中国中部の旅 ― 黄山の峰々から少林寺のカンフーまで

中国中部の旅 ― 黄山の峰々から少林寺のカンフーまで

Few regions in the world blend history and landscapes like Central China. Towering mountains, winding rivers, and centuries-old temples coexist with bustling cities and vibrant markets. Here, travelers can walk the footsteps of emperors, witness iconic martial arts, and experience the deep cultural roots that continue to shape the nation today.

In this travel documentary, I take you back to some of my most memorable journeys in the central part of China. After traveling through the country for more than 18 months, on multiple trips spanning more than a decade.

From the charming riverside village of Fenghuang to the surreal pillars of Zhangjiajie national park. From the vibrant streets of Wuhan along the Yangtze river to the origins of Chinese kung fu at Shaolin temple. From the peculiar Communist centers of Changsha and Shaoshan to the mythical peaks of Huangshan. And from the shores of the Yellow River to the modern skyline of Zhengzhou.

For other travel documentaries click here:

Journey along China’s Yangtze River: https://youtu.be/2cmnCsBrTr8
Journey through Southern China: https://youtu.be/82hyFrVMS2w
Journey through Northern China: https://youtu.be/2zbjW8HHWz4
Journey through Tunisia: https://youtu.be/JrBObQvJuoI
Journey through Ethiopia: https://youtu.be/2xW9mTStyhM
Journey through Saudi Arabia: https://youtu.be/_FlnD19-Y5s
Journey through Israel: https://youtu.be/s3LZ1xXYTlI
Journey through Palestine: https://youtu.be/L-Fzan-VWO0
Napoli and Beyond: https://youtu.be/k_oidvMIs08
Journey through Sicily: https://youtu.be/oAmyYKtzc9w
Journey through Iran: https://youtu.be/2RYp69GWhUU
Journey through Central Asia: https://youtu.be/Q3n98aj4pXA
Top 10 Places in India: https://youtu.be/HWGzQlrJOqM

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Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media

Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:

We start our travels in Henan province, visiting the famous Shaolin temple. This historic Buddhist monastery is an important pilgrimage and tourist site. It’s also where Shaolin Kung Fu originated, and today surrounding schools draw students from across China to study and train in the discipline.

Traveling north from Shaolin, we reach Zhengzhou. This modern transport hub is also the gateway to some important historical sites that shaped Chinese civilization. We visit the banks of the Yellow River, where we find a massive statue of two emperors, and continue our way to Huangshan. Translating as ‘Yellow Mountain’, its granite peaks and twisted pines create a mysterious landscape that now attracts millions of tourists every year.

We travel onwards to the Yangtze river and visit the city of Wuhan, with its bustling shopping streets, charming old neighborhoods, and incredible bridges spanning the Yangtze. Crossing into Hunan province, we then arrive in Zhangjiajie, famous for its towering rock pillars that inspired Avatar. Shaped by millions of years of erosion, the park is rich in biodiversity and extremely popular. Easy transport networks lead to highlights like the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, offering dramatic views 300 meters above the canyon.

After traversing the Aizhai bridge, one of the world’s largest suspension bridges, we reach Fenghuang, which feels like stepping into a different world. Founded over 300 years ago as a border town, it grew into a trading center known for its wooden stilt houses and riverside charm.

The final stretch of our journey takes us to Shaoshan, the birthplace of Mao Zedong, and Changsha, the city where he discovered Communism. Millions of Chinese tourists visit these places every year, in what is sometimes called ‘Red Tourism’, which critics describe as a form of state propaganda. That said, it gives us an interesting insight into China’s modern history.

Timestamps / video chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:36 Shaolin Kung Fu and Temple
3:13 Zhengzhou
4:36 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
5:55 Wuhan
9:41 Zhangjiajie National Park
12:07 Aizhai Bridge
13:00 Fenghuang Ancient Town
15:14 Shaoshan
16:31 Changsha
17:34 End