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China - CHONGQING TEAHOUSE -

Feb 18, 2013

Photos: 35

China - ANCIENT VILLAGE NEAR CHONGQING -

Feb 15, 2013

Photos: 20

China - BINGZHONGLUO - At the head of the Nujiang valley in northwest Yunnan.

Bingzhongluo is a village on the Nujiang River valley in northwest Yunnan province, China. It is 32 kilometres south of the Tibetan border. Northern Burma is close by. This beautiful wilderness area is populated by Nu, Drung, Lisu, and Tibetan people. There is only one way into the valley, via Liuku 315 kilometres to the south. Hence its isolation.

Jan 30, 2013

Photos: 133

China - TENGCHONG - He Shun old town. Yunnan province.

Tengchong is a famous city straddling the old Tea-Horse road to Burma, India, and on to the Middle East and Europe. Part of the old Southern Silk Road. During WW2 (or as the Chinese say: the War of Resistance Against the Japanese) a big battle was fought here between Chinese and Japanese armies. With USA air support, the Chinese blocked the Japanese who were advancing from Burma. A museum in He Shun has a wonderful collection of military memorabilia from this time. Another museum features the old Tea Horse Road (part of the Southern Silk Road from Chengdu to Lijiang, Dali, and on to Burma, India, and the Middle East. From there, trade found its way to Europe. The Southern Silk Road began operating 200 years before the more famous northern Silk Road.

Dec 18, 2011

Photos: 52

China - NUJIANG GORGE - Yunnan province.

The World Heritage listed Nu River Gorge is a spectacular 315 kilometre journey north and near to the Tibetan border from Liuku, the prefecture capital. The Nu or Salween river flows from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into northwest Yunnan province before turning into Burma/Myanmar. The Gaoligong Mountain rises 4000m from its west bank and forms the border between China and Burma, while the Biluo Mountain on the right bank separates the Nujiang from the Lancangjiang or Mekong River to the east. Many minority peoples inhabit the mountains and river banks: e.g., the Nu (the original settlers), the Lisu (the largest group), and Drung, Naxi, and Tibetan among others. Han Chinese remain in the townships. There is only one way into the gorge, from the south. Travellers must retrace their steps. See article, http://www.china-consult.com.au/2011/12/25/nujiang-canyon/

Dec 14, 2011

Photos: 139

Cambodia - ANGKOR WAT - and other temples.

Dec 7, 2010

Photos: 56

Cambodia - BETWEEN PHNOM PENH AND SIEM REAP + the other side

Dec 6, 2010

Photos: 50

Cambodia - PHNOM PENH

Dec 5, 2010

Photos: 62

Laos - LUANG PRABANG - Ancient capital of Laos + a few photos from Vientiane (the present capital)

A quote from, 'The Lao, Laos, and You.' A book by Robert Cooper, an economic anthropologist who lives in Vientiane, Laos: "Beautiful country, beautiful people. This sums up most of the first impressions of visitors to Laos. Somewhat naive. But it's really not a bad standpoint from which to begin to explore the heart of Laos and the Lao. Visitors feel welcome, have no great hassles, and interaction with Lao people, if somewhat superficial and hampered by a language barrier, is overwhelmingly sympathetic. Laos is not the land of the hard sell, people smile much of the time." If you want to delve beneath the surface to a more meaningful reality, I suggest you read his book published by Lao Insight Books. Buy it from his bookstore in Vientiane. Email: laoinsight@yahoo.com

Oct 11, 2010

Photos: 133

China - CHONGQING - Countryside. Nanpeng.

Jul 23, 2010

Photos: 38

China - YANGTZE and JIALING Rivers in flood. Chongqing.

The Yangtze River and its tributaries are in flood. The worst rains in over 10 years have sent torrents of water rushing down a 6300 kilometre journey from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to Shanghai on the coast. Throughout history, these seasonal floods have created havoc in the Yangtze River Valley, the fertile floodplains downstream from the Three Gorges. Over the years, millions of humble farmers and their crops have been swept away by these terrible waters. Right now, the Yangtze is roaring past Chongqing with a vengeance. It has already drowned hundreds of people, flooded crops, caused landslides, and washed away roads and railway lines. 16,000 people have been evacuated. If this raging river were to continue through the Three Gorges unchecked by the recently completed Dam, God knows what perils would await the millions of Chinese citizens in its path.

