Roy Sutton

Places to Visit in China: Unforgettable Destinations and Travel Highlights

02/19/2026 by Roy Sutton

Places to visit in China:

China is an essential destination not just because of its breathtaking scale, but because it is one of the great engines of human civilisation. It has an unbroken cultural continuum that has shaped how the world thinks, trades, governs, and creates.

From the philosophical legacy of Confucius, which continues to inform ideas of ethics and social harmony across East Asia, to inventions such as paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass that transformed global knowledge and exploration, China’s influence extends far beyond its borders.

Its landmarks, such as the awe-inspiring Great Wall and the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, are not merely tourist attractions but physical expressions of statecraft, artistry, and collective ambition.

Meanwhile, treasures such as the Terracotta Army reveal a civilisation preoccupied with legacy, unity, and the relationship between life, power, and eternity.

To visit China is to encounter a culture that has continuously absorbed, refined, and shared ideas for millennia, making it not just a destination, but a living archive of global civilisation.

Oriental wonders:

China sprawls across a massive landscape, packed with ancient marvels, dramatic scenery, and lively cities that echo with thousands of years of stories.

From Beijing’s imperial palaces to the misty karst peaks of Guilin, every region surprises you with something new.

And what would I suggest are the top spots?

The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, Shanghai’s historic Bund, and those jaw-dropping natural wonders in Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie.

These places let you peek into China’s deep cultural roots and its wild, beautiful outdoors.

Planning your visit:

When you start planning, it’s really about what excites you most.

Do you crave wandering through ancient temples and royal gardens, or are you itching to see those iconic limestone peaks and crystal lakes?

China’s got it all. One day you’re in a buzzing metropolis, the next you’re in a peaceful water town.

China’s must-sees range from legendary sites like the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors to the surreal landscapes of Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie.
Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an each have their own vibe, while places like Guilin and Sichuan bring you dramatic scenery and local flavour.
If you want the full experience, aim for at least 5 to 7 days. Tight on time? Focus on 2 or 3 highlights and really dive in.

Iconic Beijing Sights:

Beijing’s packed with some of China’s most impressive imperial landmarks. These four sites sit at the city’s historic core, and honestly, you shouldn’t miss them.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors over nearly five centuries. Smack in the middle of Beijing, this enormous palace complex—now called the Palace Museum—draws travellers from all over.

Wander through 980 buildings and sprawling courtyards under rows of golden roofs. The main path leads you from the Meridian Gate to the Gate of Divine Might, passing halls where emperors once ruled.

Venture off the main drag and you’ll find quieter courtyards and the family living quarters. These hidden corners show a softer side of palace life. Heads up: the palace closes on Mondays, so plan ahead.

Most people spend a few hours here, but you could easily stay longer. Want something fun? Rent a Qing Dynasty costume for photos—those red walls make a killer backdrop.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is the largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. Qing emperors built it as a cool retreat from Beijing’s sweltering summers.

It’s a gorgeous blend of lakes, hills, and classic Chinese pavilions spread over 290 hectares. Kunming Lake sits at the heart, with Longevity Hill rising behind. The Long Corridor, stretching 728 meters, is painted with thousands of colorful scenes overhead.

Take a boat ride for peaceful views of pavilions and temples mirrored in the water. The flat paths are easy for everyone, so families love it here.

Most folks spend two or three hours, soaking up the scenery and snapping photos. The combo of water, hills, and historic buildings makes this one of Beijing’s prettiest spots.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is where emperors once prayed for good harvests. These days, it’s a UNESCO site and a favourite local park—come early, and you’ll spot people doing tai chi, singing, or playing traditional instruments.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests stands out with its triple-tiered blue roof, all built without a single nail. The Circular Mound Altar and Echo Wall show off the architectural genius of the time.

The park covers a huge area, with wide paths and open lawns. It’s usually quieter than the Forbidden City, and mornings are perfect for watching daily life unfold.

An hour or two here is plenty, especially if you’re into history or just want a peaceful stroll.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square sprawls across 44 hectares, making it the world’s biggest public square. It’s right at Beijing’s heart, surrounded by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and Mao’s Mausoleum.

The square connects to the Forbidden City through Tiananmen Gate. Red flags line the edges, and the whole place is perfect for dramatic photos. Brave the sunrise crowd for the flag-raising ceremony if you’re up for an early start.

You can walk the square in about 30 minutes, but the museums nearby are worth extra time. The National Museum covers all of Chinese history and is a separate adventure on its own.

This spot is key to understanding China’s modern story. The vastness and the monuments say a lot about the country’s journey through the last century.

Exploring the Great Wall

The Great Wall snakes over 6,000 kilometres across northern China. The best-preserved stretches are closest to Beijing, each with its own vibe—some are family-friendly and restored, others wild and rugged for serious adventurers.

Badaling

Badaling is 72 kilometres from Beijing and draws the biggest crowds, especially among locals. It’s been fully restored and has all the facilities—think cable cars, a museum, and even wheelchair access in parts.

Expect big crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s easy to get to and the paths are smooth, so it’s good for families or anyone who needs a gentler climb.

The wall here looks pristine, but it can feel a bit too perfect. If you’re visiting during peak times, plan for lines at the cable car and packed walkways.

Best for: First-timers, families, travellers with mobility needs
Travel time from Beijing: About 2 hours by car

Mutianyu

Mutianyu is 73 kilometers from the city and is a top pick for international travelers. It’s famous for its closely spaced watchtowers and double-sided defensive walls.

Reach the wall by cable car, chairlift, or even hike up—then zip down on a toboggan, which is a blast for kids (and adults, honestly). The restoration here feels more authentic than Badaling, but it’s still safe and accessible.

Michelle Obama even visited here, and the wall winds through lush mountains perfect for photos. Crowds aren’t as overwhelming, especially if you come early or late in the day.

A half-day is usually enough to see the highlights. Early mornings or late afternoons are the sweet spot for fewer tour groups.

Distance from downtown: 73 kilometers
Typical visit: 3-4 hours
Facilities: Cable car, chairlift, toboggan

Jinshanling

Jinshanling, about 154 kilometers from Beijing, offers the most stunning Great Wall scenery. It’s half-restored, half-wild, so you get a taste of the original wall but with enough safety for a good hike.

This section links up with Simatai, stretching across mountain ridges with killer views. You’ll walk past intact watchtowers, crumbling walls, and Ming Dynasty bricks.

Fewer tourists make this a dream for photographers. The wall zigzags up and down the mountains, just like those classic photos.

If you’re hiking from Jinshanling to Simatai, set aside a full day. The hike’s moderately tough, so bring some stamina. There’s a cable car if you want to save your legs for the wall itself.

Jiankou

Jiankou, 100 kilometres from Beijing, is the wild child of the Great Wall. No restoration here—just crumbling stones and steep, uneven steps.

The wall twists along jagged mountain ridges in a dramatic “W” shape. It’s a magnet for experienced hikers and anyone chasing epic photos.

You’ll need solid hiking boots, a lot of water, and ideally a local guide who knows the safe paths. There are zero facilities, so come prepared.

Some folks pair Jiankou with Mutianyu, hiking the wild section and then finishing at the restored part. This trek takes a full day and isn’t for the faint of heart. Skip it if it’s raining—the stones get dangerously slick.

Difficulty: Advanced
Facilities: None
Best for: Hardcore hikers, adventure photographers

Shanghai’s Cultural Icons

Shanghai’s where East meets West in the coolest ways. The city’s got waterfront promenades, buzzing shopping streets, classical gardens, and leafy avenues with old-school colonial charm.

The Bund

The Bund is Shanghai’s most famous stretch, running along the Huangpu River’s western bank. You’ll see 52 buildings in every style—Gothic, Baroque, Art Deco—dating back to the early 1900s.

Stroll the embankment any time, with Pudong’s futuristic skyline just across the water. The scene at sunset is unreal, with the old buildings lit up and the city sparkling. Lots of people hop on a river cruise (¥90-135, 11 am-9:30 pm) for the best views.

The contrast between the historic facades and the glass towers of Pudong is wild, especially after dark. If you’re into cityscapes, this is your spot.

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main shopping drag and one of the world’s busiest pedestrian streets. It splits into East and West sections, with the East near the Bund and the West heading further out.

You’ll find everything from global brands to quirky local shops along 5.5 kilometres. The eastern pedestrian area is packed with cool old architecture and neon signs that make the whole street buzz in the evenings.

Shopping here is an experience, with prices all over the map. It’s open all day, and you don’t need a ticket—just bring your wallet and your walking shoes.

Yuyuan Garden

Yu Garden, built back in 1559, is a classic Chinese garden right in the city centre. The 20,000-square-meter space crams in over 40 pavilions, halls, and rockeries, all separated by dragon-topped walls.

Entry is ¥40 during peak months and ¥30 the rest of the year. It’s open 9 am to 4:30 pm, closed Mondays. Don’t miss the Heralding Spring Hall, Jade Magnificent Hall, and the Lotus Pool.

Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar tempts with traditional crafts and snacks. It gets crowded, so come early. The Old City around the garden is fun to explore, too.

French Concession

The French Concession is a leafy, laid-back neighbourhood stretching through Xuhui and parts of Huangpu. It started in 1849 as a foreign settlement, and now it’s a mix of quiet streets, stylish cafés, boutiques, and art galleries in historic buildings.

Wukang Road is full of Art Deco and Spanish-style houses. Tianzifang on Taikang Road is a maze of old lane houses turned into creative shops and restaurants. No entrance fees, just pick a street and wander. Walking tours are a great way to get the backstory on this part of Shanghai’s international past.

Terracotta Wonders of Xi’an

Xi’an is home to one of the world’s most jaw-dropping archaeological finds—the Terracotta Army. The city’s Lintong District and the nearby Giant Wild Goose Pagoda offer even more glimpses into China’s imperial story.

Ready to turn those travel dreams into real adventures? Don’t just read about these unforgettable places—go see them for yourself. Start planning your journey now at Expedia and get ready for stories you’ll be telling long after you get home.

Terracotta Army

Picture this: over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, 130 chariots, hundreds of horses, all hidden underground for centuries. Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army was crafted between 246 BC and 208 BC to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in his afterlife.

UNESCO named the site a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. The sheer scale is mind-blowing.

When you visit, you’ll wander through three main pits. Pit 1 is the showstopper—6,000 armoured warriors lined up in 38 rows, complete with chariots and ancient bronze weapons.

Pit 2 brings more variety: archers, cavalry, infantry, and over 1,300 figures. Pit 3 is the smallest, just 520 square meters, and kind of feels like the command centre with 68 soldiers and a chariot.

The Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall displays two massive painted bronze chariots found in 1980. Each warrior stands between 180 and 200 centimetres tall, and every single face, hairstyle, and uniform is unique.

