NanLuoGuXiang 南锣鼓巷 hutong, BeiJing

The Grand Buddha at LingShan (Língshān Dà Fó) is the largest bronze Buddha In China with a height of 88 meters. It is located in WuXi, JiangSu province. It was completed in 1996.

With Luca & Rachele 路卡和瑞丽 ...

Picturesque DaLi is located in YunNan province, south China, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) northwest of the provincial capital, KunMing. DaLi is surrounded by the CangShan mountains to the east, west and south, with ErHai Lake to the north. In this part of YunNan one can find 25 ethnic minorities (primarily the Bai people), which has created a unique cultural heritage bringing a charm to everyday life and a wide range of festivities. Famous attractions include the Butterfly Spring and the Three Pagodas of ChongSheng Temple. DaLi is also known for its highly prized marble, known as DaLi Stone. The old town is quite separate from the new city (called XiaGuan) and many buildings here, including the city walls and moat, date from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). DaLi is a 20 minute flight from KunMing (75 minutes from ChengDu and ChongQing). There are also flights to ShangHai, BeiJing, ShenZhen, GuangZhou and GuiYuan. By rail, DaLi is connected to KunMing and LiJiang. 风景如画的大理位于云南省南部中国，约300公里的省会，昆明西北（185哩）。 大理是由苍山群山环绕，东，西，南，与洱海北部。在这部分云南人能找到25个少数民族（主要是白族人），这创造了一个独特的文化底蕴带来的魅力，日常生活和各种庆祝活动。 著名景点包括蝴蝶泉和崇圣寺三塔。大理也以其如获至宝大理石，被称为大理石。 老城区，距离新城区（称为下关）和许多建筑在这里，包括城墙和护城河，日期从明朝（1368-1644）完全分离。 大理距离昆明有20分钟的飞行（从成都和重庆75分钟）。也有航班到​​上海，北京，深圳，广州和桂圆。通过铁路，大理连接昆明和丽江。

Youth from Japan (Li-Sa-X), Indonesia (Abim Finger), the US (Danny Cappelli) and China (YoYo) show a better way forward - cooperation, with this Andy Timmons "Electric Gypsy" cover. Many thanks to Li-sa-X for organising - we need more of this ... Let's work together; we are all family. Let's shred the 'divide and conquer', and its hate. Let's end the insanity of the small minds; let's embrace truth, love and beauty. PEACE ! We are all, all of us, family. We are all family. We are family. Sisters and brothers. Bonus shreds ... Little Wings - Li-Sa-X featuring YoYo ... Glasgow Kiss - John Petrucci - cover by YoYo ... For The Love Of God - Steve Vai - cover by YOYO (aged 10 here) ... Cross - Ozielzinho - cover by YOYO (aged 8) ... Victory - Andy James featuring Rick Graham - cover by YOYO ... Cliffs Of Dover - Eric Johnson - cover by YOYO ... If I could fly - Joe Satriani - cover by YOYO (October 2020) ...

A great film by Sticker Travel ...

