40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN IX: Wuyi Mountain--------the Beauty of Confucianist

Wuyi Mountain

                          ---- the Beauty of Confucianist

Wuyi Mountain tour is must-see attraction to travelers who want to explore Chinese culture. As the main mark of southeast of China and one heritage of UNESCO’s world culture heritages list, Wuyi Mountain is highly praised with its origin and development of Neo-Confucianism. Besides, Jiuqu River valley rafting is popular with tourists. If you want to appreciate the flat peaks and crystal river, rafting is your top choice in your China mountain tour to Wuyi. The 8 km drifting will let you have a great view of beautiful Wuyi Mountain. 
　　

General Introduction of Mountain Wuyi

Mt. Wuyi scenic spot, located in the southeast of Wuyi Mountain chain, south suburb of Wuyi city, Fujian province, is a famous Chinese tourism resort. It should’t be missed in your best China tour. Known as the First Famous Mountain of Fujian, the physiognomy of Wuyi Mountain belongs to Danxia landform. And Tianyou Peak, one peak of Wuyi mountains, is known as the first perilous peak in Wuyi. You won’t miss it in your China mountain tour.

Overlook View of Wuyi Mountain

Moreover, Wuyi mountain is a historical and cultural famous mountain, a must place to explore Chinese mountain culture in your China mountain tour. Early in the Neolithic Period, the ancient Yue people multiplied here. And the famous “Jiahou Ship” and “Hongqiao Plate” on the cliffs are hanging coffins left by ancient Yue people. In western Han dynasty, Emperor Wu of Western Han once sent an emissary to Wuyi Mountain to sacrifice the Wuyi god. Then in Tang dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang issued a bunch of famous mountains and rivers including Wuyi mountains and also ordered that mountain forests should be protected and cutting trees should not be allowed. Actually, Wuyi mountain is always a famous mountain of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism since Qin and Han dynasties. There are many relics of Taoism temples, and nunneries. Wuyi mountain was once a place where Confucianists and scholars gave lectures. Taking a China mountain tour to Wuyi is worthwhile.

When you take a Wuyi Mountain tour, you maybe want to know the attractions of Wuyi mountains. So I am pleased to show you that. The famous attractions of Wuyi mountain chain are included Mt. Wuyi, Mt. Huanggang, Jiuqu River, Wuyi Water Curtain Cave, Wuyi Taoyuan Cave, National Forest Park, Qingzhou Rafting, Wuyi Palace, Wuyi Grand Canyon, Mt. Wuyi Longjing and Tianyou Peak. All of them are worth to be toured in your China tour to Wuyi.   

The Climate of Mountain Wuyi

Wonderful Scenery of Wuyi Mountain

When to take a China cultural tour to Wuyi , some information about the local climate is a must thing to you.The four seasons in Wuyi mountains are distinctive because Wuyi mountain chain is located in the subtropical zone. Overlaps of mountains, most of which are higher than 1800 meters, are formed a natural protective screen. It can stop or weaken the north cold air invasion. And the characteristics of Wuyi climate are abundant rainfall, high humidity, long moist weather and significant vertical change. Above all, the annual average temperate is 17.6 degree and annual average precipitation is 1864mm. And it is available to take a Wuyi Mountain tour in every season. Though it is cold in winter, the beauty of Wuyi also get a special flavor in your best China tour to Wuyi. Though the temperate of summer is relatively high, it is also fantastic to take a China tour to Wuyi because everything is growing flourishingly and the natural scenery of Wuyi is the most attractive at that time. 

