LuShui YunMen Scenic Area, located in the picturesque GuiZhou province, is a stunning natural attraction known for its lush landscapes, serene waters, and breathtaking views. The area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
History
LuShui YunMen Scenic Area has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area has long been revered for its natural beauty and has inspired poets, artists, and travelers throughout the ages. The scenic area is also home to several historical and cultural sites that reflect the diverse heritage of GuiZhou province.
Main Attractions
YunMen Cave
YunMen Cave is one of the most famous attractions in the LuShui YunMen Scenic Area. The cave features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, creating a mesmerizing underground landscape. Visitors can explore the cave's intricate formations and enjoy the cool, serene atmosphere.
LuShui Waterfall
The LuShui Waterfall is a spectacular sight, cascading down the mountainside into a crystal-clear pool below. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. The sound of the water and the fresh air provide a rejuvenating experience.
Mountain Trails
The scenic area boasts numerous hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can encounter diverse flora and fauna, adding to the adventure.
Local Villages
The scenic area is home to several traditional villages where visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of the local ethnic communities. These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, architecture, and customs of the people who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
Culture and Traditions
LuShui YunMen Scenic Area is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant cultural heritage. The area is inhabited by various ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions, festivals, and crafts. Visitors can witness traditional dances, music, and local crafts that reflect the cultural richness of the region.
Activities and Experiences
Hiking and Nature Walks
Explore the scenic beauty of LuShui YunMen by embarking on one of the many hiking and nature trails. These trails offer a chance to connect with nature, enjoy panoramic views, and discover hidden gems along the way.
Photography
The scenic area is a paradise for photographers, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and serene waters. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, you'll find plenty of opportunities to capture the natural beauty of LuShui YunMen.
Cultural Tours
Join a guided cultural tour to learn more about the local traditions, history, and lifestyle of the ethnic communities in the area. These tours provide valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of LuShui YunMen.
Accommodation
LuShui YunMen Scenic Area offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, cozy guesthouses, and traditional homestays. Staying in a local guesthouse or homestay provides an authentic experience and a chance to interact with the local community.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit LuShui YunMen Scenic Area is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
Getting There: LuShui YunMen Scenic Area is accessible by bus or car from GuiZhou's major cities. The nearest airport is GuiYang LongDongBao International Airport, which offers connections to various domestic and international destinations.
Opening Hours: The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fees: There is an entrance fee for the scenic area, with additional fees for specific attractions and activities. It is advisable to check the latest fees before planning your visit.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and the weather can change quickly.
Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting villages and cultural sites. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking or spending extended periods outdoors. It's also a good idea to bring snacks or a packed lunch for longer excursions.
Fanjing Mountain, located in Tongren City, Guizhou Province, is a stunning natural and cultural landmark known for its unique landscapes, biodiversity, and spiritual significance. Here's a detailed overview of Fanjing Mountain:
### Location and Overview
- **Location**: Fanjing Mountain is situated in the Wuling Mountain range in Tongren City, northeastern Guizhou Province, China.
- **Elevation**: The highest peak of Fanjing Mountain reaches an elevation of 2,570 meters (8,430 feet) above sea level.
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: In 2018, Fanjing Mountain was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity and unique geological features.
### Natural Beauty and Biodiversity
1. **Unique Geological Formations**: Fanjing Mountain is characterized by its distinctive rock formations, including the Red Cloud Golden Summit (HongYun JinDing), Mushroom Stone, and Old Golden Summit (LaoJinDing). These formations offer breathtaking views and are popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
2. **Biodiversity Hotspot**: The mountain is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous rare and endemic species. The area is particularly noted for its diverse plant life, including ancient ginkgo trees, fir forests, and a variety of medicinal herbs.
3. **Endangered Species**: Fanjing Mountain provides habitat for several endangered animal species, such as the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), Chinese giant salamander, and various rare birds and insects.
### Spiritual and Cultural Significance
1. **Buddhist Heritage**: Fanjing Mountain is one of the sacred Buddhist mountains in China. It is considered a place of enlightenment and has a long history of Buddhist worship. The mountain is associated with Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha).
2. **Temples and Monasteries**: There are several ancient temples and monasteries on the mountain, including the Shizhong Temple and the Cheng’en Temple. These religious sites attract pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a peaceful and spiritual retreat.
3. **Pilgrimage Destination**: The mountain's spiritual significance makes it a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, especially during religious festivals and important Buddhist dates.
### Tourist Attractions and Activities
1. **Hiking and Trekking**: Fanjing Mountain offers numerous hiking and trekking trails that cater to various levels of difficulty. The trails provide stunning views of the natural scenery and access to the mountain’s unique rock formations and temples.
