LANDSCAPE AND VILLAGES OF HUNAN AND GUIZHOU, CHINA

April 15th -30th, 2013 with two days in Guangzhou.

April 16th - Guangzhou

It was a 1N1D stop in Guangzhou before the next day afternoon flight to Zhangjiajie.  Nothing particularly eventful here. That was largely because of the short stay, most of us had no interest to venture too far out from the hotel.  Guangzhou is well-known for its cuisine, thus the familiar Chinese saying, ' Eat in Guangzhou '. We explored the street food, so much to try - from the very yummy to some quite interesting looking stuff.  We had some very good noodles, fried and in soup. Airport food must be one of the best in the world although someone said even better in Bangkok.

I thought this is an interesting looking bicycle !

The happy vendor and her banana bicycle.  She was very much amused by my fascination with her bicycle.

April 17th - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Perhaps the sedan chairs will give you an idea, this two hour walk in green serenity is not as relaxing as it appears to be, but rather, a gentle introduction to more challenging climb on days ahead.

Souvenir shopping in these places now started to look quite the same all over China.  One has  to look hard to find anything more uniquely local.

Not sure if passengers were charged by weight, but one does sympathize with these guys when they have to carry a fat aunty and make their way up all those steps.

The last sign of spring !

My favourite shade of Magnolia.

Wu Guanzhong, one of the greatest contemporary Chinese painters of all time.

We would see more of this landscape in the coming days, but from a higher vantage point.  

Fairy's wheel, anyone ? 

Where you can take a break and have a drink.  A man is working on the roof.

No outside vehicle is allowed in the park.  Waiting for the eco bus.

Dinner in progress ?

April 18th - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Maybe the view is much clearer in the summer, but it's foggy for the length of time we were there. Still, unbelievable grandeur and breathtakingly beautiful.  Our guide said the best time to see the landscape is just after the rain but the path can also be slippery and treacherous. 

How minuscule we become in the majestic landscape.

April 19th - Jusheng Sandstone Gallery & Dujia Folk Museum

More about the gallery and works of the artist, here.  The two pictures below show a section of the cafe, and the unusual sinks in the washroom area.

At the entrance, you'll hear the trumpet going each time a bus load of tourists arrived.

Museum guides.

In a quiet area of the compound, these women were doing embroideries on some shoes design.

Kitchen area.