August 25th, 2011 | by admin | published in places
Surrounded by river on 3 sides this seemingly lost ancient hamlet ensconced amongst lush fields of sugar cane and banana plantations just 30 kilometres from Nanning is packed with mementos of a colourful past.
Founded in the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD) Yangmei slowly developed over hundreds of years finally transitioning into a prosperous river [...]
August 15th, 2011 | by admin | published in things to do & see
Branded a fool over his decision some 13 years ago to create a large scale art park amongst the ethereal landscape of Guilin, Rhy Chang Tsao’s pet project, affectionately named “Fools Paradise”, now boasts more than 200 magnificently sculptured artworks that dot manicured grounds like rare species of flowers.
Whilst it may be somewhat difficult to [...]
July 28th, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Nanning is a vibrant, dynamic modern city with some 40% of its land mass dedicated to green spaces thus earning its reputation as China’s premier “green city”. Getting a genuine taste of this relaxed and friendly destination is simply a matter of venturing into one of the many parks or gardens.
Qingxiu Mountain is affectionately known [...]
July 15th, 2011 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Imagine strolling through a verdant, well maintained garden and being wowed by the range of uses each plant has in traditional healing methods.
The meticulously maintained Guangxi Medicinal Herb Botanical Garden is the largest facility of its type in Asia and is the place to see around 4,000 varieties of plants. The garden is arranged [...]
December 17th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
I love lush green landscapes however the gorgeous colours of Fall or Autumn which take over the landscape with reds, oranges and yellows are a spectacular sight.
Whilst out cycling, I realized that it is unfortunately something that doesn’t happen with any real effect around Yangshuo. Most of the plant species are either evergreen or [...]
December 1st, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
A few weeks ago I posted a slideshow on the raising of a building out at the Jiuxian Garden Village project under construction just outside Yangshuo.
Things have definitely been progressing with this unique and attractive structure now taking shape. The bamboo side walls are in place as is the beautiful red wood roof and work is [...]
November 26th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Most of the guidebooks don’t have so much to say for Nanning however I found it to be one of China’s more likeable cities. Green spaces and a population that is incredibly relaxed and happy.
Dancing is a past time that you can see happening most early mornings and evenings all around China however in [...]
November 23rd, 2009 | by admin | published in eating & drinking, latest posts
Hundreds and thousands of banana trees seem to stretch for miles and miles heading south out of Nanning. Making this uniform blanket of verdant trees that roll across the landscape a very colourful scene are the large piles of harvested yellow and green fruit lying stacked on the roadside and in trailers. Despite late November/early [...]
November 14th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, on the road, things to do & see
Day 4 – Butterfly Valley to Pingan (48 klms)
The hotel in Butterfly Valley is in a surprisingly beautiful location, next to a Yao minority village some 4 kilometres off the main highway in a gorge filled with luscious foliage and a gushing mountain stream.
For me, today was the big day. Would I make it up [...]
November 13th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, on the road, things to do & see
Day 3 – Guilin to Butterfly Valley (82 klms)
An easy ride this morning out of Guilin, we make our way through some wonderful little villages and classic rural China countryside under chilly but glorious blue skies and sunshine. The karst scenery ended not far out of Guilin and for a short time as we cycled [...]
