China, one photo every day

[comewithme2008]

amazing pics!

[riasbaixas]

2008.09.27















Guangxi position in China


With its location five kilometers northwest of the downtown of Guilin, the Reed Flute Cave is a brilliant cave marked on almost all travel itineraries. The cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. Inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Illuminated by colored lighting, the fantastic spectacle is found in many variations along this 240-meter-long cave. Walking through the serried stone pillars, tourists feast their eyes on changing spots, feeling they are in a paradise.
Tourists enter the cave and then take a U-shaped sight-seeing route to see different spots, whereupon they exit it from another cave quite near the entrance one. One trip lasts about one hour. It is a Chinese habit to give each formation a legendary or poetic name such as Crystal Palace, Dragon Pagoda, Virgin Forest, Flower and Fruit Mountain and other interesting names. For some of these names, you need to use your imagination, but the story behind each is quite fun. It's a pleasure to listen to romantic or fairy tales whilst appreciating the fantastic stone formations. Both the stories and the lighting add mystery to the scene. Although there are different kinds of lighting inside, you are not supposed to take photos unless you are a professional photographer, because the light inside is not sufficient for exposure. At some spots, such as the Crystal Palace or Flower and Fruit Mountain, special photography is offered at 20 yuan for one picture. (They use special equipment to provide enough illumination.) Some 70 inscriptions on the cave wall are said to be travelogues and poems derived from the Tang Dynasty, which made the cave a popular tourist site at that time.

[HKG]

Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, Guangxi

I've been there ten years ago.

[Yooglee]

wa3333333 ! amazing pics !

[riasbaixas]

2008.09.28



There are 6 drum towers in Gaoding, 5 are visible in this photo.






Guangxi position in China


The Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County is the only Dong county in Guangxi. Sanjiang features well-preserved Dong villages with their wooden houses, drum towers and shelter bridges which dot the countryside hereabouts, The Dong makes up 50% of the population in Sanjiang. The other nationalities inhabiting there are Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Menchu, Hui, Maonan, Gelao and Yi.
Dong people in Sanjiang have a very unique food culture. Sour dishes are their favorite. Almost all kinds of food they make are served in sour flavor.
Gaoding is a little village (高定寨) located 2hrs uphill trek from Dudong and it is the most primitive and intact Dong village of Sanjiang. Wooden houses scattered in the valley with greens clustered around and 6 drum towers dotted among (one more than Zhaoxing, the "town of drum tower"), which claims most of the attraction in the rolling landscape.

[riasbaixas]

2008.09.29















Guizhou position in China


Maling River Canyon is located at the juncture of Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, about 334 kilometers (around 208 miles) southwest of Guiyang, the capital city. Maling River Canyon is a display of karst features with multiple stratifications and categories. It is famous for its deep rift, waterfalls and calcium tapestries.
Maling River Canyon is a long, deep rift cut by the surging Maling River and the groundwater. It has a length of about 74.8 kilometers (around 46.5 miles) and an average depth of 200-400 meters (about 219-437 yards). The narrowest point of it is just 50 meters (about 55 yards) wide. Overlooking from above it looks just like a narrow crack while looking up from the bottom one can only see a strip of the sky. It is indeed a rare scene. It has been given the title of 'A Beautiful Scar of the Earth' by seasoned travelers.
It is said that the Maling River Canyon consists of around 100 waterfalls, each 100 meters (about 109 yards) high or more. The most beautiful waterfalls are the Pearl Waterfall and the Rainbow Waterfall. The Pearl Waterfall is a group of waterfalls dropping from a 100-meter (about 109 yards) high cliff. Droplets of these waterfalls splutter in all directions like abundant pearls in the air. The Rainbow Waterfall consists of eight waterfalls pouring down at the same time. As they arrive at the bottom, a mist of water rises and rainbows appear in the sunshine.
On the two faces of the canyon, there are miles of calcium sediments. Some calcium sediments are like hanging tapestries while some are like waterfalls. Local people call them calcium tapestries or calcium falls. These sediments vary in color and shape. Colorful and vivid pictures form on two sides.
The best time to drift along Maling River is from June to October. During this period, at the main spot one can take in sights of 13 waterfalls at one time.

