Beautiful China

09/09/2024

Fun day in Tongli, a water town near Suzhou.

There were many school children on the town square in Tongli, a watertown just south of Suzhou, China. We spent the day there and took a couple of rides upon...

09/08/2024

Guilin Karst, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo by Wen Shaojun/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Three locations in China have recently been designated and included in the list of "The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites" by the International Union of Geological Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Science said on Tuesday.

During the 37th International Geological Congress held on Aug 27 in Busan, Republic of Korea, Guilin Karst in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the Permian Vegetation of the Wuda Fossil Site in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and the Dashanpu Middle Jurassic Dinosaur Fossils Site in Sichuan province were included in this prestigious list.

09/07/2024

09/07/2024

The Temple of Heaven was a popular post two weeks ago. Here is another view. The complex covers 267 hectares (660 acres) and is centered around three main structures: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its distinctive triple-gabled roof and intricate blue tiles, is the most famous and striking building. Standing 38 meters (125 feet) high, this magnificent wooden structure was constructed without a single nail and is supported entirely by wooden beams.

09/06/2024

The Niujie Mosque, located in Beijing, is the oldest and most significant mosque in the city, and one of the most important Islamic sites in China. Built in 996 AD during the Liao Dynasty, the mosque reflects a harmonious blend of Islamic and traditional Chinese architectural styles. The mosque's design features a unique fusion, with traditional Chinese elements such as sweeping eaves, pagoda-style roofs, and intricate wooden carvings combined with Islamic features like Arabic inscriptions and a prayer hall facing west towards Mecca.

09/06/2024

09/05/2024

Yu Garden, often referred to as Yuyuan Garden, is a classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City. Built during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, Yu Garden is a stunning example of traditional Chinese landscape design, blending natural beauty with intricate architectural elements. The garden spans about five acres and is divided into six main scenic areas, each offering a unique glimpse into ancient Chinese aesthetics.

09/04/2024

Flying Tiger Restaurant was once a thriving place in Kunming remembering the WWII Flying Tigers and Chinese Allies. It closed during Covid and to our knowledge has not reopened.

09/04/2024

09/03/2024

09/03/2024

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is a monumental symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and a masterpiece of architectural achievement. Perched atop Marpo Ri, or "Red Hill," at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,100 feet), the palace is one of the highest and most impressive buildings in the world. Originally built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo and later expanded in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the political and spiritual center of Tibet.

09/02/2024

Suzhou, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," is renowned for its picturesque water towns, where ancient canals wind through a cityscape of traditional Chinese architecture. These water towns, such as Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Shantang Street, are characterized by their tranquil waterways, arched stone bridges, and charming historic buildings, many of which date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The canals, lined with willow trees and old residences, create a serene and timeless atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era.

09/01/2024

The Chengdu Panda Reserve, officially known as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, is a world-renowned conservation center dedicated to the preservation and study of the giant panda. Located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, this reserve provides a natural habitat for these beloved creatures, mimicking their wild environment with lush bamboo forests and serene landscapes. Established in 1987, the reserve plays a crucial role in the breeding, research, and education surrounding giant pandas, a species that has become a global symbol of wildlife conservation. Visitors to the reserve can observe pandas of all ages, from playful cubs to mature adults, while learning about the efforts to protect this endangered species.

08/31/2024

The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable feats of engineering and architecture in human history, stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China. Originally built to protect Chinese states and empires from invasions by nomadic tribes, the wall's construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through various dynasties, with the most famous sections built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Made from a combination of earth, wood, bricks, and stone, the wall snakes through rugged mountains, deserts, and plains, offering breathtaking views and a testament to the determination and ingenuity of the Chinese people. Beyond its military significance, the Great Wall has become a symbol of China's enduring strength and resilience, attracting millions of visitors each year who marvel at its historical significance and the sheer scale of its construction.

08/30/2024

The Three Pagodas of Dali are an iconic symbol of China's Yunnan Province, standing majestically against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountain. Built during the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago, these pagodas have withstood earthquakes and the passage of time, representing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. The central pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, is the tallest at around 70 meters, flanked by two smaller pagodas that create a triangular formation. The architectural design reflects a blend of Buddhist influences and traditional Chinese craftsmanship, making the Three Pagodas a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists. Surrounded by lush gardens and serene ponds, the site offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into China's ancient past.

08/30/2024

08/29/2024

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803. It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan Province in China, near the city of Leshan.

08/29/2024

08/28/2024

Hutong is the name given to a narrow lane, alley, or small street between rows of single-storey Siheyuan dwelled by Beijingers in the past. When viewed from the air the interlaced lanes resemble a maze or a chessboard with delicate gardens, fine rockeries and ancient ruins which makes them a wonder in the world.

08/27/2024

08/27/2024

Jianshui, an ancient town in Jianshui, is one of the national famous historic and cultural towns of China. With a history of about 1200 years and an abundant distinctive cultural heritage, the Ancient Town enjoys a great reputation as a 'Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses' and attracts a lot of visitors at home and abroad.

08/26/2024

Mount Hua, located in Shaanxi Province, China, is one of the country's Five Great Mountains and is famed for its dramatic peaks and breathtaking scenery. Known as the "Most Precipitous Mountain Under Heaven," Mount Hua is a place of both natural beauty and cultural significance. Its jagged granite peaks rise steeply from the landscape, creating a stunning silhouette that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The mountain is also a sacred site in Taoism, with several temples, shrines, and pavilions perched on its slopes, where pilgrims and visitors come to seek spiritual enlightenment.

08/26/2024

Tengchong Rehai Hot Spring Scenic Area, commonly known as Rehai, is located ... There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot v***r, called “Hot Sea”.

08/25/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Henry Long, Kirit Desai, Yee Chan, Patricia Garrood

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,