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XinJiang: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) (天池 Tiānchí): A stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering boat rides and hiking trails suitable for families. Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖 Kānàsī Hú): A picturesque alpine lake with clear blue waters, surrounded by forests and mountains, offering boat rides and nature walks. Grasslands (草原 Cǎoyuán): Explore the vast grasslands of Xinjiang, where kids can run around freely and enjoy horseback riding and camping experiences. Gaochang Ancient City (高昌古城 Gāochāng Gǔchéng): Explore the ruins of an ancient Silk Road city, where kids can learn about history and archaeology through guided tours. Ancient City of Jiaohe (交河故城 Jiāohé Gùchéng): Discover the well-preserved ruins of an ancient desert city, offering a glimpse into Xinjiang's rich history. Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠 Tǎkèlāmǎgān Shāmò): Experience the vastness of the desert landscape with camel rides and sand dune adventures suitable for adventurous kids. Turpan Grape Valley (吐鲁番葡萄沟 Tǔlǔfān Pútáogōu): Explore vineyards and orchards in this lush valley, where kids can taste fresh fruits and learn about agriculture. Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖 Kālākùlè Hú): Marvel at the stunning scenery of this high-altitude lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering opportunities for photography and relaxation. Xinjiang Silk Road Museum (新疆丝绸之路博物馆 Xīnjiāng Sīchóu Zhī Lù Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and culture of the Silk Road through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Flaming Mountains (火焰山 Huǒyàn Shān): Explore the unique red sandstone formations of the Flaming Mountains, which inspired ancient legends, suitable for outdoor exploration and photography. Emin Minaret (苏公塔 Sūgōngtǎ): Admire the architectural beauty of this historic minaret, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and insights into Islamic culture. Altai Mountains (阿尔泰山脉 Ā'ěrtài Shānmài): Discover the natural beauty of the Altai Mountains, where kids can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and camping adventures. Bayinbuluke Grassland (巴音布鲁克草原 Bāyīnbùlǔkè Cǎoyuán): Experience the vast grasslands of Bayinbuluke, where kids can participate in horseback riding, nomadic culture experiences, and yurt stays. Hemu Village (禾木村 Hémù Cūn): Visit this picturesque village nestled in the mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and cultural immersion. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (柏孜克里千佛洞 Bózīkèlǐ Qiānfódòng): Explore ancient Buddhist caves adorned with murals and sculptures, offering insights into the region's religious history. Turpan Ancient City (吐鲁番古城 Tǔlǔfān Gǔchéng): Wander through the narrow streets and ancient ruins of Turpan's old city, where kids can imagine life in ancient times. Tianshan Tianchi National Park (天山天池国家公园 Tiānshān Tiānchí Guójiā Gōngyuán): Explore the pristine natural beauty of Tianshan Tianchi National Park, offering hiking trails, boating, and scenic vistas. Yarkant Ancient City (莎车古城 Shāchē Gǔchéng): Step back in time as you explore the ancient city of Yarkant, known for its historic mosques, markets, and traditional architecture. Shipton's Arch (希普顿拱门 Xīpǔdùn Gǒngmén): Marvel at the natural wonder of Shipton's Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the world, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆 Xīnjiāng Wéiwú'ěr Zìzhìqū Bówùguǎn): Learn about Xinjiang's diverse cultures, history, and artifacts through exhibits and interactive displays suitable for families. XinJiang: 30 More Places to Visit Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路 Kālākūnlún Gōnglù): Embark on an epic road trip along one of the highest paved roads in the world, offering stunning mountain scenery and cultural encounters. Urumqi Grand Bazaar (乌鲁木齐大巴扎 Wūlǔmùqí Dàbāzhā): Explore the bustling markets of Urumqi, where kids can sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (克孜尔千佛洞 Kèzī'ěr Qiānfódòng): Marvel at the ancient Buddhist art and architecture of the Kizil Caves, known for their colorful murals and intricate carvings. Tuyoq Valley (吐峪沟 Tǔyùgōu): Discover the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Tuyoq Valley, where kids can explore ancient ruins, visit local villages, and enjoy hiking trails. Gaochang Ruins (高昌故城 Gāochāng Gùchéng): Explore the ruins of an ancient Silk Road city, offering insights into the region's history and architecture. Xinjiang Grape Valley (新疆葡萄沟 Xīnjiāng Pútáogōu): Visit vineyards and orchards in this picturesque valley, where kids can taste fresh fruits and learn about grape cultivation. Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆 Xīnjiāng Wéiwú'ěr Zìzhìqū Bówùguǎn): Learn about Xinjiang's diverse cultures, history, and artifacts through exhibits and interactive displays suitable for families. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆 Xīnjiāng Wéiwú'ěr Zìzhìqū Bówùguǎn): Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Uyghur people through exhibits on art, music, and traditions. Bayinbulak Grassland (巴音布鲁克草原 Bāyīnbùlǔkè Cǎoyuán): Experience the beauty of the grasslands, where kids can spot wildlife, ride horses, and enjoy traditional nomadic hospitality. Altai Mountains (阿尔泰山 Ā'ěrtài Shān): Discover the rugged beauty of the Altai Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife watching. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (柏孜克里千佛洞 Bózīkèlǐ Qiānfódòng): Explore ancient Buddhist caves adorned with murals and sculptures, offering insights into the region's religious history. Grape Valley (葡萄沟 Pútáogōu): Visit vineyards and orchards in this picturesque valley, where kids can taste fresh fruits and learn about grape cultivation. Yarkant Ancient City (莎车古城 Shāchē Gǔchéng): Step back in time as you explore the ancient city of Yarkant, known for its historic mosques, markets, and traditional architecture. Shipton's Arch (希普顿拱门 Xīpǔdùn Gǒngmén): Marvel at the natural wonder of Shipton's Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the world, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. Turpan Grape Valley (吐鲁番葡萄沟 Tǔlǔfān Pútáogōu): Explore vineyards and orchards in this lush valley, where kids can taste fresh fruits and learn about agriculture. Altun Mountains (阿尔金山 Ā'ěrjīn Shān): Discover the rugged beauty of the Altun Mountains, home to diverse ecosystems, including glaciers, lakes, and alpine meadows. Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) (天池 Tiānchí): A stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering boat rides and hiking trails suitable for families. Ancient City of Jiaohe (交河故城 Jiāohé Gùchéng): Discover the well-preserved ruins of an ancient desert city, offering a glimpse into Xinjiang's rich history. Emin Minaret (苏公塔 Sūgōngtǎ): Admire the architectural beauty of this historic minaret, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and insights into Islamic culture. Bayinbuluke Grassland (巴音布鲁克草原 Bāyīnbùlǔkè Cǎoyuán): Experience the vast grasslands of Bayinbuluke, where kids can participate in horseback riding, nomadic culture experiences, and yurt stays. Hemu Village (禾木村 Hémù Cūn): Visit this picturesque village nestled in the mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and cultural immersion. Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路 Kālākūnlún Gōnglù): Embark on an epic road trip along one of the highest paved roads in the world, offering stunning mountain scenery and cultural encounters. Urumqi Grand Bazaar (乌鲁木齐大巴扎 Wūlǔmùqí Dàbāzhā): Explore the bustling markets of Urumqi, where kids can sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (克孜尔千佛洞 Kèzī'ěr Qiānfódòng): Marvel at the ancient Buddhist art and architecture of the Kizil Caves, known for their colorful murals and intricate carvings. Tuyoq Valley (吐峪沟 Tǔyùgōu): Discover the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Tuyoq Valley, where kids can explore ancient ruins, visit local villages, and enjoy hiking trails. Gaochang Ruins (高昌故城 Gāochāng Gùchéng): Explore the ruins of an ancient Silk Road city, offering insights into the region's history and architecture. Xinjiang Grape Valley (新疆葡萄沟 Xīnjiāng Pútáogōu): Visit vineyards and orchards in this picturesque valley, where kids can taste fresh fruits and learn about grape cultivation. Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆 Xīnjiāng Wéiwú'ěr Zìzhìqū Bówùguǎn): Learn about Xinjiang's diverse cultures, history, and artifacts through exhibits and interactive displays suitable for families.