Jul 20, 2010

Photos: 54

China - DALI - Yunnan province.

Dali sits between Cang Shan (altitude 4000m) and Erhai Lake. Inhabited by the Bai people who migrated here 3000 years ago. The Bai kingdom fell when Kublai Khan and his invincible mongol army arrived in the mid 13th century. Beautiful location, but bit of a tourist trap. Still, it is well worth a visit.

Jun 5, 2010

Photos: 28

China - GUIZHOU - a road trip through eastern Guizhou.

A poor rural area. Travelled via local bus (sometimes on foot) across the countryside. Best places included: 1. Chengyang and its famous Dong minority 'Wind & Rain Bridge'. The largest of its type in the area. 12 years to build; and, 2. Zhaoxing, another Dong village nestled in a small valley near the top of a very big mountain. The drive there from Diping was scary. This Dong village was the highlight of eastern Guyizhou. An authentic place of drum towers and smaller wind and rain bridges. All houses are traditional Dong dwellings. i.e., wood. Other photos (mostly taken from a moving bus), give a small sample of the less traditional, less quaint, and less interesting reality of Guizhou.

Apr 26, 2010

Photos: 92

China - RICE TERRACES - Dragon's Back. Guangxi Province. Dazhai to Ping An

These rice-terraces are probably the finest in China. They can be found in north-west Guangxi Province, about two and a half hours drive from the capital, Guilin. Yao and Zhuang minority peoples inhabit this area, and their traditional cultures are flourishing. Although a day trip from Guilin will cover the sights, if you want to explore further: such as hike between the Yao village of Dazhai and the Zhuang village of Ping An, you should allow half a day. Better to stay overnight in Ping An or one of the other small villages nearby. In short, the scenery is spectacular. It is that good. PS: These photos were taken in early spring after a drought. Little water in the paddies. Thus no rice planted yet. They are prettier later in the year. I will return.

Apr 25, 2010

Photos: 49

China - FUSHUN - Southern Sichuan. Small town China. A static life.

At first glance, the only thing striking about this small town in a small county in rural Sichuan province is its utter ordinariness. If you stay awhile and dig deeper however, you will find wonderful treasures. Places such as Fushun can be found in their thousands right across the length and breadth of this mysterious Middle Kingdom. And for those of us who have eyes to see, all of them offer an insight into how life used to be lived, and how life is being lived now, in small-town China. Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai and all the other modern metropolises of the new China are very different places indeed. Life here is static. There is little change from generation to generation. Few people ever consider thinking outside the cultural box. Yet towns such as Fushun and their rural districts provide the migrant workers who are building the new China. Read my article about Fushun on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Life in China.

Jan 1, 2010

Photos: 80

China - LANGZHONG - Northern Sichuan. Ancient town. Living culture and history.

This 2,300 year old city is the genuine article. Located in the northeastern part of Sichuan Province in southwest China, Langzhong is a five hour journey by bus from the nearby capital cities of Chengdu and Chongqing. Both places have international airports and hotels. This is the heartland of the ancient kingdom of Shu, a culturally and politically independent state led by Liu Bei and his brilliant Prime Minister Zhuge Liang during the famous Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280). A time in China’s history when the kingdoms of Wei, Wu, and Shu fought each other for hegemony over China. These days Langzhong is an historic, peaceful, city. Traditional culture is thriving here. This is not a cultural mauseleum. If you want to experience as much of China as you can in one place, then visit this city. Read my article about Langzhong on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Travel.

Aug 22, 2009

Photos: 122

China - CHONGQING - Jialing River. River life.

The Jialing River has its source on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flows south to Chongqing where it joins the Yangtze River. Together they rush through the Three Gorges and on to Shanghai 1600kms to the east. My apartment, 'Jin Sha Shui An' is beside this river. These photos were taken close to home.

Jul 16, 2009

Photos: 95

China - CHONGQING - Yangtze River.

The Yangtze River (Changjiang) begins its journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and ends it near Shanghai where it flows into the East China Sea. It is the largest river in China. Chongqing is situated on the confluence of two rivers: the Yangtze and the Jialing, and is upriver from the famous Three Gorges. Chongqing is 1600kms as the crow flies from Shanghai and is the hub for development in China's Southwest. 31 million people live in the Municipality, and 6.5 million of them reside in Chongqing city.

Jul 16, 2009

Photos: 52

China - XIUSHAN - Rural county.

