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The Wonders of Ancient ChinaArriving in Beijing not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly suprised to find a clean city with manicured gardens surrounding freeways and parks. Driving to the hotel, I realised just how big this city was as it took us over 20 minutes to cross the downtown area on a freeway!With only four days to explore this historical city, I didn't waste any time. After an interesting taxi ride, dodging the pedestrians, millions of cyclists and other cars on the road (that don't seem to know what a lane is, or how to indicate) I began my adventure with a visit to the antiques market. Only held on a Sunday, it has rows and rows of Chinese souvenirs and interesting “antiques”all at “very special price!” Returning to my hotel, I met with my group to go to enjoy the first of many fantastic Chinese culanary experiences, famous Peking Duck. The next morning we set off to walk through Tiananmen Square in central Beijing, capable of holding one million people at any one time. At the northern end of the Square is the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with a huge portrait of Chairman Mao) which marks the enterance to the Forbidden City. This very impressive series of buildings and courtyards, was the home of the Emperor for over 500 years, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.It is said that there are 9999 1/2 rooms within the Forbidden City. Our visit to The Great Wall Of China was the next highlight during our stay in Beijing. We travelled north from the city to Mutianyu, one of the few sections of the wall that has been restored. This absolutley breathtaking attraction was topped off by a ride down from the wall on a taboggan. Next stop was Xian and the amazing Terra Cotta Warriers. Dubbed as the 8th Wonder of the World, it sure lives up to its nick name. The detail that has gone into this incredable tomb clearly illustrates the ego of the emperor, whose life work was his Terra Cotta Army to take with him to the afterlife. From Xian we flew south to Guilin. This is a small city (by Chinese standards) set amongst the spectacular mountains of the region. We drove high into the mountains and then proceeded on to Longsheng, a town only accessable by foot, to view the spectacular views of the hills and rice terraces. We then embarked on our day cruise up the Li River towards the Town of Yangshuo. The scenery again was amazing, as we made our way through the huge limstone karsts that tower above the river. The next day in Yangshuo we had the opportunity to mountain bike through these unusual and picturesque hills and experience life in rural China, passing through villages and culminating in a visit to a local school. Departing Yangshuo, we headed to our final destination, Shanghai, a huge thriving metropolis where west meets east. It is a very commercialised, westernised city with much to offer, from ancient sites to new very tall buildings such as the Grand Hyatt – the highest hotel in the world (the lobby being situated on the 54th Floor). At the top of the building we found the highest bar in the world (on the 87th floor). With its huge mix of westerners and locals, Shanghai is a real party town that is very fast paced and truly lives up to its nick name, the “New York of the East”. My experience of exploring this truly amazing country and its ancient wonders was incredible. It completely exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to return and explore some more. |
