The sound of China 中国 … Don’t miss it !

With Feeding Foca ... Visitor Guide to Shangri-La Introduction Shangri-La, officially known as Zhongdian, is a picturesque county in Yunnan Province, China. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and spiritual ambiance, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Top Attractions 1. Songzanlin Monastery Known as the "Little Potala Palace," this Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the largest in Yunnan. Explore its intricate architecture, vibrant murals, and serene atmosphere. 2. Pudacuo National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park features pristine lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Don't miss Shudu Lake and Bita Lake. 3. Dukezong Ancient Town Wander through this historic town, visit the Giant Prayer Wheel, and enjoy panoramic views from Guishan Hill. 4. Tiger Leaping Gorge One of the deepest gorges in the world, it offers breathtaking hiking trails and stunning views of the Jinsha River. Local Culture Shangri-La is deeply influenced by Tibetan culture. Visitors can experience traditional Tibetan festivals, sample local cuisine like yak butter tea and tsampa, and explore handicrafts such as Thangka paintings. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: May to October for pleasant weather and clear skies. Altitude Sickness: Shangri-La is at a high altitude (3,200 meters). Take time to acclimatize and stay hydrated. What to Pack: Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and always ask for permission before taking photos of people. How to Get There Shangri-La is accessible by air, road, and bus: By Air: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) has flights from major cities like Kunming and Chengdu. By Bus: Regular buses connect Shangri-La to Lijiang and Kunming. By Car: Scenic drives are available from nearby cities, but be prepared for mountainous terrain. Where to Stay From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, Shangri-La offers a range of accommodations. Popular options include: Songtsam Retreat: A boutique hotel with Tibetan-inspired decor. Shangri-La Old Town Inn: Located in the heart of Dukezong Ancient Town. Budget Hostels: Affordable and friendly options for backpackers. Conclusion Shangri-La is a magical destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you're hiking through stunning landscapes or immersing yourself in Tibetan traditions, your visit will be unforgettable.

The world wants to be free of Western slavery, and its propaganda and bombs. Even just the far east, think of the hundreds of thousands of bombs dropped on Vietnam, Korea, Laos, Cambodia. The hundreds of military bases encircling China. And the trade war. The West plans the destruction of Taiwan. The West is not going to 'save' Taiwan; it is going to destroy it. The US never has any other country's interest at heart; it is solely about keeping them down, to be merely a slave. It is never about peace; it is only ever about dominion; think 'protection racket'. Don't be fooled again ! A must see ... In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are merely livestock.

