The BTV Spring Festival Gala, 2010

With MisterVaughn ... Welcome to BeiWangShan Forest Park Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Beiwangshan Forest Park in Beijing. Introduction Beiwangshan Forest Park, located in Beijing, is a beautiful natural retreat offering a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. Location Beiwangshan Forest Park is situated in the north-west part of Beijing, making it easily accessible from the city center. History Beiwangshan Forest Park was established in the late 20th century as part of Beijing's efforts to enhance urban green spaces and promote ecological conservation. The park has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a natural escape within the bustling city. The development of the park included extensive tree planting, trail construction, and the establishment of various facilities to support outdoor activities and environmental education. Over the years, it has grown into a mature forest park, celebrated for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Attractions Scenic Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the forest and surrounding areas. Observation Decks: Enjoy panoramic views from various observation decks situated within the park. Flora and Fauna: Witness a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Picnic Areas: Relax and have a meal in designated picnic spots. Activities Hiking and Nature Walks Bird Watching Photography Picnicking Camping (seasonal) Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Parking Lots Food Stalls Guided Tour Services Visitor Tips Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Bring enough water and snacks. Respect the natural environment; do not litter. Check the weather forecast before your visit. Follow park regulations and guidelines.

Beautiful scenery; GuangXi province. A delightful two hour trip from ChaoYang Pier to GongNong Bridge ...

XinTianDi ('New Heaven and Earth') is a delightful, up-market area partly based on renovated traditional mid-19th century ShiKuMen ('Stone Gate') houses and alleyways. Here you find boutiques, book stores, cafes and restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. Most of the cafes and restaurants feature both indoor and outdoor dining and are popular by day and by night.

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... ZhangJiaJie, located in HuNan province, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and deep ravines. It gained international fame as the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar." This guide provides an in-depth look at the best attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Zhangjiajie. Top Attractions Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is the primary attraction. It is famous for its quartz-sandstone pillars, some of which reach over 200 meters in height. Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: This iconic peak was renamed after the film "Avatar" and is one of the most photographed spots in the park. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Home to stunning vistas and the First Bridge Under Heaven, a natural rock bridge. Golden Whip Stream: A beautiful, serene area ideal for hiking, featuring crystal-clear streams and lush vegetation. Tianmen Mountain Tianmen Mountain is another must-see attraction, known for its dramatic scenery and thrilling experiences. Glass Skywalk: A transparent walkway that clings to the side of the mountain, offering vertigo-inducing views. Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate): A massive natural arch in the mountain, accessible via a long staircase. Tianmen Mountain Cableway: One of the longest cable car rides in the world, providing stunning aerial views. Baofeng Lake Baofeng Lake offers tranquil boat rides surrounded by stunning karst scenery. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Yellow Dragon Cave Yellow Dragon Cave is a vast karst cave system featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. It is known for its grand chambers and intricate rock formations. Geology of Zhangjiajie The unique geology of Zhangjiajie is what makes it so stunning. The area is characterized by its towering quartz-sandstone pillars that were formed through a combination of geological processes over millions of years. The region was once submerged under an ancient ocean, and over time, the uplift and erosion sculpted these dramatic formations. The pillars are a result of physical weathering, primarily caused by wind, frost, and the growth of plant roots, which break down the rock. The unique climate and vegetation of the area have also contributed to the landscape's current form. Touring the Park Planning Your Visit To make the most of your visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, it’s important to plan your route and time your visits to avoid the crowds. A typical visit to the park can take 2-3 days to cover the main highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Morning: Start early at the park's main entrance. Take the shuttle bus to the Yellow Stone Village area. Spend the morning exploring the trails and enjoying the panoramic views. Afternoon: Head to Golden Whip Stream for a peaceful hike along the stream. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for all ages. Day 2: Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain Morning: Take the park shuttle bus to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Explore the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge Under Heaven. Afternoon: Continue to Tianzi Mountain for more spectacular views. Take the cable car down for a different perspective. Day 3: Tianmen Mountain Morning: Take the Tianmen Mountain Cableway from Zhangjiajie City to the top of the mountain. Walk along the Glass Skywalk for thrilling views. Afternoon: Visit Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate). Descend via the 999 steps or take the escalator. Activities and Experiences Hiking Zhangjiajie offers numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. Popular hikes include the Golden Whip Stream trail and the various paths around Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Photography The unique landscapes of Zhangjiajie provide endless opportunities for photography. Key spots include the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the Glass Skywalk, and the views from the Tianmen Mountain cable car. Local Cuisine Try local Hunan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of chili peppers. Signature dishes include spicy fish head, fried rice noodles, and various stir-fried meats and vegetables. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit The best times to visit Zhangjiajie are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer tourists and a different but beautiful snowy landscape. Getting There Zhangjiajie is accessible by train, bus, and air. The Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport has flights from major Chinese cities. There are also direct trains and buses from Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. Accommodation There are numerous accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Staying in Wulingyuan Town provides easy access to the national park, while Zhangjiajie City offers more amenities and is closer to Tianmen Mountain. Tickets and Passes Purchase tickets for the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, online or at the entrance. Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to explore the area thoroughly. Separate tickets are required for Tianmen Mountain and other attractions. Guides and Tours Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience, providing insights into the area's history, culture, and natural features. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, tickets, and guided tours.

