Shangri-La, DaoCheng and YaDing, YunNan 香格里拉, 稻城, 亞丁 (Scenic China Special, 2018 – 4)

With Andy see the World ... Visitor Guide to ShanHaiGuan Overview ShanHaiGuan, located in QinHuangDao City, HeBei Province, is a renowned historical site known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." It is one of the most well-preserved and strategically important passes of the Great Wall of China, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into China's ancient military history and stunning coastal scenery. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is QinHuangDao Beidaihe Airport (BPE), located about 20 kilometers from ShanHaiGuan. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to ShanHaiGuan. By Train: ShanHaiGuan Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like BeiJing, TianJin, and Shenyang. High-speed trains make it convenient to reach ShanHaiGuan from these cities. By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from nearby cities, including QinHuangDao and TianJin. The main bus station in ShanHaiGuan is ShanHaiGuan Long-Distance Bus Station. Getting Around Walking: The historic area of ShanHaiGuan is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the ancient architecture and fortifications. Biking: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions at your own pace. Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of ShanHaiGuan and QinHuangDao. Main Attractions First Pass Under Heaven (Zhenyuan Tower) This iconic gate is the easternmost point of the Great Wall and marks the starting point of the ancient defense line. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Great Wall stretching towards the mountains and the sea. Old Dragon's Head (Laolongtou) Located where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, the Old Dragon's Head is a dramatic and picturesque site. The fortifications extend into the sea, resembling a dragon drinking water. It's a unique and breathtaking part of the Great Wall. ShanHaiGuan Great Wall Museum The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history, construction, and significance of the Great Wall. Exhibits include artifacts, models, and interactive displays that bring the history of this monumental structure to life. Jiumenkou Great Wall This section of the Great Wall is unique for its series of nine gates and the river that flows beneath it. The Jiumenkou Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating look at ancient military engineering. Wang Family Courtyard This well-preserved traditional courtyard residence offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The courtyard is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and traditional furnishings. Local Cuisine ShanHaiGuan's cuisine is influenced by its coastal location and northern Chinese culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes: Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Bohai Sea, including fish, shrimp, and crab, is a highlight of local dining. QinHuangDao Dumplings: These dumplings are known for their thin skins and generous fillings, often served with a dipping sauce. Jiaozi (Dumplings): A variety of steamed or boiled dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood. Local Snacks: Try street food such as fried dough twists, roasted sweet potatoes, and various grilled skewers. Shopping Local Handicrafts: ShanHaiGuan is known for its traditional handicrafts, including paper-cutting, clay figurines, and embroidery. These items make for unique souvenirs. Antique Markets: Explore local antique markets for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles. Seafood Markets: Purchase fresh or dried seafood to take home or enjoy while you're in the area. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel QinHuangDao or the Sheraton QinHuangDao Beidaihe Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Best Western Junyu Grand Hotel and QinHuangDao Grand Hotel provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the ShanHaiGuan Youth Hostel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanHaiGuan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: ShanHaiGuan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the historical sites, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion ShanHaiGuan, with its rich history, strategic importance, and stunning coastal scenery, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient fortifications, savoring fresh seafood, or strolling along the Great Wall, ShanHaiGuan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating destination in HeBei Province.

昆明~石林…奇峰異石 Approximately 90 km (55 miles) from the provincial capital of YunNan, KunMing.

With Time Walker ... "Shenzhen Library North is one of the first major cultural facilities of the new era built and completed in Shenzhen. It has a construction area of ​​about 72,000 square meters, 6 floors above ground and 3 floors underground. It is designed to hold 8 million books and provide 2,500 seats. Its total investment is about 1.2 billion yuan. The library is positioned as a large-scale comprehensive and intelligent library integrating document collection, national reading, social education, ideological exchange, cultural inheritance and creative creation. It not only has the functions of a public library, but also serves as the city's document adjustment library and Shenzhen's "City of Libraries" joint editing center, network data center and document allocation center. The library has many special libraries and interactive learning spaces, and has the largest underground intelligent three-dimensional library in the country, equipped with advanced facilities such as large-scale rapid sorting system, vertical track access system and electronic seeding wall system. As of July 2024, Shenzhen Library North was officially opened on December 28, 2023. After the opening, 6,000 reservations will be available in the public service area and 2,000 reservations will be available in the children's area every day. Readers can submit a reservation for admission through the Shenzhen Library WeChat official account one day in advance, and present the reservation voucher to enter the venue after arriving at the library. The specific opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-21:00. The housekeeping is done on Mondays. The 1F Reading Hall is open from Monday to Sunday 7:00-23:00. Legal holidays will be notified separately. Location: Located at the intersection of Tenglong Road and Zhongmei Road in Longhua District. Transportation: • Subway: Take Line 4 or Line 6 to Hongshan Station and walk to the library in a few minutes. • Bus: There are many bus lines stopping nearby, such as [specify the specific bus number and stop]. Architectural Features: The exterior adopts a unique design similar to white fish scales, creating a visually stunning effect. The interior space is spacious, with a large atrium and elegant book walls. Opening hours: Open from 9:00 to 21:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. The 1F reading room is open from 7:00 to 23:00. Collection Features: The collection is rich and covers various fields and genres. There are rare and precious books, as well as newly published books to meet different interests. Exhibition Features: Regularly hold a variety of exhibitions, including art exhibitions, historical displays and cultural exhibitions, providing a rich visual and intellectual experience. When you visit: • Remember to make an appointment in advance through the Shenzhen Library WeChat official account. • Take your time to explore each floor and enjoy the peaceful reading atmosphere."

Where the Great Wall of China meets the sea, HeBei province, east from BeiJing ...

WuYuan, known as the "most beautiful countryside in China", with at least 50 old villages, is located in the northeast of JiangXi province, and near Mount HuangShan and JingDeZhen. With Walk East ... Max (Walk East) : Wuyuan is home to a few of the well-preserved ancient architecture in China. Each of those ancient structures has a unique appearance as well as structure. They emerge from among the emerald green mountains and trees, clear rivers along with the crisscrossing paths between the fields. Those structures were built in 740 during the Tang Dynasty; its remoteness and inconvenient transportation protecting its villages' beauty from a large amount of tourists. Local people there can enjoy the pure, clean brooks, seemingly delicate wooden buildings, unique bridges as well as the tranquil lifestyle, etc... This village has turned into a ecological, cultural as well as tourist demonstration center of China. The ancient Architectural complexes,caves, blue water, trees as well as rural sceneries; all these form a typical Chinese countryside scene Wuyuan has become a well known town in the world features in famous Huizhou local culture as well as charming idyllic scenery. Beijing Opera, Hui Opera, the Luo Dance known as the "Dance Live Fossil" as well as the charming tea performance, all these make Wuyuan fascinating tourism destination. 【Likeng Village】 Likeng Village is a cluster of houses constructed along a brook. It is said to be the most scenically beautiful village in the town. The brook is two to three meters wide spanned at different points by makeshift bridges. A rolling stream through the village lived by 260 peasant households along with ancient buildings with its pink walls, black tiles as well as beautiful girls who are washing laundry reflecting from the stream look like a natural scenery. 【Visit Local Ancient Village in Hui-style】 Wuyuan is the birthplace of the Huizhou culture. Villages around are must go, and you will be attracted by the quiet and simple countryside life there. noticeable Huizhou-style architecture can be found in these old villages, such as, arches, stone tablets, stone bridges, ancient stages, etc. Wuyuan is a county in northeastern Jiangxi province. It is renowned for its beautiful countryside and well-preserved ancient Huizhou villages and architecture. Many of the buildings and villages date from the Tang dynasty and have been protected by the county’s remoteness and relatively inconvenient transportation. Highlights and Travel Tips The area is famous for the fields of yellow rapeseed flowers that surround the villages in March and April, which are among the most beautiful in China and will delight photographers. One of the best places to see the flowers is hills surrounding the village of Jiangling. Popular villages and sights around the county include Likeng Village, Mount Dazhang (a beautiful area filled with soaring mountains and crashing waterfalls that is as yet undiscovered by tourism), Rainbow Bridge (a covered bridge), and Jiangling Village.

With Seiu Travel ... Harbin City Summer Visitor Guide - A Romantic Resort Destination Introduction Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is often known for its ice and snow festival, but it is also a charming summer destination. With its mix of Russian architecture, lush parks, and romantic atmosphere, Harbin is perfect for couples seeking a summer getaway. This guide will help you explore the best of Harbin in the warmer months, focusing on its romantic appeal. Key Attractions 1. Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) Central Street is Harbin's most famous pedestrian street, lined with European-style buildings, boutique shops, and cafes. A stroll down this street offers a glimpse into Harbin's rich cultural heritage and a romantic atmosphere with street performers and outdoor dining. 2. Harbin Sun Island Scenic Area Located on the north bank of the Songhua River, Sun Island is a beautiful park ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying nature. In summer, the island is filled with blooming flowers and greenery, making it a perfect spot for couples to relax and enjoy the scenery. 3. St. Sophia Cathedral This stunning Russian Orthodox church is an architectural marvel and one of Harbin's most iconic landmarks. The cathedral, with its green onion-shaped domes, is a romantic backdrop for photos and offers a glimpse into Harbin's Russian past. 4. Songhua River Cruise A cruise on the Songhua River is a must-do for couples visiting Harbin. The gentle breeze and scenic views of the city's skyline create a romantic ambiance. Evening cruises are especially popular, offering a chance to see the city lights reflecting on the water. Romantic Activities Evening Walks: Take a stroll along the Songhua River or in Zhaolin Park. The soft glow of street lamps and the serene environment provide a perfect setting for romantic evening walks. Horse Carriage Rides: Central Street offers horse-drawn carriage rides, adding a touch of old-world romance as you ride through the historic parts of the city. Visit to Siberian Tiger Park: For couples who love wildlife, visiting the nearby Siberian Tiger Park can be an adventurous yet memorable experience. Café Hopping: Explore the numerous cafes along Central Street. Enjoy a quiet coffee break with pastries and soak in the atmosphere of Harbin's unique blend of Russian and Chinese culture. Boat Rides on Sun Island: Rent a boat on Sun Island and enjoy a peaceful ride on the lake, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Romantic Dining Options Harbin offers a variety of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual eateries, catering to romantic outings. Here are some recommended spots: Huamei Restaurant: Known for its Russian-style architecture and dishes, Huamei offers an authentic experience. Try the borscht, Russian bread, and hearty meat dishes. Modern Hotel: A historic hotel with a famous bakery, offering delicious Russian and European pastries. It's a great place for afternoon tea or a sweet treat. Lucy's Café and Restaurant: Located on Central Street, Lucy's offers a cozy atmosphere with a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine. The outdoor seating is perfect for a summer evening. 1918 Coffee Shop: A quaint café located in a historic building, offering a charming ambiance and a range of coffee and light snacks. Ideal for a relaxed and romantic coffee break. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to August) are ideal for enjoying Harbin's outdoor attractions and pleasant weather. What to Wear: Summer temperatures in Harbin are mild, but evenings can be cool. Bring light, comfortable clothing for daytime and a light jacket for the evening. Language: While Chinese is the main language, English is not widely spoken. Having a translation app or a phrasebook can be helpful. Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). It's advisable to carry some cash as not all places accept credit cards. Transportation: Harbin has a reliable public transport system, including buses and taxis. Central Street and many attractions are walkable.