A relatively poor county in Southeast Chongqing Municipality. Beautiful scenery surrounding.

May 21, 2009

Photos: 71

China - CHONGQING - Guild hall. Hu Guang Hui Guan.

Years ago, as far back as the Yuan Dynasty, and later in the Ming and Qing dynasties, skilled migrants came from all around China to settle in Chongqing and Sichuan (the population had been decimated by wars and natural disasters). This hall was built by these migrants. It was their first stop in a new environment. A home away from home, if you like. The hall was restored recently under the guidance of an Italian lady. She did a great job as you will see.

May 20, 2009

Photos: 32

China - EARTHQUAKE - Sichuan Province. Trauma & recovery.

Trauma. Beichuan, Hongbaizhen and Feishui. Beichuan was the epicentre. Hongbaizhen is a village in the mountains. Horrific casualties in both places. Young people and children, the saddest. Feishui is another village, the emphasis here is on hope. Read four articles on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category: - life in China. (i) Sichuan Earthquake. Shifang. Remembering; (ii) Sichuan Earthquake. Hongbaizhen. One year later; (iii) Sichuan Earthquake. Beichuan. One year later; and, (iv) Sichuan Earthquake. The Aftermath.

May 12, 2009

Photos: 76

China - BEIJING -

A few days in Beijing. 2009 April.

Apr 24, 2009

Photos: 62

China - ZHONGSHAN - Ancient village. Chongqing municipality.

Zhongshan ancient village in rural Chongqing Municipality. Small, poor, and old...very old. A couple of hours driving from downtown CQ. Fascinating place. Living culture.

Feb 20, 2009

Photos: 60

China - CHONGQING - The other side.

Chongqing is a good example of China's modernisation. Gleaming skyscrapers, new infrastructure projects and housing complexes are everywhere. A wealthy middle-class is spending money. Life here is much better than it used to be. However, if you take a walk down any side-street, you will find yourself entering another world: one which has been left behind in the rush to development. Life is harder in these places where local residents look at the skyline and wonder what the hell is going on around them. The government has plans for lower-cost housing, but at this stage in Chongqing's rapid development, other projects have priority. The folk who live in these downtown alcoves of poverty and marginalisation are tough and straight, and would be deeply offended if we pitied them. They are Chongqing's 'salt of the earth'. My website; http://www.china-consult.com.au has a few articles on these people and their lives. Look for them under the sub-category: - Life in China..

Jan 1, 2009

Photos: 72

China - DAZU Cliff-face carvings. Chongqing municipality.

Stone carvings of mainly Buddhist, Confucian and Dao themes into a cliff-face at Dazu in the Municipality of Chongqing. The earliest carvings date back to the Tang dynasty in the 7th century. Later additions continued through the Song Dynasty 600 years later. These carvings are World-heritage listed, and rival to the famous Buddihist art at Dunhuang in Gansu Province, west China. These photos were taken on a rainy day with a small digital camera, and sadly, do not do justice to this wonderful spectacle of China's spiritual heritage. I'll go back and do a better job in the future. Read my article about Dazu on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category: - Travel.

Dec 21, 2008

Photos: 25

China - LIAONING - Ming tombs, Fushun city, Yalu River & North Korean border.

- 1. Tombs. Manchu leaders. Lur Hai Chi, the first Ming Dynasty emperor came from this area (Dongbei or Manchuria). He raised his army here, and then marched south west to conquer China. Some photos from Fushun. --- 2. Dandong city. Yalu River. This bridge was bombed by the Americans during the Korean War. General Peng De Huai led his Chinese troops across it to attack them...giving Uncle Sam a bloody nose. On the Chinese side, there is 'capitalism with socialist characteristics' (whatever that means). On the North Korean side, Stalinist communism. A closed society. Kim Jong il's 'socialist paradise'.....

Jul 20, 2008

Photos: 47

China - KANGDING to LITANG - Western Sichuan. Summer & Winter.

Kangding in western Sichuan Province (elevation 2600m), used to be a trading town on the old border between China and Tibet. China's border extends further west these days, and incorporates the old eastern province of Tibet (Kham) into Sichuan province. Kangding however, remains a cultural border demarcating Chinese from Tibetan culture. The Sichuan-Tibet Highway heads west from here, and is one of the worlds highest, roughest, most dangerous, and most beautiful roads. Elevation is between 4000m and 5000m. Most photos were taken from a moving local bus and may be a little blurred. I have travelled this road in summer and winter. Read my article about Kangding on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Travel.