Local Species in Wuyi Mountain Tour

I am happy to introduce some local species to your guys when you take a Wuyi Mountain tour. Wuyi Rock Tea, also known as Da Hong Pao Tea, produced in the famous mountain Wuyi, is the masterwork of Chinese oolong tea with the scent of green tea and lusciousness of black tea, one

Da Hong Pao Tea

of Chinese top ten teas. You won’t miss it in your China tour to Wuyi. Wuyi rock tea bushes grow in the gulls of mountains, so named rock tea. Another famous Wuyi tea suggested to your best China tour is Jinjunmei Black Tea which is a high-end black tea first developed in 2005 on the base of traditional Wuyi Zhengshan Souchong black tea. Jinjunmei black tea is a tea treasure and its birth filled the blank of Chinese domestic market without high-end black tea.   

Tasty Feast in Wuyi Mountain Tour

Snacks is must in every China tour without exception of Wuyi mountain tour. There are variety of Wuyi snacks, such as Zixi Noodles, Smoked Goose, Lean Meat Soup, Qingming Guo, Zhuzi Xiao Mother Cake, Huma Rice, etc. You can find them easily in the Wuyi tourism district. Among them, Zhuzi Xiao Mother Cake is created by the famous Confucianist Zhuxi in south Song Dynasty.
Besides the above famous local snacks for your China tour to Wuyi, there are many seasonal snacks in Wuyi mountain region, such as Frozen Lychees. Frozen lychees, made of wild lychees,

Rafting on the River

is not only delicious but also with a cooling function, so it is popular in summer. Another seasonal snack is Paddy Fish which is addicted by most Wuyi local people. Paddy fish grow in water fields with rice. So-called paddy field fish is a kind of fish growing up by eating rice flowers. Paddy fish grow slowly and can’t grow largely but its flesh tastes very fresh and delicacy. However, you can only taste it when rice is mature in late summer or early autumn every year.    

Transportation of Wuyi Mountain Tour

It is convenient to go to Wuyi scenic spot from Wuyi city in China tour to Wuyi. There are tourism express buses along the way to Wuyi mountain. 
As for airplane transportation, Wuyi airport has been opened 10 airlines to Fuzhou, Xiamen, Jinjiang, Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Changzhou.
As for railway transportation, there is one air-conditional fast train to Wuyi from Fuzhou, Xiamen and Quanzhou everyday. Moreover, there are two trains to Wuyi from shanghai daily. Is is more convenient for people to take a fantastic China Wuyi tour. 
　　
Ticket Tips in Wuyi Mountain Tour
Wuyi pass:
Wuyi one-day tour: RMB 210(including entrance ticket RMB 140 and sightseeing transfer fee RMB 70)
Wuyi two-day tour: RMB 235(including entrance ticket RMB 150 and sightseeing transfer fee RMB 85)
Wuyi Three-day tour:RMB 255(including entrance ticket RMB 160 and sightseeing transfer fee RMB 95)
Wuyi Jiuqu Rafting ticket: RMB 100 

White Horse Temple

White Horse Temple

The White Horse Temple enjoys the reputation of the No.1 Ancient Temple of China. It lies on the south of Mangshan Mountain, and faces the Luohe River in the south. The construction of the temple started in the 11th year (68) during the Yongping reign of Emperor Mingdi in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). The White Horse Temple has a history of over 1900 years. It is the first temple built since Buddhism spread to China in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). 

The Whole View if White Horse Temple

According to historical records, Emperor Mingdi of the Eastern Han Dynasty dreamed of a golden man flying above the courtyard. After he woke up, the emperor sent Cai Yin and Qin Jing as envoys to western regions to invite Buddha and learn Buddhism. The two envoys underwent much hardship and met two eminent Indian dignitaries She Moteng and Zhu Falan on the way. 

Cai Yin and Qin Jing came back to Luoyang City with the two monks, and a white horse carrying the sutras. Emperor Mingdi ordered the construction of the temple to the north of the imperial road outside the Xiyong Gate of Luoyang City. The White Horse Temple, built after the style of Indian temples, was the place for She Moteng and Zhu Falan to translate Buddhist sutras and write sermons. In order to memorize the white horse for its carrying back of the sutras, the temple was named the White Horse Temple.

