Changsha, Hunan, China

cont. Jiangjiajie, Hunan, China -- 2011

Day 7

Today would be our last full day on this tour. Early in the morning we drove back to Changsha. A couple of quick shots from the bus along the highway.

Here, we saw Chairman Mao--a statue of him that is--in the courtyard outside the restaurant where we were having lunch at.

This picture is actually out of order. We spent some time exploring the shopping area of Changsha after lunch.

Back to the restaurant...another part of the courtyard.

The restaurant is on the left.

Pictures showing famous people who had visited this restaurant.

Later on we visited a museum where a female mummy was on display.

Not this. I don't think I will post the picture of the mummy.

Then, we also visited a park in the city. One of the four preserved historical sites in Changsha.

In the evening, we took a river cruise on this boat with "Noah Cruises". It is quite unusual to see Biblical terms being used in public. I was really curious about this Noah Cruise.

We had dinner show here on this cruise. I believe they had buffet served on one deck, but we had the banquet type dinner on another deck. After dinner, the show was on yet another deck. Instead of watching the show (song, dance, magic, acrobat, etc.) we enjoyed the view as we sailed along the river.

As we disembarked, verses from I Corinthians 13:4-8 in the bible was painted on one side of the wall of the dock. I was truly touched and amazed at such sight. And it clearly stated it was from the Bible. Amen!

Final night before heading home at this older but nice hotel.

The next morning, after breakfast, we waited for the taxi to take us to the airport. Here is one of the tour guide who waited with us. We were taking the same flight with the couple on my left to Beijing that afternoon. Quite by accident, we knew the brother-in-law of this Christian couple. He is also a minister in the L.A. area. What a small world!

This concluded another wonderful trip to China. This was a short trip for us but many people in our tour group continued on with another tour in Beijing which only cost them $99 for a seven-day tour including meals and accommodation. An excellent deal indeed but I am sure it involves many shopping stops. Maybe next time we will consider one of those deals. But for now, it's time to go home.

Tien Mun Shan National Park, Hunan, China

cont. Jiangjiajie, Hunan, China -- 2011

Day 6

On our last morning here at the resort, I figured that we should have a view of the courtyard.

Nice set up on the balcony.

Exterior of the main building.

The main entrance of the resort is way down there.

Relaxing atmosphere all around.

We visited an art gallery that morning.

These paintings were created using sand and rocks.

Then, we visited this Tu Tribal Village. One of the minority groups in this area.

Traditional building

Building for the chief of the tribe.

Up on the 'chief's building'.

Beautifully decorated.

Could see miles around.

"Crying for the bride" -- this performance showed how the women of the family bidding farewell to the bride by weeping and chanting.

Some more performances.

One of the elders.

Hunan hot and spicy chili.

Smokehouse

Making peanut brittle

Outside of the Tu Village. Seemed to be heavily guarded.

Tien Mun Shan (Mt. of the Heavenly Gate) National Park

Taking the long, long cable car ride up to the mountain.

That's the Heaven's Gate.

The very winding highway.

Once on top of the mountain, we really couldn't see anything. Maybe it was a good thing. It would be quite scary if we could see because part of the walkway is made with transparent material. 

We decided to just take a break and enjoyed a cup of hot coffee inside the cable car station.

Taking the cable car back down but only half way.

We got off half way and then took the shuttle going through those nerve wrecking winding roads.

Here you can see the 'hole' in the background, "Gate to Heaven".

After getting off the shuttle, tourists can actually climb the thousands of steps (Stairs to Heaven) to go all the way up to the Gate of Heaven. Did we try? Of course...NO. Not in this weather.

This stairways will take you all the up to the 'hole'.

We were very tired after a day of travelling. Tonight we are at another hotel. Here we were waiting to get our room key. This is a luxurious hotel, very fancy. I believe it's called Sunshine Hotel.

Enjoying the hotel lobby.