#china

Chonggu Grassland is situated just beside the Chonggu Temple visitor center. Leisurely, I walked towards Luorong Pasture direction, not particularly to complete the circuit, but just relaxing sightseeing. Chonggu grassland is a considerably small grassland within a valley, with a gentle river flowing through it. There were ponies, seen beside the walkway, seemed to be as curious of me, as I was of them. #china #sichuan #ganzi #naturalwonders #thingstodo The trees at the mountain slopes were at the heights of their autumn display. It's as though the trees had conspired on yellow and green, lower bushes on red and dark green, while grasses on reddish yellow; this autumn color theme was seen all along the way. As the grassland ended, the valley became narrower and narrower. Flanking hills and mountains, and their slopes adorned by yellow foliage, with blue sky and white clouds, forming a variety of autumn display patterns. These revolving around yellow as the main color theme, had yet to bore me thus far. Some forested slopes were sparsely yellow, some were almost completely covered with yellow! This stretch I would say, was really focusing on autumn display as the main sightseeing agenda, without particular landmark to focus on. From a distance, Xiannuoduoji and nearer snow mountains could be seen as the backdrop of the autumn colors. Soon, it was getting late into the evening, so I turned back to walk towards Chonggu Temple. As immersed as I was with the autumn air, wild birds and squirrels appeared along the way back, to momentarily stole my attention to them by the walkway. Some were curious of me, others were into their feeding rituals. The sightseeing continued until Chonggu Temple visitor center, where the sightseeing ended... for now. Daocheng is a municipal serving as the gateway to Daocheng Yading. Shangri-la town is a town serving as the entrance to Daocheng Yading. Yading is a village inside Daocheng Yading, just before the scenic areas. Daocheng Yading is a Park known as Yading Nature Reserve, situated in south of Ganzi, Sichuan, China.

Dali, One of the Most Scenic Places in China located at Yunnan. Yunnan is a province of Flower , beautiful landscape surrounded by snowy mountains. I’m absolutely stunned by its natural beauty. You’ll need to fly to Kunming international airport,the capital of Yunnan. Then, a train / bus / taxi transfer to Dali. Must visit the Ancient City of Xizhou, which offers a great selection of Silver accessories , cotton dye art, handmade souvenirs etc.. Erhai Lake was a highlight along the journey. It is a huge lake, which can be accessed from most parts of the city; however, the further you go from the city, the less people and better the views. #travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #china #yunnan #familytravel #naturalwonders #chinatown

Since the trees of the forest had not completely change their foliage color yet in the last autumn, I decided to visit Daocheng Yading or Yading Nature Reserve this year (2024) about 10 days later than the previous year. I was glad that I did, this time the trees have fully transformed into their autumn foliage color. #china #sichuan #ganzi #naturalwonders #thingstodo In order to have a different experience than the previous visit, I decided on another scenic area, the Xiannairi Snow Mountain. From the Chonggu Temple visitor center, I set out on foot towards Chonggu Temple, a Tibetan temple by the foothill of Xiannairi. It was thrilling to see yellow autumn foliage among green pines beside and behind the beautiful Chonggu Temple, with the ever so majestic Xiannairi in the background. There was actually another route which won't pass by the Chonggu Temple, but I was glad that I chose this route instead. After that, I walked through a trail beside the temple into the pristine forest behind Chonggu Temple. Pines with yellow autumn foliage were everywhere around the trail. Excitedly, I thought this has to be the ultimate autumn display everyone serious into autumn foliage viewing should see! And it was the entire stretch of forest until the trail reach open space at higher elevation, all along in yellow blaze. And there she was, Xiannairi snow mountain, facing the small little me at the open space. Forest at the foothill of Xiannairi and surrounding mountains were a mix of yellow and green. There was so much of mix feeling when facing such grand scenery; excited, appreciative, admiration, respect, and others. I continued walking on the walkway nearer to Xiannairi, an above 6,000 m snow mountain, to visit a lake at her foothill. The view of Xiannairi with Zuomalacuo or Zhenzhuhai (Pearl Lake), and the surrounding autumn foliage display, was intoxicating! The lake has water in various green shades, possibly according to water depth. The end nearer to Xiannairi is deep, while the opposite end away from her is shallow. It's a considerably small lake, and walking around the lake could be leisurely achieved in 30 minutes. There is only one same way in and out of Xiannairi snow mountain, and on the way out, the yellow autumn foliage of the forest was appreciated once more! Further down the foothill, I bypassed Chonggu Temple and reached Chonggu Grassland beside Chonggu Temple visitor center, where my sightseeing continued...

