Valentine's Day Has Me Wanting to Run Away, So Let's Go to China! A Fast Five!

Call me a downer, but I hate Valentine's Day.  Somehow it's always disappointing and I normally have to work, so it makes me want to run away.  This week I learned some cool stuff to do in China, so let's go!

 

1.    The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland.  This place has many names.  TianMa Pit Hotel, Sonjiang Pegasus Hotel, or mostly the Shimao Quarry Hotel.  A lot of choices of what to call it, but it's all the same place.

This used to be a quarry.  It's as simple as that.  It's outside of Shanghai and someone used their ingenuity to make a 5 star 337 room luxury hotel resort out of it.  The scenery is beautiful.  The building is beautiful.  The rooms are beautiful.  They have a ton of things to see and do, and all kinds of food.  They have a spa too.  One of my favorite things is that they have a bungee swing off the side of the quarry.

It is pricey, at just under $300 per night USD, but it is a one of a kind experience.  My favorite part is simply the waterfall views.

https://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?aid=2442700&label=aimax-LAFmza7xQeFOPsHJ_gHbOQS783805374429%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atidsa-2103147599716%3Alp9192792%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Acid23262737887%3Aagid194302726531%3Askwshimao%20wonderland%20intercontinental&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbVhFqtBh7YOuHaKTDlXwFnUP8D36dAYbGf8BmjbV15JFmpv8uchTyhoC7TgQAvD_BwE&highlighted_hotels=4234424&checkin=2026-03-06&redirected=1&city=-1927119&hlrd=with_av&source=hotel&checkout=2026-03-09&keep_landing=1&sid=d59c8f2d16c005188f87a65e5d02a248

https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/shanghai/shghe/hoteldetail

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g308272-d15308426-Reviews-InterContinental_Shanghai_Wonderland_by_IHG-Shanghai.html   

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/china-quarry-hotel-shanghai    

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shimao-wonderland-intercontinental   

2.    Wangxian Valley and its fairy tale village.  This is a wonderland of scenery sitting in a gorge or valley as they say.  This is %100 one of the most amazing things I've seen in a while.

This place isn't actually old.  It's largely designed for tourists.  They have great food, shows, shopping, and entertainment.  There's not an entrance fee, but there's so much to do that you'll pay one way or another.  This is one that you just go with the flow on.  Learn the local culture, try the food and drink and make sure you take the time to enjoy the view both during the day and at night.  It's astonishing, really.

Here's the best part.  Yes, you can stay there, because it's largely designed for tourism.  But the tourists aren't a bunch of ugly Americans.  Most of the people who visit this attraction are from China.  You'll get the full effect of culture shock and some great food and entertainment on this one.

https://www.ourchinastory.com/en/15236/China's-Wangxian-Valley:-A-fairyland-with-cliffside-houses     

https://www.expedia.com/Shangrao-Hotels-Wangxian-Valley-Qingchuanxingguan.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYZw-Sregeg     

https://www.china-roads.com/travel/jiangxi/wangxian-valley/    

https://my.trip.com/moments/detail/vagoo-scenic-area-2184816-141059732?locale=en-MY    

3.    Furong, Hunan Province.  This is the real deal.  Unlike the Wangxian Valley Fairy Village which isn't far from this place, Furong is an ancient village located in an otherworldy setting.  A portion of this village actually sits atop the waterfalls.  

There's lots of traditional things to see and do in this village, along with authentic architecture and as always; great food.  This village isn't far from the other one and it gives you some points of comparison in an old vs new kind of way.  

This village is a must visit, and to combine it with Wangxian, just makes it better.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1411413-d28659703-Reviews-Furong_Ancient_Town-Yongshun_County_Xiangxi_Tujia_and_Miao_Autonomous_Prefectur.html    

https://www.china-roads.com/travel/hunan/furong-%E8%8A%99%E8%93%89/    

https://www.chinadiscovery.com/hunan/furong-ancient-town.html    

https://www.fabionodariphoto.com/en/furong-zhen-old-town-hunan-guide/   

https://www.audleytravel.com/us/china?infinity=ict2~net~gaw~cmp~22928249426~ag~189983521128~ar~770856775409~kw~visit%20china~mt~p~acr~2569645010&audcmp=22928249426&audadg=189983521128&audkey=visit%20china&auddev=c&audadid=770856775409&audpos=&audtrgt=aud-1957672104616:kwd-352123114934&audtel=ppcnb&audnet=g&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22928249426&gbraid=0AAAAADhysPAxZgW-xYoLUSAKyECb4HRAG&gclid=CjwKCAiAkbbMBhB2EiwANbxtbddW-Nymko3cevtqpGt7wvU5R0zstKgcZc5L8oGlvLMgKIOQnCdcrRoC4XkQAvD_BwE    

4.    Zhangjiajie National Forest and Park.  It's a mouthful but it's worth it.  This place has hoodoos, or spires or whatever you wish to call them.  They have cliff walkways, amazing views, a glass bridge and walkway, and the tallest and craziest elevator in the world.

