ShangHai 上海 by night (3)

With Beijing Old Liu ... Welcome to Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon Introduction Top Attractions Activities Local Culture Local Cuisine Visitor Tips Getting There Introduction Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon, located in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in HuBei Province, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its dramatic karst landscapes, towering cliffs, deep gorges, and pristine rivers. Often referred to as "China's Grand Canyon," this stunning destination offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The canyon stretches for about 108 kilometers and is carved out by the Qingjiang River, creating a series of spectacular geological formations over millions of years. Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon is a part of the Enshi National Geological Park and is recognized for its scenic beauty and ecological diversity. Top Attractions Pingshan Gorge The Pingshan Gorge is the centerpiece of the Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon. It features sheer cliffs that rise dramatically from the Qingjiang River, creating a narrow gorge that is both awe-inspiring and serene. Visitors can take a boat ride through the gorge to fully appreciate its towering rock formations, clear waters, and lush vegetation. Qingjiang River The Qingjiang River, known as the "Mother River" of the Enshi region, winds its way through the canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding karst landscape. The river is renowned for its emerald green waters, which contrast beautifully with the steep cliffs and dense forests along its banks. The river is perfect for leisurely boat trips or more adventurous white-water rafting. Yunlong Ground Crack One of the most unique geological features of the Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon is the Yunlong Ground Crack. This deep fissure in the earth's surface is more than 3 kilometers long and varies in width, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly landscape. Visitors can walk along the edge of the crack and peer into its depths, offering a thrilling experience for geology enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Qingjiang Ancient Town Qingjiang Ancient Town, located near the canyon, is a beautifully preserved historic town that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The town is home to traditional Tujia and Miao architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant markets. It’s an ideal place to experience the local culture and enjoy traditional performances, handicrafts, and cuisine. Activities Boat Rides: Explore the stunning Pingshan Gorge by taking a boat ride along the Qingjiang River. This serene journey allows you to fully appreciate the towering cliffs, emerald waters, and lush greenery that make this canyon so special. Hiking: The Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon offers numerous hiking trails that wind through its rugged terrain. Whether you're looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely walk, there are trails for all levels, each offering breathtaking views of the canyon. Rafting: For the more adventurous, white-water rafting on the Qingjiang River is a thrilling way to experience the canyon’s natural beauty. The river's rapids vary in intensity, providing excitement for both beginners and seasoned rafters. Photography: With its dramatic landscapes, the Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon is a paradise for photographers. The play of light and shadow on the cliffs, the reflection of the mountains in the river, and the vibrant colors of the vegetation make for stunning photographs. Local Culture The Enshi region is home to the Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities, both of which have rich cultural traditions that are still very much alive today. Visitors to the Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon have the opportunity to experience these unique cultures firsthand. The Tujia people are known for their distinctive folk songs, dances, and Baishou Dance, a traditional group dance that is often performed during festivals. The Miao people, on the other hand, are famous for their intricate silver jewelry, colorful traditional costumes, and lively music. Local festivals, such as the Tujia New Year and the Miao Sisters' Meal Festival, offer a vibrant display of the region's cultural heritage, with traditional performances, parades, and feasts that are a delight to witness. Local Cuisine The cuisine of the Enshi region is heavily influenced by the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups, offering a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. Some must-try dishes include: Tujia Bacon: A local specialty, Tujia bacon is smoked over a wood fire, giving it a rich, smoky flavor. It's often served with vegetables or used as a flavoring in soups and stews. Sanxia Fish: Freshwater fish from the Qingjiang River, prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, steaming, and stewing. The fish is known for its tender meat and delicate flavor. Enshi Green Tea: The Enshi region is famous for its green tea, which is grown in the mountains surrounding the canyon. The tea is known for its bright color, fresh aroma, and mellow taste. Maize Dishes: Corn is a staple in the local diet, and many dishes feature maize as a primary ingredient. Maize pancakes, steamed corn buns, and corn porridge are all popular dishes in the area. Pickled Vegetables: A variety of pickled vegetables are served as side dishes or snacks, providing a tangy and refreshing contrast to the richer flavors of the main dishes. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon is from April to October, when the weather is mild, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended for their pleasant temperatures and stunning natural scenery. Altitude: The canyon is situated at a moderate altitude, so visitors should be prepared for slightly thinner air, especially during strenuous activities. It's advisable to take it easy on the first day to acclimate. Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Be prepared for rain, especially in the summer months, by bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho. Safety: Always stay on designated paths and follow the guidance of local guides, especially when exploring the more rugged areas of the canyon. The terrain can be challenging, and it's important to be cautious. Respect Local Customs: When visiting the Qingjiang Ancient Town or interacting with local communities, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or cultural sites. Getting There The Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon is located in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in HuBei Province. Here are some transportation options: By Air: The nearest airport is Enshi Xujiaping Airport, which has flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the canyon. By Train: Enshi is well-connected by train, with regular services from major cities like Wuhan, Chongqing, and Yichang. From Enshi Railway Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the canyon. By Bus: Long-distance buses operate from nearby cities to Enshi, and local buses or taxis can take you to the canyon from the city center. By Car: If you prefer to drive, Enshi is accessible via highways from major cities in HuBei and the surrounding provinces. The scenic drive offers beautiful views of the countryside and mountains.

