Planning war on China – part 19

Growing and cooking with garlic in rural SiChuan. Lots of recipe inspiration here.

With Michael Hudson and Danny HaiPhong ...

HuangShan lies in AnHui province, east China, to the west of HangZhou.

What is going on in geo-politics, including Ben Norton and Daniel Dumbrill ...

Xi'An: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Huaqing Palace (华清池 Huáqīng Chí): Historic site with hot springs, gardens, and pavilions. Xi'an City Wall (西安城墙 Xī'ān Chéngqiáng): Ancient fortification with walkable ramparts and city views. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆 Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn): Exhibits on Shaanxi's history, culture, and artifacts. Xi'an Forest of Stone Steles Museum (西安碑林博物馆 Xī'ān Bēilín Bówùguǎn): Stone tablets with inscriptions, calligraphy, and art. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔 Dàyàn Tǎ): Buddhist pagoda with cultural relics, artifacts, and a fountain show. Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园 Dàtáng Fúróngyuán): Cultural theme park with Tang dynasty architecture, performances, and gardens. Xi'an Bell Tower (西安钟楼 Xī'ān Zhōnglóu): Historic tower with a bell, drum performances, and city views. Xi'an Drum Tower (西安鼓楼 Xī'ān Gǔlóu): Ancient tower with drum performances and city views. Qujiang Ocean World (曲江海洋世界 Qūjiāng Hǎiyáng Shìjiè): Aquarium with marine life exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences. Xi'an Qinling Wildlife Park (西安秦岭野生动物园 Xī'ān Qínlǐng Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán): Safari park with animals like pandas, tigers, and elephants. Da Ci'en Temple (大慈恩寺 Dàcí'ēn Sì): Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue and garden. Tang West Market Museum (大唐西市博物馆 Dàtáng Xīshì Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on the Tang dynasty's market culture. Xi'an Botanical Garden (西安植物园 Xī'ān Zhíwùyuán): Botanical garden with diverse plant species and scenic landscapes. Shaanxi Children's Library (陕西省儿童图书馆 Shǎnxī Shěng Értóng Túshūguǎn): Library with children's books, activities, and events. Xi'an International Horticultural Expo Park (西安国际园林博览园 Xī'ān Guójì Yuánlín Bólǎn Yuán): Park with gardens, exhibitions, and cultural events. Yongxing Fang Food Street (永兴坊美食街 Yǒngxīng Fāng Měishí Jiē): Street food market with local snacks and specialties. Xi'an Silk Road Museum (西安丝绸之路博物馆 Xī'ān Sīchóu Zhīlù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on the Silk Road's history and artifacts. Xi'an Daming Palace National Heritage Park (西安大明宫国家遗址公园 Xī'ān Dàmíng Gōng Guójiā Yízhǐ Gōngyuán): Park with ruins of the Tang dynasty palace and gardens. Shaanxi Library (陕西省图书馆 Shǎnxī Shěng Túshūguǎn): Library with a vast collection of books, periodicals, and archives. Xi'an Museum (西安博物院 Xī'ān Bówùyuàn): Museum with exhibits on Xi'an's history, culture, and archaeology. Xi'An: 30 More Places to Visit Xi'an Grand Mosque (西安大清真寺 Xī'ān Dà Qīngzhēnsì): Ancient mosque with Islamic architecture and a tranquil courtyard. Xi'an Great Mosque (西安大清真寺 Xī'ān Dà Qīngzhēnsì): Historic mosque with traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Xi'an Yongning Gate (西安永宁门 Xī'ān Yǒngníng Mén): Ancient city gate with towers, arches, and historic significance. Drum Tower Square (西安鼓楼广场 Xī'ān Gǔlóu Guǎngchǎng): Plaza with a water fountain, sculptures, and cultural events. Xi'an Stele Forest (西安碑林 Xī'ān Bēilín): Collection of stone tablets with inscriptions, calligraphy, and historical texts. Xi'an Famen Temple (西安法门寺 Xī'ān Fǎmén Sì): Buddhist temple with relics, pagodas, and ancient architecture. Xi'an Huashan Mountain (西安华山 Xī'ān Huàshān): Scenic mountain with hiking trails, temples, and stunning views. Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square (大雁塔北广场 Dàyàn Tǎ Běi Guǎngchǎng): Square with sculptures, fountains, and cultural events. Gao Grand Courtyard (高家大院 Gāojiā Dàyuàn): Historic mansion with traditional architecture, courtyards, and gardens. Xingqing Palace Park (兴庆宫公园 Xīngqìng Gōng Gōngyuán): Park with historic ruins, gardens, and cultural exhibitions. Xi'an Silk Road International Museum (西安丝绸之路国际博物馆 Xī'ān Sīchóu Zhīlù Guójì Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on the Silk Road's history, culture, and trade. Xi'an Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔 Xiǎo Yàn Tǎ): Buddhist pagoda with historic relics, artifacts, and gardens. Shaanxi Provincial Museum of Fine Arts (陕西美术馆 Shǎnxī Měishùguǎn): Museum with Chinese paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆 Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn): Exhibits on Shaanxi's history, culture, and artifacts. Xi'an Tang Art Museum (西安唐艺术博物馆 Xī'ān Táng Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Tang dynasty art, ceramics, and sculpture. Xi'an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆 Xī'ān Bēilín Bówùguǎn): Museum with stone tablets, calligraphy, and ancient inscriptions. Xi'an Mosque Food Street (西安回民街美食街 Xī'ān Huímín Jiē Měishí Jiē): Street food market with halal cuisine and local specialties. Xi'an Qujiang Polar Ocean Park (西安曲江北极洋公园 Xī'ān Qūjiāng Běijí Yáng Gōngyuán): Polar ocean park with marine life exhibits, shows, and activities. Xi'an Xingjiao Temple (西安兴教寺 Xī'ān Xīngjiào Sì): Buddhist temple with historic relics, statues, and prayer halls. Xi'an Confucius Temple (西安文庙 Xī'ān Wénmiào): Confucian temple with traditional architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Xi'an Islamic Food Street (西安回民街 Xī'ān Huímín Jiē): Street food market with halal cuisine, snacks, and traditional dishes. Xi'an Daming Palace National Heritage Park (西安大明宫国家遗址公园 Xī'ān Dàmíng Gōng Guójiā Yízhǐ Gōngyuán): Park with ruins of the Tang dynasty palace and gardens. Xi'an Sanyuan Palace (西安三原宫 Xī'ān Sānyuán Gōng): Taoist temple with historic architecture, statues, and gardens. Xi'an Shuyuanmen Ancient Cultural Street (西安书院门古文化街 Xī'ān Shūyuàn Mén Gǔ Wénhuà Jiē): Historic street with traditional architecture, shops, and cultural activities. Xi'an Huayan Temple (西安华严寺 Xī'ān Huáyán Sì): Buddhist temple with ancient architecture, sculptures, and gardens. Xi'an Tang Paradise (西安大唐芙蓉园 Xī'ān Dàtáng Fúróngyuán): Cultural theme park with Tang dynasty architecture, performances, and gardens. Xi'an Qianling Mausoleum (西安乾陵 Xī'ān Qiánlíng): Imperial tomb site with historic artifacts, sculptures, and mausoleums. Xi'an Great Mosque (西安大清真寺 Xī'ān Dà Qīngzhēnsì): Historic mosque with traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Xi'an Bell Tower (西安钟楼 Xī'ān Zhōnglóu): Historic tower with a bell, drum performances, and city views. Xi'an Museum of Modern Art (西安当代美术馆 Xī'ān Dāngdài Měishùguǎn): Museum with contemporary art exhibitions and installations.

