Family adventure trip to China 中国

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... XiZhou Ancient Town Visitor Guide XiZhou Ancient Town is a gem of Yunnan Province, located approximately 20 kilometers from Dali’s old town. Nestled along the shores of the serene Erhai Lake, XiZhou offers a unique blend of rich Bai culture, stunning ancient architecture, and a tranquil environment, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a more intimate and traditional experience. Overview Location: XiZhou is situated within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and is renowned for its well-preserved Bai minority culture. Famous For: Traditional Bai houses, ancient courtyards, folk performances, unique local cuisine, and vibrant markets. Getting There From Dali: You can take a bus or taxi from Dali Old Town (20-30 minutes). From Kunming: XiZhou is about a 5-hour drive from Kunming. Buses to Dali are available, and from Dali, you can take local transportation to XiZhou. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Top Attractions in XiZhou Yan Family Courtyard (Yan Jia Da Yuan): The most famous ancient residence in XiZhou, showcasing traditional Bai architecture with beautiful wood carvings, white-washed walls, and murals. Bai Minority Culture and Houses: Explore over 150 well-preserved traditional Bai houses with intricate designs and courtyards. XiZhou Morning Market: A bustling market full of fresh produce, traditional snacks, and local crafts. Arrive early (7 AM – 9 AM) to experience the market at its liveliest. Erhai Lake: A stunning lake where you can walk, cycle, or take boat rides to enjoy the natural beauty. Shuanglang Town: A trendy nearby town famous for its artistic vibe and boutique guesthouses. A perfect day trip from XiZhou. Cultural Experiences Bai Minority Dress and Dance: Experience colorful traditional Bai clothing and catch performances of traditional dances during festivals or market days. Tea Culture at XiZhou: Enjoy traditional tea-tasting experiences in local homes or guesthouses. Local Delicacies XiZhou Baba (喜洲粑粑): A crispy, savory (or sweet) flatbread made from wheat flour. Try it fresh from street vendors. Dali Cheese (Rushan, 乳扇): A Bai specialty cheese, often grilled or fried, that you can find throughout the town. Erhai Fish: Fresh fish dishes prepared from the lake's bounty, best enjoyed at lakeside restaurants. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼): A delicate pastry filled with rose petal jam. This treat is especially famous in XiZhou, where roses are grown locally. Its fragrant sweetness makes it a popular souvenir. Where to Stay Local Homestays: Family-run guesthouses, often in traditional Bai homes, offering an intimate experience of Bai culture. Boutique Hotels: For more luxury, boutique hotels combine modern amenities with traditional architecture. Tips for Visitors Language: Most people speak the local Bai dialect, but Mandarin Chinese is sufficient for communication. English is not widely spoken. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing people. Shopping: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade textiles, embroidery, and silverware from the markets. Nearby Attractions Dali Old Town: A larger, more developed town known for its old city walls, temples, and lively atmosphere. Cangshan Mountain: Offers hiking trails, cable cars, and panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali’s landscape. Conclusion XiZhou Ancient Town is an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Bai culture, ancient architecture, and the peaceful lakeside environment of Yunnan. Whether you're exploring ancient homes, tasting local delicacies, or enjoying the beauty of Erhai Lake, XiZhou provides a rich cultural experience in a relaxed setting.

Apart from a very few fair and independent news outlets, such as GlobalResearch.ca and rt.com/usa/ (though both these have some BS now and then), this is true of all MSM in the West. Nathan Rich breaks it down ...