Ticket prices: CNY 120 (Dec–Feb), CNY 150 (Mar–Nov)
Opening hours: 8:30–17:00 (Mar 16–Nov 15), 8:30–16:30 (Nov 16–Mar 15)
Time needed: About 3 hours

Lintong District

The Terracotta Warriors Museum sits in Lintong District, about 40 kilometres northeast of Xi’an’s city centre. This district was home to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s massive mausoleum complex, built by 700,000 workers over 40 years—can you imagine that scale?

Farmers stumbled on the broken terracotta figures in 1974 while digging a well. The museum opened to the public in 1979, built right over Pit 1.

Getting here is easy: hop on a public bus or join a tour from Xi’an. The ride takes about an hour, and lots of folks pair a visit here with other historical sites nearby.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is one of Xi’an’s most iconic Tang Dynasty landmarks. Built in 652 AD, it originally stored sacred texts and figurines brought from India by the legendary monk Xuanzang.

Standing 64 meters tall, this seven-story pagoda shows off classic Chinese architecture. You can climb up inside for sweeping city views from the platforms—totally worth the effort.

Da Ci’en Temple wraps around the pagoda, with peaceful gardens and extra temple halls to check out. In the evenings, the north square comes alive with fountain shows set to music. The whole area buzzes with shops, restaurants, and public spaces, all in the shadow of this ancient monument.

Dramatic Landscapes of Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province is a different world—think towering sandstone pillars over 200 meters high, misty valleys, and glass walkways that’ll make your heart race. The top spots include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and the jaw-dropping glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China’s first national forest park in 1982. It’s part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status.

The park stretches across 481 square kilometres and boasts nearly 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars. These vertical rocks shoot up from lush forests and deep ravines. If you’ve seen Avatar, you’ll recognise the landscape—the movie’s floating mountains were based on this place.

You’ve got five main tourist zones to explore. Golden Whip Stream is a peaceful valley walk between sheer cliffs. Huangshi Village offers sweeping views from up high. Yangjiajie is a bit quieter, with natural stone bridges and fewer crowds.

The Bailong Elevator rises 326 meters along a cliff face. This outdoor elevator whisks you up to the upper viewpoints in under two minutes, though lines can get long in busy seasons.

Most people spend two or three days wandering the park’s trails and soaking in those epic views.

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain towers 1,519 meters above Zhangjiajie city. It’s just south of downtown, so day trips are a breeze.

The cable car here is wild—it’s the world’s longest, running 7.5 kilometres from the city to the summit. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and the views are unreal. At the base, a snaking road with 99 sharp turns climbs the mountain face.

Tianmen Cave is a natural archway, 131 meters high, that cuts right through the mountain. You’ll spot it from miles away. A steep staircase of 999 steps leads up to the cave entrance—your legs might complain, but the view is worth it.

The Cliff-Hanging Walkway and Glass Sky Walk circle the mountain’s upper peaks. These narrow paths hug the cliffs, with glass sections that let you stare straight down into the valley. The glass stretches for 60 meters—don’t look down if you’re squeamish!

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon sits in Wulingyuan District, about 30 kilometres from the national park. Deep gorges slice through the landscape, with waterfalls tumbling down mossy cliffs.

The glass bridge here is a showstopper—430 meters long, 300 metres above the canyon floor, and totally transparent. You’ll see straight down to the river below. Up to 800 people can cross at once, so it never feels too crowded.

Trails lead down into the canyon, winding past streams and mini waterfalls. The hike takes about three to four hours, and you’ll squeeze through narrow rock passages along the way.

Visitor numbers are capped daily, so you’ll want to book ahead, especially during peak times.

Yuanjiajie

Yuanjiajie is one of the park’s most popular spots, perched around 1,000 metres above sea level. The “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” is the star here—a 1,080-meter-tall pillar that inspired the movie’s floating mountains.

From the viewing platform, you’ll see this iconic column and dozens of similar formations stretching into the distance. Tianzi Mountain is nearby, offering jaw-dropping views across a sea of stone pillars. When morning mist fills the valleys, only the tops poke through the clouds—it’s otherworldly.

Paved paths connect the main viewpoints. The Bailong Elevator is the fastest way up from the valley, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up via stone steps in about two hours.

Guilin and Yangshuo’s Scenic Beauty

Guilin and Yangshuo are pure magic—think limestone peaks rising straight up from winding rivers and rice fields. Artists have fallen in love with these landscapes for thousands of years, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just breathe it all in.

Li River Cruise

The Li River Cruise is legendary—about 83 kilometres from Guilin to Yangshuo, drifting past dramatic karst mountains, sleepy fishing villages, and bamboo groves mirrored in the water.

The trip usually lasts four to five hours. Mornings are best, with mist curling around the peaks—perfect for photos. You’ll pass the famous Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where the rock patterns supposedly look like horses (squint and you might see them).

The 20-yuan note in China even features this scenery. Peak season runs April to October, but you can cruise year-round. Just book in advance if you’re coming during busy months.

Longji Rice Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces, about two hours from Guilin, climb the mountains in layers that look like a dragon’s back. Built by the Zhuang and Yao people over 700 years ago, these terraces are still farmed the old-fashioned way.

The look changes with the seasons. Spring brings water-filled terraces that reflect the sky. Summer is all green, while autumn turns everything gold for harvest. Sometimes winter brings a dusting of snow—pretty rare, but magical if you catch it.

Villages like Ping’an and Dazhai offer places to stay. Hiking between them takes about three hours, with ever-changing views of the terraces. Local guesthouses serve up traditional meals and a glimpse into rural life here.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo sits 65 kilometres south of Guilin, surrounded by those famous karst peaks and the Li River. It’s the perfect base for exploring the countryside by bike—flat roads wind through rice paddies and past limestone towers.

West Street is the lively heart of town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and shops in old-style buildings. There’s a quirky mix of Chinese and Western flavours, so you can grab a local snack or a pizza, whatever you’re craving.

The Yulong River is a quieter spot for bamboo rafting. Local boatmen pole you along shallow waters past tiny villages and under old stone bridges. Moon Hill is a short bike ride away, famous for its natural arch. The 30-minute climb up is a bit sweaty, but the panoramic views are worth every step.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill marks the spot where the Li and Peach Blossom Rivers meet in downtown Guilin. The limestone formation really does look like an elephant dipping its trunk into the water—it’s almost cartoonish.

The park is small but charming, with riverside paths and plenty of photo ops from different angles. Between the “trunk” and “body” is Water Moon Cave, which creates a perfect circle reflection on calm days. Old Chinese inscriptions line the cave walls, left by scholars and officials over the centuries.

The hill reaches 55 meters high and takes about half an hour to explore. At night, the lights make it glow, but for photos, daytime wins. It’s an easy walk from Guilin’s city centre—no need for a tour bus or taxi.

Natural Marvels in the West

Western China is packed with wild, untamed beauty—here, you’ll find rainbow-colored lakes, jagged granite peaks, and wilderness that feels untouched. If you’re after something a little off the beaten path, these spots are calling your name.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Valley is tucked away in Sichuan Province’s Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Over 100 alpine lakes shimmer in shades of blue, green, and even yellow, their colours changing with the light and season.

The lakes formed naturally, thanks to mineral deposits and algae. Waterfalls, ancient forests, and snow-capped peaks fill the 72,000-hectare reserve. Autumn is especially stunning, but April to November is all-around fantastic.

Entrance is CNY 190 (April–mid-Nov), dropping to CNY 80 in winter. Plan on 3-4 days to really soak it all in. Some areas reach up to 3,100 meters in altitude, so take it slow if you’re not used to the elevation.

Yellow Mountain

Yellow Mountain, or Huangshan, is a photographer’s dream. Granite peaks shoot skyward in Anhui Province, with ancient pine trees clinging to the cliffs and seas of clouds rolling through at sunrise.

There are 72 named peaks here, with Lotus Peak topping out at 1,864 meters. Hot springs bubble up at the base, and in winter, snow and ice turn the landscape into something out of a fairytale.

Ready to stop dreaming and start exploring? China’s hidden gems are waiting, and trust me, you’ll have stories to tell for years. Don’t just read about these places—make them your own adventure. Head over to Expedia and start planning your next unforgettable journey. Let the world surprise you.

Huangshan

Huangshan isn’t just a mountain range—it’s an entire scenic area that feels almost otherworldly. UNESCO granted it World Heritage status in 1990 for its wild rock formations and jaw-dropping beauty.

Cable cars whisk you up to the peaks, but if you’re up for it, hiking trails pull you straight into the heart of the landscape. There’s something about climbing those stone steps through the mist that sticks with you.

Within Huangshan, you’ll find four main scenic zones: Hot Springs Area, Jade Screen, Bright Summit, and North Sea. Each one surprises you with its own personality and views.

Artists and poets have obsessed over these rocks for centuries. If you’re a sunrise chaser, Bright Summit’s the spot—photographers from everywhere gather just to catch those first rays.

Nuorilang Waterfall

Nuorilang Waterfall, tucked inside Jiuzhaigou Valley, is simply massive. It stretches 270 metres wide and drops 20 metres over a rocky ledge, living up to its Tibetan name, “magnificent.”

The waterfall changes with the seasons. In summer, glacial melt turns it into a roaring curtain. Come winter, it freezes into glittering sheets of ice.

Platforms let you snap photos from all sorts of angles, so bring your camera. No two visits ever look quite the same.

Chengdu and Sichuan Treasures

Sichuan Province is a dream for anyone who loves a mix of wild nature and deep culture. Chengdu, the province’s lively capital, makes the perfect starting point for exploring pandas, ancient wonders, and sacred peaks.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The Chengdu Research Base sits just 15 kilometres from downtown and cares for around 120 pandas. Here, you’ll spot everything from wobbly newborns to playful cubs and full-grown bamboo-munchers.

Go in the morning if you want to see pandas at their silliest—rolling, climbing, and wrestling with each other. Don’t skip the Sun Nursery, where tiny panda infants nap and wobble about. It’s honestly adorable.

What you can do:

Watch pandas during feeding times
Visit the breeding research facilities
See red pandas in their enclosures
Take photographs from designated viewing areas

A half day is usually enough to catch the highlights. If you’re craving more, the Dujiangyan Panda Base lets you volunteer—cleaning, prepping food, and learning what it takes to keep pandas safe.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Dujiangyan is one of those ancient engineering marvels that’s still making life better today. Built in 256 BCE, it diverts the Minjiang River to irrigate the Chengdu Plain—without a single dam.

The system uses a clever combo: a fish mouth levee splits the river, a flying sand weir manages flow, and a bottleneck channel guides water into canals. Walking across the Anlan Suspension Bridge gives you a bird’s-eye view of the whole thing.

Mount Qingcheng is close by, so you can squeeze both into one day. It’s fascinating to see how ancient minds tackled water problems that stump us even now.

Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha, carved right into a cliff, stands a whopping 71 metres tall. Built over 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, it’s the tallest stone Buddha in the world.

You can walk down steep stairs right alongside the statue for an up-close look. Or, hop on a boat to see the Buddha’s full scale from the river—it’s honestly breathtaking.

The Buddha sits where three rivers meet, and ancient builders even snuck in a drainage system to protect it from rain. Details like the 5.5-metre fingers and intricate hair are a testament to Tang Dynasty skill.

It’s about two hours from Chengdu by car or train. Give yourself half a day here so you’re not rushing the experience.

Mount Emei

Mount Emei soars to 3,099 metres and is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. Over 30 temples dot its slopes, but the Golden Summit is the real pilgrimage hotspot.

You can hike the old paths or take cable cars if you’re feeling less ambitious. The journey takes you through thick forests at the base and chilly alpine air up top. Wild monkeys sometimes show up—just keep your snacks hidden.

The Golden Summit has a 48-metre statue of Samantabhadra on an elephant. On a clear day, clouds swirl below you and mountains stretch forever. Sunrise here is magical and worth an overnight stay in a mountain guesthouse.

High-speed trains make the trip from Chengdu easy. Winter brings snow, summer brings cool air—either way, it’s a welcome escape from city heat.

Historic Water Towns and Ancient Cities

China’s water towns and ancient cities are like time machines. Cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and winding canals have barely changed since the emperors walked them.

Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town sits high in Yunnan Province at 2,400 metres. This UNESCO gem is packed with 800 years of Naxi minority culture and quirky architecture.

Forget street grids—here, canals snake through stone alleys and wooden houses with carved doors. Red lanterns dangle from eaves, lighting up the old quarter at dusk.

Key areas to explore:

Square Street – The bustling marketplace where locals gather
Mu Palace – Home to the powerful Naxi chieftains of old
Lion Hill – The spot for panoramic rooftop views

At night, teahouses fill with the sounds of traditional Naxi music. Shops sell crafts like Dongba paintings and hand-beaten silver—you’ll want to bring something home.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Fenghuang clings to the mountains along the Tuojiang River in Hunan. Wooden stilt houses called diaojiaolou hover over the water, making sunrise here a photographer’s dream.

Once a Ming Dynasty garrison, Fenghuang still has its old stone walls and gates. Inside, narrow streets wind past temples, ancestral halls, and the homes of famous locals.

Walk the old city wall or drift down the river in a wooden boat for the best views of the stilt houses. The East Gate Tower and Rainbow Bridge are must-sees, especially when lanterns light up the night.

Miao and Tujia ethnic communities keep traditions alive here. Local spots serve up river fish and racks of cured meats hanging from shop fronts—don’t leave hungry.

Wuzhen Water Town

Wuzhen, in Zhejiang Province, splits into Dongzha and Xizha districts. Stone bridges curve over canals, where boats glide past whitewashed houses with black-tiled roofs. No wonder they call it the “Venice of the East.”

Dongzha is all about history—Shadow Play Theatre, Hong Yuan Tai Dye House, and the birthplace of writer Maodun. You’ll even find an Ancient Bed Museum filled with ornate Ming and Qing dynasty beds.

Xizha feels a bit more polished, with museums and galleries tucked into restored buildings. Zhaoming Academy and the Old Post Office show off old-school architecture. Covered corridors stretch nearly two kilometres, keeping you dry come rain or shine.

District	Best For	Time Needed
Dongzha	Historic authenticity	3-4 hours
Xizha	Evening boat rides	Half to full day

As night falls, Xizha glows with lights reflecting off the water. Rowing through the illuminated canals is pure magic—way better than just walking.

Rivers, Lakes and Unique Landscapes

China’s rivers and lakes are legendary. From the mighty Yangtze winding through epic gorges to alpine lakes ringed by mountains, these places blend wild beauty with deep cultural roots.

Yangtze River Cruise

The Yangtze stretches 6,387 kilometres, making it China’s longest river. Cruising from Chongqing to Yichang takes you through its most stunning stretch.

A typical cruise lasts four days downstream or five days upstream. Along the way, you’ll spot sites like Fengdu Ghost City and soak in the ever-changing views from your ship. The Yangtze isn’t just a river—it’s the “mother river” of Chinese civilisation.

Cruises run year-round, but spring and autumn have the best weather. Prices shift depending on your ship and route, so there’s something for every budget.

Three Gorges

The Three Gorges are the heart of any Yangtze cruise. Towering limestone cliffs soar above the river, making you feel tiny in the best way.

Qutang Gorge is short but dramatic, squeezing the river to just 100 metres wide. Wu Gorge has misty peaks and lush greenery. Xiling Gorge, the longest, stretches 76 kilometres with wild rapids and rock formations.

The Three Gorges Dam changed this region forever. It tamed floods and generated power, but also raised water levels throughout the gorges.

West Lake

West Lake in Hangzhou has charmed travellers for over a thousand years. The lake covers 6.5 square kilometres, dotted with gardens, temples, and historic sites along its banks.

Ten iconic scenes—like Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake—draw crowds each season. You can walk, bike, or drift by boat to explore the area at your own pace.

Entry’s free, and the lake never really closes. Spring brings a riot of flowers, while autumn turns the leaves gold. Don’t miss sampling Longjing (Dragon Well) tea from the local plantations—it’s a treat.

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake sits high at 3,196 metres, claiming the title of China’s largest inland saltwater lake. It’s a sprawling 4,317 square kilometres of deep blue water, ringed by wildflower meadows and distant snowy peaks.

Visit from May to October for mild weather and fields of yellow rapeseed flowers. The colour contrast here is unreal—blue lake, yellow blooms, white mountains.

Cycling around the lake is a favourite, with dedicated paths hugging the shoreline. Entry’s CNY 90, and gates open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Just be ready for the altitude—it can sneak up on you.

Other Noteworthy Destinations

China’s got more up its sleeve than just the famous spots. Spiritual sites, hidden valleys, and ancient trade routes reveal a side of the country you won’t find in guidebooks.

Potala Palace

The Potala Palace looms over Lhasa at 3,700 metres, making it the world’s highest ancient palace. Once the winter home of the Dalai Lama, it’s still Tibet’s most sacred landmark.

Inside, 1,000+ rooms sprawl across 13 floors. The White Palace held living quarters, while the Red Palace houses chapels and gold-covered stupas. Murals line the walls, telling stories of Tibetan history and Buddhist teachings.

You’ll need to book ahead and take it slow to adjust to the altitude. The climb up involves 200 steps—no small feat at this height. Winter means fewer crowds, but it gets seriously cold, so pack those extra layers.

Sunrise lights up the palace’s golden roofs. Prayer wheels line the base, and you’ll spot pilgrims circling clockwise in devotion. Jokhang Temple, just nearby, is even older and equally worth your time.

Ready to trade ordinary for unforgettable? Start planning your own adventure to these unique destinations with Expedia. Go ahead—book your next story-worthy trip now and see where the journey takes you!

Yunnan Province Highlights

Yunnan Province bursts with incredible diversity. You’ll find 25 ethnic minorities here, all with their own languages and traditions.

Lijiang Old Town feels like a step back in time with its cobblestone streets and classic Naxi architecture. Water channels snake through the town, creating a web of streams.

The villages around Lijiang still show off rural life that’s barely changed in generations. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little jealous of the slow pace.

Shangri-La (once called Zhongdian) sits way up at 3,200 metres. The Songzanlin Monastery glimmers with golden roofs and white walls, kind of like a mini Potala Palace.

In spring and summer, yaks graze in meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget.

The Stone Forest near Kunming is wild—limestone pillars jut out of the ground like ancient trees. You can wander through these natural mazes for hours.

Dali sits nearby, offering epic views of Erhai Lake framed by the Cangshan Mountains. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Shennongjia Nature Reserve protects rare creatures like the golden snub-nosed monkey. Dense forests and misty peaks hide countless plant species and a few local legends.

Northern Xinjiang

Northern Xinjiang just knocks your socks off with its scenery. Kanas Lake changes colour as the day goes on—milky green in the morning, deep turquoise by afternoon.

Forests around the lake turn gold in September. Seriously, it’s like a living postcard.

Hemu Village sits quietly in a valley where Tuvan herders still live much as they always have. Wooden cabins dot the hills, and smoke curls from chimneys as families start their day.

If you try horse riding through the meadows, you’ll feel the rhythm of life here. It’s peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe.

Nalati Grassland rolls out across endless hills. From June to August, Kazakh families pitch yurts, and you can even stay overnight in one of these felt tents.

Fresh yoghurt and lamb are on the menu, and wildflowers bloom everywhere in early summer. It’s a feast for the senses.

Getting here takes a bit more effort, but that’s part of the magic. Most days, you’ll see more sheep and horses than people.

Silk Road Sites

The Silk Road carved ancient trade routes across China’s northwest for over a thousand years. Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves burst with Buddhist art from ten dynasties—492 decorated caves, if you’re counting.

Jiayuguan Fort marks the western tip of the Great Wall. This Ming Dynasty fortress once guarded the narrow Hexi Corridor. Climb the ramparts for sweeping views of the Gobi Desert.

Turpan sits 154 metres below sea level, making it China’s hottest city. The ancient Karez irrigation system still keeps vineyards alive, producing grapes that are almost too sweet.

The Flaming Mountains nearby glow red in the afternoon sun. If you know “Journey to the West,” you’ll recognise these peaks.

Kashgar’s Sunday Bazaar is a riot of colour and sound, with traders selling everything from carpets to livestock. The Id Kah Mosque stands at the heart of Uyghur culture.

If you’re after Everest Base Camp, the Tibet side lets you get closer by vehicle than the Nepal route, though you’ll need to join an organised tour for permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to China? It’s normal to have a million questions—where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of it. Here’s some real-talk advice on Beijing’s landmarks, natural wonders, historic towns, UNESCO gems, festival hotspots, and, of course, the food.

What are the top tourist attractions in Beijing?

The Forbidden City is Beijing’s crown jewel. This massive palace complex housed emperors for nearly five centuries. You could easily lose track of time wandering its red walls and golden roofs.

The Temple of Heaven gives you another peek into imperial China. Emperors prayed here for good harvests, and the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a favourite for photos.

The Summer Palace is pure tranquillity. Stroll along lakeside paths and covered corridors painted with thousands of scenes. It’s a breath of fresh air away from the city rush.

Tiananmen Square sits at Beijing’s heart, surrounded by historic buildings and monuments. It’s one of the world’s largest public squares—hard to wrap your head around until you stand there.

Where can I find the most stunning natural scenery in China?

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is straight out of a fantasy film. Sandstone pillars rise above the mist, and glass walkways offer dizzying views from every angle.