White Horse Temple

The White Horse Temple has undergone many repairs and renovations in all previous dynasties. The present appearance is much different from its original one. What we see today was restored during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), with an area of 34,000 square meters.

Facing south, the main buildings of the temple stand on or along the central axis, including the Temple Gate, the Heavenly King Hall, the Great Buddha Hall, the Main Hall, the Jieyin Hall, and the Pilu Pavilion, etc. Beside those main buildings are the Reception Chamber, the Cloud-water Chamber, the Ancestors Chamber, the Guests Chamber, the Buddhist Chamber, and the Abbot Courtyard and so on. The huge White Horse Temple has over 100 rooms.

Places to See

Hall of Heavenly Kings

This hall was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty. In the middle of the hall sits a laughing Buddha - Maitreya. It is said that the Buddha was once incarnated as a beggar monk with a purse, which actually contained all the treasures of the world. The shrine is made of wood with over 50 vivid dragons carved into it and is truly a remarkable example of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) culture. On either side of Maitreya stand the four majestic 'Celestial Kings'. Each holds a different weapon and all four are clay sculptures moulded during the Qing Dynasty.

Hall of Heavenly Kings

Hall of the Great Buddha

This hall boasts the most spectacular architecture in the whole temple. The roof is covered with exquisite pantiles; the upturned eaves and the bracket system reflect the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). A statue of the Buddhist patriarch Sakyamuni stands in the middle of the hall for people to make offerings to. He is flanked by two of his disciples - Kasyapa and Ananda. The one with sutra in his hands is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom - Manjusri. The other is the Bodhisattva of Universal Benevolence - Samantabhadra. All of these statues provide vivid portraits with smooth lines and demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty.

Hall of Guidance

This hall is where the Amitabha Buddha is worshipped and is the smallest in the temple. This Buddha is in charge of the Western Paradise. On his right and left are the Bodhisattva of

Hall of the Great Buddha

Moonlight and the Goddess of Mercy respectively. Both sculptures are captured in clay and were produced during the Qing Dynasty. It is said that at the words of 'Amitabha Buddha', one will be led to the Paradise after death. Amitabha is therefore known as the Buddha of Guidance, hence the name of the hall.

Hall of Mahavira

This is the most magnificently decorated hall in the temple. The roof is carved with colorful lotus patterns and the walls are hung with thousands of the wooden statues of Buddhist figures. In the centre of the hall stands a two-storey Buddhist shrine exquisitely carved with birds in flight and giant winding dragons which lend the shrine its awesome appearance. The three saints Sakyamuni, Amitabha and the Buddha of Medicine look jovial with the eighteen arhats standing around and all are made from silk and hemp. Each one weighs only three to five kilograms (about seven to eleven pounds). The colors on these statues are still as fresh today as when they were first produced during the Yuan Dynasty. They are priceless treasures of the nation.

The Cool and Clear Terrace

The Exterior of Hall of Mahavira

This is a high brick terrace built in the yard at the rear of the temple where the sutras and Buddhist figures, brought back by the white horse, were once stored. It is also the place where the two Indian monks translated the sutras during the Eastern Han Dynasty. The terrace was the first place at which Buddhist sutras were translated in China and for this reason, it is one of the most famous locations in the temple.
Outside the temple, there is a tiered brick pagoda named Qiyun Pagoda, which is actually the oldest of China's ancient pagodas. It is the earliest example of ancient architecture in Luoyang and also one of the most precious Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) structures in the Central Plains of China. Standing south of the pagoda and clapping your hands, you will discover that the echoes you hear sound quite similar to the noise of frogs croaking. This perplexing phenomenon attracts many curious tourists every day.

As the first Buddhist temple in China, the White Horse Temple plays a significant role in the history of Chinese Buddhism and China's international cultural exchanges. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the People's Government paid much attention to the temple and thoroughly restored it several times from 1952 to 1973. It has become an attraction to domestic and foreign tourists.

