#travel-notes

12 writings tagged “travel-notes”.

Winter in Yangzhou (Part II)

Among the cities of the Yangtze River Delta, Yangzhou seems somewhat understated. In many people's minds, it is still the tourist city of “going down to Yangzhou in the misty flowers of March.” Yet beyond its famous sights and landmarks, what keeps drawing me back is still the old city.

09 June 2021, 17:29

Winter in Yangzhou (Part I)

Near the meeting point of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Yangtze River lies Yangzhou, a city that has left a deep mark on Chinese history. Compared with the familiar image of “journeying to Yangzhou in March, when blossoms are veiled in mist,” Yangzhou in winter feels a little quieter and more subdued, but has a character of its own.

09 June 2021, 17:29

Back to Where It Began

The Qilian Mountains are made up of seven roughly parallel ranges, separating Qinghai from Gansu from east to west. Within their broad expanse lie not only the remote Hala Lake and the beautiful Qinghai Lake, but also Xining, the city where I grew up.

03 June 2021, 16:45

The Long Way to Amne Machin

Amne Machin, standing in the center of Golog Prefecture in Qinghai, is one of the four sacred mountains of Tibetan tradition. Its summit remains snow-covered throughout the year, giving it an imposing presence. The Yellow River, flowing out of Ngoring Lake, bends around Amne Machin, sustaining the animals and plants here and creating a rich ecosystem.

02 June 2021, 15:49

Leaving Yushu, Following the Yellow River Downstream

Yueguzongliequ, originating at the foot of the Bayan Har Mountains, flows eastward out of Yushu and into Golog before eventually reaching Gyaring Lake and Ngoring Lake in the upper reaches of the Yellow River.

01 June 2021, 21:50

Sacred Mount Gado Jowo

Mountains are hardly rare on the Tibetan Plateau, the world's third pole. But some mountains take on a different meaning because of geography, culture, religion and tradition. Gado Jowo, a mountain of relatively modest height in central Yushu Prefecture, stands apart because of its status as a sacred mountain.

15 Dec 2020, 00:50

Duolunduo, a Hidden Paradise

Hundreds of millions of years of geological change have given Nangqên rich mineral resources and created the ancient salt fields of Duolunduo. The traditional salt-making techniques preserved to this day are the best tribute to this gift from nature.

25 Nov 2020, 18:19

The Legend of Duolunduo

If the Tanggula Mountains and Hengduan Mountains form the body of Nangqên, then the stories of King Gesar, widely told across this land, are its soul. Duolunduo Village, a hidden paradise with a rather modern-sounding name, is where a thousand-year-old story unfolds.

13 Nov 2020, 21:33

Hello, Nangqên

Nangqên County lies in southeastern Yushu Prefecture, surrounded by the Hengduan Mountains and the Tanggula Mountains. Here, high elevation does not mean barrenness. Abundant summer rainfall covers the mountains in green and fills the landscape with life.

04 Nov 2020, 03:22

The Jiangjiaduode We Never Saw

Sacred Mount Jiangjiaduode holds the blue waters of Suo'e Lake in its embrace, quietly looking toward Yushu City 100 kilometers away. Wrapped in cloud and mist, it hid itself from us, unwilling to be disturbed.

27 Oct 2020, 18:09

First Impressions of Western Sichuan

If not for the provincial border sign, I would hardly have realized that I had already entered Sichuan. Sêrxü, tucked between Yushu and Golog in Qinghai, is the highest county town in Sichuan Province.

23 Oct 2020, 14:00

Toward Yushu, Crossing the Yellow River Three Times

The Yellow River flows eastward from its source at Yueguzongliequ, but not long after entering Sichuan Province, it turns back toward the northwest and re-enters Qinghai. In doing so, it brings abundant water to eastern Qinghai and irrigates the fertile land along both banks.

20 Oct 2020, 04:55