The beautiful Summer Palace 頤和園 in BeiJing (2)

Longtan Park is located about 1.5 km east of the Temple of Heaven. Next to the west side of Longtan Park is the Beijing Amusement Park that features a ferris wheel and other rides. LongTan ('Dragon Pond') Park features the large Dragon Lake, with 'moon bridges', weeping willows, rock gardens, dragon boats, tea houses and restaurant, winding jogging track, exercise areas and play areas for children. There is also a beautifully curving pavilion with a dragon roof and pillars decorated with golden spiralled dragons. Indeed, the dragon motif is featured in many places throughout Longtan Park. This is a prime site for the Lantern Festival in Beijing when the whole park is illuminated with large colorful lanterns.

With Stef Hoffer : Here’s a brief overview of some of the places visited in this video. After a short introduction, we begin this journey near the spectacular rice terraces of Yuanyang, before moving on to the captivating Buddhist temples of Dali. Via the peculiar Shilin Stone Forest and the ‘Rainbow Mountains’ of Zhangye, we arrive in Guangzhou (Canton), one of China’s largest cities. After the Yellow Mountains national park, and the intriguing ‘tulou’ buildings, we visit the Great Wall and the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest such statue in the world. After flying through the ice and snow city of Harbin, where people enjoy a unique Winter event, we take a brief look at the imposing Yellow River, Hukou waterfall, Zhengzhou and Changsha cities, before stopping at the breathtaking Jiuzhaigou national park, filled with crystal clear blue lakes. The next place is the countryside in between rural Yangshuo and urban Guilin, easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, where the Li river meanders through bizarre karst scenery. For more diversity, we travel to Dunhuang to visit the arid Gobi Desert. We also have a look at a solar panel field and windmill park, before we fly over some heavy industry, including a steel factory, coal mine, oil refinery, concrete dam, shipyard, an oil rig, and a massive bridge. Hong Kong is our next destinations, before moving on to several places along the Yangtze river (or its distributaries), including Tiger Leaping Gorge, Chongqing, and Wuhan. On Hainan island we see the ‘tropical’ side of China, while in Xiahe and Tibet we visit the country’s highlands. From the frozen cities of Jilin and Xining we arrive in Qingdao, with its German colonial architecture and coastal vibe. In Macau we fly over the famous casinos, but also visit the Portuguese quarters, and after the rice fields of Longji (Dragon’s Backbone), we increase our altitude in the Yulong national park. After Hangzhou and Shenyang, we briefly look at one of China’s many ‘ghost towns’ and construction sites, before flying on to the surreal pillars of Zhangjiajie, and the (perhaps) equally stunning skyline of Shanghai. After showing the modern part of the city and the port (harbor), we also explore some of the disappearing neighborhoods, destroyed factories, and the strange looking ‘bicycle graveyard’. From the freezing ‘Xuexiang’ village and walled city of Pingyao we continue our journey in Xian, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Changzhou. Finally, we take a look at the mesmerizing Yuanmou ‘Earth Forest’, Kunming city, and Lijiang, one of China’s most famous historic towns. Video chapters / timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:29 Yuangyang rice terraces 4:59 Chengkan 5:17 Dali 6:08 Shilin stone forest 6:50 Zhangye national park 7:55 Guangzhou 10:22 Huangshan national park 11:24 Fujian ‘tulou’ 12:03 The Great Wall 12:33 Leshan 12:55 Harbin 15:00 Yellow River 15:28 Hukou waterfall 15:50 Zhengzhou 16:20 Changsha 16:31 Jiuzhaigou national park 17:26 Yangshuo 20:25 Dunhuang 21:42 Qinghuangdao 21:58 Guazhou 22:47 Benxi, Fushun, Guangzhou, Hainan 24:19 Danjiangkou 25:12 Aizhai bridge 25:39 Hong Kong 29:19 Tiger Leaping Gorge 29:44 Chonqging 31:45 Yangtze River 33:03 Wuhan 35:41 Hainan island 38:02 Xiahe 38:51 Tibet 40:26 Jilin 40:44 Xining 41:25 Linxia 41:51 Qingdao 48:22 Macau 49:34 Longji rice terraces 49:59 Shexian 50:21 Yulong national park 51:42 Hangzhou 53:06 Shenyang 53:32 Shenfu ‘ghost town’ 54:26 Chengdu 54:46 Zhangjiajie national park 56:12 Shanghai 1:04:26 Xuexiang 1:05:49 Pingyao 1:06:28 Shenzhen 1:06:54 Xian 1:07:12 Suzhou 1:10:05 Changzhou 1:10:44 Yuangmou Earth forest 1:11:23 Kunming 1:12:43 Lijiang

With Aerial China ... With 泸沽湖 ... About LuGu Lake LuGu Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the northwest of the YunNan province in southwestern China. It is situated at a high elevation of approximately 2,685 meters (8,809 feet) above sea level and is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, clear waters, and unique cultural heritage. Attractions Lugu Lake offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy: Lake Cruises: Take a scenic boat cruise on the pristine waters of Lugu Lake and marvel at the surrounding mountain landscapes. Luoshui Village: Explore the charming Luoshui Village, home to the Mosuo ethnic minority group known for their matriarchal society and unique cultural traditions. Leiqi Island: Visit Leiqi Island, also known as the "Island of Women," and learn about the fascinating customs and rituals of the Mosuo people. Lige Peninsula: Hike or bike along the picturesque Lige Peninsula and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Dukezong Ancient Town: Discover the ancient town of Dukezong, located nearby, and admire its well-preserved Tibetan architecture and historical landmarks. Accommodation There are various accommodation options available around Lugu Lake, ranging from cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels to traditional Mosuo-style lodgings. Visitors can choose to stay in accommodations offering stunning lake views or opt for accommodations closer to the local villages for a more immersive cultural experience. Getting There Lugu Lake is accessible by road from major cities in Yunnan Province, such as Lijiang and Kunming. Visitors can travel by bus or hire private transportation to reach the lake area. It's advisable to check road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on the journey, especially during the winter months when snowfall may affect travel. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Lugu Lake is during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Summer is also a popular time to visit, although it can be crowded with tourists. Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, but it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Plan Your Trip Before visiting Lugu Lake, be sure to plan your trip carefully and consider factors such as accommodation, transportation, and activities. It's also important to respect the local culture and customs, particularly when interacting with the Mosuo people. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Lugu Lake promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.

With Rafa Goes Around ...

"We are a family of four from the USA that recently moved to China for a couple of years for work. We would like to use this channel to share with you our experiences and adventures that encounter along the way. Enjoy!"

The Giant Buddha, which is around 70 meters in height, was carved out from the hill during the Tang dynasty (618–907). It took 90 years to complete. The LeShan Giant Buddha is part of the Mount Emei Scenic Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has exceptionally diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to sub-alpine pine forests. Over time, additional temples established nearby making this an important place in Buddhism. There is a lot to see and explore. Slideshow (with some great photos) :

With Living Asian ... Bonus film - Kids Park, ChengDu ...

美國大叔賣掉房屋，移居中國14年：在百年老宅找到人生理想