40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN VIII: Yugang Grottoes, A Treasure of World Grottoes

Buddhism, one of the most popular religions in China. You can find a lot of Buddhist architectures like temple, Grottoes which built many years ago. Yugang Grottoes, will be talked about in the article, is one of the four major grottoes in China. Explore it when you take a China tour to Datong.

Chapter Eight

Yungang Grottoes, A Treasure of World Grottoes

Are you interesting in culture heritages in China? Are you curious about Chinese Buddha? If one of the answer is YES, you should not miss this article. 

Background of Yungang Grottoes

Talking about Yungang Grottoes, the first thing you should know is the background. The grottoes

Whole View of Yugang Grottoes

were built in Northern Wei Dynasty around A.D.460 for emperors to pray for the country prosperity and to release souls from suffering. Although at that time, the Buddhism was not as prosperous as it in Tang Dynasty, the governors hoped the grottoes of Buddhism can consolidate their power. It took years to finish this gorgeous heritage and it witness the prosperity and decline of Chinese grottoes.

Introduction of Yungang Grottoes

Composed by 45 grottoes, yungang grottoes is one of the four greatest grottoes in China and is a UNESCO Culture Heritage (Grottoes) together with Mogao Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and Dazu Carving in China. It is also the essence of Chinese grottoes in 5th century.

Facing the 45 grottoes, you may be confused and want to know which one is the best one. Among the 45 grottoes, the first 20 are the best ones for tourists to this scenic spot. The

The 20th Grottoes

content of grottoes, the carving skill and painting are the top ones comparing with the rest. yungang Grottoes are the beginning of stylish transformation of grotto art into Chinese. By seeing the first 20 grottoes, you will learn track of how Indian and Middle Asia Buddhism art were changed into the Chinese one. Besides, the grottoes will show you three periods’ artistic style of China --exotic in Early Northern Wei, luxury in Middle time and exquisite in late Northern Wei. If you are interesting in Chinese culture of Northern Wei, yungang Grottoes area good reference.

Recommended Grottoes in Yungang Grottoes

Although the first 20 grottoes are the best ones for traveling in yungang Grottoes, there are some most popular ones among the first 20 grottoes. 

The Fifth Grottoes 

The 20th grottoes: Carved three Buddhas, it is the representative of yungang Grottoes Carving Art

The 16th grottoes: There are thousands of Buddhas carved with shrine. The carvings are beautiful.

The 15th grottoes: Called the Wanfo Grotto, here you will see ten thousand buddha carving here.

Being a relic built in 1500 years ago, yungang Grottoes are not as charm as before. With time goes by and people’s damage, the color of the carvings has faded and many statues in the grottoes are broken. Chinese government has taken actions to restore the broken ones but it is a huge project. If you travel to yungang Grottoes, please following the guide.

40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN VII: Landmark of Qingdao, Zhan Qiao Pier

It's Summer in China Now and it's very hot in many cities. If you travel in China now, I recommend Qingdao as a summer resort to you. When you visit Qingdao, you will see a famous bridge by the sea. It is called Zhan Qiao, which is a symbol of Qingdao.

Chapter Seven

Landmark of Qingdao, Zhan Qiao Pier

Have you been to Qingdao? Have you known something about Qingdao Zhan Qiao Pier? 

Although Zhan Qiao pier is not the top attractions in China, its history background make it an important part of Qingdao city and a must-see attraction during your China tour to Qingdao with the famous Tsingtao Brewery Factory and Catholic Church. 

Overlook View of Qingdao Zhan Qiao

Milestone: Landmark of Qingdao City, the first scenic spot since Qingdao government began to operate tourism and one of the Qingdao Top 10 scenic spots.

Location: At the southern shore of Qingdao off Zhongshan Road. 