Guilin and Yangshuo are famous for their dramatic karst hills along the Li River. A river cruise here means non-stop jaw-dropping scenery.

Jiuzhaigou Valley glows with lakes in every shade of blue and green. Waterfalls tumble down beside forests that look like they’re from a storybook.

Mount Huangshan draws adventurers with granite peaks wrapped in clouds and ancient pine trees clinging to cliffs. It’s mysterious and beautiful all at once.

Qinghai Lake sprawls across the Tibetan plateau. The blue water and endless sky make it feel like another world.

Which ancient towns in China offer a glimpse into the nation’s rich history?

Lijiang Old Town preserves the Naxi way of life with cobbled streets and wooden houses. Canals wind through the centre, and bridges connect cosy neighbourhoods.

Wuzhen water town charms with stone bridges, narrow canals, and centuries-old buildings. Lanterns light up the water at night—it’s straight-up magical.

Fenghuang Ancient Town hugs the Tuojiang River in Hunan. Stilt houses line the banks, and the town still holds onto its Ming and Qing dynasty vibe.

Pingyao is one of China’s best-preserved walled cities. The ancient walls still stand, and you can walk along the top for a unique view.

What are the must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in China?

The Great Wall is the big one. Near Beijing, you can hike restored sections or venture out to wilder stretches for a bit more adventure.

The Terracotta Army in Xi’an is mind-blowing. Over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang, each one with a different face.

The Mogao Caves near Dunhuang are an art lover’s dream, with Buddhist paintings and sculptures dating back a thousand years.

Mount Emei combines epic views with Buddhist temples along winding trails. It’s one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are tiny masterpieces of landscape design. Expect rock formations, ponds, and perfect little corners to relax.

Which destinations in China are ideal for experiencing traditional Chinese festivals?

Harbin goes all out every January for the International Ice and Snow Festival. Massive ice sculptures light up the freezing nights—it’s wild.

Beijing comes alive during the Chinese New Year with temple fairs, performances, snacks, and decorations everywhere. The energy is contagious.

Hangzhou celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with lanterns around West Lake. Locals gather to eat mooncakes and watch the full moon reflect on the water.

Pingyao’s Spring Festival is as traditional as it gets. Red lanterns fill the ancient streets, and folk performances take over the town.

Ready to start your own adventure? Honestly, there’s no better way to experience these unforgettable destinations than by booking through Expedia. Go on, make some memories you’ll be bragging about for years—your next great story is just a click away.

How can I explore the diverse culinary landscape across different regions in China?

Chengdu is the place to kick off your Sichuan food adventure. Spicy hotpot steals the spotlight, but honestly, the teahouses and buzzing street food stalls are just as unforgettable.

In Shanghai, you’ll notice an amazing mix of regional Chinese flavours and a dash of international flair. Soup dumplings are a must, and if you time it right, you might even get your hands on seasonal treats like hairy crab or that rich, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly.

Guangzhou is all about Cantonese cuisine, and it’s a total feast for dim sum fans. Seafood markets overflow with fresh catches, and the chefs here really know how to let simple, high-quality ingredients shine.

Xi’an has its own vibe, shaped by northern Chinese and Muslim traditions. The Muslim Quarter? It’s a sensory overload with hand-pulled noodles, smoky lamb skewers, and those addictive roujiamo (kind of like a Chinese burger, but better).

Hangzhou pairs its iconic Longjing tea with local dishes you just can’t get anywhere else. West Lake fish and Dongpo pork are the stars, each with flavours you’ll remember way after you leave.

Ready to taste your way through China? Start planning your next adventure at Expedia—the world is waiting, and these flavours aren’t going to try themselves!

Your Adventure Awaits. Book it now:

Now, dear reader, has this article whetted your appetite for a unique travel experience? An adventure that would be truly memorable.

Well, don’t wait until someday. That day will never arrive. Start working on organising your adventure now. It won’t happen unless you make it happen.

At least look at what it would cost you. It may be less than you think.

Book it now, and I’m confident that you won’t regret it.

Affiliate Disclosure: This siteis an affiliate of Expedia and related companies. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I think will be valuable to you. Any commissions earned help support the content I create.

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6 really funny jokes that will certainly make you smile

02/19/2026 by Roy Sutton

If you’re looking for some really funny jokes, then take a look at the six I’ve got for you today. They all made me smile, so I hope you’ll enjoy them too.

Take a few moments to enjoy them, and feel free to pass them on to your friends.

Really Funny Jokes:

1. Flatulent Old Lady:

An old lady was having an embarrassing problem with bloating and gas, so she decided to see her physician.

“Hello, Mrs Johnson,” said the doctor, “and what’s troubling you today?”

“Well, Doctor Carmichael,” she responded, “I can’t stop breaking wind. Fortunately, they’re silent, and they don’t smell, but it does feel embarrassing. Honestly, I’ve farted several times whilst I’ve been sitting here. What can I do?”

The kindly doctor smiled at her and said, “Mrs Johnson, just take these pills three times a day for seven days and then come back and see me as soon as you’ve finished the medication.“

One week later, Mrs Johnson is back in the doctor’s office and is clearly unhappy.

“Doctor, I don’t know what was in those pills you gave me last week, but my problem is even worse,” she said.

“In what way?” the doctor enquired.

“Well, I’m still breaking wind just as much, and they’re still silent,” she said, “but now the smell is terrible. I mean, they really stink.”

“Excellent!” said the doctor. “That means we’ve fixed the problem with your sinuses. Now let’s see what we can do about your hearing.”

2. The Potato Peeler:

Sean was leaning against the counter in a Dublin bar, enjoying a pint of Guinness, when in walked his old friend Paddy, looking decidedly glum.

“What’s the matter with you, Patrick?” said Sean. “You’ve got a face on you like a wet weekend.”

“Oh, Sean,” he said. “I’ve just been fired from my job in the fish and chip shop.”

“You’ve been fired? Now, why would they do that to you, Patrick? What did you do that was so bad?” Sean inquired.

“Oh, I got caught putting my Johnson in the potato peeler,” Paddy responded.

“My God! Patrick, that’s terrible. What happened to the potato peeler?” Sean naturally inquired.

“Oh, she’s been fired too,” said Paddy, looking a little sheepish.

3. Farmer Jim’s Accident:

Farmer Jim decided to take the trucking company responsible for his accident to court because of the severity of his injuries.

Needless to say, the trucking company hired a fancy lawyer, and whilst questioning Farmer Jim in the courtroom, he enquired, “Is it not true that at the scene of the accident you said specifically, in front of witnesses, ‘I’m fine’?“

Farmer Jim responded, “Sir, let me tell you what happened. I had just loaded my best mule Bessie into the…….“

“I didn’t ask you for any details, sir,” the lawyer interrupted. “Answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, ‘I’m fine!’ Yes or no?“

Farmer Jim said, “Well, I’d just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road….“

Once again, the lawyer was quick to interrupt Farmer Jim mid-sentence.

Looking at the Judge the lawyer said, “Your Honor, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman at the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question.“

Well as luck would have it, the judge was interested in what Farmer Jim had to say, so he said to the lawyer, “I’m sorry sir but I’d like to hear what this man has to say. So I would ask him to continue with his story.”

Jim thanked the Judge and continued.

“Well,” he said, “I had just loaded Bessie into the trailer and I was driving her down the highway when this huge truck with a trailer ran the stop sign and T-boned my truck.”

“And then what happened?” The Judge enquired.

“Well, I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other,” Jim responded.

“And were you hurt?” The Judge asked.

“Yes,” said Jim. “I was hurting real bad and I didn’t want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans.”

“And then what happened?” the Judge asked.

“Well, shortly after the accident the Highway Patrolman appeared at the scene,” Jim said.

“And what did he do?” the Judge responded.

“Well Your Honor, he could hear Bessie moaning and groaning so he went over to her. After he looked at her momentarily he then took out his gun and shot her between the eyes,” said Jim.

“And did you say to the Highway Patrolman that you were fine?” The Judge asked.

“Well,” said Jim. “After he shot Bessie, he came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me and said, ‘Your mule was in such bad shape I had no choice but to shoot her. How are you feeling?’”

4. You can’t win:

After 15 years of marriage, my wife complained frequently about my absent-minded habit of not putting the cap back on the toothpaste after I brushed my teeth.

It irritated her to the point where she’d embarrass me about it when we were out with friends.

So, naturally, I decided to change this bad habit to make my wife happy.

For a week, I made sure that I always replaced the cap on the toothpaste, every time I brushed my teeth.

I know it was a small gesture, but I thought my wife would at some point express her appreciation that I was at least trying to change my ways.

Yesterday we were out for dinner with friends when she suddenly remarked, “Why have you stopped brushing your teeth?“

Moral of the Story: Marriage can be a challenging relationship.

5. Day of Reckoning:

A Catholic priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates as St Peter processes the new arrivals to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ahead of the priest in the queue is a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, jeans and a leather jacket.

This guy gets to the front of the line and St Peter looks at his clipboard, looks the guy up and down and then asks, “Could you tell me your name please, so I may confirm whether you’re to be admitted to the Kingdom of Heaven?”

“Sure!” says the guy. “I’m Joe Cohen and I was a taxi driver in New York City.”

St Peter looks down his list and ticks off Joe Cohen’s name. He then smiles and says to the taxi driver, “Take this silken robe and the golden staff Mr Cohen and you may enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Joe Cohen smiles and walks through the Pearly Gates in his silken robe and carrying the golden staff, whilst it’s the priest’s turn with St Peter.

Before St Peter can utter a single word the priest says, “I’m Father Joseph O’Donnell and I have been the parish priest at St Andrews Roman Catholic Church in Manhattan for the past 40 years.”

Once again St Peter consults his clipboard, ticks off Father O’Donnell’s name and then says, “Take this cotton robe and wooden staff father and you may enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Having seen Joe Cohen receive a silken robe and a golden staff Father O’Donnell is left feeling a little short-changed.

“Hold it there, just a minute,” said Father O’Donnell. “How is it that Joe Cohen got silk and gold and yet I only get cotton and wood? How can this be? Surely there’s some mistake?”

“No mistake,” St Peter responded. “In heaven, we reward by results. When you gave your sermons your congregation slept. When Joe Cohen drove his taxi his passengers prayed.”

6. The Annual Check-up:

An 85-year-old man was visiting his doctor for his annual check-up.

“So Mr Jenkins, how are you keeping?” the doctor enquired.

“Doctor, I’ve never felt better,” Mr Jenkins responded. “I’ve even married my 18-year-old girlfriend recently and she’s now pregnant with my child. So, how about that then?”

The doctor considered this momentarily and then said, “Let me tell you a story, Mr Jenkins. A friend of mine was a keen hunter. One day he went out in a bit of a hurry and accidentally picked up an umbrella instead of his gun.”