Nestled in the northeastern corner of China, Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland each year, captivating visitors with its enchanting ice sculptures, vibrant festivals, and an array of activities that celebrate the season. As the temperature drops and snow blankets the city, Harbin emerges as a top destination for winter fun, drawing families, couples, and adventurous travelers alike. At the heart of Harbin's winter charm is the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the largest and most famous of its kind in the world. Open from early January to late February, this mesmerizing festival features breathtaking ice sculptures, some reaching up to 20 feet high, crafted from blocks of ice harvested from the nearby Songhua River. Visitors can wander through the spectacular Ice Lantern Garden Party, filled with intricately illuminated sculptures, and explore elaborately themed ice castles that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale.#china #中国 #heilongjiang #黑龙江 #harbin #哈尔滨

Ganzi in West Sichuan, China, is a large, remote and wild place of high altitude. Traveling here relies on road, from one town to another spending one whole day just for that. The weather is very unpredictable, and weather could greatly affect road condition with landslides and rock fall, making the already slow journey, slower. There are also sections which have big altitude climb or drop differences of more than 1,000 m within several km distance and this worsen the threat of altitude sickness, which is said to be worse than traveling at higher altitude without big altitude change. Nevertheless, Ganzi holds a big attraction for me due to its remoteness thus pure and undisturbed. #china #travel #ganzi #sichuan #naturalwonders I chose to travel with tour by tour agency to save myself the hassle of traveling solo, and for safety reason; not that Ganzi is not safe but Ganzi has plenty of travel hazards. With a tour, I could leave the planning to the tour guide, and focus on sightseeing, which was crucial because doing anything at such high altitude would require extra efforts. Most importantly, I have a tour guide to give travel tips and help me if I get altitude sickness. So far, the given travel tips worked without issue, especially on altitude sickness. Another advantage of going to Ganzi with a tour was that they also sell some local produces on board, where the authenticity is guaranteed by the tour agency and Ganzi local government. Traveling in Ganzi is tough, not for those who are sensitive to motion sickness. The distance is big, and much of the time will be spent in the bus, so it is important to choose a tour with more spacious seating, which I did. The appeal of traveling in Ganzi is that the sight on the road is as good as the destinations. If you are not affected by motion sickness on endless road travel and love nature, the tour would be like in heaven, otherwise, it would be like in hell. Roads to some attractions are very windy and bumpy, worsening the threat of motion sickness. If you are the type not affected by motion sickness on land, sea and sky travels, then traveling in Ganzi may be for you. Don't go to Ganzi during the winter because the roads are all blocked up by snow. Don't go to Ganzi at the height of summer like July and August because the heavy rain will cause numerous landslides and rock fall. It is recommended to go to Ganzi during spring, early summer and autumn. I went there in autumn, and it was amazing. At higher altitude, where there were forests, autumn leaves of yellow and red can be seen. Where there were grasslands, rolling mountains of red, orange, yellow and brown were endless, sometimes with grazing yak herds seen. Along the way, streams meandering through wide valleys could be seen from near and far, with patches of yellow, green, brown, orange and red vegetation. Patches of forests on the rolling mountains were intriguing too; some were in different shades of green, others could be brown, red, even blue from afar. The most recommended Ganzi tour would be to Daocheng Yading or Yading Nature Reserve, dubbed as the last pure land on Earth. This place is the purest of the already pure Ganzi! This was a 5 days tour, and we arrived there for hiking at altitude above 3,800 m on the 3rd day. Other destinations along the way would be slightly different between tours and could also change with weather condition, so no point elaborating. The tour would stopover at many locations along the way for toilet breaks, lunch, and sightseeing.

