What a trip to Hong Kong without a visit to Lantau Island, the largest Hong Kong island and one of the most popular sightseeing places in Hong Kong. Visitors can have a relaxing trip here far from modern busy city of Hong Kong, admire and enjoy peaceful Lantau Island. Lantau Island has known for several tourist attractions including Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, its Giant Buddha, Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery and Tai O. With this 2 days Hong Kong tour, we could visit the Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Tai O. So, here there are our little trip to the island, escape from the busy Hong Kong.

Start from Giant Buddha, most famous attraction on this island stand 34 metres high. It is the second largest outdoor sitting Buddha in the world. We should climb the 268 steps to reach the platform and did some short break and take some pictures of amazing Bug Buddha bronze statue along the way. When we arrived at the platform of the Big Buddha, we realized there are six smaller bronze statues and surround the Big Buddha. We had a bit short rest on the platform and at the same time could enjoy the peaceful and calm atmosphere above.

Six Smaller Bronze Statues Surround the Big Buddha

]Then to the Polin Monastery which located very close to the Buddha statue. We took our time to explore different temple, halls, buildings as well as enjoy the picturesque views from top. After a short walk inside the monastery, we also had a great chance taste vegetarian course inside for lunch. Dishes are prepared with natural materials and are supposed to be quite healthy. All in all, we were quite satisfied with the service and hygiene of the meals.

Tai O Fishing Village

After lunch, we headed to the famous small fishing village called Tai O, which also our last destination. Since child, I wished that I could stay in one small fishing village, would be peace and quiet. So my experience visit Tai O village was soo memorable. Of course each fishing village will be famous for its seafood and fishing culture, then Tai O similar with others. The architecture of stilt houses there are also unique to capture. Here we could see hundreds of fishing boats, ships, and vessels. Everything from dried seafood, salted fish, shrimp paste and sauce, and other specialties can be found here. For me I love the environment and life style around, so natural.

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 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.

Guilin 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.

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 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.

From 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!