“Really?” said Mr Jenkins.

“Yes,” said the doctor. “Anyway, he was in the woods when suddenly a very large grizzly bear appeared in front of him. He raised his umbrella, pointed it at the bear and squeezed the handle. And do you know what happened?”

Dumbfounded the old man said, “No Doc, what?”

“The bear dropped dead in front of him,” the doctor replied.

“No Doc, that can’t be right.” said the old man. “That’s impossible! Someone else must have shot the bear.”

The doctor smiled and said, “Exactly!

So dear reader, was this post amusing and worth a few minutes?

If any of these really funny jokes made you smile then please share this post with your friends on social media.

When you share, everyone wins. It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

Put a smile on someone else’s face and you’ve done your good deed for the day. So go on, please share it now.

Then perhaps you’d like more laughs? Then just click on the links below.

Funny comedy sketch about the Expert in a meeting

02/18/2026 by Roy Sutton

Today, I offer you a very funny comedy sketch about the expert in a meeting.

If you’re in a professional role, then meetings go with the territory for you; I’m sure you’ll agree.

In fact, meetings are probably the bane of your life; I’m sure you’ll probably agree with that, too.

Frequently, you’re invited to a meeting because your expertise will play an important part in any decisions to be made. You possess knowledge and know-how that no one else can offer; therefore, the meeting needs you to guide them through choppy waters and keep them away from the rocks of disaster.

It’s nice to be recognised for your expertise, of course.

However, it is a fact of life that just because you’re the expert, it doesn’t stop everyone else in the meeting from thinking that somehow they know better than you.

You’re asked for your opinion, and then you’re immediately contradicted.

Essentially, you provide a considered response to a question, and then immediately your opinion is dismissed for whatever reason. You’re told you’re being too pessimistic or that you’re exaggerating the risks associated with a given approach, and so on. Does this sound familiar?

Well, today’s video is for all the experts out there who’ve ever had to endure a meeting with non-experts who are unwilling or unable to understand what you’re telling them. I’m sure you’ll know the experience, dear reader.

This comedy sketch is hilarious, and it does nail an essential truth.

People will believe what they want to believe and whatever they believe to be in their interests, regardless of anything they’re told to the contrary.

This video is recommended viewing for anyone in need of a good laugh, and it’s well worth a few minutes of your time.

Funny comedy sketch about the Expert in a meeting

Comedy sketch about the expert in a meeting:

So was this video as funny as you’d hoped, dear reader?

Perhaps you feel that you could still use a good laugh?

If so, then click on the links below. You’ll find plenty of smiles to amuse you.

And if you’ve enjoyed this post, then please share it all with your friends on social media. When you share, everyone wins.

It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

100 short powerful quotes guaranteed to inspire you today

02/17/2026 by Roy Sutton

If you’re looking for some short, powerful quotes, dear reader, then I have some gems for you today.

I guarantee that you will find quotes here to truly inspire you.

So, grab a coffee, take a few moments to read them all, and set yourself up for a day of action.

Remember; you can be more than you are, and you can achieve a lot more than you think. And it’s never too late to make your mark on life.

So, be inspired and be known.

Short powerful quotes (1-10):

The unexamined life is not worth living. ~Socrates
Whatever you are, be a good one. ~Abraham Lincoln
There is nothing permanent except change. ~Heraclitus
The more I see, the less I know for sure. ~John Lennon
The truth is rarely pure and never simple. ~Oscar Wilde
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. ~Mark Twain
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. ~Dr Seuss
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Be the change that you wish to see in the world. ~Mahatma Gandhi
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~Lao Tzu

Short powerful quotes (11-20):

The way to get started is quit talking and begin doing. ~Walt Disney
There is nothing impossible to him who will try. ~Alexander the Great
Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. ~Anne Frank
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. ~John F. Kennedy
The future belongs to the brave, not to the faint-hearted. ~Ronald Reagan
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. ~St. Augustine
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. ~Albert Einstein
The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. ~Amelia Earhart
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ~Winston Churchill
The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money. ~Margaret Thatcher

Short powerful quotes (21-30):

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. ~Wayne Gretzky
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. ~Beverly Sills
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. ~Oscar Wilde
You must do the things you think you cannot do. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. ~Mae West
The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~E.E. Cummings
We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. ~Ronald Reagan
You have to dream before your dreams can come true. ~A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open. ~Frank Zappa
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. ~Ferdinand Foch

Short powerful quotes (31-40):

The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have. ~Vince Lombardi
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C.S. Lewis
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. ~Jim Rohn
We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us. ~Virginia Satir
The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. ~Ayn Rand
You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated. ~Maya Angelou
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~Aristotle
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters. ~Audrey Hepburn

Short powerful quotes (41-50):

You have to be odd to be number one. ~Dr Seuss
Where there is love there is life. ~Mahatma Gandhi
Why fit in when you were born to stand out? ~Dr Seuss
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. ~Oscar Wilde
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. ~Henry Ford
Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. ~Steve Jobs
Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. ~John Lennon
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. ~Babe Ruth
You don’t have to be great to start, but you must start to be great. ~Zig Ziglar
It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up. ~Vince Lombardi

Short powerful quotes (51-60):

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. ~Maya Angelou
You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. ~Beverly Sills
Life is ten percent what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. ~Charles R. Swindoll
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ~Mahatma Gandhi
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ~Edmund Burke
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. ~Alice Walker
There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure. ~Paulo Coelho
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton
You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. ~Dr Seuss
You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. ~Christopher Columbus

Short powerful quotes (61-70):

It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~George Eliot
If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. ~Malcolm X
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’! ~Audrey Hepburn
Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. ~Babe Ruth
The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. ~Helen Keller
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. ~Oscar Wilde
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ~African proverb
Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. ~Dalai Lama
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. ~Maya Angelou

Short powerful quotes (71-80):

People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. ~Rob Siltanen
Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. ~Michael Jordan
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. ~Colin Powell
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. ~Jane Goodall
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. ~Winston Churchill
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. ~Dr Seuss
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. ~Steve Jobs
The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. ~Oprah Winfrey
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. ~Helen Keller

Short powerful quotes (81-90):

Nothing will work unless you do. ~Maya Angelou
Other people succeed and so can you. ~Roy Sutton
Action is the foundational key to all success. ~Pablo Picasso
Energy and persistence conquer all things. ~Benjamin Franklin
The path to success is to take massive, determined action. ~Tony Robbins
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. ~Jim Rohn
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
The greatest glory in living, lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. ~Nelson Mandela
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. ~Albert Einstein

Short powerful quotes (91-100):

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. ~Albert Einstein
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ~Charles Darwin
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~Nelson Mandela
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. ~Vince Lombardi
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. ~Bertrand Russell
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~Helen Keller
Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. ~Arnold Schwarzenegger

If you found these quotes interesting, please share this post on social media with your friends.

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So go on, please share this post now. If you do, I’ll be ever so grateful. You’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

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Filed Under: Quotes Tagged With: Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Life, Meaning, Motivation, Motivational Quotes, Philosophy, quotes, short powerful quotes, Wisdom

5 of the best jokes ever just for you

02/17/2026 by Roy Sutton

If you’re looking for some of the best jokes ever, then here are five which I think you might just enjoy. They all made me smile and they should tickle your funny bone too.

So take a few moments to have a laugh and please feel free to pass them on.

Best ever jokes:

1. A hard act to follow:

Rick walks out of his office in Manhattan one evening just as there’s a cab approaching. He hails the cab and, as he’s getting in, he says to the cab driver, “Now that’s perfect timing. Am I lucky or what?”

The cab driver smiles and says, “You’re just like Bill Smith.”

“Who’s Bill Smith?” asks Rick.

“Oh, he’s just some guy who always managed to do everything perfectly,” the cab driver responds.

“How do you mean?” asks Rick.

“Well,” says the driver, “like your situation now. You’re in need of a cab and I’m right here for you when you need me. That would happen to Bill, every time.”

“Oh, come on,” says Rick. “No one’s life’s that perfect. There’ll always be a few clouds, surely?”

“Not for Bill,” the cab driver responds. “He was a top athlete. He played golf with a handicap that any top pro would love to have. He played tennis better than John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. He could sing opera better than Pavarotti and he could dance better than Fred Astaire. And he was a Grade A student with a photographic memory. He never ever forgot a birthday.”

“Really?” Rick responds.

“Really!” says the cab driver. “He could fix any little problem around the house. He had encyclopaedic knowledge about wine and good food. And he was an entertaining raconteur and storyteller. The life and soul of any party. And to top it all, he was always in perfect shape. No, no one will ever match up to Bill Smith, that’s for sure.”

“Oh, come on,” says Rick. “no one’s that perfect. How do you know this guy, anyway?”

“Well, I never met him,” says the cab driver, “but I’m married to his widow.”

2. In search of the truth:

One day Joseph Stalin was feeling bored, so he starts thinking about what he can do to amuse himself.

After reflecting on his problem for a while, he decides to disguise himself and circulate amongst ordinary people to find out what they really think of him.

So, he organises a job for himself in a local factory on the outskirts of Moscow and he starts working there.

On his first day, he’s doing everything he can to fit in and when he gets the opportunity, he strikes up a conversation with one of his fellow workers.

As they seem to be getting along well, Stalin suggests that they eat their lunch together in the yard.

As they eat lunch, they make a little small talk for a while and then, when Stalin gets his chance, he asks his new friend, “What do you really think of Stalin?“

Feeling a little paranoid, his friend starts looking around furtively before he responds in a whisper, “We can’t talk about that here, it really wouldn’t be safe.“

Stalin gives him a knowing look in response and suggests they meet after work to discuss it further.

So, they meet up after work in the village where his new friend lives and when he gets the opportunity, once again, Stalin asks the question, “What do you really think of Stalin?”

Well, the guy looks paranoid again and starts looking around him, nervously, to see who might be listening. Then in a whisper, with his finger to his mouth, he says, “Schhh! We can’t talk about that here. It’s much too dangerous. Someone might hear us.”

Stalin gives him a knowing look once again and then suggests that they go for a walk in the neighbouring countryside.

For the next hour they walk out into the hills surrounding the village and eventually they’re so far away, they can’t see another person anywhere.

At this point, Stalin says, “It looks like we’re safe to talk now. So, what do you really think of Stalin?“

His new friend looks around furtively, then he leans in close to Stalin and whispers. “I kinda like him.”

3. The price of honesty:

There was a young kid called Jim who lived in the country.

Like country folk everywhere, when they needed to go, Jim’s family had to use an outhouse.

Young Jim did not find this a pleasant experience.

In the summer it was much too hot and, in the winter, it was too cold. And all year round, it was very smelly.

Now the outhouse was located on the bank of a creek and one day Jim realised that, with a little effort, it could be pushed into the creek.

