The amazing Stone Forest (ShíLín 石林)

Metro systems The two largest metro systems in the world are in ShangHai and BeiJing. There are also metro systems in many other Chinese cities. These are all super modern, spacious, artistically appealing and easy to use for visitors with announcements in both Chinese and English, with signs both in Chinese and PinYin. Check out our videos on various Chinese metro systems. The Beijing metro system has over 600 miles of track and over 600 stations. It carries over 10 billion passengers annually, making it one of the busiest subway systems in the world. It operates one of the world's largest fleets of subway cars, with over 4,000 cars in service. The Beijing metro is also one of the most technologically advanced subway systems in the world, with many of its trains and stations equipped with advanced features such as automated train control, platform screen doors, and real-time passenger information systems. The Beijing metro is known for its distinctive architecture and design, with many stations featuring works of art, sculptures, and other design elements. It is also known for its efficient and fast service, with trains running at high frequencies and minimal delays. The Beijing metro is also very affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY3 (about $0.4 / £0.35) for a single journey with discounts for frequent users. It has also been made more convenient for tourists by allowing the use of contactless payment methods such as WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay. Taxis In China, taxis are easy to find and very affordable, unlike in the West; they are widely used by nearly everyone. For example, Beijing has approximately 66,000 registered taxi vehicles operating in the city as of 2021. The standard taxi fare in Beijing is around ¥13 (or about $2 / £1.40) for the first 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) plus an additional ¥2.3 (about $0.35 / £0.25) for each additional kilometer. There can be higher tariffs for night time (after midnight). High speed rail China has built one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, which is known for its speed, efficiency, and connectivity. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, with over 22,000 miles of track and over 350 stations. The high-speed rail network operates at speeds of up to 217 mph, making it one of the fastest in the world. China's high-speed rail system carries over 3 billion passengers annually, making it the busiest high-speed rail networks in the world. China's high-speed rail system is also affordable and accessible, with fares starting from as low as CNY50 (about $7) for a single journey and discounts for frequent users. China has also been exporting its high-speed rail technology and know-how to other countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Russia and more. Air travel Air travel is an important part of China's transportation system, with several major airports and a rapidly growing number of passengers. Here are some facts about air travel in China: China has over 220 commercial airports, making it the country with the second-largest number of airports in the world, behind the United States. China's three major airports are Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. These three airports handle a large number of passengers annually, with Beijing Capital International Airport handling over 100 million passengers in 2020. China's domestic air travel market is the second-largest in the world, behind the United States, with over 600 million passengers in 2020 and over 60 million international passengers. China's air travel market has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with several new airports and routes being added. China's major airlines, such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, are among the largest in the world, and they operate a large fleet of modern aircraft. It is also becoming more affordable, with the increasing competition between airlines leading to lower fares. China's air travel market is also becoming more convenient for travelers, with the increasing use of online booking and check-in, as well as the introduction of e-visas for some countries. It is also becoming more sustainable, with many airlines investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing more environmentally-friendly practices. China's air travel market is a modern, efficient, and highly-used transportation system that connects many of the country's major cities and helps to keep the country moving. It is constantly evolving to match the country's needs and to make the passenger experience more pleasant, but also to reduce its impact on the environment.

The world's highest public observation deck, at 474 meters (1,555 feet) above ground level.

With Walk East ...

PingYao (平遥) is a county in ShanXi province, central China. PingYao is located approximately 700 kilometres (400 miles) southwest of Beijing and 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the provincial capital TaiYuan. PingYao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. This ancient city, which is renowned for its well-preserved city walls and outlying temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With Travel East ... Wuhan Travel Guide Introduction Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling modern life. Located at the intersection of the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan is a major transportation hub and a center for education and industry. This guide will take you through the must-see attractions, local cuisine, cultural highlights, and practical travel tips for visiting Wuhan. Must-See Attractions Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼) The Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Wuhan. This historic tower, originally built in 223 AD, offers stunning views of the city and the Yangtze River. It has been rebuilt several times and is now a symbol of Wuhan's cultural heritage. East Lake (东湖) East Lake is the largest urban lake in China, offering beautiful scenery and numerous recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, and walking along the picturesque lake shores. The area also features botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries, and scenic spots like the Cherry Blossom Park. Hubei Provincial Museum (湖北省博物馆) The Hubei Provincial Museum is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the famous bronze chime bells of the Zenghouyi Tomb, ancient pottery, and relics from various dynasties. The museum provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of Hubei province. Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge (武汉长江大桥) The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge is the first bridge to span the Yangtze River. Opened in 1957, this engineering marvel connects the Wuchang and Hanyang districts of Wuhan. The bridge offers panoramic views of the river and the city skyline. Guiyuan Buddhist Temple (归元寺) Guiyuan Buddhist Temple is one of Wuhan's most important religious sites. Established in the Qing Dynasty, the temple features beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and a vast collection of Buddha statues. It is a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Local Cuisine Wuhan is famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is characterized by bold flavors and hearty dishes. Here are some must-try foods: Re Gan Mian (热干面) Re Gan Mian, or hot dry noodles, is Wuhan's signature dish. This savory noodle dish is made with sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast food in Wuhan and a must-try for visitors. Doupi (豆皮) Doupi is a traditional Wuhan snack made from glutinous rice, minced pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a bean curd skin and fried until crispy. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that reflects the city's culinary traditions. Mianwo (面窝) Mianwo is a type of savory fried doughnut made from rice flour and mung beans. These crispy treats are often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack and are commonly sold by street vendors. Wuchang Fish (武昌鱼) Wuchang Fish is a famous dish from the Wuchang district of Wuhan. The fish is typically steamed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that highlights the natural taste of the fish. Cultural Highlights Wuhan University (武汉大学) Wuhan University is one of China's most prestigious universities and is renowned for its beautiful campus. The university is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract thousands of visitors each spring. The campus also features historic buildings and scenic spots worth exploring. Jiqing Street (吉庆街) Jiqing Street is a lively area known for its street performances, local snacks, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great place to experience the local culture, enjoy live music, and taste a variety of Wuhan's street food offerings. Han Show Theatre (汉秀剧场) The Han Show Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance venue that hosts spectacular shows combining acrobatics, dance, and technology. The theatre itself is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble a Chinese lantern. Practical Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Wuhan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Getting Around: Wuhan has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro lines, and taxis. The metro is a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city. Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Accommodation: Wuhan offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular areas to stay include Hankou, Wuchang, and Hanyang districts. Health and Safety: Wuhan is generally a safe city for travelers. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings. Conclusion Wuhan is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern urban life. Whether you're exploring its ancient landmarks, savoring its local cuisine, or experiencing its vibrant culture, Wuhan offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Use this guide to make the most of your visit to this fascinating city in Hubei province.

