The China / West schism, with Martin Jacques

With Wei's Travel ... Yu Garden daytime walk ... Bonus film - XuJiaHui business district ... Bonus film 2 - The largest Sam's Club China flagship opening 最大山姆会员中国旗舰店上海开幕日 - with Wei's Travel ...

With Walk East ...

This great film explores some of China's history and culture through the beautiful nature, traditions and ancient structures of HeNan province ...

With WestChinaGo ... With BeijingBuzzz ... With Ross ... With China Walking Tour ... With Chris ... Summer Palace Visitor Guide - BeiJing Overview The Summer Palace, located in the HaiDian district of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a royal garden and retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting There Location: 19 XinJianGongMen Road, HaiDian District, Beijing, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 4, Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate), Exit D. Alternatively, Line 10, Xiyuan Station, Exit C2. Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Summer Palace, including routes 303, 330, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, and 584. Opening Hours April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 4:00 PM) November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales and last entry at 3:00 PM) Tickets April 1 to October 31: Entrance Fee: ¥30, Through Ticket (includes Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Hall): ¥60 November 1 to March 31: Entrance Fee: ¥20, Through Ticket: ¥50 Main Attractions The Summer Palace is rich with historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the main attractions: Kunming Lake: This large lake dominates the Summer Palace and is ideal for boating. It covers about three-quarters of the park's area. Longevity Hill: Standing 60 meters high, it provides excellent views of the lake and surrounding area. Important buildings such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense are located here. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A long, beautiful bridge that connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. Long Corridor: A 728-meter-long covered walkway decorated with intricate paintings, connecting the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to the Marble Boat. Marble Boat: A lakeside pavilion built from marble and wood, symbolizing stability and the enduring nature of the Qing Dynasty. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity: The administrative center of the Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi handled state affairs. Suzhou Street: A charming area designed to resemble the canals and traditional shops of Suzhou, complete with waterways and bridges. Activities Visitors to the Summer Palace can engage in various activities: Boating: Rent a paddleboat or take a dragon boat tour on Kunming Lake. Walking and Hiking: Stroll along the scenic paths, the Long Corridor, or hike up Longevity Hill for panoramic views. Photography: Capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and historical sites. Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Summer Palace. Dining and Refreshments Several cafes and snack stalls are available within the Summer Palace, offering light refreshments, drinks, and local snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can dine at restaurants near the park entrances. Visitor Tips Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is vast, and exploring it involves a lot of walking. Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the hotter months. Respect the Site: The Summer Palace is a cultural heritage site. Avoid touching artifacts, stay on marked paths, and do not litter. Plan Your Visit: Due to its size, plan which sections you want to visit in advance to make the most of your time. Nearby Attractions Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Located nearby, this former imperial garden offers ruins and beautiful landscapes to explore. Beijing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and Weiming Lake. Tsinghua University: Another top university in China, with an expansive and scenic campus. Conclusion The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent site rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, stunning architecture, or beautiful landscapes, the Summer Palace offers a memorable and enriching experience.

With Daniel Dumbrill ...

With Blondie in China ... With Walk East ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... Dalian Visitor Guide Dalian, located in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province, is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, modern architecture, and rich history as a strategic port. Often called the “Pearl of the North,” Dalian offers a blend of European and Asian influences, making it a unique destination. How to Get to Dalian By Air: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) connects the city to major domestic and international destinations. By Train: High-speed trains link Dalian with cities like Shenyang, Beijing, and Harbin. By Ferry: Ferries operate to destinations like Yantai, Weihai, and Incheon (South Korea). By Road: Well-connected highways make Dalian accessible by car or long-distance bus. Top Attractions Xinghai Square The largest city square in Asia, Xinghai Square features a star-shaped fountain and scenic views of Dalian Bay. Visit during sunset for spectacular views. Golden Pebble Beach (Jinshitan Scenic Area) Known for its golden sand and unusual rock formations, this area also includes an amusement park, golf course, and hiking trails. Activities include swimming and kayaking. Tiger Beach Ocean Park A marine park with an aquarium, polar animal exhibits, and sea lion and dolphin performances. Don’t miss the massive tiger sculpture symbolizing the park. Dalian Forest Zoo This expansive zoo includes wild animals, panda habitats, and safari-style tours. Interactive activities like feeding giraffes are available. Russian Street A historic street with Russian-style architecture reflecting Dalian’s colonial past. Shop for souvenirs and enjoy traditional cuisine here. Binhai Road A scenic coastal road ideal for cycling, walking, or driving. Highlights include Bird Singing Woods and North Bridge. Zhongshan Square A European-style square surrounded by colonial-era buildings, now housing banks and offices. Visit in the evening to see the buildings illuminated. Bangchuidao Island A peaceful retreat with beaches, gardens, and hiking trails. Perfect for photography and relaxation. Lushun (Port Arthur) This suburb, also known as Port Arthur, played a significant role in the Russo-Japanese War. Key sites include Lushun Museum and Baiyu Hill. Activities and Experiences Beach hopping at Xinghai Beach, Fujiazhuang Beach, and Bangchuidao. Sampling fresh seafood such as sea cucumbers, scallops, and steamed crabs. Exploring the nightlife in Zhongshan District. Attending festivals like the Dalian International Beer Festival (July–August) and the Cherry Blossom Festival (April). Shopping at Friendship Square and Victory Square. Local Cuisine Steamed Scallops with Garlic: Fresh scallops topped with garlic and vermicelli. Sea Cucumber Soup: A delicacy known for its nutritional value. Jianbing (Chinese Crepe): A popular street food filled with egg, scallions, and sauce. Fried Clams: Stir-fried clams with garlic, ginger, and chili. Best Time to Visit Spring (April–June): Mild weather and blooming flowers make this an ideal season. Autumn (September–November): Cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. Summer (July–August): Perfect for beach activities. Transportation Metro: The Dalian Metro connects major tourist spots. Buses: Extensive routes provide affordable travel options. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Widely available and convenient. Use apps like Didi. Bicycles: Rent bikes to explore scenic areas like Binhai Road. Tips for Visitors Language: While Mandarin is the primary language, some signs and services are available in English. Currency: Carry Chinese yuan (RMB). Mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay are widely used. Weather: Pack light clothing and sunscreen in summer; warmer layers are needed in winter. Dalian offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with its scenic coastlines, rich history, and delicious cuisine making it an unforgettable destination.