Archive for the ‘Kunming Travel’ Category

Weishan Offers an Unforgettable Slice of China’s Beauty

Friday, April 27th, 2012

 

When one visits China, the travel itinerary includes Weishan in almost all the cases. This is because Weishan County boasts of some of the most beautiful places in the country. The Weibo Mountains have been called the “Quietest Mountains in China”. The county also has some important seats of Daoism. Student travels include visiting some extremely beautiful spots. The county holds historical, religious and spiritual importance.  

Places to Visit in Weishan

Weishan County in China boasts of some of the most scenic spots in the country. Nestled in the Weibo Mountains, there are many places which are mesmerizing to say the least. It is not a surprise that study abroad programs based in Yunnan and also elsewhere in the country make it a point to take students to this area during the weekend travels. These gap year program trips are not only fun but educational as well.  

These mountains have been the summer abode of various kings. Weibao Mountain is a holy Daoist mountain. The full name of the mountain is Weibaoshan Mountain and it is considered to be “The quietest mountain in China”. The county has been responsible for cradling one of the most well-known kings of the country; Xinluo was born here and grew up to be the ruler of the legendary Nanzhao Kingdom.  

This region is the hub of natural beauty and spirituality. It is easy to see why those who learn Chinese in China want to visit this place. There is Wenchan Hall in the mountains which is dedicated to a former regional Daosit ruler. It has been designed in accordance with the Daoist geomantic principles. It is in this hall that one gets to see the “Mural of Dancing”. This is the only ancient Daoist mural that is found in Yunnan Province.  

There are almost twenty two temples in these mountains. Therefore, summer programs for high school students could easily be busy for at least two days touring just the temples. The Qingxia Temple is a famous temple which is dedicated to the highest of the Daoist Gods. It is more popularly known as the Laojun temple and has been designed grandly. The interiors are stately and pristine. There is a considerable amount of walking involved to visit different sites because these mountains have remained untouched to maintain their sanctity.

 On the way to these mountains, East Lotus Village lies in the path. This village still bears the looks of a place that must have been there centuries ago. Small streets, traditional buildings and people cooking food the traditional way are all commonplace here, a part of the day to day life. If one wants to experience the religious fervor, then the best time to visit these mountains is between the 1st and the 15th of the second month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Daoist pilgrims flock here for the temple fair. 

It is known to everybody that China is not only the place for learning Mandarin. It has expansive beautiful places which have become popular among students and visitors alike.

Explore Mang City China

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

 

 

Explore Mang City, a Beautiful Extension of China 

There are a lot of tourist destinations in China, and almost all of them have transformed completely from what they were a few decades ago. Taking examples of cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and their transformation into thriving metropolitans, often tourists look for natural beauty in places while visiting, and in these cases the polish of swanky cities does not matter much. This is why lesser known spots are becoming more popular in the country, and one such place is the Mang City which lies in the border region of China and Burma. It is one of the most beautiful places in China.

 Mang City, a Developing Tourist Spot

There is no better teacher than experience and what could offer someone experience that is more pleasurable than travel? This is why study abroad programs are a popular part of the education curriculum. No matter where one goes on gap year programs, there is a lot to learn. One can opt for gap year jobs or to learn the language of that country. These activities combined with traveling help one develop tolerance for cultures alien to most. Traveling to other countries on gap year programs also helps develop understanding unlike any other. The best part is that one gets to see some of the most beautiful places in the world.  

This is particularly true for Chinese language programs and summer programs for high school students. China is the hot spot for studying abroad today. This is not only because it is a developing and potent economy but also because the nation has opened itself to the world unlike any time before. People from around the world have noticed China and accepted it as one of the big economic powers of the world. But what they do not know is that the nation is also one of the biggest on the planet and harbors natural beauty that surpasses most exotic spots.  

If someone needs to study in China during his or her gap year, then he or she is into a big surprise. The travel itinerary can be extensive and helps one tour a huge variety of places in the country. One of such exotic and beautiful destinations is the Mang City. This is a city in Luxi Province and was earlier known as Luxi City.  

