China Travel Guide

China (中国; Zhōngguó), officially known as the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国 Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó) is a huge country in Eastern Asia (about the same size as the United States of America) with the world's largest population. With coasts on the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, in total it borders 14 nations. It borders Afghanistan, Pakistan (through the disputed territory of Kashmir), India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam to the south; Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the west; Russia and Mongolia to the north and North Korea to the east. This number of neighbouring states is equalled only by China's vast neighbour to the north, Russia.

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Posted in Travel Tips

Best Places for Your Tour to China in April

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April, as an excellent month of the spring time characterized by colorful flowers blossom, green trees, fresh air and warm weather, is ideal time to go out for a travelling.  Thought it still drizzles in some places, the cow-hair-like rains make it a picturesque scene in some southern cities in China, which cannot be met in anywhere else. Here are the best places for you to visit in China in your April time, just prepare for your tour there now!

Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge

The Three Gorges will be the No.1 place for your April tour in China as it is neither cold nor hot at that time, which make it a best time to take a relaxing Yangtze Cruise to enjoy the mighty Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang. During the cruise, you will appreciate the captivating and astonishing scenery of the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge and also the biggest dam in the world—the Three Gorges Dam. All of the attractive scene will make your Yangtze Cruise along the Three Gorges memorable and worthwhile.

West Lake in Hangzhou

West Lake in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, where you can appreciate the panoramic view of classic China and the graceful scenery, ranks No.2 for your choice of April tour in China. Travelling there, you will see the beautiful landscape of Hangzhou decorated with spring greenery, jade-green plants, verdant weeping willow, fresh air, elegant and pink blossoms and leisurely atmosphere, which make you feel like walking on a painting, especially the charm adding by the West Lake, make Hangzhou place of poetic living.  Don’t forget to visit the ancient water towns such as the Xitang Town and Wuzhen Town to experience what the ancient China used to be and take beautiful photos there.

Terracota Warriors

Terracota Warriors

Next will come the Xi’an, which is the most influential city in Chinese history allowing you to experience and enjoy the historical culture of the ancient China. Thanks to the ideal weather in April, you can see the best scenery of Xi’an by visiting the majestic Terracotta Warriors, climbing the steep Hua Mountain, taking an Ancient City Wall ride and viewing other Tang Dynasty historical sites.

the Garden of the Master of Nets

the Garden of the Master of Nets in Suzhou

Suzhou, of course is another ideal destination for your tour to China in April, where you can appreciate the unique beauty of the traditional Chinese gardens in the temperate weather and warm temperature. The essence of the traditional Chinese gardens in Suzhou including Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Garden of the Master of Nets, Lingering Garden, the Garden of Harmony, and Lion Grove decorated with the verdant and colorfully beautiful blossoms will be great choice for your Suzhou tour. Don’t miss the ancient water towns which will leave you the charming scenery with the poetic scene.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

The Temple of Heaven

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Covering an area of 273 hectare, the Temple of Heaven is one of the famous attractions in China located in the southeastern of the Forbidden City with 4 times bigger than the Forbidden City.  It is a place to offer a sacrifice to supreme Ruler of Heaven in winter solstice for the emperors of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. The distribution of the Temple of Haven shows “back” glyp and the altar wall is made with two sections: the inner altar and the outside altar, with the outside altar’s length totaling 6,416 meters and the inside altar 3,292 meters.

the Temple of Heaven

the Temple of Heaven

Travelling here, you will find that the Temple of Heaven is enclosed with a long wall, whose south part is square which symbolize the earth and the north semicircular symbolizing the heaven. The northern wall is higher than that of the southern part, which shows the heaven is high and the earth is low, it also reflects that the heaven is round while the earth square.

the Temple of Heaven

the Temple of Heaven

 

