HuangShan 黃山 (Yellow Mountain), AnHui province

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

With Wei's Travel ...

With China Walking Tour ... 1. Daxiangguo Temple (大相国寺) Daxiangguo Temple is one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in China, located in the heart of Kaifeng. Originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (early 6th century), it has a history spanning over 1,400 years. The temple is famous for its grand architectural design and historical significance, as it was once a prominent center for Buddhist learning and cultural exchange. Visitors can admire its ancient wooden structures, exquisite carvings, and beautiful gardens. The temple is also known for housing numerous cultural relics, including ancient Buddhist scriptures and statues. 2. Shan, Shan, and Gan Guild Hall (山陕甘会馆) The Shan, Shan, and Gan Guild Hall, also known as the Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu Guild Hall, is an impressive historical building that once served as a meeting place for merchants from these regions. Located near the Kaifeng Ancient City Wall, the guild hall is a fine example of traditional Chinese architecture, showcasing intricate woodwork, carved beams, and painted ceilings. It reflects the vibrant commercial life of Kaifeng during the Song Dynasty when it was a bustling trade hub. The hall also features a rich collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the merchant culture of the time. 3. Longting Park (龙亭公园) Longting Park, or Dragon Pavilion Park, is one of Kaifeng’s most famous scenic spots, known for its serene beauty and historical importance. The park is home to the Longting Pavilion, a magnificent structure originally built during the Song Dynasty as a royal palace. The pavilion has been reconstructed over the years, but it still retains its grandeur and historical charm. Surrounded by tranquil lakes and lush greenery, Longting Park is a perfect place to explore the fusion of nature and ancient Chinese architecture. It also houses several other historical buildings and cultural relics, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history. 4. Chinese Han Garden (中国翰园) The Chinese Han Garden, or Zhongguo Han Yuan, is a unique cultural and architectural park dedicated to showcasing the history and achievements of the Han Dynasty. Located in Kaifeng, this garden beautifully blends traditional Chinese landscape design with ancient architectural styles. It features a collection of pavilions, bridges, and pathways that recreate the atmosphere of the Han Dynasty. The park is home to numerous stone tablets inscribed with famous Chinese calligraphy and poetry, providing visitors with an insight into the intellectual and artistic accomplishments of the era. The tranquil surroundings and impressive structures make it a peaceful retreat for history enthusiasts. These landmarks offer a deep dive into the rich history and architectural grandeur of Kaifeng, making them essential stops for any traveler exploring the city’s cultural heritage. Video 2 The Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (Qingming Shanghe Yuan, 清明上河园) is a large-scale cultural and historical theme park located in Kaifeng, Henan Province, China. It is inspired by the famous ancient Chinese painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (清明上河图) by the Song Dynasty artist Zhang Zeduan. The park recreates the bustling city life and natural scenery depicted in the painting, reflecting the prosperity of the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD). Historical Reproduction: The park meticulously reconstructs the architecture, streets, waterways, marketplaces, and daily life of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. This immersive environment gives visitors a glimpse into the ancient city's urban culture and economic vitality. Performances and Activities: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden offers daily performances showcasing traditional Chinese culture, including folk dances, acrobatics, and reenactments of Song Dynasty customs. Highlights include the Imperial Court Parade, martial arts demonstrations, and shadow puppet shows. Cultural Exhibits: Visitors can explore Song-era crafts, such as pottery, calligraphy, and silk weaving. The park also features exhibits about the technologies and trade practices of the time. Interactive Experiences: Guests can dress in traditional Song Dynasty attire, participate in ancient games, and take boat rides along the carefully designed canals that replicate the waterways in the painting. Festivals and Night Tours: During special occasions like the Qingming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the park hosts themed events and illuminates its buildings, creating a magical night-time atmosphere. Significance: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important educational site, offering visitors insights into the rich history and culture of the Northern Song Dynasty. It serves as a living museum, celebrating the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient China. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this park is a must-visit destination in Henan Province.

Jiangsu Expo Gardens, in NanJing, with Middle Kingdom Productions ... ShouGang Park 首钢园, in BeiJing, with MisterVaughn ...

With Sons & Eri ...

Home alone some evening, in a thunderstorm ? Or,,, let's go there ... The roads are so muddy, No need to go about. Come rest with me, my love; Let's blow the candles out. In the morning, we shall fly once more; Explore a distant shore. By understanding oneself, one can better connect with the world ... Bonus film ... Each night, the stars shine ... why not dance ?

YuanMingYuan, also known as the 'Old Summer Palace', was constructed during the 18th and early 19th century and was a wonderland of lakes and waterways, bridges, hills and pavilions. One third of the ground of YuanMingYuan was taken up by over 200 small hills with steep sides, secluded valleys, rock walls and stone caves. Half of the garderns are covered by the waters of lakes, winding streams and ponds. It was at YuanMingYuan that the emperors of the Qing Dynasty resided and handled government affairs - until it was destroyed; the Forbidden City was mostly used only for formal ceremonies at this time. The southern part of YuanMingYuan was where emperors handled state affairs, while the other parts were primarily for personal use and comprised of more than 150 scenic spots, involving rare exotic flowers and trees from different parts of the country. There were originally towers, terraces, pavilions, halls, corridors, pagodas and bridges with a total construction area of 150,000 square meters - corresponding in scale to that of the Imperial Palace. Artisans were recruited from all over China to enact the exquisite settings. The various styles of architecture, standing encircled by hills and rivulets, presented a most picturesque view. Many were reproductions of scenic mountains, rivers and famous gardens in China (mostly southern China). During his many tours of the country, emperor QianLong made it a point to have pictures of famous gardens and scenes drawn so that he could have replicas built in Beijing. Most famous of these were the ten scenic spots of the West Lake in HangZhou. The Old Summer Palace is often associated with the European-style palaces (Xi Yang Lou) that were built of stone. The designers of those structures, the Jesuits Giuseppe Castiglione and Michel Benoist, were employed by emperor QianLong to satisfy his taste for exotic buildings and objects. However, more than 95% of the Imperial Gardens consisted of essentially Chinese-style buildings. There were also a few buildings in Tibetan and Mongolian styles, reflecting the diversity of the Qing empire. In addition, hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in the halls, including some unique copies of literary works and collections. In 1860, during the 'Second Opium War', the British and French expeditionary forces looted the Old Summer Palace. Later, on October 18 1860, a British general - despite protestations from the French (who in fact had began the looting) - gave the order to set fire to the huge complex, which burned to the ground. In 1900, those buildings that had partly survived or been restored were burnt for good by the Western expeditionary forces sent to quell the 'Boxer Rebellion'. Many priceless artifacts were plundered and made their way to museums and private collections in Europe. The ruins were further plundered by the warlords of the early republican period and further destruction of the ruins took place during the 'Cutural Revolution'. After all this destruction, what was left was truely just an empty shell. Empress dowager CiXi later directed the forming of YiHeYuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony), into a new Summer Palace; this was near to the Old Summer Palace, but on a (somewhat) smaller scale. Nearest subway station : YuanMingYuan on line 4.

With Andy see the World ...