2019 Beijing Wall Calendar
8 Nov 2018

2019 Beijing Wall Calendar

by | posted in: Adventure, Architecture, China, Museum, Photography, Religious Sites, UNESCO World Heritage | 0

Massive colorful halls. Sweeping pointed eaves. Elaborate colorful woodwork and detailed stone carvings. Buddhist. Taoist. Traditional Chinese. Islamic. Peaceful meditative sanctuaries. Fragrant smoky air. These are just a few ways to describe the magnificent and diverse temples of Beijing that … Continued

Xihuangsi – Western Yellow Temple
1 Nov 2018

Xihuangsi – Western Yellow Temple

by | posted in: Adventure, Architecture, China, Photography, Religious Sites | 0

Many of the Beijing temples I’ve visited are now museums or significant historical sites. However, the Western Yellow Temple is an active lamasery. The emperor built Xihuangsi in the 17th century to honor the visit of the Panchen Lama to … Continued

Poly Art Museum
26 Oct 2018

Poly Art Museum

by | posted in: Adventure, China, Museum, Photography | 0

The Poly Group is one of the largest entertainment companies in China owning theaters and other amusements all around the country. It is also a major collector of Ancient Chinese artifacts, particularly bronzes. To showcase this collection, the Poly Group’s … Continued

Yunju Temple
7 Aug 2018

Yunju Temple

by | posted in: Adventure, Architecture, China, Photography, Religious Sites | 0

The Fangshan District of Beijing is rich with history! In addition to the Peking Man Site, my recent trip to the southwestern district of Beijing included a visit to the Yunju Temple. A temple has been on this site for … Continued

Yungang Grottoes
24 Jan 2017

Yungang Grottoes

by | posted in: Adventure, Architecture, China, Photography, Religious Sites, UNESCO World Heritage | 0

Carved in stone outside Datong to the west sit hundreds of Buddhas at Yungang Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the fourth of China’s Buddhist grottoes and the last one for me to visit. Bucket list item complete! Granted … Continued

Tours of the Summer Palace
29 Oct 2015

Tours of the Summer Palace

by | posted in: Adventure, Architecture, China, Photography, Religious Sites, UNESCO World Heritage | 0

On my first visit to the Summer Palace four years ago, I declared that I wanted one. After recently visiting twice in the past month, I have to say that sentiment hasn’t changed. It is a magnificent complex of Chinese … Continued

The crown jewel of Buddhist grottoes – the Mogao Caves
10 Jul 2012

The crown jewel of Buddhist grottoes – the Mogao Caves

by | posted in: Adventure, China, Historic Site, Museum, Photography, Religious Sites, Travel, UNESCO World Heritage | 2

The main draw for Dunhuang and why the town gets any real attention is because of the Mogao Caves, a series of ancient grottoes that have been preserved by the desert with a brilliant collection of statuary and frescoes that … Continued

Everybody wasn’t kung fu fighting
7 May 2012

Everybody wasn’t kung fu fighting

by | posted in: Adventure, China, Historic Site, International Parks, Photography, Religious Sites, Travel, UNESCO World Heritage | 1

At nearby Songshan is another famous temple, the Shaolin Temple – home of kung fu. Before heading back to Hefei, we journeyed to this beautiful place hoping to see some awesome monks practicing the true arts of kung fu. We … Continued

A little out of place
23 Sep 2011

A little out of place

by | posted in: Adventure, China, Day Trips, Everyday Adventure, Photography, Travel | 0

So, Hefei has a walking street just as any big city should. Last Saturday, Aaron and I met there for pizza at Pizza Hut and boy was it yummy. Anyway, this walking street is typical of any walking street with all … Continued