[d.haibo]

so beautiful,as chinese ,i don't know where it is if you don't tell us

[riasbaixas]

Originally Posted by d.haibo

so beautiful,as chinese ,i don't know where it is if you don't tell us

near Xingyi

[riasbaixas]

2008.09.30


















Hainan position in China


Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛) in Haitang Bay, has an area of some 1.48 square kilometers (365.7 acres). With an irregular butterfly-like shape and a total coastline of 5.7 km (3.54 miles), the island is about 30 km (18.6 miles) north-east of Sanya City.
Wuzhizhou Island was known as Guqizhou Island in ancient times and the earliest records date from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when a temple was built to commemorate the originator of Chinese characters, Cang Jie. Following the Qing Government's fall from power, the villagers rebuilt the temple to honor the Goddess Matsu, who bestowed good fortune on the local fishermen. From 1949 Wuzhizhou Island became an important strategic defense zone. However, from the 1990s, the island began to enjoy a completely new role as a romantic place for holiday and leisure.
As the island is in a tropical marine zone, the climate is temperate and pleasant all year round. It is an ideal place for vacation, winter swimming as well as entertainment. There are over 2,700 plant varieties on the island, including the tall trees and dense bushes. The eastern and southern parts of the island are hilly and two high mountains connect to form a peak about 79.9 meters (262 feet) high. In the west and north, the terrain is level. Soft white sand stretches as far as the eye can see beside a crystal clear blue sea, where protected coral reefs are rich in conches, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and tropical fishes of various colors.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.01












Hebei


If comparing the Great Wall to a dragon then Qinhuangdao is located at the head facing the sea. Lying five kilometers (three miles) south of Shanhaiguan Pass, Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) is the eastern starting point of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Great Wall. It extends about 20 meters (66 feet) into the Bohai Sea like a dragon drinking water, hence its name.
Laolongtou is the place where the Great Wall meets the sea. Laolongtou comprises the Chenghai Pavilion, the Nereus Temple, the Estuary Stone City, the Jinglu Beacon Tower, the Nanhaokou (Southern Estuary) Pass and the Ninghai City. In 1900, the Eight Power Allied Force invaded Shanhaiguan Pass and destroyed the Laolongtou. In 1984, it was rebuilt by the people of Shanhaiguan.
This part of the Great Wall was built in the 7 th year of Wanli reign in the Ming dynasty (1579) and was mended in the 7 th year of Kangxi reign in the Qing dynasty (1668). Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty would stop here for a visit on their way to Fengtian (Present - day Shenyang) to worship their ancestors, which makes the city even more worthy of its name.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.02






Dry season:



Heilongjiang position in China


The Diaoshuilou Waterfall is located at the northern end of the Jingpo Lake in mountains south of Ning'an County, Heilongjiang Province. The Jingpo Lake was called the Huhan Sea during Bohai Shire Period (698-926) of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and later called Bi'erteng Lake, which means the lake is as tranquil as a mirror, in the Ming and Qing dynasties. As what it is called Jingpo (mirror lake), the water is crystal clear and tranquil like a mirror. During summer and autumn seasons, the lake takes on a fascinating look with mountains decorated with trees and flowers, birds hovering in the sky, fish jumping up and down in the lake, and the reflection of rocks and rosy clouds setting off each other.
The Diaoshuilou Waterfall is at the outlet of the Jingpo Lake where lies a crack formed during the cooling of lava. The water pours down through the crack to a deep pool underneath, with a fall of over 20 meters high and more than 40 meters wide. The waterfall bursts forth white waves that shine with multicolored rays of morning or evening sunshine and gives out a thunderous sound. In winter, the waterfall changes into an ice curtain, hanging down from the cliff. To the east of the waterfall is a pavilion with guardrails and rocks, providing a good place for people to stand or sit while viewing the great spectacle.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.03



