FoShan night walk

With Beijing Old Liu ... Mangshan Wuzhifeng, Xiongqi, and Waterfalls Visitor Guide Mangshan Wuzhifeng, located in Hunan Province, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its rugged peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. With its nickname "Wuzhifeng" (Five-Finger Peaks), the area is a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a tranquil escape. How to Get There By Air: The nearest airport is Changsha Huanghua International Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to Mangshan Scenic Area. By Train: The high-speed rail to Chenzhou or Yongzhou offers connections to Mangshan by bus or private car. By Road: Direct buses from Chenzhou or nearby towns are available to the scenic area. Top Attractions Wuzhifeng (Five-Finger Peaks) These iconic peaks resemble a hand reaching towards the sky. The view from the summit provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding forested valleys and rugged terrain. It's a must-visit for photography and hiking enthusiasts. Xiongqi Waterfalls The area is dotted with numerous waterfalls cascading from great heights. The Xiongqi Waterfalls are particularly stunning, with their powerful flow and mist creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the cooling spray during warm months. Mangshan Forest This lush forest is home to diverse flora and fauna. The forest is known for its giant ancient trees, rare plants, and a variety of bird species. It’s a great spot for nature walks and birdwatching. Cloud Sea Viewing On misty mornings, the valleys below Wuzhifeng are often filled with a sea of clouds, creating an otherworldly landscape. Sunrise views are particularly spectacular from designated observation decks. Golden Dragon Pool Located within the scenic area, this serene pool is surrounded by verdant greenery and is perfect for quiet reflection and relaxation. Activities and Experiences Hiking trails leading to the peaks and viewpoints. Exploring the waterfalls and enjoying the cool mist. Camping under the stars for an immersive nature experience. Photography of the unique landscapes and vibrant biodiversity. Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the forest. Best Time to Visit Spring (March–May): Mild weather and blooming flowers make this season ideal for exploring. Autumn (September–November): Cool temperatures and colorful foliage enhance the scenic beauty. Summer (June–August): The waterfalls are at their most vibrant due to the rainy season, offering refreshing experiences. Local Tips Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring rain gear if visiting during the rainy season. Carry water and snacks, as facilities may be limited on certain trails. Arrive early to enjoy the best light for photography and avoid long waits at viewpoints. Additional Information Entrance Fee: Tickets are required for access to the scenic area and can be purchased at the entrance or online. Transportation: Shuttle buses within the scenic area provide access to major attractions. Accommodations: Nearby towns offer a range of hotels and guesthouses, including eco-friendly lodges. With its dramatic peaks, enchanting waterfalls, and serene forest trails, Mangshan Wuzhifeng and Xiongqi Waterfalls promise an unforgettable experience for every nature enthusiast. Detian Waterfall Visitor Guide Detian Waterfall, located on the border between China and Vietnam in Guangxi Province, is one of Asia's most magnificent natural wonders. The cascading falls span both countries, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. How to Get There By Air: The nearest airport is Nanning Wuxu International Airport, approximately 210 km from the waterfall. From Nanning, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach the site. By Train: Trains to Chongzuo or Daxin County provide access to Detian Waterfall via local transportation. By Bus: Buses from Nanning or nearby towns like Daxin County operate regularly to the scenic area. Top Highlights The Waterfall Detian Waterfall is a multi-tiered cascade that stretches over 200 meters wide, with a drop of 70 meters. It is fed by the Guichun River, creating a thundering spectacle, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak. Border Views As the waterfall straddles the border between China and Vietnam, visitors can enjoy views of both countries. Vietnamese fishing boats often add charm to the scene, and the unique geography makes this a one-of-a-kind destination. Rafting Experience Visitors can take a bamboo raft to get up close to the falls, feeling the mist and hearing the roar of the cascading water. It's an exhilarating way to experience the power and beauty of the waterfall. Surrounding Scenery The area around Detian Waterfall is lush with greenery, karst formations, and rice terraces, creating a serene and picturesque environment for exploration and photography. Local Culture The region is home to the Zhuang ethnic group, and visitors can experience traditional Zhuang culture, including music, dance, and local cuisine. Best Time to Visit Spring (March–May): The weather is mild, and the scenery is vibrant with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Summer (June–August): The rainy season enhances the water flow, making the falls even more majestic. Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and cooler temperatures provide excellent conditions for sightseeing. Activities and Tips Take a bamboo raft ride to experience the falls up close. Visit the observation decks for panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. Explore nearby villages to learn about local customs and enjoy authentic Zhuang cuisine. Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the beauty without worry. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the area. Additional Information Entrance Fee: Tickets are required to access the Detian Scenic Area and can be purchased online or at the entrance. Transportation: Shuttle buses are available within the scenic area to help visitors access key spots. Accommodations: Nearby towns offer a variety of accommodations, including guesthouses and boutique hotels. Whether you're seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion, or a peaceful retreat, Detian Waterfall offers a memorable experience in one of China's most enchanting landscapes.