Some of the spires are over 3,500 feet high; towering over the valley below.  The people in charge have made it a great place to spend time for just about everyone.  Stunning views, and more photo ops than pretty much anyplace else I've seen.  It's a one of a kind view.

Then, there's the elevator.  The Bailong Elevator rises 1,070 feet in the air.  That's right.  This tourist spot is accessible.  The elevator runs up one of the cliffs and brings you to the top where all the best views and activities are.  This is a one of a kind experience, and frankly, worth a trip to China.

https://national-parks.org/china/zhangjiajie/    

https://www.chinadiscovery.com/hunan/zhangjiajie/zhangjiajie-national-forest-park.html    

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20241211-zhangjiajie-chinas-otherworldly-mountains-that-inspired-avatar    

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g494933-d12275455-2_Full_Days_Zhangjiajie_National_Forest_Park_Glass_Bridge_Tour-Zhangjiajie_Hunan.html    

https://fromsunrisetosunset.com/avatar-mountains-beautiful-ancient-town-china-zhangjiajie-fenghuang/    

5.    Disneyland Shanghai.  I said it.  While some people here in the states are struggling with good old Communist China and whether or not to visit that country; Disney had no trouble with that.  This park and resort and everything that goes with Disney opened in 2016.

It's parks, resorts, and everything you'd expect to come with Disney.  It's just outside of Shanghai, so if you're in the area, this may be for you.  As always with Disney, it's become wildly popular.  Chinese folks made it an instant hit.  You may find some of the parades and shows catering to a more Asian feel, but you've still got your princess castle and it's still %100 Disney.

https://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/?located=true    

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g308272-d10383031-Reviews-Shanghai_Disneyland-Shanghai.html    

https://journeyswithstephen.com/shanghai-disneyland-worth-visit/    

https://www.expedia.com/Shanghai-Disneyland-Pudong.d553248621593965835.Vacation-Attraction    

https://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanghai/shanghai-disney-resort.html    

There you have it.  If you've ever wanted to run about as far away as you can get whether it's because you hate Valentine's Day like I do, or just because you want to get away; there are some pretty darn cool things in the Shanghai area of China.  Keep in mind, I haven't actually run away to there...yet.  This is just a fast five of cool things I've heard about.

If you'd like to see what I'm actually doing, check out my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025    

Catch you next time, and I hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

Wow! It's Some Random Thoughts on This Week's Fast Five!

I ponder a lot.  Sometimes my list of a fast five is just what I've been thinking about lately, so here we go!

 

1.    Transnistria/Pridnestrovie/Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.  This place has a lot of names, but its capital is Tiraspol.  Why is this on my radar?  Can you even go there?  What is it?

It's on my radar, because I hadn't heard anything about it in several years, so I quit thinking about it.  Then, I was reminded of it in a specific context.  The disputed non country sits between Moldova and Ukraine.  Seeing as one of the points of dispute that they have with their legal country is that they wish to be more Russian; well, isn't that special right now?

So, what is it?  When the Soviet Union broke up, many countries were redefined or born.  After a mild civil war, it was decided that Moldova didn't want much more to do with Transnistria than Transnistria wanted to do with them.  They had these serious differences, like Transnistria wanting to be a protectorate of Russia, so the solution was to go their different ways.  But, literally no one has recognized them as their own country, even though they self govern and even have their own money.

Can you even go there?  You can, but I would arrange a guide for this one.  The people of the country are a little leery of outsiders, and they speak three languages, but very little English.  If you speak Russian, Ukrainian, or Moldovan; you're all set.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18284837    

https://www.dark-tourism.com/index.php/transnistria-and-moldova    

https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-transnistria/   

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/transnistria-travel/     

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g3677614-Transnistria-Vacations.html    

2.    Turnstyle, the Underground Market at Columbus Circle.  I love New York, and I spend a lot of time there and a lot of time in the subway.  Unbeknownst to me, because I don't really go to Central Park all that often, this market is underneath Columbus Circle, right in front of President Trump's place.

