Live Your Best Lives
It's been so long since I've been outside! During these days of being trapped by the pandemic, the land of our motherland has undergone tremendous changes. Dongtaijinaier Lake, which we called the "Maldives of Qinghai," has disappeared? Damn! I didn't even get a chance to see it properly!
It used to be clean and clear, like a drop of pure blue tear.
Today, its color has faded and it is dull.
Picture @ Weibo - Catching Cats Fishy
Some beautiful sights are truly lost forever. We're hoping for our next trip after May Day, once the lockdown is lifted! We'll definitely enjoy the romantic and free May, heading outside. The weather is perfect, neither too hot nor too cold, and the late spring flowers, lush green grass, and ripe, juicy fruits are all truly enticing!
Perfect! You Xiaoxia has prepared 20 fun and interesting treasure hunting destinations, let's take a look! Even if you can't travel, it can still make you feel good!
It takes less than an hour to get there from Hangzhou. At Tongjian Lake, not far from the city center, you can experience all the joys of summer: crayfish, lotus ponds, and endless seas of flowers.
Arriving at the crayfish fishing park, a large number of tourists will meet here and start a "crayfish fishing fun competition".
Grab your fishing rod, find your teammates, find a good spot to camp, and start fighting for lunch to see who is the real "crayfish harvester."
As the temperature gradually rises, we will go into a cool cave at 17°C. There are green trees outside the cave and the scenery inside the cave is ever-changing. The natural karst cave is a great place to cool off and play.
After exiting the cave, head to the Tongjian Lake Flower Sea, fly your own kite, blow bubbles and take beautiful photos. It’s definitely a happy feeling!
Leaving the bustling city, we will go to Fuyang Xinshandao together to feel the beauty of nature.
Every small farmer who comes to Xinsha Island has to work with his own hands, picking vegetables, collecting firewood, and making a pot of fragrant copper pot rice.
Come to a farmers' sports meet and see which little warrior dares to complete the "climb a tree and touch an egg" challenge? You can also DIY a kite or go crab hunting in the mudflats by the river.
Picking mulberries is the highlight of this trip. The black and plump mulberries are at their freshest and sweetest, and we can easily achieve mulberry freedom.
Nestled in the mountains of southeastern Zhejiang, there's a village with just 15 households, accessible by foot for two hours. If you were to choose the "most beautiful villages you must visit in your lifetime," this would definitely be on the list!
Hidden in a basin, it is a unique and beautiful village in Jiangnan, and is called "Shangri-La of Jiangnan" by hikers.
Xianju Gongyu is known for its majestic and imposing presence, stretching endlessly. Its terraced fields are stacked one after another, dotted with old villages. Currently undeveloped, it's a haven for hikers.
On weekends, gather with friends to watch the sun slowly rise in the east and the sea of clouds drift by, making you feel like you're immersed in a fairyland. Then, savor the traditional delicacies featured on "A Bite of China 3" together—how pleasant is that!
The Arctic Village is far away, but the Antarctic Village is very close. This time, we are going to the end of the world in mainland China to encounter the unique landscape of kissing waves.
At the southernmost tip of the continental shelf, there is a small county called Xuwen, which has the most magnificent pineapple planting landscape in China. Nearly half of China's pineapples come from here.
It also has a unique name, "Sea of Pineapples". We will take you through the sea of pineapples with our exclusive cycling experience, and experience the charm of the fields of "China's Provence".
Whenever the tide recedes, the beach at Heipai Cape is like a mirror. Against the backdrop of the vast sea and blue sky, we start our pleasant vacation trip.
Say goodbye to the crowded Shuangyue Bay and camp along the long coastline, with the beach just outside your tent. At night, enjoy a private rendezvous with the stars in the secluded campsite. Gazing at the sky filled with stars, you'll be filled with awe.
When we are away from the refined life in the city, we can cook outdoors with a fire and enjoy a delicious meal!
Sangzhou Island, known as the "Little Saipan of Guangdong", has clear water and fine sand. You can snorkel to see corals, catch crabs and touch sea urchins in the cracks of the rocks, and even paddleboard. You have a lot of fun!
The Three Natural Bridges in Wulong are the largest and tallest group of natural bridges in the world, stretching parallel to the Yangshui River Gorge, connecting the mountains on both sides and creating a magnificent scene.
Between the three natural stone arch bridges lie the Qinglong Tiankeng and Shenying Tiankeng cemeteries, creating a unique landscape of "three bridges sandwiched between two cemeteries." Unlike other well-known karst landforms, these are hidden underground, offering a restrained yet powerful presence.
Picture @Photo.net
The Longshui Gorge Fissure is a rare geological wonder, with springs and waterfalls cascading down steep, deep cliffs and jagged rocks, offering a breathtaking view of nature. At Fairy Mountain, we strolled through the "First Pastureland of the South" and the "Switzerland of the East."
Wulong Furong Cave has a main cave length of 2,700 meters and a total area of 37,000 square meters. The stalactite types in the cave cover almost all types of caves in the world, with nearly 30 types of sedimentary features. It is an underground art palace and cave science museum.