Originally, Qingdao Zhan Qiao pier was built by government to transfer the military resources in Qing Dynasty. It was 200 meters long and 10 meters wide. In 1931, it had been reconstructed and the length of it had been prolonged to 440 meters . Besides, a pavilion was added on the pier called Huilan Ge (回澜阁). From 1998 to 1999, local government renovated Zhan Qiao that makes it more beautiful than before. To people in Qingdao, they think Zhan Qiao Pier is the symbol of our homeland.

Back to Lan House

In the vicinity of Zhan Qiao Pier is the small Qingdao Island (Xiao Qingdao), the Qingdao Navy Museum, and many neighborhoods featuring German colonial architecture. The coastline lights up at night with spotlights on nearby buildings and several neon billboards.

Visiting Qingdao, you should not miss Zhan Qiao pier. Being the witness of Qingdao’s development, it will tell you more about this city. Knowing a city should learn the history and culture of this city. Zhan Qiao pier is a channel for you to learn Qingdao.

40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN VI: Huangguoshu Waterfalls

Do you remember the astounding waterfalls in the film Up? It's very very beautiful, isn't it? There also is a very splendid waterfall in China, in the article, follow me to discover the amazing scenery in Guizhou.

Chapter Six

Huangguoshu Waterfalls

Brief Introduction of Huangguoshu Waterfalls

Huangguoshu waterfalls, located in the Zhenning autonomous county, Anshun, Guizhou province , is the biggest waterfall group in the world. You won’t miss it in your China Guiyang tour. There are 18 cascades along Dabang River with Huangguoshu waterfall as the core, formed the gorgeous characteristics of grandness, strangeness, precipitousness and excellence. It is worthy of taking a China tour there. And Huangguoshu waterfall group was list in the Guinness World of Records as the biggest waterfall group in the world in 1999. Moreover, Huangguoshu waterfall is

Huangguoshu Waterfall

the essence of the waterfall group. It is the only waterfall in the world that can be appreciated from six direction such as up, down, forward, backward, left and right and there is a natural water curtain cave behind the waterfall, so Huangguoshu waterfall could be touched, watched both inside and outside from the hole. China Huangguoshu tour will make your trip unforgettable.

If you take a China tour to Huangguoshu, you should know that the main scenic spots in Huangguoshu waterfalls are Huangguoshu waterfall scenic spot, Shitou Zhai scenic spot, Tianxing Bridge scenic spot, Dishui Tan waterfall scenic spot, Baling river valley, Three Kingdoms ancient road scenic spot, Doupo Tang scenic spot and Langguan scenic spot.   

Besides, there are two travel line suggested to your China Huangguoshu tour. The first one is Huangguoshu waterfalls-----Tianxing Bridge------Doupo Tang-----Tianlong Tunbao one day tour. The other is Huangguoshu waterfalls-----Tianxing Bridge------Doupo Tang------Longgong one day tour.

Information of Scenic Climate

In summer, the temperate is around 30 degree in Huangguoshu waterfall scenic spot with a relatively strong solar radiation. You should prepare some shading coats in your Huangguoshu

Close Shot of Huangguoshu Waterfall

tour. And summer is the time when Huangguoshu waterfalls own abundant water volume so many tourism channels are slippery. You need prepare your raincoat in advance. Note that when caught by a thunderstorm in your China Huangguoshu tour, remember not to use an umbrella. Besides, in spring and autumn, the rainfall in scenic spot is abundant and the weather is very cold, you should take two more warm clothes before your Huangguoshu tour and some common medicine as well. 

Local Species

Some local species should’t be missed in your China Guiyang tour. Named after Huangguoshu waterfall, Guizhou cigarette factory produced Huangguoshu cigarette. And a kind of local fruit named Huangguo, it is famous around travelers who take a China tour to Guiyang Huangguoshu. The fruit of Huangguo is golden yellow and tastes sweet and little sour with enough moisture. You may have a taste in your China tour. Moreover, the wax printing and embroidery of Miao community are also very famous. In those many Miao embroidery works, the most famous works are girls’ splendid attires and flower back fans used in the Jump Flower Festival. It is worthy of taking some Miao embroidery works home in your Huangguoshu tour.

