Little Cat Travel Around The World

Thank you very much, who give us help in Wenchuan Earthquake

2008-05-30T15:01:37Z

I'm in Chengdu, Sichuan China. Also affected by the earthquake.
After the 12nd May, Wenchuan earthqake, many foreign friends sent me the E-mail to check whether I am alright.
Thank you, thank you very much to all the foreign friends!

Every bad thing will go soon, we will be fine soon!

It's a beautiful county, blue sky, thick forest, traditional custom and hard working people...

It was really a massive tragedy.
Many people lost their lives, many people lost their homes...

We will keep those beautiful natural scenery in our mind, and we will keep those peopel in
our mind too.
We will try our best to rebuild our hometwon much more beautiful than before.

Thank you very much, who give us help in Wenchuan Earthquake remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Motorbike Tour to Shangri-la, China (III)

2007-11-29T03:45:46Z

In this tour, we passed by many high mountains over 4000m elevation.

This is Mt. Jianziwan.

It's called Mt. Tu'er, "Tu'er" means "Rabbit" in Chinese, for two rocks on the top of the mountain look much like a rabbit's ears.

This is Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery in Zhongdian.

We were getting close to the sky!

Riding in these mountains make me forget all my unhappiness.

This is the grand Tagong Tibetan Monastery.

Bamei Stone forest.

This yak is so cute, very very tame.

Motorbike Tour to Shangri-la, China (III) remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Motorbike Tour to Shangri-la, China (II)

2007-11-29T03:31:00Z

The motorbike tour to Shnagri-la has been finished for a long time. But too many work to do in past three months.
It's a happy tour, with good team leader, good guide, and good group member...and also a good route. It's really very interesting. I saw many Tibetan houses, they are very different from the houses we usually see in the cities, they are quiet, peaceful and also beautiful. And Tibetan people are hospitallity, we enjoyed the Tibetan food, as the Tibetan tea, yak meat, fungus and many other delicious food.
En route, we saw many Tibetan rode the motorbike, they said the motorbike is much conveniet than the car, for most of the road they will pass by is the moutain road, sometimes the road condition is not that good and the way is too long...so the motorbike is the best choice.
And we aslo saw the horse team, people here always using the horse to deliver the goods or other things, it's the main transportation way and cheap and convenient.
After leaving the Kham area in Sichuan, we went to Yunnan province, there are many famous beauty spots, such as Lijiang, Lugu Lake, Sifang Street, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leeping Gorge, all these beauty spots were in our itinerary.
I want to show you the photoes of this trip, want to share my happiness with you!

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This is Taoping Qiang Stockaded Village. It is in Li County administrated by Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
The whole stockaded village has 98 families. It is a "Living Fossil" for keeping construction culture and art for original Qiang Nationality Stockaded Village, and is reputed as "Mysterious Orient Age-old Castle".
The peopel here regard the white stone as their God, and they put the white stone on the top of their houses.

This is Danba Jiaju Tibetan Stockaded Village, which lies on the riverside of the first region of Dadu River--7km in north of Zhanggu Town of Danba, and it is located on the traverse mountain in Ganzi Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China.
Houses in Jiaju Tibetan Nationality Stockaded Village are distinctive in Tibetan type. One family lives in one pavilion. Generally, pavilions back on the norht and face the south. Three to five were set up together, or one stood away from the group. The pavilion occupies about 200sq.km. It is over 15 meters high made by stones and woods. The existing patterns of Jiaju Tibetan Village has been ranked at the top of "Ranking List of China's Six Most Beautiful Villages and Ancient Towns" in "Ranking List of China Most Beautiful Places" sponsored by China National Geography magazine.

This is Choede Gompa (Changqingchuke'er Monastery in Chinese) in Litang County. Litang(elevation of 4014m) is called the "World Highest City".

Motorbike Tour to Shangri-la, China (II) remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula--The God of Grassland

2007-11-07T07:58:16Z

The God of Grassland---Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula

A huge mountain range runs for 6000km from the west to the east in the middle part of the South Tibetan Plateau. It joins Gangku Kachi in the west, and by stretching southeast, is connected with Boshula Ling of the Hengduan Mountain Range, with its center swelling northward. This is the renowned Nyainqen Tanggula Mountain Range, which serves as the watershed of the of the two big water systems--the Brahmaputra and Jujiang River, dividing the Tibet Autonomous Region into three large regions--North Tibet, South Tibet and Southeast Tibet. As early as the end of the Tertiary Periodand the Quaternary Period,controlled and preeed by the Nujiang Fracture Belt and the Brahmaputra Fracture Belt (running east-west),the area of Nyainqen Tanggula Mountain became Fractured, folded and rose violently now and then, forming the huge mountain range at 6000m above sea level. Located on a satellite mountain range, which is at 7126m above sea level, the main Peak of Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula is in the mass of high peaks towering most sharply in the middle of the west Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula. At 90°6’ E and 30°4’N, it lies
in Damxung county of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Neighboring it are four peaks which are arranged east-westward closely to one another.

They are respectively at 7162m, 7111m, 7117m and 7046m above sea level, with the 7048m Mt. Qiongmu Gangri at the south end. Nyainqen Tanggula, means The God of Grassland in Tibetan language, expresses the reverence and hope of the Tibetan people. The perfectly Straight lie of the precipitous mountain reveals a grand view. Looking just like an eagle’s beak and abundant in precipices, the summit of the main peak is wrapped in clouds and fog in the day time and covered by heavy snow all the year round. It has produced three main ridges—the West Ridge, the East Ridge and the South Ridge while two glaciers lie across the valley on both the south and north sides, extending straight down south. In addition, lots of ice wall and open and hidden crevasses are
extremely perilous, magnificent and wonderful.

