegetables, noodles, eggs, tofu and more. Be sure to try Dong Dofu (iced tofu) and Dofu skin - super delicious in Huo Guo. There are many independents but you cannot go wrong if you see a XiaBu XiaBu, a very popular restaurant chain. Mābo Dōfu (麻婆豆腐) : soft beancurd in a spicy sauce with minced pork BaoZi (包子) : steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables JiaoZi (饺子) : boiled or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables RouJiaMo (肉夹馍) : a sandwich made with flatbread and filled with meat (most commonly pork) CongYou Bing (葱油饼) : spring onion / scallion pancakes - a savory flatbread made with scallions and flour ZhengJiao (蒸饺) : steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or seafood ZongZi (粽子) : glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves GouBuLi BaoZi (狗不理包子) : steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables, popular in Tianjin DouHua (豆花) : sweet tofu pudding XiaoLongBao (小笼包) : steamed dumplings filled with meat or seafood and soup Xī Hóng Shì Chǎo JīDàn (西红柿炒蛋): egg and tomato - a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, it is often a simple and comforting dish, that can be found in many Chinese home-style cooking. It is typically made by stir-frying diced tomatoes and beaten eggs together with some seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and sometimes soy sauce. DanDan Mian (担担面): a spicy Szechuan noodle dish made with thin wheat noodles, a spicy chili oil-based sauce, and often ground meat JianShui Zhu (建水煮): fried vermicelli noodles popular in Yunnan province LanZhou LaMian (兰州拉面): hand-pulled noodles popular in Lanzhou, Gansu province ReGan Mian (热干面): Wuhan hot dry noodles - a spicy dish made with thin wheat noodles, chili oil and ground meat, popular in Wuhan, Hubei province ZhaJiang Mian (炸酱面): a dish of thick wheat noodles served with a fermented soybean paste sauce and vegetables, popular in northern China ZhaJiangMian (炸酱面): a dish of thick wheat noodles served with a bean paste sauce, popular in northeastern China GuoTie (锅贴): Chinese fried dumplings MaLaTang (麻辣烫): a spicy hotpot popular in Sichuan and Chongqing Di San Xian (第三鲜): a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, typically found in northern China, it is a type of stir-fry dish made with three main ingredients: potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers, it is also called "Three Fresh" or "Three Precious Vegetables". It is typically stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and scallions, and seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes oyster sauce. GōngBǎo JīDīng (宫保鸡丁) : also transcribed Gong Bao, Kung Pao or Kung Po, is a spicy, stir-fried Chinese dish made with cubes of chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. A classic dish in Sichuan cuisine. JīSī Liáng Miàn (鸡丝凉面) : Chinese Chicken Noodle Salad - Chinese chicken noodle salad features noodles tossed in a nutty savory sesame sauce and topped with shredded chicken and cucumber. Hei Jiao Niu Liu (黑椒牛柳) - Sliced tender beef with onions, peppers and black pepper. Huo Guo - hot pot There are also around 6,000 McDonalds in China, plus Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway and more. And if you like cooking from scratch yourself, you'll find many huge supermarkets plus local markets.

If you have not yet been to China, how to communicate might be a concern. This video is by a popular travel blogger discussing just this, after six months in China ...

Bonus film - The WuTa Temple in BeiJing ...

The ONLY time for division, is between the positive and the negative. Repeat every night; and every morning. With the Barrett channel ... With LaowaiNiko ... With Jerry Goode ... Bonus film - democracy in China, with Jerry's Take on China ... With Living in China ... In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Individualism is the ultimate 'divide and rule'. Bonus films ...

Plus ShaTin Park 沙田公園 ...