The main architecture of the Temple of Heaven gather at the axle wire of the inside altar, which is connected with a broad bridge called Vermilion Steps Bridge whose south end is lower than its north end, and from the south to north are the Circular Mound Altar (Yuanqiutan), Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest (Qiniandian). In addiction, there are ancient architectures and historical sites including the God Kitchen, the Animal-killing Pavilion and the Hall of the Abstinence, whose design are ingenious, color reconcile and architecture excellent.

the Temple of Heaven

the Temple of Heaven

 

Tips: 1) Ticket price: 10 RMB/adult for the slack season from 1st November to 31st March and 15 RMB/ adult for the peak season from 1st April to 31st October. 2) Opening time: 6 a.m. to 22 p.m. for the entrance gate, 8 a.m. for the inside attractions. 3) Best time to visit: spring and autumn; one advantage to visit in winter is you can experience the acoustic building of the Temple of Heaven. 4) Don’t miss the Three Echo Stones, Echo Wall and Nine-Dragon Cypress.

Posted in Travel Tips

5 Best Destinations for Your Trip to China in 2013

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The year of 2013 will be a year full of surprise, wonders and miracles. As it is just the beginning of the branded new year, have you done any plans for your travel this year? Here are some advices for your tour to China in 2013—Yes, the 5 best destinations travelling to China including Beijing, Tibet, Chengdu, Guilin and Suzhou!

Tinanmen Square in Beijing

Tinanmen Square in Beijing

Beijing, of course a must-visit city in China because of the famous Great Wall there, it is the capital of China and the most historical city in China. Just plan a 4-day tour to visit there, where you can appreciate the magnificence of the Great Wall, view the grand Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, experience the Beijing life of ancient times by taking a Hutong ride, and taste the delicious Peking Roasted Duck and more.

Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin

Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin

Guilin, famous for the Li River, is undoubtedly a masterpiece of Karst Landforms. You will feel it beautiful scene on the Li River with the green water and around the picturesque mountains in the drizzling weather in spring. How wonderful and amazing! Travelling in Guilin, you can experience the countryside life in Yangshuo by taking a bicycle ride; moreover, you can also view the captivating Longji Rice Terraces, which will make your trip memorable!

Potala Palace in Tibet

Potala Palace in Tibet

Tibet, a mysterious place where numerous people yearning for visiting, is also a great choice for you to travel in China. Travelling there, you can not only experience the Tibetan Culture but also appreciate the charming scenery of the highlands which will shock you. Don’t forget to visit the PotalaPalace there.

Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou

Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou

Suzhou, known as “the Oriental Venice”, is famous for its Chinese gardens with graceful watery landscapes. Being the essence of China’s gardens and water towns, you can view the famous and beautiful Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lion Grove, LingeringGarden, and Garden of the Master of the Nets. Just take a 3-day tour to Suzhou to see the charming attraction, experience the profound culture, taste the delicious food and get the Su embroidery there.

the Giant Pandas in Chengdu

the Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Chengdu with the opening bullet connecting Chengdu and Xi’an in 2013, is a one of the best destination for your tour to China this year. You can visit the Great Wall of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the Giant Pandas in Chengdu in a budget tour once you reach China. The Fairy Land of Jiuzhaigou with 8-hour drive from Chengdu, is also alluring and fascinating attraction worthy a visit during your trip in Chengdu.

Tips: Do remember avoid the major holidays in China when the transport and tourist area are crowed with people, what you can see is a sea of people from here to there. Keep in mind some holidays’ time listed as follows: Spring festival (from February 10th and lasting 2 weeks); Labor Day week (May 1– May 7) and National Day week (October 1– October 7).

Posted in Travel Tips

Ideal Places for Your Spring Photography in China

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Are you a photographer? Do you like photography? Have you taken photo every time when you went travelling to keep memory of your wonderful and enjoyable trip everywhere? If the answer is “yes”, then I’m sure you are planning to have a travel to somewhere beautiful in the upcoming spring so as to take photo for those charming and alluring scenery. Here are some great ideas for your spring photography in China, just take them into consideration and you will find them perfect for your photography!

