Shangri-la walking tour, YunNan province

In SiChuan province. The Giant Buddha, which is around 70 meters in height, was carved from the cliff face during the Tang dynasty (618 - 907). It took 90 years to complete. At 3,100 meters (10,170 feet), the nearby Mount EMei is the highest of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With Dany Dev ... A Guide to China's High-Speed Rail Network China's high-speed rail (HSR) network is the largest and most advanced in the world, offering an efficient, modern, and fast way to travel across the country. Since its inception, the network has revolutionized travel within China, making it easier and quicker to connect cities and regions that were once separated by long distances. Overview of the High-Speed Rail Network Size and Scope: As of 2024, China’s HSR network spans over 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles), connecting nearly all major cities across the country. The network is continuously expanding, with new lines being constructed each year. Speed: Trains on the high-speed network typically travel at speeds ranging from 250 to 350 kilometers per hour (155 to 217 miles per hour). Some of the fastest trains, such as those on the Beijing–Shanghai line, can reach speeds up to 350 km/h. Key Routes: Beijing-Shanghai: This flagship route is one of the busiest and most popular, covering a distance of 1,318 kilometers (819 miles) in about 4.5 hours. Beijing-Guangzhou: One of the longest HSR routes in the world, spanning 2,298 kilometers (1,428 miles) and taking around 8 hours. Shanghai-Hong Kong: Connects the financial hub of Shanghai with the vibrant city of Hong Kong, covering 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) in approximately 8 hours. Xi’an-Chengdu: A scenic route that links the historic city of Xi’an with Chengdu, famous for its pandas, covering 658 kilometers (409 miles) in about 3 hours. Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong: This line offers a rapid connection between the three major economic hubs, with a travel time of about 14 minutes from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. Features of China’s High-Speed Trains Train Classes: China’s high-speed trains are classified primarily into three categories based on speed and service: G-Class (Gaotie): The fastest trains, operating at speeds up to 350 km/h. These are typically used on major routes like Beijing-Shanghai. D-Class (Dongche): Slightly slower, operating at speeds up to 250-300 km/h. These trains are often used on shorter or less busy routes. C-Class: Suburban trains designed for short-distance travel, operating at speeds up to 200-250 km/h. Comfort and Amenities: Seating: HSR trains offer different classes of seating, including Second Class, First Class, and Business Class. Business Class offers the most luxurious experience, with wide reclining seats and more space. Facilities: Trains are equipped with modern amenities such as power outlets, Wi-Fi (on some trains), clean restrooms, and food and beverage services. Quiet carriages are also available for passengers who prefer a more serene environment. Punctuality: The HSR network is known for its punctuality, with trains typically departing and arriving on time. Key Stations and Infrastructure Major Hubs: Beijing South Railway Station: One of the largest and busiest HSR stations, serving as a key hub for northern and central China. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: A massive transportation hub that integrates rail, air, and metro services, making it one of the most important stations in eastern China. Guangzhou South Railway Station: A key gateway to southern China, connecting the region with major cities like Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Wuhan Railway Station: A central hub in the heart of China, crucial for connections between the east and west. Modern Design: The stations are often architectural marvels, designed to handle large volumes of passengers efficiently. Many stations are integrated with other forms of transport, including metro lines and airports, making transfers seamless. Benefits of Using the High-Speed Rail Network Speed and Efficiency: High-speed trains are often faster than flying when considering the time spent on security checks and travel to and from airports. For distances up to 1,200 kilometers (746 miles), trains are often the quickest option. Convenience: With frequent departures, extensive coverage, and easy booking options (including online and mobile apps), the HSR network is extremely convenient for both domestic and international travelers. Environmental Impact: HSR is a greener option compared to air travel, contributing less to carbon emissions per passenger kilometer. Challenges and Future Prospects Expansion to Rural Areas: While the HSR network covers most major cities, there are ongoing efforts to expand services to more rural and remote areas, ensuring broader access. International Links: China is also exploring international HSR connections, such as a proposed high-speed rail link to Moscow, Russia, which could enhance connectivity beyond China's borders. Technological Advances: China is investing in maglev (magnetic levitation) technology, which could further increase speeds to around 600 km/h (373 mph), positioning China at the forefront of global rail innovation. Tips for Travelers Booking Tickets: Tickets can be booked online, at stations, or through travel agencies. During peak travel times, such as Chinese New Year, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance. Travel Documents: Foreign travelers will need to present their passports when booking tickets and boarding trains. Luggage: There are generous luggage allowances on HSR trains, with space available for larger items in overhead compartments or at the ends of carriages. Language: While English signage is available in major stations, it is useful to have your destination written in Chinese to show to station staff if needed. Conclusion China’s high-speed rail network is a remarkable achievement in modern transportation, offering an efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the country. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the HSR network provides an unparalleled travel experience that continues to set global standards.