2. **Cable Cars**: For those who prefer a less strenuous visit, cable cars are available to take visitors up to the scenic areas and major viewpoints, offering a comfortable and scenic ride.
3. **Panoramic Views**: The Golden Summit, one of the most famous peaks, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The sight of the sunrise and sunset from this vantage point is particularly spectacular.
4. **Photography**: The unique landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and ancient temples make Fanjing Mountain a paradise for photographers.
### Conservation Efforts
1. **Protected Area**: Fanjing Mountain is part of a protected nature reserve, which helps to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. **Sustainable Tourism**: Efforts are being made to promote sustainable tourism practices that minimize the impact on the natural environment and local communities while enhancing the visitor experience.
### Visitor Information
1. **Best Time to Visit**: The best time to visit Fanjing Mountain is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant.
2. **Accessibility**: Fanjing Mountain can be accessed via Tongren, which is connected to major cities in China by train and air. From Tongren, visitors can take buses or taxis to the mountain’s entrance.
3. **Accommodation**: There are various accommodation options available, ranging from hotels in Tongren to guesthouses and inns near the mountain.
### Conclusion
Fanjing Mountain in Guizhou is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural significance. With its unique geological formations, rich biodiversity, and profound spiritual heritage, it offers a diverse and enriching experience for nature lovers, hikers, pilgrims, and tourists. The mountain’s combination of stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and ancient temples makes it a must-visit destination in China.
Goose Spring, also known as Equan, is a renowned scenic spot in GuangXi Province, China. Known for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and serene environment, Goose Spring offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Getting There
Location: Bama Yao Autonomous County, HeChi City, GuangXi Province, China.
Public Transport:
By Bus: There are regular buses from HeChi City to Bama Yao Autonomous County. From there, local transportation options such as taxis can take you to Goose Spring.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is in HeChi City. From the station, you can take a bus or taxi to the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Daily: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tickets
Entrance Fee: ¥60
Discounted Ticket (for children, students, and seniors): ¥30
Main Attractions
Goose Spring offers several attractions for visitors to explore:
Goose Spring (Equan): The main feature, this spring is known for its exceptionally clear water and beautiful surroundings.
Equan Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall located near the spring, providing a stunning backdrop for photos.
Scenic Walking Trails: Various trails around the spring offer opportunities for leisurely walks and enjoying the natural beauty.
Lush Forests: The area is surrounded by dense forests, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Observation Decks: Several decks offer panoramic views of the scenic area, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Activities
Visitors can engage in a variety of activities at Goose Spring:
Hiking: Explore the trails that wind through the scenic area and enjoy the beautiful natural environment.
Bird Watching: The area is home to many bird species, making it ideal for bird watchers.
Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and serene environment.
Relaxing by the Spring: Spend time relaxing by the clear waters of the spring and soaking in the tranquility.
Picnicking: There are designated areas for picnics, where visitors can enjoy a meal amidst nature.
Dining and Refreshments
Several small restaurants and snack stalls are available around Goose Spring, offering local GuangXi cuisine and refreshments. It's also a good idea to bring your own snacks and water.
Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Summer can be hot, and winter can be cold.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The scenic area has many trails, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking.
Prepare for Weather: Bring a raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season, and dress in layers for temperature changes.
Respect Nature: Follow park rules, stay on designated paths, and do not disturb the wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
Baimo Cave: A fascinating karst cave with unique rock formations and underground rivers, located in Bama Yao Autonomous County.
Baimang River: A beautiful river known for its clear waters and picturesque surroundings, ideal for boating and sightseeing.
Longevity Village: A village famous for the longevity of its residents, offering insights into local culture and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Goose Spring (Equan) in GuangXi is a tranquil and beautiful destination that offers a mix of natural beauty, serene environment, and cultural experiences. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Goose Spring provides an unforgettable experience.
Huangshan 黄山 (Huángshān): Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Yellow Mountain, known for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and mystical beauty. Huangshan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has inspired countless poets and artists with its ethereal landscapes. ... more ...
With Stef Hoffer :
Here’s a brief overview of some of the places visited in this video.
After a short introduction, we begin this journey near the spectacular rice terraces of Yuanyang, before moving on to the captivating Buddhist temples of Dali. Via the peculiar Shilin Stone Forest and the ‘Rainbow Mountains’ of Zhangye, we arrive in Guangzhou (Canton), one of China’s largest cities. After the Yellow Mountains national park, and the intriguing ‘tulou’ buildings, we visit the Great Wall and the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest such statue in the world.
After flying through the ice and snow city of Harbin, where people enjoy a unique Winter event, we take a brief look at the imposing Yellow River, Hukou waterfall, Zhengzhou and Changsha cities, before stopping at the breathtaking Jiuzhaigou national park, filled with crystal clear blue lakes. The next place is the countryside in between rural Yangshuo and urban Guilin, easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, where the Li river meanders through bizarre karst scenery.
