Mulan (the movie)

With Wei's Travel ...

Just some of the places in this beautiful, large park in the blue sky city of Beijing ...

Exquisitely beautiful ... An episode of Happy Chinese at JiuZhaiGou ...

Brave voices speak out despite the chilling, silencing fear of firebombs and steel pipes of the foreign-backed subversive destroyers. Fascist colonialism re-branded as 'freedom and democracy'; in reality, everything but. The rioters are either imports or dupes. Either way, probably best called terrorists, because terror is their mode of action.

In recent years the traditional costumes and fashion of the majority Han ethnic group are making something of a comeback; a confidence in cultural heritage in the modern world. There are 56 ethnic groups in China, all of which have their own traditional clothing, each with its own style and charm. Most ethnic groups wear their traditional clothing on special festivals and events. HanFu is a traditional clothing of the ethnic Han people, but it hasn't been a tradition to wear this as other ethnic groups do until recent years. It is one way for younger Chinese to begin rediscovering their cultural roots, arts and history ...

Top 20 Places to Visit in and Around Xiamen: Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿, Gǔlàngyǔ): Explore the car-free island known for its colonial architecture, beaches, and scenic views. Xiamen University (厦门大学, Xiàmén Dàxué): Visit the beautiful campus known for its traditional Chinese-style architecture and scenic surroundings. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (中山路步行街, Zhōngshān Lù Bùxíng Jiē): Shop, dine, and experience local culture on this bustling pedestrian street. Hulishan Fortress (胡里山炮台, Húlǐshān Pàotái): Explore this historic fortress built in the late Qing dynasty, featuring cannons and panoramic views of the sea. Nanputuo Temple (南普陀寺, Nánpǔtuó Sì): Visit this Buddhist temple known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Xiamen Botanical Garden (厦门植物园, Xiàmén Zhíwùyuán): Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this expansive botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plant species. Guanyin Mountain (观音山, Guānyīn Shān): Hike or take a cable car to the top of this scenic mountain for panoramic views of Xiamen and the surrounding area. Gaoji Causeway (高崎大道, Gāojī Dàdào): Take a scenic drive or bike ride along this picturesque causeway connecting Xiamen Island to the mainland. Xiamen Science and Technology Museum (厦门科技馆, Xiàmén Kējìguǎn): Explore interactive exhibits on science, technology, and innovation at this family-friendly museum. Huangcuo Beach (黄厝海滩, Huángcuò Hǎitān): Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy water sports at this popular beach destination. Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center (厦门国际会展中心, Xiàmén Guójì Huìzhǎn Zhōngxīn): Attend events, trade shows, and exhibitions at this modern convention center. Wanshi Botanical Garden (万石植物园, Wànshí Zhíwùyuán): Discover diverse plant species and enjoy scenic walking trails at this botanical garden. Xiamen Piano Museum (厦门钢琴博物馆, Xiàmén Gāngqín Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and craftsmanship of pianos at this unique museum. Xiamen Twin Towers (厦门双子塔, Xiàmén Shuāngzǐtǎ): Admire the modern architecture and panoramic views from the observation deck of these iconic twin towers. Huandao Road (环岛路, Huándǎo Lù): Take a scenic drive or bike ride along this coastal road encircling Xiamen Island, offering stunning views of the sea and skyline. Xiamen Gulangyu Museum (厦门鼓浪屿博物馆, Xiàmén Gǔlàngyǔ Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and culture of Gulangyu Island at this informative museum. Hai Tian Tang Gou (海天堂购, Hǎi Tiān Táng Gòu): Shop for souvenirs, local products, and snacks at this bustling shopping street. Gu Lang Yu Organ Museum (鼓浪屿风琴博物馆, Gǔlàngyǔ Fēngqín Bówùguǎn): Explore a unique collection of organs and musical instruments at this museum. Xiamen Science and Technology Museum (厦门科技馆, Xiàmén Kējìguǎn): Engage in hands-on learning and interactive exhibits at this educational museum. Wuyuan Bay Wetland Park (五缘湾湿地公园, Wǔyuán Wān Shīdì Gōngyuán): Enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and scenic views of wetland ecosystems at this peaceful park.