Dec 4, 2007

Photos: 89

China - XICHANG - Southern Sichuan city.

Xichang is a small city in southern Sichuan Province. An ancient city wall surrounds the old part of town. Most of these photos were taken there. Xichang is part of the Liangshan area, home to the Yi minority people. Read my article about Xichang on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Life in China.

Nov 13, 2007

Photos: 39

China - BUTUO - Yi minority town.

A Yi minority town east of Xichang, in southern Sichuan province. A depressing and dangerous place. Poverty, violence, and drugs. Zero tolerance by police for drug users. Execution. Hence the high numbers of orphans in the town. Hundreds and hundreds of them (Hard to believe: but figures supplied by a local government officer and a high-school teacher). See the pictures of the children. They tell their own story.

Nov 13, 2007

Photos: 31

China - LUGU HU - Southwest China. On the border between Sichuan & Yunnan.

Traveling (hitch-hiking) from Lijiang in Yunnan Province to Lugu Lake on the border with Sichuan Province. Descending from the high Lijiang plain down to the Jinsha jiang (Yangtze River), then up again to Lugu Hu. The Mosuo minority matriarchal society lives around this lake. Khublai Khan and his Mongol army passed through here in the 13th century on their way to conquer Yunnan Province. Read my article about Lugu Hu on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Travel.

Aug 20, 2007

Photos: 40

China - LITANG 1 - Tibetan nomad town.

Litang: ancient centre of Tibetan culture in what was once Tibet's eastern province of Kham. This town is situated at 4000m + in the Maoya Valley up on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the roof of the world. It is not far from the Tibetan border at Batang up the road a few hours away. This isolated frontier town is the focal point for an authentic Tibetan nomad population which herds yaks on the mountain slopes and valley grasslands. A wonderful Tibetan monastery dominates the town and is the beating heart of this community, The 7th and 10th Dalai Lamas came from this district. There is not much to see in the town itself. It is all in the authentic Tibetan people you will encounter and the magnificent scenery you will see. An off-the-track must for adventurous travellers. Summer only. Stay at the Potala Inn. Read my article about Litang on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Travel.

Jul 3, 2007

Photos: 87

China - LITANG 2 - Tibetan nomad town.

Jul 2, 2007

Photos: 63

China - LITANG 3 - Tibetan. Maoya & Tsaupa Valleys.

Most photos were taken from a moving vehicle. From Litang through the Maoya Valley towards Batang on the Tibetan border. Turning off the main road just before Batang, travelling up Tsaupa Valley to the small lakeside monastery at the foot of Mount Genie. The valley's head. Altitude is about 4200 metres on the valley floor. Read my article titled, "Valley: on the border" on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Travel.

Jul 1, 2007

Photos: 58

China - LITANG 4 - Tibetan monastery.

The 7th and 10th Dalai Lamas came from this district. This thriving monastery is the heart and soul of Litang and the surrounding nomad community - there is no shortage of monks who commit to this celibate, spiritual lifestyle for life. It was built in honour of the 3rd Dalai Lama and is indeed a special place. Join old Tibetans and young children in a circum-ambulation of the monastery every morning: spinning prayer-wheels, prayer-beads, and the smiling, welcoming faces of the locals and their quiet humming chant of, "Om mani beime hom". I defy anyone not to be moved spiritually by the experience. The last half-dozen photos show the sky-burial ground on a hill just outside of Litang. Visit the place yourself if you want to see the gory details. I haven't shown them here out of respect for local culture. Voyeurism for its own sake is bad form anywhere. Read my article titled 'Monastery' on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Travel.

Jun 30, 2007

Photos: 124

China - LITANG to XIANGCHENG - Western Sichuan.

Xiangcheng is an isolated community on the Tibetan Plateau in southwest Sichuan Province. I over-nighted there while traveling from Litang near the Tibetan border to Zhongdian (Shangri-la) which is in northwest Yunnan province. The road is hairy, and most of these photos were taken from the window of a moving local bus.

Jun 4, 2007

Photos: 43

China - XIANGCHENG to ZHONGDIAN - Western Sichuan & Yunnan.

Xiangcheng (West Sichuan) to Zhongdian (Northwest Yunnan. Shangrila). A bad road over beautiful mountains. Landslides and road subsidence. Hairpin turns. Tibetan villages. More shaky photos taken from inside a local bus, traveling down from the Tibet- Qinghai Plateau. Some Bai minority people in Zhongdian (Shangri-la).

