The Dhammapada – audiobook : teachings of the Buddha

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Exploring JiNan, provincial capital city of ShanDong – night and day

With China Walking Tour ... Visitor Guide to JiNan, ShanDong Province Overview JiNan, the capital city of ShanDong Province, is known for its natural springs, rich history, and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the "City of Springs," JiNan is a blend of historical landmarks and modern development, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. Getting There By Air: JiNan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) is located about 33 kilometers northeast of the city center. It offers both domestic and international flights. You can take an airport shuttle bus, taxi, or the JiNan Metro to reach the city center. By Train: JiNan is a major railway hub with two main stations: JiNan Railway Station and JiNan West Railway Station. Both stations offer high-speed rail connections to major cities like BeiJing, ShangHai, and Xi’an. By Bus: Long-distance buses connect JiNan to various cities in ShanDong Province and beyond. The main bus stations are JiNan Long-Distance Bus Terminal and JiNan East Bus Station. Getting Around Public Transport: JiNan has an extensive bus network and a growing metro system. The metro is convenient for getting around the city quickly. Taxis: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Biking: Bike-sharing services are popular and convenient for short trips around the city. Main Attractions Baotu Spring Park Baotu Spring Park is one of JiNan's most famous attractions, known for its clear and gushing springs. The park is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the natural scenery, traditional pavilions, and cultural performances. Daming Lake Daming Lake is a large natural lake in the heart of JiNan, surrounded by lush gardens, ancient pavilions, and historic temples. It is a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the serene environment. Thousand Buddha Mountain (Qianfo Shan) This mountain is famous for its ancient Buddhist statues and temples. Visitors can hike to the top for a panoramic view of the city or explore the many caves and carvings along the way. ShanDong Provincial Museum ShanDong Provincial Museum houses a vast collection of cultural relics, historical artifacts, and natural exhibits. It offers a comprehensive overview of ShanDong's history and culture. Black Tiger Spring Black Tiger Spring is another renowned spring in JiNan, known for its powerful jets of water that resemble a tiger's roar. The spring is located in a scenic park with beautiful landscaping and walking paths. Local Cuisine JiNan's cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Here are some must-try dishes: JiNan Roast Duck: A local specialty, this roast duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and hoisin sauce. Sweet and Sour Carp: Fresh carp from Daming Lake, prepared in a tangy and sweet sauce, is a signature dish of JiNan. JiNan Noodles: These hand-pulled noodles are often served with a variety of toppings, including meat, vegetables, and spicy sauces. Fried Dumplings: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, JiNan's fried dumplings are a popular street food. Shopping Furong Street: A bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, street food vendors, and souvenir stalls. It's a great place to try local snacks and buy traditional crafts. Quancheng Road: One of JiNan's main shopping streets, offering a mix of modern malls, boutique shops, and local markets. JiNan Wanda Plaza: A large shopping mall with a variety of international and domestic brands, restaurants, and entertainment options. Accommodation Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the Shangri-La Hotel JiNan or the Hyatt Regency JiNan, both offering excellent amenities and service. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the Sofitel JiNan Silver Plaza and Holiday Inn JiNan City Center provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Budget Hotels: For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels like the JiNan Blue Horizon Hotel offer affordable and convenient lodging. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit JiNan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: JiNan is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the parks, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion JiNan, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural springs, offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, savoring the local cuisine, or strolling along the scenic lakes and springs, JiNan provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this fascinating city in ShanDong Province.

The beautiful old town of LiJiang 丽江

In YunNan province.

The historical South-North axis of BeiJing

With Seiu Travel ... 🌹 Yongding Gate Yongding Gate was the south gate of the outer city of Beijing's old city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the highest-regulated and largest of the seven gates in Beijing's outer city Unfortunately, the original gate was demolished in 1957, and what we see now is the rebuilt one in 2004. 🌹 Temple of Heaven and Altar of the God of Agriculture The Temple of Heaven and the Altar of the God of Agriculture are located on both sides of the central axis, showing east-west symmetry. The Temple of Heaven is the largest and most complete existing royal worship building complex in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: http://www.tiantanpark.com/english/ The Altar of Agriculture is the largest existing royal place for worshipping the God of Agriculture in China. It is now converted into a museum of ancient Chinese architecture. Official website: http://www.bjgjg.com 🌹 Zhengyang Gate Zhengyang Gate, commonly known as the "front gate", is the south gate of the inner city of Beijing's old city, located on the south side of Tian‘anmen Square. Zhengyang Gate integrates defense, urban management and ceremonial functions and is known as the "first of the nine gates". 🌹 Tian’anmen Square and Buildings Tian‘anmen Square and buildings are composed of the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Official website: http://yuyue.tamgw.beijing.gov.cn 🌹 Outer Jinshui Bridge The Outer Jinshui Bridge is located in front of the Tian’anmen Tower. It was the only way from the imperial city to the southern suburbs for sacrifice (Temple of Heaven, Xiannongtan) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the ceremonial space for major celebrations today. 🌹 Tiananmen Gatetower Tiananmen Gatetower was the main gate of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its platform was connected to the imperial city wall, together forming the southern boundary of the imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Gatetower was the place where imperial edicts were issued in the Ming and Qing dynasties and major state events were held in modern times. 🌹 Duan Gate Duan Gate is located on the south side of the Forbidden City, between Wu Gate and Tiananmen Gatetower, and is part of the court space. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Duan Gate was the place where the emperor's ceremonial supplies were stored. 🌹 Forbidden City The Forbidden City was the palace city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an outstanding example of Chinese royal palace architecture and is located at the center of the central axis. Official website: https://intl.dpm.org.cn/index.html?l=en 🌹 Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain The Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of Land and Grain are the ideal capital planning model of "left ancestor and right community", and are located on the east and west sides of the Forbidden City. The Imperial Ancestral Temple, now the Working People's Cultural Palace, was the royal ancestral temple of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Official website: https://www.bjwhg.com.cn Altar of Land and Grain, now Zhongshan Park, is the most complete ancient royal altar in China for worshiping Taishe (land) and Taiji (grain). Official website: https://www.zhongshan-park.cn 🌹 Jingshan Hill Jingshan Mountain is the commanding height and important landscape node on the central axis of Beijing. Official website: http://www.bjjspark.com/index.jhtml 🌹 Wanning Bridge Wanning Bridge is the oldest bridge on the central axis of Beijing. It is an important water channel in the upper reaches of Tonghui River in the capital of the Yuan Dynasty. It is also a physical object for studying the canal transportation in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty. 🌹 Bell and Drum Tower The Bell and Drum Tower, which was responsible for the city's timekeeping and time reporting functions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, was an important urban management facility. 00:00:00 Highlights 00:01:09 Yongding Gate - the southern gate of Beijing's old city 00:03:42 Remains of the road in the southern section of Beijing's central axis 00:05:26 Temple of Heaven - a place for offering sacrifices to heaven 00:28:18 Altar of Agriculture - a place for offering sacrifices to the god of agriculture 00:36:09 Zhengyang Gate and Qianmen Street 00:41:49 Tian‘anmen Square and buildings 00:49:09 Forbidden City 01:12:52 Imperial Ancestral Temple - a place for offering sacrifices to royal ancestors 01:16:27 Altar of Land and Grain - a place for offering sacrifices to the land and grains 01:20:38 Jingshan 01:29:05Wanning Bridge 01:32:28 Bell and Drum Tower - the northernmost end of the central axis