Thursday, 8 June 2017

Timeless Scenes Amidst Ethereal Beauty

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Anhui Province 

April/May 2017


A UNESCO World Heritage sight - Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is stunning. Quintessentially chinese scenes - mist, lone pines, craggy peaks,  cloud encrusted valleys, tranquil waters. If that is not enough, the surrounding ancient villages provide a fascinating insight into the Ming and Qing dynasties.


One of the traditional bridges over the Xinan River.
 Huangshan City (Tunxi)  



Hanneke earning a few Yuan to pay for our holiday. 

Traditional streets in Tunxi


Water wheel at Tachuan. 
A traditional village in the foothills of Mount Huangshan.

Drying meat
where are the flies??

Hongcun
Setting for the movie - "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"

Scenic stone bridge over 'Jiyin stream'

'Moon Pond' - the heart of the village.

More drying dinner 
still no flies!


Making our delicious lunch

Typical narrow streets

Rush hour in Hongcun's central square 

Village commuters 

A lovely addition to nearby Lucun village.

Courtyard of one of the many
Huizhou style buildings.

Backstreets of Lucun village

Start of the epic climb up
Mount Huangshan.

Kodak moment.
any excuse for a rest!

Must send a photo of this home :-) 

Huangshan's Pines and Peaks.



Worth the climb

Pinus Hwangshanensis

Mushroom Hannekesitensmileonit



And the clouds rolled in









Fairy Bridge






View from the mens room




Everything that is used on top of the mountain is carried up

Our final view 

S.A.R. sights

Macau & Hong Kong

SAR - Special Administrative Regions

February, March, April 2017


One of the many advantages of living in Shenzhen is its proximity to the culturally diverse areas of Macau and Hong Kong. It is easy to see why these regions are so popular with the mainlanders, expats and tourists.  
The distinctive skyline of central Macau.

Ruins of St Pauls

Lisbon - 'Chinese style' 

Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

Inside the Chapel.

Macau proudly part of China

Gunning for the "Grand Lisboa"

More European influence 
"The Parisian and Venetian Hotels".

More of gambling's ostentatious face.

The "real" Macau 


The Monkey King 
A Chinese Tale told through colour, music and movement. 

Macau has everything.
Even one of my favourite brews.

Our transport back to Shenzhen

We will miss  many things when we leave Shenzhen,
our frequent trips to Hong Kong being high on the list.

One of the many beautiful beaches around Hong Kong


Safe and room for all
Civilized walking trails. 

Stunning views

A land of contrast: open space, concrete jungle.


Comfortable public transport -  
even at the bus stops.

Contemporary skyline

adding a little Junk to the scene.

Shenzhen also has its little gems.

An "Organic" Farm in a beautiful setting north of the city. 

Organic Lunch

Another "gem"
Just a short metro ride from home.