He waited for his opportunity and one day after a spring rain, the creek was swollen and Jim decided that this was as good a day as any to push the outhouse into the creek.

With that, he found a long pole and started pushing. Finally, with one last shove, the outhouse toppled into the creek and floated away.

That night Jim’s dad was not happy, and he told him that, after supper, they were going to the woodshed.

Jim knew what this meant. He was in big trouble and punishment would follow.

Nevertheless, he asked his dad, “Why?”

To which his dad responded, “Someone pushed the outhouse into the creek today. It was you, son, wasn’t it?“

“Yes dad, it was,” said Jim. He then thought momentarily before he said, “Dad, I read in school today that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree but didn’t get punished because he told the truth.”

“Well, son,” said his dad, “George Washington’s father wasn’t sitting in that cherry tree at the time, was he?“

4. The Chinese Doctor:

Dr Chow Ming leaves Hong Kong for the United States in search of a better life.

He arrives in New York, but he can’t find a job.

However, Dr Ming is a resourceful and enterprising guy, so he opens his own clinic.

A few weeks after the clinic opens, a lawyer is walking by and he reads the sign in the window, which says: –

EVERY TREATMENT COST – $20
IF WE CAN’T CURE YOU – YOU GET $100 BACK

Well, this guy is a top Wall Street, corporate lawyer and he sees this as an opportunity to have some fun and make a little pocket money.

The lawyer walks into the clinic to be greeted warmly by Dr Ming, who says, “Good morning. What seems to be problem?“

“Well,” says the lawyer, “I’ve lost my sense of taste.”

“Nurse!” says Dr Ming. “Bring medicine from Drawer Number 8 and put three drops on his tongue.”

The nurse dutifully does as she’s asked.

“Open your mouth wide, please sir,” says the nurse to the lawyer.”

With that, she puts the drops of medicine on his tongue, and the lawyer immediately starts coughing and sputtering.

“That’s not medicine!” exclaims the lawyer. “It’s kerosene!“

“Excellent!” says Dr Ming. “Your taste is restored. That will be $20, please.”

The lawyer’s not happy but he has little choice but to pay the $20 and then leave.

Nevertheless, he’s determined to get the $100, so after a few days he returns, and Dr Ming recognises him immediately.

“Back again, so soon?” says Dr Ming.

“I’m sorry, have we met before?” asks the lawyer. “You see, I’ve lost my memory.”

“Nurse,” says Dr Ming, “please bring medicine from Drawer Number 8 and put three drops on his tongue.”

The nurse dutifully does as she’s asked.

“Open your mouth wide, please sir,” says the nurse to the lawyer.”

With that, she puts the drops of medicine on his tongue, and the lawyer immediately starts coughing and sputtering.

“More kerosene!” says the lawyer. “You gave me that last time for restoring my taste.“

“Excellent!” says Dr Ming. “Your memory is restored. That will be $20, please.”

The lawyer’s not happy but he has little choice but to pay the $20 and then leave.

However, he’s more determined than ever to get one over on Dr Ming.

One week later he returns to the clinic and again Dr Ming recognises him.

“My eyesight has become so weak, I’m virtually blind,” says the lawyer.

“Unfortunately, I have no medicine for that,” says Dr Ming, “so I must give you $100.“

With that, Dr Ming hands the lawyer a $20 bill.

The lawyer looks at what he’s been given and then says, “But this is only $20, not $100!“

“Excellent!” says Dr Ming. “Your eyesight is restored. That will be $20, please.”

5. The problem with ducks:

Ethel, Mabel, and Agnes were three old ladies who’d sadly passed away and found themselves standing at the Pearly Gates in front of St Peter.

St Peter’s scanning an iPad momentarily, looking to see whether these three old ladies are on his list for admittance to Heaven.

Eventually, he says, “Ladies, welcome to Heaven. There’s just one rule you must all follow and that is, you must never step on a duck.”

Well, as Ethel, Mabel and Agnes walk through the Pearly Gates, they soon realise that there are ducks literally everywhere. There are millions of them.

Naturally, the old ladies do their very best to avoid stepping on any of the ducks, but they find it very difficult.

Ethel only manages one hour before she steps on a duck.

Within seconds St. Peter appears with the ugliest, most hideous-looking man she’d ever seen.

“Ethel,” says St Peter, “the penalty for stepping on a duck is for you to be chained to this wretch, face to face, for eternity.”

With that, St Peter disappeared and Ethel is stuck with her ugly companion for eternity.

Now Mabel manages a whole afternoon before she too stepped on a duck.

Once again, St Peter suddenly appears with the ugliest, most hideous-looking man she’d ever seen.

“Mabel,” says St Peter, “the penalty for stepping on a duck is for you to be chained to this wretch, face to face, for eternity.”

With that, St Peter disappears and Mabel is stuck with her ugly companion for eternity.

Now, Agnes got through the whole of her first day in Heaven without stepping on a duck but the following morning she wasn’t quite so fortunate.

St Peter suddenly appears with the best-looking guy that Agnes had ever seen.

“Agnes,” says St Peter, “the penalty for someone like you stepping on a duck is for you to be chained to this man, face to face, for eternity.”

“Wow!” said Agnes looking dreamily into the guy’s eyes, “What did we do to deserve this?”

“Lady, I don’t know what you did,” the guy responds, “but all I did was step one of those ducks!“

So, were any of these jokes worthy contenders for the best jokes ever, dear reader? I hope so.

However, perhaps you feel that you could still use a good laugh. If so click on the links below. You’ll find plenty of smiles to amuse you.

And if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read here today then please share these jokes with all your friends on social media. When you share, everyone wins.

It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

Thank you for your support.

101 inspirational proverbs from around the world

02/17/2026 by Roy Sutton

I find proverbs inspirational, and I’ve been collecting some more proverbs from around the world.

I thought readers might find it interesting if I shared some of them.

So here are 101 great proverbs, which I hope will inspire.

Enjoy them all, and feel free to share them with your friends.

Proverbs from around the world (1 – 20):

Mewing cats catch no mice. ~Georgian Proverb
To begin is easy, to persist is art. ~German Proverb
Anger and madness are brothers. ~African Proverb
He who is guilty has much to say. ~Ghanaian Proverb
Dig the well before you are thirsty. ~Chinese Proverb
A man dies when he stops working. ~Hebrew Proverb
Nothing seems expensive on credit. ~Czech Proverb
Wisdom has long ears and a short tongue. ~Swedish Proverb
A man grows most tired while standing still. ~Chinese Proverb
Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure. ~Jewish Proverb
A fool cannot undo the knot tied by a wise man. ~African Proverb
A good neighbour increases the value if your property. ~Czech Proverb
It is in the shelter of each other that the people live. ~Irish Proverb
Don’t tell the man who’s carrying you that he stinks. ~African Proverb
Everyone wants to live long, but no one wants to be called old. ~Icelandic Proverb
Love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe. ~American Proverb
When the character of a man is not clear, look at his friends. ~Japanese Proverb
A man profits more by the spectacle of a fool than by the speeches of the wise. ~African Proverb
The child who’s not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel the warmth. ~African Proverb
The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them. ~Turkish Proverb

Proverbs from around the world (21 – 40):

Need is a bad negotiator. ~Icelandic Proverb
Gold, when beaten, shines. ~Peruvian Proverb
The bitter heart eats its owner. ~Bantu Proverb
A closed mouth catches no flies. ~French Proverb
Truth is the first victim of war. ~African Proverb
A tree doesn’t fall with one blow. ~Yiddish Proverb
Character can be built on daily routine. ~Japanese Proverb
Only a fool tests the water with both feet. ~African Proverb
A talkative bird will not build a nest. ~West African Proverb
The longer the tongue, the shorter the hands. ~Czech Proverb
Worries go down better with soup than without. ~Jewish Proverb
There is a deep sea between saying and doing. ~Italian Proverb
Calm water does not mean there are no crocodiles. ~Indonesian Proverb
Persistence can grind an iron beam into a needle. ~Chinese Proverb
A mother will understand what her dumb son says. ~Georgian Proverb
A diplomat must always think twice before he says nothing. ~Irish Proverb
Listen a hundred times; ponder a thousand times; speak once. ~Turkish Proverb
Luck sometimes visits a fool, but it never sits down with him. ~German Proverb
Rejoice not at thine enemy’s fall, but don’t rush to pick him up either. ~Jewish Proverb
A doctor will take care of the rich man; the poor man is cured with work. ~Polish Proverb

Proverbs from around the world (41 – 60):

Blame is a lazy man’s wages. ~Danish Proverb
A contented man is always rich. ~Latin Proverb
A speaker of truth has no friends. ~African Proverb
Silence is a fence around wisdom. ~German Proverb
When deeds speak, words are nothing. ~African Proverb
Bad is called good when worse happens. ~Norwegian Proverb
The mother of idiots is always pregnant. ~Italian Proverb
A man who cries all the time is not heard. ~African Proverb
The smoother the path the easier it is to slip. ~Estonian Proverb
Do not stand in a place of danger trusting in miracles. ~African Proverb
Where you sit when you’re old shows where you stood in youth. ~African Proverb
No matter the economy of the jungle, the lion will never eat grass. ~African Proverb
Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter. ~African Proverb
To talk much and arrive nowhere is the same as climbing a tree to catch a fish. ~Chinese Proverb
Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time. ~Chinese Proverb
The doctor demands his fees whether he has killed the illness or the patient. ~Polish Proverb
Educate a man and you educate an individual. Educate a woman and you educate a nation. ~African Proverb
The wise man, even when he holds his tongue, says more than the fool when he speaks. ~Yiddish Proverb
If men swear that they want to harm you when you’re asleep, you can go to sleep. If a woman says so, stay awake. ~African Proverb
He who asks a question is a fool for a minute. He who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. ~Chinese Proverb

Proverbs from around the world (61 – 80):

Who gives, has. ~Lithuanian Proverb
Advisers run no risks. ~English Proverb
Nothing is easy for the unwilling. ~Gaelic Proverb
Adversity is the mother of wisdom. ~German Proverb
Being happy is better than being king. ~African Proverb
When the music changes, so does the dance. ~African Proverb
If your face is ugly, you can’t blame the mirror. ~Chinese Proverb
He who’s afraid of asking is ashamed of learning. ~Danish Proverb
The eyes do not see what the mind does not want. ~Indian Proverb
If you don’t want anyone to find out, don’t do it. ~Chinese Proverb
Speak the truth but leave immediately afterwards. ~Slovenian Proverb
A people without faith in themselves cannot survive. ~Chinese Proverb
Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid of standing still. ~Japanese Proverb
He who conquers his anger has conquered an enemy. ~German Proverb
Never promise a poor person, and never owe a rich one. ~Brazilian Proverb
Everybody loves a fool, but nobody wants him for a son. ~Ivorian Proverb
Every time you laugh a nail is removed from your coffin. ~Honduran Proverb
If you tell your secret to your friend, you will make him your master. ~Spanish Proverb
If you forgive the fox for stealing your chickens, he will take your sheep. ~Georgian Proverb
Honorable is the person who is aware of their power, yet refrains from inflicting harm on others. ~Egyptian Proverb