This city lies west of Yunnan Province which is the cultural center of China. The province harbors 51 out of the 52 ethnic minorities in China, and therefore is the perfect place for language and culture studies. Mang City is a destination for the weekends and also is the gateway to Burma. All those students who want to visit south Asian countries like Burma would certainly go to Mang City.  

The city is among one of the most beautiful places in China, but much lesser known. Only a quarter of its area lies on the plains and the rest lies in the mountains. The city is the home to ethnicities like Dai, Deang, Acang, Lisu and Jingpo communities. With its popularity soaring as a tourist destination, gradually Mang City is also developing. From a small foot hill town in the1990s, it has become home to more than three hundred and thirty thousand people. The ethnic population, which has lived in the region for generations, comprises of half of the current population.  

Another reason why Mang City has gained importance is because of the abundance of its natural resources. The city has lush forest resources along with comprehensive mineral deposits. The availability of clean water also has helped in its rapid advancement. This is a place that would be a tourist’s perfect haven.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: the Trekking Delight of Yunnan

Monday, April 9th, 2012

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge Promises an Extraordinary Trekking Adventure 

 There are many places in China that are known for their natural beauty. But the sense of adventure that the Tiger Leaping Gorge instills in the trekkers is unlike any other place in the country. The gorge is flanked by some of the highest cliffs and it takes one to some of the most exotic mountains on the way downriver. However the latest decisions of the government in trying to develop the area have threatened its natural ambience and resources.  

The Beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge 

Tiger Leaping Gorge has been so exotically named because of its location and looks. This phenomenal site is a part of the World Heritage plan. It has been a popular destination for tourists and students alike. All those who visit China to learn Chinese or to do gap year jobs in the country always take time out from their work to visit this site. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is known for its natural beauty, and the opportunity to indulge in the lap of nature here bypasses the beauty of some of the biggest heritage sights in the world.
The gorge itself is one of the most precarious places. The river at the bottom is not navigable. Both sides of the gorge are flanked by cliffs and mountains which rise up to a height of almost five and a half kilometers. The river is said to have category six rapids and non-navigable areas. In the early 1980s, four rafters first attempted to raft down the river but they were never seen again. It was not until 1986 that the first expedition successfully managed to sail down the river. The name of the gorge itself has been derived from a legend which talks of a tiger leaping across the river (at its narrowest point) to escape a hunter. This was a remarkable feat that impressed everyone who ever heard of it. As a result, this adventurous site earned its name. If you are in Yunnan on Chinese language programs or just to learn Mandarin, you will be able to visit this stupendous place very easily.  

 Backpackers and trekkers have found this to be one of the most wonderful places to spend their time. There is the hiking path or the “high road” that has been marked clearly which exceeds the length of 14 miles. The trail takes the trekkers to variegated places which include micro-ecosystems, waterfalls and guest houses. The longer trail which goes through the lower portion of the gorge extends to 121 miles in length and is used by expert trekkers. There is a point where the high road descends to meet the lower road and this is near the point where the tiger is said to have leapt across the gorge. However, officially, the trekking trail was closed for construction work in 2010, but despite this closure, a lot of professionals and trekking enthusiasts are still known to take the trail.  

Tiger Leaping Trail Sketch

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge Sketch Map ( from ayican.com)

 

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge 1

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge 1

 

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge 2

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge 2

 

 

Arrving at Half Way

 

Arriving at Half Way

 

 

Continue to walk along the walking path in the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Continue to Walk in the along the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail.

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge also shows the downside of development taking place in China. All those who are visiting China on study abroad programs will know of the dam project that was planned by the central government was scrapped by Yunnan Province. This was done to prevent the destruction of natural resources in the process, but despite the cancellation of plans, there are other projects which have continued in the periphery of the gorge, devastating the area in the process.