HongCun, AnHui province

Only begun in 1995, the Shanghai metro now has 12 lines with 268 stations over 420km. Already the world's longest metro system, by 2020 it will double in size to comprise 22 lines with a total length of 877 km.

With Li JingJing ... Visitor Guide to Kashgar, XinJiang Overview Kashgar, located in the XinJiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is known for its rich Silk Road heritage, bustling markets, and beautiful mosques. Kashgar is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, with a unique blend of Uyghur, Han Chinese, and other influences. Getting There By Air: Kashgar Airport (KHG) is the main airport serving the city, with regular flights from major cities such as Urumqi, BeiJing, and ShangHai. The airport is located about 10 kilometers northeast of the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach your destination. By Train: Kashgar Railway Station is connected to major cities in XinJiang and beyond. The train journey from Urumqi to Kashgar offers stunning views of the region's diverse landscapes. The railway station is located about 5 kilometers from the city center. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Kashgar with other cities in XinJiang. The main bus station is located in the city center, making it a convenient option for travelers. Getting Around Public Transport: Kashgar has a local bus network that covers major areas of the city. Buses are an affordable way to get around. Taxis: Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Make sure to have your destination written in Chinese or Uyghur for ease of communication. Biking: Bike rentals are available for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. Main Attractions Id Kah Mosque The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China and a central landmark in Kashgar. Built in 1442, it is a place of worship for the city's Muslim population and a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. Visitors can explore the mosque's courtyards, prayer halls, and gardens. Kashgar Old Town Kashgar Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, traditional mud-brick houses, and bustling bazaars. It's a great place to experience the city's unique culture and heritage. Wander through the streets, visit local shops, and try some traditional Uyghur cuisine. Sunday Market The Kashgar Sunday Market is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central Asia. Held every Sunday, it attracts traders and buyers from all over the region. You can find everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, handicrafts, and livestock. Abakh Hoja Tomb The Abakh Hoja Tomb, also known as the Xiangfei Tomb, is a beautiful mausoleum built in the 17th century. It is the burial place of the famous Uyghur ruler Abakh Hoja and his family. The tomb is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate tilework. Karakul Lake Located about 200 kilometers from Kashgar, Karakul Lake is a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake's crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery make it a popular destination for trekking and camping. Historical Significance Kashgar has a long and rich history as a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. It was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. Over the centuries, Kashgar has been influenced by various cultures, including Persian, Indian, Greek, and Arab, which is reflected in its diverse architecture and cultural heritage. The city has also been a center of Islamic learning and culture in China. The Id Kah Mosque and other religious sites in Kashgar attract pilgrims and scholars from all over the Muslim world. Local Cuisine Uyghur cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Kashgar. Here are some must-try dishes: Pilaf (Polo): A flavorful rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and spices. Laghman: Hand-pulled noodles served with a savory sauce made of meat, vegetables, and spices. Kebab: Grilled skewers of marinated lamb or chicken, often served with flatbread and salad. Samsa: Baked pastries filled with minced meat and onions, similar to samosas. Nan: Traditional Uyghur bread baked in a tandoor oven, perfect for accompanying any meal. Shopping Sunday Market: The best place to buy local handicrafts, textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Don't forget to haggle for the best prices. Night Market: Explore the night market for a variety of street food and local snacks, as well as traditional Uyghur music and dance performances. Local Shops: Numerous shops in Kashgar sell unique items such as silk scarves, carpets, pottery, and jewelry. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: Kashgar offers several high-end hotels with excellent amenities, such as the Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar and the Yue Xing Jin Jiang International Hotel. Mid-Range Hotels: There are numerous mid-range options providing comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices, including the Seman Hotel and the Kashgar Old City Youth Hostel. Budget Accommodations: Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels throughout the city. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Kashgar are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the hot summer months, and warm layers for the colder seasons. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly in the predominantly Muslim areas. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, knowing a few basic phrases in Uyghur can be helpful. English may not be commonly understood, so consider using a translation app. Plan Your Visit: Kashgar offers a rich mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Plan your visit to include a variety of experiences to fully appreciate the city's diverse offerings. Conclusion Kashgar, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're exploring the ancient streets of the Old Town, marveling at the architectural beauty of the Id Kah Mosque, or enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Karakul Lake, Kashgar promises a journey filled with discovery and wonder. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your time in this extraordinary city in XinJiang.