Proverbs from around the world (81 – 101):

Hate has no medicine. ~Ghanaian Proverb
A dog with a bone knows no friend. ~Dutch Proverb
A blind cat catches only a dead rat. ~Chinese Proverb
Day has its eyes, night has its ears. ~Japanese Proverb
Pride is the mask of one’s own faults. ~Jewish Proverb
He that promises most will perform least. ~Gaelic Proverb
A slave does not choose his master. ~Ghanaian Proverb
A tailless dog cannot express his joy. ~Albanian Proverb
Beloved children have many names. ~Hungarian Proverb
Ask for advice then use your head. ~Norwegian Proverb
Fear an ignorant man more than a lion. ~Turkish Proverb
An idiot is eloquent when he stays silent. ~Japanese Proverb
Always tell the truth in the form of a joke. ~Armenian Proverb
A dog that barks all the time gets little attention. ~Argentine Proverb
Choose your company before you choose your drink. ~Gaelic Proverb
Familiarity breeds contempt; distance brings respect. ~African Proverb
He who is unkind to his own will not be kind to others. ~Galician Proverb
Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty. ~Burmese Proverb
Offer the lazy man an egg and he’ll want you to peel it for him. ~Lithuanian Proverb
Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing. ~African Proverb
Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one. ~Turkish Proverb

If you enjoyed these inspirational proverbs from around the world, then please share this post with your friends on social media.

Remember, when you share, everyone wins.

If you could share this post now, I would really appreciate it. You’d be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

What matters most in life? People or money?

02/17/2026 by Roy Sutton

What matters most in life?

What matters most in life? People or money? Think about that for a second or two.

Occasionally, I’m sure we all think to ourselves, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be rich and financially secure?“

It sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Money, money, money!

You’d be able to do whatever you want, travel anywhere, and buy anything.

Whether it’s a nice house, a fabulous car, the best clothes, the latest fashions, or the latest gadgets, you could have them all.

No more searching for cheap flights or even cheaper holidays.

And you wouldn’t have to worry about a job anymore, would you?

Wealth would mean the end to all your problems, surely?

Wealth is not a life without problems:

If only it were that easy, dear reader.

Wealth, if you had it, might eliminate some of your problems, but it would also present you with lots of new ones.

Remember, riches may be chains of gold, but chains of gold are still chains.

Everyone has problems, regardless of any wealth and privileges they may enjoy. They’ll just have different problems.

Caretaker of your possessions:

If wealth is something you’ve yet to experience, then it may not be obvious to you, but once you’ve got plenty of money, you become the caretaker of your possessions.

You worry about losing your wealth. And you worry about the volatility of financial markets and how your wealth will be affected, both now and in the long term.

When you’ve got money, plenty of people will be hoping they can separate you from at least some of it. It seems like everyone is trying to sell you something and/or give you advice at a price.

Others will resent your wealth:

And don’t forget, many people will resent you for your wealth. Not everyone will be happy for you, that’s for sure.

Then you become a magnet for criminals, con artists, and even politicians who want a piece of your wealth.

You don’t know who you can trust anymore.

Do people become your friends because they like you, or are they simply after your money?

Once you’ve got wealth, it’s virtually impossible to know.

The impact of instant wealth:

However much you may dream of winning the lottery, for instance, it would have an impact on your life in ways you couldn’t begin to imagine. It wouldn’t solve all your problems; it would present you with many more.

If you’ve suddenly gained wealth and your friends haven’t, then your relationship with them is unlikely ever to be the same again. Even if you share some of your sudden wealth with them, it’s unlikely to help.

Whatever you share with people from your winnings will just create tensions within your friendship group. Why did you give her X, and I only got Y? That will be one accusation you’ll hear frequently, for instance.

What matters most in life?

If you are wealthy, dear reader, I’m pleased for you. Enjoy it all.

For those people working hard to become rich, good luck to you. I hope you achieve your goals and enjoy your wealth when you find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

However, whatever your financial circumstances, never forget this: only people matter.

You can have all the money in the world, but without your family and close friends, you would have absolutely nothing at all.

It’s the people in our lives that make life worth living.

They make us laugh, and they make us cry. They’re there for us when we need someone to listen, someone to put an arm around our shoulder and tell us that everything will be fine, and someone to give us a pat on the back when we’ve done well.

Money might make life comfortable, but does it make you rich? I don’t think it does.

If your life is blessed with good people who care about you, then that’s when you’re truly rich. If you also have a sense of purpose and a hobby, then you have all you need. Anything else is a bonus.

Money is nice to have, of course, and I wouldn’t discourage anyone from seeking to build wealth. Quite the contrary, you should always be trying to build your little nest egg for the future.

However, money alone will not make you happy. To be happy, your life needs people, purpose, and a pastime.

These are the things that matter.

Money is simply the icing on the cake. It is nice to have, but it is not essential to your happiness. Whereas having people in your life is essential to your happiness.

If you could only have either money or family and friends, which would you choose?

I’d choose the people every time.

Did you find this article interesting and useful, dear reader?

If so, then please share it on social media with your friends.

When you share, everyone wins.

So go on, please share it now. If you can do that for me, I’ll be ever so grateful, and you’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

9 hilariously funny jokes that’ll tickle you silly

02/16/2026 by Roy Sutton

If you’re looking for some hilariously funny jokes, dear reader, then I have nine gems today that will tickle you silly. I’m confident they’ll brighten your day.

So take a few moments to enjoy them all.

And please feel free to share them all.

Hilariously funny jokes:

1. National identity:

A Scotsman, a Welshman, an Irishman and an Englishman were captured while fighting in a foreign war.

Their situation was quite desperate when the leader of their captors suddenly announced, “As enemies of our people, you’ll all be shot by firing squad. You’ll each be shot in turn. However, we’re civilised people, so first you’ll each be allowed a final request.”

The Scotsman says quickly, “I’d like to hear ‘Flower of Scotland’ played by the Band of the Scots Guards, to remind me of happy days in bonny Scotland.” He then shouts, “Scotland forever!”

The Welshman says, “Well, I’d like to hear ‘Men of Harlech’ sung by the Treorchy Male Voice Choir to remind me of the green, green grass of home and those happy times when I lived in the Valleys.” He then shouts, “God bless the Land of my Fathers!”

The Irishman, not to be outdone, says, “For me, I want to hear ‘Danny Boy’ just one more time to remind me of the auld country. I want it sung in the style of Daniel O’Donnell.” Then, taking his lead from his Celtic cousins, he shouts, “Éirinn go Brách.”

The leader of their captors then looks at the Englishman who’s remained silent up to this point. “So, Englishman, what’s your request?” he says.

The Englishman responds, “I’d like to be shot first.”

2. Nun outside a Dublin bar:

A guy is walking into a Dublin bar, and standing right outside the door is a nun.

“Top of the morning to you, sister!” says the guy with a smile.

The nun looks at him sternly and says, “Before you enter this den of iniquity, please think about your mother and your father.”

“But, sister, my poor mother and father have long since passed away, sadly. They’re with the angels now,” the guy responds.

“Then think of the damage the alcohol will do to your brain,” says the nun.

“Sister, what are you talking about? Have you ever had a drink?” asks the guy.

“No! Certainly not!” says the nun.

“Then in the name of God, sister, how can you say it damages the brain if you’ve never actually had a drink?” asks the guy.

The guy thinks for a minute, and then he says, “Listen, sister, I’ll tell you what. I’ll go in and get you a drink, you can try it, and if you don’t like it, then you can talk about it. But you can’t talk about something you’ve never even experienced.”

The nun says, “Aye, alright, I’ll try a drink.”

The guy then says, “So, what’ll you have then?”

“I don’t know”, says the nun, “What do ladies generally drink?”

The guy says, “All the ones I know like a glass of gin.”

The nun smiles and says, “Alright, I’ll have a gin, but get it in a cup so no one will notice.”

So the guy goes into the bar and says to the barman, “I’ll have a pint of Guinness, please, bartender and a large gin. But can you put the gin in a cup?”

The barman smiles at him and says, “Jeez, is that feckin’ nun hanging around outside again?”

3. Life in Hell:

John did his best to lead a good and honest life, but sadly, upon his passing, he was allocated a place in Hell.

John arrives at the gates of Hell, a little disappointed, and he’s looking fairly despondent when another man walks up to him and says, “Hello, I’m Jim, you’re looking a little glum.”

To which John replies, “Well, I thought I’d be enjoying a place in heaven right now, but nothing ever works out like you think it will, does it?”

Seeing John’s not very happy, Jim tries to cheer him up. “Listen, buddy, Hell isn’t so bad really.”

John says, “Really?”

“Yeah, really”, says Jim. “Hey, do you like beer?”

“Yes I love beer”, John responds.

“Then you’ll love Fridays here in Hell. Every Friday is beer day. We drink gallons and gallons of beer all day long. There’s no limit, you can drink as much as you like”, says Jim.

“Doesn’t that make you sick and give you a terrible hangover?” asks John

“No! We’re dead! It does not affect us”, says Jim. “Hey, do you like dope?”

“Well, I did smoke a little Mary Jane in my College days”, says John.

“Then you’ll love Saturdays here in Hell”, says Jim. “Every Saturday, we smoke dope all day long. We smoke doobies as big as submarines. It’s fantastic.”

“Doesn’t that make you sick?” asks John

“No! We’re dead! It has no effect on us”, says Jim. “Do you like food?”

“Sure, who doesn’t like food? I love food,” says John.

“Then you’re going to love Sundays here in Hell”, says Jim. “Every Sunday they roast Ox; a whole one for each of us. We stuff ourselves with roast Ox and all the trimmings all day long. In Hell, we do everything to excess and doing everything to excess is mandatory here. We’re dead, so no worries.”

“Wow!” says John. “Hell actually sounds like a really cool place.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Jim responds.

“Hey, are you Gay?” Jim then asks.

“No”, says John, “I like to sleep with women.”

Jim frowns and says, “Hmm, in that case, you’ll hate Mondays.”

4. Unrealistic expectations:

A recent engineering graduate is having an interview for his first job with a big technology company.

The young graduate is fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and he’s clearly very impressed with himself.

