NingBo 宁波 …

An open-air, walnut oil based family feast in YunNan province ...

FèngHuáng (Phoenix) ancient town, lies 'close' (about 140 kilometers) to the ZhangJiaJie Nature Reserve. The town retains much of its ancient architecture and culture. Legend tells that two of the mythical phoenix birds flew over the town and were so in awe at its beauty that they remained hovering there for a long time, being reluctant to leave and lose the view. FengHuang is home to several minority ethnic groups, mainly the Miao (苗) and TuJia (土家). Batik and tie-dye are very popular here and the Miao and TuJia have their own ways to produce the cloth with unique folk patterns. Traditional crafts also include embroidery (TuJia), silverware (Miao), 'paper cuts' and ginger candy. DiaoJiaoLou (吊脚楼) is the traditional dwelling of the TuJia, Miao and some other minorities. DiaoJiaoLou can be translated literally into English as "feet-hanging building" which means a building built with its base hanging in the air instead of locating on the ground. The houses lining the river display a strong Miao ethnic style with the front part facing the old official road and the rear part hanging over the Tuo River.

In YunNan province.

The Regent. With Petrena Schell ...

XiShuangBanNa located in the south of YunNan province, south China, is a charming international eco-tourism resort on the reaches of the Mekong river (known as the LanCang river in China), bordering with Laos and Myanmar, and adjacent to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Esteemed for its captivating tropical landscapes and exotic cultures of the 13 native minorities, this land is home to China's largest tropical rainforest and abundant biological resources, and the Dai Water Splashing Festival (which lasts for three days from April 13 to 15). The Six Famous Tea Mountains region, 六大茶山 (Liù Dà Chá Shān) produce some of the most highly regarded Pu-Er tea. There are daily flights from KunMing, DaLi and ChengDu.

Plus a charity run for deaf children ...

Take time to relax ...