With Little Chinese Everywhere ... NanXun Water Town Travel Guide Introduction Nanxun Water Town, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of the lesser-commercialized and best-preserved ancient water towns in China. Known for its elegant combination of traditional Chinese architecture and Western-style mansions, it offers a peaceful and authentic experience of Jiangnan’s waterways and history. How to Get There From Shanghai: Take a high-speed train to Huzhou (about 1 hour) and then a bus or taxi to Nanxun (around 30 minutes). From Hangzhou: A high-speed train to Huzhou takes about 30 minutes, followed by a local bus or taxi. From Suzhou: A direct bus from Suzhou South Bus Station takes about 1.5 hours. Main Attractions Xiaolian Zhuang (Little Lotus Garden) Originally the private garden of a wealthy merchant, this classical Chinese garden features a picturesque lotus pond, elegant pavilions, and stone bridges. Liu’s Family Compound A grand residence built by one of Nanxun’s richest families, showcasing a mix of European and traditional Chinese architectural styles. Baijian Lou (Hundred Houses Complex) A historic residential area with well-preserved white-walled houses lined along the canals, offering a glimpse into the lives of Nanxun’s past inhabitants. Jiaye Library One of China’s largest and most well-preserved private libraries, built in the late Qing Dynasty. The collection includes thousands of rare books and manuscripts. Ancient Stone Arch Bridges Several beautiful stone bridges span Nanxun’s canals, providing scenic spots for photography and quiet reflection. Things to Do Boat Tour: Take a wooden boat ride through the winding canals to enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery. Local Food: Try Nanxun’s specialties such as rice cakes, braised pork, and freshwater fish. Handicrafts: Visit local workshops to see traditional silk weaving and paper cutting. Photography: Capture the unique blend of old architecture and serene waterways. Best Time to Visit Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather, with blooming flowers and colorful foliage enhancing the town’s beauty. Practical Tips Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking along stone pathways and bridges. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore with fewer tourists and soft lighting. Cash is useful for small shops and local eateries, though some accept mobile payments. Conclusion Nanxun Water Town is a hidden gem offering a peaceful, culturally rich experience. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a scenic getaway, Nanxun is a fantastic destination that retains its authentic charm.

A beautiful new film by David Lee ...

About an hour from ShangHai. With Expat Natt ...

With Daniel Dumbrill and The New Atlas ... Bonus film - Uighur separatists funded by the US - with the Moderate Rebels ... Bonus film 2 - Chris Hedges discusses the work of political philosopher Sheldon Wolin with Professor Wendy Brown ...

In HuNan province. Plus a detailed documentary film. Discover why to the Chinese nature is not just a pretty background, but that human life is rooted in nature; that nature is as a holy text of which we are a part ...