Henan position in China


Zhengzhou is the capital city of Henan Province, and an important railway hub on the Beijing-Guangzhou and Xi’an-Shanghai rail lines. Zhengzhou is the major railway junction between the Longhai railway (east-west) and the Jingguang railway (north-south). It is home to the national grain wholesale market and a new high-tech science park. Along with its modern economic position, Zhengzhou played a key role in China’s early civilization as the site of an early Shang dynasty walled city some 3,500 years ago.
Situated south of the Yellow River and east of the Songshan River, Zhengzhou was one of China’s earliest cities, thought to have been the second capital of the Shang dynasty some 3,500 years ago. Archaeological sites around Zhengzhou have yielded abundant Neolithic pottery and technologically early forms of the bronze ritual vessels and weaponry that were defining elements of Shang material culture.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.04

Bank of China Tower, Citibank Plaza (Citibank Tower & ICBC Tower) and Cheung Kong Centre.






Hong Kong location in China:



Garden Road (花园道) is a major road on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, connecting the Central and Mid-levels areas.
At its lower (Central) end, Garden Road forms a grade-segregated intersection with Queensway. For most of its length, Garden Road carries traffic only in the downhill direction. Uphill traffic is carried by Cotton Tree Drive, parallel to and to the east of Garden Road. Cotton Tree Drive merges with Garden Road just above the intersection with Upper Albert Road, and Garden Road continues uphill to an intersection with Robinson Road and Magazine Gap Road in the Mid-levels.
Garden Road is rich in historical and heritage value. The Bank of China Tower, Citibank Plaza, St. John's Cathedral, St. John's Building, the lower terminus of the Peak Tram, the United States Consulate-General, and the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens all lie on the road.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.05









Hubei


Located at 74 Huapo Road, Hankou. First built in 3rd year of Guangxu, Qing dynasty (1887). The original name was "Gude hut". The temple is facing west with an area of 20 thousand square meter and a construction area of 3600 square meter. Entering the main gate, people cross the corridor (called "The four heaven king hall"), pass through the courtyard, and then reach the unique designed grand hall which can accommodate 1000 people. On the left of the grand hall there are abbot’s room, realizing room, Kwan-yin hall, scripture lib; on the left is the living area, with monk’s room, guest room and dining room. On the left and behind of the temple are circled by bamboos.
The temple was destroyed in the "cultural revolution", but recently was going under renovation and has been reopened.

[Ysh]

I love China. Thank you for posting!

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.06












Hunan position in China


Embraced by continuous mountains, the artificial Baofeng Lake (Treasure-Peak Lake) is located in the Suoxiyu Scenic Area in the south of Suoxiyu Town of Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. Originally known as Shijiayu Reservoir, the Baofeng Lake was later named after Baofeng Mountain (Treasure-Peak Mountain) and opened to tourists.
Reputed as the abode of fairy mother goddess on earth, the Baofeng Lake is a rare high gorges lake and shaped by surrounding mountains into a narrow strip. It covers an area of 30 hectares and has a depth of 72 meters. Lying in mountains, the Baofeng Lake is filled by streams without pollution. The lake has a fascinating landscape with surrounding mountains and a mid-lake island.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.07






Inner Mongolia position in China


Hulunbuir (呼伦贝尔) is a region that is governed as a prefecture-level city in northeastern Inner Mongolia. Major scenic features are the high steppes of the Hulun Buir grasslands, the Hulun and Buir lakes (the latter partially in Mongolia), and the Khingan range. Hulun Buir borders Russia, Mongolia, Heilongjiang province and Hinggan League.
They say the map of China is shaped like a rooster heralding the dawn. The Hulun Buir Grassland is on the rooster's comb. The plain was named after the handsome Hulun and beautiful Buir, two young Mongolian lovers in a legend. The young lovers are separated and become the lakes Hulun and Buir. The area is the home of many minority ethnic groups, and it is an important place for the festive occasions of the nomadic groups in north China. The Hulun Buir Grassland is known as the Kingdom of Pastureland and has more than 1,000 species of plants. On the grassland are green grass, beautiful flowers, zigzag rivers, crystal-clear lakes, sheep and cows, and herdsmen's yurts sending forth the fragrance of wine and of tea with milk.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.08