Peony in Luoyang

Peony in Luoyang

Peony in Luoyang, large and gorgeous, is showing its variety for travelers in April—yellow, white, pink, red, green, black, blue, and purple, it will be unspeakable to tell how beautiful it is when a vast area of the peony blooming in front of you. Just have a travel to Luoyang Peony Garden for the captivating scenery there!

Peach Flowers in Nyingchi

Peach Flowers in Nyingchi

Peach Flowers in Nyingchi of Tibet, also called Taohua Valley, is surrounded on three sides by mountains and capped with white snow. Decorated by a blue sky, green water and white cloud, the fascinating scenery also will make your photography there amazing!

Tulips in Shixianghu Scenic Spot in Chengdu

Tulips in Shixianghu Scenic Spot in Chengdu

Tulips in Shixianghu Scenic Spot in Chengdu City, is the best place to appreciate the captivating tulips in March, you will view a vast area of the various tulips—yellow, red, white, pink or purple—blooming everywhere in hills, forests, grassland or hills. Just prepare best camera to take photos there!

Pink Apricot Blossoms in Yili of Xinjiang

Pink Apricot Blossoms in Yili of Xinjiang

Pink Apricot Blossoms in Yili, Xinjiang also shows its unique charm and beauty to all travelers in March, which makes the Yili Valley a beautiful and romantic place. The Xinhua Valley there is decorated by beautiful pink apricot blossoms and pale green grass, together with the farm houses and herdsmen standing by, you will surely love this harmonious and peaceful place!

Yuanyang Terraced Fields in Yunnan

Yuanyang Terraced Fields in Yunnan

Yuanyang Terraced Fields in Yunnan or Longji Terraced Fields in Guilin, where you appreciate and enjoy the immense fields with various colors in Yuanyang Terraced Fields and view the astonishing scenery Longji Terraced Fields with its irrigation of the entire field and its breath-taking sunrise for the reflections of the fields against more gentle terrain slopes in springtime, which will leave you magnificent photographs.

Longji Terraced Fields in Guilin

Longji Terraced Fields in Guilin

Posted in Travel Tips

Top Five Popular Places for Your Trip to China in March

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Have you done any plan for your spring time? Have you gone to China before? Would you like to make your trip this year wonderful and memorable? Yep, just have a travel to China in the upcoming March when it is spring in China whose weather is warming up. Here are the 5 popular places recommended for you to have a visit then—Zhouzhuang Ancient Water Town, Wuyuan Village, Dali, Hainan Island and Guilin.

Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang Ancient Water Town, with its average temperature about 11 °C (52 °F) at March, is located near Suzhou in regions south of the Yangtze River. Characterized by the picturesque and captivating landscapes of dreamily graceful scenes in the morning and at nightfall, it is the reprehensive attraction of the Yangtze River in the down reach and the top one ancient water town incisively and vividly showing you what the ancient China is. When travel there, you can also have a chance to view the charming scenery of the Suzhou, where it is famous for its traditional gardens. Do remember to take an umbrella with you as it drizzles at times in south of China.

Wuyuan

Wuyuan

Wuyuan, being known as “the most beautiful villages in China”, is something cold at the beginning of the March but warms up from the middle March with its highest temperature more than 20 °C (68 °F). Regardless of the cool weather, you will enjoy the culture of the ancient ancestral, mansions, dwellings and bridges featuring the Ming and Qing style architectures. Moreover, the pink peach flowers, white pear flowers, and vast lemon rape flowers blooming in the March, together with the green mountain around and the rivers in front, Wuyuan will show you an elegant idyllic picture of China, whose beauty is far from you can imagine.