With Beautiful China ... Nanxun Ancient Water Town Visitor Guide Introduction Nestled in the heart of Zhejiang Province, Nanxun Ancient Water Town is a hidden gem among China's water towns. Known for its well-preserved architecture, serene canals, and rich cultural heritage, Nanxun offers a glimpse into the past with a blend of Chinese and Western influences. This guide will provide you with everything you need to explore Nanxun's historic streets, discover its cultural treasures, and enjoy its tranquil beauty. Key Attractions 1. Xiaolian Manor (Little Lotus Garden) Built during the late Qing Dynasty, Xiaolian Manor is one of Nanxun's most famous landmarks. This classical Chinese garden features a picturesque pond, rockeries, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The manor was the private residence of a wealthy silk merchant and offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the past. 2. Jiayetang Library Jiayetang Library, founded by a wealthy silk merchant named Liu Chenggan, is one of China's oldest private libraries. The library's collection includes ancient manuscripts, rare books, and classic Chinese literature. The architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese and Western styles, reflecting the cultural exchange that characterized Nanxun's history. 3. Zhang Shiming Mansion The Zhang Shiming Mansion is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese residential architecture with Western influences. The mansion's intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and spacious courtyards provide a fascinating insight into the lives of Nanxun's wealthy elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 4. Guanghui Palace (Guanghui Taoist Temple) Guanghui Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Nanxun, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty. This Taoist temple is dedicated to the worship of the Taoist deity Xuanwu. Visitors can admire the temple's ancient architecture, Taoist sculptures, and serene atmosphere. Cultural Activities Nanxun is not only about its historical architecture but also about the cultural experiences that bring the town to life. Here are some activities to immerse yourself in the local culture: Boat Rides on the Canals: Experience the charm of Nanxun from the water by taking a leisurely boat ride along its tranquil canals. The boat rides offer a unique perspective of the ancient bridges, white-washed houses, and overhanging willow trees. Silk Weaving Demonstrations: Nanxun has a long history of silk production. Visit one of the local silk weaving workshops to see traditional techniques in action and learn about the town's silk-making heritage. Tea Tasting: Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at one of the local teahouses. Savor the flavors of locally grown green teas while relaxing by the water's edge. Calligraphy and Painting Workshops: Join a workshop to learn the art of Chinese calligraphy and painting. These hands-on experiences offer insight into traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Dining Options Nanxun offers a variety of dining options, from local eateries serving traditional Chinese dishes to charming cafes. Here are some recommendations: Local Dishes: Try the famous Nanxun braised pork, lotus root soup, and other local delicacies at traditional restaurants like Nongfu Restaurant and Nanxun Old Town Cuisine. Waterfront Cafés: Enjoy a relaxing meal or a cup of coffee at one of the quaint waterfront cafés, where you can take in the scenic views of the canals and historic buildings. Street Food: Explore the narrow streets and alleys to find street vendors selling snacks like rice dumplings, tofu pudding, and steamed buns. These local treats are perfect for a quick bite. Teahouses: Visit traditional teahouses like Wangfu Teahouse for an authentic tea-drinking experience. Pair your tea with local pastries and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Nanxun, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Getting There: Nanxun is located about 120 kilometers from Shanghai and 80 kilometers from Hangzhou. It can be reached by bus or car. Regular buses run from Shanghai and Hangzhou to Nanxun. What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you will be exploring cobbled streets and bridges. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sunny days, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Nanxun. Learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be helpful. Entrance Fees: Some attractions in Nanxun, such as Xiaolian Manor and Zhang Shiming Mansion, may have an entrance fee. It's a good idea to carry some cash, as not all places accept credit cards. Respect Local Culture: Nanxun is a place of historical and cultural significance. Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting temples and historical sites. Taking photos inside temples may be prohibited.

All restaurants will have dishes to cater for vegans and vegetarians but to be certain there's no trace of meat or meat oil or egg in your food, head to a specialized vegetarian restaurant. There are quite a few in all major cities but you'll need to look them up on the net. Some of these are run by devotees, some exist to cater to Buddhist people. Some have 'meat substitutes', such as vegetable based chicken, duck, prawns, etc., made from things like bean curd and mushroom, and are remarkably good. In these films, Nadine shows us some of what you can eat in BeiJing ... Hot tip : A great dish you can get at many restaurants is Di San Xian 地三鮮 (literally, '3 things from the earth') - stir fried potato, aubergine (egg-plant) and green pepper. Mildly spicy, filling, comforting and delicious; a great choice for anyone. Bonus film - a wander through BeiJing and a trip to the Great Wall of China (GuBeiKou and SiMaTai) ...

With Wei's Travel ... Bonus film, with Walk East ...

Fascinating insights into the very varied cuisines of China. Chinese language, but easy to follow.

SanQing Shan, 三清山, is a renowned Taoist sacred site located 25 miles (40 km) north of YuShan County in JiangXi Province. With outstanding natural scenery, plants and wildlife, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that in all covers 230 square kilometers. SanQing means the "Three Pure Ones" in Chinese as Mount SanQing is composed of three main summits: YuJing, YuShui, and YuHua, representing the Taoist trinity. YuJing (rising 1820 meters above sea level) is the highest. 三峰峻拔、如三清列坐其巅

With Dr. Sten Ekberg ...

With Walk East ...