An awesome video - don't miss it ! With ClaireTrips ... Bonus films - ChenJiaPu 陈家沟 'wild' Great Wall ... Hiking the 'wild wall' is technically illegal for conservation reasons, and safety concerns. However, permits are available. It is recommended to go with a guide; 'dangerous' is not hype in places like JianKou - be careful - don't go alone, take your time, have a mobile and water with you, etc.

A beautiful film ... The LongSheng (Dragon's Backbone) rice terraces 龙胜梯田 cover an area of around 65 square kilometers (about 16,000 acres) in GuangXi province. Construction of the terraces began during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), most extensively around 500 years ago during the Ming dynasty, and continues today. The rice terraces stand as testament to the wisdom and strength of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities who form the majority of the locals here. LongJi (the Dragon's Backbone) Mountain is located in LongSheng County, about 100 km (2 hours drive) from GuiLin. The most famous of the rice terrace areas here are the Ping'An and JinKeng rice terraces. The terraced fields are constructed from riversides up to the mountain tops, at elevations of 300 meters (1,000 feet) to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). A typical incline is 30 to 35 degrees. This area is also noted for its LongJi tea and wine. Best time to visit : May to mid-October (ideally, June to September).

With Thinkers Forum - Zhang WeiWei, Jeffrey Sachs and Charles Li ... With Ben Norton ... With Louis Vincent Gave ... With Richard Wolff ... And Michael Hudson ... And Danny Haiphong ... With Brian Berletic ... With Lawrence Wilkerson and Pascal Lottaz / Neutrality Studies ... With KJ Noh ... With Yanis Varoufakis and Arnaud Bertrand ... With Daniel Dumbrill and Carl Zha ...

A fascinating, hour plus documentary by CCTV's Travelogue (from the English language CCTV9 channel). Dali is a four and a half hours drive from KunMing, the provincial capital of YunNan in south China, or forty minutes by air. By rail it is also connected to nearby LiJiang. We haven't posted a Travelogue for a couple of years, but are very happy to say that it is back to its best - intelligent presenter and beautiful cinematography. Highly recommended. Inhabited predominantly by the Bai and Yi ethnic groups. 1 : Dali Old Town 1/1 In this segment, presenter Katrina Yu tours the artistic cobblestone streets of the Old Town, meeting adventurous travelers along the way -- and shows where you can party with musical locals at night. 1/2 Katrina sails across the serenely beautiful ErHai Lake, enjoying a taste of ethnic Bai culture along the way. She also gets a lesson in an ancient handcraft and peeks inside a luxurious lakeside guesthouse. 1/3 Katrina strolls through the surrounding grounds of Dali's iconic Three Pagodas, and shows audiences the breath-taking view from the top of the soaring CangShan Mountains. 2 : The outskirts of Dali 2/1 Katrina hikes the holy paths of JiZu Mountain, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in China, and discovers the historic temples which have given the area the nickname of "scented wonderland" 2/2 Katrina visits the traditional ethnic Bai village of XinHua. Join her as she is treated to a colorful 'Eight bowl' Bai banquet and gets a lesson in an age-old handicraft from a master silver maker. 2/3 Katrina wanders through the ancient town of ShaXi. Join her as she savors the sights and tastes of the bustling weekly market, and finds out how this age-old center has succeeded in becoming a modern tourist destination while maintaining its old-world charm. 3 : The 'thousand year old' village of NuoDeng, deep in rural Dali 3/1 Katrina and the crew arrive at the hillside village. They get a taste of Nuodeng's famous salted ham and meet a local man whose character is just as interesting as the temple he guards. 3/2 Katrina visits a unique family museum, and has her pulse checked at a guesthouse where the owners offer holistic health treatments as well as accommodation. 3/3 Katrina plays teacher and student for a day, getting a lesson in local culture at Nuodeng's lively primary school.

Experience the rich culture and breathtaking scenery ...

NingXia province lies in northern China. With CGTN Travelogue ...