At the northwest foot of the main peak rests the second largest Salt lake—Namtso Lake, meaning Heavenly Lake, which is the highest located vast lake in the world—at 4716m above sea level. Extending into the center of the lake is Zaxi Peninsula with its Zaxi Temple, where the pious followers of Lamaism make nothing of the hardships
for pilgrim and pay homage to the divine Nyainqen Tanggula Mountain and the holy Namtso. In the lake area, one can enjoy the pleasure boats and accommodation inns of Tibetan style for a short rest. At the south foot of the main sits the beautiful Yangbajan Valley which is on the gigantic geological fracture belt between Mt. Nyanqen Tanggula
and Gangdise Mountain. Rich in terrestrial heat, it owns not only the common hot springs and fountains, but also jet-air hole, hot-water rivers, hot-water lakes, hot-water swamps as well as the Heat Museum, rare in the world. Since the smooth and resilient bathing water makes it the ideal place to refresh travelers and to cure diseases, tourist
conservatories and bathing spas as well as terrestrial heat station, the largest of the kind in China, are built.
Nyainqen Tanggula Mountain has characteristics in the Obvious inland arid climate as it lies in the hinter—land of the continent and is screened by mountains and held back from the cold current in the northwest and the warm current from the the India Ocean. The precipitation of this area each year generally differs From 200 to 400mm, centering in the rainy season. In spring, however, the melted snow often gives rise to disasters.

Thus, mountaineering activities are usually focused in the months from May to September which prove to be a rather good time for It.
On may 8,1986, three persons from the Mountaineering Team of Japan’s Northeast University, made the successful ascent of the Summit. They started from the south slope, went on to the Southwest branch of the ridge and finally turned to the west ridge for the summit.
The route line to the mountain--a 10-kilometer drive brings you from Lhasa up to Yangbajan and then Banuco. The base camp site may be erected at the exit of Banuco River of 4800m above sea level.

Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula--The God of Grassland remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Some photoes about Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base

2008-01-30T01:39:50Z

This morning, my friends and I paid a visit to Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base, we set out from the hotel at 8 am, it costs 40 or 50 minutes driving to there.
The keeper will feed the panda at 9.30am, lucky, we catch on the time.
And here are some photoes to share with all.

Some photoes about Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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A Fantastic Off-road Tour in Kham

2007-11-28T03:02:40Z

If you've been working for a long time, you must be want to have a totally relaxed travel out of office to breath the fresh air, to see the something which you can not see in the modern cities, want to try something new,and try to find back yourself...
I've joined in an Off-road club,and we had a nice off-road tour in Kham area.
We set off from Chengdu, passing by Ya'an, drove throught Mt. Erlang tunnel.

From left to right: Mr. Liu, Mr & Mrs Xie, Heinrich, Karin, Thomas, Sunny and a couple (we met them on the road). Forget to put myself in... What a pity!
And passed by Luding to visited the famous Luding Iron Bridge. The bridge built with several iron chains, and put wooden boards on them... cool feeling.And that river is called Dadu River. First day, we overnighted in Kangding, which is called the Hometown of Kangding Love Song.

Another day, we go to Jiagenba, it is a remote place, few people living there, everything looks that quiet.

We had a short break here. In the noon time, the weather was very good.

We like driving in these places, like a horse enjoys running on a wide grassland.

It's Longdeng grassland.

Landwind.

Even it was Sept, it snows in the plateau area. Strong flowers in the snow.

After seeing too many skyscrapers in the cities, I felt very relax in these beautiful sceneries.

Travel by ourselves driving will be much more enjoyable than take the tour bus, we could stop time by time to see what we want to see.

The weather changes greatly, the most important thing is to bring enough warm clothes.

We've did full preparetions, haha, making Chinese tea in the open air. Just enjoy!

Have a try of the Chinese cuisine cooked by foreign friends!

Different travel has different scenery, but only one feeling--happiness keeps the same from the beginning till the end!

A Fantastic Off-road Tour in Kham remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Motels in Kham area in China

2007-10-17T09:05:22Z

Is there anyone traveled or want to in Western Sichuan, in China?
The Kangding airport will be open in the May, 2008, it is about 40km away from Kangding City, and close to Tagong grassland.
Those motels will provide western breakfast, as coffee, milk, bread, egg. etc. Motels will also provide travelers with bicycles, jeep or motorbikes.
And there will be a small factory for mending the cars, bicycles... It's much more convinient for travelers. All these motels are moded the western motels' style with 4 star class. The name of them is 318 Express Motel.
The motels in the pics are understruction, the one in Danba will be open next year.
The motels will be set up in Danba, Hongyuan, Xinduqiao, Daocheng, Shangri-la, and Bamei....

All friends here are travel lovers, could anyone give some suggetions towards these motels, and make them more comfirtable for we travelers to use! Or tell what kind motels will be the best in your mind!

Xinduqiao 318 Express Motel

Danba 318 Express Motel

Danba 318 Express Motel (night sightseeing)

Hongyuan 318 Express Motel

Motels in Kham area in China remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Motorbike Tour to Shangri-la, China (I)

2007-11-29T03:32:26Z

Hope it will be an unforgetable tour of this year. The routine is: Fly to Chengdu-Wolong-Wenchuan-Taoping Qiang Stockaded Village-Gu'er Gou-Markang-Danba-Bamei-Yajiang-Litang-Xiangcheng-Derong-Zhongdian-Lijiang-Ninglang-Lugu Lake-Xichang-Shimian-Ya'an-Chengdu-Leave. It's a 21days tour. The most time we will travel in the Tibetan area, to feel the Tibetan folk custom, see the Tibetan monastery, taste the Tibetan food, overnight in the hotel with Tibetan style... Experience many things different from our daily life and the tours we had before.
Maybe we will meet the heavy rain on the road, but we will fly as free as a bird on our motorbikes....