YuanMingYuan is also known as the 'Old Summer Palace'. A film by kinabaloo.com and BeijingBuzzz.com

With Ben Cubbage ... Welcome to Langmusi - A Serene Tibetan Village in GanSu Province Introduction Top Attractions Activities Local Culture Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Getting There Introduction Langmusi, also known as Taktsang Lhamo in Tibetan, is a picturesque village nestled in the Tibetan Grasslands, straddling the border between GanSu and SiChuan provinces. Known for its serene beauty, Langmusi is a spiritual haven and an important cultural hub for the Tibetan people. The village is surrounded by rolling grasslands, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear rivers, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Langmusi is famous for its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant Tibetan culture. It serves as a gateway to the vast Tibetan Plateau and is a popular destination for travelers seeking peace, spirituality, and a deeper connection with nature. Despite its remote location, Langmusi has retained its traditional charm and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan people. Top Attractions Sertri Monastery Sertri Monastery, also known as Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Gompa, is one of the two main monasteries in Langmusi. Located on the northern side of the village, this monastery is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism and is home to hundreds of monks. The monastery's stunning architecture, intricate murals, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Tibetan culture and spirituality. Visitors can attend prayer sessions, observe daily rituals, and explore the monastery's various halls and chapels. Kerti Monastery Kerti Monastery, also known as Kirti Gompa, is the second major monastery in Langmusi. Situated on the southern side of the village, Kerti Monastery is slightly smaller but equally significant. The monastery is known for its vibrant religious festivals, where monks and locals gather to celebrate with colorful processions, music, and dance. The surrounding area is also ideal for short hikes, offering panoramic views of the village and the surrounding grasslands. Namo Gorge Namo Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder located just outside Langmusi. This narrow gorge is carved by the Bailong River and is flanked by towering cliffs and dense forests. A walk through the gorge offers a peaceful retreat into nature, with the sound of the river, the chirping of birds, and the scent of wildflowers filling the air. The gorge is also home to several meditation caves used by monks, adding to its spiritual significance. Sky Burial Site The Sky Burial Site in Langmusi is a unique and culturally significant place where traditional Tibetan sky burials are conducted. This ancient funerary practice involves placing the deceased on a mountaintop to be consumed by vultures, symbolizing the cycle of life and death in Tibetan Buddhism. While tourists are generally not allowed to observe the ceremonies out of respect, the site is an important aspect of Tibetan culture and spirituality, and its location offers a serene view of the surrounding landscape. Activities Hiking and Trekking: Langmusi is a paradise for hikers and trekkers, with numerous trails leading through the Tibetan Grasslands, mountains, and valleys. Popular routes include hikes to Namo Gorge, visits to meditation caves, and treks to nearby Tibetan nomad camps. Horseback Riding: Experience the traditional Tibetan way of life by exploring the grasslands on horseback. Local guides offer horseback riding tours that take you through scenic landscapes and offer insights into the nomadic culture of the region. Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture by visiting local monasteries, attending prayer sessions, and learning about Buddhist rituals and traditions. Cultural tours often include visits to both Sertri and Kerti Monasteries, as well as interactions with local monks. Photography: Langmusi's stunning landscapes, traditional Tibetan architecture, and vibrant culture make it a photographer's dream. Capture the beauty of the grasslands, the serenity of the monasteries, and the daily life of the Tibetan people. Stargazing: Due to its remote location and high altitude, Langmusi offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. On clear nights, the