Daocheng Yading or Yading Nature Reserve is dubbed as the last pure land on Earth. I love pure land, and had high hopes before visiting the reserve. The scenery there however had further exceeded my expectation. This happened more than a year ago (2023). A pasture in a nature reserve? Kind of funny! Bought a ticket for sightseeing bus at Chonggu Temple visitor center to Luorong Pasture, and along the way, sight of undisturbed forests and majestic mountains could be seen. When the bus arrived at the pasture, I was like, wow... and my jaw dropped momentarily! Vast grasslands are found all over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and here was one of them in Ganzi, Sichuan, so... so lost of words! The grassland was a reddish yellow carpet. Following the walk board, I entered into this unknown territory. Calm clear streams gently meandering through the grassland. Yet, rugged and majestic mountains surrounded the valley, as if guarding the pasture, acknowledging visitors who were arriving here. And behind these majestic mountains are grand snow mountains, at three sides! I took my time, sightseeing; photogenic angles were everywhere, and it felt like I was being surrounded by beautiful sceneries, as though begging me to photograph everyone of them. There were stretches of shaded forested area along the walkway, where wild deers hopped into the scene under the shade. I did not know what kind of deers they were, but there were more than a herd of them! There were also blue alpine flowers which caught my attention at some slopes. As I walked towards Yangmaiyong snow mountain, the elevation kept increasing, there was even a graceful tall waterfall seen along the way. Eventually a lake came into the view. The colors of the lake waters, its surrounding terrain and autumn vegetation were indescribable, especially grand in scenery with Yangmaiyong snow mountain as the backdrop. On the way out, Xiannuoduoji snow mountain was then the main backdrop of pastures, rivers and forests. Now, wild deer herds were seen among the open bushes. And as the elevation drop further to reveal an expanse of pasture, horses were seen spreaded out and graze peacefully. Some were just beside the walkway, seemed inobvious to human presence. And I thought, "So this is how a pure land looks like!". I was so impressed that I came back for a visit one year later for another autumn viewing experience! #china #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo

Hi everyone (: Something i would have loved to know - You enter in Zhangjiajie city - The popular entrance of the national park is at wulingyuan. - The grand Canyon is about 30mins away from Wulingyuan - Tianmenshan is accessible through cable car at Zhangjiajie city -Carry your passport everywhere Here’s my itinerary: Arrival day Fly in or take a train in, we did a 6 hour bullet train from shenzhen. Take a didi to wulingyuan Check in to your hotel there Dinner and chill Day 1 Have breakfast nearby and enter the park Get on a bus to bailong lift (its the 4th stop) Take the lift up and take a bus to yuanjiajie scenic area. This is where the avatar mountains are Give yourself about 2 hours to walk the whole thing im just really slow but if you are done earlier you can take a bus to yangjiajie but since we didnt have time because the park closes at 5:30pm we decided to head straight to tianzi mountain Take a bus to tianzi mountain and after walking around take a cable car back down and the bus will take you straight to the exit from there its just a short walk back to the hotel. Day 2 We started off later today because we only had the golden whip stream hike planned so after breakfast we headed in but we saw the helicopter ride being recommend and for $98 for 5mins we thought why not and decided to take it hahaha After the heli ride we went back into the park and did the golden whip stream hike. Its about a 6km hike that takes you to the main entrance of the park. So just grab a bus for 10 yuan and it will take you back to wulingyuan and short walk to hotel again Day 3 Today we did the grand canyon. The route recommended is take a didi to the entrance, get on a bus inside the park that leads you to the actual park, go across the bridge, play the VR, take the zipline, slide down the glass slide, and do like a 3km hike to the exit. Thats exactly what we did and the tickets that the hotel helps you buy is all included so really its so worth. We also went to the romance park and watched the show and i tried searching online but it was too late ( usually you buy a day in advance) so i asked the hotel if they could get it for us and they came through. (Check out my previous post about which hotel i stayed in!) Day 4 After checking out take a didi back to the city and check into your hotel. We stayed at orange hotel which was across the road from the cable car that takes you up Our ticket was route A, cable car up, walk around and take the cable car halfway and come back by bus. The route we walked was the west to the east and climbed the stairs down. About a 4km hike around the whole thing Come back down and have dinner and thats the end of your trip! If your flight the next day is at night, definitely take a day trip to furong town, or if you have the energy after tianmen mountain check out the 72 strange buildings. And thats it 😁😁 Hope this can be of some help to someone ❤️ #china #zhangjiajie #tianmenshan #canyon