These are two newly bought motorbikes,type-200GY, this type of the motorbike allowes two people.

It's an off-road motorbike, type-ZS250-5.

Checking motorbike before setting off.

Beautiful smile.

Do checkings.

Setting out from Chengdu.

In the city.

Feel cool!

Team leader Heinrich.

Heinrich is a very kind man.

Two ladies in the group.

On the way.

Motorbike Tour to Shangri-la, China (I) remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Giant Panda: Theme Tourism (One)

2007-08-14T07:35:11Z

Sichuan Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve
In 1963, Wolong national nature reserve was established to protect rare wild animals and plants such as giant panda, gnu, Chinese dove tree and forests which give priority to nature ecosystem and wild animal national nature reserves. It is located in Wenchuan county of Aba, an autonomous prefecture of Zang nationality and Qiang nationality. The reserve bestrides both Wolong and Dida, with a length of 52km from west to east and a width of 62km from north to south. Its total area is 200 thousand hectares.

The height above the sea level of the Wolong nature reserve is from 1,150 to 6,250 m, and it is in the scope of Qinghai--Tibet Plateau, with a weather condition which can be described as small differences in temperature, evident wet and dry seasons, a concentrated rainfall and a obvious vertical variety in climates. Wolong has several world famous praises such as "hometown of giant pandas", "broad-spectrum gene pool of animals and plants" and "natural park of animals and plants". There are altogether more than 150 giant pandas in this reserve and there are 65 giant pandas bred in wild, finishing a ratio of 10% of the total amount. There are 56 kinds of species which are listed as rare species in danger which are under national protection such as giant panda, golden monkey and tain, among which, there are 13 species such as giant panda, golden monkey, white-lipped deer, takin, leopard, ounce, couded leopard, golden eagle and black and black ibis belonging to the wild animals and plants under first class protection, and there are 42 species such as Rock Ptarmigan, Tibetan macaque, black bear, otter, Aaian golden cat, blue sheep and zibet belonging to the wild animals and plants under second class protection. In Wolong reserve, there are 450 kinds of vertebrates and 1,989 kinds of higher plants. There are 23 kinds of plants in danger which are under national protection such as Chinese dove tree.
Wolong is the biggest natural species base which is conserved best in China at present. It joined the "man and biosphere" reserve network of UNESCO in 1980 and established China Giant Panda Protection Research Centre by way of cooperation with world wildlife fund. There is and exclusive China Wolong Giant panda museum; there is the first giant panda open-field ecological monitoring station-Wuyi shed; there is the giant panda garden of CCRCGP (the biggest semi wildness giant panda captive feed field).
As an obvious country vertical plant strip chart with a range from semi-tropical zone to frigid zone; there are developing modern glaciers and ancient glacier relics. Natural sight of Wolong collected characters such as mountain, water, forest, cavity, danger, severe, queer and beauty together. High mountains and meadows, original forests, flowing springs and flying waterfalls, rare and fantastic flowers and grasses, red leaves, snow mountainsides, rareand fantastic animals and cloud sea would make you reluctant to leave. The four seasons in the same mountain and the different weathers within 5 km are really surprising.

Scenic Areas <Spots> Along Wolong
China Wolong Giant Panda Museum
This museum mainly presents living environment, history evolovement, self features, accompanying animals as well as feed, procreation, protection research of giant pandas.

Lesser Panda Ecological Museum
It was established in 1992 and there are more than 10 lesser pandas. You can indulge yourself in the semi-wild environment of lesser pandas to experience the harmonious happiness of the human being, animals and nature.

Giant Panda Garden of CCRCGP is located at Hetaoping, the core terra of original habitats
It is a all-around scientific research place which collects protection, scientific research, procreation and feed, popular science education and sight-seeing together. Here, you can view and admire the typical open-wild biological environment of giant pandas and understand the living habits of giant pandas, and you can also see the giant pandas playing.

Yingxionggou Valley
Yingxionggou Valley is 10 km up Wolong villa, and it is at the left side of the Pitiao river, which makes it the sisiter valley of Yinglong Canyon. The mouth of the valley is cragged and erected, and the mountain is permeated with dense fog. The valley is full of vigor and majesty, and the age-old trees are reaching the sky; hill springs fly down from very high cliffs, just like a silver curtain flapping straight to the bottom of the valley. Earthshaking battle cries vociferate among the dense fog in the valley. Going through the four tunnels named of Xianfeng, Youquan, Tingquan and Shuilian, you can find a completely green arrow bamboo sea, which is the breeding site of giant pandas. Go forward, you can find an original forest and you can enjoy the heroic bearing in a long distance provided the weather is fine.

Yinglong Canyon
Yinglong Canyon is 11 km up Wolong villa, at the right side of Pitiao river, which makes it the sister valley of Yingxionggou valley. The mouth of the canyon looks like the one cut by and axe and the canyon body is very stiff. Rare apexes pile up each other and the canyon is rich and varied as rosy clouds are rising slowly. At the lower places of the canyon, the age-old trees shield the sky. The green leaves of spring and summer are the setoofs of the fresh flowers, both sides of the mountain are entire red in autumn, beautiful snow in winter is the silver garnitures and the frozen frost is an ice screen.

