From Modern Shanghai to Picturesque Guilin by Debora Hale

February21

My travel in China from Shanghai continued to Guilin, one city of China which famous for its landscapes especially for its karsts mountain views. Then we had 2 days in Guilin, first day we spent in downtown and the second day we decided to join 1 day tour to Yangshuo, a little town south of Guilin and popular because of its fantastic nature landscapes.

Of course with this tour, we were picked up by a tour guide on time, transferred to the Zhujiang wharf which located 32 km from Guilin city center. In total of 40 minutes, tour guide explained everything about the tour. She was very knowledgeable in the history, culture and background of Guilin. As not a local people of Guilin, I think it was a nice introduction.

West Street YangshuoWest Street of Yangshuo

The sightseeing trips were well planned and interesting. We cruised through the Li River, and our guide find a spot along Li River which is become an inspiration picture of Chinese money 20 RMB. The trip goes down the Li River through a fantastic landscape, with weird peaks along the way. But again, come visit in spring time or summer, I am sure it is way more beautiful than now.

Arrived at Yangshuo, our guide showed us some popular spots around the small town which is very touristy. Lots of tourists come to the place and some of locals can speak English in basic. I think it is okay for us to come here next time by our self. Yangshuo has one street, the famous one called West Street. On both side of the street filled with souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. It is a great place to have relaxed in fact, since the view was outstanding and the air is really fresh.

YangshuoGuilin to Yangshuo Scenic View

My guide said if we rent a bike, there are a few bike paths that you we can explore. These go along the river, through really beautiful landscapes and remote villages. But again because of this cold weather, so it did not feel like a nice biking. The best way explore this small town also by bike, and I personally think that is true. By renting a bike and cycling by our own, we can discover detail and untouched views in some remote places.

After our time was over in Guilin then we headed back to Guilin. We saw it again beautiful and incredible scenery of hills and spectacular landscape as well as clear water of the river along our way back.

Post in : China Tours Blog , China Tours from Shanghai , From Shanghai to Guilin ,

Learn Deep Huge Archeological Finding to Xian by Kitty Pearson

February20

You might know about Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors right? 2 famous attractions of China that always become must visit destination for every traveler who come to China. This time because I already visit Beijing last time then I would like to travel to Xian this time. 2 days Xian tour from Shanghai we got from local china travel agency which based in Beijing, same as the last time we used before.

After enjoy modern metropolis city of China in Shanghai, then it is the time for us to learn deep about China history through Xian. Xian is an old capital of China which famous for its glorious Tang Dynasty. The city has over 3,000 years of recorded history and compared to Beijing, most is still intact with little that has been leveled to the ground to be replaced by a 'newer' and more tourist friendly version.

Muslim QuarterMuslim Quarter Xian

Xian is a friendly city, ideal for Western backpacker with low budget, the accommodation not too expensive. There are many hostels available, cheap and delicious street food and plenty of history and sites to see. A trip to Xian as everyone knows could not be complete without a visit to Terracotta Army. So, here we go with this tour we also did visit this famous site.

The Terracotta Warriors were only discovered in 1974, when 3 farmers were digging a well! While exploring the site, tour guide explained story behind the army is that basically, the Terracotta army was built for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, in 210BC so when he died, he was buried with the army to protect him in his afterlife.

Terracotta ArmyFrom Where Local Farmers Found The Site

At first, I did not really like Terracotta Army, it might be just so-so like my experience at Great Wall. But in fact, that was different. The site was huge enough, less crowded might because the weather and was amazing. Our guide in Xian, told us that there are thousands of warriors and each face is different representing each soldier in Qin Shi Huang army. Qin Shi Huang was also responsible for the building of the Great Wall of China.

Our guide was a great and professional guide. She is a local people of Xian who have lots of knowledge about the town and its history. Although that was a short trip in Xian but we at least visit what must visit place there. It was a great memory, grateful because we can make it!

Post in : China Tours Blog , China Tours from Shanghai , From Shanghai to Xian ,

A Place who proper called it Home by Judy Fuller

February19

A short break from Shanghai to Hangzhou is really recommended for you who have long spare time after finish your Shanghai trip, like me, Based on my experience, as I heard from my friend travel to Hangzhou would be great choice. With this 1 day Hangzhou day tour, we can explore Hangzhou more personalized. The itinerary included a short visit to West Lake, Ling Yin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Longjing Tea Plantation, and at the end it was all places that we did visit. We even experienced a lot more than we expected before, saw beautiful sceneries all along the way and enjoy the city peaceful atmosphere. So for you who travel in Shanghai, since Hangzhou also located nearby there is no better option than visit this peaceful town for while. You can have a short relaxing escape from vibrant city Shanghai to Hangzhou.

Six Harmonies PagodaClassical Structure of Six Harmonies Pagoda

Of course West Lake is beautiful, like everyone says come to Hangzhou never missed West Lake. But it might because of the weather, we cannot enjoy all stunning sceneries of this Chinese classical garden. It such a pity, the weather was too cold, might located near the lake. Besides a visit to West Lake, we also could have the best look at Six Harmonies Pagoda, a best preserved Chinese architecture which was first built in AD 960. Visitors can climb the pagoda, while behind stretches a charming walk through terraces dotted with sculptures, bells, shrines and inscriptions. The sturdy structure of the pagoda itself is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, overlooking the Qiantang River.

Apart from West Lake, Hangzhou actually known as a hometown, birthplace of the most famous Chinese tea has its part to play in Hangzhou's excellent reputation, Longjing tea. While similar teas are grown elsewhere in China, true Longjing teas always come from the outskirts of Hangzhou's West Lake, one of the most storied places in Chinese history and mythology. With this tour, we had a happy walk through Longjing Tea Plantation. There are also people working in the fields and so we can walk into the tea terraces and get a close up of them picking the leaves and so on.

Longjing Tea PlantationPeople Working in Longjing Tea Plantation

It is also possible to enjoy the atmosphere while tasting a remarkable, freshly-harvested green Longjing tea. For me who love Chinese tea, this tour is an ideal tour. Why I pick this Hangzhou tour, is also because of this short itinerary. At the end of the tour, it was such a blessed since we can look some excellent views of the countryside surroundings by tea terraces.

Post in : China Tours Blog , China Tours from Shanghai , From Shanghai to Hangzhou ,
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