China
Mountains and megacities, ancient and modern; the changing face of China won’t wait for you. What you saw yesterday will be different tomorrow, which is as good a reason as any to visit again.
China
A Snapshot
Hike the Great Wall
The longest wall in the world, built by several dynasties; the oldest sections dating all the way to 2,300 years ago. There are loads of opportunities for hiking, and with a little effort you can escape the worst of the crowds. You may need a head for heights though, as the wall follows the steep terrain of the mountains.
Megacity Mega Excitement
Coming from Europe, we really have no concept of what a megacity really is. Be prepared to be stunned! Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu – you name it – you have to visit them to fully understand the sheer size of them. Culture, nightlife, shopping, whatever it is that you are after, you’ll find it here.
Take a break in Guilin
After what has possible been quite an intense travelling experience so far – considering the long distances in-between places – you are probably in need of a place to relax in. The picturesque karst mountain scenery of Yangshou is a sure bet for anyone looking for relaxation or getting closer to nature.
bus to bingmayong
Stand guard with the imposing Terracotta Warriors inside the incredible Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Did you know you can hop on a cheap local bus service to get there? Ignore the wild claims of tour guides and themed buses. This is a must-see cultural and historical masterpiece.
stuff yourself with street food
Street food in China is some of the best in Asia; the variety and changing flavours are unbelievable. Giant woks of baby potatoes, fried up in heaps of chilli and literal mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns? Yes please. The sprawling back streets of Xian’s Muslim Quarter are a culinary delight. But be warned, you’ll spend entire nights trying to find that one special vendor you discovered last time…
adapt and improvise
China is an ever-growing, ever changing entity. Your best laid plans will go awry at some point, whether due to unexpected construction or unseasonable weather. If you stay flexible, this won’t matter. There is an awesome network of high-speed rail links, so just pick a place you don’t know, and go!
china travel essentials
time // dedicate days just for travel, don’t underestimate the distances
train tickets // book them a couple of days in advance, they can sell out
food // indulge in local delicacies, China’s cuisine is incredibly varied