Balang Mountain
Balang Mountain is 30 km up Wolong villa, and it is kind of typical high mountain and meadow vegetation with a plain scene. At the opposite side of Dengsheng is the Mamengou with a peaceful hypsography, which is the headstream of Pitiaohe River. The original forest is stretching to horizon, which allows you to enjoy the abstruse, profound, quiet and peaceful nature deeply. Walking up along the road, you can taste the obvious vatieties.

Zhenghe Landscape Area
Zhenghe landscape area is 11 km down Wolong villa. The height above the sea level is from 1,600 m to 2,500 m. It is a typical high mountain and canyon physiognomy where original vegetation is well reserved. The dense forest in the valley is very deep and profound. The ways are peacefu. The group apexes are straight and severe. The flying waterfalls and the brooks pour down and there are plank roads built along a cliff at the mountainside. In spring and summer, the mountain is green, water is clean and blue, birds are singing and flowers are sweet; and when autumn comes, the green leaves turn red and golden yellow, just like a pitch fire.

Giant Panda: Theme Tourism (One) remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Close-up of the Giant Panda

2007-08-13T08:57:01Z

The Giant Panda
---Pixie of Human Fairy Tales

Giant pandas--the world treasure--live among the high mountains and deep valleys which locate in the western strip of Sichuan Basin along the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. The body of gaint panda is plump and gentle, with a round head, a fat neck, a short tail and small ears as well as the thick and strong extremity. The special pair of figure eight black eye socket, a pair of sunglasses, makes giant panda very cute. They are not only exclusive wild animals as national treasures of China but also the common fortunes of the people all over the world. Now, giant is supported as a gigantic star, the being in severe danger in the modern world of animals.
The Giant pandas not only belong to Sichuan, China, they belong to the world.

The Giant Pandas Archives of the National Treasure
--Hometown of Giant Panda: Sichuan, the province in which giant pandas are most abundantly distributed in China

We consider the giant pandas as the pride, because in the world 80% wild giant pandas live in Sichuan Province.
Giant panda is one of the most archaic species being in severe danger which only survives in China in the world. The total number of giant pandas in the wild all over the world is less than 2,000, 80% of which live in Sichuan province. Their main action areas are inside the circle of Chengdu--Mianyang--Songpan--Maerkang--Ya'an--Chengdu and they live in Wolong, Dujiangyan, Qingcheng Mt., Longchi, Hongkou, Mt. Siguniang, Baoxing Fengtongzhai and some other places.
Giant pandas have been living in the dense bamboo forest among the high mountains and deep valleys which locate in the western strip of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of west China, their lives are just like the ones of mysterious anchoret. There is an advantaged natural geography condition and a perfect general climate situation. The distribution of vegetation assumes and obvious vertical trip, which is very feasible for the growing of the giant panda's main food--arrow bamboo and birch orange bamboo. So, Sichuan is and ideal location where animal "living fossil"--giant panda survives and breeds. At the same time, it is the world famous landscape showplace and super excellent destination of travel and review for giant pandas.
Sichuan is not only the place where the giant panda was discovered for the first time, it is also the place where there are the most abundant giant pandas.

Seeking and Tracking of Giant Pandas: Sichuan, the Discovery Site of the First Giant Panda in the World

The first giant panda in the world was discovered by a French missionary named David in Baoxing county of Ya'an city in Sichuan province, 1869.
Frenchman Gene Pierre Armand David was born in a small town in Pyrenees of France. This Frenchman, who had been reveling in nature since he was only a child and who was passionately devoted in exploration, discovered many nature fortunes of the world such as peculiar treasure giant panda, golden monkey, Chiese dove tree.
In March of 1869, when David saw the special "black and white bear" for the first time, he concluded that it would probably be a new interesting species. On May4th, 1869, hunters of David successfully captured a living "black and white bear". He planned to carry it back to Paris; however unfortunately, due to the bump of the hill road and a variety of weather changes, the "black and white bear" died on the way to Paris. David could only send its skin to Paris National Museum. When people saw the big wide round face and black spots in the eye sockets which looks like a pair of glasses, they assumed that it was not real because there was no such kink of animal at all. Some people considered it a special bear. Later, director of the museum, Kenney Edward didi a research on it and believed that it was not a bear or a cat, what's more he believed that it was a bigger panda similar to the little bear which was discovered in Tibet of China, so it was formally named "Giant Panda". Since David introduced the Baoxing giant panda to the world for the first time in 1869, there was a giant panda rush in western countries. Making light of has no fear of great distances at all costs; many experts and scholars wished to capture the special treasure which only existed in China. The giant panda mode specimen which was collected by David in those years is still being treasured up in Paris National Museum now.

If you want to be a volunteer of Wolong Giant Panda Club, you can click the following link:
http://www.pandaclub.net/view_e.jsp?tipid=1150593677425

The Close-up of the Giant Panda remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Sichuan Flavor Food

2007-08-13T07:24:59Z

Chengdu Snacks
Chengdu's famous snacks are the product of the improvemnet of numerous local snacks. They appeal to consumers because of their low cost, convenience, unique local flavor in regard to color, fragrance, taste and shape. Like Sichua dishes, the snacks are also served during banquets.

Chef Long's Wontons
Created by Chef Long in 1941, have long been known for their thin wrappers, tender meat filling and delicious taste. Now, Chef Long's Wontons Restaurant has become very popular in Chengdu. In addition to Wontons, it also serves other local snacks, Sichuan dishes and tonic food.

