Moon Festival night walk at Yu Garden in ShangHai

With Qingyunji ... Fanjing Mountain, located in Tongren City, Guizhou Province, is a stunning natural and cultural landmark known for its unique landscapes, biodiversity, and spiritual significance. Here's a detailed overview of Fanjing Mountain: ### Location and Overview - **Location**: Fanjing Mountain is situated in the Wuling Mountain range in Tongren City, northeastern Guizhou Province, China. - **Elevation**: The highest peak of Fanjing Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,570 meters (8,430 feet) above sea level. - **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: In 2018, Fanjing Mountain was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity and unique geological features. ### Natural Beauty and Biodiversity 1. **Unique Geological Formations**: Fanjing Mountain is characterized by its distinctive rock formations, including the Red Cloud Golden Summit (HongYun JinDing), Mushroom Stone, and Old Golden Summit (LaoJinDing). These formations offer breathtaking views and are popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts. 2. **Biodiversity Hotspot**: The mountain is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous rare and endemic species. The area is particularly noted for its diverse plant life, including ancient ginkgo trees, fir forests, and a variety of medicinal herbs. 3. **Endangered Species**: Fanjing Mountain provides habitat for several endangered animal species, such as the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), Chinese giant salamander, and various rare birds and insects. ### Spiritual and Cultural Significance 1. **Buddhist Heritage**: Fanjing Mountain is one of the sacred Buddhist mountains in China. It is considered a place of enlightenment and has a long history of Buddhist worship. The mountain is associated with Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha). 2. **Temples and Monasteries**: There are several ancient temples and monasteries on the mountain, including the Shizhong Temple and the Cheng’en Temple. These religious sites attract pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a peaceful and spiritual retreat. 3. **Pilgrimage Destination**: The mountain's spiritual significance makes it a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, especially during religious festivals and important Buddhist dates. ### Tourist Attractions and Activities 1. **Hiking and Trekking**: Fanjing Mountain offers numerous hiking and trekking trails that cater to various levels of difficulty. The trails provide stunning views of the natural scenery and access to the mountain’s unique rock formations and temples. 2. **Cable Cars**: For those who prefer a less strenuous visit, cable cars are available to take visitors up to the scenic areas and major viewpoints, offering a comfortable and scenic ride. 3. **Panoramic Views**: The Golden Summit, one of the most famous peaks, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The sight of the sunrise and sunset from this vantage point is particularly spectacular. 4. **Photography**: The unique landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and ancient temples make Fanjing Mountain a paradise for photographers. ### Conservation Efforts 1. **Protected Area**: Fanjing Mountain is part of a protected nature reserve, which helps to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. 2. **Sustainable Tourism**: Efforts are being made to promote sustainable tourism practices that minimize the impact on the natural environment and local communities while enhancing the visitor experience. ### Visitor Information 1. **Best Time to Visit**: The best time to visit Fanjing Mountain is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. 2. **Accessibility**: Fanjing Mountain can be accessed via Tongren, which is connected to major cities in China by train and air. From Tongren, visitors can take buses or taxis to the mountain’s entrance. 3. **Accommodation**: There are various accommodation options available, ranging from hotels in Tongren to guesthouses and inns near the mountain. ### Conclusion Fanjing Mountain in Guizhou is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural significance. With its unique geological formations, rich biodiversity, and profound spiritual heritage, it offers a diverse and enriching experience for nature lovers, hikers, pilgrims, and tourists. The mountain’s combination of stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and ancient temples makes it a must-visit destination in China.

On Myanmar - with The New Atlas ... On Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Cuba - with the Moderate Rebels ... On Central America, Biden ... On Australia - with Geopolitics In Conflict... On XinJiang and the Uyghurs - with Pivot to Peace / Professor Ken Hammond ... On Hong Kong ... On Julian Assange ... On the post-western world - with Martin Jacques ... With YChina re the New York Times ... With Daniel Dumbrill ...

With Beijing Old Liu ... Welcome to Beijing Botanical Garden Explore the rich diversity and stunning beauty of Beijing Botanical Garden. Introduction The Beijing Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden located in the western outskirts of Beijing, China. It covers a vast area and is dedicated to the collection, cultivation, and display of a wide variety of plants. Location The Beijing Botanical Garden is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, near the Western Hills and Xiangshan Park. History The Beijing Botanical Garden was established in 1955 and has since become one of the most significant botanical gardens in China. It was designed to serve both scientific and recreational purposes, providing a space for research, conservation, and public education about plant biodiversity. Attractions Peony Garden: A stunning garden featuring a vast array of peony varieties, particularly beautiful in late spring. Tropical Conservatory: Home to a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including rare and endangered species. Rose Garden: An extensive collection of roses, showcasing both traditional and modern varieties. Plus fountains. Medicinal Herb Garden: Features a variety of plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Orchid House: Displays a large number of orchid species and hybrids. Activities Guided Tours Educational Workshops Photography Botanical Research Seasonal Festivals and Events Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Gift Shops Cafes and Restaurants Parking Lots Wheelchair Access Visitor Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to stay for several hours. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Respect the plants and wildlife; do not pick flowers or disturb animals.

With Wei's Travel ...

Including the capital, XiNing, and QingHai Lake ...

Unfortunately, we've not so far been able to name the artists, but each is a delight. First, a music video by Unicorn Kids TV ... This 10 year old girl sigs 'To the Moon' 左手指月 (original movie track by Sa DingDing) ... This tiny tot really enjoys a drum set and plays with panache ... A teen '12 Girls Band' ...

With The New Atlas ... Bonus film - with The Grayzone ... Bonus film 2 - with Martin Jacques ... Bonus film 3 - 'whistleblowers' and censorship push - with The Moderate Rebels ... 'Mind control' is nothing more than controlling people by controlling what they 'know'. Bonus film 4 - neo-con Iraq War architect Bill Kristol in debate with anti-war writer Scott Horton - with The GrayZone ...

Family and friends from the Philippines on a trip to Beijing ...

它出淤泥而不染，濯清漣而不妖，一池荷花，一桌菜 | 野小妹