It's an adorable spot to stop.  It is outside the subway station part of the underground.  If you stop for a while, you may have to pay to get back into the subway system.  With the OMNY card, there are weekly caps of $35 on fares, so it may be a non issue.

What's there?  Lot's of coffee, food, and pastry.  Since I'm normally out and about during the day it's perfect.  However, you can also shop.  I saw a florist, jewelry shops, gifts, collectibles, Manga, clothes, and more.  There's a lot to look at.  There's even a bar at the far end from the subway entrance if you want to hang out and have a beer.

The market is open 11 am to 7 pm 7 days a week.  Especially during inclement weather and winter; it's a great place to stop.  You'll be able to catch a video on my YouTube channel about this coming soon.  

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025

   

https://www.turn-style.com/    

https://www.modernehotelnyc.com/things-to-do/turnstyle-underground-market    

https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/highlights/7738    

https://www.mta.info/    

3.    Do you like immersive art?  I love it!  New York City has at least 15 of these exhibits.  I started out in Hartford, actually with a traveling Van Gogh exhibit.  I loved it and wanted to try some more.  I found out that New York City has an amazing variety.

You can visit the building dedicated to it; Mercerlabs.  Amazing show.  You can go to the basement of Chelsea Market; Artechouse.  You can pop up under the rock; HERO.  You can go up a tall building; Vanderbilt One.  These things are cropping up everywhere, and they're all cool.

Make sure you read your information on the website before you go.  HERO was all senses at different displays.  Artechouse was mostly one immersive show, but was super cool.  Mercerlabs is an entire building with different kinds of exhibits.  Just make sure it's the kind of exhibit you were looking for.

These exhibits and venues run anywhere from $30 up.  They last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes on average.  It's a great bad weather day activity, and you can take all the pictures and video you like.  You can catch some videos about some of these exhibits on my YouTube channel and there will be more to come in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025    

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/incredible-immersive-experiences-to-do-in-nyc-right-now     

https://anisahauduevans.com/new-york-immersive-experiences-nyc/    

https://www.artechouse.com/location/nyc/     

https://www.mercerlabs.com/    

4.    Windhoek, Namibia.  Told you my thoughts were random.  I watch a lot of YouTube.  We all should know that by now.  Namibia and its capital, keep coming up.  One reason is that Namibia is the least populated country in the world for people per square mile.  There's a lot of open space in that country.

Windhoek keeps coming up because it's German.  That's right; German.  The buildings are German.  The churches tend to be German.  The people there speak at least some German.

In the late 1800's the area was colonized by Germany.  They remained in charge there until after World War I ended.  During those decades, a lot of German culture was brought into the area.  Even though the Germans were no longer in charge after the war; the culture has become somewhat ingrained.  To this day, there's a little bit of German in Namibia.  

So, in addition to places like The Skeleton Coast, the capital of Namibia is a unique spot to visit.

https://africantravelinc.com/content/windhoek-namibia     

https://www.namibiaexperience.com/places-to-visit/windhoek/      

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/namibia/windhoek     

https://www.audleytravel.com/namibia/places-to-go/northern-namibia/windhoek       

https://www.windhoekcc.org.na/     

5.    There's a Blue Hole in the Caribbean.  You've all probably heard that.  It's a great diving spot, and it's like a bucket list destination if you're into scuba.

But, what if you're like me, and you've done a little scuba, but it's just really not your thing?  At the Blue Hole, you have options.  Besides, one thing you don't get to do all the time when diving in this locale, is see it from above.

There are numerous operators, mostly out of Belize, that will take you flightseeing for this natural wonder.  They'll also show you a lot of other cool stuff from the sky.  There are varying companies that work out of planes or even helicopters.  So, if you're in the area and don't want to dive; don't think you have to miss out.  You can book a flyover.

https://www.mayaislandair.com/the-great-blue-hole-tour/   

https://www.tropicair.com/tropic-air-tours/the-great-blue-hole-tour/       

https://theworldtravelguy.com/great-blue-hole-belize/     

https://www.astrumhelicopters.com/blue-hole-adventure     

https://travel.usnews.com/Belize/Things_To_Do/Blue_Hole_62503/      

That wraps up my random thoughts for this week.  My mind has turned to travel spots, because I'm trying to book my own trips for the year, and that leads to a lot of research and a lot of places and things to do.  If you'd like to see what I'm doing right now; check out my YouTube channel; Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon.

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025     

Get out there, get planning for the season and enjoy!