Ma Po Beancurd (Hot and Spicy Beancurd)
As one of the famous Sichuan snacks, has a history of more than 100 years. It was named Ma Po Beancurd because the woman who ran the shop had a pock-marked face and a master-cook's hand. Now, Ma Po Beancurd has become known both at home and abroad. In 1984 and 1988, the Ma Po Beancurd Restaurant sent its high-ranking chefs to Tokyo for a culinary art show. It was quite a hit in Janpan.

Chef Lai's Sweet Dumplings
It is one of the famous snacks of Chengdu. In 1894, a vendor named Lai sold his dumplings along the lanes and streets of Chengdu. They gradually became known for their good quality and delicious taste. Now, Chef Lai's Sweet Dumplings have and even greater appleal to consumers.

Husband-and-Wife Beef Slices
It was created by a couple in Chengdu. For over 50 years, they have won a good reputation in the province due to their strong hot and spicy flavor.

Chef Zhong's Meat Dumplings
It was created in 1893. For their excellent flavor, they were honored with the name "Chef Zhong's Meat Dumplings". Both chili-oil dumplings and plain soup dumplings are served here.

Pearl-like Balls
It is one of the famous sweet desserts in Chengdu. They get the name for their thick coating of cooked rice grains like pearls.

Chef Tan's Beancurd Jelly
It is so named because it was first sold by the Tan family. The Sour and Hot Beancurd Jelly, Beancurd noodles, etc. Are sold in its shop.

Dan Dan Noodles (Street Vendor's Noodles)
It is one of the famous snacks of Chengdu. The seller who carried a stove and cooker from one end of a shoulder pole and raw noodles and spices from the other sold noodles along the lanes and streets of Chengdu, hence its name Dan Dan Noodles.

Poached Fish

Sichuan Flavor Food remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Capital of Sichuan--Chengdu

2007-08-13T03:48:35Z

A CHENGDU BRIEFING

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is the provincial center of politics, economy, culture, science and technology. It is situated in the western part of the Sichuan Basin, extending from 103°01′to 104°56′east longitude, 166 km in width, and from 30°09′to 30°26′north latitude, 192 km in length. Including the satellite counties, the city has population of 9 million, and a total area of 12,600 sq km. The majority of the residents are Han, alothough the city is also home to a small number of Hui, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, Qiang and Yi.
Located in the east of the Chengdu Plain, 500 m above sea level, Chengdu enjoys subtropical weather.
Chengdu in the Night
Chengdu consists of 5 districts and 10 counties. They are the East Urban District, West Urban District, Qingbaijiang District, Longquan District, Jinniu District and the counties of Dayi, Wenjiang, Pixian, Jintang, Qionglai, Xinjin, Xindu, Shuangliu, Pengxian and Pujiang. Dujiangyan City is also under the administration of Chengdu.
This renowned cultural city has a hisory of more than 2,500 years. In the Zhou Dynasty (11th C. -3rd C. BC.), it was the manor of the Shu Kingdom. Kaiming IX, the Emperor of the Shu, moved his capital to the city and named it Chengdu. In the Han Dynasty (2nd.C. BC-2nd C.AD), the making of brocade flourished, and a special official was appointed to manage the industry. Since then, Chengdu has been called "City of Brocade." During the Five Dynasties period (907-906AD.), it was the capital of the Kingdom of the Later Shu established by Meng Zixiang. Meng Chang, another emperor of the Later Shu, had hibiscus trees planted on the city walls of Chengdu, hence the name "City of Hibiscus". Since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Chengdu has been the capital of Sichuan Province.
Chengdu is also the cradle of the spendid Ba Shu Culture. As early as 170 BC in the Western Han Dynasty, Wen Weng, the prefect of the Shu, founded Shishi (Stone-house) School, the earliest state-run school in the written history of China. Anumber of outstanding men in the county's history were born in the city.
Varied traditional festivals provide visitors with diverse entertainment all year around: the Lantern Festival in January, Flower Fair in February, Peach Bolssom Fair at Longquan in March, Peony Fair in Pengxian in April, Dragon Boat Festival in Xinjin in May, Folk Song Contest in the Wangcong Temple in June, Osmanthus Fair in Xindu in August, and Mum Fair in Chengdu in October. During festive days, visitors can taste delectable snacks, appreciate indigenous Sichuan cuisine, watch folk performances, buy local handicrafts and sip tea in the teahouses where folk customs live on.
Giant Panda

The Capital of Sichuan--Chengdu remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Camping-car Travel -Summer Kham Travel

2007-08-10T15:12:36Z

Summer Kham Travel

---Flower Seas and Folk Custom

Summer is a beautiful season with various booming flowers at Kham. Wild flowers in different colors look like a rug on the limitless grassland. Green grasses, blue sky, white clouds, make you feel the natural beauties at kham area. Local Tibetan nomads in folk clothes hold formal festivals on the grasslands, for example horse racing, love song singing competition, clothes fashion show and other trade festival.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Chengdu Hotel
On arrival of Chengdu by air, transfer to hotel, have a look of the camping vehicle we will use in this tour. Under the guide, shopping for your favorite food and other necessities.

