Evening on the Bund : a panorama of ShangHai 上海

There is much more to beautiful Macau than casinos; there is also the historical legacy of Portuguese / Asian fusion ... 澳门 is actually ÀoMén ('Bay Gateway') in PinYin Chinese, but the Portugese name is most commonly used. In the first beautiful film are the following locations : In the video - the principal buildings and public spaces that form the Historic Center of Macau: A-Ma Temple (0:05), Lilau Square (0:39), Mandarin's House (0:50), St. Lawrence's Church (1:13), St. Joseph's Seminary and Church (1:36), Sir Robert Ho Tung Library (1:45), St. Augustine's Square (2:01), St. Augustine's Church (2:07), Dom Pedro V Theatre (2:17), Senado Square (2:35), Holy House of Mercy (2:42), 'Leal Senado' Building (3:12), Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple) (3:34), St. Dominic's Church (3:47), Cathedral (4:07), Lou Kau Mansion (4:12), Ruins of St. Paul's (4:29), Mount Fortress (5:01), Section of the Old City Walls (5:44), Na Tcha Temple (5:44), St. Anthony's Church (5:55), Casa Garden (6:06), Protestant Cemetery (6:20), Guia Fortress (including Lighthouse) (6:35).

PinYin - English : pronunciation. ~ is used where there are two sounds in one syllable. Ou[ch] means use the first sound of the word 'ouch'; same sound as ow[l]. *** Greetings Nǐ Hǎo - Hello / Hi (literally, you good?) : nee how Zài Jiàn - Goodbye / bye : z~eye jee~ann HuānYíng (GuāngLín) - Welcome ! (You'll often hear this when enter a restaurant) DaJia Hao ! - Hello everybody ! *** Introductions Nǐ - you / your : nee Wǒ - I / my : woh What is your name? - Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? : Nee j~ou[ch] shen mer ming zuh? My name is ... - Wǒ de míngzì shì ... : Woh der ming zuh sh ... *** XièXiè - : Thanks : shee~air shee~air (second is a little softer/quieter) XièXiè Nǐ ! - Thank you! : shee~air shee~air nee! *** DuìBuQǐ - Excuse me / sorry : der boo chee BúKèQì - No problem / you're welcome : boo ker chee Mei guan xi - No problem / you're welcome : may goo~ann shee Qǐng - Please : ching Mei / MeiHǎo - Beautiful : may / may how *** Interations DuWei - That's right : doo~way (quickly, and often said twice) Yes and no have no direct translations in Chinese, but the following will be fine is answer to common questions, although they are more like 'to be' and 'not to be' if translated literally; however, these are real colloquial uses. Bú shì - no : boo shh Bú shì can also be used in reply to 'Thank you !' with the meaning 'you're welcome' / 'no need to say' / 'it's nothing' Shì de - yes : shh der E.g. LàJiāo ? - lah jee~ou[ch] (chillies ?) : Shì de / Bú shì *** Wǒ - I / me : woh Nǐ - You : nee Tā - He / she : tah *** Shopping and restaurants Wǒ Yào - I want / would like I would like one of these : Wǒ yào Yī ge Zhè ge (woh yow ee guh jay guh) *** ZhèGe - This : jay guh NàGe - That : nay guh *** Yī Ge - One (of) : ee guh Lian Ge - Two (of) : lee~ann guh (Two as a simple number is Er, pronounced 'are') Sān Ge - Three (of) : san guh *** Duō Shǎo Qián? - How much? (price) : doo~or sh~ow[l] chee~ann? Zhège duōshǎo qián? - How much is this? : jay guh Nàgè duōshǎo qián? - How much is that? : nay guh Tài Guì Le! - too expensive! : tie gwee ler! *** nǐhǎo ma? - How are you? : nee how mar ? Hǎo De - ok : how der Hěn Hǎo - Good : hen how Bù Hǎo - Not good : boo how *** ShénMe? - When? : shen mer NǎLi? - Where : nah lee? Nǎr - There (gesturing) : nah Qĭng wèn - Excuse me (before asking a stranger a question) : ching wen Qĭng wèn, weì shēng jiān (zài) nă lĭ? - Where is the restroom? : Ching wen. Way sheng jee~ann z~eye (nah) lee? Qĭng wèn, dìtiě zhàn (zài) nǎ lǐ? - Where is the metro station? : Ching wen, dee tee~air z~eye (nah) lee? You might hear zai nar in norther China (e.g. BeiJing) *** 小 Xiǎo - Small : sh~ow[l] 大 Dà - Big : dah Tai - Too : tie *** Bin De - Ice-cold : bin der Lian De - Cold : lee~ann der Rè de - Hot : rer der Rè chá - hot tea : rer char Bīng píjiǔ - Cold beer : bing pee jee~oh *** La - Spicy : lah Bu La - not spicy : boo lah Xiao La - a little spicy : shee~ow[l] lah Da La - Very spicy : dah lah Tai La! - too spicy! : tie lah! *** Noodles - Miàn : mee~ann Dumplings - JiǎoZi : jee~ow[l] zuh Rice - MiFàn / Fàn : mee fan / fan Eggs - JīDàn : jee dan Beef - NiúRòu 牛肉 : nee~you row Lamb - YángRòu 羊肉 : yang row Chicken - JīRòu 鸡肉 : jee row Pork - ZhūRòu 猪肉 : joo row Fish - YúRòu 鱼肉 : yoo row Tofu - DòuFu 豆腐 : doh foo (See BeijingBuzzz's food cheat sheet for much more) (Wo) Chī bǎole! - (I'm) full! : Woh ch b~ou[ch] ler! (Ni) Chī bǎole ma? - (Are you) full? : (Nee) ch b~ou[ch] ler maa? Ma is appended to change a statement into a question. *** ZhōngGuó - China : jong goo~woh YīngGuó - England : ying goo~woh MěiGuó - America : may goo~woh ZhōngWén - Chinese nationality : jong ren YīngWén - English nationality : ying ren *** Hótel - Hotel FànDiàn - Hotel / Restaurant : fan dee~ann Wǒ Bù ZhīDào - I don't know : woh boo juh~dow Tīng Bù Dǒng - I don't understand : ting boo dong ZhèGe Duōshǎo Qián? / DuōShǎo Qián? - How much is this? : doo~or sh~ow[l} chee~ann? Tài guìle ! - Too expensive ! : tie-gwee lah ! Wo Yao ... - I would like ... : woh yow ... Wǒ Yào ZhèGe - I want this one : woh yow jay~guh *** 5 yuan (kwai) / 2 pieces (items) 5元 / 2个 or 5元 2个 8 折 (bā zhé), which directly translates as '8 discount'. This means that the discounted price is 80% of the original price (20% off). 人 Rén - Person : ren 5元 / 2人 - 5 yuan for 2 people *** For toilet doors / WCs : 男 - Man 女 - Woman *** BúShì - No : boo shh ShìDe - Yes : Shh der Hǎo de - Okay : how der MéiYǒu - none / out of stock : may~oh *** Wǒ ài ... - I love ... : woh eye ... - I love this! : woh eye jay-guh! Wǒ ài ZhōngGuó - I love China : woh eye jong goo~woh *** Hǎo Chī - Delicious (literally good eat) : how ch Bú Hǎo Chī - Not tasty : boo how ch One can think of 'Bú' as meaning 'not' *** Wǒ Bù LiǎoJiě - I don't understand : woh boo lee~ow[l]~jee~air *** Chi - eat : ch Wǒ Xiǎng ... - I would like ... : woh shee~ang ... Wǒ Xiǎng Chī ... - I would like to eat ... : woh she~ang ch ... *** Directions Bei - North : bay Nan - South : nan Xi - West : shee Dong - East : dong *** DìTiě - Subway train : dee tee~air Dìtiě nali ma? - Where is the subway? : dee tee~air nah~lee ma Zhan - Train station : zahn Men - gate : men Yuan / kwai - rmb (currency) : yoo~ann / kw~eye (more common) Gong yuan - Park : gong yoo~ann *** KāFēi - Coffee : kah fay Chá - Tea : chah kěLè - Cola : ker ler PiJiou - Beer : pee jee~oh Shui - Water : shway Wo yao liang ge pijiou liande - I would like two cold beers : woh yow[l] lee~ann guh pee jee~oh lee~ann der *** Jia Yo! - Let's go! / Go! (encouraging) : jee~ah yoh! Wǒ Bù Shuō Hànyǔ / ZhōngWén - I don't speak Chinese (huh?!) Or simply Bù ZhōngWén : boo jong wen *** Numbers Numbers are easy (there are finger position numbers too, but that's not so easy) : 1 - Yī : ee 2 - Èr : are 3 - Sān : san 4 - Sì : si (the sound is the first half of 'soot') (short sound) 5 - Wǔ : woo~oh 6 - Liù : lee~oo 7 - Qī : chee 8 - Bā : bah 9 - Jiǔ : jee~oo 10 - Shí : shhh (longer sound) Example of 11 - 99 : 73 - Qi Shí Sān (7x10) + 3 : chee shhh san (7 10 3) 70 - Qi Shí (7x10) : chee shhh (7 10) 100 - Bǎi : buy Example of 101 - 999 : 357 - Sān Bǎi Wǔ Shí Qī (3x100 + 5x10 + 7) : san buy woo~oh shhh chee (3 100 5 10 7) 300 - Sān Bǎi (3x100) : san buy (3 100) One small complication - two (of) - rather than the number two) is liǎng ge : lee~ang ger *** Cheers! - GānBēi! : gan bey!