Dali

Dali

Dali, with is temperature ranging from 7 °C (45 °F) to 22 °C (72 °F) with rare rain in March, is located in Yunnan Province and popular with its elegant landscapes and minority customs at that time. Featuring both historical sites and natural scenery, you will not only learn about the culture and history of the Ancient City of Dali, Taihe City Nanzhao, and Three Pagodas, but also enjoy the fascinating and alluring Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain at March.

Hainan Island

Hainan Island

Hainan Island, with its temperature ranging from 18°C (64 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F) in March, is located in the southernmost of China, where it is the warmest place in winter of China. You can enjoy yourself in the sea, on the beach or under the sun, and Yalong Bay, Dongzhaigang Mangrove Forest and Tianya Haijiao Scenic Zone will make your trip here in March unspeakable and unforgettable.

Guilin

Guilin

Guilin, a city with rainy days and heavy humility too often in March, may not be an ideal choice to travel, but you can enjoy its unique beauty whenever and wherever can’t be meet—Yes, the drizzling Li River enshrouded by mist, it’s just like a living traditional Chinese painting, beautiful and elegant! Taking a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, experiencing the bamboo raft on Yulong River and enjoying the cycling in the countryside, you will find it peaceful and relaxing from the anxious life in big cities!

Posted in Travel Tips

Tips to Pack for Your Trip to China

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Travel to China

Travel to China

It is known to all that wherever you go, a long trip outside or just for a while outdoor, the more things you take, the tired you will feel. Therefore, here I’d like to advise travelers to pack as slightly as possible so as to make your trip relaxing, easy and comfortable you can buy most of your travel necessities at your destinations in China.

First of all, what you should take is the passport with all necessary visas and travel documents. It will be better for you to keep a copy of all documents separately to the original documents in case of something unfortunate happen such as the original documents are lost. Moreover, those copies of the documents are very useful for identification purposes during your trip in China.

Next, take the casual outdoor clothing, umbrella, raincoat, anti-sunshine product or anti-coldness products such as hat, sunscreen, lip creams and sunglasses according to your travel time and destination. As many attractions are quite exposed to the weather – sun, wind, rain etc; for example the Forbidden City has many large open spaces, and many of the Temples have large courtyards between their halls and pagodas. But a pair of good walking shoes is necessary as most tours involve plenty of walking.

Pack for China Tour

Pack for China Tour

Then, itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of the places you’ll be staying. Address and telephone number list as a list of e-mail addresses, mailing addresses and telephone numbers will be a great help for you to be kept in touch. Type them onto a sheet instead of taking your whole address book to save weight.

Other things to take: Wallet, Credit cards, Traveler’s checks, Airline, Cruise or Train ticket, First-aid kit, Medicine and vitamins. In addiction, chargers for your mobile phone, digital camera etc. An electrical transformer could be useful. China uses 220V electricity for 110v devices cannot be used on this system.

travel to China

travel to China

Special things to take: 1) Insect repellent　for summer months and for travelers who are visiting rural areas. 2) Your own silk sleeping bag liner and lightweight travel towel along with a reasonable supply of tissues, torch, personal toiletries if you are taking a more adventurous and challengeable trip.

What shouldn’t be took: expensive jewelry and watches, daily necessities such as bathroom requirements．

Take as slight as you can for your trip to China as the ‘Carry On’ luggage for air travel in China is limited to 2 pieces for first class travelers and one piece for business and economy class travelers with the dimensions of each shall not exceed 20X40 X55cm and the total weight of the above two pieces shall not exceed 5 kg. So, just make choice about what you are going to pack.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

Shanhaiguan— First Pass under Heaven

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Shanhaiguan

Shanhaiguan

With a long history of more than 600years, the Shanhai is located in Qinhuangdao City, which is nearly 300 km east of Beijing. It is the entrance to sea among the whole Great Wall, whose total length being 26 kilometers, average height 12 meters, width over 10 meters and major sections including Laolongtou Great Wall, Nanyiguancheng Great Wall, Beiyi Great Wall, Jiaoshao Great Wall, Sandaoguan Great Wall and Jiukoumen Great Wall. Among which the Laolongtou Great Wall is the entrance to the sea as it meets the Pacific Ocean at Bohai Sea, and it enjoys the reputation of “the sole of the China”.