Day 2: Chengdu / Wenchuan / Taoping Qiang village Camping car
Setting off on the morning, along Cheng Guan high way, we arrive at Dujiangyan in 50km driving, which is a great irrigation project honoured as world culture heritage. Along Min River, there is a big scale water power station. Passing by Yinxiu, wenchuan, along Gunao River, we come to Taoping Qiang Village, which is named as the living fossil of Qiang People’s culture, visiting local Qiang people’s house.
Mileage: Chengdu / Dujiangyan 50km / Wenchaun 66km / Taoping Qiang Village 30km
Mileages in all: 146km
Approximate time on the road: 4 hours

Day 3: Taoping Qiang Village / Hong Yuan Camping car
Passing by Guer Gou, we get into Miyaluo red leaves beauty spots. Through the channel at Zhegu Mountain, we arrive at limitless red grasslands to feel seas of wild flowers. Visit beautiful Moon Bay at the side of Bai River and local nomad’s house.
Mileage: Taoping Qiang Village / Miayluo 100km / Zhegu mountain 63km / Hong yuan 120 km / Tangke 75km
Mileages in all: 358km
Time on the road: about 8 hours

Day 4: Hongyuan / Aba County Camping car
Setting off on the morning, we arrive in the first turn of Yellow River to feel its beauties of wandering river. Deep into grasslands, we arrive at the pasture to feel local nomads singing beautiful songs while appreciating beautiful flowers. Passing by hometown of black neck crane, except for visiting the beautiful cranes, we can see other rare animals at Manzhatang Wet land reservation. Visit GerDeng Temple at Aba County!
Mileage: Hongyuan/ Tagnke 75km / jailuo 63km / maierma 81km / aba 33km / aba
Mileages in all: 252km
Time on the road: 6 hours

Day 5: Aba county / Markang Hotel
Passing by Shuajin Temple toward Markang, we will visit Zhuo Ke Ji Guan Zhai, which represent with the administration of local Tibetan officials. Over years there are many movies about Tibetan history and their lives pictured at there. Markang was built at recent years. We can have a stop for shopping of food and fruits.
Mileage: Aba / Longri Ba 108km / Zhuo keji 140 km / Markang 10km
Mileages in all: 258 km
Time on the road: 6 hours

Day 6: Markang / Jin Chuan Camping car
On arrival of Dadu River canyon, see the unique mountains and rocks, and Tibetan watch towers. Along the river, we come to Danba County to visit the very famous Jia Ju Tibetan village. At there we can not only see beautiful and natural spots, but also local citizens will invite us to have lunch at their house to feel their good life. At night we can dance with local Tibetan girls round the fire and taste the roasted sheep and Qingke Alcohol.
Mileage: Markang / Jin Chuan 93km / Danba Jia Ju Tibetan village 100km /
Mileages in all: 193 km
Time on the road: 5 hours

Day 7: Jia ju Tibetan village / Bamei / Longdeng Grasslands Camping car
Passing by Danba County, we go to visit Suo Po ancient watch towers. En route there is the holy mountain Yala Mountain, snows covered the top of the mountain days and years. Then we get in the Gedaliangzi Mountain more than 4000 meters above sea level. Visit Huiyuan Temple located in the basin. Longdeng grasslands are very beautiful when wild flowers boom.
Vehicle: Camping Car
Mileage: Jia ju Tibetan village/ Danba 10 km / Bamei 83km/ Longdeng Grasslands 29 km
Mileages in all: 122 km
Time on the road: 3 hours

D8: Longdeng grasslands / Kangding Camping car
Setting off on the morning, visit the stone forests, over mountains, we arrive at Tagong Grasslands to visit the Tagong temple. Then passing by the paradise of photographer Xindu Qiao , over Zheduo Mountain 4290 meters above sea level, we arrive at Kangding county.
Vehicle: Camping Car
Mileage: Longdeng grasslands / Bamei 29 km/ Tagong 30 km / Xinduqiao 33km / Kagnding 80km
Mileages in all: 172km
Time on the road: 4 hours

Day 9 : Kangding / Chengdu Hotel
Along Zheduo River, we arrive at Dadu riverside. Passing by Luding County, we visit the iron rope bridge which recorded the history of brave red army. Then over Erlang Mountain, we come to Ya’an city, at there we can taste local fishes. We come back Chengdu, and taste yaoshan (the food which cooked with many Chinese medicine), visit Jinli street.
Vehicle: Camping Car
Mileage: Kangding / Luding 50km / Ya’an 160 km / Chengdu 140km
Mileages in all: 350km
Time on the road: 7 hours

Day10: Leave Chengdu
Happy Trip ends.

Camping-car Travel -Summer Kham Travel remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Tibet -- The Roof of the World

2007-08-10T14:48:16Z

Motorcycle Tour--

Tibet -- The Roof of the World

Less than half of the world's Tibetans reside in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), whose boundaries were established in 1965. Tibetans form the majority in large regions of neighboring Nepal, India, Sikkim, and Bhutan, as well as in the adjacent provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Disagreement over where Tibet begins and ends is an ongoing stumbling block in negotiations between the Tibetan government-in-exile, based in Dharamsala (in India), and the Chinese government.

Itinerary:
D1: Arrive at Chengdu
Arrival at Chengdu airport, guide will meet clients at the airport, and transfer to the hotel. Then have a city tour, visit the old style street – Jinli, taste the Sichuan snacks and watch Sichuan Opera – Changing Face.

D2-3: Chengdu / Lhasa
In the morning pay a visit to Dufu Thatched Cottage and The shrine of Marquis Wu, after lunch, go to visit Wenshufang. Then go to take the train to Lhasa after supper.
Travel on the railway—ride across the Tibet plateau to Lhasa.

D4: Lhasa
We explore Lhasa, heart and soul of Tibet. Take it easy so you can get accustomed to the altitude. In the afternoon we do our drivers license test to get the Chinese drivers license, required to ride a bike in China.