YT comment : dominique ridoux : True story: I once visited a couple of friends in their flat in downtown Shanghai city. When I arrived the whole street was under construction, the road, the side walks, everything... We had lunch, played mahjong, then dinner. When I went out after the evening dinner, the street was completely finished! New asphalt, sidewalks paved and new trees planted all the way. I even went back thinking my friend's building had 2 entrances... The big difference with us in Europe is when a decision is made the do some infrastructure work, they will put as many workers as needed to do it very quickly, they cannot afford to have streets blocked for weeks in a city of 23 million people like Shanghai. In China everything is about efficiency because they have no other choice. Can you afford to queue for tickets and so on in a city of 23 millions? No! Ok, let's all use Wechat and Alipay to increase efficiency... Done in a few years! Almost nobody is using cash anymore in China! They apply the same mindset to everyday activity, may it be transportation, food industry or even paying your taxes! The result is (as far as I am concerned) a full body check (including check in, CT scan, blood work etc) in less than 2 hours including a complementary breakfast for less than 400 Euros. Or Visa application done in 20 minutes. All car parkings are using plate recognition technology decreasing time wasting again and again. High speed train are efficient, can move large amounts of people at a fantastic pace. Also as mentioned by many people, they build "hubs", you get out of the train and you have 2 or even 3 subway lines to bring you to your final destination, more and more you even have the airport hub at a walking distance! We have a similar hub in Paris (CDG with RER and TGV within the airport walking distance) but the size of it in Shanghai makes it spectacular! YT comment : rhn94 China spent 1 Trillion USD over 10-15 years building this network, that is 1/4th the cost of the Iraq War the US paid. YT comment : Pal Sih China is building their country. USA is destroying other countries. YT comment : thata xx The best part of China's high speed train is you can order food from any of the restaurants in the station on your phone and designate at what time during which stop to have it delivered to you. During the 2-3 minutes stop, your food is already there waiting to be distributed to you on the train. I miss it so much.

Please, wake up - and spread the word, before it is too late. War - bombs, death, unspeakable atrocities - depends on your acquiescence. If, there's another war, it's all over, for everyone; there will be no winners this time. War is burning flesh, skulls ruptured, and children screaming in pain, all dying in the name of supremacy. Fear those that desire supremacy. We can all see it coming. YOU need to stop this madness. Yes, YOU. The mad men can't do it without fooling you first. Don't be fooled again. If not immediately vaporized, one will be burned alive and shredded by flying glass and other debris. If still gasping for air, there follows 'nuclear winter' - no sunlight and starvation; a planet poisoned for many thousands of years. This is madness. Stop the madness. Life should be everywhere, in our galaxy, and beyond, but there's just silence. Need life always end that way ? Are we really going to end it all over skin color or some nonsense 'politics' ?? Even you 'hate China', do you love this world ??? Everything 'you know' is BS - just think about it - don't get hypnotized by 'democracy' and 'human rights' by those who crush them, everywhere, and really seek ultimate rule - it's the new branding for colonialism - don't be fooled - don't be fooled by distractions and words - open your eyes for a different view - we have a common humanity, deeper than any elite's spin - don't be fooled ... Don't be fooled again - the young deserve a chance to create a better world - say no, to divide and rule ... The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again ('meet the new war; same as the old wars' - great song) - please, don't blow up this world, don't blow down this life; it's all that we have; let's not go forever silent - no wipe-out ... awesome drumming ... Bonus films - drums by a young Sina ... The Surfaris - Wipe Out (with a cool dad) ... Pink Floyd - Time (featuring Sticky Hickey) - just wow - what a band ... Metallica - Nothing Else Matters - featuring the very talented young singer Jadyn Rylee (a beautiful love song) ... So close, no matter where we are. Nothing else matters. I can only say - don't get fooled again - don't be out of time. No more, hypnotized by lies. Don't get on your knees and pray; speak out; trust not what you believe - trust in who you are - our common humanity - don't get fooled - that's all that really matters ...

With Walk East ...

The first film features WangFuJing, XiDan and the Solana Center in ChaoYang Park. The second film shows the New Year countdown celebrations at The Place, which features the world's largest overhead LED display.