Overview ChengDu (成都) is the capital city of SiChuan province in south-west China. Known for its spicy cuisine, relaxed lifestyle, and panda conservation centers, Chengdu offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Top Attractions Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地) - Chéngdū Dàxióngmāo Fányù Yánjiū Jīdì Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街) - Jǐnlǐ Gǔjiē Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) - Wǔhóu Cí Qingcheng Mountain (青城山) - Qīngchéng Shān Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰) - Dūjiāngyàn Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Alley) (宽窄巷子) - Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi Sichuan Opera and Face Changing Show (川剧变脸) - Chuānjù Biànliǎn Chengdu People's Park (成都人民公园) - Chéngdū Rénmín Gōngyuán Chunxi Road (春熙路) - Chūnxī Lù Song Xian Qiao Antique Market (宋庆龄故居松仙桥古玩市场) - Sòng Qìnglíng Gùjū Sōngxiānqiáo Gǔwàn Shìchǎng Wenshu Monastery (文殊院) - Wénshū Yuàn Mt. Emei (峨眉山) - Éméi Shān (Day trip from Chengdu) Tianfu New Area (天府新区) - Tiānfǔ Xīn Qū Anshun Bridge Night Market (安顺廊桥夜市) - Ānshùn Lángqiáo Yèshì Chengdu Culture Park (成都文化公园) - Chéngdū Wénhuà Gōngyuán Chengdu Panda Asian Food Festival (成都国际熊猫美食节) - Chéngdū Guójì Xióngmāo Měishí Jié Chengdu Botanical Garden (成都植物园) - Chéngdū Zhíwùyuán Sichuan Science and Technology Museum (四川科技馆) - Sìchuān Kējìguǎn Chengdu Tianfu Square (成都天府广场) - Chéngdū Tiānfǔ Guǎngchǎng Dufu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂) - Dùfǔ Cǎotáng Huanglongxi Ancient Town (黄龙溪古镇) - Huánglóngxī Gǔzhèn Sichuan University (四川大学) - Sìchuān Dàxué Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆) - Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn Daci Temple (大慈寺) - Dàcí Sì Luodai Ancient Town (洛带古镇) - Luòdài Gǔzhèn Chengdu Sports Center (成都市体育中心) - Chéngdū Shì Tǐyù Zhōngxīn Chengdu Eastern Music Park (成都东部音乐公园) - Chéngdū Dōngbù Yīnyuè Gōngyuán Huanhuaxi Park (浣花溪公园) - Huànhuāxī Gōngyuán Qintai Road Historic District (琴台路历史文化街区) - Qíntái Lù Lìshǐ Wénhuà Jiēqū Chengdu Happy Valley (成都欢乐谷) - Chéngdū Huānlègǔ Huaxi Music Fountain (花溪音乐喷泉) - Huāxī Yīnyuè Pēnquán Hejiang Pavilion (合江亭) - Héjiāng Tíng Chengdu Radio and TV Tower (成都电视塔) - Chéngdū Diànshì Tǎ Wolong National Nature Reserve (卧龙国家级自然保护区) - Wòlóng Guójiā Jí Zìrán Bǎohùqū Mt. Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Scenic Area (青城山-都江堰风景区) - Qīngchéng Shān-Dūjiāngyàn Fēngjǐng Qū Chengdu Tianfu Greenway (成都天府绿道) - Chéngdū Tiānfǔ Lǜdào Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park (成都海昌极地海洋公园) - Chéngdū Hǎichāng Jídì Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán Dining Experiences Hot Pot (火锅) - Huǒguō Sichuan Cuisine (川菜) - Chuāncài Tea Houses (茶馆) - Cháguǎn Huangcheng Laoma (Old Master Huang's Restaurant) (黄城老妈) - Huángchéng Lǎomā Yulin Life Plaza Food Street (玉林生活广场美食街) - Yùlín Shēnghuó Guǎngchǎng Měishí Jiē Long Chaoshou Restaurant (Dragon's Wonton Restaurant) (龙抄手) - Lóng Chāoshǒu Shopping and Entertainment Chunxi Road Shopping District (春熙路购物区) - Chūnxī Lù Gòuwù Qū Taikoo Li (太古里) - Tàigǔlǐ IFS (International Finance Square) (国际金融中心) - Guójì Jīnróng Zhōngxīn Sichuan Opera and Tea Culture Show (川剧茶艺表演) - Chuānjù Cháyì Biǎoyǎn Chengdu Global Center (成都环球中心) - Chéngdū Huánqiú Zhōngxīn Chengdu IFS Ice Fountain (IFS冰雪奇缘) - IFS Bīngxuě Qíyuán Chengdu New Century Global Center (成都世纪环球中心) - Chéngdū Shìjì Huánqiú Zhōngxīn Tianfu New Area (天府新区) - Tiānfǔ Xīn Qū Nightlife and Entertainment Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Alley) (宽窄巷子) - Kuānzhǎi Xiàngzi Jiuyanqiao Bar Street (九眼桥酒吧街) - Jiǔyǎnqiáo Jiǔbā Jiē Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu (成都兰桂坊) - Chéngdū Lánguìfāng Heming Teahouse (Hemingway Bar) (海明茶馆) - Hǎimíng Cháguǎn Chengdu Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li (成都远洋太古里) - Chéngdū Yuǎnyáng Tàigǔlǐ Practical Tips Transportation: Use the Chengdu metro system, buses, or taxis for getting around. Language: Mandarin is the primary language; learn some basic phrases. Weather: Chengdu has a mild climate, but prepare for occasional rain, especially in summer. Currency: Use local currency (Renminbi). Panda Visits: Plan your visit to the panda base early in the morning for the best panda viewing. Respect Local Customs: Embrace the laid-back lifestyle and tea culture of Chengdu. Hidden Gems Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) - Lèshān Dàfó (Day trip from Chengdu) Mount Qingcheng (青城山) - Qīngchéng Shān (Day trip from Chengdu) Luodai Ancient Town (洛带古镇) - Luòdài Gǔzhèn Wolong National Nature Reserve (卧龙国家级自然保护区) - Wòlóng Guójiā Jí Zìrán Bǎohùqū Chengdu Tianfu Greenway (成都天府绿道) - Chéngdū Tiānfǔ Lǜdào Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park (成都海昌极地海洋公园) - Chéngdū Hǎichāng Jídì Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán Chengdu Anren Ancient Town (成都安仁古镇) - Chéngdū Ānrén Gǔzhèn Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Music and Dance Show (武侯祠音乐舞蹈表演) - Wǔhóu Cí Yīnyuè Wǔdǎo Biǎoyǎn Mount Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain) (四姑娘山) - Sìgūniáng Shān (Multi-day excursion from Chengdu) Chengdu Happy Valley (成都欢乐谷) - Chéngdū Huānlègǔ Huanglongxi Ancient Town (黄龙溪古镇) - Huánglóngxī Gǔzhèn Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆) - Sānxīngduī Bówùguǎn Dujiangyan Panda Base (都江堰熊猫基地) - Dūjiāngyàn Xióngmāo Jīdì Chengdu Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum (成都杜甫草堂博物馆) - Chéngdū Dùfǔ Cǎotáng Bówùguǎn Chengdu Lixiang Park (成都荔香公园) - Chéngdū Lìxiāng Gōngyuán Chengdu Yongling Mausoleum (成都永陵) - Chéngdū Yǒnglíng Chengdu Aircraft Carrier Theme Park (成都航空母舰主题公园) - Chéngdū Hángkōng Mǔjiàn Zhǔtí Gōngyuán Chengdu Happy Water World (成都欢乐水世界) - Chéngdū Huānlè Shuǐ Shìjiè Chengdu Confucius Temple (成都文庙) - Chéngdū Wénmiào Chengdu Huanglongxi Film and Television Base (成都黄龙溪影视基地) - Chéngdū Huánglóngxī Yǐngshì Jīdì Chengdu Xiling Snow Mountain (成都西岭雪山) - Chéngdū Xīlǐng Xuěshān Chengdu Sichuan Opera Theater (成都川剧院) - Chéngdū Chuānjù Yuàn Chengdu Bonsai Garden (成都盆景园) - Chéngdū Pénjǐng Yuán Chengdu Nanhu Dreamland (成都南湖梦幻岛) - Chéngdū Nánhú Mènghuàn Dǎo Chengdu Dayi Strawberry Park (成都大邑草莓园) - Chéngdū Dàyì Cǎoméi Yuán Chengdu Dinosaur Museum (成都恐龙博物馆) - Chéngdū Kǒnglóng Bówùguǎn Enjoy exploring Chengdu's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and the adorable giant pandas!