As the interview is nearing an end, the Human Resources officer asks him, “So John, what are your expectations in terms of a starting salary?“

The young graduate replies, “Well, I’d be looking for something in the region of $125,000 a year. However, the exact figure I’d accept would depend on the benefits package.“

His interviewer smiles and says, “Well, John, what would you say to 5 weeks’ annual vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental cover, the company matching your retirement fund to 50% of your salary, plus a company car, say a Ford Mustang GT?“

The young graduate engineer sits up straight and says, “Wow! Are you kidding? “

The HR officer replies, “Yes, of course I am, John, but you started it.“

5. Bus full of ugly people:

A bus full of ugly people is involved in a head-on collision with a truck and all the passengers are killed.

They all arrive in heaven and, feeling sorry for them, God decides they can each have one wish.

A woman is the first person and she says, “I want to be gorgeous.“

So God snaps his fingers and suddenly she is stunningly attractive.

A man is next and he makes a similar request. “I want to be handsome,” he says.

This goes on with each passenger in turn essentially making the same request. They all want to be irresistibly good-looking.

With a number of passengers yet to express their wishes, God notices that the last man in the line who has also yet to make a request is laughing hysterically.

By the time God gets to the last few people, the last man in the line is laughing uncontrollably and he’s rolling around on the ground.

When it comes to his turn the man laughs some more and then says, “I wish they’re all ugly again.“

Moral of the story: In any group, there’s always one person hell-bent on making life difficult for everyone else.

6. A child’s view:

One evening, young Grace was sitting next to her grandfather as he read her a bedtime story.

From time to time, Grace would take her eyes off the book and reach up and touch her grandfather’s wrinkled face.

Fascinated by the lines on his face, she touched his cheek and then she touched her own, comparing how they felt so different.

After some thought, Grace asked, “Grandpa, did God make you?“

He looked at her, smiled and said, “Yes, sweetheart, God made me a very long time ago.“

Grace paused momentarily and then asked, “Did God make me too?“

Her grandfather smiled and then responded, “Yes, munchkin, God made you too, but not so very long ago.”

Grace touched his face once again and then she whispered, “God’s getting better at it, isn’t he?“

7. The warrior and the old man:

A fleeing warrior is lost in the desert and he’s in desperate need of water.

Suddenly he sees what he thinks is a bar far off in the distance.

Hoping he might find water there, he hurries towards the bar only to find a little old man selling ties.

The warrior asks, “Do you have any water?“

The old replies, “No I don’t have any water. Would you like to buy a tie? They’re only $5.“

The warrior is irritated by his response and says, “No! I don’t need an overpriced tie right now. I need water! Do you realize I’m armed? I could kill you. However, I must find water first.“

“Alright,” says the old man, “It doesn’t matter to me that you don’t want to buy a tie and that you don’t like me. I will show you that I’m the bigger person. If you continue over that hill to the east for about two miles, you will find a lovely restaurant, owned by my brother. It will have all the ice-cold water you need. God be with you“.

Muttering, the warrior staggers off over the hill.

Several hours later he staggers back, almost dead.

“Your brother won’t let me in without a tie.“

8. The magic trick:

Two broke and hungry friends, Bill and George walk into a pastry shop in Manhattan.

As the baker’s back is turned, Bill grabs three cookies quickly and stuffs them in his trouser pocket with lightning speed.

The baker’s back is still turned, so he doesn’t notice.

Bill smiles at George, winks his eye and says, “Did you see that? Did you see how clever I was there? You’ll never beat that will you?“

“Really? Do you think so? Watch this.” George replies.

He then says to the baker, “If you’ll give me a cookie, I’ll show you a magic trick. And I promise you, you’ll be impressed.“

So the baker hands him a cookie which George then eats.

Then George says to the baker: “I’ll need another cookie from you for my magic trick to work.“

The baker is a bit suspicious but he gives George another cookie. Once again he eats the cookie.

Then George says, “I’m really sorry but I’ll need one more cookie if this trick is to work.“

The baker is really not amused by now and he says, “Is this some kind of joke?”

George assures him the trick is genuine and all will be revealed after the next Cookie. So the baker gives him another cookie which George promptly eats, once again.

The baker is starting to get mad and he yells, “So where’s the magic?“

George points at Bill and then says: “You’ll find three cookies in this guy’s pocket. That’s magic!“

9. A woman golfing:

A woman is out golfing. Playing off the first tee, she’s not quite got her swing right and she slices the ball on her first attempt and watches it disappear deep into the woods.

Not a great start she thinks. So she trudges off looking for her ball.

As she’s scratching around in the woods she can’t find her ball but she does find a frog stuck in a trap.

The frog is relieved to have finally been discovered, having been stuck there for quite some time. So the frog says to the woman, “Lady if you release me from this trap, I will grant you three wishes.“

Now, who wouldn’t want three wishes? So the woman immediately frees the frog.

The frog is grateful but then says, “Lady, thank you. I appreciate your help. However, I failed to mention that there will be a condition to your wishes.”

A little puzzled, the woman asks, “And what’s that?”

“Well,” says the frog, “Whatever you wish for, your husband will also receive but multiplied by a factor of ten!“

The woman thinks for a minute and then says, “That’s fine.“

Then for her first wish, she says, “I want to be the most beautiful woman in the world.”

The frog smiles but warns her, “You do realize that this wish will also make your husband the most handsome man in the world? He will be an Adonis and no woman will be able to resist his charms.“

The woman thinks for a minute and then says, “That’s alright, because I will be the most beautiful woman in the world, so he will only have eyes for me.“

With that there is a ‘Poof’ sound and the woman is immediately transformed into the most beautiful woman in the world.

The frog then says, “And for your second wish? What would you like?”

For her second wish, the woman says, “I want to be the richest woman in the world.”

Once again the frog feels compelled to issue a warning. “Lady, this will make your husband the richest man in the world. And he will be ten times richer than you.“

The woman says, “That’s fine. We’re married, so what’s mine is his and what’s his is mine.“

Once again there is a ‘Poof’ sound and the woman is suddenly the richest woman in the world.

The frog then says, “Right, it’s now time for your final wish. What will it be?”

The woman replies, “I’d like a mild heart attack.“

Moral of the story: Women are clever. So don’t mess with them.

Attention Ladies: This is the end of the joke for you. Stop here and continue to feel good.

Male Readers: Please scroll down.

The man had a heart attack ten times milder than his wife.

Moral of the story: Women think they’re really smart. Let them continue to think that way and just enjoy the show.

NOTE: And ladies if you’re still reading this, it only goes to show that women never listen to men.

I hope you found these hilariously funny jokes amusing, dear reader.

However, perhaps you feel that you could still use a good laugh? If so, click on the links below. You’ll find plenty of smiles to amuse you.

And if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read here today, then please share these hilariously funny jokes with all your friends on social media. When you share, everyone wins.

It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

Thank you for being so supportive.

7 inspirational quotes about marriage

02/16/2026 by Roy Sutton

Let’s explore some inspirational quotes about marriage.

Marriage can be a thorny subject for some and a source of great pleasure for others. If a successful marriage is your aim, then you’ll need to master the art of compromise, as well as choose a life partner for whom you have the greatest respect and whose company you enjoy.

Friendship is at the heart of any successful marriage, and friendship is a relationship of equals.

That means the power dynamic in your relationship must be balanced. Both parties must feel that their needs are being met.

You’re a team, and as with all teams, each of you has a role to play. One person cannot be expected to bear the burden of doing everything while the other person does nothing. That’s not fair, nor is it sustainable.

A successful marriage can be your greatest investment. Choose your partner wisely, and a successful relationship can be yours. Whereas, failing to choose carefully could prove to be painful for all concerned.

So today, I offer you seven inspirational quotes about marriage to help you reflect on what is one of life’s great institutions.

Remember this: choose well and nurture your relationship, and it can last a lifetime.

Find the right partner, and you’ll appreciate their presence in your life with each passing year and much more so as you get older.

Inspirational quotes about marriage:

By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher. ~Socrates
Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife. ~Franz Schubert
It is not a lack of love but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages. ~Friedrich Nietzsche
My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me. ~Winston Churchill
Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can’t live without. ~James Dobson
The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time. ~Julia Child
Every good relationship, especially marriage, is based on respect. If it’s not based on respect, nothing that appears to be goodwill lasts very long. ~Amy Grant

Poem about marriage:

If you like poetry, this poem about marriage might appeal to you. It certainly conveys my philosophy about marriage and finding a life partner.

If you found these quotes inspiring and interesting, please share this post on social media with your friends.

When you share, everyone wins.

Please share this post now. If you do, I’ll be ever so grateful, and you’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

I appreciate your support. Thank you, dear reader.

7 inspirational quotes about happiness

02/15/2026 by Roy Sutton

Today, I am exploring quotes about happiness.

If I were to conduct a survey of readers on the question of happiness, I’m fairly sure that most people would say that, whilst they want to be happy, they have yet to achieve that state of mind consistently.

Why is that, do you think?

I think it’s because we’re always chasing what we haven’t got.

Being happy requires us to be content with what we have got. If we’re always chasing more, then by definition we can’t be content with what we’ve got, can we?

So if you want to be happy, then I think the trick is to learn to enjoy whatever it is that you’ve actually got, rather than fretting about those things that you’d like to possess but you don’t right now.

Take pleasure in the moment, whenever you can, and always look for the positives in any situation.

Happiness is a state of mind. You can choose to be happy or not.

It’s all down to the way you choose to look at the world.

You can allow things to bother you, or you can say, “I’m not going to worry about stuff I can’t change; I’ll just focus on enjoying my life for what it is and make the best of it.”

Here are 7 inspirational quotes about happiness to help you think about what it all means.

Quotes about happiness:

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself in. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstances but by our disposition. ~Martha Washington
It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. ~Agnes Repplier
Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. ~Dalai Lama
Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won’t have to hunt for happiness. ~William E. Gladstone
Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. ~Denis Waitley
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things that are beyond the power of our will. ~Epictetus
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. ~Jim Rohn

If you found these quotes inspiring and interesting then please share them on social media with your friends. When you share, everyone wins.

So please share now. If you do, I will be ever so grateful.

Thank you.

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Filed Under: Quotes Tagged With: Achievement, Attitude, Happiness, Influencers, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Life, Meaning, Motivation, Motivational Quotes, Philosophy, quotes, quotes about happiness, Success, Wisdom

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Badaling

Mutianyu

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Yuyuan Garden

French Concession

Terracotta Wonders of Xi’an

Terracotta Army

Lintong District

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Dramatic Landscapes of Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Tianmen Mountain

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Yuanjiajie

Guilin and Yangshuo’s Scenic Beauty

Li River Cruise

Longji Rice Terraces

Yangshuo

Elephant Trunk Hill

Natural Marvels in the West

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Yellow Mountain

Huangshan

Nuorilang Waterfall

Chengdu and Sichuan Treasures

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Leshan Giant Buddha

Mount Emei

Historic Water Towns and Ancient Cities

Lijiang Old Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town

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Rivers, Lakes and Unique Landscapes

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