sky is filled with countless stars, making it an ideal place to connect with the cosmos. Local Culture Langmusi is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture, and visitors to the village will have the opportunity to experience the rich traditions, spirituality, and way of life of the Tibetan people. The village is home to both Tibetans and Hui Muslims, and the blend of cultures adds to the unique charm of the area. Tibetan Buddhism plays a central role in the daily life of the villagers, and the two main monasteries, Sertri and Kerti, are integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Langmusi. Festivals and religious ceremonies are celebrated with great enthusiasm, and visitors may have the chance to witness colorful processions, traditional music, and sacred dances. The Tibetan nomadic culture is also prevalent in the surrounding grasslands, where nomads live in traditional tents and herd yaks and sheep. Visitors can learn about the nomadic way of life, including their customs, clothing, and food, by visiting nomad camps or interacting with local families. Local Cuisine The cuisine in Langmusi is a reflection of its Tibetan heritage, with hearty dishes that are well-suited to the high-altitude environment. Some must-try dishes include: Yak Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink made from yak butter, salt, and tea leaves. It has a unique flavor and is often consumed to provide warmth and energy in the cold climate. Tsampa: A staple food in Tibetan cuisine, tsampa is made from roasted barley flour and is often mixed with yak butter tea to form a dough-like consistency. It is a versatile dish that can be eaten at any time of day. Yak Meat Dishes: Yak meat is a common ingredient in Tibetan cuisine, and it is often used in stews, dumplings, and stir-fries. The meat is flavorful and rich, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Momos: Tibetan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and served with a spicy dipping sauce. Momos are a popular snack and are often enjoyed with tea. Thukpa: A hearty noodle soup made with meat, vegetables, and sometimes yak butter. Thukpa is a warming dish that is perfect for the cool climate of Langmusi. Visitor Tips Altitude Awareness: Langmusi is located at an altitude of over 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), so it's important to be aware of altitude sickness. Take time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity in the first few days. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Langmusi is from May to October when the weather is milder and the grasslands are lush and green. Winter can be extremely cold, with heavy snowfall making travel difficult. Respect Local Customs: Langmusi is a deeply spiritual place, so it's important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting monasteries, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites. Stay on Designated Paths: When exploring the grasslands and surrounding nature, stick to designated paths to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem and to ensure your safety. Language: While Mandarin is spoken in Langmusi, many locals, particularly older residents and monks, speak Tibetan. Learning a few basic phrases in Tibetan can enhance your experience and help you connect with the local community. Getting There Langmusi is located in a remote area, but it is accessible by several means: By Air: The nearest airport is Xiahe/Gannan Airport, which is about 90 km (56 miles) from Langmusi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the village. Flights to Xiahe/Gannan Airport are available from major cities such as ChengDu and Xi'An. By Bus: Buses run regularly from nearby towns such as HeZuO, XiaHe, and LuQu to Langmusi. The bus ride offers scenic views of the Tibetan Plateau and is an affordable option for reaching the village. By Car: Renting a car or hiring a private driver is a convenient way to reach Langmusi, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. The drive from HeZuO to Langmusi takes about 4 hours and offers stunning views of the grasslands and mountains. By Train: The nearest major train station is in Lanzhou, GanSu's capital. From Lanzhou, you can take a bus or hire a car to reach Langmusi. The journey from Lanzhou takes approximately 8-10 hours.

Apologies - some ill-health issues slowing things down atm.

LiaoNing province.