With Andy see the World ... *** HuaYan Temple, located in DaTong, ShanXi province, is a magnificent example of Buddhist temple architecture and one of the best-preserved temples from the Liao and Jin dynasties. Its name, "Huayan," is derived from the Huayan Sutra, an important scripture in Chinese Buddhism, reflecting the temple's strong connection to the Huayan school of Buddhist thought. Key Features: Divided Structure: The temple is unique as it is divided into two parts: the Upper Temple and the Lower Temple. The Upper Temple, built on a hill, was primarily used for religious ceremonies, while the Lower Temple served as a residential and study area for monks. Grand Hall: The Great Buddha Hall in the Upper Temple is one of the largest remaining halls of its kind from the Liao dynasty. It features massive wooden beams, intricate carvings, and large Buddha statues that exude a sense of serenity. Murals and Sculptures: The temple is renowned for its well-preserved murals and Buddhist sculptures. These artworks depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures and stories, reflecting the artistic style and religious devotion of the era. Library of Sutras: The Lower Temple houses a library of Buddhist sutras, emphasizing the temple’s role as a center for learning and spiritual practice. Architectural Significance: The wooden structures of Huayan Temple showcase the advanced engineering and architectural techniques of ancient China. The use of dougong brackets (interlocking wooden brackets) is particularly impressive. Cultural Heritage: Huayan Temple is a testament to the flourishing of Buddhism in northern China during the Liao and Jin dynasties. It represents a blend of religious, artistic, and architectural achievements. Atmosphere: Visitors often find the temple serene and spiritually uplifting, with its quiet courtyards, ancient trees, and the scent of incense enhancing the experience. It is not just a historical site but also an active place of worship. Huayan Temple remains a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, drawing visitors and scholars from around the world to explore its beauty and historical importance. *** Shanhua Temple, located in Datong, Shanxi Province, is a stunning example of Chinese Buddhist architecture and history. Originally constructed during the Tang Dynasty, the temple has been preserved and renovated over the centuries, with its current structures mainly dating back to the Liao and Jin Dynasties. The temple complex is composed of three main halls arranged along a north-south axis: the Main Gate Hall, the Mahavira Hall, and the Sansheng Hall. These halls are surrounded by peaceful courtyards, ancient trees, and stone pathways, creating a serene environment for visitors. The Mahavira Hall is the centerpiece of the temple, housing large statues of the Buddha and bodhisattvas. The craftsmanship of these statues reflects the artistic style of the Liao Dynasty, with intricate details and vibrant colors. The Sansheng Hall, dedicated to the Three Saints of Hua-yen Buddhism, also contains exquisite statues and murals that are valuable cultural relics. One of the temple's unique features is its collection of wooden structures, which have survived numerous dynasties and demonstrate the sophisticated construction techniques of ancient Chinese architecture. The intricate carvings, painted beams, and symbolic motifs throughout the temple showcase the skill of artisans from different eras. Visitors to Shanhua Temple can also enjoy the surrounding scenery, as the temple is situated near other historical sites in Datong, such as the Nine-Dragon Wall and the Yungang Grottoes. Its peaceful ambiance and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring China's rich cultural heritage. *** The HunYuan Confucian Temple, located in Hunyuan County near Datong, Shanxi Province, is an important historical and cultural site dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. Known for its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere, the temple reflects the Confucian emphasis on education, morality, and respect for tradition. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with many of its current structures dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The layout of the temple follows traditional Confucian principles, with symmetrical courtyards and a central axis leading to the main halls. The temple complex includes several key structures, such as the Dacheng Hall, the Gate of Rites, and the Hall of Confucius’ Tablets. The Dacheng Hall, the centerpiece of the temple, houses a statue of Confucius and tablets honoring his disciples and other influential scholars. Its wooden beams and intricate carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient Chinese builders. The temple grounds are adorned with ancient cypress trees, stone tablets, and inscriptions that highlight the enduring legacy of Confucianism in Chinese culture. These elements create a tranquil environment for visitors, providing a space for reflection and appreciation of traditional values. Hunyuan Confucian Temple is not only a place of historical significance but also a symbol of the enduring influence of Confucian thought in shaping Chinese society. Its proximity to other attractions in the area, such as the Hanging Temple, makes it an excellent addition to any itinerary for visitors exploring the region. *** The Fahua Temple, located in Datong, Shanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple with a serene atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. Known for its traditional Chinese architecture and intricate details, the temple provides a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic traditions of ancient China. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, Fahua Temple has undergone renovations over the centuries, preserving its historic charm while maintaining its religious significance. The temple is dedicated to Buddhist teachings and serves as a place of worship, meditation, and cultural reflection. The layout of the temple includes several key structures, such as the main hall, bell tower, and various smaller pavilions. The main hall is adorned with statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as colorful murals that depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures. The bell tower houses an ancient bronze bell that is said to bring blessings and peace to those who hear its chime. The temple grounds are quiet and peaceful, with pathways lined by trees and flowers that enhance the meditative experience. Stone carvings and inscriptions throughout the temple complex reflect the devotion and artistic skills of past generations. Visitors often find the setting conducive to quiet reflection and spiritual exploration. Fahua Temple is an important cultural and religious site in Datong, offering visitors a chance to connect with Buddhist traditions and admire the craftsmanship of Chinese temple architecture. Its tranquil environment makes it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s history and spiritual legacy.