With WestChinaGo ... With BeijingBuzzz ... With Ross ... With China Walking Tour ... With Chris ... Summer Palace Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the HaiDian district of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a royal garden and retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting There Location: 19 XinJianGongMen Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 4, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D. Alternatively, Line 10, Xiyuan Station, Exit C2. Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Summer Palace, including routes 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, and 584. Opening Hours April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 4:00 PM) November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 3:00 PM) Tickets April 1 to October 31: Entrance Fee: ¥30, Through Ticket (includes Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Hall): ¥60 November 1 to March 31: Entrance Fee: ¥20, Through Ticket: ¥50 Main Attractions The Summer Palace is rich with historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the main attractions: Kunming Lake: This large lake dominates the Summer Palace and is ideal for boating. It covers about three-quarters of the park's area. Longevity Hill: Standing 60 meters high, it provides excellent views of the lake and surrounding area. Important buildings such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense are located here. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A long, beautiful bridge that connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. Long Corridor: A 728-meter-long covered walkway decorated with intricate paintings, connecting the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Marble Boat. Marble Boat: A lakeside pavilion built from marble and wood, symbolizing stability and the enduring nature of the Qing Dynasty. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: The administrative center of the Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs. Suzhou Street: A charming area designed to resemble the canals and traditional shops of Suzhou, complete with waterways and bridges. Activities Visitors to the Summer Palace can engage in various activities: Boating: Rent a paddleboat or take a dragon boat tour on Kunming Lake. Walking and Hiking: Stroll along the scenic paths, the Long Corridor, or hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views. Photography: Capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and historical sites. Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Summer Palace. Dining and Refreshments Several cafes and snack stalls are available within the Summer Palace, offering light refreshments, drinks, and local snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can dine at restaurants near the park entrances. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is vast, and exploring it involves a lot of walking. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hotter months. Respect the Site: The Summer Palace is a cultural heritage site. Avoid touching artifacts, stay on marked paths, and do not litter. Plan Your Visit: Due to its size, plan which sections you want to visit in advance to make the most of your time. Nearby Attractions Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Located nearby, this former imperial garden offers ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore. Beijing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and Weiming Lake. Tsinghua University: Another top university in China, with an expansive and scenic campus. Conclusion The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent site rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, stunning architecture, or beautiful landscapes, the Summer Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.

The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by emperors of the Ming dynasty. They lie within the ChangPing District of BeiJing Municipality, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north-northwest of Beijing city center. The site was chosen based on the principles of Feng Shui by the third Ming emperor, YongLe. Construction began after completion of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City) in 1420. Subsequent emperors placed their tombs in the same valley; 13 in total. The siting of the Ming dynasty imperial tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui principles. A key guide is that bad spirits and cold winds from the north must be deflected; therefore, an arc-shaped valley area at the foot of the JunDu Mountains was selected. This 40 square kilometer area, enclosed by mountains in a pristine, quiet valley with dark earth and tranquil water became the necropolis of the Ming dynasty. A 7 kilometer (4 mile) path named the Spirit Way, or Sacred Way, leads into the complex, lined with statues of guardian animals and officials, with a front memorial gate consisting of three arches called the Great Red Gate; constructed in 1540, it is one of the biggest stone archways in China. Further in, lies the ShenGong ShengDe Stele Pavilion with a 50 tonne stone statue of BiXi carrying a memorial tablet. Four white marble HuaBiao (pillars of glory) are positioned at each corner of the pavilion; at the top of each is a mythical beast. Then come two pillars on each side of the path, whose surfaces are carved with a cloud design, and tops are shaped like a cylinder; these are of a traditional design and were originally beacons to guide the soul of the deceased, The path leads to 18 pairs of stone statues of mythical animals, which are all sculpted from single blocks; these are all larger than life size. After, the path leads to a three-arched gate known as the Dragon and Phoenix Gate. Two of the mausoleums are open to visitors, but it is the beauty of the valley, with orchards, and the sheer scale of the area used for the tombs, that make this a nice day out in the countryside.