Tibet (XiZang) 西藏 scenes …

Snow Patrol - 'Run' - acoustic cover - with Julia Westin and David MeShow - just awesome - connect your bestest amp - that celtic influence and those chord changes - wow! - gotta love this - soooo beautiful ... Bravo the sound engineers, as well as these two great artists; plus Snow Patrol, for creating this pure and poignant artwork. PLUS : 'Number 1' - with Touch & Go / Buddha Bar - there's something about the rhythm here that makes this special ...

ChongQing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园 Chóngqìng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas, tigers, and other animals in this zoo. Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn): Enjoy Sichuan opera performances and traditional arts. Three Gorges Museum (重庆中国三峡博物馆 Chóngqìng Zhōngguó Sānxiá Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and culture of the Three Gorges region. Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (重庆科技馆 Chóngqìng Kējìguǎn): Discover interactive exhibits on science and technology. Chongqing Children's Library (重庆市儿童图书馆 Chóngqìng Shì Értóng Túshūguǎn): Explore a wide range of children's books and resources. Chongqing People's Square (重庆人民广场 Chóngqìng Rénmín Guǎngchǎng): Enjoy outdoor activities and cultural events in this central square. Chongqing Grand Theater (重庆大剧院 Chóngqìng Dàjùyuàn): Attend performances and concerts in this modern theater. Chongqing Happy Valley (重庆欢乐谷 Chóngqìng Huānlègǔ): Amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment. Chongqing People's Park (重庆人民公园 Chóngqìng Rénmín Gōngyuán): Relax in green spaces and enjoy outdoor activities. Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园 Chóngqìng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas, tigers, and other animals in this zoo. Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn): Enjoy Sichuan opera performances and traditional arts. Three Gorges Museum (重庆中国三峡博物馆 Chóngqìng Zhōngguó Sānxiá Bówùguǎn): Learn about the history and culture of the Three Gorges region. Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (重庆科技馆 Chóngqìng Kējìguǎn): Discover interactive exhibits on science and technology. Chongqing Children's Library (重庆市儿童图书馆 Chóngqìng Shì Értóng Túshūguǎn): Explore a wide range of children's books and resources. Chongqing People's Square (重庆人民广场 Chóngqìng Rénmín Guǎngchǎng): Enjoy outdoor activities and cultural events in this central square. Chongqing Grand Theater (重庆大剧院 Chóngqìng Dàjùyuàn): Attend performances and concerts in this modern theater. Chongqing Happy Valley (重庆欢乐谷 Chóngqìng Huānlègǔ): Amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment. Chongqing People's Park (重庆人民公园 Chóngqìng Rénmín Gōngyuán): Relax in green spaces and enjoy outdoor activities. ChongQing: 30 More Places to Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇 Cíqìkǒu Gǔzhèn): Explore historic streets, shops, and teahouses in this ancient town. Chongqing Art Museum (重庆美术馆 Chóngqìng Měishùguǎn): Discover contemporary and traditional Chinese art in this museum. Chongqing Great Hall of the People (重庆人民大礼堂 Chóngqìng Rénmín Dàlǐtáng): Visit this iconic building for cultural performances and events. Chongqing Wulong Karst National Geology Park (重庆武隆喀斯特国家地质公园 Chóngqìng Wǔlóng Kāsītè Guójiā Dìzhì Gōngyuán): Explore karst landscapes, caves, and natural wonders. Chongqing Chaotianmen Square (重庆朝天门广场 Chóngqìng Cháotiānmén Guǎngchǎng): Enjoy views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers from this square. Chongqing Hongya Cave (重庆洪崖洞 Chóngqìng Hóngyá Dòng): Explore traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants in this cave complex. Chongqing Ronghui Hot Springs (重庆融汇温泉 Chóngqìng Rónghuì Wēnquán): Relax in natural hot springs and enjoy spa treatments. Chongqing Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (重庆解放碑步行街 Chóngqìng Jiěfàngbēi Bùxíng Jiē): Shop for souvenirs, snacks, and electronics on this bustling street. Chongqing International Expo Center (重庆国际博览中心 Chóngqìng Guójì Bólǎn Zhōngxīn): Attend exhibitions, trade shows, and events in this modern venue. Chongqing Eling Park (重庆鹅岭公园 Chóngqìng Élǐng Gōngyuán): Enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing from this hilltop park. Chongqing Nanshan Botanical Garden (重庆南山植物园 Chóngqìng Nánshān Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Chongqing Stilwell Museum (重庆史迪威博物馆 Chóngqìng Shǐdíwēi Bówùguǎn): Learn about General Stilwell and World War II history in this museum. Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway (重庆长江索道 Chóngqìng Chángjiāng Suǒdào): Enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River from this cable car. Chongqing Railway Museum (重庆铁路博物馆 Chóngqìng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of railways in China at this museum. Chongqing Wansheng Black Valley (重庆万盛黑山谷 Chóngqìng Wànshèng Hēishān Gǔ): Discover scenic landscapes and outdoor activities in this valley. Chongqing Guanyin Bridge Pedestrian Street (重庆观音桥步行街 Chóngqìng Guānyīnqiáo Bùxíng Jiē): Shop for fashion, accessories, and souvenirs on this pedestrian street. Chongqing Wanzhou Pagoda (重庆万州白鹤塔 Chóngqìng Wànzhōu Báihè Tǎ): Visit this historic pagoda for panoramic views of the city. Chongqing Diaoyu Fortress (重庆钓鱼城 Chóngqìng Diàoyú Chéng): Explore ancient military fortifications and enjoy scenic views. Chongqing White Crane Forest Park (重庆白鹤林公园 Chóngqìng Báihè Lín Gōngyuán): Enjoy nature trails, wildlife, and birdwatching in this park. Chongqing Railway Museum (重庆铁路博物馆 Chóngqìng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of railways in China at this museum. Furong Cave (芙蓉洞 Fúróng Dòng): Discover stunning stalactites and stalagmites in this natural cave outside Chongqing. Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡 Qútáng Xiá): Cruise through this scenic gorge on the Yangtze River.