Sculpture

Tasty feast in Huangguoshu waterfalls   

Food is the paramount necessity of the people. It won’t be missed in your Huangguoshu tour. Local Anshun dishes are Babao baby lampreys, roast pig, gastrodia elata yuanyang pigeon, cold mix houttuynia, houttuynia fried pork, etc. And local snacks are Anshun beef noodles, Zhenning bobo sugar and Zhenning huajiang dog meat.

The Transportation of Huangguoshu Waterfalls

1. Air Transportation 

The fastest way to take a China Huangguoshu tour is by air. Huangguoshu airport has been opened through several cities such as to Guangzhou, Qingdao, Kunming, Shenyang, Chongqing and Beijing since built in 2004. And it is located in the east suburb of Anshun city not very far to Huanguoshu waterfalls.

2. Railway Transportation

The railway transportation in Anshun is relatively developed. It may be a good choice to take a China tour to Huangguoshu by train. The railway from Guiyang to Kunming passes throughout the whole city and Anshun is connected with other provinces by Guiyang-Anshun, Sichuan-Chongqing, Chongqing-Guangxi and other railways. Moreover, the tourist-dedicated train

Tourists are Taking Photo of Huangguoshu Waterfall

“Huangguoshu” setting back and forth between Guiyang and Anshun everyday enhanced the inner provincial tourist transportation. Besides, the railway station of Anshun is located in the end of Nanhua Road, easy to get to. There are buses directly to Huangguoshu scenic spots with a transfer fee of RMB 8.

3.Highway Transportation

Huangguoshu scenic spot is located in the southwest of Anshun, 45km away from Anshun city and 137km away from Guiyang. There are many comfortable and quick highways to Huangguoshu waterfalls. It takes only around 2 hours from Guiyang to Huangguoshu by coach.

Ticket Information of Huangguoshu waterfalls

The ticket including Huangguoshu waterfall, Tianxing Bridge and Doupo Tang
High season(March to October): RMB 180 per person
Low season(November to February) RMB 160 per person
Huangguoshu Stone Museum: RMB 70 per person
Huangguoshu travel package(including scenic ticket, Stone museum, and sightseeing car): RMB 300 per person
Scenic spot escalator: round trip RMB 50 per person; single trip RMB 30 per person
Scenic environment car: RMB 50 per person： 
Tianxing Bridge cable car: RMB 10per person
Shitou Zhai scenic spot: RMB 40 per person
Shenlong Cave: RMB 70 per person
Huangguoshu drift: RMB 160 per person

40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN V: Shangri-La Potatso National Park

Have you traveled in Yunnan? Will you lost in the dreamy scenery? Have you visited Shangri-la when you take a China Yunnan Tour? If it is, there is an attraction you shouldn't miss.

Chapter Five

Shangri-La Potatso National Park

A General Introduction of Potatso National Park

Potatso park, located in the east of Jiantang town Shangri-la county, is 35km away from the county seat. You won’t miss it when you take a China tour to Shangri-la. Bita Lake is the center of this beautiful park. The whole area of Patatso park is 1418 hectares, about 14km wide from east to west and 60km long from north to south. The highest point is “Mini Pond” altitude 4159.1 meters and the lowest point is “Hecha Channel” altitude 3180 meters in the conservation area. You should pay attention to the altitude reaction when you take a China Shangri-la tour.