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... XiZhou Ancient Town Visitor Guide XiZhou Ancient Town is a gem of Yunnan Province, located approximately 20 kilometers from Dali’s old town. Nestled along the shores of the serene Erhai Lake, XiZhou offers a unique blend of rich Bai culture, stunning ancient architecture, and a tranquil environment, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a more intimate and traditional experience. Overview Location: XiZhou is situated within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and is renowned for its well-preserved Bai minority culture. Famous For: Traditional Bai houses, ancient courtyards, folk performances, unique local cuisine, and vibrant markets. Getting There From Dali: You can take a bus or taxi from Dali Old Town (20-30 minutes). From Kunming: XiZhou is about a 5-hour drive from Kunming. Buses to Dali are available, and from Dali, you can take local transportation to XiZhou. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Top Attractions in XiZhou Yan Family Courtyard (Yan Jia Da Yuan): The most famous ancient residence in XiZhou, showcasing traditional Bai architecture with beautiful wood carvings, white-washed walls, and murals. Bai Minority Culture and Houses: Explore over 150 well-preserved traditional Bai houses with intricate designs and courtyards. XiZhou Morning Market: A bustling market full of fresh produce, traditional snacks, and local crafts. Arrive early (7 AM – 9 AM) to experience the market at its liveliest. Erhai Lake: A stunning lake where you can walk, cycle, or take boat rides to enjoy the natural beauty. Shuanglang Town: A trendy nearby town famous for its artistic vibe and boutique guesthouses. A perfect day trip from XiZhou. Cultural Experiences Bai Minority Dress and Dance: Experience colorful traditional Bai clothing and catch performances of traditional dances during festivals or market days. Tea Culture at XiZhou: Enjoy traditional tea-tasting experiences in local homes or guesthouses. Local Delicacies XiZhou Baba (喜洲粑粑): A crispy, savory (or sweet) flatbread made from wheat flour. Try it fresh from street vendors. Dali Cheese (Rushan, 乳扇): A Bai specialty cheese, often grilled or fried, that you can find throughout the town. Erhai Fish: Fresh fish dishes prepared from the lake's bounty, best enjoyed at lakeside restaurants. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼): A delicate pastry filled with rose petal jam. This treat is especially famous in XiZhou, where roses are grown locally. Its fragrant sweetness makes it a popular souvenir. Where to Stay Local Homestays: Family-run guesthouses, often in traditional Bai homes, offering an intimate experience of Bai culture. Boutique Hotels: For more luxury, boutique hotels combine modern amenities with traditional architecture. Tips for Visitors Language: Most people speak the local Bai dialect, but Mandarin Chinese is sufficient for communication. English is not widely spoken. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing people. Shopping: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade textiles, embroidery, and silverware from the markets. Nearby Attractions Dali Old Town: A larger, more developed town known for its old city walls, temples, and lively atmosphere. Cangshan Mountain: Offers hiking trails, cable cars, and panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali’s landscape. Conclusion XiZhou Ancient Town is an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Bai culture, ancient architecture, and the peaceful lakeside environment of Yunnan. Whether you're exploring ancient homes, tasting local delicacies, or enjoying the beauty of Erhai Lake, XiZhou provides a rich cultural experience in a relaxed setting.

Various views of the buildings and light shows ...

A weekend in ShangHai with FunFancie ... Bonus film - a day in ShangHai, with yuyusai ... Bonus film - with mabelevollove ...

With Sammy and Tommy ...

With Jerry's Take on China ... YT comment : "It is win-win versus win-lose. Two very different mindsets". YT comment : "Propaganda is about decoupling what people 'know' from reality. Insanity is believing your own propaganda". YT comment : "A bully does not want competition at all. Rules are always bend to suit their own agenda and arms are twisted to coerce who is the big daddy on the playground. Moreover deploying half truth tactics or false flags to raise fear are common tactics in their playbook." YT comment : "Fear is the only reason the U.S. wanted to contain China. When tariffs failed, technology sanctions followed. When both tariffs and sanctions failed, de-coupling became the buzzword. And when de-coupling was found to hurt the U.S. economy more than China's, it was changed to de-risking which in effect means a "slow de-coupling" until a more appropriate time. And now, fear has invaded European minds and the Europeans want to adopt the American low-life tactics. Twenty years ago, American muscle cars and reliable Japanese cars plus reputable German, French and Swedish cars and even newbies from South Korea were selling like hot cakes in the Chinese market and each and every maker made a fortune in China. Nowadays, however, the U.S. has no hope of selling anything to China -- not only industrial products but also agricultural produce which are easily replaced by many other countries around the globe. Sooner or later, the world will be divided into 2 camps: one that embraces worldwide integration and the other a closed economy that fears competition. The acceleration of the de-dollarization movement will speed up the divide even further, to the point that it may break the world monetary system in half." Bonus films - on China's economy - with Peter Walker and Thinkers Forum ... On the Belt and Road Initiative and how it shows China's vision for Development - with BRIX Sweden and Stephen Brawer ...

With Dr. Sten Ekberg ... BB's summary : Variety, natural, and not too much. Would have been nice to have a discussion on what vegans or vegetarians should be careful about, the importance of gut bacteria / the microbiome, the timing (limited window for eating), and how people are not all the same, but it is generally correct. Bonus film ...

With DianXi XiaoGe ...

If not familiar with this term, watch this - it is important to know. With Dr Sten Ekberg ... Bonus film - on insulin resistance / type 2 diabetes ...