#2024mapped Running through The Bund on a crisp Sunday morning was a moment of pure serenity. As the sun began to rise, the skyline of Shanghai's iconic buildings began to gleam. The air was fresh and cool, and I could hear the gentle rhythm of my footsteps as I ran along the riverbank, with the famous Oriental Pearl Tower in the distance. It was a peaceful and grounding way to start my day amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. #china #shanghai #travel #thebund #northbund #xmas2024

Shanghai, the enchanting metropolis, is a treasure trove of photogenic spots just waiting to be captured. Today, I'm taking you on a visual journey from Suzhou Creek to North Bund, highlighting the must-visit locations that will elevate your photo album to a cityscape masterpiece! Locations: P1 Shanghai Postal Museum, former Shanghai General Post Office (上海邮政博物馆) 🏰 P2 North Bund Little Dome (北外滩小巨蛋) 🌐 P3 Machang Rd. (马厂路) P4 Zhapu Road Bridge (乍浦路桥) 🌃 P5 Broadway Mansion (上海大厦) 🏙 P6 Riverside Apartments (河滨大楼) 🌉 P7 The Bund (外滩) 🌟 P8 Intersection of Dongchangzhi Rd & Lushun Road (东长治路与旅顺路交叉口) 🚦 #shanghai #landmark #skyline #historical #modern #photography #china #citywalk

During the holiday season, Shanghai transforms into a festive wonderland with several Christmas markets that capture the spirit of the season. These markets feature a mix of traditional European charm and local flair, offering a variety of food, drinks, crafts, and entertainment. 📍Address: Yuanmingyuan Lu / East Beijing road – near the BUND. 圆明园路，北京东路交叉口 Getting There: The Christmas markets are easily accessible via public transportation, with many located in popular areas such as the German Christmas Market on Yuanmingyuan Road and the BFC Christmas Market in the city center. 💰Average Price per Person: The entry fee is 30rmb pre-sale, 40rmb at the door / 预售票30元，现场票40元 Expect to pay around ¥30 to ¥100 for festive treats and beverages. Nearby accommodations range from budget hotels starting at around ¥200 per night to luxury options exceeding ¥1,000. 💞Reasons to Recommend: 1. German Christmas Market: Enjoy traditional German sausages, mulled wine, and festive treats while soaking in the holiday atmosphere. 2. BFC Christmas Market: With over 80 vendors, this market offers a wide range of festive foods, local crafts, and live entertainment. 3. Nordic Yuletide Village: Experience Scandinavian holiday traditions with delicious delicacies and unique activities. 😏Curiosities - The markets often feature beautifully decorated stalls and festive lights that create a magical atmosphere. - Live performances, including music and dance, enhance the festive experience for visitors. 💡 Tips or Advice - Visit during the evening to fully enjoy the beautiful light displays. - Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best selection of food and crafts. Finally The Christmas markets in Shanghai provide a magical atmosphere perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With their festive offerings and lively entertainment, these markets are a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike. #magicalxmastrip #shanghai #china #christmastrip #christmasmarket

The mountain and river scenery at Guilin is elegant and breathtaking, like it came out of an ink painting. 🖼 A cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo is a must-try, and riding a bamboo raft down the Yulong River is so exciting! 🥰 There are many places to catch the gorgeous scenery; the views of the karst mountains are truly magnificent. ⛰️ Don't forget to bring a 20 yuan bill; Guilin's scenery is featured on the back of the bill! 💴 #guilin #yangshuo #guangxi #china

Jiuzhaigou, aka Jiuzhai Valley National Park is gorgeous in autumn, when the leaves erupt in various shades of yellow and orange. Together with the otherworldly blue waters of the lakes, the scenery is simply unforgettable, and a must-visit once in your life. With the opening of Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station, it's now very convenient to plan a trip there, free and easy! #jiuzhaigou #jiuzhaivalley #sichuan #china