In the Guanzhong Plain of Shaanxi Province, there are 72 imperial tombs distributed on both sides of the Wei River, together with a large number of accompanying tombs. It is a spectacular sight and is also known as the "Eastern Valley of the Kings".
Picture @Photo.net
Among them, there is a very special imperial tomb. It is the burial place of my country's only female emperor. It is the only imperial tomb among the "Eighteen Tombs of the Tang Dynasty" that has not been robbed. It is the Qianling Mausoleum in Baoji, Shaanxi, and it is also the joint burial place of Emperor Gaozong of Tang Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian.
Picture @Photo.net
We will walk into the 800-li Qinchuan Plain, listen to the explanations of museum curators, intangible cultural heritage inheritors and other big names, and learn about the various stories about the imperial tombs and the mysteries that have not been solved to this day.
Picture @Photo.net
In Luya Mountain in northern Shanxi, there is a natural ice cave that is more than 3 million years old. It is incredible!
Cross the vast forest and walk into the thousand-year-old ice cave deep in the mountains. The cave is more than 100 meters deep. No matter what the temperature outside the cave is, the temperature inside the cave is always below -5℃, and the coolness hits you.
Ice shoots, icicles and ice cones can be seen everywhere in the cave. They are crystal clear and of various shapes. They show colorful colors under the gorgeous light and shadow, just like a crystal palace in a fairy tale world.
This is the largest ice cave discovered in the country so far. Less than 200 meters away from the ice cave, there is a thousand-year-old underground fire. Locals call it the "Millennium Volcano", which together interprets the "Song of Ice and Fire".
"Look at Badaling in the east and Motianling in the west." In the northwest of Zuoyun County, Datong, Shanxi, there is one of the highest Great Walls in the world - the Motianling Great Wall, which winds and undulates on the mountains.
A Gothic church with a sense of age stands not far from the Great Wall. The Zuoyun Motianling Church has a history of more than 100 years. It is a place where Eastern and Western civilizations blend together and is full of exotic customs. It is also a paradise for countless photography enthusiasts.
We will hike along the Great Wall from east to west to the Yellow River, drive on the Great Wall No. 1 Tourist Highway, deeply explore the topography of the Shanxi-Mongolia Grand Canyon, and enjoy stunning views from exclusive viewing points.
This is Dangling, a niche destination in western Sichuan that only 1% of the people know about. You can encounter warm open-air hot springs, slowly flowing streams, thick alpine meadows like blankets, and simple Jiarong Tibetan customs. You can find all of these in Dangling!
Dangling, located in Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, sits at the foot of the Dangling Snow Mountain. For many years, the treacherous road to Dangling kept it out of reach. Only last fall, with the completion of road construction, did this hidden gem gradually reveal itself to the public.
Dangling has majestic snow-capped peaks and numerous alpine lakes, which contrast beautifully with the blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped peaks. The beautiful scenery before your eyes makes you unable to believe that it actually exists!
Xichang is a city perfect for living in spring, with romance under the moonlight, delicious food and beautiful scenery, it has everything!
Picture @Photo.net
We went to Jinlin Beach in Qionghai Wetland, which is known as the "Little Sanya of Sichuan", to watch a romantic sunset on the shore of Qionghai. After the tour, we went to the city to enjoy Xichang's special brazier barbecue.
Picture @Photo.net
April to May every year is the Jacaranda season in Xichang. The Jacaranda trees here are lush and leafy, and the streets surrounded by Jacaranda flowers are like an oil painting. Taking a walk among them is as beautiful as a dream.
Picture @Photo.net
Come to Lugu Lake, experience the hand-rowed pig trough boat, ask the old lady to braid your hair, try the snacks at the bridge head, bask in the sun and drink tea by the lake, and enjoy a lazy and leisurely afternoon!
Picture @Photo.net
When discussing the Hengduan Mountains, most people first think of canyons and high mountains. But have you ever considered that within the gray and white Hengduan Mountains, there lies a vibrant red.
Hongshan Danxia, located in Yinduo Township, Xinlong County, is the Danxia landform with the highest altitude and the largest area discovered in the Tibetan area of my country so far.
As Professor Peng Hua, Director of the China Danxia Research Group, puts it, "Ganzi Xinlong Danxia is the highest quality Danxia in Sichuan Province, the most scenic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and a top-tier Danxia landform in China, with the potential to become a world-class brand." Are you ready to join us and explore this magnificent and stunning Danxia landform?
Lianbaoyezhe, located in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a "twin" of Nianbaoyuzhe, the "back garden of the gods", born on both sides of the same mountain range. It is also a fairyland!
Every midsummer, the holy lake and the foot of the mountain are covered with a sea of flowers and the lake is blue, like a young girl who is ignorant of the world, pure and beautiful.
There are many beautiful lakes in Lianbaoye, with more than 300 small lakes scattered across the area. Among them, the most beautiful scenic spot is Zhagarcuo, which combines majestic, tragic and beautiful features.
