Lazy in China

Awesome Places Near Yangshuo

lazytravelwriter — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:55:00 GMT

Recently I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to check out some awesome places not too far from Yangshuo which haven’t been discovered by the masses just yet.

The ancient village of Huangyao oozes charm and tranquility with its amazingly preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses.

A couple of stunning old wind and rain bridges sitting majestically in the lush rice fields of northern Fuchuan.

Dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), Linhe has ancestral temples, an old city wall and a funky mixture of ancient architecture.

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Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Yangshuo's Picture Postcard Scenery

lazytravelwriter — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:20:00 GMT

Nubmer 5: Impressions - Liu Sanjie

Experience the wonderful visual storytelling of Zhang Yi Mou, creator and director of Beijing’s opening and closing ceremonies.

Zhang’s “Impressions” performance is mostly carried out on the Li River with scores of bamboo rafts and in excess of 500 local performers. The surrounding limestone karsts form the backdrop of this feast of colour, sound and light.

There are no announcements in English however the awe-inspiring displays and surroundings, I find, are more than enough to satisfy.

Rather than focusing on the story of Liu Sanjie (a young Zhuang minority farm girl with a beautiful singing voice) it is perhaps more of a creative tribute to the legend of Liu Sanjie. Each impression or chapter showcases different aspects of local life and ethnic culture which were the basis for many of her beautiful folk songs.

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Middle Kingdom Life

lazytravelwriter — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:41:00 GMT

I talk about China a lot.

I have spent almost 7 out of the past 11 years in the Middle Kingdom. It's easy to forget just how different my life is in China. The "normal" you get used to really isn't what my family and friends back in Australia would consider "normal". Bizarre and odd becomes an altered reality, a reality that over time becomes comfortable and normal.

Living here can be a wild rollercoaster ride of fascination and frustration. I love it..... I hate it..... I feel I am teetering on the brink of insanity and then, I can't imagine being anywhere else. I go home I miss it; I stay, I have to get out. Just when I think I finally "get it" the complexities of this multi layered culture wash over me like a tidal wave - I feel I know nothing at all. Contrasts, controversy, colour, candor and craziness compete for attention every day.

At the moment I am based down in Yangshuo, near Guilin in Guangxi province. This is a place I have come to know and love over the years. Feel free to drop by and check out some of my other postings at www.thelazytravelwriter.com