Bonus film - with the Moderate Rebels and Daniel Dumbrill ...

With Walk East ... Bonus film - ShangHai North Bund night walk ...

With Wei's Travel ... ShangHai can be considered a 'garden city' due to its extensive green spaces, parks, and efforts to integrate nature within its urban environment. Here are some key aspects that contribute to this : ### Extensive Green Spaces and Parks 1. **Large Urban Parks**: Shanghai is home to numerous large parks such as Century Park, Gongqing Forest Park, and Shanghai Botanical Garden. These parks provide significant green spaces within the city and offer residents and visitors places to relax and enjoy nature. 2. **Green Belt**: The city has developed green belts and corridors that integrate natural elements into the urban landscape, helping to connect different green spaces and providing continuous natural areas for walking, cycling, and leisure. ### Historical and Traditional Gardens 3. **Traditional Chinese Gardens**: Shanghai boasts several well-preserved traditional Chinese gardens, such as Yu Garden (YuYuan), which exemplify classical Chinese garden design with ponds, rockeries, pavilions, and intricate landscaping. These gardens reflect the city's historical commitment to integrating nature with urban living. ### Urban Greening Initiatives 4. **Street Landscaping**: Many of Shanghai's streets are lined with trees, flowers, and shrubs, contributing to a greener urban environment. The city has invested in extensive landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of its streets and boulevards. 5. **Vertical Gardens and Green Roofs**: Shanghai has embraced innovative urban greening techniques such as vertical gardens and green roofs on buildings. These initiatives help to increase the amount of greenery in densely populated urban areas and contribute to better air quality and urban biodiversity. ### Green Urban Planning 6. **Sustainable Development**: Shanghai's urban planning policies emphasize sustainable development and the creation of eco-friendly urban spaces. This includes the development of eco-districts and the incorporation of green spaces into new residential and commercial developments. 7. **Waterfront Revitalization**: The revitalization of waterfront areas along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek has included the creation of green promenades, parks, and recreational areas that provide residents with access to nature and enhance the city's overall green infrastructure. ### Community and Public Engagement 8. **Public Involvement**: The city encourages public participation in maintaining and developing green spaces through community gardens and public involvement initiatives. This engagement helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the city's natural environments. ### Environmental Conservation 9. **Biodiversity Conservation**: Efforts to preserve and enhance biodiversity within the city, such as the creation of urban wildlife habitats and conservation areas, contribute to Shanghai's identity as a garden city. ### Seasonal Flower Displays 10. **Flower Festivals and Displays**: Shanghai hosts various flower festivals and seasonal floral displays that enhance the city's visual appeal and celebrate its botanical diversity. These events attract tourists and residents alike, further emphasizing the city's green character. ### Conclusion Shanghai's commitment to integrating green spaces and nature into its urban environment through parks, traditional gardens, innovative greening techniques, and sustainable urban planning practices helps to position it as a 'garden city.' These efforts not only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the well-being of its residents and the sustainability of its urban ecosystem.

Relax on peaceful rides along beautiful winding rivers through lush vegetation and karst peaks. GuangXi province, south China.

With Walk East ...

YunNan province, in south west China, has a diversity of ethnic cultures and a myriad of landscapes; a real-life idyll ... An amazing film - don't miss this ! Two fun-loving young women from Vietnam take to the road across YunNan province ...

With Democracy Now ... On 'Western Civilization', with ShangGuan JieWen ...

With Walk East - the Great Wall of China. JiaYu Pass is not only the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, but also a vital pass on the ancient Silk Road. It's the joining place of the cultures of the Silk Road ...