PingYao lies in ShanXi province, central China, about 700 kilometers (400 miles) southwest of BeiJing and 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the provincial capital TaiYuan.. PingYao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being "an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city". PingYao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. This ancient city is renowned for its well-preserved city walls and outlying temples. The city walls were constructed around 1370 and have six barbican gates. The walls are 12 meters high, with a perimeter of 6 kilometers. A 4 meter wide, 4 meter deep moat lies just beyond. There are also 72 watchtowers.

With CGTN / Travelogue ... The eight surrounding temples - with Beijing Old Liu ... With Silver Walks ... ChengDe visitor guide Overview ChengDe, located in HeBei province, is home to China's ancient royal summer retreat, known as the ChengDe Mountain Resort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historical complex of palaces, gardens, and temples used by the Qing dynasty emperors as a summer escape. The resort, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, showcases the grandeur and elegance of Chinese imperial architecture. History Construction of the ChengDe Mountain Resort began in 1703 under the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty and took nearly 90 years to complete. The resort served as a summer residence for Qing emperors, providing a cooler climate and a peaceful retreat from the summer heat of Beijing. It also served as a political center for managing affairs with ethnic minorities and foreign dignitaries. Main Attractions Rehe Palace The Rehe Palace is the central area of the ChengDe Mountain Resort, where the emperors conducted state affairs and received guests. The palace complex includes several halls and pavilions, each with its unique architectural features and historical significance. Lake Area The lake area of the resort is a serene and picturesque section featuring a series of interconnected lakes and islands. The lakes are surrounded by pavilions, bridges, and gardens, offering stunning views and a peaceful ambiance. Plain Area The plain area is an expansive open space designed to mimic the landscapes of the northern grasslands. It includes grazing areas, hunting grounds, and fields used for archery and other activities. The area reflects the Qing emperors' admiration for the vast, open plains of their Manchu heritage. Temple of Universal Peace (PuNing Temple) The Temple of Universal Peace, also known as PuNing Temple, is one of the Eight Outer Temples built around the ChengDe Mountain Resort. The temple is famous for its large wooden statue of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) and its beautiful architectural blend of Han and Tibetan styles. Temple of Putuo Zongcheng The Temple of Putuo Zongcheng, inspired by the Potala Palace in Tibet, is another significant temple near the resort. It was built to celebrate the emperor's birthday and to strengthen ties with Tibetan Buddhism. The temple complex is an impressive display of Tibetan-style architecture. Culture and Traditions ChengDe Mountain Resort and its surrounding temples are a testament to the Qing dynasty's cultural and religious diversity. The site reflects the harmonious coexistence of Han Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian, and other ethnic traditions. Visitors can witness traditional Chinese architecture, Tibetan Buddhist art, and Mongolian cultural elements, all within the resort complex. Activities and Experiences Guided Tours Consider joining a guided tour to explore the ChengDe Mountain Resort and its temples. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the site, enhancing your visit. Hiking and Nature Walks The resort is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. Visitors can enjoy hiking and nature walks along the well-maintained trails, offering stunning views and a chance to appreciate the area's natural beauty. Local Cuisine While in ChengDe, be sure to sample the local cuisine. The region is known for its unique dishes, such as ChengDe roasted lamb, Manchu-style hotpot, and various traditional snacks. Local restaurants and food stalls offer a taste of authentic HeBei flavors. Accommodation ChengDe offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Staying in a local hotel provides convenient access to the resort and other attractions in the area. Many hotels offer traditional Chinese decor and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit ChengDe is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Getting There: ChengDe is accessible by train or bus from Beijing. The high-speed train from Beijing to ChengDe takes approximately 2 hours. Local transportation options include taxis and buses. Opening Hours: The ChengDe Mountain Resort is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The surrounding temples have similar opening hours. Entrance Fees: There is an entrance fee for the ChengDe Mountain Resort and additional fees for visiting the surrounding temples. Combo tickets are available for multiple attractions. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountainous areas. Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples and historical sites, be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.