Beijing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit The Forbidden City (紫禁城 Zǐjìnchéng): Explore the ancient imperial palace complex and its vast courtyards. The Great Wall of China (长城 Chángchéng): Take a family hike along this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beijing Zoo (北京动物园 Běijīng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas and other animals at one of China's oldest and largest zoos. Beihai Park (北海公园 Běihǎi Gōngyuán): Enjoy boating on the lake and exploring the gardens and pavilions. 798 Art District (798艺术区 Qījiǔbā Yìshùqū): Discover contemporary art in this former factory complex turned art district. Beijing Aquarium (北京海洋馆 Běijīng Hǎiyánguǎn): Explore the underwater world with a variety of marine life exhibits. Beijing Children's Museum (北京儿童博物馆 Běijīng Értóng Bówùguǎn): Interactive museum featuring exhibits designed for children. Summer Palace (颐和园 Yíhé Yuán): Stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy boat rides on Kunming Lake. Happy Valley Beijing (欢乐谷 Huānlègǔ Běijīng): Amusement park with rides and entertainment for the whole family. Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园 Běijīng Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Temple of Heaven Park (天坛公园 Tiāntán Gōngyuán): Watch locals practice tai chi and fly kites in this historic park. Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (北京国家体育场 Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng): Visit the iconic Olympic venue and explore its architecture. Beijing Planetarium (北京天文馆 Běijīng Tiānwénguǎn): Discover the wonders of the universe through interactive exhibits. Beijing Ancient Observatory (北京古观象台 Běijīng Gǔ Guānxiàngtái): Learn about ancient Chinese astronomy and observe celestial objects. Capital Museum (首都博物馆 Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Explore Chinese art and history with family-friendly exhibits. Beijing World Park (北京世界公园 Běijīng Shìjiè Gōngyuán): Travel around the world in a day with replicas of famous landmarks. Chinese Ethnic Culture Park (中国民族文化公园 Zhōngguó Mínzú Wénhuà Gōngyuán): Learn about China's diverse ethnic groups through cultural displays. Beijing Toy Museum (北京玩具博物馆 Běijīng Wánjù Bówùguǎn): Explore a vast collection of toys from different eras and cultures. Beijing Olympic Park (北京奥林匹克公园 Běijīng Àolínpǐkè Gōngyuán): Enjoy green spaces, walking paths, and iconic Olympic venues. Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园 Běijīng Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Beijing: 30 More Places to Visit Tiananmen Square (天安门广场 Tiān'ānmén Guǎngchǎng): Iconic city square with historical significance and monumental architecture. Hutongs (胡同 Hútòng): Explore Beijing's traditional narrow alleys and courtyard residences by rickshaw or walking tour. Prince Gong's Mansion (恭王府 Gōng Wáng Fǔ): Visit this well-preserved imperial residence with beautiful gardens and architecture. Yonghe Lama Temple (雍和宫 Yōng hé Gōng): Discover Tibetan Buddhist culture in this stunning temple complex. National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn): Explore China's history and culture through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (北京国家游泳中心 Běijīng Guójiā Yóuyǒng Zhōngxīn): Visit the iconic venue from the 2008 Olympics, now transformed into a water park. Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (北京古建筑博物馆 Běijīng Gǔ Jiànzhù Bówùguǎn): Learn about traditional Chinese architecture in this unique museum. Beijing Railway Museum (北京铁路博物馆 Běijīng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of Chinese railways with exhibits of locomotives and artifacts. National Centre for the Performing Arts (国家大剧院 Guójiā Dàjùyuàn): Marvel at the futuristic architecture and enjoy performances in this iconic venue. Beijing Capital Museum (北京首都博物馆 Běijīng Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art and history through extensive collections and exhibitions. Beijing Ming Tombs (明十三陵 Míng Shísān Líng): Explore the burial site of Ming Dynasty emperors with grand architecture and scenic surroundings. Beijing Museum of Natural History (中国科学技术馆 Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshùguǎn): Learn about the natural world with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers (北京钟鼓楼 Běijīng Zhōnggǔ Lóu): Visit these historic structures and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Capital Library of China (中国国家图书馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Túshūguǎn): Explore a vast collection of books and cultural resources in this modern library. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) (圆明园 Yuánmíngyuán): Explore the ruins of this historic imperial palace complex with beautiful gardens. Beijing National Art Museum (北京国家艺术博物馆 Běijīng Guójiā Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art through extensive collections of painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. Beijing Modern Art Gallery (北京现代美术馆 Běijīng Xiàndài Měishùguǎn): Explore contemporary Chinese art in this vibrant gallery space. Beijing Aviation Museum (北京航空馆 Běijīng Hángkōngguǎn): Learn about the history of aviation in China with exhibits of aircraft and technology. Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial College (北京孔庙和国子监 Běijīng Kǒngmiào hé Guózǐjiàn): Discover Confucian culture in this historic temple and educational institution. Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站 Běijīng Nánzhàn): Experience modern transportation and marvel at the architecture of this major railway hub. Beijing Dongyue Temple (北京东岳庙 Běijīng Dōngyuèmiào): Explore Chinese folk religion and mythology in this unique temple complex. Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park (北京石景山游乐园 Běijīng Shíjǐngshān Yóulèyuán): Enjoy rides and attractions in this popular amusement park. Beijing Garden Expo Park (北京园博园 Běijīng Yuánbóyuán): Explore beautiful gardens and landscapes in this scenic park. Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (北京国家体育场 Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng): Visit the iconic Olympic venue and explore its architecture. Beijing Capital Museum (北京首都博物馆 Běijīng Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art and history through extensive collections and exhibitions. Beijing Ming Tombs (明十三陵 Míng Shísān Líng): Explore the burial site of Ming Dynasty emperors with grand architecture and scenic surroundings. Beijing Museum of Natural History (中国科学技术馆 Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshùguǎn): Learn about the natural world with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers (北京钟鼓楼 Běijīng Zhōnggǔ Lóu): Visit these historic structures and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Capital Library of China (中国国家图书馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Túshūguǎn): Explore a vast collection of books and cultural resources in this modern library. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) (圆明园 Yuánmíngyuán): Explore the ruins of this historic imperial palace complex with beautiful gardens.

"Meet the new 'boss'; same as the old 'boss'" ... (and who's the real boss ?) How long will this go on ... till most can see : that they've just been fooled again ... Only less than 1% of those who 'represent' us work for us; the rest work for the less than 1%.