First impressions of China – ChengDu, SiChuan province

A cool look / guide to the sights ...

With Wei's Travel ... Visitor Guide to QingXi Ancient Water Town Getting There From ShangHai: Metro Line 8 (Jiangyue Road Station) - Jiangwu Line/Jiangwu Line Section, after 18 stations, arrive at Qingcun By Train: Take a high-speed train from ShangHai Hongqiao Railway Station to Kunshan South Railway Station. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes. From Kunshan, you can take a taxi or local bus to QingXi Ancient Water Town. By Bus: There are direct buses from ShangHai to Kunshan. The bus journey takes around 1-1.5 hours. By Car: If you prefer to drive, the trip from ShangHai to QingXi takes approximately 1-1.5 hours via the G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. Entrance and Tickets Entrance Fee: Entrance to the water town is generally free, but certain attractions and museums within the town may charge a small fee. Opening Hours: The town is open to visitors all day, but specific attractions and shops usually operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attractions and Activities Waterways and Bridges Boating Tours: Take a traditional gondola ride along the scenic waterways. The boat tours offer a unique perspective of the town’s ancient bridges, historic buildings, and daily life along the canals. Historic Bridges: QingXi boasts numerous ancient stone bridges, each with its own history and architectural style. Notable ones include the Taiping Bridge and Zhenfeng Bridge. Historic Architecture Traditional Houses: Stroll through the town's narrow lanes and admire the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses. Many of these houses have distinctive white walls, black tiles, and wooden carvings. Old Town Square: The central square often hosts traditional performances, markets, and cultural events, giving you a taste of local life and traditions. Cultural and Historical Sites QingXi Ancient Academy: Visit this historic educational institution to learn about the town's academic heritage and traditional Chinese education. Temples and Shrines: Explore local temples and shrines, such as the QingXi Temple, to experience the town's spiritual side and admire religious architecture. Museums and Exhibitions Folk Custom Museum: This museum showcases local crafts, traditional costumes, and cultural artifacts, providing insights into the daily lives and customs of the town’s residents. Silk Museum: Learn about the region's rich history of silk production, including traditional silk weaving techniques and displays of exquisite silk products. Dining and Local Specialties Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants offering local delicacies. Freshwater fish, shrimp, and crabs are popular choices. Local Snacks: Try traditional snacks like Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), Osmanthus cake, and hand-pulled noodles. Street vendors and small eateries throughout the town offer these treats. Tea Houses: Relax in a traditional tea house, sipping on local teas and enjoying the serene water town atmosphere. Shopping Souvenir Shops: Browse the numerous shops selling local handicrafts, silk products, and traditional clothing. These make great souvenirs and gifts. Antique Markets: Explore antique shops and markets where you can find unique items such as vintage coins, pottery, and old books. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit QingXi are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if visiting during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Conclusion QingXi Ancient Water Town offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle of ShangHai, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture, QingXi is a destination that promises a memorable and enriching experience.

With China Road Tales ... The Stone Village of the NaXi people, located in YunNan Province, China, is a remarkable destination that offers a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the NaXi ethnic minority. Here’s a detailed look at this fascinating village: ### Location and Overview - **Location**: The Stone Village, also known as ShiZhiShu Village, is situated in the YuLong Naxi Autonomous County in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, near the town of Lijiang. - **Geography**: Nestled in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (YuLong XueShan), the village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and clear streams. ### NaXi Culture and Heritage - **Ethnic Group**: The NaXi people are one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, with a rich cultural heritage that blends elements of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and other neighboring cultures. - **Language**: The NaXi language, belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family, is still spoken by many villagers. The NaXi also have a unique pictographic script called Dongba, used primarily for religious texts. - **Matriarchal Society**: Historically, the NaXi society was matrilineal, with property and family names passed down through the female line. ### Architecture - **Stone Houses**: The village is renowned for its traditional stone houses, built using local materials such as stone, wood, and mud. These houses are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment and are known for their durability and unique aesthetic. - **Courtyards**: Many homes are built around central courtyards, which serve as communal spaces for family activities and social gatherings. - **Wooden Carvings**: Intricate wooden carvings and decorations adorn the houses, showcasing the NaXi’s craftsmanship and artistic traditions. ### Traditional Lifestyles - **Agriculture**: The NaXi people in the Stone Village primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as barley, wheat, and vegetables. They also raise livestock, including pigs, chickens, and yaks. - **Traditional Dress**: The NaXi have distinctive traditional clothing, often featuring bright colors and intricate embroidery. Women’s attire includes long gowns with wide belts and colorful headscarves, while men typically wear tunics and trousers. - **Festivals and Rituals**: The NaXi people celebrate various traditional festivals, such as the Torch Festival and the Sanduo Festival, which are marked by music, dance, and religious ceremonies. ### Dongba Religion - **Animism and Shamanism**: The NaXi practice Dongba religion, an animistic belief system that involves worshiping nature spirits and ancestors. Dongba priests, who are also scholars, play a central role in religious rituals and the preservation of cultural heritage. - **Dongba Texts**: These religious texts are written in the unique Dongba script, a pictographic writing system that dates back over a thousand years. ### Tourism and Preservation - **Cultural Tourism**: The Stone Village has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the NaXi people. Visitors can explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and traditions. - **Preservation Efforts**: There are ongoing efforts to preserve the unique architecture and cultural heritage of the Stone Village. Local and regional governments, along with cultural organizations, are working to protect the village from modern development and ensure the continuation of NaXi traditions. ### Nearby Attractions - **Lijiang Ancient Town**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant NaXi culture. It is a short drive from the Stone Village and offers additional cultural experiences. - **Jade Dragon Snow Mountain**: This majestic mountain range provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying spectacular natural scenery. ### Conclusion The Stone Village of the NaXi people in Yunnan Province is a captivating destination that offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional life and culture of one of China’s most unique ethnic groups. With its distinctive stone architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, the Stone Village provides a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.

Runs to the end of February, weather permitting.

Bonus film - a highlight from the Chinese New Year Gala show 2022 ... Robot chefs ...

Filmed in May 2010. A well narrated tour of this amazing city ...

With Wei's Travel ...

A special culinary treat ! Trevor James, the 'Food Ranger', explores the dining scene in ChengDu, SiChuan province ...

With Rafa Goes Around! ...