我们对中国人的建议是，至少今年不要去敌对国家旅行。 Includes, in particular : UK, US, Australia, Canada and Italy. Going to these places enriches countries that have openly declared China as a 'threat' ('slaves should always be slaves'); and it also puts your life in danger; so don't do it ! Demonization of Chinese people has been going for years and getting worse; and many ordinary people have been brain-washed by the propaganda. Forget the fairy tales, the West is not your friend, and, compared to China, a dump (esp. US and UK; see for yourself, if you must). The best thing you can do is to travel and study within China; amazing places and opportunities are all right here. Maybe one day we can all get along and it will be a win-win; but for now the West still clings to domination. So, don't be a slave and get stronger. If already committed, be careful ! Else reconsider - it is not at all what you imagine. In the past, BB was all for exchange, but as we start 2023, our advice is for Chinese people to not visit the West (dangerous); but we encourage Westerners to visit China (eye-opening).

Provincial capital of HuNan. With Walk East ...

Metro systems The two largest metro systems in the world are in ShangHai and BeiJing. There are also metro systems in many other Chinese cities. These are all super modern, spacious, artistically appealing and easy to use for visitors with announcements in both Chinese and English, with signs both in Chinese and PinYin. Check out our videos on various Chinese metro systems. The Beijing metro system has over 600 miles of track and over 600 stations. It carries over 10 billion passengers annually, making it one of the busiest subway systems in the world. It operates one of the world's largest fleets of subway cars, with over 4,000 cars in service. The Beijing metro is also one of the most technologically advanced subway systems in the world, with many of its trains and stations equipped with advanced features such as automated train control, platform screen doors, and real-time passenger information systems. The Beijing metro is known for its distinctive architecture and design, with many stations featuring works of art, sculptures, and other design elements. It is also known for its efficient and fast service, with trains running at high frequencies and minimal delays. The Beijing metro is also very affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY3 (about $0.4 / £0.35) for a single journey with discounts for frequent users. It has also been made more convenient for tourists by allowing the use of contactless payment methods such as WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay. Taxis In China, taxis are easy to find and very affordable, unlike in the West; they are widely used by nearly everyone. For example, Beijing has approximately 66,000 registered taxi vehicles operating in the city as of 2021. The standard taxi fare in Beijing is around ¥13 (or about $2 / £1.40) for the first 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) plus an additional ¥2.3 (about $0.35 / £0.25) for each additional kilometer. There can be higher tariffs for night time (after midnight). High speed rail China has built one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, which is known for its speed, efficiency, and connectivity. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, with over 22,000 miles of track and over 350 stations. The high-speed rail network operates at speeds of up to 217 mph, making it one of the fastest in the world. China's high-speed rail system carries over 3 billion passengers annually, making it the busiest high-speed rail networks in the world. China's high-speed rail system is also affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY50 (about $7) for a single journey and discounts for frequent users. China has also been exporting its high-speed rail technology and know-how to other countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Russia and more. Air travel Air travel is an important part of China's transportation system, with several major airports and a rapidly growing number of passengers. Here are some facts about air travel in China: China has over 220 commercial airports, making it the country with the second-largest number of airports in the world, behind the United States. China's three major airports are Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. These three airports handle a large number of passengers annually, with Beijing Capital International Airport handling over 100 million passengers in 2020. China's domestic air travel market is the second-largest in the world, behind the United States, with over 600 million passengers in 2020 and over 60 million international passengers. China's air travel market has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with several new airports and routes being added. China's major airlines, such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, are among the largest in the world, and they operate a large fleet of modern aircraft. It is also becoming more affordable, with the increasing competition between airlines leading to lower fares. China's air travel market is also becoming more convenient for travelers, with the increasing use of online booking and check-in, as well as the introduction of e-visas for some countries. It is also becoming more sustainable, with many airlines investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing more environmentally-friendly practices. China's air travel market is a modern, efficient, and highly-used transportation system that connects many of the country's major cities and helps to keep the country moving. It is constantly evolving to match the country's needs and to make the passenger experience more pleasant, but also to reduce its impact on the environment.

