1 . Longji Rice Terrace is a popular attraction for oversea travelers. Located in Longsheng Autonomous County, Guangxi province, the Longji Mountain is 80 kilometers away from Guilin City. Since Longji is the habitation for Yao and Zhuang ethnic group, it gains the official name of Longji Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Terrace.

Longji Rice Terrace was first built in Yuan Dynasty and was completed in the early Qing Dynasty. With a history of more than 700 years, the terrace now is still using for growing rice. It is hard to imagine that more than 800 years ago how the first group of Zhuang and Yao people moved here and cultivated (开垦) the first piece of field. From Yuan to the early Qing, about 650 years, the ancestors could not imagine that the fields they cleared with sweat and life became the terrace that so amazing with charming curves (曲线).

The scenes here are different in each season. In spring, mountains are wrapped in silver water, shinning in the sun; in summer, mountains turn bright green with growing rice waving under the sky; in autumn, the dropping ears of rice promise good harvest; in winter, sheets of snows cover the terraces, making the hills like pagodas (宝塔).

In Longji Mountain, the highest terrace is 1,180 meters above sea level, while the lowest is 380 meters. With a wonderful view, it owns the reputation (名誉) of The Top of The Terraced Fields in the world. As a main body of the terrace farming culture, Longji Terraced Field is a scenic spot that includes the natural scenery and the cultural landscape of ethnic minorities. The harmonious atmosphere and living environment attract more and more tourists at home and abroad, which makes it the top destination for holiday paradise and photography. So photography tips for the Longji Yao and Zhuang Ethnic Terrace will be helpful for your trip. Follow our step, and let’s uncover them one by one.

3 . People who visit Huangsiyang village in Huizhou, Guangdong province, are shocked by the grand scale of its ancient residential buildings. Covering an area of 220,000 square meters, the village was named “Huangsiyang” to express gratitude for the emperor’s kindness. With a history of over 500 years, the village’s architecture dates back to the late Ming Dynasty.

As part of a Guangdong provincial project that targets the high-quality rural (乡村的) development, Huangsiyang has made great efforts to promote its heritage protection and cultural tourism, which have breathed new life into the village. Yang Shouqiang, a village official, explained that the ancient village has more than 20 historical sites, making it the most well-preserved and largest ancient residential group in Huidong county. Yang said the village has attached great importance to education and culture, having produced over 20 examinees who passed the provincial-level exams after being invited to sit for the imperial examinations — the ancient form of the gaokao, China’s college entrance exam.

From 2022 to last year, a total of 65million yuan was invested in the protection and development of Huangsiyang ancient village. Recent surveys have shown significant improvements in the village’s surroundings and internal environment after it took measures to restore architecture and rivers, and improve lighting and other basic facilities. At the same time, the village introduced high-quality homestay (民宿) projects. These homestays preserve the original architectural style of the ancient buildings.

The village has attracted many tourists from the Guangdong — Hong Kong — Macao Greater Bay Area, who take part in team building activities and enjoy unique experiences. The increasing number of visitors to the village is also increasing sales of local snacks and agricultural products. Online promotions of these products have also brought in more tourists to nearby villages.

7 . Take A Scenic Ride On The World’s Steepest Railway For Passengers—If You Dare!

Originally built for mining in 1878, the Scenic Railway is now a tourist ride that can take your breath away! In the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, the former mining railway became a tourist attraction in 1945. It currently holds the Guinness World Records as the steepest passenger train with the steepest railway gradient (坡度).

The gradient of 52 degrees is comfortably viewed from inside an 84-seat, glass-enclosed carriage car. The passenger car travels along on a cable-driven system of rails as it navigates the steep terrain. During the tour, passengers will see the train travel through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel next to Orphan Rock.

Orphan Rock was once available for trail climbing. Following rock slides in the 1950s, the trail was partially closed. The trail access was completely closed in 1974 and never reopened due to potential risks.

On the Scenic Railway, you will see stunning views from a slightly different angle than Orphan Rock. The railway is open every day of the year, making the trip along the rails every ten minutes.

Sight-seeing passengers can ride the steepest railway up from the Jamison Valley or travel on the cable car. Either option affords incredible scenic views of the Blue Mountains. The glass roof in the passenger cars allows for a fantastic view from every seat on the train.

Just take a look for yourself!

9 . The European Towns and Cities That Are Magical at Christmas

The town of Hallstatt and its beautiful landscape enjoy UNESCO protection. The old townhouses, tiny lanes and snow make this the ultimate destination forgetting into the festive mood. Hallstatt’s Christmas market is the stuff of legend. Picture a brightly lit tree and stalls selling decorations and handicrafts and you’re halfway to imagining just how special this spot is.

Valkenburg has much of the usual European Christmas charms to attract visitors. However, what makes it special is the fact that they can all be found underground. The town’s Christmas Caves have become internationally renowned, with a wide range of stalls selling festive gifts and decorations. The larger Municipality Cave is home to one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe.

Wroclaw is regarded as one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, but it takes things to another level at Christmas. The city’s Christmas market is home to over 250 stalls and a superb fair. The architecture here captures the Christmas feeling too, with Gothic structures meaning everyone can tap into the special feeling that only comes round at this time of year.

Gothenburg is full of festive surprises for those willing to risk traveling north and brave the Scandinavian chill. And chief among them is the Liseberg Christmas Market. Set in an amusement park celebrating its100th anniversary in 2023, visitors can enjoy rides here and taste delicacies (佳肴) from across the country, including pickled herring, reindeer and spiced wine.