November 28, 2017

Sichuan Province, China: Zhangzha Town; hotel review + things to do

Zhangzha Town 

In Aba Autonomous Prefecture, Jiuzhaigou.  

Located at the exit of the valley and nearby Songpan County, this town features an ever-increasing number of hotels.  It is important to know that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck here on August 9, 2017, killing 19 people and injured 247.  


Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou  

(+86) 837-7777777.  4 stars.  968 rooms; 3,000+yuen.  Pool; fitness center. 

Featuring a gargantuan lobby and entry, this comfortable contemporary hotel has shiny marble floors and dramatic high ceilings throughout. 

lobby of Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
lobby of Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


bonsai at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
bonsai at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


guest room at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
guest room at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China


bathroom at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
bathroom at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China


The hotel's Riviera Coffee Shop serves an expansive breakfast and dinner buffet with local Sichuan and Tibetan dishes, including yak butter tea. 

marinated pig's ear with chili oil at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
marinated pig's ear with chili oil at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou
in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China


Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park

After dinner, my group walked next door to Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park to see the Romantic Show.  A don’t-miss performance that reveals the culture of the Zang and Qiang peoples, it has been described as “Cirque de Soliel meets Broadway meets opera with a little ’Miss Saigon’ thrown in for good measure.”  The auditorium is surprisingly immense, and creative staging includes performers rappelling down and walking sideways along the walls to the stage.  During an earthquake enactment, the seats actually shake.  When Tibetan prayer flags appear dramatically overhead at the end, the Chinese audience stands with hands over heart in prayer position to honor their ancestors.

entrance to Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
entrance to Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


Monkey Man at Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
Monkey Man at Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


show finale at Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
show finale at Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


Minjianghaoting International Hotel 

(also listed under Minjiangyuan)  This pleasant lower-end hotel has only a shower available, no bath tubs.  The dining room is bare and the food minimal, plus the floor in the dining area was super slippery--I think from steam. 

exterior of Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
exterior of Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


street in front of Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
street in front of Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China


guest room at Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
guest room at Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town,
Sichuan Province, China



More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.

Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 20, 2017

Edgefield, South Carolina: National Wild Turkey Center; things to do

National Wild Turkey Center  

770 Augusta Rd., in Edgefield, (803) 637-3106. 

When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.5 million wild turkeys in North America.  Now, after decades of efforts, the wild turkey has been brought back from near extinction and there are almost 7 million.  The National Wild Turkey Center is dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation in North America and to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the country’s hunting heritage. 

exterior of National Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
exterior of National Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center  

This is the only museum in the world dedicated to the wild turkey.  It displays the five species of wild turkey--Eastern Wild Turkey, Osceola Wild Turkey, Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Merriam’s Wild Turkey, Gould’s Wild Turkey, Ocellated Turkey--along with related items, including a great collection of turkey calls.  Interesting facts about the wild turkey include that it was once touted by Benjamin Franklin as a candidate for the national bird but lost out to the bald eagle, and that all male turkeys have a beard growing out of their chest.

How many kinds of wild turkeys have you seen?

taxidermied wild turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
taxidermied wild turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center
in Edgefield, South Carolina


taxidermied flying Gould's Wild Turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
taxidermied flying Gould's Wild Turkey at Winchester Museum
at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


taxidermied flying Gould's wild turkey--seen from below--at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
taxidermied flying Gould's wild turkey--seen from below--at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


taxidermied Ocellated Wild Turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
taxidermied Ocellated Wild Turkey at Winchester Museum
at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


taxidermied wild turkey hen with poults at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
taxidermied wild turkey hen with poults at Winchester Museum
at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


turkey calls at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
turkey calls at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center
in Edgefield, South Carolina


wild turkey feather kachina doll at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
wild turkey feather kachina doll at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina
ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers at Winchester Museum
at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina


ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen of travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers
ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen of travel writer
Carole Terwilliger Meyers



More things to do in Edgefield, South Carolina.

