A tale of two Buddhas

Mount Emei (Emeishan) Regarded as the center of Buddhism, Emeishan is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The tallest at 3,099m, this towering mountain is characterized by sweeping cliffs, high reaching peaks, lofty ancient trees, impressive waterfalls, gurgling springs, abundant flowers and numerous Buddhist temples. Atmospheric, Beautiful, Mysterious Four scenic regions Baoguo …

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Ga-Ga about Giant Pandas

The bamboo-eating giant panda is one of the most iconic endangered species. Having caught the eye of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this adorable bear is the inspiration for the WWF logo since its founding in 1961. "cuteness" factor distinctive black & white coat round flat face, generous cheeks big black-patched eyes snub nose pom-pom ears fuzzy …

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Huanglong National Park

Though not as famous, HUANGLONG which means "Yellow Dragon", is equally beautiful and is no 'bridesmaid' to Jiuzhaigou, just 120km away. Known for its incredible calcified scenery with hundreds of colorful ponds of various shapes and sizes scattered along its 7km length, the best featured landscapes are travertine banks and waterfalls. As befitting its name, this …

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Jiuzhaigou Valley

This is one destination where words are superfluous. I'll let the rainbow lakes, luxuriant forests, snow-capped mountains and gushing waterfalls do the talking instead. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Areas With a total length of over 50 km, 114 individual lakes, and waterfalls, Jiuzhaigou is composed of three valleys arranged in a 'Y' shape.Intersecting at the magnificent Nuorilang …

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Hongcun Ancient Village

Hongcun Ancient Village is an impossibly charming town straight out of a Chinese painting. Often described as โ€œthe ancient village in Chinese paintingsโ€, Hongcun is considered as one of the most picturesque village in the Huizhou region. With lush green hills, lotus-covered ponds and tranquil lakes, this pedestrian-only village harks back to the peace and quiet of …

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Fenghuang (Phoenix) Ancient Town

If not for a 6-day trip to Zhangjiajie, I might never have heard of Fenghuang, let alone set foot in this picturesque ancient town. Changsha (430 km, 6 hoursโ€™ drive) โ†” Fenghuang (250 km, 4 hoursโ€™ drive) โ†” Zhangjiajie Its ideal location between Changsha and Zhangjiajie makes Fenghuang a popular stopover for a night's stay. …

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Mongolia’s Switzerland & Genghis Khan

Our final day in Mongolia culminated with a day tour of Terelj National Park and the Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khaan) Equestrian Complex. Mongolia's SwitzerlandSurrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine alpine scenery, forest, rivers and wide open valleys covered with wildflowers, it felt like I was in Switzerland! Terelj National Park is the third largest protected area …

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Takhi Wild Horse @Hustai National Park

On the final day of our 10-day Central Mongolia and Gobi roadtrip as the Russian Loaf ate up swathes of open steppe, my anticipation kept building throughout the 4-hour journey. Our destination was the Hustai National Park, to see the world's last truly wild horses roaming freely, in its natural habitat. TAKHI โ€“ THE LAST …

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