The beautiful HuangGuoShu Waterfall 黄果树瀑布 scenic area

Cyan lakes, wonderful waterfalls and verdant forests ...

Tiger Leaping Gorge in YunNan province lies 60 kilometers north of LiJiang and is part of the UNESCO 'Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan' World Heritage Site. The gorge in gorgeous 4K by Milosh Kitchovitch ... Hiking with Tim and Glo ... The site of the leaping rock close up, by Valpard ... The gorge is one of the world's deepest canyons and is populated by a few villages of the NaXi minority. Around 15 km in length, the gorge is located where the river passes between 5,600 meter high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,400 meter high HaBa Snow Mountain in a series of rapids below steep 2000 meter cliffs. Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at its narrowest point (still 25 meters wide, though with a rock in the middle). There are a fair number of basic guesthouses for hikers, so your visit does not need to be rushed. These can also provide meals or snacks to passers by. The Hiking Trails. Hiking the entire length of the gorge is possible. There are two paths. The 'the high road' is well-maintained by the locals and marked, although sometimes narrow, and is used by the Naxi as part of everyday life. This trail is longer than the lower road, approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles), but more varied. It features a variety of micro-ecosystems and waterfalls, and is probably the best choice if you only take one of the paths. The 'low road' is a stretch of pavement (until recently a simple mule track) crossed by several waterfalls. This path more closely follows the Yangtze, so there are more views of the river and a stronger sense of being in a gorge. Where the high road descends to meet the lower road, one can climb down to the river near the Tiger Leaping Stone, the point at which the tiger is said to have leaped across in two bounds. Preparation That the gorge is outstandingly beautiful is coupled with the need for care. The environment is natural and so the almost absence of safety clutter puts the responsibility on the those visiting. Rockfalls are not unknown. Prepare for wet weather, which can arrive suddenly, and use suitable shoes. Take extra care when crossing wet rocks and in general don't take risks; think first. Don't go alone in case of accident. Take a mobile phone. Swimming and kayaking are extremely dangerous and must be avoided. Don't go off track; take a map (essential). Head back to your lodgings well before dusk as, being within a gorge, light fades quickly.

With EuroSport ... Bonus film ... ONE WORLD - ONE FAMILY It is not about ME - it is about WE. As with a snowflake, when the parts come together, the whole is so much greater than the sum of the parts. Thank you BeiJing - plus the IOC and Thomas Bach - it was awesome : )( :

Filmed in May 2011.

With Walk East ... Bonus film - the Singing Sand Dunes of GanSu ... Visitor Guide to Chaka Salt Lake, QingHai Overview Chaka Salt Lake, located in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in QingHai Province, is a stunning natural wonder known for its mirror-like reflection of the sky. Often referred to as the "Mirror of the Sky," this salt lake offers breathtaking views and a unique travel experience. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is CaoJiabao Airport in XiNing, the capital of QingHai Province, located approximately 300 kilometers from Chaka Salt Lake. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to XiNing Railway Station, and then a train or bus to Chaka Town. By Train: You can take a train to Chaka Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like XiNing and Lhasa. From the station, you can take a local taxi or shuttle bus to the lake. By Bus: Long-distance buses from XiNing and other cities in QingHai Province can take you to Chaka Town. From there, local buses and taxis are available to reach the lake. Getting Around Walking: The best way to explore Chaka Salt Lake is on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and take beautiful photographs. Local Transport: Taxis and shuttle buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of the lake area. Main Attractions Mirror Reflection The most famous feature of Chaka Salt Lake is its mirror-like surface, which perfectly reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. The best time to see this phenomenon is on a clear day, especially during sunrise and sunset when the colors are most vibrant. Salt Sculptures The lake is surrounded by fascinating salt sculptures, created both naturally and by local artists. These sculptures add an artistic touch to the already stunning landscape. Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area The scenic area offers well-maintained walkways, viewing platforms, and resting spots for visitors. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of the lake. Train Rides A narrow-gauge tourist train runs along the edge of the lake, offering a unique perspective and a convenient way to see more of the area. The train ride is especially popular among families and photographers. Stargazing Due to its high altitude and clear skies, Chaka Salt Lake is an excellent location for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see a breathtaking display of stars, making it a popular spot for astronomy enthusiasts. Local Cuisine While visiting Chaka Salt Lake, you can enjoy a variety of local and regional dishes. Here are some recommendations: Lamb Dishes: The region is known for its high-quality lamb, which is used in various dishes such as roasted lamb, lamb hotpot, and lamb kebabs. QingHai Yogurt: Made from yak milk, QingHai yogurt is thick, creamy, and slightly tangy. It is often served with honey or sugar. Tibetan Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Tibetan dishes such as tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak butter tea, and momos (dumplings). Shopping Salt Products: Chaka Salt Lake is a major producer of salt, and you can purchase various salt products, including salt crystals, salt lamps, and bath salts. Local Handicrafts: Explore shops for traditional Tibetan and Mongolian handicrafts, such as jewelry, textiles, and wooden carvings. Specialty Foods: Purchase local specialties such as dried yak meat, yak cheese, and Tibetan pastries. Accommodation Hotels: Chaka Town offers several hotels and guesthouses catering to different budgets, providing comfortable accommodations and easy access to the lake. Eco-Lodges: For a more unique experience, consider staying in an eco-lodge or yurt near the lake, which offers stunning views and a closer connection to nature. Historical Background of Chaka Salt Lake Chaka Salt Lake has a history of salt production dating back over 3,000 years. The lake's salt has been an essential resource for local communities, providing economic support and playing a crucial role in daily life. The name "Chaka" means "salt lake" in Tibetan, reflecting the area's significance in Tibetan culture. The lake has also been an important stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a trade route that connected China with Tibet and other regions. In recent years, Chaka Salt Lake has developed into a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique natural beauty and mirror-like reflections. The local government has invested in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the lake's natural environment. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Chaka Salt Lake are summer (June to August) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the lake's reflections are most impressive. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. Sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, is also recommended. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting nearby Tibetan and Mongolian communities. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: Chaka Salt Lake is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to enjoy the stunning views, visit local attractions, and savor the local cuisine. Conclusion Chaka Salt Lake, with its breathtaking mirror reflections, unique salt sculptures, and rich cultural heritage, offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Whether you're exploring the scenic area, enjoying local cuisine, or stargazing under the clear night sky, Chaka Salt Lake provides a serene and memorable escape. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this stunning destination in QingHai Province.

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ...

With TechAnalytics Hub ... (Part 3 coming soon)