For more diversity, we travel to Dunhuang to visit the arid Gobi Desert. We also have a look at a solar panel field and windmill park, before we fly over some heavy industry, including a steel factory, coal mine, oil refinery, concrete dam, shipyard, an oil rig, and a massive bridge. Hong Kong is our next destinations, before moving on to several places along the Yangtze river (or its distributaries), including Tiger Leaping Gorge, Chongqing, and Wuhan.
On Hainan island we see the ‘tropical’ side of China, while in Xiahe and Tibet we visit the country’s highlands. From the frozen cities of Jilin and Xining we arrive in Qingdao, with its German colonial architecture and coastal vibe. In Macau we fly over the famous casinos, but also visit the Portuguese quarters, and after the rice fields of Longji (Dragon’s Backbone), we increase our altitude in the Yulong national park.
After Hangzhou and Shenyang, we briefly look at one of China’s many ‘ghost towns’ and construction sites, before flying on to the surreal pillars of Zhangjiajie, and the (perhaps) equally stunning skyline of Shanghai. After showing the modern part of the city and the port (harbor), we also explore some of the disappearing neighborhoods, destroyed factories, and the strange looking ‘bicycle graveyard’.
From the freezing ‘Xuexiang’ village and walled city of Pingyao we continue our journey in Xian, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Changzhou. Finally, we take a look at the mesmerizing Yuanmou ‘Earth Forest’, Kunming city, and Lijiang, one of China’s most famous historic towns.
Video chapters / timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
3:29 Yuangyang rice terraces
4:59 Chengkan
5:17 Dali
6:08 Shilin stone forest
6:50 Zhangye national park
7:55 Guangzhou
10:22 Huangshan national park
11:24 Fujian ‘tulou’
12:03 The Great Wall
12:33 Leshan
12:55 Harbin
15:00 Yellow River
15:28 Hukou waterfall
15:50 Zhengzhou
16:20 Changsha
16:31 Jiuzhaigou national park
17:26 Yangshuo
20:25 Dunhuang
21:42 Qinghuangdao
21:58 Guazhou
22:47 Benxi, Fushun, Guangzhou, Hainan
24:19 Danjiangkou
25:12 Aizhai bridge
25:39 Hong Kong
29:19 Tiger Leaping Gorge
29:44 Chonqging
31:45 Yangtze River
33:03 Wuhan
35:41 Hainan island
38:02 Xiahe
38:51 Tibet
40:26 Jilin
40:44 Xining
41:25 Linxia
41:51 Qingdao
48:22 Macau
49:34 Longji rice terraces
49:59 Shexian
50:21 Yulong national park
51:42 Hangzhou
53:06 Shenyang
53:32 Shenfu ‘ghost town’
54:26 Chengdu
54:46 Zhangjiajie national park
56:12 Shanghai
1:04:26 Xuexiang
1:05:49 Pingyao
1:06:28 Shenzhen
1:06:54 Xian
1:07:12 Suzhou
1:10:05 Changzhou
1:10:44 Yuangmou Earth forest
1:11:23 Kunming
1:12:43 Lijiang
An awesome film - don't miss it ...
September trip, in 2017; charming couple.
XinJiang, north west China, includes the Tien Shan and Kunlun Shan mountains, the Taklimakan Desert, and the Tarim Basin.
Follow this traveler's videos of places walked and adored.
Discover some of China's incredibly diverse natural landscapes.
Including JiuZhaiGou, the YuLong River, the ShiLin Stone Forest, DunHuang desert and oasis, Tiger Leaping Gorge and ZhangJiaJie.
Chinese culture is founded on the harmony of people and nature and the reverence of natural beauty ...
Plus, the beautiful Flight of the Dragon ...
Mountains, gorges, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, geoparks, nature reserves, national parks and scenic spots.
A wonderful film by ChongQing TV (a 25 minute excerpt from the full hour-long video).
The Nine Dragon Waterfalls, LuoPing County, YunNan province.
The succession of water falls, some gentle and some powerful, are set in a landscape of patchwork fields and mountains. The grandest has a water drop of 56 meters and is 110 meters wide.
An overview of China's wonderful scenery.
Yessian Soars Over China in this epic ride film at Happy Valley Theme Park in Shanghai. Directed by Super 78.
In SiChuan province.
The Giant Buddha, which is around 70 meters in height, was carved from the cliff face during the Tang dynasty (618 - 907). It took 90 years to complete.
At 3,100 meters (10,170 feet), the nearby Mount EMei is the highest of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
