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The second and last leg of my trip started at the foothills of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a mountainous, once untouched piece of land where the famous movie 'Avatar' took inspiration for it's Hallelujah mountains. It was truly a breathtaking place. Standing atop the mountains, taking in the views is just amazing. The quartzite sandstone pillars, some at over 800m in height spread across the panoramic scenery with most covered in lush greenery. Between these stone pillars lie gorges of streams and clear flowing waterfalls, and together with the stone peaks, the Wulingyuan mountains became one of the most noted travel destinations in all of China.
From the heavenly Wulingyuan mountains, I came back down to planet earth to see some of the most amazing caves I have seen in my entire life; the Huanglong Dong caves. Colorfully lit with neon colors, this cave surely will impress anyone who enters. The Huanglong Dong caves, literally translated into 'the Yellow Dragon' caves was once a mystified palace of the Dragon King in ancient Chinese folklore. Today, it is one of the most impressive display of stalagmites and limestone pillars, lit in a myriad of colored neons (the photo gallery shot inside the caves will be featured in a separate series; 'Lights of China').
Although the caves impressed me, what impresses me more is the people who live their lives within these tourist attractions. It is amazing to see the wonder, the joy within them to share their beloved culture to us, the people of the world. One good example of this is at the Daxiagu National Park when I had a great chance to be in the accompany of a wonderful tour guide lady who loves to sing traditional Chinese songs. This last photo captures that precise moment when she expresses her love of her own culture to us tourists to be part of her Chinese experience. Just scroll down and have a look and you'll know what I mean.
Five days had gone by and it was my last day at the small town of Zhangjiajie. Staying there for almost a week, I must confess that Zhangjiajie is not like any old town in China. It's totally different from what you've seen, from what you've heard. Unlike many typical Chinese towns, Zhangjiajie is steeped in cultural and natural heritage. Today, a town like this is becoming rare in the People's Republic and so to catch a glimpse of this town or any other town like Zhangjiajie is a rare opportunity, and yes you guys should definitely make a visit.
(Click to view full-sized images)
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From the heavenly Wulingyuan mountains, I came back down to planet earth to see some of the most amazing caves I have seen in my entire life; the Huanglong Dong caves. Colorfully lit with neon colors, this cave surely will impress anyone who enters. The Huanglong Dong caves, literally translated into 'the Yellow Dragon' caves was once a mystified palace of the Dragon King in ancient Chinese folklore. Today, it is one of the most impressive display of stalagmites and limestone pillars, lit in a myriad of colored neons (the photo gallery shot inside the caves will be featured in a separate series; 'Lights of China').
Although the caves impressed me, what impresses me more is the people who live their lives within these tourist attractions. It is amazing to see the wonder, the joy within them to share their beloved culture to us, the people of the world. One good example of this is at the Daxiagu National Park when I had a great chance to be in the accompany of a wonderful tour guide lady who loves to sing traditional Chinese songs. This last photo captures that precise moment when she expresses her love of her own culture to us tourists to be part of her Chinese experience. Just scroll down and have a look and you'll know what I mean.
Five days had gone by and it was my last day at the small town of Zhangjiajie. Staying there for almost a week, I must confess that Zhangjiajie is not like any old town in China. It's totally different from what you've seen, from what you've heard. Unlike many typical Chinese towns, Zhangjiajie is steeped in cultural and natural heritage. Today, a town like this is becoming rare in the People's Republic and so to catch a glimpse of this town or any other town like Zhangjiajie is a rare opportunity, and yes you guys should definitely make a visit.
(Click to view full-sized images)
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Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie National Park
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie National Park
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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The making of traditional Chinese sugar crackers - becoming a rare sight in China
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Bridge across the Tuo River, Fenghuang Ancient Village, Hunan
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Candid shot at the entrance gate to the Huanglong Dong caves
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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The famed spot of the Wuling Mountains - (The Hallelujah mountains)
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Another 'touristy' spot at the Wuling Mountains
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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The 'Fairy Fox and the Woodcutter' music and drama show - directed by the world famous Zhang Yimou
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Scenic walkway through the Wulingyuan national park
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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The monkey statue guarding the gates to the Huanglong Dong caves
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Street shot near the site of the Huanglong Dong caves
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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Another candid shot in front of the Huanglong Dong caves
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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A photo of a Chinese guy having a cig.
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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A street shot in the early morning in front of Zhangjiajie National park
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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A street shot in the early morning in front of Zhangjiajie National park
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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A candid photo at the Daxiagu Park - AKA. the Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie
Taken with: Canon 60D, 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
@ 15mm f/8
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