Jun 3, 2007

Photos: 60

China - LIJIANG 1 - Yunnan. Ancient town. Naxi minority.

"Where in all the world is to be found scenery comparable to that which awaits the explorer and photographer in north-western Yunnan province?" Quote: Joseph Rock, explorer and botanist, 1928. "The region from Lijiang to the Tibetan border is one of the most wonderful in China." Source: Lonely Planet, 2002. Lijiang sits on a high plain surrounded by magnificent mountains, the highest of which is Yulong Xueshan (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain). At 5596m this monolith dominates the northern end of the plain and provides a southern bulwark to the surging Jinshajiang as it rushes downhill through one of the deepest gorges in the world; Tiger Leaping Gorge. Snuggling comfortably around the south-eastern base of Elephant Hill, Lijiang enjoys a well-earned reputation for a good climate, a vibrant Naxi minority culture, and an authentic old-town. See my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au for my article on Lijiang. Look under ARTICLES, sub-category: - Travel.

Jun 2, 2007

Photos: 128

China - LIJIANG 2 - Yunnan. Ancient town. Naxi minority.

Jun 1, 2007

Photos: 94

China - YANGTZE - First bend at Shigu. Yunnan. Naxi village.

To understand China, one must first understand the Yangtze River, or as it is known here, the Jinsha Jiang. Long ago, on its way down from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the mighty Yangtze River had its southern course blocked by a small mountain in northwest Yunnan called Cloud Hill. Although small in comparison to the surrounding giants, Cloud Hill was big enough to redirect the southern flow of the Yangtze to the northeast and up to the edge of the fertile Sichuan basin. Once there it carved its way through a series of parallel ridges before turning east and scouring a narrow opening down through the Three Gorges and onto the fertile river plains below. Chinese civilisation followed in its wake. Today, this spot is called the first bend of the Yangtze River. A critical turning point for geography and history. The place where Chinese history began. Shigu is the small town on the bend.

Dec 31, 2006

Photos: 37

China - XI'AN - Shaanxi. Ancient capital.

Xi'an. Ancient capital of China (Chang'an in those days) in Shaanxi Province. The eastern end of the old Silk Road. Xi'an is close to the terracotta warriors and other archeological wonders which are testament to China's unified cultural and political beginnings over two millennia ago. Two hundred years before Homer wrote his 'Oddysey', and five centuries before Buddha attained enlightenment, this city was already the 'middle' of the Middle Kingdom and a classic world city. The old city wall is a reminder of this status, as are the Bell and Drum Towers and the vibrant Moslem Hui minority which it encloses. Read a short story about a humorous experience in Xi'an on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category: - Life in China. Title: "Pride before fall in Xi'an".

Apr 3, 2006

Photos: 61

China - CHONGQING - Eling Park.

Home to several foreign embassies (including Australia) during WW2, or as the Chinese say: the Anti-Japanese War; Eling Park sits atop the Yuzhong Peninsula ridge in downtown Chongqing. It has a view of both the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers just before their confluence at Chaotianmen Port a few kilometres away. The panoramic views of Chongqing and its surrounding hills are wonderful. This is a quiet oasis of beautiful Chinese gardens, peopled on a weekend by locals playing mahjong, drinking tea, painting lotus flowers, or making music. Read my article about Eling park on my website; http://www.china-consult.com.au under the sub-category, - Life in China.

Dec 25, 2005

Photos: 41

China - JIUZHAIGOU. North Sichuan. World Heritage scenery.

Located in Northern Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is one of the most beautiful scenic places in China. It is World heritage listed.

Oct 26, 2005

Photos: 68

China - CHONGQING - a quick look.

Miscelaneous personal snaps of Chongqing.

Jan 1, 2005

Photos: 88

Australia - CAIRNS - Russel Heads

Russel Heads is isolated. Boat access only. It is approximately 45 kilometres south of Cairns.

Dec 31, 2004

Photos: 39

Vietnam

Brian (Chick Hennessy). Infantryman with Delta Company, 6 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.You can buy my book online. "The Sharp End: the trauma of a war in Vietnam". Allen & Unwin. 1997. Or purchase it via e-book on my website, http://www.china-consult.com.au

Dec 31, 1970

Photos: 109

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