Picturesque Scenery of Potatso Park

　　
The word “Potatso” means the god reached the other side of the lake by a boat in Tibetan. Potatso Park, combined by Bita Lake and Shudu Lake ecotourism area, is the most famous scenic spot of Shangri-la county, Diqing city., so it is a must-see to travelers who take a Shangri-la tour. Beautiful ecological environment and mysterious folklores endow the national park extremely high aesthetic value of ecological diversity and cultural landscape. It is worth to visit Potatso in your dreamland tour to Shangri-la.
　　
Potatso National Park is full of mirror-like alpine lakes, abundant grass pastures, flowers in full bloom wetlands and animals and birds haunting virgin forests. Taking a Yunnan Tour to Potatso will make you see abundant and various animals and plants species. And Bita Lake and Shudu Lake are known as Highland Pearls, abundant with mountain carps and heavy lips fish. You can have a taste in your China Shangri- tour. Every autumn and winter, plenty of wild ducks and other birds are playing by the lake; every spring and summer, mountains of azaleas and unknown wild flowers are blossoming everywhere, contrasted finely with singing birds. You will be intoxicated with the fragrant flowers and twittering birds during your China ethnic minority discovery tour to Shangri-la. When

Autumn Scenery of Potatso Park

wondering in the pastures, listening the tinkle of the horse neck bells and seeing the rising wave of smoke from distant herdman’s shed, you will find all of these are so harmonious with the surrounding natural environment. It will make your China Shangri-la tour unforgettable.

The Climate of Potatso National Park

The climate of Potatso national park belongs to subtemperate climate with long autumn and winter and short spring and summer. You should pay attention to the low temperate there in your China tour. The annual average temperate is 5.4 degree. The hottest month is July with a monthly average temperate of 13.2 degree; while the coldest month is January with a monthly average temperate of 3.8 degree below zero. It follows that the climate of Potatso is relatively low because of the high altitude. So please note the cold weather in your Shangri-la China tour. With the abundant rainfall, sometimes Potatso park is indistinct in the mist and cloud; sometimes it is totally hidden in the sea of cloud just like a fairyland. Such kind of climate makes the plants in the scenic area flourish and brings about a variety of species. You may learn something there in your Shangri-la tour.   

Squirrel

Potatso Transportation Guide

When taking a China Shangri-la tour to Potatso, You can take a night bus from Kunming to Shangri-la county about 10 hours. Or you can choose to take a plane from Kunming to Shangri-la county about 50 minutes. After you get to Shangri-la county, you can take a bus to Potatso park from Shangri-la passenger depot. Remember that there is only one bus to the park, departing at 9:30am and returning at 3:00pm. Or chartering a vehicle is also a good choice to Potatso park from Shangri-la. The transportation of Potatso is relatively convenient in your Shangri-la tour. 

Ticket Tips

Ticket: RMB190 (including entrance ticket and sightseeing tourist car ticket. )
Opening time: November to March: 8:00~16:00.
            April to October: 8:00~17:00.

40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN IV: Hongcun Village---- A Village in the Picture

Would you like Chinese Ink and wash painting? In the article, I will show you an ancient village, Hongcun Village, which is a typical Village like Chinese ink and wash painting. Let's go!

Chapter Four

Hongcun Village---- A Village in the Picture

Picturesque Village of Hongcun

If you deeply love Chinese water printing, you have to go to Hongcun village to experience the beauty of Chinese village when taking a impression China tour. With a 900-year-old history, Hongcun village has been attracted thousands of tourists from all parts of China and abroad. They fall in love with the quiet atmosphere and unique Hui-style architecture here. Two or three people wondering along the narrow green stone trail, industrious farmers working in rice fields at a distance and beautiful images of ancient houses reflected in the clear water, all of these make you can’t help but want to paint down the whole vision. 

Beautiful Scenery of the Piece of Hongcun Village

Hongcun village is located in Yi county, Anhui province, 33km away from Mt Huangshan scenic spots. Because of located in a relatively high altitude, clouds and mist steaming and lingering around, Hongcun village is really like a picture of slowly unfolding landscape scroll. So it is known as the village in Chinese paintings.