Shennong Street feels like stepping into a charming time capsule, where history meets creativity. Lined with beautifully preserved traditional houses, the street is alive with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Lanterns strung across the alley cast a warm glow as you wander through, browsing handmade trinkets and unique souvenirs. As night falls, the atmosphere turns magical, with soft music and the buzz of friendly locals sharing stories. It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern artistry—an experience that lingers long after your visit. I recommend to visit here at night as most of the shops and vendors will be open during this timing. Additionally, be sure to make the effort to explore the boutique stores as they do offer unique items which in my personal experience, can't be found in other parts of Taiwan. #travel#couplestrip#familytravel#china#trip

Step into a winter wonderland at Taichung Old Station, where twinkling lights and festive decor transform the historic charm into a magical holiday escape. The air hums with the joy of carols and laughter, and the nearby markets offer everything from cozy treats to handcrafted gifts. Take a leisurely stroll through the glowing arches and snap pictures with dazzling Christmas installations—each corner feels like a postcard come to life. It’s a heartwarming way to soak in the season’s spirit amidst the timeless beauty of this beloved landmark. I recommend to visit this location at night to get the full experience. #travel#couplestrip#thingstodo#china#trip

As night falls, Jiufen Old Street transforms into a scene straight out of a fairytale. Lanterns glow warmly, their light reflecting off cobblestone alleys filled with the enticing aromas of tea and street snacks. The soft hum of traditional music adds a nostalgic charm as you explore the winding paths, discovering quaint teahouses and artisan shops. From the hilltop, the glittering lights of the coastline stretch out below—a view as magical as the stories this town holds. I recommend to go to Jiufen around sunset so that you can view the place in all its glory with both the sunset backdrop as well as the lights at night #travel#couplestrip#thingstodo#familytravel#china#trip

My trip to Xi’an was unforgettable! Highlights included visiting the Terracotta Army, cycling along the ancient City Wall, and exploring the vibrant Muslim Quarter for delicious local street food like Roujiamo and Yangrou Paomo. I also admired the stunning Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Xi’an’s perfect blend of ancient history, culture, and modern charm made it an incredible destination that I can’t wait to revisit!#familytravel #china

The capital or Shandong Province, Jinan is an underrated, and surprisingly pleasant city! It is known as the City of Springs (泉城) as there are many natural spring water outlets, many of which have been turned into pretty parks. It's easy to walk around the city, there are lots of cute photo spots, and a huge night food market! To be honest, I had never heard of Jinan until I booked my flight from Xi'an to Singapore, which let me have a stopover in Jinan, so I took the chance to explore the city. Friends who are Huanzhugege fans have told me it's the city where Ziwei's mother met the emperor, at Daming Lake (大明湖). #jinan #baotusprings #blackdragonpool #shandong #china

In Jiuzhaigou National Park, there are several places to see water cascades gushing down the slopes, and one of the places is Huohuahai. To see this, I walked in on the walk board (maybe more than 100 m in length) from Huohuahai bus stop beside the main road to the opposite side of the foothill. The highlight of Huohuahai scenic area was: (1) The spectacular upstream view of the valley from beside the main road (Huohuahai bus stop). (2) Water gushing towards me from the valley, flowing to the under of the walkboard beneath me. (3) View of the colorful lake downstream of Huohuahai from the walkboard. (4) Small water cascades among vegetation right beside the walkboard. The walkboard itself is above the Huohuahai waterfall. I only realise this when I walked further downstream from Huohuahai scenic area, in the Shuanglonghai scenic area, where the said waterfall could be seen from a distance. The lakes in Shuanglonghai scenic area is unique because of the various depth of these lakes, with variety of waterscapes in different colors and shades. The walkway which brought me through the scenic area, were beside the shallows, where interesting lake bottom features could be seen and appreciated. The autumn scenery from the hills around here was seen to boast a variety of autumn foliage colors. The surprise of this scenic area was the beautiful Shuanglonghai waterfall found at the end of the scenic area. This waterfall is unique, with water falling from the irregular fault line, and it felt like a masterpiece design of Nature. I would say that the Shuanglonghai scenic area offered me very diverse waterscape views, which satisfied my sightseeing palette. To get here, it is recommended to get down from the sightseeing bus at Huohuahai bus stop, visit the Huohuahai scenic area, walk back out to the Huohuahai bus stop, then from there walk downstream into Shuanglonghai scenic area. To get out, it is recommended to get on a sightseeing bus downstream at Shuanglonghai bus stop (has toilets), which is beside (a distance from) the Shuanglonghai waterfall. One can also choose to walk further downstream from Shuanglonghai waterfall to the next scenic area (more than 2 km) to continue the sightseeing, and get on to a sightseeing bus from the next bus stop there. #china#travel#naturalwonders#thingstodo There are so many "must-visits", so which one to choose? I recommend to not miss any of them! Make plans to visit the park for more than one day, perhaps 2-3 days. Make plans to return again, during the same season or other seasons. There is so much to explore here, and most importantly, top notch sightseeing can be experienced in Jiuzhaigou.

