1 . Here are some beautiful classic road-tripping routes in California.

There are wonderful options including dramatic sea cliffs, sun-soaked surfing towns, playful harbor seals and the Golden Gate Bridge. You’d better avoid driving here in the spring and summer months, when the central and northern coastline can be socked in by fog and the rainy season can lead to landslides. Instead, September and October will yield the sunniest skies and some of the best weather as you spend a week checking this beauty off your bucket list.

That highway number is significant: It is in memory of the 49 people who came seeking for fortune in California’s original Gold Rush. Today the route winds through Gold Country towns such as Placerville and Nevada City, past ghostly Old West mines and Victorian buildings. Hwy 49 comes mighty close to Yosemite National Park (15 miles) and Lake Tahoe (75 miles), both of which are good places for family camping.

Enjoy your trip on America’s “Mother Road”, which brought Dust Bowl refugees, Holly-wood starlets and hippies to California. Drive slowly from the desert to the Pacific Ocean, pulling up alongside retro relics, sleeping in a tipi hotel and fueling up in neon-lit diners. Avenue of the Giants

The incredible 32-mile road at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is canopied by the world’s tallest trees. It’s one of the most justifiably celebrated drives in California. The best time is in the morning when sunlight glints off dew-drenched ferns. Among the majestic (壮观的) woods along the Avenue, there is an interesting four-sided hearth, designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan. Walking trails wind through all the woods for proper tree-hugging.

Do you know the place Jinli? It’s a street     1     (lie) in Chengdu, Sichuan. The street has a long history and is rich     2    traditional Chinese culture.

The street is about 550 meters long. You can see some ancient-style     3     (building) along the well-known street. Years ago, Jinli     4     (view)   as   the   “National Top Ten City Commercial Pedestrian Street (商业步行街)”. Each year, a large number of travelers come to the street to enjoy    5     (they), especially during the Spring Festival.

There are many restaurants     6    special snacks are offered. In this street, you’ll be attracted by local snacks, which will make your mouth water. One well-known local snack is San Da Pao, which is made of rice, brown sugar, and so on. Some other    7     (equal) attractive local snacks provided in Jinli include boiled dumplings. All of them are delicious and are waiting for you     8     (taste).

In addition to the delicious snacks, there are many other     9     (impress) attractions in Jinli. If you have time, pay     10    visit to this street and have fun.

3 . Yunnan offers exciting experiences of unique customs. If you are already planning to visit Yunnan, see our festival tours.

The Torch (火把) Festival

Date: July /August (days 24 to 26 of the sixth lunar month)

Location: Lijiang

It is a traditional festival among the Yi, Naxi, and Bai minority (少数民族) groups. According to the ancient rule of the Naxi people, the Torch Festival should last three days, and every family should light a big torch in front of their doors for the three days.

Recommended Tour: 3-Day Ancient Lijiang Tour

The Water Splashing (泼酒) Festival

Date: April 13 to 15

Location: Xishuangbanna

It is the most important festival observed by the Dai people of Xishuangbanna in southen Yunnan. It involves splashing water, lantern floating and other joyful activities.

Recommended tour: 6-Day Xishaungbanna Tour

The Horse Race Festival

Date: May/June (5th of the fifth lunar month)

Location: Shangri-la

Falling on the same date as the Dragon Boat Festival, it is the biggest gathering of Tibetans in Yunnan and usually lasts about 3 days. During the celebrations, traditional performances and competitions like horse racing and wrestling (摔跤) will beheld.

Recommended tour: 8-Day Yunnan Tour of the Nu River and Tengchong

The Third Month Fair of the Bai Group

Date: April /May(days 15 to 21 of the third lunar month)

Location: Dali

It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Bai people in Dali in western Yunnan. During the March Fair, the streets of Dali Ancient Town are packed with people selling amazing minority items.

Recommended tour: 6-Day Yunnan Minorities Tour

4 . Xi'an enjoys a reputations as a “Living History Museum” due to its rich, diverse collection of historical and cultural treasures. Apart from the Terracotta Warriors, there are also some other attractions in the city. Here are some of them.

Ancient City Wall

Xi'an City Wall was built in the 14th century in the Ming Dynasty as a military defense system. Now it is one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. The wall is now a landmark, dividing the city into inner and outer areas.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda （塔）

Situated in an ancient temple, the pagoda built with layers of bricks was built in the Tang Dynasty. It is traditional Chinese architecture. One of the main functions of the pagoda was to store Buddhist scriptures（经文） and figurines brought to China from India by the famous monk and traveler Xuan Zang, who stayed here for 19 years translating Buddhist scriptures.