Most tourists just check in quickly by the lake, but our route will follow the well-built wooden plank road, making a complete circle of Zagarcuo, deeply feeling the vastness of the mountains and rivers and the insignificance of human beings.
Starting from May, the Tianshan grasslands gradually awaken, wildflowers in the Ili River Valley bloom, and spring is intensifying. It is the favorite season for flower lovers!
May to August is the flower season in Kalajun. The vast grassland is filled with large areas of emerald green and dotted with colorful wild flowers. All fantasies about the grassland begin here.
As the most popular grassland route, China-TravelNote has set aside a whole day to take you to stroll through the Flower Terrace, Falcon Terrace, and Crocodile Bay, take photos of the human grassland, and experience the charm of Kalajun, the "King of the Grassland".
We will also experience the yurt culture of the nomadic people, live on the grassland like the Kazakhs, drink wine and eat meat, and watch the sunrise and sunset and the starry sky on the grassland together.
The Tianshan Mountains are still covered with snow in May, and the grasslands below the mountains are a good time for a light hike on the Xiata Ancient Trail.
Xiata is a famous ancient pass on the ancient Silk Road, considered one of the most precipitous and dangerous. Originally, the distance from Wensu County in southern Xinjiang to Zhaosu County in northern Xinjiang was nearly 2,000 kilometers. With the opening of the Xiata Ancient Road, this distance was reduced to less than 200 kilometers.
Flowers bloom amidst the soft, pine-needle-covered grass, and the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains loom large before us. The ancient trail is gradually forgotten, but the breathtaking, pristine scenery remains. We've chosen a relaxing, high-point hike to experience the "Xuanzang Trail" of the outdoor world.
"If you don't climb the white grass bank, it's useless to talk about the Hundred Flowers Mountain; if you climb the white grass bank, you will know the world beyond the world."
Many people may not know where Baicaopan is?
Baicaopan Scenic Area is located in Simatai Village, Xiayunling Township, Fangshan District, Beijing. With the 2,161-meter main peak of Baicaopan as the center, a gently open ridge running from northwest to southeast forms the largest and highest average altitude subalpine meadow in Beijing.
Flowers bloom here three seasons a year. You can take a shuttle bus directly from the scenic area to the top of the mountain. Of course, if you want to experience the forest crossing, you can also choose to hike up the mountain.
The summit boasts several viewing platforms, making it a perfect spot for a small-group alpine camping experience at night. Best of all, there are fewer people! Just open your tent and admire the stunning starry sky.
In the writings of the famous writer Lao She, this place was once "surrounded by willow trees, thousands of acres of lotus flowers, thickets of reeds, schools of ducks, and the sound of cicadas."
Picture @Photo.net
Compared with the Qianhai and Houhai areas which are full of royal nobility, the West Sea is a world of instant gratification on one side and an unpolluted and pure land on the other.
Picture @Photo.net
The West Sea does not have an overly prosperous atmosphere, but it can bring people more spiritual peace.
The West Sea is also the northern terminus of the Grand Canal. Although its water area is small, it contains all the mysteries of Beijing. Power, persistence, affection, and desire are waiting for us to experience them all!
Maijishan Grottoes, one of the four major grottoes in China, is built on the vertical cliff of Gushan Mountain.
Picture @Photo.net
After thousands of years, 194 caves and niches have been preserved, with a total of more than 7,800 clay sculptures, stone-based clay sculptures, and stone carvings, which systematically demonstrate the development and evolution of Chinese clay sculpture art.
Picture @Photo.net
The biggest highlight of the grottoes is that almost all the Buddha statues have smiling faces, just like ordinary people in the mundane world, full of compassion and amiability.
Picture @Photo.net
The Badain Jaran Desert, named "China's Most Beautiful Desert" by National Geographic, deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. The towering sand dunes and endless sea of sand offer a chance to soothe a weary soul.
Every summer, when the grass and trees are lush, many dreamy lakes appear in the desert, pink, amber, white, blue, and green, like a stroke of genius on nature's palette.
Picture @Photo.net
Coming here is like encountering a pink love. Just one glance and you can remember these gorgeous colors for a lifetime!
Picture @Photo.net
The Big Red Mountain in Naomugesumu, Siziwang Banner, is completely different in appearance from the mountains we usually see. The whole mountain looks like it is made of red soil.
Looking down from the top of the mountain, one can see crisscrossing gullies washed by rainwater. A straight road leads to the top of the mountain, and on both sides are endless wilderness with sparse vegetation.
The Dahongshan plateau falls from a flat area to form a cliff. After tens of millions of years of wind and rain erosion, it has strange peaks and valleys in various shapes. What is peculiar about it is that the red color is sometimes dark and sometimes bright, with no regularity at all.
In addition, the top of Dahong Mountain is very flat, as if it was flattened by some mysterious force.
The epidemic has stopped many people from traveling far away. If there is a chance to travel in May, let us make an appointment to go to the embrace of nature, breathe deeply, go to places with beautiful mountains and rivers, and enjoy it to our heart's content!