Visiting the Changbai Mountains offers a unique and memorable experience, combining breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of adventure. Located on the border between China and North Korea, the Changbai Mountains are renowned for their diverse landscapes, including dense forests, hot springs, and snow-capped peaks. 1. **Majestic Scenery**: The highlight of the Changbai Mountains is **Tianchi Lake** (Heavenly Lake), a stunning crater lake situated at the top of the mountains. The lake’s clear blue waters are surrounded by towering cliffs, creating a mystical atmosphere. In winter, the lake and the surrounding mountains are often covered in snow, offering a mesmerizing view. The area is also known for its cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, and lush forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers. 2. **Outdoor Adventure**: Visitors can enjoy hiking along various trails that lead through dense forests and rugged terrain. The Changbai Mountains offer trails for both casual hikers and experienced adventurers. In the winter months, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities, while in summer, the trails are ideal for trekking and exploring the diverse wildlife. 3. **Biodiversity**: The region is home to unique plant and animal species, many of which are found only in this area. You may spot animals like the endangered Siberian tiger, black bears, and rare birds like the crimson-crowned woodpecker. The Changbai Mountains also have a wide variety of medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. 4. **Hot Springs and Relaxation**: After a day of hiking or skiing, visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs located around the mountains. These mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic benefits and are a perfect way to unwind while surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the mountains. 5. **Cultural Significance**: The Changbai Mountains have great cultural importance for both the Han Chinese and the Korean ethnic groups. The mountains are steeped in myths and legends, particularly in relation to the **Chinese Creation myth**, which associates the mountains with the origins of the ancient Chinese people. Additionally, there are several Buddhist temples and shrines in the area that offer insight into the region's religious and cultural practices. 6. **Weather Variations**: The experience of visiting the Changbai Mountains can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In winter, the area is covered with snow, making it a winter wonderland ideal for snow-related activities. In the summer, the weather is more temperate, and the landscape is lush and green, perfect for hiking and outdoor exploration. Overall, a trip to the Changbai Mountains is an immersive experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to connect with nature, the Changbai Mountains provide an unforgettable destination. #travel#naturalwonders#china

China's ancient capital for 13 dynasties, Xi'an is rich in history and culture. It's a fantastic place to visit if you like dressing up in hanfu; you'll see other tourists wearing them everywhere, even on the subway and at restaurants! The old name for Xi'an is Chang'an (長安), so you'll see lots of photospots and souvenirs with this name. There are lots of Halal eateries available (look for the sign 清真); most meat is beef or mutton. Must-eats: Roujiamo (肉夹馍) is delicious, and biangbiang noodles literally slap! 🍜 The Terracotta warriors is a must-visit~ #xian #changan #china #shaanxi

Bipenggou (毕棚沟) is on the back side of Mount Siguniang (四姑娘山), and is a 4-hour drive from Chengdu. The highest elevation at Yanziyanwo (燕子岩窝) is about 3,900m, but the route is mostly bus rides and electric car rides up, not much walking required if you don't want to. Late autumn is a great time to visit if you want to see autumn colors + snow 🍂❄️, though it depends on your luck! It snowed the day before I went, so I got to see these gorgeous mountain views~ 😍 #bipenggou #chuanxi #mountain #china #snow