With Wei's Travel ... NanXiang Town is affiliated to JiaDing District, ShangHai. It is one of the four famous historical towns in Shanghai. It was once known as 'Little Nanxiang' and 'Sioux City' in history. Nanxiang is a thousand-year-old ancient town. As early as the fourth year of Liang Tianjian in the Southern Dynasty (AD 505), the Baihe Nanxiang Temple was built, and the temple got its name. Later, monuments such as the Twin Brick Pagodas of the Five Dynasties, Hecha Mountain in the Southern Song Dynasty, and the Guyi Garden and Tan Garden in the Ming Dynasty were built. Nanxiang Town has successively won titles such as China's Famous Historical and Cultural Town and National Civilized Town. Nanxiang has high-tech parks and urban industrial parks. More than 200 companies from more than 20 countries and regions around the world have settled in Nanxiang. Nanxiang is a small town with a very developed economy. The famous Nanxiang Xiaolongbao has also spread all over the world and has become the most famous Nanxiang gourmet masterpiece. 00:00 Travel Highlights 旅行精华预览 01:51 Nanxiang Old Street 南翔老街 06:01 Nanxiang Ancient Town 南翔古镇 07:41 Xiaolongbao Cultural Center 南翔小笼包文化馆 11:10 People Street 人民街 21:20 Yunxiang Temple 云翔寺 26:14 Twin Towers Plaza 双塔广场 27:15 Nanxiang History Museum 南翔历史文化馆 29:57 Huntang Lane 混堂弄 31:14 Tanyuan Garden 檀园 36:42 Shifang Art Museum 十方书院美术馆 39:21 Mansion of the Ancients 南翔人家 42:17 Baozun Lobby 宝尊堂 43:34 Garden Lakeside 花园湖景 47:36 Garden Rockery 花园假山 48:45 Beautiful View in Tanyuan 檀园美景 51:21 Republic Street 共和街 Welcome to NanXiang Ancient Town Introduction History Top Attractions Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Introduction NanXiang Ancient Town, located in the JiaDing District of ShangHai, is a historic town known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful ancient architecture, and famous NanXiang XiaoLongBao (soup dumplings). The town offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore traditional Chinese culture and history. History Founded over 1,500 years ago during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, NanXiang has been an important cultural and economic hub in the region. The town played a significant role during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and many of its ancient buildings and structures have been preserved to this day. Top Attractions Guyi Garden Guyi Garden is one of the most famous classical gardens in ShangHai. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, the garden features beautiful landscapes, ancient trees, and traditional Chinese pavilions, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate natural beauty and history. YunXiang Temple YunXiang Temple is a Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,000 years. The temple is known for its serene environment, exquisite architecture, and significant cultural artifacts. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and learn about its rich history. NanXiang Old Street NanXiang Old Street is a bustling area filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and eateries. The street is lined with ancient buildings, offering a glimpse into the town's past while providing a lively atmosphere for visitors. Local Cuisine NanXiang is the birthplace of the famous NanXiang XiaoLongBao, a type of steamed bun filled with soup and meat. These dumplings are a must-try for any visitor. The town also offers a variety of other local delicacies, including traditional ShangHai snacks and sweets. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit NanXiang, as the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting There: NanXiang Ancient Town is accessible by metro and bus from downtown ShangHai. The closest metro station is NanXiang on Line 11. Language: While Mandarin is the primary language, many locals speak the Shanghainese dialect. Basic English may be understood in tourist areas. Etiquette: When visiting temples, dress modestly and be respectful of the religious practices.

In AnHui province.

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ...

GuangDong province. With Walk East ...