Shanhaiguan

Shanhaiguan

The Shanhaiguan Great Wall is know as the “ First Pass under Heaven” that are made up of 7 castles—Guancheng, Dongluocheng, Nanyicheng, Beiyicheng, Weiyuancheng and Nihaicheng, around which are tall, strong and majestic wall with its length 4,769 meters, height 116 meters and thickness 10 meters. Shanhaiguan played an important military role in ancient times. It is the product of the Ming Dynasty policy and the “Tuntian Policy” and its reformation policy at that time has great effect on the consolidation and development of the Shanhaiguan.

Shanhaiguan

Shanhaiguan

There are 6 famous tourist areas in Shanhaiguan: Laolongtou, Temple of Meng Jiang Nü, Jiaoshan Mountain, First Pass under Heaven, Longevity Mountain, and Yansai Lake. Travelers who visit the Shanhaiguan Great Wall do remember to pay a visit to the Laolongtou and the First Pass under Heaven as there as the most popular among all the attractions there. Attractions near the Shangaiguan Great Wall include Beidaihe Scenic Area in Qinhuangdao City, you can also have a visit there if time available.

No one will ever understand the military power of China in ancient times if he or she has never visit the Great Wall at Shanhaiguan. So, just have a travel in the Shanhaiguan Great Wall anytime you like as it scenery varies and shows different beauty all the year round. You will never regret by doing that!

Posted in Beijing Attractions

Great Wall at Simatai

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Simatai

Simatai

Located in the Gubeikou County with about 120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing and a 2.5-hour journey from the city center, the Simatai Great Wall has far less travelers than the crowded Badaling Great Wall. The length of the Simatai totals 5.4 kilometers with 35 watchtowers whose average distance between two watchtowers is 100 – 200 meters with the nearest two only 44 meters from each other. It is the most essential and special section of the whole Great Wall which is characterized by elaborate conception, unique design, novelty construction and various appearance. The Great Wall professor has praised that” The Great Wall is the top one wonders in the world, while the Simatai is the No.1 section of the whole Great Wall’. It is the only section to retain the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty and was acknowledged by UNESCO as one the World Heritage Sites in 1987.

Simatai

Simatai

Compared to the Badaling Great Wall at Badaling, the Simatai Great Wall is much steeper with precipitous steps and shows some unique features of its own which can be described as “perilous, dense, diverse, artful, and peculiar”. It was built along the steep mountain ridges, with Heavenly Ladder and Sky Bridge being the most thrilling parts. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Great Wall at Simatai by ropeway, pulley, boat or hiking as it is separated into two parts by Simatai Reservoir, over which a chain bridge runs through east to west. Travelling here, you will find a section laid with bricks carrying inscriptions that recorded the date on which they were made, and the code number of the armies who made them. Attractions near the Simatai Great Wall include the Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections with only 20 minutes away.

Simatai

Simatai

What should be paid attention to? 1) Dress for hiking and dress for the weather and choose comfortable footwear with good grip and support for the feet. Layers of clothes that can be taken on and off will be a great choice. 2) Wear anti-sunshine product such as hat, sunscreen, lip creams and sunglasses to protect your skin or anti-coldness clothing to keep warm as it is colder on the wall than down in the valleys because of altitude and exposure. 3) Bring breathable waterproofs for protection from heavy rain and strong wind instead of umbrellas. 4) Keep in good physical condition if you want to complete the Shanhaiguan hike as the steps here are rather steep and some points are even narrow during your hiking.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

Jiayuguan—the most Western End of the Great Wall

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Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan, the most western end of the Great Wall with 6 kilometers southwest of Jianyuguan City of Gansu Province, or 380 kilometers from Dunhuang City and 750 kilometers from Lanzhou City, is built in the Hongwu emperor period in Ming Dynasty and got its name got its name for being located on the Jayu Highland between the Wenshu and Heishan mountains at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. It is the best preserved section of the whole Great Wall and the essential stop of the ancient Silk Road in the narrowest point of the western part of Hexi Corridor. Travelling here, you will experience the desolation and loneliness of the desert and wall as the Jiayuguan passes through the Gebi Desert from its west to east.