Characteristic of Hongcun Architecture

The main construct of Hongcun village is dwelling houses and private gardens, together with school and ancestral temple, with a complete construction group. Whole architectures are built magnificently with exquisite and elegant wooden carving, brick carving and stone carving. The village streets and alleys are almost built alongside water and the layout of houses are around Lunar Palus. Most dwellings are binary yards. Local villagers even introduced water to their yards and opened up fish ponds. The typical architectures are Nanhu School, Lexu Hall, Chengzhi Hall, Songhe Hall and Bi garden, etc. If you go to Hongcun village in your China tour, you will be amazed at the unique architecture style.      
　　

Climate of Hongcun Village

The climate of Hongcun village is close to oceanic climate with a lot of rainy day and soupy weather. The average annual temperate is 7.8 degree and average annual rainfall days are 183 days, among which April to June rain most. The annual rainfall of mountain is 2395mm and

Geese are Swiming in the Pond in Hongcun Village

average snowy days are 49 days. At an altitude of 630 meters of hot spring area, the summer average temperate is 25 degree, winter above 0 degree. For a Anhui village borders mountain forest and water landscape: gurgling streams gently flow through the whole village, houses and landscape of lakes and mountains enhance each other’s beauty. Hongcun is appropriate for traveling four seasons. 

Local Specialty

Hongcun village owns not only poetic scenery but also deep ancient cultural flavor. Because the surrounding mountain chains once hindered the communication between Hongcun village and outside world in ancient times, it created Hongcun village “a land of idyllic beauty” with abundant local specialties, such as ancient Huizhou embroidery, Keemun black tea, Yi county mushroom, etc. You also can find famous specialties of Sixi town-----broadleaf holly tea, Chinese torreya and arrowroot flour which all are good for people’s health.

Local Events

The most popular event in Hongcun village is game bird, which is a traditional folk activity during

Keemun Black Tea

the Chinese Spring Festival since Qing dynasty. In recent years, with the expending influence, many game bird fans are attracted to go here watching and gaming. People who raise birds communicate the aviculture experience with each other and take part in the game. The competition birds are all male throstles and the whole competition includes bird singing, bird’s imposing manner and bird fighting. Besides, some tourism activities are held in Hongcun village too, such as China Huangshan Village International Tourism Festival, International Mountain Bike Festival and Yi County Photography Festival.
　　

Local Accommodation 

With the development of Hongcun village tourism, the local hotel industry has began its new epoch since 2006. Almost every local family if they own several free rooms begin to run rural farmhouse inn. So now it is more convenient to lodge there if you take a Hongcun tour for several days. You can lodge in the wing room with carve pattern bed if you are good luck. For a better tour, you had better book the room before you travel Hongcun village when you take a China tour during Chinese golden holidays or festivals because rooms are large demand at that time.  

Recommended Travel Routes 

1. Four hours traveling

Line: Entrance----Ancient Ginkgo Tree---Ancient Red Poplar Tree----Taoyuan Habitat----Deyi Hall----Lunar Palus----Jingde Hall---Tourist Center----Exitance.

Tourists are Biking around Hongcun Village

It is a leisure line with a not far journey recommended to people who don’t like traveling too tired. 

2. Six hours traveling

Line: Entrance--- Lunar Palus ---- Deyi Hall ---- Taoyuan Habitat ---- Ancient Red Poplar Tree ----Ancient Ginkgo Tree --- Nanhu School---Tourist Center---Exitance. 
It is a relatively leisure line. You can visit the all attractions along the journey and wonder in the old residence, enjoying the beautiful scenery of whole village.  

Note:
1. Tickets: 104RMB for three days.
2. The best time to travel Hongcun village: March, April and November.

March and April are the seasons of rape blossoming with endless rape flower, green mountains and crystal water and beautiful white wall and black tile houses. 
Early November is a season of strong autumn. The red maple leaf of Tachuan is as red as Beijing Xiangshan Mountain.