D5: Lhasa / Ganden Monastery / Drepung Monastery / Sera Monastery / Lhasa
Again we board our motorcycles this time to visit Ganden Monastery located high above Lhasa valley some 60km from the capitol. The Gelugpa(yellow hat) of Tibetan Buddhism has its origin here. Almost devastated by the infamous red guards during the Cultural Revolution, it is being rebuilt now. We although visit Sera and Drepung monasteries on the outskirts of Lhasa.

D6: Lhasa / Tsetang
Today’s excursion takes us into Yarlung valley, the cradle of the Tibetan people. Yumbulakang castle is considered the oldest buildingin Tibet. Perched on a crag like a fortress it offers great views of the valley. Our first leisurely ride for around 40km to a ferry-crossing at Tsangpo-river. We cross the river and ride again a few kilometers before reaching Samye monastery. We visit Tibet’s oldest monastery and the seat of the red hat school of Buddhism, founded by Guru Padmasahmbava. Afterwards back to the hotel. Besides getting first glimpses of Tibet and its culture the first day, it can also help us to acclimatize to the altitude before moving even higher up.

D7: Lhasa / Gyantse
Today will be the first long haul on the bikes. After crossing the Brahmaputra river we cross Kamba La (4794m) and the Karo La(5010m) which is flanked by mountains that reach up above 7000m. We follow the shoreline of holy Yamdrok-Tso Lake before we reach Gyantse, in the 15th centure capital of a small kingdom.

D8: Gyantse / Shigatse
Before heading for Shigatse today we visit. Pelkor Chode Monastery, it was the trade center of British and India, and the Kumbum Chorten, the only walk able Stupa in Tibet. Later on a short ride, arrive at Shigatse. Have a look around Thashilunpo Monastery and the old city but there will be more time to explore it on our way back.

D9: Shigatse / Shegar
Moving closer to the Himalayas and cross the Gyatso-la, with its 5220m the highest point on our tour. In Shegar, spend the night in a very basic hotel before reaching the Everest Base Camp.

D10: Shegar / Rongphu Monastery / Everest Base Camp / Rongphu
In many ways a highlight on this tour. After leaving Shegar, riding to Pang La (5120m) and weather condition permitted have enjoy a great panoramic view of the Himalayas. Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Lhotse can be admired from here. After moving down to Tashigang we have trade our bike for an “ecological” bus, and drive up to Rongbuk monastery, at around 4980m the highest located monastery in the world, and we will spend the night there and today or tomorrow morning, we will visit the Everest Base Camp.

D11: Rongphu Monastery / Tingri
Get up early in the morning dress up warm, board a horse cart and off, go to the foot of the world highest mountain. Enjoy the sunrise and a small breakfast up there. After taking a few pictures, go on moving back down to the hotel, and further on to Tahigang. Here we start our bikes again and move on back to Shegar again.

D12: Shegar / Shigatse
Ride back to Shigatse via Lhatse. Relaxed cruising for most of the part.

D13: Shigatse
Beautiful Thashilunpo monastery founded 1447 and covered by golden roofs, the biggest Buddha stature in Tibet, built by using 11 tons of copper and plated with 230kg of gold is on our itinerary today. One of the few monasteries that remained untouched during the Cultural Revolution is the home of the Panchen Lama, 2nd in the hierarchy of religious leaders after the Dalai Lama. A walk along the “kora” the pilgrim path around the monastery takes us to the old town and the colorful market and provides a good view of old castle hill.

D14: Shigatse / Lhasa
Take the northern route back to Lhasa. A first long day on the road before we say goodbye to our bikes.

D15-17: Lhasa
Since we are acclimatized now, we climb up the stairs leading into and trough the Potala Palace. Abandoned home of the Dalai Lama and UNESCO world heritage by now. Bakhor circuit, the fascinating pilgrim circuit around the Jorkhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, makes you stand in awe. Just watch the pilgrims and get a feel for thire deep rooted spirituality.
And then a farewell dinner with Tibetan music and dance in the restraunt.

D18: Leave Lhasa
Happy trip ends.

Tibet -- The Roof of the World remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Adventure Bicycle Tour

2007-08-10T14:00:26Z

Kham Bicycle Tour
Itinerary:

D1: Arrive at Chengdu (S) Wenjun Mansion Hotel***

Arrive at Chengdu, guide will meet clients at the airport, and transfer to hotel by our special use bus. Then have an instruction meeting and do preparation for the travel. In dinner, have a taste the flavor Chengdu snacks, watch Sichuan Opear – Face Changing.

D2: Chengdu / Emei (B/L/S) Mt. Emei Jingding Hotel***

Set off from hotel by tour bus, driving towards the south about 50km, pay a visit to Huanglongxi Ancient Town. Then drive to Mt. Emei, have lunch in Emeishan City, after lunch, drive to Mt. Emei beauty spot, and change to take the sightseeing bus in the beauty spot to Leidongping, it takes about 2 hours. And walk to Jieyindian, after about half an hour, arrive at the cable way leading to the Golden Summit, after arriving at Golden Summit, go to visit Huazang Temple and the beautiful scenery around it. Overnight in Mt. Emei Jinding Hotel.

D3: Emei / Leshan / Ya’an (B/L/S) Yudu Hotel***

Getting up early in the morning, go to the scenery-viewing platform to see the sunrise. Then after breakfast, take the cable way back to Jieyindian, and take the sightseeing bus back to the foot of Mt. Emei. Then change to take the tour bus, driving ahead to Leshan, and take boat to admire the Leshan Buddha. In lunch, have a taste of the famous local food – Bean curd Meal. After lunch, drive to Jiajiang, and start cycling, riding along the Caoyu Beach of Qingyi River, via Hongya, get to Ya’an, check into Yudu Hotel.