In Chengdu, Panda Base is where you can take a stroll among vegetation surrounding which is supposed to be suitable habitat for giant pandas. The roads and walkways are well maintained, and the area is large, where at least half a day could be easily spent here visiting different camps where the giant pandas live. In addition to giant pandas, red pandas can also be seen here. The base has all sorts of plants, a lake with wild ducks and aquatic vegetation, flowers and flower beds, and some wild birds among the bushes. There are food vendors and restaurants beside the lake, and a panda museum near to the south entrance/exit. Where pandas were seen, there were always crowds of people admiring and photographing the pandas. There were less people at the red panda camps. I went to the Panda base (South entrance) around 10 am, and there were a lot of visitors. Polices and security guards were stationed at places with large crowds, keeping the place safe. Even though I went late, I saw several giant pandas solitarily sleeping outside, perhaps the autumn weather was agreeable and comfortable for them to sleep outside; Hua Hua, the Internet star, was also seen sleeping outside! Some were seen feeding around afternoon. Some camps were empty, perhaps the pandas were indoor. In the red panda camps around afternoon, I saw several red pandas actively moving around, one was seen feeding and two were sleeping. On the way out, I visited the panda museum to learn about the giant panda, and it was a nice way to end the visit. Ticket Booked from trip.com. There were specific entrances which allow entrance using passport, so find out which before lining up. Transportation Booked transportation (return) from trip.com app. It was a direct bus to the panda base from Chengdu city, and return. #china #travel #thingstodo #citydaytours

Mission Hills shopping mall is the best place to shop in town! It has many well-known brands such as Adidas, Converse, Nike, North Face, Puma… The stores always have great discounts, so you can find awesome deals every time you visit. The shopping area is big and easy to walk around, and there are lots of places to eat if you need a break. The atmosphere is good and is not too crowded. Whether you’re looking for clothes, shoes, duty free products, or something special, Mission Hills Shopping mall is the place to go! . . . #2024mapped #shopping #shoppingmall #outlet #haikou #hainanisland #hainan #china #chinalife

Swan Lake Animal Base, 天鹅湖动物基地, is located in Haikou, Hainan province. It’s an ecological park where you can see many animals, including capybaras, big turtles, swans, monkeys, and alpacas. The park is big, and it’s a fun place for families, especially with young kids. It is easy to spend around 2-3 hours there. Most of the animals walk around freely and visitors can get closer to them and even feed some of them. Overall, it’s a great activity to do in Haikou. . . . #2024mapped #hainan #hainanisland #china #familytrip #zoo #familytravel #haikou #animals

I had a wonderful experience at Sofitel’s restaurant located on the 35th floor. The views are absolutely spectacular, specially at night with the skylights. The ambience is elegant and peaceful, providing a perfect setting for any occasion. The menu offers a nice variety of beverages and food. You can enjoy your meal either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferences. If you are looking for a special place to celebrate an occasion, this restaurant is a fantastic choice. . . . #2024mapped #haikou #sofitel #hotel #restaurant #china #hainan #hainanisland

Shenyudao Holiday Hotel in Baoting is a serene retreat where everything feels peaceful and relaxing. It is truly one of the best hotels surrounded by nature we’ve stayed in so far. The amenities and facilities were outstanding, and the staff’s dedication made our stay even better. Everyone was friendly and attentive. Our room was spacious, clean, and cozy, with a wonderful balcony offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the infinity pool. The hotel provided multiple activities to do such as meditation, boat rides, tea ceremony, Jade carving…We really loved them! Shenyudao Holiday Hotel is easily a 10 out of 10. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing escape in Baoting. . . #2024mapped #hainan #hainanisland #baoting #relax #hotel #hotelstay #hotelreview #hotelstaycation #peaceful #Shenyudao #china #chinatravel #chinatravel

