ShenZhen cityscape by aerial drone

Regarding term limits - President Xi is exceptionally well read and very much the right person at the right time, a period where China will (is) facing unprecedented attack for its success. Xi's plan is longer term and so requires a longer term limit; an extraordinary measure for extraordinary times.

TianXin Park is a scenic spot with classical gardens within an ancient city wall. The city wall was constructed in the year 202 AD. The TianXin Pavilion is a key feature of the park, which was developed in 1924 and now occupies an area of 30,000 square meters.

The Putuo ZongCheng Temple in ChengDe, HeBei province, is a Qing dynasty Buddhist temple. The complex was constructed between 1767 and 1771 during the reign of emperor QianLong (1735–1796). It is located just north of the ChengDe Mountain Resort. Along with the equally famed Puning Temple, it is one of the Eight Outer Temples of ChengDe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The temple was modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China. The Mountain Resort in ChengDe 避暑山庄 (BìShǔ ShānZhuāng literally means "Mountain Villa for Avoiding the Heat") was an imperial get-away. Built between 1703 and 1792 during the Qing dynasty, the vast Mountain Resort covers a total area of 5.6 square kilometers (2.2 square miles) and is surrounded by a mini 'Great Wall', which one can walk. It contains a variety of gardens, pagodas, temples and palaces representing the styles from various regions of China.

China's ancient capital - a 3,600 year-old yet modern city in HeNan province. With Walk East ...

With Mark Hyman and Calley Means ...

Savvy Sonia in SanYa ...

GuangXi province in south China. A very picturesque place, with thousands of tall karst limestone hills.

With See World ... The landscape around GuiLin and the Li River is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring unique karst formations, lush greenery, and picturesque waterways. This area, often celebrated in Chinese art and poetry, offers some of the most iconic scenery in China. Here are the key highlights of this beautiful region: ### Karst Mountains 1. **Unique Karst Topography**: The landscape is dominated by karst mountains, which are characterized by their steep, rugged limestone peaks. These formations were created by millions of years of erosion, resulting in a landscape that appears almost otherworldly. 2. **Famous Peaks**: Notable peaks include Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like an elephant drinking water, and Fubo Hill, which offers panoramic views of Guilin city and the surrounding countryside. ### The Li River 3. **Li River Cruise**: The Li River (LiJiang) is famed for its breathtaking scenery. A popular activity is taking a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The cruise passes by some of the most picturesque landscapes, including towering karst peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. 4. **Scenic Highlights**: Key scenic spots along the river include the Nine Horse Fresco Hill, which resembles a mural of nine horses, and the Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal, which is famously depicted on the 20 yuan banknote. ### YangShuo 5. **Yangshuo Town**: Yangshuo, a small town located at the end of the Li River cruise, is surrounded by karst mountains and is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and hiking. 6. **West Street**: Known as the oldest street in Yangshuo, West Street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences. ### Outdoor Activities 7. **Cycling and Hiking**: The countryside around Guilin and Yangshuo is ideal for cycling and hiking. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty up close by biking through rice paddies, along the river, and into the mountains. 8. **Rock Climbing**: The karst formations provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Yangshuo has become a hotspot for climbers from around the world. ### Rivers and Caves 9. **Yulong River**: A tributary of the Li River, the Yulong River is less crowded and offers serene, beautiful views. Rafting on bamboo rafts is a popular way to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. 10. **Caves**: The region is home to numerous caves, such as Reed Flute Cave and Silver Cave, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights. ### Cultural Heritage 11. **Traditional Villages**: Alongside the natural beauty, the area is dotted with traditional villages where visitors can experience the local culture, architecture, and way of life. 12. **Impression Sanjie Liu**: An outdoor night show directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the backdrop of the Li River and the karst mountains. It features traditional songs and dances performed by local villagers and fishermen. ### Eco-Tourism 13. **Sustainability Efforts**: There is a growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region while providing meaningful experiences for visitors. ### Conclusion The landscape around Guilin and the Li River is a masterpiece of nature, with its dramatic karst mountains, verdant valleys, and clear waters. This region offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in China. Whether cruising down the Li River, exploring caves, or cycling through the countryside, visitors are sure to be captivated by the serene and majestic beauty of Guilin and its surroundings.