Being built with rammed earth in 1372, the Jiayuguan covers an area of 34 square kilometers with its total length 733 meters and height 11.7 meters and its shapes looks like a trapezoid. Together with an inner city wall, outer city wall, trenches, and fortifications with walls around them, the Great Wall in Jiayuguan has a good layout with a three-storied gate tower and 4 corner towers; you can enjoy the fascinating views of the boundless Gobi Desert and the snow-capped Qilian Mountains here.

Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan

Boasting so many alluring and amazing sceneries, the Jiyayuguan will be a great place to leave you wonderful and memorable experience in China. Moreover, the architectural complex of the castle is magnificently exquisite for its towers and pavilions have a classic beauty and grandeur with their roofs upturned at the end of the ridges, you will always experience different scenes in all directions regardless of seasons. Attractions near here are including The Suspended Great Wall, Great Wall Museum and Qiyi (July First) Glaciers, which will make your tour here colorful and worthwhile!

Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan

Important tips for you to visit the Jiayuguan: 1) Choose comfortable footwear with good grip and support for the feet. 2) Dress layers of clothes. 3) Take sun protection in the summer and dress for sub zero temperatures in the winter. 4) Bring breathable waterproofs for protection from rain and wind.

Posted in Beijing Attractions

Mutianyu Great Wall

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Mutianyu

Mutianyu

Located in the Huairou area with its west connecting to Juyongguan Great Wall and east connecting to Gubeikou— about 95 km (59 miles) north of Beijing (a 2 hour 30 minute journey from the city center), the Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the 16 new scenic spots in Beijing and it is the less crowded section of the whole Great Wall. Moreover, it has better architecture than at Badaling with more watchtowers. The famous attractions in its west such as Jiankou, Niujiaobian, Yingfeidao are the essence of the whole Great Wall.

Mutianyu

Mutianyu

Features about 1500 years of history, the Mutianyu Great Wall is a masterpiece of restoration, with 22 original style watchtowers about one every kilometer, on overlapping mountain ranges. And it is the longest fully-restored Great Wall section opens to tourists. With the greens of pines and cypresses covering ninety percent of the surrounding area, the scenery here is beautiful all the year round, together with the project of the hiking cables, slippery paths, dreaming stone city, the Mutianyu Great Wall has been the combination of the Great Wall culture, stone culture, physical culture, healthy fitness and entertainment, it has attracted numerous travelers to visit here, of whom including the pre-president of the UK Major and the pre-president of America Clinton.  It has been listed as the No.1 attraction for the foreigners in Beijing in 1992 and entitled as a 4 star level spot area in China in 2002. Nearby attractions of the Mutianyu Great Wall include the Jiankou (Arrow Nock) section, which is only 20 minutes away.

Mutianyu

Mutianyu

Plan your trip to experience the alluring scenery of the Great Wall in Mutianyu now; it will be an enjoyable and comfortable tour for you. Keep the following tips in mind: Just wear the short clothes in the summer as it’s so hot in Beijing at that time and anti-coldness clothes in winter because it’s much colder at the wall than at the valleys in winter of Beijing. Do remember to take the anti-sun products to protect your skin under the sun and take the raincoat instead of the umbrellas with you because of the strong wind there.  You will find it amazing and memorable when seeing the Great Wall in its awe-inspiring former glory, winding through mountain scenery, with easier walking conditions and fewer crowds.