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum, built in 1991，is home to over 370,000 precious relics unearthed in Shaanxi over the years, The museum consists of three main sections. Its collections range from bronze ware（器血）to pottery ware, gold and silver ware and mural paintings from the Tang Dynasty tombs.

The Muslim Quarter

One of the highlights is its local snacks when you tour Xian. The best food destination is the Muslim Quarter，which has a history of several hundred years. Consisting of a number of food streets, the area has become a famous attraction in the city for its rich and authentic Muslim cultural atmosphere.

7 . Top Sunny Christmas Destinations

You’re imagining what your dream Christmas will be like, walking on a perfect beach with your toes sinking into the warm, soft sand instead of wearing layers of winter clothes. If you prefer summer, now is the time to visit NH Hotels web and plan your ideal warm holiday for Christmas. Here, we’ve selected a list of some of the most attractive sunny Christmas destinations around the world.

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Sizzling Summer Celebrations

At the heart of Argentina’s summer season, Buenos Aires comes alive with Christmas festivities. As the city sizzles under the South American sun, you’ll find locals celebrating with all the passion and their talents that define their culture. Christmas Eve, known as “Nochebuena,” is the highlight, and Argentines gather with friends and family for a grand feast that often includes asado (barbecue) and traditional holiday desserts. One of the most unique aspects of a Buenos Aires Christmas is the lively street celebrations, with fireworks lighting the night sky and tango dancers rushing to the streets.

Sydney, Australia — Beachfront Bliss

Down under, Christmas falls in the middle of summer, making Sydney an ideal destination for sun-seekers. The city is famous for its dazzling Christmas lights displays, including the iconic lighting of the Christmas tree in Martin Place. Bondi Beach is a popular spot for beachgoers, where you can spend Christmas Day enjoying the sun, surf, and a picnic on the sand.

Bali, Indonesia — Tropical Paradise

Bali, with its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique tropical Christmas experience. While Christmas isn’t a traditional Balinese holiday, many resorts and restaurants embrace the festive season with special events, dinners, and decorations. You can enjoy a beachfront Christmas dinner, explore ancient temples, or simply relax under the sun.

Cancún, Mexico — Mexican Christmas Magic

Cancún, on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is a hotspot for those seeking a festive Christmas. The holiday season here is marked by exciting Mexican traditions. Cancún’s amazing beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect backdrop for a tropical Christmas celebration.

9 . It’s getting close to midnight, and close to my destination—mile marker 133 on Alaska’s Glenn Highway, where I’m on the road to realize a lifelong dream. I’m going to see the northern lights.

I am Scott’s only customer tonight, but whether it’s one person or a bridal party from Japan, the professional photographer and videographer loves to come put here to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows — and to share it with others. “I can’t tell you how much joy I get from seeing the smile on people’s faces. That’s worth it right there. That’s the reason why I do tours,” he says.

I emerge from the van into minus 6 degrees. A bazillion stars sparkle, and the Milky Way pours overhead. What looks like a gray stream of cloud arches low over the horizon. “That’s it!” says Scott. Really? That’s it? I spent 13 hours in planes and airports, and then drove 2.5 hours to see a gray belt? “Patience,” he says. “It will get better. Wait till 2 am. That’s usually the best time.”

Aurora (极光) tourism is combined with winter activities like ice fishing, snow machine rides, and hot springs. As aurora guides and scientists will tell you, there’s no guarantee of a sighting. But Fairbanks is a statistically good bet because of its northern location and freedom from coastal clouds, which can be a challenge for Anchorage. Travelers are recommended to put aside at least three nights to improve your chances of viewing, with the idea that you’ll be up much of the night each time.

Each time he wakes me and I step outside, it appears more glorious. At first, a fuzz the size of a honeydew floats along the horizon. Another time, a broad green line stretches across the sky, followed by a short tail. “Do you see the red?” Scott asks. He has me look through his camera. It can see more color than the naked eye. Finally, as if playing a visual symphonic tune, a giant line of phosphorous (发磷光的) green seems to swoop down to the treetops and dollop them with a curlicue swirl. I’m smiling inside and out. We can go now.