This city lies on a beautiful island in HangZhou Bay. The island is 500square kilometers in size and connected to the mainland by a bridge.

South China

Essential Chinese Sauces, Spices and Oils for your kitchen cupboard: Soy Sauce (酱油, Jiàngyóu): Soy sauce is perhaps the most essential condiment in Chinese cooking. It adds saltiness, depth, and umami flavor to dishes. There are different varieties of soy sauce, including light soy sauce (生抽, Shēngchōu) and dark soy sauce (老抽, Lǎochōu), each with its own flavor profile and usage. Oyster Sauce (蚝油, Háoyóu): Oyster sauce is a thick, savory sauce made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It has a rich, umami flavor and is commonly used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Sesame Oil (麻油, Máyóu): Sesame oil is a fragrant oil made from toasted sesame seeds. It has a nutty flavor and adds depth and aroma to dishes. Sesame oil is often used as a finishing oil, added at the end of cooking for its distinct flavor. It is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces. Try the toasted version. Rice Vinegar (米醋, Mǐcù): Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar made from fermented rice. It adds acidity and brightness to dishes and is commonly used in marinades, dressings, dipping sauces, and pickling. Chili Bean Paste (豆瓣酱, Dòubànjiàng): Chili bean paste, also known as doubanjiang or Toban Djan, is a spicy and savory paste made from fermented broad beans, chili peppers, and soybeans. It has a complex flavor with a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and heat. Chili bean paste is a key ingredient in Sichuan cuisine and is used in dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Twice-cooked Pork. Shaoxing Wine (绍兴酒, Shàoxīngjiǔ): Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine made from fermented glutinous rice. It adds depth of flavor and aroma to dishes and is commonly used in marinades, braises, and stir-fries. Shaoxing wine is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine and is often referred to as the "cooking wine" in Chinese recipes. Chili Oil (辣椒油, Làjiāoyóu): Chili oil is a spicy and aromatic oil made by infusing hot oil with dried chili peppers and other aromatics. It adds heat and flavor to dishes and is commonly used as a condiment in noodle soups, stir-fries, dumplings, and dipping sauces. Hoisin Sauce (海鲜酱, Hǎixiānjiàng): Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory sauce made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and various spices. It has a complex flavor with notes of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a glaze for roasted meats, and a flavoring agent in stir-fries and marinades. Five-Spice Powder (五香粉, Wǔxiāngfěn): Five-spice powder is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon (cassia), Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Five-spice powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor to dishes and is often used in marinades, rubs, braises, and stir-fries. These essential Chinese sauces, spices, and oils add depth, flavor, and complexity to a wide range of Chinese dishes. Experimenting with these ingredients can help you create authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine at home! We have recipes for Chili Oil and HoiSin Sauce but by all means try those from your Chinese supermarket first.

A variety of flash-mobs from around China ...

With Wild Girl ...