More things to do in Charleston, South Carolina.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


November 14, 2017

Sichuan Province, China: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine; things to do

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine  

Daily 8am-6pm.  80-220 yuen, shuttle bus 80-90 yuen. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site and UN Biosphere Reserve contains some of China’s most dramatic wild landscapes.  Among the sights at Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine are steep peaks, ravines, forest, meadows, marshes, lakes, and waterfalls.  Three valleys--Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley--form a “Y.”  The reserve holds 114 lakes, 47 springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids, and 5 tufa shoals.  Shuttle buses stop at each lake, but it is best to bus to the top of the valley and then walk down.  Wooden walkways circle each lake (beware that they can get slippery at waterfalls, where water spray dampens them). 

shuttle bus winds through Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
shuttle bus winds through Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China


Nuorilang Waterfall

which drains into Mirror Lake, is the widest highland waterfall in China and is this park’s symbol.

Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China




This park is extremely popular with the Chinese and is very crowded, which is particularly amazing since it is so difficult to reach.  Since opening in 1984, tourist activity has increased every year.  As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a 12,000-person quota enforced during high season, but only about 3,000 foreigners visit per season.  Despite these large numbers, the area is kept pristine.

Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China


Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China


Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China

 
bridal photo at Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
bridal photo at Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China


girls take selfie at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
girls take selfie at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China


Tibetan prayer flags at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Tibetan prayer flags at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China


leaves float on Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
leaves float on Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
in Sichuan Province, China



Introduction to Jiuzhaigou Valley area 

More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.

Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.


images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


November 9, 2017

Introduction: Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province, China

INTRODUCTION TO JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY  

280 miles north of Chengdu, in Nanping County.

The bus ride my tour group endured from Chengdu to the remote, mountainous Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, took nine hours.

stop at Maoxian area on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
stop at Maoxian area on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


It seemed to take forever, with brutal restroom stops that cost 1 yuen/US16c and delivered open stalls with troughs down the center.  No privacy.  No flushing.  Sometimes running water.

typical trough toilet on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
typical trough toilet on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


Tu Giang Restaurant

in Maoxian

We made a lunch stop at Tu Giang Restaurant where we enjoyed Qiang nationality items that include yak meat dishes as well as the always-popular Sichuan chicken.  After, we bought tangerines from locals outside who weighed the purchase with old-time wood-pole scales.

chicken soup in Tu Giang Restaurant on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
chicken soup in Tu Giang Restaurant on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


wood-pole scale seen on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
wood-pole scale seen on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


Barrel Lake

At 6,000 to 9,000 feet we came to Barrel Lake where beautiful long-hair white yaks awaited mounting for photographs.  This stop also had a mini-bazaar where we saw exotic giant mushrooms and I purchased some cracked whole pecans that were deliciously spiced and made a great treat to enjoy on the bus.

white yak at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
white yak at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


unusual giant mushrooms at mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
unusual giant mushrooms at mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to
Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China


exotic spiced pecans at mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
exotic spiced pecans at mini bazaar at Barrel Lake on the way to
Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China


The altitude in the Jiuzhaigou Valley ranges from 8,000 to 16,000 feet.  Altitude sickness is a definite possibility, so it is a good idea to pack medications and remedies recommended by your doctor, and to take your time and not over exert.  Oxygen canisters can be rented throughout the area, and in a god-forsaken town on our way up my group encountered oxygen water being sold by nurses in uniform for 100 yuen/US$16 per bag.  
 
nurse dispenses oxygen water on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
nurse dispenses oxygen water on the way to Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China


Also be aware that Sichuan Province is frequently struck by quakes.  Just this year on August 9, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Zhangzha killed 19 people and injured 247.  Another one in Yingxiu town in May 2008 killed almost 70,000 people.  Fortunately, there were no quakes during my visit.

On this trip we were really out there.

In spite of these travel deterrents, the Chinese people come here in great numbers for the beauty and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Referred to by some as "China's Switzerland," this spectacularly scenic area is particularly beautiful in fall, when foliage is changing color (winter it is extremely cold).  This is the habitat of the giant panda (although sightings are extremely rare) and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.

This region is also home to a small population of Tibetan and Qing people.  We visited several villages, where prayer flags flew and where reasonably-priced, locally-produced goods were sold.  I bought a beautiful embroidered cloth-and-beads necklace and a lovely floral “pashmina” scarf--both of which I’m sure are probably for sale on Canal Street in NYC--but so far I haven’t encountered them anywhere else.  Attending one of their evening cultural performances is a must, as is sampling some of the typical local foods that you’ll see in your hotel’s buffet. 
 
Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China


yak butter tea in Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan Province of China
yak butter tea in Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou Valley
in Sichuan Province of China






More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.

Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Best souvenirs of China.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.


images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


Popular Posts