ZhengZhou night walk

Filmed in autumn 2010 ...

With CGTN ... Bonus film - the Asian Games sports infrastructure - with Rafa Goes Around! ... Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Located at the southern end of the Grand Canal, which extends to Beijing, Hangzhou has been one of China's most renowned and prosperous cities for much of the last millennium. Marco Polo reportedly described the city as "the finest and most splendid city in the world." Historical Significance Hangzhou has a rich history dating back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty. It became a significant city during the Sui Dynasty when the Grand Canal was constructed. During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), Hangzhou was the capital of China, a period that significantly boosted its status and prosperity. West Lake One of Hangzhou’s most famous attractions is West Lake (Xī Hú). This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its scenic beauty, inspiring poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th century. The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands. Major attractions around West Lake include the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda. Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China. It was founded in 328 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The temple is famous for its grand halls, numerous pagodas, and Buddhist grottoes, particularly the Feilai Feng grottoes, which contain hundreds of stone carvings of Buddhist figures. Longjing Tea Hangzhou is the origin of the world-famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Longjing Tea Village, located in the hills west of West Lake, offers a picturesque setting where visitors can learn about tea cultivation, enjoy tea tastings, and experience traditional tea ceremonies. The tea is renowned for its high quality, green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat leaves. Grand Canal The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. Hangzhou marks the southern end of this ancient waterway, which played a crucial role in the cultural and economic development of the region. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the historical and cultural sights along the canal. Modern Hangzhou Today, Hangzhou is a blend of traditional and modern influences. It is an important economic hub, home to numerous high-tech industries and the headquarters of Alibaba Group, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, with a high-speed railway, an international airport, and a comprehensive metro system. Tourism and Culture Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city hosts various cultural festivals, such as the West Lake International Expo, the China International Tea Expo, and the Hangzhou International Marathon. Hangzhou cuisine, known for its light and fresh flavors, is also a highlight for visitors, with famous dishes like Dongpo Pork and West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.  

Don't miss it ! With China Walking Tour ... The Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (Qingming Shanghe Yuan, 清明上河园) is a large-scale cultural and historical theme park located in Kaifeng, Henan Province, China. It is inspired by the famous ancient Chinese painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (清明上河图) by the Song Dynasty artist Zhang Zeduan. The park recreates the bustling city life and natural scenery depicted in the painting, reflecting the prosperity of the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD). Historical Reproduction: The park meticulously reconstructs the architecture, streets, waterways, marketplaces, and daily life of Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. This immersive environment gives visitors a glimpse into the ancient city's urban culture and economic vitality. Performances and Activities: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden offers daily performances showcasing traditional Chinese culture, including folk dances, acrobatics, and reenactments of Song Dynasty customs. Highlights include the Imperial Court Parade, martial arts demonstrations, and shadow puppet shows. Cultural Exhibits: Visitors can explore Song-era crafts, such as pottery, calligraphy, and silk weaving. The park also features exhibits about the technologies and trade practices of the time. Interactive Experiences: Guests can dress in traditional Song Dynasty attire, participate in ancient games, and take boat rides along the carefully designed canals that replicate the waterways in the painting. Festivals and Night Tours: During special occasions like the Qingming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the park hosts themed events and illuminates its buildings, creating a magical night-time atmosphere. Significance: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important educational site, offering visitors insights into the rich history and culture of the Northern Song Dynasty. It serves as a living museum, celebrating the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient China. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this park is a must-visit destination in Henan Province.

With Katherine's Journey to the East 阳离子东游记 ... Bonus film - JiangSu to AnHui bike ride ...

With Walk For You ... OCT OH Bay : CoCo Park : UniWalk Mall : Shenzhen Shopping Malls Guide Coco Park Coco Park is a popular shopping and entertainment destination located in the Futian district of Shenzhen. It offers a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Getting There Location: Fuhua 3rd Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 1 or Line 3, Shopping Park Station, Exit C. Bus: Multiple bus lines stop near the mall, including routes 15, 64, 71, and 73. Shopping Coco Park features a variety of retail stores catering to different preferences: Fashion: Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, and local boutiques. Beauty: Sephora, Innisfree, and Watsons. Electronics: Xiaomi, Huawei. Dining Dining options at Coco Park range from casual eateries to fine dining: Western Cuisine: The Kitchen, Element Fresh, and McDonald's. Asian Cuisine: Haidilao, Ajisen Ramen. Cafes: Starbucks, Pacific Coffee. Entertainment Nightlife: Popular bars and clubs like Pepper Club and Viva. Cinema: IMAX cinema showing the latest movies. Kids' Activities: Indoor playground and toy stores. OCT Harbour (OCT OH) OCT Harbour is a high-end, waterfront shopping and entertainment complex in Shenzhen, known for its scenic views and diverse attractions. Getting There Location: Baishi Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China. Public Transport: Subway: Line 9, Shenzhen Bay Park Station, Exit E. Bus: Several bus routes serve the area, including 42, 90, 223, and B839. Shopping OCT Harbour offers a mix of luxury brands and unique boutiques: Fashion: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and high-end Chinese designers. Beauty: Chanel, Dior, and high-end skincare stores. Home Decor: Lifestyle stores featuring international and local designs. Dining Dining at OCT Harbour is a gourmet experience with a wide range of options: Western Cuisine: The Terrace, Blue Italian Seafood & Grill. Asian Cuisine: Shunde Cuisine, various sushi and teppanyaki restaurants. Cafes: Artisan coffee shops and dessert cafes. Entertainment Aquarium: A family-friendly attraction featuring marine life exhibits. Water Show Theatre: Nightly performances combining water, light, and music. Outdoor Spaces: Beautifully landscaped areas for walking and leisure activities. Other Notable Malls in Shenzhen MixC World Location: 9189 Shennan Blvd, Futian District, Shenzhen, China. MixC World is a large shopping complex with a variety of international and local brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities, including an ice skating rink and a cinema. Sea World Location: Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China. Sea World is a vibrant area with shopping, dining, and entertainment, known for its international restaurants, bars, and the iconic Minghua ship. Conclusion Shenzhen offers a diverse and dynamic shopping experience with its array of malls, each providing unique attractions and amenities. Whether you're visiting Coco Park, OCT Harbour, or any other notable malls, you're sure to find a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment options to suit your preferences.

A trip to the wonderful, natural getaway of JinSi Xia (JinSi Canyon), ShaanXi province in central China ...

With The China Traveler ... With China Culture ... With CGTN ... With Seiu Travel ...

With Ben Norton ... With Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson ... With Jan Oberg ...