With Blondie in China ... Visitor Guide to LanZhou, GanSu Province Overview LanZhou, the capital city of GanSu Province, is a major transportation and cultural hub located in the northwest of China. Famous for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and the iconic Yellow River, LanZhou offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern development. Getting There By Air: LanZhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) is located about 70 kilometers from the city center. It offers both domestic and international flights. You can take an airport shuttle bus or a taxi to reach the city center. By Train: LanZhou is a major railway hub with connections to many cities across China. The LanZhou Railway Station and LanZhou West Railway Station serve both high-speed and regular trains. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect LanZhou to various cities in GanSu Province and beyond. The main bus stations are LanZhou East Bus Station and LanZhou West Bus Station. Getting Around Public Transport: LanZhou has an extensive bus network and a developing metro system. The metro is convenient for getting around the city quickly. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Biking: LanZhou is bike-friendly, and bike-sharing services are popular and convenient for short trips. Main Attractions Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge) The Zhongshan Bridge, also known as the First Bridge over the Yellow River, is an iconic historical landmark. Built in 1907, it offers stunning views of the Yellow River and is a great spot for a leisurely walk. White Pagoda Mountain (Baita Mountain) White Pagoda Mountain provides a panoramic view of LanZhou and the Yellow River. The mountain is named after the White Pagoda Temple located on its summit. The temple and surrounding park are perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty. Gansu Provincial Museum This museum is a treasure trove of cultural relics and historical artifacts, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of GanSu Province. Highlights include ancient Silk Road artifacts, fossils, and traditional Tibetan and Han exhibits. Waterwheel Garden The Waterwheel Garden is a unique park featuring large, traditional waterwheels that were once used for irrigation along the Yellow River. The park provides insight into the agricultural history of the region and is a pleasant place for a stroll. Bingling Temple Grottoes Located about 75 kilometers from LanZhou, the Bingling Temple Grottoes are renowned for their Buddhist cave carvings and statues, some dating back to the Western Qin dynasty. The grottoes are accessible by boat from the Liujiaxia Reservoir. Local Cuisine LanZhou is famous for its delicious and unique cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes: LanZhou Beef Noodles: Also known as "Lamian," these hand-pulled noodles are served in a flavorful beef broth with slices of tender beef, radish, and fresh herbs. Niang Pi: A cold noodle dish made from wheat or rice flour, often served with a spicy sauce and various toppings like cucumber and bean sprouts. Rou Jia Mo: Often referred to as the Chinese hamburger, it consists of a flatbread filled with seasoned, shredded meat. Yellow River Carp: Freshly caught from the Yellow River, this fish is typically braised or steamed and served with a savory sauce. Shopping Zhengning Road Night Market: A bustling night market offering a variety of local snacks, street food, and souvenirs. Xiguan Mosque Market: Located near the Xiguan Mosque, this market features ethnic Hui products, traditional handicrafts, and a variety of halal foods. Qilihe Market: A large wholesale market where you can find everything from clothing and electronics to fresh produce and household items. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Crowne Plaza LanZhou or the Wanda Vista LanZhou, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Ibis LanZhou Zhangye Road and the James Joyce Coffetel provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the LanZhou Lemon Tree Youth Hostel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit LanZhou are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in areas with significant Muslim Hui populations. Dress modestly and be mindful of dietary restrictions when dining out. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Stay Hydrated: LanZhou has a dry climate, so drink plenty of water, especially if you are hiking or spending time outdoors. Conclusion LanZhou, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient grottoes, savoring the famous beef noodles, or strolling along the Yellow River, LanZhou has something for every traveler. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of this fascinating city in GanSu Province.

A look around this beautiful coastal city ...