Jiuzhaigou is a famous scenic area located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is named after the nine Tibetan villages within the valley, though only three of these villages are currently inhabited. The valley is filled with pristine forests and numerous lakes of varying sizes, offering unique scenery throughout the four seasons. Known as a "beautiful fairytale world," Jiuzhaigou is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare wildlife like giant pandas. Its snow-capped peaks, untouched forests, crystal-clear lakes, Tibetan villages, and traditional cultural elements create a distinctive cultural and natural landscape. Key areas within the valley include Shuzheng Valley and Zechawa Valley. Jiuzhaigou's natural beauty and cultural charm complement each other, with each season offering unique scenery. The vibrant lakes and reflections of snow-capped mountains in autumn and winter are particularly captivating, providing visitors with a poetic and picturesque experience. The Nuorilang Waterfall is one of Jiuzhaigou's most famous landmarks, located in the Rize Valley section. It is one of Sichuan's largest waterfalls, standing at an altitude of 2,365 meters, with a width of 270 meters and a height of 24.5 meters. As one of China's major travertine waterfalls and the widest waterfall in the country, it presents a magnificent natural spectacle. Since Jiuzhaigou's opening hours are typically from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, a two-day itinerary is recommended to fully experience the beauty and attractions of the area. Considering the vast size of Jiuzhaigou, with its widely distributed lakes, waterfalls, forests, and Tibetan villages, a one-day visit may not allow for a comprehensive tour. It’s indeed a bit regretful not to have explored all the scenic spots in Jiuzhaigou this time, especially given its breathtaking beauty and the unique charm of each site. However, this leaves something to look forward to for the next visit! #travelanywhere #jiuzhaigou #travelchina #travel #china

Today, I explored the enchanting Old Town of Lijiang, a place steeped in history and culture. Wandering through its cobblestone streets and past the traditional Naxi architecture felt like stepping back in time. A highlight of the day was visiting the serene Dragon Pool, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Lijiang’s rich history and vibrant charm make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a glimpse of ancient China. #Lijiang #OldTown #DragonPool #Travel #China #HistoricBeauty

Highly recommended for next morning layovers. I used China Southern Airlines for my trip from Europe to Asia, had an overnight layover in Guangzhou, and stayed at this hotel directly connected to the airport. Within 5 minutes to the terminal The hotel is directly connected to Terminal 1 (also accessible by bus), and it takes 5 minutes to Terminal 2 by a free shuttle bus. During peak times, the shuttle runs every 20 minutes, and every 30 minutes at other times. We had our luggage checked through and already had our boarding passes, so we took the shuttle 1.5 hours before boarding time. There might be slight delays due to traffic in front of the terminal. Clean and tidy rooms The room was clean and had no particular issues. As is common in China, the bathroom has a glass wall that allows you to see inside from the room, but you can lower the electric curtain inside the bathroom for privacy while bathing. Wide variety of breakfast options The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of Chinese, Western, and Japanese dishes. There were Cantonese noodle and Chinese porridge bars where staff would prepare your preferred noodles or porridge. Personally, I found the porridge to be delicious. The Japanese section had natto and miso soup. There was also sushi, but I didn't try it. The kids were thrilled to have ice cream for breakfast. Attentive service In recent years, the service level in China seems to have improved, and this hotel was no exception. During breakfast, they brought drinks for the kids, and when we were waiting for the shuttle bus, the front desk staff helped with our luggage and guided us to the waiting area sofa. Overall, the service was very pleasant.

Changhai and Wucaichi are scenic areas with the highest altitude in Zezhawa Valley of Jiuzhaigou National Park. Changhai (Long Lake) not only has the highest altitude (approx. 3,100 m above sea level) but it is also the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. It is a deep lake with clear water within a valley, with mountains at both sides, thus boast the most majestic view of Jiuzhaigou. There is a walkboard near to the water level beside the lake, which showcase view into the valley where the lake is. Colors of water seen were from green in the shallow, to dark green, blue green and navy blue as according to the depth of the lake. Wucaichi (Five-Color Pond) is one of the most popular scenic area with a considerably smaller, several meters deep lake. The water here is unbelievably crystal clear and surprisingly colorful with the main color theme being turquoise with green, yellow, red brown, blue and indigo found amongst, perhaps due to reflection of the surrounding vegetation, perhaps due to an interplay between water depth, and lake bottom structures and colors. It's not difficult to see why Wucaichi is so popular and so much loved by the people. There is only one recommended route of visit, that is to get down at Changhai bus stop, spend time visiting the Changhai scenic area (has toilets), then walk for several hundreds meters downstream to Wucaichi scenic area. After that, it is recommended to get out by boarding a sightseeing bus from Wucaichi bus stop (about 300 m downstream of Wucaichi scenic area) all the way out to Nuorilang Visitor Center, for transfer to other scenic areas. These two scenic areas are highly recommended when visiting Jiuzhaigou. Be sure not to over-exert yourself if you visit here since the altitude here is above 3,000 m. #china #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo