Exploring HuangShan mountain (黄山), AnHui province …

With Walk East ...

A talk by Eric X. Li ...

Including the Dragon's Backbone hike to Big Wave Bay. A lovely film ... A short bonus film - the view from Victoria Peak, by Francis So ...

No video in this post. At BB, we think this is something crucial to well-being and we'll do our best to convey our experience ... The most important point is - don't imagine that you can 'fix' things - at the start, one needs 3 or 4 meetings to relax and know someone - but beyond that, if things are not going well, get out early; one cannot 'fix' incompatibility, and certainly not a narcissist (they kind of know that they are wacko, but will never, ever admit it). 'Love' shouldn't require a lot of work; a bit maybe; but if one senses that it is all 'one way', or not going anywhere, quit. The relationship is very unlikely to get better; it almost certainly will get worse. Doomed. Save yourself years of wasted life. If you don't, expect to become bitter and twisted yourself. At BB, we feel that health is THE foundation to all else, so we do cover health in this regard, although primarily a travel and culture site. Thousand page books are not our thing; we get straight to the point. If you want to delve deeper, consider this - why is a relationship so important to you ? Going beyond 'animal instincts' is beyond many - they never really mature. If the immature instinct is made the 'gold standard', what can one expect ? If one cannot go beyond the animal brain, one is f****d [animal brain lingo]. The thing is, bad relationships that progress to having kids, can produce sad / bad kids (that may have to endure two decades of emotional abuse). And likely to repeat the cycle, and possibly go into politics, etc. - hence, it is very important to not be a part of this. Maybe, romantic 'love' is simply the grand distraction meme that helps keep the elite in power.

Pu'Er lies in south YunNan province, south China, not far from the borders with Myanmar and Laos, and is home to a number of ethnic groups. This area is rich in vegetation and wildlife. Pu'Er gives its name to a popular variety of fermented, aged, dark tea with a strong, earthy flavor. Pu'Er is about a four to five hours' drive from the provincial capital, KunMing.

Runs to the end of February, weather permitting.

Original posting - December 2014. Starting with 'Now you're in Beijing (commie jungle mix)', music video. Plus Beijing's popular attractions, a trip to the blue sky city, QianHai Lake (in central Beijing), the BeiJing to ShangHai sleeper train, and The Forbidden City (documentary; in English) bonus films ... 'Now you're in Beijing ...' - think about it - you're in Beijing, China - it might be different but that is here and not there; sure some things could be better - such as rights and protections for migrant workers, but Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. A few words on the Hu JinTao / Wen JiaBao era - definately one of China's most successful jumps forward; a major rise in prosperity for all, the growth of great infrastructure, such as the high-speed rail system, and much more, the Beijing Olympics, the Shanghai World Expo, space exploration, and the list goes on ... A happy retirement to two leaders who helped guide China back to greatness ! Mao ZeDong unified the country and helped defeat the Japanese invaders, and for that is a national hero. But things didn't go so well subsequently and on his death the 'Gang of Four' were arrested and China took a new path, though slowly at first following the courageous efforts of Deng XiaoPing. But it was not until circa 1990 that China really began to take off. So its rise to greatness, once more, is remarkable for having been achieved, from so little, in just 25 years. Obviously, they have done most things very right.

Amazing craftsmanship (actually, so good it is art) and culinary skills ...

With Beijing Old Liu ... Visitor Guide to YanQi Lake, BeiJing Overview YanQi Lake, located in the HuaiRou District of BeiJing, is a stunning natural area known for its picturesque landscapes and clear waters. It is a popular destination for both leisure and business, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a venue for high-profile international events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2014. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), approximately 50 kilometers from YanQi Lake. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach the lake. By Train: You can take a high-speed train to HuaiRou North Railway Station and then a taxi or local bus to YanQi Lake. By Bus: Several buses run from downtown BeiJing to HuaiRou District. You can then take a local bus or taxi to YanQi Lake. Getting Around Walking: YanQi Lake area is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty and serene environment. Biking: Renting a bike is a popular option for getting around and exploring the scenic routes around the lake. Local Transport: Taxis and shuttle services are available for traveling to and from different parts of the lake area and nearby attractions. Main Attractions YanQi Island YanQi Island is the centerpiece of YanQi Lake, hosting luxury resorts, conference centers, and beautiful gardens. It is an ideal place for relaxation, high-end dining, and international conferences. YanQi Tower The YanQi Tower offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking scenery and photography opportunities. Boat Tours Boat tours on YanQi Lake provide a peaceful and scenic way to explore the area. Various types of boats, from traditional Chinese boats to modern yachts, are available for hire. Wild Duck Lake Nearby Wild Duck Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a variety of bird species, especially migratory birds. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Hongluo Temple Located a short distance from YanQi Lake, Hongluo Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in northern China. It offers a serene environment and rich cultural heritage. Local Cuisine While visiting YanQi Lake, you can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines. Here are some recommendations: Peking Duck: A world-famous dish, Peking Duck is a must-try when in BeiJing. Many restaurants near YanQi Lake serve this delicacy. YanQi Lake Fish: Freshly caught fish from the lake, prepared in various styles, is a local specialty. HuaiRou Chestnut: HuaiRou is known for its delicious chestnuts, which can be enjoyed roasted or used in local dishes. Shopping Local Handicrafts: Explore shops around YanQi Lake for traditional Chinese handicrafts, including silk products, pottery, and paintings. Specialty Foods: Purchase local specialties such as HuaiRou chestnuts, honey, and other agricultural products. Souvenirs: Various souvenir shops offer items commemorating the APEC summit and other significant events held at YanQi Lake. Accommodation Luxury Resorts: YanQi Lake is home to several luxury resorts, such as the YanQi Lake Kempinski Hotel, which offers top-notch amenities and stunning views. Mid-Range Hotels: There are also several mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations around the lake area, providing comfort and convenience at reasonable prices. Guesthouses: For a more local experience, consider staying in one of the guesthouses or inns in the nearby villages. Historical Background of YanQi Lake YanQi Lake is a man-made reservoir created in the 1980s to improve water supply and irrigation for the HuaiRou District. The project aimed to enhance the local agricultural productivity and provide a recreational area for residents and visitors. Over the years, YanQi Lake has developed into a major tourist destination and a hub for international events. The lake and its surrounding areas have been carefully maintained and upgraded to offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. The area around YanQi Lake has also been a site of historical significance. The nearby Hongluo Temple, dating back over 1,000 years, reflects the region's rich spiritual and cultural history. The combination of ancient traditions and modern development makes YanQi Lake a unique and attractive destination. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit YanQi Lake are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: YanQi Lake is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to enjoy the scenic views, visit local attractions, and savor the local cuisine. Conclusion YanQi Lake, with its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring the tranquil lake, visiting nearby cultural sites, or enjoying local cuisine, YanQi Lake provides a serene escape and a glimpse into the rich heritage of BeiJing. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this picturesque destination in the HuaiRou District.