D4: Ya’an / Tianquan / Luding (B/L/S) Luding Bridge Hotel***

Set off in the morning, cycling along Qingyi River for about 30km, get to Tianquan, have lunch. After lunch, go on riding, get to the food of Mt. Erlang. Then take the tour bus to drive over Mt. Erlang, after passing the Mt. Erlang tunnel about 4.7km long, get to the scenery-viewing platform. It all depends on the clients’ health condition that whether ride to Luding downward direction. During riding, admire the beautiful scenery of the snow mountain and the river valley.

D5: Luding / Kangding (B/L/S) Gesar Hotel****

Set off after breakfast, riding through Luding County, go to visit the famous Luding Iron Bridge, then riding along Dadu River, admire the beautiful scenery of river valley. Then after arriving at Wasigou, leaving Dadu River, get into Zheduo River Valley, then riding toward Kangding.

D6: Kangding / Xinduqiao / Bamei (B/L/S) Golden Sun Hotel

Driving toward Mt. Zheduo, which is 32km away from Kangding. During driving, admire the grand snow mountain. Mt. Zheduo is the second step of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. After getting to the hill top of 4298m elevation, clients can ride downwards to the foot of Mt. Zheduo. Then take the tour bus get to Xinduqiao, when arrive at the pinewood forest, start cycling, via Tagong, pay a visit to Tagong Temple and Tagong Grassland, and admire the grand Yala Holly Mountain. Then cross over a small hill, arrive at Bamei. Overnight in Golden Sun Hotel.

D7: Bamei / Danba (B/L/S) Jiaju Tibetan Stockaded Village

Set off after breakfast, riding through the rural countryside, start riding upward the mountain, get through the golden birch forests, get to the top of Gedaliangzi Mountain, then riding downward the mountain, admire the Yala Snow Mountain. Then ride along the Yak River, get into the river valley which is called the natural miniascape, then arrive at Danba. And go ahead to Jiaju Tibetan Stockaded Village, which sits on the hill side, by tour bus.

D8: Danba (B/L/S) JiaJu Tibetan Stockaded Village

In the morning, take tour bus to Suopo Ancient Towers which is 6km away from Danba County. Then back to Danba County, free time. After lunch, back to Jiaju Tibetan Stockaded Village, free to visit Tibetan houses, feel the Tibetan traditional custom.

D9: Danba / Rilong (B/L/S) Jinkun Hotel****

Leave the Tibetan Village by cycling, via Danba County, ride along Xiaojin River Valley to Rilong, admire the beautiful landscape of Xiaojin River Valley, and Xiaojin is called the fruits’ village, it is famous for its apple and pear. Every August, there are many fruits on the tree, you can feel another rural scenery. We can pay a visit to those old stone towers and iron bridge on the way. Then arrive at Rilong.

D10: Rilong / Baoxing (B/L/S) Jiajinshan Hotel**

Passing by Dawei Bridge by tour bus, then cycling upward to Mt. Jiajin, it all depends on clients’ health condition that how long they can ride, then change to take the tour bus, drive over Mt. Jiajin, admire the beautiful snow mountain, and drive downward to the forest, and clients can start cycling from here. Via Raoji County, along Qingyi River, admire the scenery of the Giant Panda Reserve in the valley, then arrive at Baoxing County. Overnight in Jiajinshan Hotel.

D11: Baoxing / Ya’an (B/L/S) Zhougongshan Dreamspa Hotel****

Set off in the morning by cycling, ride downward along Qingyi River, via Lushan County, pay a visit to the street which is mainly about root carving. Then ahead to Shangli Ancient Town by tour bus. After visiting, go to Zhougongshan Dreamspa hotel, and overnight there, which is not far away from Ya’an County. Enjoy the hot spring in the night.

D12: Ya’an / Chengdu (B/L/S) Wenjun Mansion Hotel***

Set off in the morning, back to Chengdu by tour bus, after arriving at Chengdu, pay a visit to Giant Panda Reserve. Then go to hotel, arrange the bicycle equipment. In supper, have a taste the flavor Chengdu food—Yaoshan, which the food cooked with Chinese medicine.

D13: Leave Chengdu (B)

Guide will sent clients to the airport with our special use bus. Happy trip ends.

Adventure Bicycle Tour remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Introduce Kham to Whole World

2007-08-10T13:56:10Z

Kham Tibetan Area
Located in western Sichuan Province and adjacent to Tibet, Qinghai, and Yunnan Provinces, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture covers an area of 153,002 square kilometers and has Kangding as its capital. Under its jurisdiction are eighteen counties: Kangding, Danba, Dege, Xiangcheng, Shiqu, Daocheng, Sertar, Batang, Luding, and Derong.

Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is one of the three ethnic autonomous prefectures in Sichuan Province. It is situated at the edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and has many famous mountain ranges and rivers, such as Mt. Gongga, Jinsha River, Dadu River, and Yarlong River. All the snowy mountains, plateaus, valleys, and grasslands have created many natural splendid scenic areas, making the region unique and colorful. It is also rich in natural resources such as forests and mineral deposits.

The typical climate here is like that of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and varies with differences in altitude. It is characterized by low temperatures, long winters, little rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

The economic activities in this prefecture vary in different areas, from farming on the plains and river valleys to animal husbandry on the highlands. The forest areas abound with rich timber resources, medicinal herbs, and wild plants and animals. Economic development has proven easier in the areas along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and the Yunnan-Tibet Highway. Other highways connect the eighteen counties of the prefecture.

Introduce Kham to Whole World remains copyright of the author catherine9, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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