The Jewish Diaspora, in which the ancient inhabitants of Israel slowly spread to the four corners of the Earth, is one of the great epic stories of world history. From the most humble beginning of a tiny enclave in ancient Canaan, the Jews spread across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East; thence to Europe and Central Asia; and finally across the globe. Of all the … [Read more...]
SHILIN STONE FOREST
China The Shilin Stone Forest is one of China’s most beloved natural sites, and home to one of its most enduring folktales. Located in the homeland of the Yi people, the stone forest is a large collection of limestone pillars that jut up from the landscape in an amazing labyrinthine formation. A protected area, the Shilin Stone Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage … [Read more...]
REED FLUTE CAVE
China Reed Flute Cave is one of China’s signature natural attractions. Named for the reeds which grow outside of its entrance (and which are used to make flutes), it is China’s best known and most visited cave systems. It is known, among other things, for its spectacular underground lake, as well as a small role it played during World War II. It is uncertain how long ago … [Read more...]
TIGER LEAPING GORGE
China Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most dramatic and arguably the most beautiful canyon in China. Carved by the Jinsha River, which feeds the Yangtze, it is flanked not merely by canyon walls but also by the nearby mountains, adding to the overall breathtaking vistas. Tiger Leaping Gorge is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage … [Read more...]
GOBI DESERT
Mongolia/China The Gobi Desert marks the ancient frontier between China and Central Asia. For thousands of years it was part of the great Silk Road, where huge camel caravans hauled exotic goods from the Orient to the Middle East and beyond. Because of this the Gobi has always loomed large in the imaginations of westerners, as well as looming large in the culture and history … [Read more...]
JIUZHAIGOU FOREST
China The Jiuzhaigou Forest is one of the premier natural destinations in China, and one of the most beautiful woodlands to be found in the Far East. Located in a valley of the same name at the foothills of the Himalayas, the scenery is unparalleled. The valley is also rich in history and culture, and is a very popular vacation destination. The Jiuzhaigou Valley and its … [Read more...]
PEARL SHOAL WATERFALL
China The Pearl Shoal Waterfall is the most spectacular waterfall in China and one of the definitive sites of the Jiuzhaigou Forest (see separate entry). Located in the Jiuzhaigou Valley, it is part of the national park, and by extenstion a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. Early peoples migrated to and lived in the Jiuzhaigou Valley long … [Read more...]
MOUNT HENG (SOUTHERN)
China (1,301 m) – One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China (southern) The Mount Heng located in Hunan province is also known as the Southern Mount Heng in order to distinguish it from its northerly counterpart in Shanxi. It is the shortest of China’s Five Sacred Mountains and, not surprisingly, the most southerly. It is historically one of the less important of the Five … [Read more...]
MOUNT SONG
China (1,500 m) – One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China (central) Mount Song is midmost of the Five Sacred Peaks and is also known as the “Great Central Mountain”. Despite is central location in Henan Province, it is one of the less prominent of the sacred peaks, and surprisingly isolated, at least compared to Mount Tai. It is sacred to both Taoists and Buddhists, and is … [Read more...]
MOUNT TAI
China (1,532 m) – One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China (east) Mount Tai in Shandong Province is the third highest of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. Representing the east, it is the most accessible, most visited and generally considered to be the most important from a religious standpoint. According to tradition, it was the home of several deities in ancient times, … [Read more...]
