June 23rd, 2015 / Author: Bruce Boyes
On the weekend of the Dragon Boat Festival, 20-22 June, I was invited by Chinese friends to again experience the spectacular scenery around their village in southern Shanxi Province (you can see pictures from my earlier trip here). Dragon Boat races are traditionally a southern China event, but we did see races on a lake in Qin County as part of our travels. Other places we visited weekend included a 1000-year old cliff temple (Gaohuanyundong), Huangya Cave Arsenal (part of the Red Army resistance against the Japanese invasion), and Taiji Grand Canyon including an ancient cliff village.
Dragon Boat races, Qin County
1000-year old cliff temple (Gaohuanyundong)
Walking to Huangya Cave Arsenal
Walking to Huangya Cave Arsenal
Huangya Cave
Taiji Grand Canyon
Ancient cliff village, Taiji Grand Canyon
May 19th, 2015 / Author: Bruce Boyes
Last weekend, I visited the village of Chinese friends in WuXiang (武乡) County, Shanxi Province, about three hours drive south of provincial capital Taiyuan. It’s an area well away from the international tourist sites and where few other foreigners have been, with many fascinating and very friendly ancient villages. On Saturday we explored a spectacular section of the TaiHang Mountains east of the village. The TaiHang Mountains are a 400 km long range that runs north-south along the eastern boundary of Shanxi Province. As well as stunning natural scenery, a great surprise was to hear Buddhist chanting wafting through the valleys. Rounding a spur, we came across a remote Buddhist temple inside a cave with sacred spring and monks cabins along the cliff line. On Sunday we went to the nearby TaiHang Dragon cave, a local attraction, which was also impressive.
TaiHang Mountains
TaiHang Mountains
Buddhist Cave Temple, TaiHang Mountains
Buddhist Cave Temple and Monk’s Cabins
Interior, Buddhist Cave Temple
Sacred Spring, Buddhist Cave Temple
Sacred Spring, Buddhist Cave Temple
Entrance, TaiHang Dragon Cave
TaiHang Dragon Cave
TaiHang Dragon Cave
April 13th, 2014 / Author: Bruce Boyes
Like to venture further into Shenzhen’s hidden history, and learn more about this exciting and dynamic city? Pick a day, head across to the One Day in Shenzhen blog, where “Mr. Shenzhen” James Baquet has collected his many fascinating articles exploring a great range of places, and go out and explore!
January 31st, 2014 / Author: Bruce Boyes
Wishing everyone “Gong Xi Fa Cai” – happy Chinese New Year – and the very best for the Year of the Horse. Find out more in the CCTV English Special Feature 2014 Spring Festival.
September 19th, 2013 / Author: Bruce Boyes
Today the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated across China and in many other parts of the world. People are enjoying the traditional mooncakes, and looking forward to this evening’s gala, which this year is being held in Meizhou in Guangdong Province. To find out more visit the CCTV 2013 Mid-Autumn Festival special feature.