With Beijing Old Liu ... Xinjiang Visitor Guide: Natural Landscapes & Practical Travel Tips Xinjiang is one of China's most captivating and culturally diverse regions, offering travelers a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and a variety of ethnic cultures. From the vast deserts of the Taklamakan to the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang has something for every type of traveler, whether you're an adventurer, a culture seeker, or a nature lover. This guide provides an in-depth look at Xinjiang's natural wonders and offers practical travel tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable visit. The Tianshan Mountains (Heavenly Mountains) Overview: The Tianshan Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic alpine landscapes, including towering peaks, lush valleys, and pristine glacial lakes. The region is excellent for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the local nomadic culture. Key Highlights: Bogda Peak: A breathtaking snow-capped peak rising over 5,445 meters, ideal for experienced mountaineers. Tianchi (Heavenly Lake): A stunning alpine lake, perfect for day trips and boat tours, located about 110 km from Urumqi. It’s surrounded by spruce trees and offers picturesque hiking trails. Travel Tip: It is best to visit Heavenly Lake during late spring or summer (May-August) when the weather is most favorable, and the trails are accessible. Always bring layers as temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains. Taklamakan Desert Overview: The Taklamakan Desert, one of the largest shifting-sand deserts in the world, is known for its extreme beauty and harshness. Visiting this desert is an adventure in itself, where you can explore the golden dunes and see rare desert plants and animals. Key Highlights: Kumtag Desert: A dramatic expanse of sand dunes in the eastern part of the Taklamakan, easily accessible from Turpan. Yarkand Poplar Forest: A rare sight of poplar trees thriving in the desert. Visit in autumn for a golden spectacle as the leaves change color. Travel Tip: Be prepared for extreme conditions in the desert. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and lightweight, breathable clothing. It’s best to go with a guided tour or a local expert as navigating the desert on your own can be dangerous. Kanas Lake Overview: Located in the Altai Mountains, Kanas Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dense pine forests, and breathtaking autumn landscapes. It's a popular destination for hikers and photographers looking to capture the stunning seasonal colors and wildlife. Key Highlights: Kanas Nature Reserve: A pristine natural park home to wildlife such as snow leopards and elk. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Kanas Monster Legend: Local myths speak of a mysterious creature lurking in the lake, adding a bit of intrigue to your visit. Travel Tip: The best time to visit Kanas is from June to September. In autumn (September), the scenery turns golden and is incredibly photogenic. Access is more difficult in winter due to heavy snowfall, but the area is still open for adventurous travelers. Ili River Valley Overview: The Ili River Valley is a picturesque region characterized by vast green pastures, rolling hills, and wildflower meadows. The valley contrasts beautifully with Xinjiang's deserts and rugged mountains, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers. Key Highlights: Nalati Grassland: A scenic area with endless pastures and colorful wildflowers in summer. Ideal for horseback riding and experiencing the local Kazakh culture. Lavender Fields: Famous lavender fields bloom in June, turning the valley into a sea of purple and offering a unique contrast to the green hills and blue skies. Travel Tip: Visit the Ili River Valley in late spring (April-May) or early summer (June) to see the lavender fields and wildflowers at their peak. Horseback tours are highly recommended to explore the vast grasslands. Karakul Lake and Pamir Mountains Overview: Located along the famous Karakoram Highway, Karakul Lake is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the world. Set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Muztagh Ata and Kongur mountains, it offers stunning reflections and an opportunity to witness the nomadic life of Kyrgyz herders. Key Highlights: Muztagh Ata Mountain: Known as the “Father of Ice Mountains,” it’s popular with mountaineers. The lake reflects the snow-capped peak beautifully. Nomadic Culture: Visitors can stay in traditional yurts and experience the simple lifestyle of Kyrgyz and Tajik herders. Travel Tip: The altitude at Karakul Lake is over 3,600 meters, so be prepared for high-altitude conditions and take time to acclimate. The best time to visit is from May to October, as the winters are harsh. Flaming Mountains and Turpan Basin Overview: The Flaming Mountains, located in the Turpan Basin, are famous for their red, flame-like appearance under the hot desert sun. This region is not only rich in unique landscapes but also home to significant historical sites, including ancient cities and Buddhist caves. Key Highlights: Gaochang Ruins: An ancient city that was once a major hub on the Silk Road. The ruins are a fascinating blend of history and desert scenery. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: A series of Buddhist cave paintings dating back to the 5th century. A must-visit for history enthusiasts. Travel Tip: Turpan can get extremely hot in summer (up to 50°C), so plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Practical Travel Information for Xinjiang When to Visit The best time to visit Xinjiang depends on the specific regions you plan to explore. In general, late spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for travel. The summer can be hot, especially in desert areas, but it is also the best time for visiting the mountains and high-altitude lakes. Transportation By Air: Xinjiang has several international airports, including Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (the main gateway), Kashgar Airport, and Kanas Airport. Domestic flights connect Urumqi with most major Chinese cities. By Train: The railway network connects Urumqi with other Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. The journey is long but scenic, especially on the high-speed trains. Local Travel: To explore Xinjiang’s remote areas, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide or driver. Public transportation can be limited in the more rural regions, and self-driving is an option for those familiar with local road conditions. Accommodation Xinjiang offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels in major cities like Urumqi and Kashgar to guesthouses and homestays in rural areas. Staying in a yurt with local nomads in regions like the Ili Valley or Karakul Lake is a unique experience. Cultural Sensitivity Xinjiang is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Uighur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Tajik peoples. Respect for local customs, particularly around religion, is essential. Many locals are Muslim, so it is important to be mindful of dress codes, especially in rural areas and when visiting mosques. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or inside religious sites. Language Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals, especially Uighurs and Kazakhs, speak their own languages. English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas, so it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or Uighur, or have a translation app handy. Food and Cuisine Xinjiang is famous for its lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles (laghman), pilaf (polo), and naan bread. Uighur food is flavorful, with a blend of Central Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Be sure to visit the local markets in Urumqi or Kashgar to sample the regional specialties. Important Note: Always carry your passport and travel documents. Xinjiang has a heavy security presence, and travelers may encounter frequent security checks.

With Walk For You ...

With Walk East ...

Near DaTong, ShanXi province. The Hanging Temple (XuanKong Temple 悬空寺, XuánKōng Sì) is constructed on a vertical cliff face, 75 meters (245 feet) above the ground, at the foot of the HengShan mountain. The temple lies about 64 kilometers south east of the city of DaTong. Together with the YunGang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple is one of the main tourist attractions and historical sites in the DaTong area. Built more than 1,600 years ago, this temple is notable also as the only surviving temple combining all three Chinese traditional religions/philosophies: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The structure is kept in place with oak crossbeams slotted into holes chiseled into the cliffs. The main supportive structure is hidden inside the rock. The temple is located in a small canyon basin, and is situated under a prominent summit that helps protect the temple from rain and sunlight. The YunGang Grottoes are located at the southern foot of Mount WuZhou, 16 kilometers west of DaTong. There are 250 caves here containing many thousands of carvings and statues.

Featuring KunMing, the provincial capital, LiJiang, the outdoor show 'Impression LiJiang', BaiSha village, ShiLin Stone Forest, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La ...

HuǒGuō with the Fung Bros ... Bonus film - ChongQing hot pot - the music vid ...