Jiangsu position


Located in the southern part of the Yangtze River delta, Taihu Lake (太湖) is the third largest freshwater lake in China. With a surface area of about 2,338 square kilometers (about 902 square miles), Taihu Lake is a famous scenic spot in China and is famed for its lake, its hills and its splendid man-made scenery.
Taihu Lake is just like a bright pearl set in the Yangtze River delta. It crosses Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, where 48 islets of different sizes and 72 peaks and peninsulas along the lake combine to form a panorama of great natural beauty. The best place to view the beautiful Taihu Lake is on the Turtle Head Islet. Turtle Head Islet is an islet stretching into the lake, whose shape is really like the head of a turtle protruding from the water. Taihu Lake and the surrounding magnificence will bewitch your eyes when you climb onto Turtle Head. When the soft breezes blow, waves roll and the hills in the distance look like an overlapping landscape painting. The scene is really captivating. Turtle Head Islet Park is mainly made of the natural landscape, augmented by man-made additions. Flowers and trees can be seen everywhere. Various kinds of architecture are strategically placed among the trees and shrubs. All conspire to make the park graceful and elegant.
Besides the natural scenery of Taihu Lake, there are many ruins of historic sites, such as the Grand Canal of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the Islets in the lake along with the coastal places in the east, the north and the west both of which are the cradle land of the culture of Wuyue (this culture touches on traditions that flow from or refer to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the southeast part of Anhui Province today) and so on.
Taihu Lake is an abundant source of fish.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.09



Jiangsu position in China


On average, the people in China's countryside are poorer than their cousins in the city and they have fewer prospects for benefiting from the nation's much-vaunted economic growth. But one village a few hours' drive away from Shanghai has come up with its own route to prosperity and is providing a model for the development of other rural areas.
Huaxi village in Jiangsu province doesn't feel like a Chinese village at all. Visitors are greeted by row upon row of white houses with red roofs, and it looks more like American suburbia transplanted to the Chinese countryside. Today they say Huaxi is China's richest village.
Hundreds of official tour groups flock to Huaxi each day to learn about the village, even visiting the homes of "ordinary" residents.
It's hard to believe that Huaxi village was once poor. The secret to its phenomenal success was its move from agriculture to industry. Thirty years ago, the village was starting to behave more like a city and look like one too, as it built factory after factory.
This move away from agriculture is the reason the villagers of Huaxi are so rich. On the floor of one of the village's numerous factories, hundreds of workers in white coats sit at sewing machines stitching dark blue jackets. This textile shop is part of Huaxi's business empire. The village now owns 80 factories. It has expanded to swallow up 16 neighboring villages and employ thousands of migrant laborers. The original villagers are now enjoying the rewards of that strategy. Last year, they earned more than $10,000 per person, 25 times the national average for farmers.
And Huaxi keeps on growing. Construction is under way on a $2.5 million clock tower surrounded by fountains that will shoot water 17 stories high.
Many of the tour-group visitors are government officials hoping to learn from Huaxi's success butt village chief Wu Xie En says it's not a one-size-fits-all formula.

[riasbaixas]

2008.10.10






Jiangxi position in China


The Longhu Mountains of Jiangxi province, lie alongside the Luxi River. On each side of the river hang thousand-foot precipices, leaving caves whose faces are entirely covered with natural caverns of all sizes. Coffins are hung inside these caverns, situated between 20 and 100 meters from the water below. The means by which the ancients got the heavy coffins into the holes on sheer cliffs remain a mystery.