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... Lijiang Visitor Guide Lijiang, in northwest Yunnan Province, is one of China's most scenic and culturally rich towns. Famous for its ancient town, UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the surrounding natural beauty, Lijiang offers travelers a mix of historical exploration and outdoor adventure. The town is home to the Naxi ethnic group and features cobblestone streets, flowing canals, and traditional wooden houses, making it a must-visit destination. Overview Location: Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province, about 150 kilometers from Dali and 500 kilometers from Kunming. Famous For: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Naxi culture, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Getting There From Kunming: You can fly directly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (1-hour flight) or take an overnight train (8-9 hours). From Dali: A bus or train ride from Dali to Lijiang takes about 2-3 hours. Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit Lijiang are from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and dry. Top Attractions in Lijiang Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings, narrow stone streets, and vibrant Naxi culture. You’ll find traditional wooden houses, small canals flowing through the town, and plenty of small shops and restaurants. Mu's Residence (Mu Fu): This grand residence was the home of the Mu family, who ruled Lijiang for centuries. The residence is a fine example of Ming Dynasty architecture combined with Naxi design. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Old Town. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan): A towering mountain range just outside Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is perfect for hiking, cable car rides, and stunning glacier views. The mountain is sacred to the Naxi people and a symbol of their culture. Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park): Located just outside Lijiang Old Town, this park offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the lake. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. Shuhe Ancient Town: A smaller, quieter ancient town about 4 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe offers a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, featuring similar architecture and charm. Cultural Experiences Naxi Culture: Lijiang is home to the Naxi ethnic group, who have a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Dongba Cultural Museum to learn about the Naxi language, religion, and customs. You can also witness traditional Naxi music performances at various venues around town. Naxi Ancient Music: This unique musical form dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties. A performance of Naxi ancient music is a great way to experience the traditional sounds of the region, often accompanied by cultural storytelling. Local Delicacies Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): A thick, crispy pancake made with wheat flour and stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings. This local snack can be found in street markets and small restaurants throughout Lijiang. Sanyue Rice Noodles (三月丽江米线): A popular rice noodle dish typically served with a spicy broth, pork or beef, and fresh herbs. Naxi BBQ: Grilled meats and vegetables, served with local spices and dipping sauces. It’s a common street food, especially in Shuhe Ancient Town. Butter Tea (酥油茶): A staple among the Naxi and Tibetan people in the region, butter tea is a rich, savory drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼, méiguī bǐng): Similar to XiZhou, Lijiang also features the famous rose petal cake. It's a delicately sweet pastry filled with locally sourced rose jam, and it's a popular souvenir for visitors. Where to Stay Local Guesthouses: Lijiang has many family-run guesthouses located within the Old Town, offering traditional architecture and a cozy atmosphere. These are ideal for an authentic cultural experience. Boutique Hotels: For a more luxurious stay, boutique hotels with modern amenities are also available, often featuring beautiful views of the mountains or the Old Town. Tips for Visitors Language: Mandarin Chinese is spoken by most people, but the local Naxi dialect is also common. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or basic Mandarin phrases. Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites or interacting with locals, be respectful of their customs. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples or Naxi family homes. Shopping: Lijiang is known for its handcrafted silverware, Naxi embroidery, and traditional wood carvings. Support local artisans by purchasing souvenirs from the local shops or markets. Nearby Attractions Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a popular trekking destination about 60 kilometers from Lijiang. The hike offers dramatic views of the gorge and the Jinsha River below. Baisha Village: An ancient Naxi village about 10 kilometers from Lijiang. It’s famous for its ancient murals, which depict scenes from Naxi mythology and daily life. The village is much quieter than Lijiang, making it a peaceful side trip. Conclusion Lijiang is a destination that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, hiking the trails of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or learning about the unique Naxi culture, Lijiang offers something for every traveler. Plan your visit carefully to experience the best of both worlds—ancient history and outdoor adventure.

With China Walking Tour ...

Beautiful ZhouZhuang lies in JiangSu province, about 30 km southeast of Suzhou.

With Little Chinese Everywhere ...